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Captive
They destroyed his world. They killed his father.
And now one of them is his prisoner.
Ted James hates the Skya’ja, the fish-faced aliens who destroyed the Earth. Promising humanity the clean, renewable energy that transformed them into a peaceful spacefaring species, the invaders lured scientists like Ted’s father into their project. Instead, the explosion known as the Cataclysm wiped out electrical grids, governments, and militaries. Two years later, the Earth is a scrapheap where the remaining few humans and aliens war for the resources that are left.
Living among the ruins of Charlotte, Ted wants answers about his father’s fate and why the downtown area is covered in a shimmering Bubble that seems to kill all who try to enter. A lucky shot allows him to capture the scouting Skya’ja known as Tash’jya for interrogation. The only problem is his hatred is hard to maintain the more he learns about his prisoner.
Running from Revon, a violent militia leader who wants all Skya’ja dead, Ted teams up with gutsy clinic nurse, Loren Westfield, to keep his prisoner alive long enough to get the information he needs. Can Ted uncover the truth behind Tash’jya’s mission—and what it has to do with his father?
And now one of them is his prisoner.
Ted James hates the Skya’ja, the fish-faced aliens who destroyed the Earth. Promising humanity the clean, renewable energy that transformed them into a peaceful spacefaring species, the invaders lured scientists like Ted’s father into their project. Instead, the explosion known as the Cataclysm wiped out electrical grids, governments, and militaries. Two years later, the Earth is a scrapheap where the remaining few humans and aliens war for the resources that are left.
Living among the ruins of Charlotte, Ted wants answers about his father’s fate and why the downtown area is covered in a shimmering Bubble that seems to kill all who try to enter. A lucky shot allows him to capture the scouting Skya’ja known as Tash’jya for interrogation. The only problem is his hatred is hard to maintain the more he learns about his prisoner.
Running from Revon, a violent militia leader who wants all Skya’ja dead, Ted teams up with gutsy clinic nurse, Loren Westfield, to keep his prisoner alive long enough to get the information he needs. Can Ted uncover the truth behind Tash’jya’s mission—and what it has to do with his father?
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 30, 2025
While this book did start out a lil on the slow side for me, it really picked up the pace and had me scrambling to turn pages. It's a fresh, new concept, fascinating worldbuilding, and impactful themes about who our enemies really are. It's dystopian with a sci-fi flair, and I'd like to say that if you're a Star Wars fan who wants to dip their toe into the dystopian genre, this would be an excellent read. It's a great story with a lot of heart, and I hope you'll grab a copy soon!
**I read an early ARC copy to write my review; opinions above are my own!**
**I read an early ARC copy to write my review; opinions above are my own!**
October 30, 2025
A fast pace thriller. Very enjoyable.
March 19, 2025
Hurt, devastation, war, forgiveness.
I loved Sides so when I got the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at the chance.
I was slightly taken off guard in the beginning at being in the point of view of the captor (yes it’s in the description), but we quickly learn the motivations and follow along as Ted works through his hurt and prejudice.
The post apocalyptic world is vivid and tense creating a rich backdrop for the action of the story.
I loved the character arcs and the lessons learned about caring for people and seeking true intentions.
I loved Sides so when I got the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at the chance.
I was slightly taken off guard in the beginning at being in the point of view of the captor (yes it’s in the description), but we quickly learn the motivations and follow along as Ted works through his hurt and prejudice.
The post apocalyptic world is vivid and tense creating a rich backdrop for the action of the story.
I loved the character arcs and the lessons learned about caring for people and seeking true intentions.
March 31, 2025
I loved this book! So normally if you start talking aliens and war I would tune out. But this easy to read dystopian novel hooked me in quickly because it's characters. I had to know what would happen because I quickly cared about their stories. I loved the twists and discoveries along the way and the connection to deeper understanding and authentic relationships. This is a great read for all young adults and a wee bit older like myself. It's clean and will keep you reading with its action packed story until the end. Can't wait to have my 13 year old pick this one up too.
May 10, 2025
An action-packed exploration of empathy and the human spirit
Driven by anger and hate, Ted is a young man surviving alone in a dystopian world. He blames the catastrophic disaster that wrecked Earth as we know it on an alien species that has taken up residence on the planet and demands answers about the fate of his father. His hope lies in taking captive a member of the Skya’jya, the fish-like alien species whose promises of clean energy and peace are the source of the cataclysm.
