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The Captive #1-5
The Captive Series Bundle
Taken from her beloved family and woods, Aria’s biggest fear isn’t death... it’s becoming a blood slave for a member of the vampire race. Hoping for death, Aria’s world turns upside down when Braith steps forward to claim her. The powerful vampire delays her execution, but it’s only a matter of time before he destroys her. Haunted by Aria’s betrayal, Braith spent the past months becoming a monster. When he learns she was spotted in the woods, he tries to stay away, but finds himself drawn to the rebel who stole his heart. Divided between their loyalties and their hearts, will their love be enough to overcome their past, or will their differences tear them apart forever? Horror stories abound about The Barrens. Aria is fearful of entering into the land she’s heard nothing but cautionary tales about, but she’s determined to help Braith locate vampires that may help them with their cause. The deeper they travel into The Barrens, the more she realizes that it won’t be the war, or even the king who will eventually tear her and Braith apart. It will be her. Tormented by the loss of Aria, Braith is forced to choose between his need to rescue her and the impending rebellion he was chosen to lead. Fighting the darkness threatening to drag him under, Braith struggles against becoming like the one thing he hates most… his father. Hannah long ago accepted she would never leave the small town of Chippman. When Jack walks into her life, she can’t deny her attraction to him. However, afraid Jack will reject her if he learns the truth, Hannah is determined to keep her distance from him. ***The Captive Series is mature YA/New Adult. This book contains some language, violence, and sexual situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.*** Recommended reading order for the completed Captive Series.
Captured (Book 1)
Renegade (Book 2)
Refugee (Book 3)
Salvation (Book 4)
Redemption (Book 5)
Broken (The Captive Series Prequel)
Vengeance (Book 6)
Unbound (Book 7)
Captured (Book 1)
Renegade (Book 2)
Refugee (Book 3)
Salvation (Book 4)
Redemption (Book 5)
Broken (The Captive Series Prequel)
Vengeance (Book 6)
Unbound (Book 7)
1066 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
205 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Erica Stevens
44 books2,282 followersErica Stevens is the author of the Captive Series, Coven Series, Kindred Series, Fire & Ice Series, Ravening Series, and the Survivor Chronicles. She enjoys writing young adult, new adult, romance, horror, and science fiction. She also writes adult paranormal romance and historical romance under the pen name, Brenda K. Davies. When not out with friends and family, she is at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 16, 2015
The hero is a 900 year old vampire with the emotional maturity of a 15 year old. The heroine has all the survival skills of Katniss Everdeen combined with all of the survival instincts of Bella Swan. It was so absurd that I couldn't stop reading and yet never quite over the top enough to qualify as crazy sauce. I spent a lot of time yelling at the book's characters.
November 7, 2018
First and foremost, I did not finish this bundle. So my opinion is based on the first and half of the second book. The first and second book had the same writing style, so i can only assume the remaining books would be the same. And for that assumption, I just couldn't continue the series.
Book 1.
Being Captured, Blood Slave, Getting to know the characters, the history of the setting (vampires vs humans), Braith and Aria relationship or lack there of, etc.
The story intrigued me and had me turning the page. I could tell that the first book maybe a little slower b/c you gotta learn why everything is the way it is. So I pushed through and enjoyed it to some degree. The biggest flaw and overall writing was written through inner monologue. The inner monologue didn't bother me to terribly much b/c the story itself was interesting. But again the IM was there and alot of it.
Book 2.
Continued exactly where book 1 left off. Some things wrapped up too quickly but I do not want to complain about that to much b/c I would hate for lack of communication be the simple thing that dragged an issue out. With that said, Book 2 had potential but the Inner Monologue was just to much if not more than book 1. Maybe I just noticed it more here, I don't know...
I started skimming until I got to the characters speaking to each other. Than I realized I missed a few things and had to look back. If authors would just put more work into the characters inter acting and communicating with each other vs all this inner monologue.... Us readers, wouldn't have to skim, then miss something that could be valuable.
Unfortunately, I didn't finish.
Book 1.
