Warning! This review will inevitably contain some spoilers for the previous books in the series! If you haven’t already, check out the first book in the series, The False Prince, here:

https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-false-prince-book-review/

Summary:

Set between Jaron’s victory/coronation and his wedding, the newest addition finds Jaron and Co. on uncharted waters when a trading venture turns into a dangerous gamble for the fate of Carthya!

Personal Review: 4 stars

As much as I love the original trilogy, I had my doubts about a continuation series so many years later. Some of them were founded: Although The Captive Kingdom was exciting, it mostly feels like the plot’s main purpose is setting up future books. Angst is significantly more present in this installment than in the rest of the series, and the humor feels a little more forced.

However, Jaron is maturing, and I enjoyed seeing a different side of him. He struggles with his responsibility and separating his new life from his old persona. Fragments of Sage leave him conflicted and wrestling with allowing others to be privy to his plans and secrets. The conflicts between him and his friends could only be expected with the actions of the previous books, but the strife grew a little annoying towards the end.

But! The twist at the end set up the next book beautifully, and I can’t wait to see where it goes! Each character’s motivations, though entangled and complicated, add layers to the story. Pirates always draw my interest, so the return of the crew was fun and unexpected.

Bottom line? Although this book didn’t live up to my expectations, the nostalgia of returning to Carthya and the surrounding kingdoms was well worth it, and I can’t until the release of The Shattered Castle!

Themes:

Trust, coming-of-age, love, sacrifice, friendship, family, found family

Content Review:

Language – Implied cursing

Violence – Some wounds and blood, but at the same level as the original trilogy

Sexual – Some kissing

Spiritual – The “devils” and “saints” are the religious system in this world, complete with priests and temples. People pray to (offhandedly) the devils and saints, but it’s more like a request for good fortune or the downfall of their enemies. The afterlife is supposed to be with either the devils or the saints. There’s no clear guideline for what determines where one goes, but it’s said that those who die watch over others as saints.