Ted’s story is a heroic journey of learning empathy and forgiveness through dark trials and survival. His unexpected change of heart begins when he learns to see beyond appearance as he looks into the heart of the alien he’s taken captive. I highly enjoyed the non-stop action of this book and the quiet moments of introspection that allow the reader to analyze Ted’s thoughts and emotions as his character begins to grow and change.
This book includes some surprising twists and turns as Ted’s questions are answered and he finds new enemies and allies along his journey. Readers will find it easy to cheer Ted and his allies on as they race against the clock to right the wrongs of the past and find the peace, forgiveness, and understanding needed to rebuild a broken world through unity and understanding.
Driven by anger and hate, Ted is a young man surviving alone in a dystopian world. He blames the catastrophic disaster that wrecked Earth as we know it on an alien species that has taken up residence on the planet and demands answers about the fate of his father. His hope lies in taking captive a member of the Skya’jya, the fish-like alien species whose promises of clean energy and peace are the source of the cataclysm.
Ted’s story is a heroic journey of learning empathy and forgiveness through dark trials and survival. His unexpected change of heart begins when he learns to see beyond appearance as he looks into the heart of the alien he’s taken captive. I highly enjoyed the non-stop action of this book and the quiet moments of introspection that allow the reader to analyze Ted’s thoughts and emotions as his character begins to grow and change.
This book includes some surprising twists and turns as Ted’s questions are answered and he finds new enemies and allies along his journey. Readers will find it easy to cheer Ted and his allies on as they race against the clock to right the wrongs of the past and find the peace, forgiveness, and understanding needed to rebuild a broken world through unity and understanding.
May 15, 2025
In Captive, Bradley Caffee delivers a gritty, emotionally layered sci-fi thriller that combines action with heart and moral complexity. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth ravaged by an alien “gift” gone wrong, the story follows nineteen-year-old Ted, a loner scraping by in a devastated Charlotte, North Carolina. Ted is driven by grief and a growing hatred for the alien species—nicknamed “Fishfaces”—whom he blames for the explosion that killed his father and turned the world into a wasteland. When he finally captures one of them, he thinks he’s won a chance at revenge. But what he doesn’t expect is for the alien to be female—or for her to speak.
The first signs of humanity in his captive come when she pleads with him: “Pleasssse. I won’t esscape. I won’t fight anymore.” It’s a turning point not just in the story, but in Ted’s emotional journey. Her name is Tash’jya, and from that moment on, everything Ted thought he knew about her species—and himself—starts to shift. What makes this book so effective is how Caffee slowly breaks down both characters’ assumptions through tension, quiet moments, and tough choices. Tash’jya’s internal logs show her own conflicted thinking: “Perhaps the gift of my name will be seen as a peacemaking gesture to bridge the gap between us.”
The alternating perspectives between Ted and Tash’jya give the story emotional depth and context. Ted is stubborn, raw, and sometimes reckless, but his actions are understandable. He’s doing what he thinks is necessary to survive. At one point, trying to convince a dangerous militia that he’s not a sympathizer, he intentionally yanks Tash’jya’s breathing device, nearly killing her. He narrates, “This time was not [an accident]. I took no joy in it. I am not a monster, but that doesn’t change that I feel like one in this moment.” It’s the kind of moment that forces both the character—and the reader—to examine where the line really is between survival and cruelty.
Caffee also does a great job grounding the story in a faith-forward but non-preachy worldview. The verse at the front of the book—John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”—isn’t just window dressing. It sets the tone for what ultimately becomes a story about sacrifice, trust, and how love can emerge in unexpected places. Ted and Tash’jya may come from different worlds, but their shared suffering and growing understanding begin to blur the line between captor and captive. Their relationship is complicated, uneasy, and believable.
The pacing moves quickly without sacrificing character development. Action scenes are tense and well-written, while quieter moments—like when Ted shares a can of old green beans with Tash’jya in a looted grocery store—show how thin the wall is between enemy and companion. Even when danger hits again and again, the emotional stakes are what really keep you turning the pages.
Overall, Captive is a standout sci-fi dystopian novel with strong writing, clear themes, and a heart that beats behind every line. Fans of The 5th Wave, District 9, or The Space Between Worlds will find plenty to love here. Bradley Caffee has written a debut that feels timely and human, even as it dives deep into the alien.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Mountain Brook Ink through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
The first signs of humanity in his captive come when she pleads with him: “Pleasssse. I won’t esscape. I won’t fight anymore.” It’s a turning point not just in the story, but in Ted’s emotional journey. Her name is Tash’jya, and from that moment on, everything Ted thought he knew about her species—and himself—starts to shift. What makes this book so effective is how Caffee slowly breaks down both characters’ assumptions through tension, quiet moments, and tough choices. Tash’jya’s internal logs show her own conflicted thinking: “Perhaps the gift of my name will be seen as a peacemaking gesture to bridge the gap between us.”