Being Captured, Blood Slave, Getting to know the characters, the history of the setting (vampires vs humans), Braith and Aria relationship or lack there of, etc.
The story intrigued me and had me turning the page. I could tell that the first book maybe a little slower b/c you gotta learn why everything is the way it is. So I pushed through and enjoyed it to some degree. The biggest flaw and overall writing was written through inner monologue. The inner monologue didn't bother me to terribly much b/c the story itself was interesting. But again the IM was there and alot of it.
Book 2.
Continued exactly where book 1 left off. Some things wrapped up too quickly but I do not want to complain about that to much b/c I would hate for lack of communication be the simple thing that dragged an issue out. With that said, Book 2 had potential but the Inner Monologue was just to much if not more than book 1. Maybe I just noticed it more here, I don't know...
I started skimming until I got to the characters speaking to each other. Than I realized I missed a few things and had to look back. If authors would just put more work into the characters inter acting and communicating with each other vs all this inner monologue.... Us readers, wouldn't have to skim, then miss something that could be valuable.
Unfortunately, I didn't finish.
January 18, 2016
This is a highly addictive series!
I didn't find it to be all that original and I didn't love all the characters, but I still couldn't put it down.
The negative:
Obvious Twilight references aside, it offers another vampire/human relationship that was highly volatile, possessive, and unbalanced. I don't even know what a 900-year-old vampire would see in a 17-year-old girl aside from the obvious. Braith's unhinged, violent temper would be enough to drive any woman away, at least one with a shred of survival instinct. He was manipulative and controlling to a scary degree.
Lots of gore.
The positive:
Braith's actions toward Aria in the first book were honorable when he could have completely taken advantage of her. Actually, he never harmed her through the series and seemed to love her, even though it was in a self-destructive kind of way.
The Rebellion and societies were interesting. To see a community where vamps and humans could live in harmony was a nice contrast to the monarchy in the town that had blood slaves. The side characters added a LOT to the books. They fleshed out the flat feel of the story and made me like it much more than just Aria and Braith's part. The blindness was an interesting play on the whole love at first sight thing.
Though there were some sexual situations, the details were skimmed over in favor of focusing on the relationship.
I think if I waited awhile before rating, then this series would go down to a 3 for me. But I stayed up way too late reading and didn't want to do much else; any book that captures my attention that much deserves at least a 4. :)
I didn't find it to be all that original and I didn't love all the characters, but I still couldn't put it down.
The negative:
Obvious Twilight references aside, it offers another vampire/human relationship that was highly volatile, possessive, and unbalanced. I don't even know what a 900-year-old vampire would see in a 17-year-old girl aside from the obvious. Braith's unhinged, violent temper would be enough to drive any woman away, at least one with a shred of survival instinct. He was manipulative and controlling to a scary degree.
Lots of gore.
The positive:
Braith's actions toward Aria in the first book were honorable when he could have completely taken advantage of her. Actually, he never harmed her through the series and seemed to love her, even though it was in a self-destructive kind of way.
The Rebellion and societies were interesting. To see a community where vamps and humans could live in harmony was a nice contrast to the monarchy in the town that had blood slaves. The side characters added a LOT to the books. They fleshed out the flat feel of the story and made me like it much more than just Aria and Braith's part. The blindness was an interesting play on the whole love at first sight thing.
Though there were some sexual situations, the details were skimmed over in favor of focusing on the relationship.
I think if I waited awhile before rating, then this series would go down to a 3 for me. But I stayed up way too late reading and didn't want to do much else; any book that captures my attention that much deserves at least a 4. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2017
OVERALL: 3.9 Stars
Captured (The Captive #1) - 5 stars
What a book! I loved it from the moment it started. The tension building up and the ending was amazing. I like the war that Aria had to battle within herself for what she had gone through her whole life and what she currently was feeling. This book had a slightly Beauty and the Beast aspect to it and the back and forth between Braith and Aria was tension filled.
Renegade (The Captive #2) - 4.5 Stars
I liked how the story progressed. There were some surprising parts throughout and getting more in depth answers into the way everything happened was interesting.
