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Heir of Earth and Sky #2
The Captured
The fate of the kingdoms is under lock and key.
Lucas is missing. Heartbroken from losing Cate to Daniel, he sets out on a mission to rally the dragons of the north, only to be captured by the Embers. Finally, a message arrives in Caelum demanding a peace treaty in exchange for Lucas’s safety.
But there’s a catch. King Aldridge must negotiate in person.
Cate, struggling to control the powers that nearly killed her, recognizes the treaty would provide the time she desperately needs to harness the magic that will stop the enemy once and for all. But trusting the Embers is a dangerous gamble.
Plans are set to ambush the Embers if they defy the treaty. Daniel reluctantly leaves Cate to persuade his father, King Dryden, to provide the necessary soldiers for the operation. Dryden, however, has his own ambitions and refuses to help, leaving their campaign and, ultimately, Daniel’s relationship with Cate in peril.
With the threat of the enemy looming and Lucas’s life at stake, Cate, Daniel, and Lucas must find their way back to one another to save the kingdoms. Because this time, the Embers are out for revenge.
Book 2 of this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy Series from debut author SK Horton about first love in a fantastical new world.
Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much more, it's perfect for fans of Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts' Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
Lucas is missing. Heartbroken from losing Cate to Daniel, he sets out on a mission to rally the dragons of the north, only to be captured by the Embers. Finally, a message arrives in Caelum demanding a peace treaty in exchange for Lucas’s safety.
But there’s a catch. King Aldridge must negotiate in person.
Cate, struggling to control the powers that nearly killed her, recognizes the treaty would provide the time she desperately needs to harness the magic that will stop the enemy once and for all. But trusting the Embers is a dangerous gamble.
Plans are set to ambush the Embers if they defy the treaty. Daniel reluctantly leaves Cate to persuade his father, King Dryden, to provide the necessary soldiers for the operation. Dryden, however, has his own ambitions and refuses to help, leaving their campaign and, ultimately, Daniel’s relationship with Cate in peril.
With the threat of the enemy looming and Lucas’s life at stake, Cate, Daniel, and Lucas must find their way back to one another to save the kingdoms. Because this time, the Embers are out for revenge.
Book 2 of this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy Series from debut author SK Horton about first love in a fantastical new world.
Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much more, it's perfect for fans of Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts' Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
48 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
January 12, 2025
Such a gripping read!
The love triangle continues but Lucas, Cate and Daniel each deal with their emotions in their own way, leading to more hurt, sadness and eventually a little hope for future relationships.
Daniel and Cate this time though seem to have grown as characters, not wanting a repeat from history, communicating with each other and not running away from their feelings.
Lucas seems as torn as ever, sending himself on a secret mission which leads him to the Ember City and being a part of The Captured. He does get his own piece of happiness, although timing could have been better, and the duo work on escaping.
War, death, more war and more death. This book is definitely packed with action. There were moments where I was completely shocked and could not stop reading. I needed to know what happened and then to be left on a cliffhanger like that!!!! Woah. I can't wait for the next book
The love triangle continues but Lucas, Cate and Daniel each deal with their emotions in their own way, leading to more hurt, sadness and eventually a little hope for future relationships.
Daniel and Cate this time though seem to have grown as characters, not wanting a repeat from history, communicating with each other and not running away from their feelings.
Lucas seems as torn as ever, sending himself on a secret mission which leads him to the Ember City and being a part of The Captured. He does get his own piece of happiness, although timing could have been better, and the duo work on escaping.
War, death, more war and more death. This book is definitely packed with action. There were moments where I was completely shocked and could not stop reading. I needed to know what happened and then to be left on a cliffhanger like that!!!! Woah. I can't wait for the next book
March 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book follows the events in The Concealed and it split up into 3 POVs - Cate, Daniel, and Lucas. I always love multiple POVs in books and liked seeing things from Lucas and Daniel’s perspective, however the only issue is that despite it being 3 different POVs, it feels like it was just the same voice. Each person’s POV didn’t feel distinguishable from one another due to the writing style. However, I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one! It gets pretty intense, especially as Lucas gets captured by The Embers and we get a glimpse into their homeland. The ending is insane and keeps you hooked, I cannot wait for the third book! Thank you to SK Horton and Happily Booked PR for a copy of this book ✨
This book follows the events in The Concealed and it split up into 3 POVs - Cate, Daniel, and Lucas. I always love multiple POVs in books and liked seeing things from Lucas and Daniel’s perspective, however the only issue is that despite it being 3 different POVs, it feels like it was just the same voice. Each person’s POV didn’t feel distinguishable from one another due to the writing style. However, I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one! It gets pretty intense, especially as Lucas gets captured by The Embers and we get a glimpse into their homeland. The ending is insane and keeps you hooked, I cannot wait for the third book! Thank you to SK Horton and Happily Booked PR for a copy of this book ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
A wonderful continuation of this series. The book was told through 3 different povs. I really liked the different perspectives and storyline that were separate until the end when they merged to an exciting conclusion. A great ya fantasy!