The alternating perspectives between Ted and Tash’jya give the story emotional depth and context. Ted is stubborn, raw, and sometimes reckless, but his actions are understandable. He’s doing what he thinks is necessary to survive. At one point, trying to convince a dangerous militia that he’s not a sympathizer, he intentionally yanks Tash’jya’s breathing device, nearly killing her. He narrates, “This time was not [an accident]. I took no joy in it. I am not a monster, but that doesn’t change that I feel like one in this moment.” It’s the kind of moment that forces both the character—and the reader—to examine where the line really is between survival and cruelty.
Caffee also does a great job grounding the story in a faith-forward but non-preachy worldview. The verse at the front of the book—John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”—isn’t just window dressing. It sets the tone for what ultimately becomes a story about sacrifice, trust, and how love can emerge in unexpected places. Ted and Tash’jya may come from different worlds, but their shared suffering and growing understanding begin to blur the line between captor and captive. Their relationship is complicated, uneasy, and believable.
The pacing moves quickly without sacrificing character development. Action scenes are tense and well-written, while quieter moments—like when Ted shares a can of old green beans with Tash’jya in a looted grocery store—show how thin the wall is between enemy and companion. Even when danger hits again and again, the emotional stakes are what really keep you turning the pages.
Overall, Captive is a standout sci-fi dystopian novel with strong writing, clear themes, and a heart that beats behind every line. Fans of The 5th Wave, District 9, or The Space Between Worlds will find plenty to love here. Bradley Caffee has written a debut that feels timely and human, even as it dives deep into the alien.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Mountain Brook Ink through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
April 5, 2025
I just finished reading Captive by Bradley Caffee. It was such a great twist on a familiar story that has been explored many times. This story is about Aliens that come to the earth and things go haywire. The earth is thrown into a dystopian wasteland, which is all too familiar, but what happens in this book is not the typical picture of what that looks like in the present and future. The world scenery in this book is vivid and realistic, though it is fantasy.
Ted James survives what is being called the cataclysm but has been alone for the past two years. He wants answers as to what really happened and revenge for his father's death. He has been waiting for two long years to get those answers, and now he seizes his opportunity by capturing one of the Skya’ja, a fishlike alien species that were the ones who promised that Earth would be better with their assistance.
There are are some things that Ted’s father was able to tell him about the alien species because they were working with him to bring about their so-called better way. His father is a scientist who is already working on renewable, clean energy to make the planet better. Ted is so angry, he lets it fuel his actions and his hatred toward the Skya’ja.
His captive Tash’jya is sent on a mission, and she intends to see that mission to its final conclusion, but then she is captured by Ted. She too is angry and lets her anger get the best of her. As she is held captive by Ted, she starts to see things differently, as does Ted. Can Ted and Tash’jya learn to trust each other, though their prejudices and anger rage?
This book tackles some heavy themes; among them are faith, racism, redemption, and refusal to acknowledge God. This book was thoughtfully and masterfully done. You will want to grab this one as soon as you can. It is a sci-fi adventure that weaves in realistic human themes like never seen before.
I received a complimentary copy from Mountain Brook Ink through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.
Ted James survives what is being called the cataclysm but has been alone for the past two years. He wants answers as to what really happened and revenge for his father's death. He has been waiting for two long years to get those answers, and now he seizes his opportunity by capturing one of the Skya’ja, a fishlike alien species that were the ones who promised that Earth would be better with their assistance.
There are are some things that Ted’s father was able to tell him about the alien species because they were working with him to bring about their so-called better way. His father is a scientist who is already working on renewable, clean energy to make the planet better. Ted is so angry, he lets it fuel his actions and his hatred toward the Skya’ja.
His captive Tash’jya is sent on a mission, and she intends to see that mission to its final conclusion, but then she is captured by Ted. She too is angry and lets her anger get the best of her. As she is held captive by Ted, she starts to see things differently, as does Ted. Can Ted and Tash’jya learn to trust each other, though their prejudices and anger rage?