Refugee (The Captive #3) - 3 stars
Interesting tale but this one stretched out for me a bit. Also, it seemed the Braith was controlling even around Aria's family and Aria cried through most of it. I was expecting a stronger presence from her.
Salvation (The Captive #4) - 4 Stars
I liked this book better than the third one. The fight scenes and progression of the story was a lot smoother.
Redemption (The Captive #5) - 3 Stars
Even after a year since the humans were freed, Jack has struggled with himself over his haunting memories. He is content to travel the outer lands ensuring that all the laws are being met, that is until he encounters Hannah. Hannah has been living with a secret all of her life and has been stuck in the town of Chippman with nowhere else to go. Life is pretty much at a standstill until Jack comes to town and intends to liberate them all.
This has been my least favorite book of the series. After the excitement from the first four books and the adventure in them this book fell flat to me. Not that I don't like Jack but his story was blah. I was not big on the plot progression and the development of the characters. It was interesting to see how the world had changed after the vampire war.
Captured (The Captive #1) - 5 stars
What a book! I loved it from the moment it started. The tension building up and the ending was amazing. I like the war that Aria had to battle within herself for what she had gone through her whole life and what she currently was feeling. This book had a slightly Beauty and the Beast aspect to it and the back and forth between Braith and Aria was tension filled.
Renegade (The Captive #2) - 4.5 Stars
I liked how the story progressed. There were some surprising parts throughout and getting more in depth answers into the way everything happened was interesting.
Refugee (The Captive #3) - 3 stars
Interesting tale but this one stretched out for me a bit. Also, it seemed the Braith was controlling even around Aria's family and Aria cried through most of it. I was expecting a stronger presence from her.
Salvation (The Captive #4) - 4 Stars
I liked this book better than the third one. The fight scenes and progression of the story was a lot smoother.
Redemption (The Captive #5) - 3 Stars
Even after a year since the humans were freed, Jack has struggled with himself over his haunting memories. He is content to travel the outer lands ensuring that all the laws are being met, that is until he encounters Hannah. Hannah has been living with a secret all of her life and has been stuck in the town of Chippman with nowhere else to go. Life is pretty much at a standstill until Jack comes to town and intends to liberate them all.
This has been my least favorite book of the series. After the excitement from the first four books and the adventure in them this book fell flat to me. Not that I don't like Jack but his story was blah. I was not big on the plot progression and the development of the characters. It was interesting to see how the world had changed after the vampire war.
August 16, 2017
I loved every minute of this book. I started with Broken and then read these 5 books and listened to 1 -4 on audio books. It's a great vampire vs human book. There are no sex scenes but violence as the wars erupt. I absolutely loved the love story between Braith (vampire) and Aria (human). The bond they share is part of their DNA – it happens to vampires rarely, but never heard of between a human and a vampire. I loved good overcoming evil and love wins all. Book 5 is about Braith's brother Jake (Jericho) and was really good too. Book 6 is about Aria's twin brother William. Not sure what book 7 will be, but I will read it.
I completely recommend these books as well as the audio books. I'd love it if there were more audio books for 5 -7. I've never read Erica Steven's novels before. She does have a lot of internal dialog going on inside the character's minds - sometimes I would just like to get on with the story - but it does bring more depth to the story. Loved it all and am going to be sad when I'm finished with all of the books. I can see me reading it multiple times.
**Update: I think authors need to stop at 3 books. I get tired of longer series that continue to bring in more drama. In book 5, the author forgot her own rules on how a vampire can find someone when their blood is in the human's system. Books 1-4 Vampire's blood in human and they can find them forever. Book 5 Human blood in Vampire and the vampire can still track them. Completely switched the rule. Book 6 was good, although scary and it was like watching a movie and saying "don't open that door or stay in a house that is haunted". Book 7 more war and I'm not sure I can finish it. I'm tired of the story at this point.
