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The Captive #8
Broken
Though this book is a standalone novel, it is highly recommended that it NOT be read without reading the other books in The Captive Series first. This book is set in the past but it is not meant to be a historical novel. Special pre-order price will only be available for a limited time after release.
In The Captive Series the vampire king that decimated the human and vampire races was introduced, but now it’s time to meet the man that existed before he became a tyrannical king.
At twenty-five, Atticus is the last surviving member of the most powerful line of vampires, and is known as a prince amongst his kind. The life of luxury and privilege he’s always known is about to change in ways that he never could have seen coming though. Ways that will forever alter the course of his life, the lives of all those around him, and the history of the world.
With his life shattered and an all-consuming thirst for revenge the only thing keeping him going, he is left with only one realization…
Sometimes what rises from the ashes of a broken man, is a monster.
Mature YA/New Adult. This book contains some language, violence, and sexual situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.
Edited by Leslie Mitchell at G2 Freelance editing.
Cover art by ebooklaunch.
In The Captive Series the vampire king that decimated the human and vampire races was introduced, but now it’s time to meet the man that existed before he became a tyrannical king.
At twenty-five, Atticus is the last surviving member of the most powerful line of vampires, and is known as a prince amongst his kind. The life of luxury and privilege he’s always known is about to change in ways that he never could have seen coming though. Ways that will forever alter the course of his life, the lives of all those around him, and the history of the world.
With his life shattered and an all-consuming thirst for revenge the only thing keeping him going, he is left with only one realization…
Sometimes what rises from the ashes of a broken man, is a monster.
Mature YA/New Adult. This book contains some language, violence, and sexual situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.
Edited by Leslie Mitchell at G2 Freelance editing.
Cover art by ebooklaunch.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2015
229 people are currently reading
1424 people want to read
About the author
Erica Stevens
44 books2,281 followersErica Stevens is the author of the Captive Series, Coven Series, Kindred Series, Fire & Ice Series, Ravening Series, and the Survivor Chronicles. She enjoys writing young adult, new adult, romance, horror, and science fiction. She also writes adult paranormal romance and historical romance under the pen name, Brenda K. Davies. When not out with friends and family, she is at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 3, 2015
A Glimpse Into The Mind Of A Madman
I was somewhat reluctant to read this book initially because I couldn't imagine anything other than the cruel, sadistic, psychopath that I knew as Atticus. I have absolutely loved the other books in 'The Captive' series. By far, Aria and Braith are one of my all-time favorite couples. As much as I loathed Atticus, I was worried that I would never be able to relate to him as a character and that his story would fall short in comparison to the other books in the series.
After reading this book, I can confidently say that isn't the case. I completely changed my view of Atticus and came to see him as a man who loved deeply and was horribly wronged. Yes, he did some incredibly atrocious things, but he was made into a monster, not born one.
This was a beautiful and tragic story of love, betrayal and loss. It is the story of how Braith's father's life went from being filled with days spent blissfully in love, to centuries of despair and rage, focused only on vengeance. It is the story of an all-consuming love, the loss of which drove a great man to madness.
I smiled, I cried and I had my heart broken while reading this story. Yet, even though I knew there would never be a HEA, my curiosity compelled me to read on. I'm so glad I did. This story was fantastic and gave me a new perspective.
I was somewhat reluctant to read this book initially because I couldn't imagine anything other than the cruel, sadistic, psychopath that I knew as Atticus. I have absolutely loved the other books in 'The Captive' series. By far, Aria and Braith are one of my all-time favorite couples. As much as I loathed Atticus, I was worried that I would never be able to relate to him as a character and that his story would fall short in comparison to the other books in the series.
After reading this book, I can confidently say that isn't the case. I completely changed my view of Atticus and came to see him as a man who loved deeply and was horribly wronged. Yes, he did some incredibly atrocious things, but he was made into a monster, not born one.
This was a beautiful and tragic story of love, betrayal and loss. It is the story of how Braith's father's life went from being filled with days spent blissfully in love, to centuries of despair and rage, focused only on vengeance. It is the story of an all-consuming love, the loss of which drove a great man to madness.
I smiled, I cried and I had my heart broken while reading this story. Yet, even though I knew there would never be a HEA, my curiosity compelled me to read on. I'm so glad I did. This story was fantastic and gave me a new perspective.
Read
March 16, 2015The prequel to The Captive Series is now available.
February 10, 2023
4.25⭐️
I listened to the audiobooks and had the best time :)
I listened to the audiobooks and had the best time :)
December 12, 2018
Having read the Captive series I never thought I’d ever feel sympathetic towards Atticus. When I started reading this book I got lost in it and actually forgot I was reading about the monster he became.
I felt so sorry for him and witnessing what he went through was heartbreaking. Discovering what turned him into the monster he became.
It takes a lot to make a reader feel for a character we know to be so evil and cruel.
This worked and it worked well.
November 24, 2018
A heartfelt story of a strong, loving man and his slow and steady descent into insanity.
I never thought I would enjoy reading this more than the other books in the series and I definitely never thought I could feel anything for Atticus other than hate and revulsion. But I was wrong. Erica Stevens has managed to pack so much in this novella. Love, hope, betrayal, loss, madness. I felt every emotion and by the time I finished this I was in tears. I'm glad I got to know the real Atticus rather than the twisted, cynical madman.
I never thought I would enjoy reading this more than the other books in the series and I definitely never thought I could feel anything for Atticus other than hate and revulsion. But I was wrong. Erica Stevens has managed to pack so much in this novella. Love, hope, betrayal, loss, madness. I felt every emotion and by the time I finished this I was in tears. I'm glad I got to know the real Atticus rather than the twisted, cynical madman.
March 18, 2015
I feel like I'll be crying for the next two weeks by how much this book has affected me. It's so amazing that I couldn't stop reading. Erica's books are like my own bloodlink, to be honest, I can't get enough!!
July 2, 2020
The moment he lost Genny I felt his pain. I felt every emotion he went through. I loved that I got to know him before he was the twisted King that he was in the Captive Series. I don't even know what to say. This book is amazing. I wanted to give him a hug and tell him it will be ok, we will get through this (crazy, I know, but I felt like he could use a hug!). I knew Genny was not going to survive the book, we all know this. I still had hope that it was just some twisted joke Erica Stevens was playing with us. I was 60% in and she was still alive so I just knew they were going to live happily ever after. Oh how wrong I was. Just knowing what Atticus went through and being on his journey made me see him in a whole new light. I don't hate him anymore, I pity him. He is a man who lost his one true love and had to live out his days without her by his side.
March 20, 2015
I never thought I could feel anything for Atticus except hatred. This book did such a good job of showing what led him to madness, what caused him to become a soulless monster and I feel such pity for him now.
Heartbreaking read of how another mans evil turned a good man to darkness.
Loved the Epi too! Can never get enough of Aria & Braith!
Heartbreaking read of how another mans evil turned a good man to darkness.
Loved the Epi too! Can never get enough of Aria & Braith!
December 1, 2024
I can't believe that evil man had a soul.
I was so confused when I started to read this book.Because on audible, it shows the book as 5.5.But on good reads it shows it as number 8 in the series.So I read the description and realizedis that it's the father.The evil father back story and I just knew it was going to be sad.
I already knew how the story was going to go, but I'm so happy It was written because it made so much more sense.the blood link is very powerful and I just realized that Braith would have been just like him if the situation was reversed.
I was so confused when I started to read this book.Because on audible, it shows the book as 5.5.But on good reads it shows it as number 8 in the series.So I read the description and realizedis that it's the father.The evil father back story and I just knew it was going to be sad.
I already knew how the story was going to go, but I'm so happy It was written because it made so much more sense.the blood link is very powerful and I just realized that Braith would have been just like him if the situation was reversed.
June 7, 2017
I had this gem sitting on my Kindle since 2015! I'm not sure why it got lost in the shuffle, but I'm so glad that I finally picked it up. It was absolutely heartbreaking and I loved it.
I just grabbed the last two books in the series. I'm so glad to be back in the Captive world!
I just grabbed the last two books in the series. I'm so glad to be back in the Captive world!
April 2, 2015
I don't know if I have enough words to describe the emotions this books brought me to. I know one, tears. As in pouring down my face in the car rider line waiting to pick up my son. I went into this book prepared to hate the lead male character. And I left the book actually liking him and feeling deep sympathy for him. ( I don't give teasers so won't go into details. ) I could only go by how he was in the first books of the series, Captive series, so this opened my eyes to who he was and could have been. But life stepped in to reshape him. To change him. And not for the better. But for what needed to be. You will find a love that transcends time. The story shows what love can bring a person to. Grab the series and this book, take a weekend and enjoy. You won't regret it.
April 22, 2017
OK, first of: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED Captured and the other books that belong to the series. Chronologically speaking, this book is #0.5 and not #5.5. DO STOP READING NOW IF SAID CAUTION APPLIES TO YOU.
Good, since we got that covered; YAASSS I loved this book. It is my favourite out of all the books in the series. Not because it was the best written one or the story was the most exciting one but because it adds so much more to everything that happens in the captive series. Everybody hates Atticus. Literally everybody. Just as much as we all hate Caleb (Caleb is kind of the Umbridge of the captive universe). But then you read this and suddenly you understand. What killed me most throughout the book is this really tough case of dramatic irony. Having read THE OTHER 7 BOOKS BEFORE THIS ONE (have I made myself clear? do not continue reading this, lad) we all know how this story ends...
Atticus is still young. His wealth allows him to enjoy an easy life that is only interrupted by his aristocratic duties from time to time. Together with his cousin Merle he lives life to the fullest by spending his nights at clubs that offer him willing women and blood as much as he desires. He reminds me a bit of Jack and Gideon - Atticus is like a mix between the two: eady going and without worries. Not exactly pleased by his aristocratic duties, he still doesn't despise them entirely. Well, and then it all starts when he meets Genny and her sister in the woods. He feels the bloodlink drawing him to Genny in ways that provoke feelings he probably didn't know exist. Atticus sure as hell dos not intend to ever let her go. He completely falls for this woman who, even though engaging in illegal activities, has a big heart for everybody that wants her love - or take advantage of it. Aristocracy, however, finds its ways to intervene...
Genny has never really walked a happy path in her life. She lives to protect her little sister Camille from her whore of a mother (sorry, but there is nothing else that describes it better...she is the Umbridge of the pre-captive universe) and the violent man this complete twat forces them to live with. By pickpocketing her way through every day and taking Felix's beatings she tries to make way to a better life for both her and Camille. Until she meets Atticus and can't resist his intense but yet gentle way of making her feel loved. She doesn't give herself away to unrealistic expectations, at least not in the beginning. But hope has this very special habit of being omnipresent. She starts to dream of a better life for the two of them, which will be their downfall
The affection with which both of them regard each other is heart breaking (I do indeed think dramatic irony is the worst tool authors could possibly be equipped with). For the last third of the book we have to endure Atticus' rage. He brings wrath on the entire continent and issues the downfall of the human race.
Ok, I am done making you miserable, go be a bit more miserable and read this. CUZ 5 STARS, babe. Erica Stevens, you rock, babe!
Good, since we got that covered; YAASSS I loved this book. It is my favourite out of all the books in the series. Not because it was the best written one or the story was the most exciting one but because it adds so much more to everything that happens in the captive series. Everybody hates Atticus. Literally everybody. Just as much as we all hate Caleb (Caleb is kind of the Umbridge of the captive universe). But then you read this and suddenly you understand. What killed me most throughout the book is this really tough case of dramatic irony. Having read THE OTHER 7 BOOKS BEFORE THIS ONE (have I made myself clear? do not continue reading this, lad) we all know how this story ends...
Atticus is still young. His wealth allows him to enjoy an easy life that is only interrupted by his aristocratic duties from time to time. Together with his cousin Merle he lives life to the fullest by spending his nights at clubs that offer him willing women and blood as much as he desires. He reminds me a bit of Jack and Gideon - Atticus is like a mix between the two: eady going and without worries. Not exactly pleased by his aristocratic duties, he still doesn't despise them entirely. Well, and then it all starts when he meets Genny and her sister in the woods. He feels the bloodlink drawing him to Genny in ways that provoke feelings he probably didn't know exist. Atticus sure as hell dos not intend to ever let her go. He completely falls for this woman who, even though engaging in illegal activities, has a big heart for everybody that wants her love - or take advantage of it. Aristocracy, however, finds its ways to intervene...
Genny has never really walked a happy path in her life. She lives to protect her little sister Camille from her whore of a mother (sorry, but there is nothing else that describes it better...she is the Umbridge of the pre-captive universe) and the violent man this complete twat forces them to live with. By pickpocketing her way through every day and taking Felix's beatings she tries to make way to a better life for both her and Camille. Until she meets Atticus and can't resist his intense but yet gentle way of making her feel loved. She doesn't give herself away to unrealistic expectations, at least not in the beginning. But hope has this very special habit of being omnipresent. She starts to dream of a better life for the two of them, which will be their downfall
The affection with which both of them regard each other is heart breaking (I do indeed think dramatic irony is the worst tool authors could possibly be equipped with). For the last third of the book we have to endure Atticus' rage. He brings wrath on the entire continent and issues the downfall of the human race.
Ok, I am done making you miserable, go be a bit more miserable and read this. CUZ 5 STARS, babe. Erica Stevens, you rock, babe!
May 20, 2020
4.5 broken hearted stars..
I cried my eyes out for Atticus.. It was all so unfair :'(
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Rereading 20 may 2020
I make a habit of rereading this series every now and then. I love it.
But usually i reread the first 4 books. I think it is the first time that I reread this one for it broke my heart before and i usually love HEA. This story is sad. Reading it again now makes me realise how sad it is and how much it broke my heart...
Atticus and Genny were cruelly wronged.. i still haven't reached the part were the tragedy occurs but just thinking about it makes my eyes watery.. here is a heart warming and breaking sad passage for what could have been but never continued and never saw a future.. what was so cruelly wrenched away from them..
He slid the ring onto her finger and settled it snuggly into place. He handed her the other ring and held his hand out for her to place the ring onto it.
"I probably won't be able to make the ceremony happen while we're still in England, not with my father watching. As soon as I can I'll find someone to marry us, but this is permanent for me Genny," he vowed.
She threw her arms around him. "It doesn't matter. I don't need a ceremony; this is permanent for me also. I've never been so happy before!" "Neither have I, wife," he whispered as he nuzzled her ear.
She giggled and pressed closer to him. "My husband," she whispered. "You are my heart."
His arms constricted around her as love swelled within him. "You are my soul."
And she was his soul..
June 18, 2023
Atticus, a twenty-five-year-old vampire, stands as the sole survivor of his powerful lineage, earning him the esteemed title of a prince among his kind. However, his existence is on the brink of a profound transformation that will defy his expectations. This unforeseen turn of events will not only impact his own life but also reshape the fates of those in his orbit and even rewrite the history of the world.
As his world crumbles and a relentless thirst for vengeance becomes his sole driving force, Atticus reaches a stark realization.
As interesting as it was to see inside the mind of a character that I have come to despise I just could not get past everything he had done. I briefly felt bad for Atticus at some points in this book however that did not out way my overall dislike of the man. I did like getting the insight into what made him the way he was though.
A Write to Review: https://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2015...
As his world crumbles and a relentless thirst for vengeance becomes his sole driving force, Atticus reaches a stark realization.
As interesting as it was to see inside the mind of a character that I have come to despise I just could not get past everything he had done. I briefly felt bad for Atticus at some points in this book however that did not out way my overall dislike of the man. I did like getting the insight into what made him the way he was though.
A Write to Review: https://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2015...
July 4, 2017
Wow this book put The King Atticus in perspective. All of the hate, I completely understand now. I cried and my heart is broke into a million pieces. When you know the reasons behind someones behavior it helps to understand why the person is the way there are. Reading the book made The Captive Series make sense. It answered so many questions. As Aria says at the end of the book, it gives "answers you never even knew there were questions to". Where I hated him (Atticus) so much in the series, I now love him. My heart still hurts for him. I will never forget this character. If you haven't read the Captive Series you won't be disappointed. I have read so many great books this year but this book has to get more than five stars. I can give ten stars easy. Erica Stevens your my hero. The book is AWESOME!!!!!!
March 16, 2015
Erica Stevens is simply amazing, she took a man I hated and made me crave to jump in the book to hold him. My heart ached for him, I cried so much in the book. What a Broken man. I also fell in love with Genny. Erica makes you want to savor every word, the end just broke my heart even more. This is why she is my fav author ever. She gives you the unexpected. She draws you so deep in the book. I love Braith don't get me wrong, I absolutely love The Captive Series, but there was something about this book that comes so close to being my fav book ever. You will all think I am crazy if you've read the first 4 in the series. Atticus will always own a piece of my heart, he sure did tug at it the whole book.
March 19, 2015
Wow!
An intense, heartbreaking, perfect story for Atticus. With every page I turned I felt all the emotions that were pouring out of the book. I finally had to lock myself away from others so I could openly cry without looking like a loon. Erica Stevens outdid herself, and I'm left happy and satisfied knowing how it all began and that Atticus wasn't always what we thought he was. BRAVO! Looking forward to finding out what happened to Camille.
An intense, heartbreaking, perfect story for Atticus. With every page I turned I felt all the emotions that were pouring out of the book. I finally had to lock myself away from others so I could openly cry without looking like a loon. Erica Stevens outdid herself, and I'm left happy and satisfied knowing how it all began and that Atticus wasn't always what we thought he was. BRAVO! Looking forward to finding out what happened to Camille.
July 19, 2021
This is my 2nd time reading this book.... this one is my least favorite simply because its beyond heartbreaking, but also my favorite in the whole series because it so beautifully ties everything together and is ultimately why I wanted to reread the series. It adds so much depth to the whole story in general. It is listed as book 8 but really should be read before book 6 Vengeance because that adds so much back story and info.
March 30, 2015
Broken is a prequel to the captive series.it is also a stand alone but has some spoilers about te series so you should read the series first.i absolutely love the captive series.but then again I love erica Stevens .she is amazing writer and has yet to disappoint me. I must say this book just blew my mind away and was fantastic. !!!
April 21, 2015
Wow! Broken has literally broken me! Such a powerful and moving story of Atticus and his one and only love Genny.
I didn't think anything would sway my view on Atticus but knowing what actually happened has changed everything!
I'm also so glad that Braith and Aria found out the truth, the epilogue was perfect.
This whole series is amazing and Broken has finished it off perfectly a massive 5
I didn't think anything would sway my view on Atticus but knowing what actually happened has changed everything!
I'm also so glad that Braith and Aria found out the truth, the epilogue was perfect.
This whole series is amazing and Broken has finished it off perfectly a massive 5
April 23, 2015
I thought this was a really good companion novel to the Captive series, and much better than Redemption. It was cool to see how the vampire politics changed over the years. I wish the beginning was a little faster paced with more of Genny, but overall this was a great prequel!
March 18, 2015
I am writing this review with tears in my eyes. I loved this book so much! I mean I love the whole series! But this one has been by far my favorite. I found myself absolutely loving Atticus before he became broken. This was such an emotional book.
July 26, 2018
This book has placed this author in my top 3
This is what ive been waiting for. Although this series was pretty good there was always something missing. I would go through 2 books a day and not even pause when buying the next but this book took 2 days for me. Not because of the lenghth or lack of time but because of the content. This book seeped into my heart and my life. I have tears pouring now just thinking of atticus' pain. Ive read other reviews where people couldnt have sympathy for him but its because they didnt allow themselves to hear him. Something he had wanted throughout the words in his writing. He was waiting for someone to see just how bad off he had become someone to understand him and put him put of his misery. Out of the whole series this is my favorite book. It answered all the unaswered questioms about all of the characters. There was so much truth and raw emotion in what was meant to be a fantasy. It told of how someone can be drowning around there peers while nobody noticed. How you can walk aroumd faking your joy while you died on the inside. Im crying now and I tell you its rare that a book hits me this hard. I cant wait to learn of camille and im pretty sure I can see where she and aria become a big piece to this very beautiful puzzle. This author should look into writing more like this because its her calling. Everyone wants a happy ending but thats not real. This ending that felt so incomplete yet complete, that felt like it was missing his happy ever after was beter than any ending ive ever read. (Kinda like the ending in dear john lby nicolas sparks) it made me sit and cry and feel sorry for a man that had done so much wrong because he was wronged. It also hits home when you realize just how close he was to doing the same injustice to braith as his father had done to him. How close he was to destroying braith through arianna and starting the cycle all over again. It gives me chills. Read this book you wont regret it. I promise. Open your heart for what this is, atticus' story. Let him tell it. Keep the judgements from the previous books away and you wont regret the roller coaster this takes you on.