This book tackles some heavy themes; among them are faith, racism, redemption, and refusal to acknowledge God. This book was thoughtfully and masterfully done. You will want to grab this one as soon as you can. It is a sci-fi adventure that weaves in realistic human themes like never seen before.
I received a complimentary copy from Mountain Brook Ink through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.
February 18, 2025
Highly thematic and brimming with that moody, post-apocalyptic global collapse atmosphere, this book will take you on a rollercoaster of clashing emotion and upended ideals. Going in, I anticipated high stakes, adventure, and desperate struggle, but I did not expect to be quite so moved. To ache so much for the broken relationships, the loss of what was, and the impossibility of what could have been. But it's matched by the spark of hope that doesn't sit idly by, but fights with scraped knees and bloody knuckles to overcome the darkness that lurks in the wake of tragedy.
I loved the characters, especially Ted and his transformation. Every page turns with gripping storytelling (I read the entirety in one day—couldn't bring myself to stop!), and throughout the charged confrontations, chases, escapes, revelations, and love born through adversity, is the concept of captivity. This thread that the bonds that hold us captive aren't always made of rope or enclosed by walls, but fear and hatred, and it's a greater and nobler courage to face the truth and break free of these chains on the heart and mind than from any other prison.
Caffee displays this beautifully in a gritty world overcome by disaster and prejudice, with plot twists for days, and a heart-pounding, edge-of-seat kind of climax that is both exhilarating and bittersweet.
If you're in the mood for mysterious domes, green bean slurping extraterrestrials, and bacon after battle, this book has it all and a whole lot more.
I loved the characters, especially Ted and his transformation. Every page turns with gripping storytelling (I read the entirety in one day—couldn't bring myself to stop!), and throughout the charged confrontations, chases, escapes, revelations, and love born through adversity, is the concept of captivity. This thread that the bonds that hold us captive aren't always made of rope or enclosed by walls, but fear and hatred, and it's a greater and nobler courage to face the truth and break free of these chains on the heart and mind than from any other prison.
Caffee displays this beautifully in a gritty world overcome by disaster and prejudice, with plot twists for days, and a heart-pounding, edge-of-seat kind of climax that is both exhilarating and bittersweet.
If you're in the mood for mysterious domes, green bean slurping extraterrestrials, and bacon after battle, this book has it all and a whole lot more.
April 30, 2025
A very interesting story.
Ted James has been living on his own for two years; two years living in a world gone made and dying. The Cataclysm destroyed so much, and one of those was his own father, and for some reason after the cataclysm a giant "bubble" was formed in the middle of the city and anyone who went in didn't come out.
Ted must find answers to his father's death and the only way to do that was to capture one of the aliens who had come to earth to help the earthlings find a better clean and renewable energy source. They are called the Skya'ja. Ted is able to capture one of them, rather by accident, and he takes her to a warehouse that is half fallen in to interrogate her. He learns her name is Tash'jya. Tash'jya won't give him the information that he wants and before he can make her tell him they end up captives of Revon, a leader in a band of renigades who are bent on running whatever is left of the world.
Revon wants Ted to bring his daughter Loren to him. Loren works in a clinic that cares for both human's and Sky'ja and she wants nothing to do with the hatred of her father who desires power and the death of the Sky'ja.
Telling you any more will just be spoilers, and there are so many twists and turns that you will just have to read it to see where it goes.
This is a clean read.
Ted James has been living on his own for two years; two years living in a world gone made and dying. The Cataclysm destroyed so much, and one of those was his own father, and for some reason after the cataclysm a giant "bubble" was formed in the middle of the city and anyone who went in didn't come out.
Ted must find answers to his father's death and the only way to do that was to capture one of the aliens who had come to earth to help the earthlings find a better clean and renewable energy source. They are called the Skya'ja. Ted is able to capture one of them, rather by accident, and he takes her to a warehouse that is half fallen in to interrogate her. He learns her name is Tash'jya. Tash'jya won't give him the information that he wants and before he can make her tell him they end up captives of Revon, a leader in a band of renigades who are bent on running whatever is left of the world.
Revon wants Ted to bring his daughter Loren to him. Loren works in a clinic that cares for both human's and Sky'ja and she wants nothing to do with the hatred of her father who desires power and the death of the Sky'ja.
Telling you any more will just be spoilers, and there are so many twists and turns that you will just have to read it to see where it goes.
This is a clean read.