I completely recommend these books as well as the audio books. I'd love it if there were more audio books for 5 -7. I've never read Erica Steven's novels before. She does have a lot of internal dialog going on inside the character's minds - sometimes I would just like to get on with the story - but it does bring more depth to the story. Loved it all and am going to be sad when I'm finished with all of the books. I can see me reading it multiple times.
**Update: I think authors need to stop at 3 books. I get tired of longer series that continue to bring in more drama. In book 5, the author forgot her own rules on how a vampire can find someone when their blood is in the human's system. Books 1-4 Vampire's blood in human and they can find them forever. Book 5 Human blood in Vampire and the vampire can still track them. Completely switched the rule. Book 6 was good, although scary and it was like watching a movie and saying "don't open that door or stay in a house that is haunted". Book 7 more war and I'm not sure I can finish it. I'm tired of the story at this point.
June 10, 2018
The Captive Series Bundle Review
I loved, loved, loved this bundle. I became engrossed in it and read all five books back to back.
In a world where there is no modern technology, vampires rule and humans are the endangered species.
A well-written paranormal read with terrific
characters you love and love to hate, an amazing story line with plot twists, heartbreak, and love.
I highly recommend this bundle!
I loved, loved, loved this bundle. I became engrossed in it and read all five books back to back.
In a world where there is no modern technology, vampires rule and humans are the endangered species.
A well-written paranormal read with terrific
characters you love and love to hate, an amazing story line with plot twists, heartbreak, and love.
I highly recommend this bundle!
July 18, 2018
What a great new adult vampire series
I loved loved loved this series. It's a little different from most vampire series. What if the vampires rose to power. There are great love stories and plenty of twist and turns in this series. I am sure if you are like me you can read fast enough to find out what happens next. There are no hot sexy scenes but it still had a lot of passion in the story. I already bought the rest of the series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I loved loved loved this series. It's a little different from most vampire series. What if the vampires rose to power. There are great love stories and plenty of twist and turns in this series. I am sure if you are like me you can read fast enough to find out what happens next. There are no hot sexy scenes but it still had a lot of passion in the story. I already bought the rest of the series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 13, 2019
Oh my gosh! What a trip! I fell in love with all the characters in this series! It was EVERYTHING you would want in a series! Love, romance, action unbelievable. I really felt drawn into the story.
I really love reading series books like this where I can escape all the drama and boredom of my life. The longer a book is, the more I love it. I would recommend this book to all other supernatural book lovers. It will take you away!
I really love reading series books like this where I can escape all the drama and boredom of my life. The longer a book is, the more I love it. I would recommend this book to all other supernatural book lovers. It will take you away!
October 7, 2017
(c) 2014 Excellent read. I would definitely read other books E.S. has written. The main characters are Arianna who is not a vampire. She is captured and sold on the slave market and is bought by a vampire prince. You are able to read about how vampires enslave the humans as a blood slaves. All I can say is that it is full of romance, battles and a fight to regain control to live in harmony.
December 5, 2018
Vampire romance
Interesting story, and good pace. I liked the characters. Interesting twist of vampire limitations and charistctics. Some cussing, and a love scene, but very few details.
Interesting story, and good pace. I liked the characters. Interesting twist of vampire limitations and charistctics. Some cussing, and a love scene, but very few details.
December 5, 2019
I love this series so much that I've re-read this a few times. This world and these characters were amazing bravo t0 Erica Stevens.
November 29, 2022
the story gets boring and repetitive. Aria and Braith don't listen. He stews at everything and she doesn't listen and gets herself into trouble and the cries. I was hoping it would get better but it hasn't for me.
June 28, 2017
Great story.
August 17, 2017
Intense
This author keeps your attention the whole time. Not a minute goes by that you aren't so excited to see what is going to gappen next
This author keeps your attention the whole time. Not a minute goes by that you aren't so excited to see what is going to gappen next
September 2, 2017
Great story
Oh to be loved like the love shared between those who are bound together by a bloodlink. Jealous am I.
Oh to be loved like the love shared between those who are bound together by a bloodlink. Jealous am I.
