Prince's Gambit

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However much I enjoyed Captive Prince, my enjoyment increased seemingly tenfold when it comes to Prince's Gambit. There is so much more to love in this book — including the fact that the amount of sexual violence included is pretty much nil. (There definite mentions of it in the past, but I don't think there was anything blatantly on “screen” as it were.) The plot moves forward a lot in this book, which I really liked. But my absolute favorite part of Prince's Gambit, is the fact that we see Laurent become less of a figurehead or blatant trope in this book.

Laurent becomes an actual person, someone who you (gasp) actually kind of admire. He is a fascinating character that I really hope we continue to learn more about in the next book. Some of the things alluded to in his past are horrifying, and I really hope aren't actually true. (I have a horrible feeling they are, though.) Laurent is someone who's brain is always working, and watching his plans unfold was just so thrilling and entertaining.

Damen is still and continues to be a good person, looking out for everyone and trying his best to do what he can to help. His conscience gets the better of him in one part in this book. (Why didn't you just go!!! Like, obviously I know why, but omg.) When it comes to Damen and Laurent, the TENSION between them was tangible, I swear. There is one semi-explicit sex scene, and it was glorious.

I have a feeling these books might be new favorites by the time I am done with the series. The writing is gorgeous — though a bit on the “fancier” side. (I have had to look up meanings of words more than once. Thank goodness for the dictionary on the Kindle!) The plot is fantastic, the world is unique but familiar enough that it rings echoes of Rome and Greece, and the characters are just so well done.