March 2, 2025
Captive was such an exciting read. I hadn’t read an alien/dystopian novel in a long time, and to read one that was based in a city I know well was SO fun! I laughed when the characters walked across highway 74, and I thought to myself, for once, there isn’t any traffic!
But overall, this book was thrilling, had quick pacing, and contained characters that were easy to care for. I liked how each scene had purpose and fed off the previous, allowing the story to tie together neatly in the end.
And gosh, I just loved Ted! His growth throughout the novel was a beautiful depiction of what it means to push through the waiting, the hurt, and the obstacles that seem insurmountable to reach something unimaginably better.
Definitely add this one to your TBR!
But overall, this book was thrilling, had quick pacing, and contained characters that were easy to care for. I liked how each scene had purpose and fed off the previous, allowing the story to tie together neatly in the end.
And gosh, I just loved Ted! His growth throughout the novel was a beautiful depiction of what it means to push through the waiting, the hurt, and the obstacles that seem insurmountable to reach something unimaginably better.
Definitely add this one to your TBR!
March 12, 2025
I joined the launch team so I had an ARC in order to review it early.
I'm not much of a fan of first person present tense for story tellings, but the way Bradley weaves the story kept me reading. The characters are relatable as they learned to overcome some of their flawed ideals, false truths, and weaknesses. There are misunderstandings on both sides, causing a barrier between two cultures - humans and aliens.
He lays the foreshadowing well, but the climatic ending is not entirely what I saw coming. Once through the book I was like, I should have seen this possibility. It was subtlely laid out. That made the outcome more satisfying.
If you like dystopian with a twist of alien intervention, then you will enjoy this tale.
I'm not much of a fan of first person present tense for story tellings, but the way Bradley weaves the story kept me reading. The characters are relatable as they learned to overcome some of their flawed ideals, false truths, and weaknesses. There are misunderstandings on both sides, causing a barrier between two cultures - humans and aliens.
He lays the foreshadowing well, but the climatic ending is not entirely what I saw coming. Once through the book I was like, I should have seen this possibility. It was subtlely laid out. That made the outcome more satisfying.
If you like dystopian with a twist of alien intervention, then you will enjoy this tale.
April 16, 2025
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Scifi-Dystopian
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: "The monster stares at me."
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: "That's the way with truth sometimes - we don't like it. That doesn't change the fact that it is truth."
This book surprised me. In a good way. And it's my first Bradley Caffee story! From the first chapter up to the last, every thing has captured my attention. Intense. A real page turner.
The characters are well written, and everytime I read a dialogue every character has a distinct voice in my head. It was that good.
Though I feel like I still want more from this book.
Can I suggest to netflix that they make this into a TV Show? 😊
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: "The monster stares at me."
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: "That's the way with truth sometimes - we don't like it. That doesn't change the fact that it is truth."
This book surprised me. In a good way. And it's my first Bradley Caffee story! From the first chapter up to the last, every thing has captured my attention. Intense. A real page turner.
The characters are well written, and everytime I read a dialogue every character has a distinct voice in my head. It was that good.
Though I feel like I still want more from this book.
Can I suggest to netflix that they make this into a TV Show? 😊
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
March 3, 2025
What begins as a dystopian action story weaves in touching themes of friendship and forgiveness. It shows the ugliness of prejudice and the beauty of sacrifice, all within a world that is at once familiar and alien. The protagonist hardly seems heroic at the start, but his weakness turns to strength just when it is needed most. A highly satisfying read with a killer ending!
March 5, 2025
I loved this book so much. The world building is unique, the action nonstop, and the characters are deep. Once I started, I couldn’t put this one down but read long into the night until I was finished. Well done, Bradley!
March 18, 2025
What a wonderful story. Full of hope and desperation, the evils man can do and the amazing heights that we can reach. This story twists and turns holding the reader right to the end.
Another masterpiece from Bradley Caffrey.
Another masterpiece from Bradley Caffrey.
March 19, 2025
Phenomenal book, that hits a new stride from author Bradley Caffee yet stills feels much like The Chase Runner series and Sides. Wonderful worldbuilding, and brilliantly written characters bring this story to life alongside thrilling set pieces and captivating twists.
August 5, 2025
Fast-paced and imaginative, with lots of twists and turns. I connected with the characters, and the aliens came across as truly alien, not humans in rubber suits. I really appreciated the themes of forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Very well done!
February 24, 2025
Ted and Tash’jya have a special relationship. We can see that there are many misunderstandings between the two species. I like to see how they start a friendship and learn how to fix a few things.