October 22, 2018
Awesome read
Loved the book. I cant wait to see how it continues. I hope william finds peace and hooefully daniel finds true love. Cant wait to see who has kids first.
Loved the book. I cant wait to see how it continues. I hope william finds peace and hooefully daniel finds true love. Cant wait to see who has kids first.
November 12, 2018
Read the first book, not going bother with the rest.
May 20, 2020
I enjoyed the story line and premise ! Very entertaining! I loved the characters , favorite Aria !!!
March 9, 2021
Love this story
August 2, 2022
I absolutely love this book series! I couldn't put it down. It made my heart race with anxiety.
June 23, 2023
Perfect for vampire lovers real page turner couldn’t put it down
August 5, 2018
Vampires don't have ❤'s...How can they love?
If you want to know the answer and like drama with a happy ending The Captive Series is for you! Aria and Braith take you on an exciting and romantic adventure. Their intense emotional and physical attachment to each other wouldn't allow me to put the series down begging to know what happens next. Their saga includes passion, DRAMA good vs evil, love and loss, war, destruction and transformation.
If you want to know the answer and like drama with a happy ending The Captive Series is for you! Aria and Braith take you on an exciting and romantic adventure. Their intense emotional and physical attachment to each other wouldn't allow me to put the series down begging to know what happens next. Their saga includes passion, DRAMA good vs evil, love and loss, war, destruction and transformation.
March 15, 2015
This is a fabulous 5 book series to own and re-read again and again! We meet scruffy, dirty, woods rat Arianna...a 17 year old human/child who lives and fights in the woods. She knows no other life except that of fighting for her life and those she loves and she is good at it. Her clothes are rough, food scarce and personal hygiene a luxury when she can find a water source. When she is captured, while saving a little boys life, by roaming vampire guards. Braith is the blind vampire heir apparent...who is walking through the wealthy town that surrounds his palace, when he SEES her on the auction block, and he will know WHY for he has been blind for a hundred years. She will be sold as a blood source to be drained to death or the worst: a blood slave to a vampire who would bleed, torture and defile their property any way they want. But Aria would rather be killed at once rather than let anyone know her secret: she is the only daughter to the leader of the rebels. When Aria finds herself sold as a blood slave to prince Braith all she expects is degradation and torture on a daily basis, to her surprise the prince is not the monster his father and brother are...following along these lines is an epic romance and war that will find some of our favorites fighting for their lives in a horrendous battle that will see captivity, torture and death. I cried, I laughed and I LOVE this series, I think you will too! Buy it as a packaged deal, you don't want to wait for the next in this series! 1: CAPTURED, 2: RENEGADE, 3: REFUGEE, 4: SALVATION & 5: REDEMPTION by ERICA STEVENS...happy reading my friends! ٩(-̮̮̃-̃)۶
May 4, 2015
(5%) Arianna's background story reminded me of children born in battle-field countries. They are deprived from basic and normal things. I felt heavy and so I'm eager to read on to learn what will happen to her.
(13%) What a twist of Jericho but I like it very much. And the love of a father to his child...
(17%) At the beginning of book 2, there are some repeating background introduction which slowed down the story.
After finishing book2, chapter 2, I had a bad feeling the story is going down so I decided to read all 3 star reviews of this series on amazon. Then I know it's time to give up this one. (As English isn't my native language, it's a bit hard to scan through the pages or I think I'll scan it. )
(13%) What a twist of Jericho but I like it very much. And the love of a father to his child...
(17%) At the beginning of book 2, there are some repeating background introduction which slowed down the story.
After finishing book2, chapter 2, I had a bad feeling the story is going down so I decided to read all 3 star reviews of this series on amazon. Then I know it's time to give up this one. (As English isn't my native language, it's a bit hard to scan through the pages or I think I'll scan it. )
February 17, 2015
This series will hold you "Captive" from one book into the next. (As a matter of fact I have pre-ordered the 6th book) This is very much a paranormal series of vampires. Captive Series is about the lives of both vampire and human and the struggle to survive but also coexist in the same towns. Add in war, blood slaves, death, rebels, love, revenge and abuse and you have a story line that will keep you wondering exactly what will happen next.