March 6, 2025
Book 2 was def better than book 1, The Concealed. We got so much more in this one. More action and POVs along the time lines. Between Cate, Daniel, & Lucas giving us some inside throughout the timeline. At first I was curious as to why it was pertinent to know so far into before Lucas’ situation that led up to it, but it partially made sense later? I’m still not sure what happened to Molly though. Idk if we’ll get that in book 3. Besides the action, we also get more grief and emotional turmoil lol the cliffhanger was jaw dropping. I’m a bit upset by the turn of events, because like how!?
March 23, 2025
The Captured is the perfect YA fantasy read. It touches on some important topics such as anxiety, mental health, and self-doubt, all of which parallel our real-life struggles.
I loved seeing a different side of Daniel. In Concealed, he was portrayed as a strong character, but here we see him struggle and be unsure of himself. This is true for all of us; we all struggle sometimes, and that's okay.
Throughout the story, I was cheering for Cate. She has been through so much! I can't wait to see her grow into her powers and become the strong, resilient female protagonist she is.
It truly feels like I'm watching these characters grow up with each book. The ending broke my heart. That's all I can really say without spoiling anything, so go read it and find out!
I loved seeing a different side of Daniel. In Concealed, he was portrayed as a strong character, but here we see him struggle and be unsure of himself. This is true for all of us; we all struggle sometimes, and that's okay.
Throughout the story, I was cheering for Cate. She has been through so much! I can't wait to see her grow into her powers and become the strong, resilient female protagonist she is.
It truly feels like I'm watching these characters grow up with each book. The ending broke my heart. That's all I can really say without spoiling anything, so go read it and find out!
March 25, 2025
I can’t even describe how much I am loving this series! The characters are amazing! After reading The Concealed, I was dying to get my hands on this one. It definitely didn’t disappoint. I was so invested in what was happening to them. Now I’m dying to get the next book, especially after that ending! I definitely recommend this series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
March 25, 2025
i simply cannot describe what part of my soul these books took. the writing was lovely and the development from book 1 to book 2 is phenomenal. i love these characters, this world, and i can’t wait to see what happens next (even though it will be forever 😭)
thank you SK Horton for the ARC of this book 💜
thank you SK Horton for the ARC of this book 💜
March 26, 2025
The story continues! This one picks up a few months from where the last one ended and catches you up on what's been happening. It does start off a little bit slow but picks up after a bit.
This one focuses on Lucas and Daniel more than the last, and has three POV's, them two plus Cate's. I really enjoyed that aspect as every chapter would switch POV and almost leave you hanging to where something was always happening, you got multiple parts of the story bit by bit, and it was continually making you want to keep reading and find out more.
And it has two super cute love stories happening! The last one we had a love triangle, and without spoiling it, this book has a love interest for the one not picked 😉 iykyk! It was in the later half of the book but still fun and liked that it happened, they are funny and cute together though the romance kinda has to take a backseat to the action and danger.
It also expanded on the main couple, they grow together, helping one another be stronger and they are a power couple for sure! They need each other and it's very sweet. Cate also still struggles with her anxiety and she's so relatable. She is awkward and doesn't like socializing if possible but yet is so strong and capable. She battles so many things from enemies, to those who think her incapable, to her own inner turmoil.
Daniel has daddy issues, which causes other issues. But he chooses which side he is on and the man he wants to be. He wants to care for his kingdom, be a better person, and he wants peace. He has his ups and downs, but learns from his mistakes.
Lucas is captured and in enemy territory the entire book, except for flashbacks we get so we can learn how it happened. But despite this he is constantly thinking of others and how he can help. He is truly a knight in shining armor. I kinda love him 🤭 he's also funny adding a dash of humor to the book.