June 9, 2025
A moving story about understanding those who are different from us and the power of friendship, all set in a thrilling, high-stakes dystopian backdrop.
July 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this to fans of dystopian sci fi.
July 18, 2025
great book! really enjoyed it
October 14, 2025
Such a good book!!
Loved the characters!
Especially Tash’jya. 3
Loved the characters!
Especially Tash’jya. 3
December 30, 2025
3.5 Stars
I don’t believe I’ve ever been so conflicted upon finishing a book. The story idea is a neat one, the alien race and character relationships are pretty well done, and most of the themes are excellent. However, the writing is a bit choppy and creates distance between the reader and the story, several of the ending plot points are unbelievable, and one of the biggest themes is unrealistic.
Ted, the main character, is mostly believable, and his anger and driving need to know what happened to his father are compelling. His growth from an angry boy searching for answers to a young man who’s willing to sacrifice and fight for others, not just his own survival, is incredible.
The themes of forgiveness and self-sacrifice are well done, realistic and appropriately paced in a way that matches both the story and the character’s growth.
My biggest problem with the story as a whole is that it works on the assumption that one, if an alien race exists it would not have the same problems as humanity - though there is a creator, and two, that humanities problems with war and fighting are caused by external problems only.
Both these ideas present a theme that humanity/sentient beings are on the whole good, and that it is external forces that cause us to do evil. This is unrealistic, and makes the story frustrating, as it preaches the idea that if we were to only solve things like world hunger and clean energy, then humanity - and the world - would be a good place to live, which is a false hope.
For this reason, the choppy writing, and the plot points I’ve listed below, I can’t give Captive more than 3.5 stars.
**Spoilers below here**
The last thing I have an issue with is the lack of security at the border of the Bubble. They people in the story have had soldiers coming across the border for two years, some undoubtedly exactly like Revon, and yet no one has set up their own guards to ensure those inside the Bubble aren’t harmed and the scientists have a chance to reverse the damage?
Come on. Speculative fiction stories are “out of this world”, but even they need to follow rules of logic. The idea that there are no guards at the edge of the Bubble - and that none of the soldiers who’ve come through the barrier would show up to help take care of Revon - is completely unrealistic and makes the heretofore naturally unfolding storyline seem forced and unbelievable.
I don’t believe I’ve ever been so conflicted upon finishing a book. The story idea is a neat one, the alien race and character relationships are pretty well done, and most of the themes are excellent. However, the writing is a bit choppy and creates distance between the reader and the story, several of the ending plot points are unbelievable, and one of the biggest themes is unrealistic.
Ted, the main character, is mostly believable, and his anger and driving need to know what happened to his father are compelling. His growth from an angry boy searching for answers to a young man who’s willing to sacrifice and fight for others, not just his own survival, is incredible.
The themes of forgiveness and self-sacrifice are well done, realistic and appropriately paced in a way that matches both the story and the character’s growth.
My biggest problem with the story as a whole is that it works on the assumption that one, if an alien race exists it would not have the same problems as humanity - though there is a creator, and two, that humanities problems with war and fighting are caused by external problems only.
Both these ideas present a theme that humanity/sentient beings are on the whole good, and that it is external forces that cause us to do evil. This is unrealistic, and makes the story frustrating, as it preaches the idea that if we were to only solve things like world hunger and clean energy, then humanity - and the world - would be a good place to live, which is a false hope.
For this reason, the choppy writing, and the plot points I’ve listed below, I can’t give Captive more than 3.5 stars.
**Spoilers below here**
The last thing I have an issue with is the lack of security at the border of the Bubble. They people in the story have had soldiers coming across the border for two years, some undoubtedly exactly like Revon, and yet no one has set up their own guards to ensure those inside the Bubble aren’t harmed and the scientists have a chance to reverse the damage?
Come on. Speculative fiction stories are “out of this world”, but even they need to follow rules of logic. The idea that there are no guards at the edge of the Bubble - and that none of the soldiers who’ve come through the barrier would show up to help take care of Revon - is completely unrealistic and makes the heretofore naturally unfolding storyline seem forced and unbelievable.
April 16, 2025
A very creative story! Not like anything else I've read. Humans and aliens in a post-apocalyptic world. Prejudices and hatred. Turned to friendship and forgiveness. But not without a lot of action and tense moments along the way! Definitely worth the read!
Thank you to the author for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Thank you to the author for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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