Note: Just a heads up to those who have trigger points: This series has abuse, revenge, dungeons, and abduction so if these are triggers for you then it would not be a good series for you. It is definitely worth your time if you can handle those things. There are some HEA points and each book takes over where the one before ends.
Note: Just a heads up to those who have trigger points: This series has abuse, revenge, dungeons, and abduction so if these are triggers for you then it would not be a good series for you. It is definitely worth your time if you can handle those things. There are some HEA points and each book takes over where the one before ends.
October 11, 2016
A Different Kind Of Vampire;
I have been reading a lot of werewolves novels for a while now but this set of novels has brought me back to the world of the vampires. I would love to climb into this author's mind and find out how she came up with this new world of vampire. This set is packed to the brim with action,passion,family and excitement galore. Please do yourself a HUGE favor and buy this set of novels. I promise that you will lose sleep but it will be 100 Percent worth it. I have already bought the next three novels and I can hardly wait to start reading them. My deepest gratitude to Erica Stevens for making my sleepless nights more enjoyable and thank you Amazon for my Kindle...
I have been reading a lot of werewolves novels for a while now but this set of novels has brought me back to the world of the vampires. I would love to climb into this author's mind and find out how she came up with this new world of vampire. This set is packed to the brim with action,passion,family and excitement galore. Please do yourself a HUGE favor and buy this set of novels. I promise that you will lose sleep but it will be 100 Percent worth it. I have already bought the next three novels and I can hardly wait to start reading them. My deepest gratitude to Erica Stevens for making my sleepless nights more enjoyable and thank you Amazon for my Kindle...
March 15, 2015
Book 1. This was the second time I have read this book, but it has been some time. Blood slave, used and abused, but not for Arianna. Was she loved? Was she just a play thing?
Book 2. Will the reign of terror end? Will Aria ever find happiness? Will Braith come to his senses?
Book 3. Let's draw up the troops, it's time to retake the throne! At least that's what they hope to do, but damn if a wrench doesn't get thrown into the mix.
Book 4. Wow! Who would have thought so much s*** could happen to this poor girl? Someone forgot their rabbits foot I guess. But, can there be a happily ever after for her?
Book 2. Will the reign of terror end? Will Aria ever find happiness? Will Braith come to his senses?
Book 3. Let's draw up the troops, it's time to retake the throne! At least that's what they hope to do, but damn if a wrench doesn't get thrown into the mix.
Book 4. Wow! Who would have thought so much s*** could happen to this poor girl? Someone forgot their rabbits foot I guess. But, can there be a happily ever after for her?
May 14, 2015
Aria sounds amazing! Braith needs his head examined. William is a hot and hilarious jokester. Daniel is composed and thoughtful. David is over bearing, extremely protective and determined. Jack seems loyal to his cause and those who genuinely love him. Caleb and Natasha are demon spawn. The king is psychotic and capable of every evil thing ever thought. These characters personalities are so different yet they all mesh so well together. There are plenty of other vamps and humans who sick out but I can't give away everything. Thks series kept me enthralled the entire time.
February 5, 2015
What a amazing bundle! I already owned 1-3 but needed the rest and I'm so glad I know have them in a easy bundle to read. What a great vampire series for YA/Adult. It's rare to find such a vampire series that's pretty clean and yet no graphic sex scenes were needed to make the storyline. The storyline itself was the best! The characters you can't help but love and Aria is such a strong female role model.
What can I say this was a fantastic series. I highly recommend for all ages
What can I say this was a fantastic series. I highly recommend for all ages
April 27, 2016
A radical change to the world is when vampires come out of hiding and conquer the human population with their superior strength, speed, healing ability and longevity. Humans become essentially slaves to the rulers, and Aria is caught and auctioned off as a "blood slave". She is a member of the resistance and finds herself under the control of the ruling heir, Braith. Did I say they fall in love? A complicated story with many twists and turns, but nicely done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews