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Heroes of the Empire #4
The Captive
THE DEAD CANNOT COME BACK, BUT PROMISES MADE TO THEM LIVE FOREVER
Honzio Hartinza is no stranger to loss, but rather than bury himself in mourning, he focuses on building a better empire and rooting out the traitors who wish to destroy it. His primary aim is finding Svorgin, but after searching endlessly, Honzio is losing hope of his friend’s survival. Even so, he leaves the throne’s mantle in trustworthy hands and sets sail over the perilous Lagrima Sea to honor the promise he made him and free Savoria. When circumstances leave him stranded on the island alone, he conceals his identity until he can determine his next step.
Saga Barindaughter met sorrow firsthand the day her father was captured. But under the oppressive rule of the Tariqins, grief didn’t help her survive—resentment did, a low vengeful fury that still burns within her. When a strange man washes onto Savorian shores and claims he has come on the emperor’s orders to save them, Saga’s misgivings hold her back. But despite her distrusting nature, the longer she spends in the stranger’s presence, the more she believes him and feels something she hasn’t in a long time: hope.
When a mission from Emperor Honzio is entrusted to her, Aria enters Devorin’s castle to uncover the queen’s betrayal. Her attempts to rescue an imprisoned Savorian man go awry, and she becomes wrapped in a wicked scheme and is forced on a hunt for an ancient relic alongside the queen’s specially trained warriors—the Fox, the Mole, the Hounds, and the infamous Blade. Chained with the aggravating Savorian, she has no choice but to put her faith in him so they can escape before they unwillingly find the queen the tool to achieve her dream of world dominion: the Golden Crown.
Honzio Hartinza is no stranger to loss, but rather than bury himself in mourning, he focuses on building a better empire and rooting out the traitors who wish to destroy it. His primary aim is finding Svorgin, but after searching endlessly, Honzio is losing hope of his friend’s survival. Even so, he leaves the throne’s mantle in trustworthy hands and sets sail over the perilous Lagrima Sea to honor the promise he made him and free Savoria. When circumstances leave him stranded on the island alone, he conceals his identity until he can determine his next step.
Saga Barindaughter met sorrow firsthand the day her father was captured. But under the oppressive rule of the Tariqins, grief didn’t help her survive—resentment did, a low vengeful fury that still burns within her. When a strange man washes onto Savorian shores and claims he has come on the emperor’s orders to save them, Saga’s misgivings hold her back. But despite her distrusting nature, the longer she spends in the stranger’s presence, the more she believes him and feels something she hasn’t in a long time: hope.
When a mission from Emperor Honzio is entrusted to her, Aria enters Devorin’s castle to uncover the queen’s betrayal. Her attempts to rescue an imprisoned Savorian man go awry, and she becomes wrapped in a wicked scheme and is forced on a hunt for an ancient relic alongside the queen’s specially trained warriors—the Fox, the Mole, the Hounds, and the infamous Blade. Chained with the aggravating Savorian, she has no choice but to put her faith in him so they can escape before they unwillingly find the queen the tool to achieve her dream of world dominion: the Golden Crown.
First published November 25, 2025
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Israh Azizi
4 books170 followersIsrah Azizi resides in the land of ten thousand lakes with her family and five cats. Since she was a little girl she has been a lover of words and fanciful tales. It was her dream to one day share a story of her own with the world. With sheer determination, lots of love, and a decent amount of caffeine, she managed to make that dream come true. Besides reading and writing, she has a dizzying number of hobbies, some of which include bossing around her younger siblings, experimenting with new baking recipes, and playing board games with her family and close friends. When life’s plot twists don’t cross her path and her fingers aren’t dancing across the keyboard building a fantastical adventure, she can usually be found in a quiet corner with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 6, 2025
No! This can't be the end! Israh Azizi needs to make more books for this series, hint ;). I have been so invested and really don't want to let go. Book 4 was a true gem in the Heroes of the Empire lineup. The ancient crown was understood and finalized in this book as it has been a sought after power in the first three. Great development of new characters and their relationships with each other. Love the title, The Captive, and how each character had their own take on being one. A beautiful and emotional literary journey. I can't recommend this series enough. ARC read this book and a big thank you to Author Israh Azizi for letting me read and give my opinions. Can't wait for your next book!!!