This is what ive been waiting for. Although this series was pretty good there was always something missing. I would go through 2 books a day and not even pause when buying the next but this book took 2 days for me. Not because of the lenghth or lack of time but because of the content. This book seeped into my heart and my life. I have tears pouring now just thinking of atticus' pain. Ive read other reviews where people couldnt have sympathy for him but its because they didnt allow themselves to hear him. Something he had wanted throughout the words in his writing. He was waiting for someone to see just how bad off he had become someone to understand him and put him put of his misery. Out of the whole series this is my favorite book. It answered all the unaswered questioms about all of the characters. There was so much truth and raw emotion in what was meant to be a fantasy. It told of how someone can be drowning around there peers while nobody noticed. How you can walk aroumd faking your joy while you died on the inside. Im crying now and I tell you its rare that a book hits me this hard. I cant wait to learn of camille and im pretty sure I can see where she and aria become a big piece to this very beautiful puzzle. This author should look into writing more like this because its her calling. Everyone wants a happy ending but thats not real. This ending that felt so incomplete yet complete, that felt like it was missing his happy ever after was beter than any ending ive ever read. (Kinda like the ending in dear john lby nicolas sparks) it made me sit and cry and feel sorry for a man that had done so much wrong because he was wronged. It also hits home when you realize just how close he was to doing the same injustice to braith as his father had done to him. How close he was to destroying braith through arianna and starting the cycle all over again. It gives me chills. Read this book you wont regret it. I promise. Open your heart for what this is, atticus' story. Let him tell it. Keep the judgements from the previous books away and you wont regret the roller coaster this takes you on.
October 6, 2023
I never expected a book dedicated to Atticus, Braith's psychotic father. As I read the story I came to understand a person better than I thought I ever would. I actually felt sorrow for Atticus. Sorrow and pain. It made me feel like weeping. The aftermath of his pain changed him forever into the monster he became. I am glad Aria found the letters and journals and shared them with the readers. She also had Braith read them. It was important enough that he understand his father better and perhaps have a little compassion for him. None the less my heart goes out to Atticus and Genny. Such a sorrowful story. I wonder if we will come across Camille anytime in the series. This is a must read and it was wise not to recommend reading it until after book five. Now onto book six.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Scary
Tear-jerker
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Scary
Tear-jerker
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
January 27, 2020
WOW, I debated skipping this one and moving on to #6 since I was so into that story and didn't feel up to a prequel, however, totally get why this is the suggested reading order.
There way too much info and I hate giving spoilers so I won't go into any detail, except that it really helps shine light on books 1-5 and I'm hoping books 6 and 7 also relate to info found out in this one, there were a lot of jaw dropping moments. I was originally going to rate it 3/5, I loved loved loved the beginning, and mild spoiler here, it is heart wrenching, so much so that I struggled to continue reading because I was heart broken. However, since I know her readers, like myself, like the HEA, while this one isn't a fully happy story, the pain has a purpose, and I encourage you to read until the end.
There way too much info and I hate giving spoilers so I won't go into any detail, except that it really helps shine light on books 1-5 and I'm hoping books 6 and 7 also relate to info found out in this one, there were a lot of jaw dropping moments. I was originally going to rate it 3/5, I loved loved loved the beginning, and mild spoiler here, it is heart wrenching, so much so that I struggled to continue reading because I was heart broken. However, since I know her readers, like myself, like the HEA, while this one isn't a fully happy story, the pain has a purpose, and I encourage you to read until the end.