There is lots of dangerous situations, political intrigue, war, romance, and heartbreak and it ends on a pretty mean cliffhanger!
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, very little swearing, girls are kidnapped and used to have children(off page), death, wounds, war violence, beatings, unwanted advances (mentioned not shown)
*I received this book as an arc and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
This one focuses on Lucas and Daniel more than the last, and has three POV's, them two plus Cate's. I really enjoyed that aspect as every chapter would switch POV and almost leave you hanging to where something was always happening, you got multiple parts of the story bit by bit, and it was continually making you want to keep reading and find out more.
And it has two super cute love stories happening! The last one we had a love triangle, and without spoiling it, this book has a love interest for the one not picked 😉 iykyk! It was in the later half of the book but still fun and liked that it happened, they are funny and cute together though the romance kinda has to take a backseat to the action and danger.
It also expanded on the main couple, they grow together, helping one another be stronger and they are a power couple for sure! They need each other and it's very sweet. Cate also still struggles with her anxiety and she's so relatable. She is awkward and doesn't like socializing if possible but yet is so strong and capable. She battles so many things from enemies, to those who think her incapable, to her own inner turmoil.
Daniel has daddy issues, which causes other issues. But he chooses which side he is on and the man he wants to be. He wants to care for his kingdom, be a better person, and he wants peace. He has his ups and downs, but learns from his mistakes.
Lucas is captured and in enemy territory the entire book, except for flashbacks we get so we can learn how it happened. But despite this he is constantly thinking of others and how he can help. He is truly a knight in shining armor. I kinda love him 🤭 he's also funny adding a dash of humor to the book.
There is lots of dangerous situations, political intrigue, war, romance, and heartbreak and it ends on a pretty mean cliffhanger!
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, very little swearing, girls are kidnapped and used to have children(off page), death, wounds, war violence, beatings, unwanted advances (mentioned not shown)
*I received this book as an arc and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
February 2, 2025
I was honored to be part of SK Horton & Aethon Books arc reading round. This opinion is 100% my own & honest.
Let me first tell you that Horton’s first book was good. I gave it 4⭐️. There were things that could have been tweaked (in my opinion) to make it a fantastic book. However, for being a debut author, a 4⭐️ is great.
This book is about a Princess named Cate who survived almost burning out her powers and killing herself in the previous book. Naturally everyone is wondering if she can replicate that feat, all while not putting herself in danger. And if that is not the least of their worries, it’s realized that Lucas has been gone far longer than expected. And just as they’re wondering whether to send a search party, a messenger delivers a correspondence. And this sets a non stop action, gripping book that is 100% geared toward ages 12-20 but this 45yr old ate these words up with gripped exciting, not being able to put it down.
The first book felt a wee bit immature (from a writing perspective), same story retold in a different way, and way predictable.
This second book has a depth and writing maturity that you only achieve by experience. The world building is expanded upon from the first book. What totally sets this book apart from book 1 is it contains perspectives of the boys. That was EXACTLY the spice mix needed to bake this story to its perfection.
And that ending? Oh ‘em gee! I literally had to read the last sentence 3 times. Then, I wanted to hate Ms. Horton for her genius move that has me so intrigued and angry all in the same breath. Why do you ask that I’m a little angry?! BECAUSE I NEED BOOK 3 RIGHT THIS MINUTE & Book 2 isn’t even fully released!
THATS A TESTAMENT to how AMAZING & clever this book was. It kept me guessing with all the twists, turns, and unexpected parts! 100% I’m recommending this to YOU & everyone I know! As soon as I’m finished with this I’m posting to my book club & all my social media pages!! It’s THAT good!
Kudos to the author for taking all the criticism & instead of allowing it to cripple the writing, she said “hold my hat” and kicked some writing butt as the ultimate show that she is as bad ass author, just like the strong female characters she puts in her book, as a loving tribute to raising strong daughters that won’t be told what they can’t do!
Let me first tell you that Horton’s first book was good. I gave it 4⭐️. There were things that could have been tweaked (in my opinion) to make it a fantastic book. However, for being a debut author, a 4⭐️ is great.
This book is about a Princess named Cate who survived almost burning out her powers and killing herself in the previous book. Naturally everyone is wondering if she can replicate that feat, all while not putting herself in danger. And if that is not the least of their worries, it’s realized that Lucas has been gone far longer than expected. And just as they’re wondering whether to send a search party, a messenger delivers a correspondence. And this sets a non stop action, gripping book that is 100% geared toward ages 12-20 but this 45yr old ate these words up with gripped exciting, not being able to put it down.
The first book felt a wee bit immature (from a writing perspective), same story retold in a different way, and way predictable.
This second book has a depth and writing maturity that you only achieve by experience. The world building is expanded upon from the first book. What totally sets this book apart from book 1 is it contains perspectives of the boys. That was EXACTLY the spice mix needed to bake this story to its perfection.
And that ending? Oh ‘em gee! I literally had to read the last sentence 3 times. Then, I wanted to hate Ms. Horton for her genius move that has me so intrigued and angry all in the same breath. Why do you ask that I’m a little angry?! BECAUSE I NEED BOOK 3 RIGHT THIS MINUTE & Book 2 isn’t even fully released!
THATS A TESTAMENT to how AMAZING & clever this book was. It kept me guessing with all the twists, turns, and unexpected parts! 100% I’m recommending this to YOU & everyone I know! As soon as I’m finished with this I’m posting to my book club & all my social media pages!! It’s THAT good!
Kudos to the author for taking all the criticism & instead of allowing it to cripple the writing, she said “hold my hat” and kicked some writing butt as the ultimate show that she is as bad ass author, just like the strong female characters she puts in her book, as a loving tribute to raising strong daughters that won’t be told what they can’t do!
March 8, 2025
This book picked up the pace where I felt the first book was lacking. There’s so much happening in this one. The story is beautifully crafted and we get strong character development for not only our main characters, Cate, Daniel, and Lucas, but supporting characters like Mya and Grace.
Lucas’s part of the novel is fascinating. We get to hear so much about his journey and what happened in the days he’s been missing, or rather captured. Each chapter of his takes us through the progression of what his search and rescue missions are leading him towards.
I always find the romance between Daniel and Cate so easy and pure. Horton makes it easy to love the two together. It’s the more obvious pairing from the start of even book one but the way they converse and interact, they make sense. Of course then I wasn’t prepared for the love turmoil in two thirds of the way through. Oh the audacity of that conversation.
Knowing more about the villains of the story, The Embers, makes it almost impossible to not truly despise them. When it came to the fight at the end…I was crushed at the things that happened. Definitely shocked at the outcome.
All in all this book had all the depth and story that I had been craving. It was truly a great read and I loved the combination of adventure, romance, fantasy, and action.
I can’t wait for book three.
February 3, 2025
I’m currently reading three books. Or I was. This was book three. One of the others is an audio book and I only listen to those while driving or cleaning. The third book, Onyx Storm. I know I waited so long for it to come out, but I had started this series and had to finish this book today! That’s right. I chose this book over Onyx Storm.
Are their differences? Yes. I don’t want this review to make anyone think the two are the same. Both fantasy but this book is a YA Fantasy novel. No spice compared to Forth Wing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t romance. There is. Enemies to Lovers and banter, all the good stuff is here.
I loved this book so much more than the first because of the multiple POVs involved. Spoiler alert though. This one has death and a major cliff hanger. I cannot wait for the third. Super Lucky SK Horton gave me the chance to read it.
Are their differences? Yes. I don’t want this review to make anyone think the two are the same. Both fantasy but this book is a YA Fantasy novel. No spice compared to Forth Wing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t romance. There is. Enemies to Lovers and banter, all the good stuff is here.
I loved this book so much more than the first because of the multiple POVs involved. Spoiler alert though. This one has death and a major cliff hanger. I cannot wait for the third. Super Lucky SK Horton gave me the chance to read it.
March 24, 2025
this book is an amazing representation of a YA fantasy!
the politics, the war, the self conflict, the love interests, all of it flows well and really draws you into the story.
the descriptions of everything really made it play like a movie in my head. i found myself anxiously waiting to see what happens next, audibly sighing with relief, gasping in shock & so many more emotions. i loved that we had more POVs this book! it really added to the layers of the what was all going on throughout the storyline. there was more focus on the fantasy aspect rather than the romance aspect & i really enjoyed that. it really helped the magical part be explained & explored more, as well as helped the development of the characters grow even more. i am very excited to see what happens next in this series.
the politics, the war, the self conflict, the love interests, all of it flows well and really draws you into the story.
the descriptions of everything really made it play like a movie in my head. i found myself anxiously waiting to see what happens next, audibly sighing with relief, gasping in shock & so many more emotions. i loved that we had more POVs this book! it really added to the layers of the what was all going on throughout the storyline. there was more focus on the fantasy aspect rather than the romance aspect & i really enjoyed that. it really helped the magical part be explained & explored more, as well as helped the development of the characters grow even more. i am very excited to see what happens next in this series.
