Book Review: Prince's Gambit (Captive Prince #2) by C.S. Pacat

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: Berkeley
404 Pages

The second novel in the critically acclaimed trilogy from global phenomenon C. S. Pacat—with an all-new chapter exclusive to the print edition.

With their countries on the brink of war, Damen and his new master, Prince Laurent, must exchange the intrigues of the palace for the sweeping might of the battlefield as they travel to the border to avert a lethal plot.

Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself increasingly drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow…

 Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook.

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble.

The second in the Captive Prince series delves more into the relationship between Laurent and Damen. Set against the backdrop of war, two unlikely allies form a bond that goes above and beyond master and slave. 

 

While the first book introduced us to the characters, I felt that in the second we would get more story, more outcome, just basically more plot. And yes, there was progress in the relationship of the two main characters, there was little much else.  Honestly, this book reminded me mostly of the final Harry Potter book. You know, when they're walking through the woods forever and ever and ever and ever and...

So I"m saying basically not a lot happened. Which was surprising considering this book was over 400 pages. A little too long, honestly. A lot of descriptions that really didn't need to be there. Having not read the final book yet, I'm assuming it's just setting up the finale. We have the characters mapped out, the loyalties have been shown, deceptions uncovered, secrets unveiled, and now we get to look forward to the outcome of all of this.  

The character development was the best part of this book. Because it was an army marching across miles and miles of land, there was plenty of time to delve into the personalities of each person. The ice around Laurent faded, Damen stepped up his role as leader, minor characters came to the forefront. Development made up for lack of action and the final page left me excited for the last book because everything is finally coming together. And I believe the confrontation that's to come is going to be an explosion heard throughout the land. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.