November 24, 2025
This is the fourth story in the series, and follows Saga, Honzio, Aria, and Svorgin on their epic journeys to save the Kingdom and loved ones, and adjusting to their tragic losses at the end of book 3.
I loved how it follows 3 separate journeys with their own adventures and challenges, but their paths merge in an epic finale.
I loved all the nods to tradition and culture, especially in Saga's clan, and how they honoured their fallen family.
The characters face sea monsters, the city of the dead, a quest for a lost relic, and trying to fulfil their promises.
I enjoyed seeing Aria go undercover to find Jax, and stumbling into danger and a new ally. I enjoyed Saga's resilience, determination and bravery to protect her people, and seeing families and friends reunite.
It's a bittersweet ending, that sees the rise of heroes, new love, honouring the fallen, and seeing new bonds form.
I have loved being immersed in this epic world of heroes and legends, and seeing a deserved conclusion for the warriors.
I loved how it follows 3 separate journeys with their own adventures and challenges, but their paths merge in an epic finale.
I loved all the nods to tradition and culture, especially in Saga's clan, and how they honoured their fallen family.
The characters face sea monsters, the city of the dead, a quest for a lost relic, and trying to fulfil their promises.
I enjoyed seeing Aria go undercover to find Jax, and stumbling into danger and a new ally. I enjoyed Saga's resilience, determination and bravery to protect her people, and seeing families and friends reunite.
It's a bittersweet ending, that sees the rise of heroes, new love, honouring the fallen, and seeing new bonds form.
I have loved being immersed in this epic world of heroes and legends, and seeing a deserved conclusion for the warriors.
October 30, 2025
I loved this book so much that I finished the last 53% in one sitting. I haven't binged that much of a book in one sitting in awhile! I have loved this entire series and this final book in the quartet was everything I could have wanted in a finale! After the heartbreaking ending to the last book, I was curious where this one would lead! I LOVE that this one followed Svorgin and Aria. I also loved seeing more of Honzio's growth and also meeting Saga! So far in the series, Mordon and Coralie have been my favorite couple, and I didn't think I could love any other couple as much. Until this book! I loooove the banter between Svorgin and Aria; it is seriously top notch! And I adore the interactions between Honzio and Saga. Going from distrust to helping one another in their grief/anxiety was so cool! I LOVE them together! I also really loved the storyline. I will admit there were a few instances where things wrapped up quickly, but only a few. The plot overall is insanely engaging, and I love that the author ties together all her plotlines. We know what happens to all the major players and the epilogue was chef's kiss to tying in a certain character who started this whole epic saga! I absolutely loved this book! I love these characters, and I highly recommend this entire series!!
*just a note, this story does have a good bit of violence, so check triggers.
*just a note, this story does have a good bit of violence, so check triggers.
November 26, 2025
I actually went back and reread the end of the previous book before diving into this one, just to put myself back in the headspace these characters occupy and I’m so glad I did. I’ll be honest: I was nervous going in. Losing my two favorite characters was such a bold, gut-wrenching choice, and I genuinely thought there was no way I’d love this installment quite as much as the first three.
But somehow this became one of my favorites of the entire series.
What really struck me is how deeply this book sits with the consequences of everything that came before. The entire story feels shaped by the impact of those lost characters: how their choices ripple outward, how their absence changes people, how grief becomes a catalyst for healing rather than just a wound. It’s handled with so much care and so much emotional intelligence.
I didn’t expect to get new romances here, and I definitely didn’t expect to like them as much as I did. This is a book full of heavy emotions, but it never loses sight of hope and connection. That’s honestly what made it so special for me.
If anything, the pacing felt a bit quick in places, but it didn’t bother me. If anything, it made the whole thing feel more like one final push toward something meaningful. And this ending is meaningful. It closes the series in a way that feels incredibly satisfying. It absolutely sticks this landing.
This whole series was such a surprise for me (five stars across the board) and it’s a little bittersweet knowing there’s no more time to be spent with these characters. I’m going to miss them like crazy, but what a fantastic ending to go out on.