March 22, 2025
Wow what a difference from the first one. I loved the multiple point of views (Lucas, Daniel, Cate). I don’t want to give too much away, but once it is announced that Lucas is captured the story unfolds. There are twists and turns that I didn’t expect especially with Alana and the king. I need the 3rd one to know what happens. Will Cate fulfill the prophecy and will she constantly need Daniel to help her with her power? Will the Embers ever be defeated? What will happen with Lucas and Mya? Will having 2 kingdoms come between Daniel & Cate? Soooo many questions after this book ended!
Thank you SK Horton for giving me the opportunity to read this story. I’m excited to see what happens with the 3rd installment and hope to be an ARC reader for it as well. All of the views expressed are my own.
Thank you SK Horton for giving me the opportunity to read this story. I’m excited to see what happens with the 3rd installment and hope to be an ARC reader for it as well. All of the views expressed are my own.
March 6, 2025
4 75 stars rounded to 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫
Ahhhhh !!!! This book had me from start to finish ... it was a quick easy read jam packed with action and emotion...
THE CAPTURED IS THE 2ND BOOK OF THE SERIES AND I LOOOVVVEEDDDD IT !!!!
A lot of people give YA fantasy criticism but I don't know why because this book had it all ...
Magic, romance, suspense, fights, and amazing character development...
Thank you to s.k. horton and publishers for allowing to arc read this series .
Ahhhhh !!!! This book had me from start to finish ... it was a quick easy read jam packed with action and emotion...
THE CAPTURED IS THE 2ND BOOK OF THE SERIES AND I LOOOVVVEEDDDD IT !!!!
A lot of people give YA fantasy criticism but I don't know why because this book had it all ...
Magic, romance, suspense, fights, and amazing character development...
Thank you to s.k. horton and publishers for allowing to arc read this series .
March 10, 2025
I’m in love with this series! I love the multiple POVs of this one. This sequel to The Concealed has less world building in the best of ways and focuses more on the storyline and characters. Cate is such a fun character to follow and the growth she goes through is fantastic! Daniel and Lucas are both great and I loved their POVs. All of these MCs are put through such different trials and yet ultimately they are all just fighting for those they love and trying to get back to where they want to be. THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!
This fantasy is perfect for anyone that enjoys YA.
This fantasy is perfect for anyone that enjoys YA.
April 2, 2025
For a ya fantasy/ romance I enjoyed this book !
💕 love triangle
🥀 forbidden romance
✨️ magical creatures
🐉 firey battles & dragons
I sunk into this because of the plot and characters
This book is filled with an emotional twists n turns & what the cliffhanger !!! I loved book 2 so much this book shows the growth of all the characters and can't wait to read book 3 a the younger reads will enjoy this so much
💕 love triangle
🥀 forbidden romance
✨️ magical creatures
🐉 firey battles & dragons
I sunk into this because of the plot and characters
This book is filled with an emotional twists n turns & what the cliffhanger !!! I loved book 2 so much this book shows the growth of all the characters and can't wait to read book 3 a the younger reads will enjoy this so much
February 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️Absolutely loved being a part of the arc group for this novel!! The character development and love triangle was written so well and realistic - I feel like a lot of time in these books, the characters (especially the males) and too perfectly written and they don’t make mistakes whereas in this one you got the best of both worlds. S.K. Horton had a fabulous plot in the second book of this series and kept us on her toes until the very end, and even then. Looking forward to the next book!
April 1, 2025
The second book in this series and it was even better than the first! Multiple POVs provided readers a glimpse into different things going on simultaneously in the book without the plot suffering. The plot continued from the first book and stayed intriguing throughout so it was hard to put the book down. Great YA fantasy read that has something for everyone!
March 29, 2025
This book was the PERFECT continuation of The Concealed. I was back with my faves- Cate, Daniel (jury’s still out on that one 😉), Lucas, and of course Molly!!
Wars are continued, battles are lost, Lucas and Molly don’t get the reception they desired, causing Lucas to be captured, new alliances are forged, and of course lots of kisses are given.
Ok, real talk. I have loved Lucas from the beginning and I really want him to be end game with Cate, but the way Daniel supported her and carried her through her panic attacks has begun to win me over. I’m still all #teamlucas, but Daniel has a chance to change my mind about who’s best for Cate. I guess we’ll see in book 3!!!
I love SK Horton and her writing SO much, and I can’t wait to see where she takes my besties in their next adventure!!
Wars are continued, battles are lost, Lucas and Molly don’t get the reception they desired, causing Lucas to be captured, new alliances are forged, and of course lots of kisses are given.
Ok, real talk. I have loved Lucas from the beginning and I really want him to be end game with Cate, but the way Daniel supported her and carried her through her panic attacks has begun to win me over. I’m still all #teamlucas, but Daniel has a chance to change my mind about who’s best for Cate. I guess we’ll see in book 3!!!
I love SK Horton and her writing SO much, and I can’t wait to see where she takes my besties in their next adventure!!
May 14, 2025
Words cannot fully express how much I loved this book! The storyline was amazing, and it fully dragged me in! I felt like I was living alongside Cate and everything that was happening. I totally recommend this book!
Here is a warning to you...
The Captured is an absolutely amazing book that will draw you in, and you will not want to wait for the third book to be released
Here is a warning to you...
The Captured is an absolutely amazing book that will draw you in, and you will not want to wait for the third book to be released
March 8, 2025
The riveting sequel to The Concealed, The Captured follows Cate, Lucas, and Daniel as they fight to save Cate and Daniel's kingdoms from the Embers. There is adventure and new dangers on the road, Cate is struggling to control her powers, and settle into a leadership role in a new kingdom. The story is quick paced and an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the third one in this series.
March 15, 2025
I received this book as an E-Arc and I loved it! It seemed fairly fast paced and the character development was great. The twist at the end as others mentioned leaves a lot open for book 3. I'm invested now to see what Cate and Mya do as strong female characters and how the kingdoms will end up.
March 25, 2025
Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the arc! Loved so much! Beautiful writing style & wonderful characters. Will definitely read more from this author.
February 15, 2025
A great second book!
I am really enjoying this story so far and cant wait to find out what happens next
I am really enjoying this story so far and cant wait to find out what happens next
March 28, 2025
The story line in this one was a little slower than the first. I also thought it went a lot deeper psychologically/emotionally than the first one. While categorized young adult, I thought a couple of the topics might be a little heavy for younger teens.
I love how she titles this series. Appropriate to it's name, several people get captured and multiple battles ensue throughout.
I really enjoyed Lucas's growth in this story despite the fact that I might have been rooting for him to be with Cate in the first book.
Since there is another book yet to come in the series, you will not get a rounded ending here. But be prepared to buckle in for some spying, fighting, laughing, crying, dirt, fire and rain!
** Recommended for older teen and above. But you will want to start with the first book in the series.
*** Cautionary content: intimate kissing scenes, forced pregnancy, birthing, death, description of infected wound
I love how she titles this series. Appropriate to it's name, several people get captured and multiple battles ensue throughout.
I really enjoyed Lucas's growth in this story despite the fact that I might have been rooting for him to be with Cate in the first book.
Since there is another book yet to come in the series, you will not get a rounded ending here. But be prepared to buckle in for some spying, fighting, laughing, crying, dirt, fire and rain!
** Recommended for older teen and above. But you will want to start with the first book in the series.
*** Cautionary content: intimate kissing scenes, forced pregnancy, birthing, death, description of infected wound
March 11, 2025
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was stressful and then it ended on a cliffhanger that has absolutely raised my blood pressure.
It absolutely delivered what I wanted without suffering from second book syndrome. The pacing was fantastic and kept the action going, we got background as to how everything came to the point where the story starts, there was more great character development and I've been left wanting more.
I still love that this story is told from three points of view as it makes everything so much more interesting. Getting to see Lucas more away from Daniel and Cate was great too as I didn't want more mopey love triangle stuff. His character is now a favourite of mine.
Everything with Cate made me feel so sad, especially considering the end of the book (I did not see that coming!). It feels like she's going to have a really tough time in the third book but she's absolutely grown enough to handle it.
If you want a fun YA story with plenty of action, this is absolutely the series for you.
