Librarian Note: Original cover edition for ASIN# B00AVQDKHS
Whispers, rumors, and horror stories abound about The Barrens and the strange creatures that lurk within them. Determined to find the remaining vampires that stood against his father in the war, Braith knows that it’s dangerous to enter the inhospitable land, but that they must if they are to have a chance at gaining allies to help overthrow the king. Though he once knew the powerful vampires that are rumored to reside within The Barrens, he is unsure what to expect if they succeed in finding them. He will do whatever is necessary though to ensure a future for himself and Aria.
Aria is fearful of entering into the land she’s heard nothing but cautionary tales about, but she’s determined to help Braith locate the vampires that may help them with their cause. She is fascinated and amazed by the world they uncover within, one that is unlike anything she has ever seen before. However, the more immersed they become in a world that she doesn’t entirely understand, the more she realizes that it won’t be the war, or even the king that will eventually tear her and Braith apart.
It will be her.
Book 3 of 4
Young Adult/New Adult This book contains some language, violence, and sexual situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.
Erica 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.
Refugee is the third book in the Captive Series. Aria and Braith are together but no one can know. They are wandering the lands looking for allies to join the fight. The book starts off with a bang with Aria having a secret meeting and making a promise. It is a promise that will rip Braith apart. Although she thinks she is doing the right thing, just the thought of it is painful.
Braith and Aria are growing closer together. The blood link they share continues grow stronger every day! The tenderness between the two will leave you breathless!
"All she could feel was him, all she could smell was him. He was inside her soul, so much a part of her. She could barely breathe as his hands slid away from her face. His arms wrapped around her waist as he lifted her, pressing her back against a wall. His body was hard against hers, impassioned beneath her hands."
Although Aria and Braith haven't made the ultimate connection "intimately speaking", together they are passionate. He will do anything to keep her safe.
As they make their way to the rebel camp, Braith's plan is simple. He wants to join the forces (rebel humans and "human friendly" vampires), win the battle against his father and then hand the kingdom over to the council. He just wants to take Aria away. So that they can be safe and happy together! Aria knows in her heart that is not is what is going to happen.
While the action is building, the relationship between the two continues to develop. Braith struggles with the wrong choices that he has made. Aria continues to offer him unconditional love and forgiveness.
"Love isn't about perfection Braith! It's about understanding and forgiveness, it's about giving and taking in equal measure."-Aria
I found the most tender part of this book is when Braith begins to draw closer to Aria's family. He is so protective of her he doesn't want anyone else to touch her. The humor offers a much needed release from all of the tension in the story.
"Who the hell do you think you are!?" David demanded. "Hers."
Aria is convinced that Braith is meant to be King. She knows that he is the only one that can lead both humans and vampires to battle. She continues to offer Braith support all the while knowing what is to come!
"He was pretty sure he could do just about anything if she was standing at his side."-Braith
Overall, The Refugee is a stellar read. It has tenderness, romance, action, and many plot twists along the way. This book leaves you hanging. But one thing is for certain, Braith will never let Aria go!
A lead up to the final book, preparations are being made, and Aria's life is in danger...
So Here's my BIG QUESTION about this series...
Also, I have a prediction about book four:
One more thing...
This series is starting to spin out of control into an angsty YA nightmare... Which I kind of remember it doing the last time I read it... I certainly hope that the final book addresses this nonsense.
Some of My Favorite Moments:
My Other Reviews in the Captive Series: 1 - Captured - You can read my full review HERE 2 - Renegade - You can read my full review HERE 3 - Refugee - You can read my full review HERE 4 - Salvation - You can read my full review HERE["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
The chemistry between Braith and Aria is just amazing. I need book #4 ASAP. I'm afraid of whats going to happen next. Here are some comments on Refugee and my guesses about whats going to happen in the next book! .
HOLY SHIT! That was … I can’t even… wow! Just… wow! This book was absolutely sensational, and I am obsessed, officially and absolutely obsessed with this series!
The third book in The Captive series, this is by far my favourite book of the series so far, it absolutely blew me away with its awesomeness! The prologue had me instantly on edge, and expecting one hell of a ride, and that’s exactly what I got!
Revolution is in the air, and Braith and Aria are searching for allies to assist them in their cause. From a desert wasteland, through woods, dark caves, and swampy marshes, their travels take them far as the war planning and strategizing kicks into high gear.
The romance between Aria and Braith is still definitely a major focus of the book as their relationship continues to strengthen. The love between these two is absolutely beautiful. They are amazing together, and I smiled and squeed and swooned through each of their scenes.
“I would die for you and not think twice about it. I won’t, I can’t risk losing you. I need you to stay with me.”
I am a huge fan of Braith (seriously, I love him HARD), and he really shines in this book. Not only as a swoon-worthy romantic hero who is brutally protective of his girl…
“I think you've figured out the extremes that I will go to, and that there isn't anything I won't do, any one I won't destroy, to protect her.
“War or no war, followers or no followers, I will kill you if you touch her. Remember that.”
… but he is also coming to understand his role in what is to come, and as unwilling as he may be to accept it, he is realising his importance in what they are trying to achieve, and struggling with those expectations as opposed to what it is he really wants. And through these different aspect of him, the powerful, ruthless, and formerly detached vampire reveals his passionate side, and lets his emotions fly.
“You shouldn't be in danger.” “I've always been in danger.” “But I want more for you!” he exploded. Aria was startled by the devastation behind his words. He was in front of her in an instant, his hands grasped hold of her arms… “Don't you understand that? I want you to be safe; I want you to know peace for once in your life. I don't want you to know fear and death anymore.”
Aria also continues to grow as a character, and I love her more and more as the story goes on. She is intelligent, brave, and utterly determined to contribute to the upcoming fight. And her strength in this book just floored me! I love her absolute acceptance of Braith, and her unwavering faith in him. She loves her man (vampire), is proud to stand by his side, and is absolutely and selflessly supportive of him. But she is also a very strong heroine on her own, kicking ass whenever required. She and Braith truly complement each other, rather than her being the poor defenseless human, and I love that about her.
Chock full of action, romance and intrigue, this book moves at a great pace, and I was enthralled the whole way through. In addition to all of the happenings above, there is also a bit more revealed about the mythology of the vampire world, which I really enjoyed. But it’s the characters that make these books so amazing. Of course Aria and Braith are sensational, but the secondary characters also really stand out - particularly the grouping of Braith, Jack, Ashby and Gideon. What a sensational bunch of guys! Each a great addition on their own, the dynamic and bantering between them is gold. I loved seeing Aria with her brothers, William and Daniel, and even poor old Max’s story plays a part. And then Xavier… what is he up to? I have a feeling he’s going to be a major player in the next book. There are still some big reveals to come.
And then there’s the heartbreak. Oh my God, I actually had chest pains while reading through one part of this book and seriously, my heart broke for everybody. So much sadness! The emotion the Stevens puts into her writing is amazing, and I felt so much while reading this book. The good, the bad, and the painful, I loved every minute of it!
And then that ending. WTF was that ending? OMG, cliffy HELL! But so clever. I have a heap of theories zooming around in my head, and cannot wait to see how it all plays out! I honestly don’t remember being this excited about finishing a series for a VERY long time.
5 massive stars.
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he whispered against her cheek. “Why?” “Because I love you.” “Is it so simple then?” He smiled back at her. “Yes.”
Dear God, when is book 4 coming out? I almost threw my IPAD across he room because I should have waited for book 4 before reading book 3. Please don't make us wait long for book 4. I am dying here...... I didn't think book 3 could better but it does!!! Question is .... Can my heart handle book 4? I'll be 40 his year and this Captive series is my all time favorite, more so than Twilight!!!!
Still loved this series but there is a plotline that annoyed me a lot more in the reread than the first time, which was the heroine being human and couldn't rule alongside the hero if she was human which is super dumb since they are trying for peace between vampires and humans, and hero is only trying for peace because of heroine. I hate how easily the heroine gave up and listened to the people around her about that. I also hate how in the end, the hero ended up choosing the throne/responsibilities over her. I know it was supposed to show growth and stuff, but it totally sucked that he put her first at the start and then ended up putting her last, when she was the reason for anything he does.
This series has just amazed me. Sometimes you truly come upon an unexpected jewel and this series is a jewel!
Braith's bound to Aria is continuing to intensify. He is more deadly and determined now than he has ever been. However his allies are deceiving him. Planning behind is back to take away the most precious thing to him, Aria.
The humans and vampires have joined forces to over throw the king. Their thought is the only one capable to do that is Braith. In order for peace to reign they believe Braith must reign, which will not happen if his bond is completed with Aria.
I think the high died a little, having read so many books between this one and the one that came before it. It took a bit to get back into, and it seemed to kind of draw on. It got better, and there were definitely some surprising factors. Some of it was heartbreaking, and I wasn't really happy to see it end the way it did....so on to book 4!
I loved the first two books and this one promised so much and started so well and like the previous two it was good but for me it's the weakest one so far and the first one where Aria annoyed me. I loved the descriptions and idea of the Barrens and we get a much fuller picture of what life is actually like in the new world as Braith and Aria search for allies for the coming war.
This is the weakest book in the series. This has never been my favorite of the books! I enjoyed it but it wasn't an easy fast read like the others! A lot happens and we find out a lot of stuff! Sacrifices are made and of course, one hell of a cliffhanger!
This book is nothing special.However, I enjoyed it so much. It's like my favorite soft blanket that I cover in a cool night. That's the best way to describe this book.
Mmc is so yummy, possessive, and obsessive, just the way I like them. The FMC is literally a spider monkey. There's so much time in the book that she's jumping from tree to tree and climbing like a spider man, that even vampires are looking at her like girl, What is that!!! Lol
The story progression is really interesting and fun to read. So I'm definitely going to finish this series. I already bought all the books in the series so.........
Ahhhhhh, another cliffhanger!!! I am so freakin tired of cliffhangers. Ok.... I have really enjoyed these books (Refugee being book #3 in this series). I love the chemistry between Braith and Aria. I think the passion, desire and all consuming love that Braith feels for Aria is simply HOT, but enough is enough already. We are on book three and they still haven't "hooked up" and are no closer to their HEA and now I find out after waiting MONTHS for this book, that I have to yet WAIT again?
This is another good book although a little short for the $2.99 I dropped on it. I really wish that Ms. Stevens would have wrapped up this storyline and moved on to Max or William or one of the other characters for this series to continue but Im three books in now so I guess I will sit back and wait YET again to find out if Braith and Aria get their HEA.
Thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book in the Captive Series by Erica Stevens.
The story keeps moving forward as Braith and Arianna head towards what appeared to be an inevitable future. Unfortunately they saw that future differently, especially as the vampires surrounding them made it painfully clear to Aria that the future Braith envisioned would never come to pass.
I was on the edge of my seat from the Prologue! My heart was already breaking for these lovers and we had no idea what would happen or when. As the book went on I became concerned that it would become formulaic - Ms. Stevens had outlined what their path would be, they headed down it and then BAM! DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! And was extremely happy to be thrown off the proverbial cliff.
Yes, this one was better. The world was expanded and I liked that a lot. I think this is the book I like the most so far, and that ending allows for it to get 4 stars, I am just excited about it. I wish it was less clichéd because I like the few original ideas thrown in. I also wish it wasn't so focused on the romance, I have a few burning questions like: where are they geographically? If everyone important is in the palace, what about the rest of the world? Is it all a dystopian hell and the only livable place is where all the action occurs? How many vampires and humans are there? Before the world was expanded I was okay with this questions because it made sense that they wouldn't be answered. Now, however, I feel like I need to understand how this world works and I doubt that will happen.
This series has just amazed me. Sometimes you truly come upon an unexpected jewel and this series is a jewel!
Braith's bound to Aria is continuing to intensify. He is more deadly and determined now than he has ever been. However his allies are deceiving him. Planning behind is back to take away the most precious thing to him, Aria.
The humans and vampires have joined forces to over throw the king. Their thought is the only one capable to do that is Braith. In order for peace to reign they believe Braith must reign, which will not happen if his bond is completed with Aria.
Well crap!!!!! That ending left me screaming at my kindle.
Braith and Aria have amazing chemistry and I was so happy when he finally started to catch onto Jacks little plan but hopefully none of that will matter after the ending I just read because it cannot happen CANNOT happen. I will not make it if it does happen. On one hand I hope Braith does keep it together like she wants but on the other I'm fuming so I want him to go in there crazed and murderous to get her back.
Loved all the character developments in this book, Ashby and Gideon have both grown on me so much.
In the words of Aria and William "I'm scared of the unknown" (of this story)
UGHH I knew shit was about to go down, it was just a matter of time! I wanted to rip my hair out in this one. Why can they not just be together dammit! Book 4 better not disappoint, and to be honest it is not looking so good.
I can not believe this story, it is just so amazing...!
Loving everything about it! This beautiful lovestory, the intrigue, the plot, the war, the secrets, the broken hearts, the ruined lives, the green forrest and most of all every single beautiful and charismatic character in this capturing series!
Braith is taking the word protective to an whole new level. Every single time he steps up to put himself between her and any potential danger (which is most of the time) every muscle in my body tightens. Mostly becourse he is so freaking awesome, but sometimes becourse he is stupid and stubborn as a donkey!
Aria... sweet Aria, the warrior of the woods! She is well worthy this incredible man! Even if she is "just" a human. When I imagine her leaping and swinging in the treetops, my toes are curling. She so deserves this to be a happy ending! She is a queen by heart, and if she does not get what she deserves in the last book I will not be held responsible for my actions or comments. I might even write the author a pritty little email!
William, Jack, Daniel and beautiful Max - sweet mother of.... I love you too!!! And all the others... this series are full of amazing caracters no doubt about that!
I must admit, I have one small complaint: I'm a bit tired of Aria telling Braith se is "fine". It would be nice if she sometimes used a different word :) But still- I could not care less. This is way to exiting to dwell on the smaller things in life!
No time to write more, need to read the final book now :D Which reminds me: you realy should read all of them together. I would probably go insane if I did not have them all here ready to be read the minute I finished the first one!
Another cliff hanger! She's killing me! Each book left me wondering, what next, and here I am waiting again! lol I'm really enjoying this series. I didn't write a review for the second book because it was a quick read and I immediately started reading the 3rd one. So, in this one The vampires and Rebels are coming together to start a war against the King and Caleb. They've had to travel far to The Barrens to get to more Vampires that can help them, without them, they really have no chance to win.
All the while Braith and Aria are learning more and more about their powerful connection to each other. The People and Vampires around them want Braith to take over as Ruler once the war is won, but they don't believe the Vampire community will except a Human Queen at his side. Should he risk her life and turn her, or should he run with her and live their lives together in peace? The decisions are getting harder and harder to make, and while Braith may think he has a plan, the others and Aria have a different one.
I can't wait for the 4th book so I can finally see what happens for Aria and Braith, and as well as everybody else! The supporting characters are just as awesome as the main charaters in this book. She could easily branch off and tell stories for Ashby and Melinda, for Max, for Jack/Jericho, for Aria's Brothers. There are just so many possibilities! :)
I'm between a 4 and a 5. Let's go with 4.5 stars.That cliffy was horrible! I'm glad that I have the 4th book to read right now, otherwise I would be one seriously pissed of reader!
The story keeps getting better. Even though everything goes according to the plan, I am enjoying their journey. I enjoy reading about Braith and how different he really is from the first book. I love the chemistry between them. Their bloodlink is getting stronger and stronger and he is extremely sensitive about Aria's safety. And I know not everybody loves the whole you are mine speech but when Aria's father asks him who the hell he is, I love that Braith tells them, he is hers. And of course he adds "she is mine".
Just when the story seemed to be stalling that damn cliffy threw me off. I was angry with Aria because she was probably going to do something stupid and leave Braith alone again but that cliffy might have helped them in the long run. I was going to take a little break but that doesn't seem possible right now.
This book is a vast improvement over the last book "Renegade." I still am not feeling satisfied with this book or this series in general. It's got potential, the execution is all wrong though...
The romance in this book was a bit more subtle than the last book, but I still skipped many make out scenes because it was just too much, and I just didn't care... The romance was still really smothering and overbearing. Speaking of overbeaing, BRAITH. He is so possessive. It annoys me SO MUCH. Aria's character has gotten a bit better in this book which is great. Some new characters are introduced, and we learn more about the rebels and actually get to spend more time with them in this book!
There seemed to be more of an actual plot in this book which is good. Something is FINALLY happening in this series, so yay! But oh gosh that ending... Onto the next book!
The vampire/human rebellion is just starting to form, and Braith is the leader. Aria, Braith, and Ashby travel to the desert where the vampires who fought for the humans long ago reside. Hoping to gain support and number, Jack and Daniel go across the country to rally the human rebels. They have the numbers, and they’re ready to strike. That is until something went very, very wrong.
The third book in the series, and it’s finally got some plot and action. It was far more enjoyable than the first two. And the romance got a lot better. I’m actually starting to like them together! Braith would do anything to protect Aria, and Aria would do the same. But her whole plan with Jack was ridiculous. It never would’ve worked. Braith would always be able to find her, and he wouldn’t just let her disappear without looking for her.
5 freaking amazing stars!!!!!!! This has become one of my absolute favourite series if all time. It gets better with each book.
So beautifully written with amazingly strong characters. I love the passion between Braith and Aria, they have such an intense, consuming relationship and some really amazing scenes in this book.
So glad that book 4 is out and ready to read because after that ending I don't think i could wait to find out what happens next.
Overall this wasn't a bad read. It wasn't as good as I had hoped. I did like how she came across some important people in her life. Even in times like this it's good to see your loved ones. I'm still going to read the last one. I want to see how this all plays out.
Oh the ending- I’m scared, but thank goodness the next book is waiting! Another great addition to the series, I could feel the tension and life altering choices building... at times reminds me a bit of a Court of Thorns and Roses series (Rhys)- not totally, but somewhat! Onto the next book!!!