April 2, 2019
Captivated from start to finish
** contains spoilers** Wow...What an emotional rollercoaster that was... I started off with nothing but hate for Atticus, by the end of the book I was ugly crying wishing his story could have panned out differently!! Loved finding out about how Atticus became the monster he was portrayed to be in previous books, the storyline was amazing and I loved how everything unravelled and fell into place! My heart broke multiple times throughout this book :’( I was still routing for Atticus and Genny even though i had a gut feeling it would never be! I loved the ending and was so glad that Aria stumbled across the chest!! Can’t wait to read the rest of this series
** contains spoilers** Wow...What an emotional rollercoaster that was... I started off with nothing but hate for Atticus, by the end of the book I was ugly crying wishing his story could have panned out differently!! Loved finding out about how Atticus became the monster he was portrayed to be in previous books, the storyline was amazing and I loved how everything unravelled and fell into place! My heart broke multiple times throughout this book :’( I was still routing for Atticus and Genny even though i had a gut feeling it would never be! I loved the ending and was so glad that Aria stumbled across the chest!! Can’t wait to read the rest of this series
July 19, 2017
In the beginning of the collection, there was much of the King appearance so I wasn't sure of his level of evilness. The things he said he would do to Aria was enough to know he was evil.. But i thought, why wouldn't he just do it.. and then do it again in front of Braith. I guess he wasn't all evil. I knew he must really have a heart somewhere in that darkness his in. This book made things clear. The kind wasn't born evil like Caleb. He choose a path of revenge but in there was the man who fell in love and heart broken. I wouldn't wish that life upon anyone but unfortunately, some people go through that kinda lose.
July 19, 2020
Brokenhearted
I started the Captured series with the idea of only reading the 7 books, not the prequel. I did not care for the twisted King and his back story. But after reading book 6 (Vengeance), I finally decided I needed to know what was in the box Aria showed William. Am I glad I read Broken! It was the best book of the series. It was heartbreaking and devastating, but so real. I cried so hard, I sobbed through the last half of the book. I will read book 7 now, with an intense hope that they all survive, and that this is the last book in the series that does not have a HEA - my heart can't take more loss. "You are my heart. You are my soul" - so beautifully written.
I started the Captured series with the idea of only reading the 7 books, not the prequel. I did not care for the twisted King and his back story. But after reading book 6 (Vengeance), I finally decided I needed to know what was in the box Aria showed William. Am I glad I read Broken! It was the best book of the series. It was heartbreaking and devastating, but so real. I cried so hard, I sobbed through the last half of the book. I will read book 7 now, with an intense hope that they all survive, and that this is the last book in the series that does not have a HEA - my heart can't take more loss. "You are my heart. You are my soul" - so beautifully written.
May 3, 2022
This is the 5.5th book I've read in the Captive Series by Erica Stevens...it is considered a "stand alone" book, but I would consider it a book that many could (some may say "should") pass over, as they ebb towards the conclusion of series. It is a glimpse into the origin of both the "blood rage" and "blood link" noted in the earlier books of the series. In all the story between characters was endearing...sad but sweet; minimal emotional impact when compared to the other books in the series...which can't be said when reading about Aria and Braith's love story; that one has the power to rock the reader.
February 11, 2023
I was well on my way to skipping this one. I did not at all want to read anything that would make me feel remotely sympathetic to Atticus.
But, dang it, it comes up near the beginning of book 6, so I stopped reading that one and read this instead. I mean, we already know what happens, because we see the end of Atticus, but damn it, I still was heartbroken.
Poor choices were made and a lot of that was glossed over, but I am back to hating Atticus when I realized that if he had known that Braith and Aria were bloodlinked, he would have probably killed her sooner to drive Braith to madness. And frankly, that's effed up. To want someone else to go through the misery you have, just messed up.
But, dang it, it comes up near the beginning of book 6, so I stopped reading that one and read this instead. I mean, we already know what happens, because we see the end of Atticus, but damn it, I still was heartbroken.
Poor choices were made and a lot of that was glossed over, but I am back to hating Atticus when I realized that if he had known that Braith and Aria were bloodlinked, he would have probably killed her sooner to drive Braith to madness. And frankly, that's effed up. To want someone else to go through the misery you have, just messed up.
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