This book was stressful and then it ended on a cliffhanger that has absolutely raised my blood pressure.
It absolutely delivered what I wanted without suffering from second book syndrome. The pacing was fantastic and kept the action going, we got background as to how everything came to the point where the story starts, there was more great character development and I've been left wanting more.
I still love that this story is told from three points of view as it makes everything so much more interesting. Getting to see Lucas more away from Daniel and Cate was great too as I didn't want more mopey love triangle stuff. His character is now a favourite of mine.
Everything with Cate made me feel so sad, especially considering the end of the book (I did not see that coming!). It feels like she's going to have a really tough time in the third book but she's absolutely grown enough to handle it.
If you want a fun YA story with plenty of action, this is absolutely the series for you.
March 10, 2025
First of by far the BEST portal fantasy I have read in hears!!! I fell in love with the first book and was so excited to ARC this book and so glad I was chosen to! I currently got my oldest reading the first book! This book was an absolute emotional Rollercoaster filled with a lot of devastation but put together soooo incredibly well that you eat it all up!! However, chapter 45 and 49 completely broke me when Cate watched her father be murdered my heart completely shattered and I balled like a baby and again during his funeral and the mention of the empty casket and his body laying with the enemy. Then the cliff hanger with her little brother Jack nooooo!! I'm on the absolute edge of my seat at this ending and look forward to reading book 3!!! Make sure you go our and grab you a copy of The Captured our March 25, 2025!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ I absolutely loved this story! What a fun and exciting read! If you’re a fan of adventure, YA romance, and fantasy, this series is definitely for you!
The character development was fantastic, and the multiple POVs really helped me connect with the characters' emotions and motives. It also adding extra depth to the story’s timeline.
I can't recommend this series highly enough!!
Huge thanks to the author and publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The character development was fantastic, and the multiple POVs really helped me connect with the characters' emotions and motives. It also adding extra depth to the story’s timeline.
I can't recommend this series highly enough!!
Huge thanks to the author and publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2025
That ending has me screaming. This was such a good story. I love the characters, even the antagonists. The world building is great, and the main characters are easy to like. I'm so glad I found this series. I can't wait for the next book! This is a YA Fantasy romance with dragons and magic.
January 26, 2025
I was provided with an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book was much better than The Concealed- Horton definitely grew as a writer in between writing the first book of this series. The character development as well as world building was much smoother and fluid, and I liked Cate a lot more. She felt more realistic. I also liked that it didn't try to take on too much lore building but still did some. I greatly enjoyed getting to know Lucas more and the whole plotline with Mya and Grace was greatly intriguing.
However, this book also has some weaknesses, mainly ones that were weaknesses of The Concealed as well. I was much more invested in Lucas and Mya's story than Daniel and Cate's. Daniel and Cate didn't really do anything super big, in terms of their romance; they just kind of existed and Cate was very hung up on only being able to do things with Daniel there, which did not give strong independent woman vibes. Lucas and Mya are just more interesting characters, and I honestly think that the book would have been better if it focused solely on them, like one of those series that's from different characters views but in the same universe.
Overall I would give this book three stars. This wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it was still a decent read, and I think S.K. Horton had a lot of potential and will continue to grow as a writer! She just needs to break away from the fast burn Wattpad style that many romantasy authors go for nowadays.
This book was much better than The Concealed- Horton definitely grew as a writer in between writing the first book of this series. The character development as well as world building was much smoother and fluid, and I liked Cate a lot more. She felt more realistic. I also liked that it didn't try to take on too much lore building but still did some. I greatly enjoyed getting to know Lucas more and the whole plotline with Mya and Grace was greatly intriguing.
However, this book also has some weaknesses, mainly ones that were weaknesses of The Concealed as well. I was much more invested in Lucas and Mya's story than Daniel and Cate's. Daniel and Cate didn't really do anything super big, in terms of their romance; they just kind of existed and Cate was very hung up on only being able to do things with Daniel there, which did not give strong independent woman vibes. Lucas and Mya are just more interesting characters, and I honestly think that the book would have been better if it focused solely on them, like one of those series that's from different characters views but in the same universe.
Overall I would give this book three stars. This wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it was still a decent read, and I think S.K. Horton had a lot of potential and will continue to grow as a writer! She just needs to break away from the fast burn Wattpad style that many romantasy authors go for nowadays.
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