Thanks to the author for the pre-released copy to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
But somehow this became one of my favorites of the entire series.
What really struck me is how deeply this book sits with the consequences of everything that came before. The entire story feels shaped by the impact of those lost characters: how their choices ripple outward, how their absence changes people, how grief becomes a catalyst for healing rather than just a wound. It’s handled with so much care and so much emotional intelligence.
I didn’t expect to get new romances here, and I definitely didn’t expect to like them as much as I did. This is a book full of heavy emotions, but it never loses sight of hope and connection. That’s honestly what made it so special for me.
If anything, the pacing felt a bit quick in places, but it didn’t bother me. If anything, it made the whole thing feel more like one final push toward something meaningful. And this ending is meaningful. It closes the series in a way that feels incredibly satisfying. It absolutely sticks this landing.
This whole series was such a surprise for me (five stars across the board) and it’s a little bittersweet knowing there’s no more time to be spent with these characters. I’m going to miss them like crazy, but what a fantastic ending to go out on.
Thanks to the author for the pre-released copy to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
November 2, 2025
And that concludes this quartet.
Oh my days- I’m an emotional wreck. How I managed to find the time to read this I cannot fathom. But I am in such awe that a series that I’ve been so obsessed with over the last two years has finally come to its conclusion. The first review I ever wrote on Goodreads was for the first book in this series, and so to have finished it is just incredible to me.
This book had me battling tears, laughing, grinning like an idiot, and all the muddled emotions in between.
The pacing? Incredible. Isra Aziz’s signature writing style seems to include jaw-dropping reveals and slight cliffhangers all interspersed with different subplots, and the result: an immaculate story (and one that will leave you reading for hours without realising).
I love that in this book we are introduced to new characters as well as some old ones, and to see their growth, development, and their stories being finished? Just incredible.
I’m genuinely in awe of this writer- this series is honestly so underrated it’s CRIMINAL. I’m forever grateful that I received a digital copy of this (I didn’t have the willpower to wait another month until I could buy this on Kindle).
Thank you Isra Azizi, for one of the most epic literary adventures I’ve ever had.
Oh my days- I’m an emotional wreck. How I managed to find the time to read this I cannot fathom. But I am in such awe that a series that I’ve been so obsessed with over the last two years has finally come to its conclusion. The first review I ever wrote on Goodreads was for the first book in this series, and so to have finished it is just incredible to me.
This book had me battling tears, laughing, grinning like an idiot, and all the muddled emotions in between.
The pacing? Incredible. Isra Aziz’s signature writing style seems to include jaw-dropping reveals and slight cliffhangers all interspersed with different subplots, and the result: an immaculate story (and one that will leave you reading for hours without realising).
I love that in this book we are introduced to new characters as well as some old ones, and to see their growth, development, and their stories being finished? Just incredible.
I’m genuinely in awe of this writer- this series is honestly so underrated it’s CRIMINAL. I’m forever grateful that I received a digital copy of this (I didn’t have the willpower to wait another month until I could buy this on Kindle).
Thank you Isra Azizi, for one of the most epic literary adventures I’ve ever had.
November 8, 2025
You know a book with multiple povs is good when every time you see the name of the character for that chapter you go “oh yay! I love them!!”
Heroes of the Empire quickly become a favorite of mine with book one, and I have continued loving it with every book. At times things did move a little quickly and issues got resolved a little easier than expected, and I wish we’d got to spend more time with some of the characters from the first three books, but those would be my only minor complaints other than I wish there was more! I’d gladly take four more books about these characters, but I can settle for simply reading whatever Israh Azizi writes next!
I loved getting to meet Saga’s character, and the addition of Svorgin’s and Aria’s povs.
This series is so good and so easy to get sucked into. And I absolutely love these characters and just want to give them all a hug and protect them from the narrative 😄
Highly recommend giving this series a read!!
Heroes of the Empire quickly become a favorite of mine with book one, and I have continued loving it with every book. At times things did move a little quickly and issues got resolved a little easier than expected, and I wish we’d got to spend more time with some of the characters from the first three books, but those would be my only minor complaints other than I wish there was more! I’d gladly take four more books about these characters, but I can settle for simply reading whatever Israh Azizi writes next!
I loved getting to meet Saga’s character, and the addition of Svorgin’s and Aria’s povs.
This series is so good and so easy to get sucked into. And I absolutely love these characters and just want to give them all a hug and protect them from the narrative 😄
Highly recommend giving this series a read!!
December 3, 2025
You know that strange ache that hits you when you close the last book of a series you’ve lived in for years? That was me, just sitting there, processing my feelings like someone who wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
Finishing The Captive felt especially personal because I’ve followed these characters from the very first book as an ARC reader, so watching everything collide here, the consequences, the secrets, the messy loyalty and the quiet emotional bruises they’ve been carrying hit differently.
What I appreciated about this final book is how it finally forces everyone to face the things they’ve been running from since the beginning. It’s not just battles or missions, it’s characters being pushed to their emotional limits, finally confronting grief, betrayal, and the kind of responsibilities that change you whether you say yes or not. You can feel the weight of an empire crumbling and rebuilding, the tension between what they want and what the world demands of them.
And the title The Captive isn’t just about physical capture, it’s about the ways people are held by their past, their fears, and the promises they can’t walk away from.
This story made me feel everything, frustration at certain choices, pride at certain growth, and this quiet heartbreak at how much everyone has lost and gained. And the ending… it doesn’t try to be neat or fairytale-perfect. It’s honest. And somehow, that honesty is what stayed with me long after I closed the book.
If there’s one thing I’m taking away from this finale, it’s this "some stories stay with you because they make you feel the weight of the journey, not just the victory at the end." And The Captive did exactly that.
Finishing The Captive felt especially personal because I’ve followed these characters from the very first book as an ARC reader, so watching everything collide here, the consequences, the secrets, the messy loyalty and the quiet emotional bruises they’ve been carrying hit differently.
What I appreciated about this final book is how it finally forces everyone to face the things they’ve been running from since the beginning. It’s not just battles or missions, it’s characters being pushed to their emotional limits, finally confronting grief, betrayal, and the kind of responsibilities that change you whether you say yes or not. You can feel the weight of an empire crumbling and rebuilding, the tension between what they want and what the world demands of them.
And the title The Captive isn’t just about physical capture, it’s about the ways people are held by their past, their fears, and the promises they can’t walk away from.
This story made me feel everything, frustration at certain choices, pride at certain growth, and this quiet heartbreak at how much everyone has lost and gained. And the ending… it doesn’t try to be neat or fairytale-perfect. It’s honest. And somehow, that honesty is what stayed with me long after I closed the book.
If there’s one thing I’m taking away from this finale, it’s this "some stories stay with you because they make you feel the weight of the journey, not just the victory at the end." And The Captive did exactly that.
December 18, 2025
“They tried to break you, to use you for their gain, but you resisted.” “Instead, they made you a warrior.”
This is the fourth installment in the Heroes of the Empire series and does not disappoint! You will get your fair share of found family and hidden identities, slow burn romance and multiple POVs, reluctant allies and revenge, cursed kingdoms and dangerous quests, and the finale with the truth about the ancient crowns.
This installment follows Honzio, Saga, Svorgin and Aria in their quests of honoring their lost loved ones while embarking on their own journeys to ensure that the Kingdom’s survival. Through their traditions and legends, they rise as heroes of the empire, banding together in an epic showdown, overcoming the challenges they face while battle mythic monsters and traveling through the city of the dead while on their quest for a lost relic. Together, they rise above their chains and transform their minds in ways that may just break them while attempting to fulfil the promises they have made.
WOW! Just WOW! What a way to end the series!!! What I would give to be able to read this story again for the first time. This book is easily my favorite of the entire series, which I didn’t think was possible to top the first 3 books. Beautifully written in a way that will captivate your heart and soul, and hold it hostage until the very last page. Israh Azizi you are a gem for creating this storyline that will forever be one of my Roman Empire series.
When the heroes of this isle ride up against the evil, the songs shall come back.
This is the fourth installment in the Heroes of the Empire series and does not disappoint! You will get your fair share of found family and hidden identities, slow burn romance and multiple POVs, reluctant allies and revenge, cursed kingdoms and dangerous quests, and the finale with the truth about the ancient crowns.
This installment follows Honzio, Saga, Svorgin and Aria in their quests of honoring their lost loved ones while embarking on their own journeys to ensure that the Kingdom’s survival. Through their traditions and legends, they rise as heroes of the empire, banding together in an epic showdown, overcoming the challenges they face while battle mythic monsters and traveling through the city of the dead while on their quest for a lost relic. Together, they rise above their chains and transform their minds in ways that may just break them while attempting to fulfil the promises they have made.
WOW! Just WOW! What a way to end the series!!! What I would give to be able to read this story again for the first time. This book is easily my favorite of the entire series, which I didn’t think was possible to top the first 3 books. Beautifully written in a way that will captivate your heart and soul, and hold it hostage until the very last page. Israh Azizi you are a gem for creating this storyline that will forever be one of my Roman Empire series.
When the heroes of this isle ride up against the evil, the songs shall come back.
December 30, 2025
WHERE DO I BEGIN?!!
Azizi took this final book in the series and made sure you would think about this world, these characters, the FEELINGS long after that final page was done. I spent a ridiculously long time staring at those final worlds. It is no easy feat wrapping up a world/series this big and epic, but Azizi did it with grace.
This four-book series is captivating, stuffed full of moments of laughter, tears, a few screams, and rich with a variety of themes that Azizi expertly explores while still progressing the plot. Azizi is one of the most underrated fantasy writers of this age, and I am just so honored to have been given the opportunity to be a part of her journey.
I am so excited to see where Azizi will take us next - perhaps an origin story, a spin-off? I'll be waiting :)
Azizi took this final book in the series and made sure you would think about this world, these characters, the FEELINGS long after that final page was done. I spent a ridiculously long time staring at those final worlds. It is no easy feat wrapping up a world/series this big and epic, but Azizi did it with grace.
This four-book series is captivating, stuffed full of moments of laughter, tears, a few screams, and rich with a variety of themes that Azizi expertly explores while still progressing the plot. Azizi is one of the most underrated fantasy writers of this age, and I am just so honored to have been given the opportunity to be a part of her journey.
I am so excited to see where Azizi will take us next - perhaps an origin story, a spin-off? I'll be waiting :)
November 25, 2025
So I thought book 3 ended things well for the characters and was excited to see where the story was going to go after that.
This book somehow added so much more to the series, finishing up what was started and giving so much more closure to the characters. I loved all of the new POVs and the returning characters and had my heart wrenched out of my chest yet again. I will definitely pick up anything Azizi writes in the future.
This book somehow added so much more to the series, finishing up what was started and giving so much more closure to the characters. I loved all of the new POVs and the returning characters and had my heart wrenched out of my chest yet again. I will definitely pick up anything Azizi writes in the future.
December 28, 2025
Book four The Captive by Israh Azizi was an excellent conclusion to the Heroes of the Empire series. Again, the characters stole the show. Great fantasy world highlighting other regions of the map. An ancient and elusive crown of power was a plot focus and developed as it was always hinted at throughout the series. An addictive and rereadable series due to the very relatable and enjoyable character arcs. The author provided me with an ARC for my honest review.
November 25, 2025
Where to start? Well first off, I will always read Israh's books her writing is fantastic.
This is book 4 in the series, its following 3 different journeys until they become 1.
I wasn't ready for it to be finished but I enjoyed it till the very end. The pacing is great the emotional ride it takes you on is devastating.
This is book 4 in the series, its following 3 different journeys until they become 1.
I wasn't ready for it to be finished but I enjoyed it till the very end. The pacing is great the emotional ride it takes you on is devastating.
December 1, 2025
this was suchhh a ride!
i lovedd how it concluded the quartet with Savorians finally being free and the war ended
one thing- this book only deepened my love for velamir<3
highly recommended to fast-paced fantasy lovers
ARC review here!
i lovedd how it concluded the quartet with Savorians finally being free and the war ended
one thing- this book only deepened my love for velamir<3
highly recommended to fast-paced fantasy lovers
ARC review here!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews