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Dark Island Bargain
The Doomers' island hides more treasures than anyone suspects.
Secrets buried for millennia become bargaining chips for survival, impossible quests require extraordinary measures, and love forged by fate demands releasing the past to claim the future.
The greatest treasure may be hidden in a vault, but its true worth can only be measured in love.
Secrets buried for millennia become bargaining chips for survival, impossible quests require extraordinary measures, and love forged by fate demands releasing the past to claim the future.
The greatest treasure may be hidden in a vault, but its true worth can only be measured in love.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2026
1205 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 20, 2025
Dark Island: Bargain, Book 103 of the Children of the Gods series by Isabell Lucas @itlucas_author - You must read this book serial in order from book 1!
I loved this final book about Tula & Esag! And OMG!!! KHIANN!!! As always this book was way too short, even though it was over 300 pages! LOL! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Gods/Goddesses/Aliens), Male/Female, Overall Storyline Arc For The Series & a cliffhanger for the next part of this series!
I loved this final book about Tula & Esag! And OMG!!! KHIANN!!! As always this book was way too short, even though it was over 300 pages! LOL! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Gods/Goddesses/Aliens), Male/Female, Overall Storyline Arc For The Series & a cliffhanger for the next part of this series!
January 5, 2026
Plunging into darkness
I’ve enjoyed this series through 103 books. Now I’m beginning to get disappointed and frustrated. What was fantasy/romance is becoming fantasy/horror. It’s no longer as intriguing as it was. I saw the ending of this book coming at least 2 books ago. The turn to the dark is disturbing. IT is taking the reader into Navuh’s mind, a place of horror and hopelessness.
Dave is the real danger to everyone. Perhaps the clan and the doomers will need to join forces. I’ll stick with the series, though, despite the darkness. Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment. I’ve invested a LOT of time in this series. I’ll tough it out til the end. There has to be redemption somewhere.
I’ve enjoyed this series through 103 books. Now I’m beginning to get disappointed and frustrated. What was fantasy/romance is becoming fantasy/horror. It’s no longer as intriguing as it was. I saw the ending of this book coming at least 2 books ago. The turn to the dark is disturbing. IT is taking the reader into Navuh’s mind, a place of horror and hopelessness.
Dave is the real danger to everyone. Perhaps the clan and the doomers will need to join forces. I’ll stick with the series, though, despite the darkness. Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment. I’ve invested a LOT of time in this series. I’ll tough it out til the end. There has to be redemption somewhere.
January 3, 2026
Another belter, this story just keeps on getting better
I cannot wait to get stuck in when a new installment comes out and this one did not disappoint, I am loving the dynamic and trajectory we are heading and cannot wait to see how this is all going to come together.
I cannot wait to get stuck in when a new installment comes out and this one did not disappoint, I am loving the dynamic and trajectory we are heading and cannot wait to see how this is all going to come together.
January 5, 2026
Growing tired of this plot line
As one who has read the series voraciously since it began and reread it a time or two I never thought I would say that I'm growing tired of this plot line. But the whole thing is growing tedious. Just get on with it. Get back to what makes this series so good: stories of love, sex, survival, inner strength and good trumping evil.
As one who has read the series voraciously since it began and reread it a time or two I never thought I would say that I'm growing tired of this plot line. But the whole thing is growing tedious. Just get on with it. Get back to what makes this series so good: stories of love, sex, survival, inner strength and good trumping evil.
January 5, 2026
A Quiet goodbye....
I have been a long-time fan of the Children of the Gods series. For years, it offered rich mythology, engaging characters, and relationships that balanced darkness with warmth, resilience, and hope.
Over the past year, however, the series has taken a turn that no longer works for me. The tone has become increasingly bleak and joyless, with storylines steeped in despair and little emotional payoff. The extended focus on Navuh’s island feels heavy rather than compelling, and the narrative often lingers in darkness without the balance that once made it enjoyable.
At this point, the Children of the Gods universe feels disjointed, emotionally exhausting, and detached from the qualities that originally made it worthwhile at 103 books. I no longer feel that the author is invested in telling these stories with care or excitment.
This story was yet another recycle of the same old stuff. Same parties at the village, same banter of villagers, same angst with Areana and Navuh. The Female characters really need to up their powerhouse ante!!! I can't stand reading about these "strong" female characters that are really not strong and go about doing nothing.
What has made me really second guess my continued support of this author was the next series sneak peak that starts hard and fast with a disabled, emotionally scarred women who is drugged in a bar, abducted and taken to the island with some dark, more graphic description of the event. Sorry IT Lucas but content involving coercion or sexual violence should come with clear trigger warnings so readers can make informed choices. Encountering themes like this without warning feels avoidable and unsettling especially when this has never been your MO.
This isn’t anger—it’s disappointment. I’m grateful for what this series once was, but it no longer reflects the balance, character strength, or emotional depth that originally drew me in.
I have been a long-time fan of the Children of the Gods series. For years, it offered rich mythology, engaging characters, and relationships that balanced darkness with warmth, resilience, and hope.
Over the past year, however, the series has taken a turn that no longer works for me. The tone has become increasingly bleak and joyless, with storylines steeped in despair and little emotional payoff. The extended focus on Navuh’s island feels heavy rather than compelling, and the narrative often lingers in darkness without the balance that once made it enjoyable.
At this point, the Children of the Gods universe feels disjointed, emotionally exhausting, and detached from the qualities that originally made it worthwhile at 103 books. I no longer feel that the author is invested in telling these stories with care or excitment.
This story was yet another recycle of the same old stuff. Same parties at the village, same banter of villagers, same angst with Areana and Navuh. The Female characters really need to up their powerhouse ante!!! I can't stand reading about these "strong" female characters that are really not strong and go about doing nothing.
What has made me really second guess my continued support of this author was the next series sneak peak that starts hard and fast with a disabled, emotionally scarred women who is drugged in a bar, abducted and taken to the island with some dark, more graphic description of the event. Sorry IT Lucas but content involving coercion or sexual violence should come with clear trigger warnings so readers can make informed choices. Encountering themes like this without warning feels avoidable and unsettling especially when this has never been your MO.
This isn’t anger—it’s disappointment. I’m grateful for what this series once was, but it no longer reflects the balance, character strength, or emotional depth that originally drew me in.
January 6, 2026
This latest installment in the Children of the Gods series is another thrilling and addictive read that fully delivers for long-time fans. The main storyline has now shifted to the Village, and that change of setting adds a fresh layer of tension and intrigue to the overall plot.
One of the most exciting developments is that Navaho is finally in custody—but that relief is short-lived. Knowing his character, it’s impossible to relax, and the constant sense that he is planning something makes the story incredibly suspenseful. The tension is amplified by the revelation that he has been secretly hiding Khiann, the mate of Annani, the Queen of the Gods. That twist raises the stakes dramatically and keeps the reader on edge throughout.
What really stands out in this book is how well the side stories continue to evolve. Rather than feeling distracting, the multiple plotlines are full of excitement and meaningful progression. Each subplot advances in interesting ways, deepening character relationships and expanding the world of the series. There’s a strong balance between action, emotional moments, and long-term story development.
Overall, this book is fast-paced, engaging, and packed with anticipation. It left me completely hooked and eager to see what happens next. Fans of the series will absolutely love the direction the story is taking, and this installment proves once again why Children of the Gods remains such a compelling and enjoyable saga.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
January 7, 2026
Since end of September, I've read every book available by this author. That's 116 books and the beginning chapters of unreleased ones in 103 days that encompassed Thanksgiving and Christmas chaos too. It's only Jan. 6th, so that's a lot of books. lol I'm obsessed with this author and all the series. They're all interwoven, which I love and reminds me of Sherrilyn Kenyon who I also love. The characters are well fleshed, the banter is witty, and the storylines unique and interesting. Captivating. I HIGHLY recommend this whole catalog by this author. It's not easy to make each character unique. While some have the same trope and a couple I just don't care for (like Syssi for some reason), it all melds together into a fascinating world that is ever evolving in unexpected ways and I can't get enough of it. Now at the precipice of a HUGE development, the one building for many many books, I can't wait until it's released, but have to wait-sigh. Start now, and by the time you get there, the big reveal will be waiting for you. Wish I'd started the series in Dec so I could keep going. lol Anyway, read it all because it's all good. Don't lose yourself and forget to pay the bills though-haha. Maybe set them all on autopay and stock the cupboards first. It's hard to want to put them down once you begin.
January 6, 2026
Huge surprises in this book!
Areana is adjusting to living in the Keep with her nasty hubs Navuh lies in the basement infirmary/ holding cell. Being the good guys, Annani & Kian determine to return Navuh to health. But also being the smart guys, they are taking all precautions necessary to prevent that asshat from causing trouble to the Clan.
Tula’s pregnancy is rolling right along and she has a surprise interest pop up that I certainly did not see coming, from either of them!
But poor human Tony, the father of her baby, quickly gets set aside now that they are no longer imprisoned on the island. I’m not too worried about him, though, major players usually get into the fold eventually.
Meanwhile on the island, the Borg-like super soldiers called Dave are scheming. Losham is putting in the appearance of being in control, but even he doesn’t realize how fragile it is.
Elias reveals a huge secret to Kian because he needs help with a major project, one so big it’s out of this world.
The biggest bomb hits at the end, and I really did not see it coming. It’s amazing that after 103 books I’m already ready for book 104!
Areana is adjusting to living in the Keep with her nasty hubs Navuh lies in the basement infirmary/ holding cell. Being the good guys, Annani & Kian determine to return Navuh to health. But also being the smart guys, they are taking all precautions necessary to prevent that asshat from causing trouble to the Clan.
Tula’s pregnancy is rolling right along and she has a surprise interest pop up that I certainly did not see coming, from either of them!
But poor human Tony, the father of her baby, quickly gets set aside now that they are no longer imprisoned on the island. I’m not too worried about him, though, major players usually get into the fold eventually.
Meanwhile on the island, the Borg-like super soldiers called Dave are scheming. Losham is putting in the appearance of being in control, but even he doesn’t realize how fragile it is.
Elias reveals a huge secret to Kian because he needs help with a major project, one so big it’s out of this world.
The biggest bomb hits at the end, and I really did not see it coming. It’s amazing that after 103 books I’m already ready for book 104!
January 4, 2026
Of course, Navuh holds back what he has that is worth a bargain. He didn’t like what was offered. He heals slowly but faster than they anticipated. Annani makes him wait at times as a tactic. Ariana confesses what she has done and it goes better than she expected. Meanwhile, back on the island Losham and Dave are in control of the island and telling everyone that Navuh is working from the Harem. They discover the glass chamber and are trying to figure out how to get inside to find out what it holds. Will they get in before Navuh strikes a bargain. When he finally tells Annani and Kian what he has and what he wants it is a shock. What will they do? This book was so full of mysteries and suspense. I cannot wait to discover what the clan will decide.
January 5, 2026
Longest Series Ever and Love Ever Book
Dark Island Bargain is book 103 of I. T. Lucas's The Children Of the Gods series. The story development is amazing. From book 1 to book 103 the storyline still amazes. The characters are truly some of the best developed characters I've ever read. With this book we get a deeper look into Navuah's character. Seeing how his mind and his heart work opens up a whole new side to the story. The big secret he's hoping to use to gain his freedom... Well lets just say I hope it's what I think it is and that we find out in the next book. This series has held the interest of fans for many years and will no doubt do so for many more books and years to come.
Dark Island Bargain is book 103 of I. T. Lucas's The Children Of the Gods series. The story development is amazing. From book 1 to book 103 the storyline still amazes. The characters are truly some of the best developed characters I've ever read. With this book we get a deeper look into Navuah's character. Seeing how his mind and his heart work opens up a whole new side to the story. The big secret he's hoping to use to gain his freedom... Well lets just say I hope it's what I think it is and that we find out in the next book. This series has held the interest of fans for many years and will no doubt do so for many more books and years to come.
January 9, 2026
IT Lucas has got me hooked on The Children Of The Gods Romance Series - #102 n #103 are so gripping and intense that I couldn't put them down until they were finished - I just had to find out what the Kian and the clan were going to do to get Tula off the island and keeping it all from Navuh with the help of his wife Areana and finally it happened - they not only got Tula but all the ladies plus Tony and Eluheed, Areana - plus getting Navuh to think his wife had jumped off the cliff not knowing he was going to try n save her by jumping himself. I hope #104 is not her last one regarding Kian and his people - I don't want it to end - she has got me hooked - can't wait for #104.
Keep them coming Isabell
Keep them coming Isabell
January 7, 2026
Frustrating
A lot is covered in this book. Navih is recuperating slowly, but surely. I this means that his mind is plotting the negotiations to have himself released. Ariana is still not claiming or using what powers for their own balance of power with him when he's under a vulnerable state. She just always submits to him because of him being her "true love mate" why still I'm constantly even when it's not necessary just so he doesn't get upset with her. She won't even tell him that she went to a party. She needs to own her own power with him. In the meantime, it is revealed that he has been holding Anani's love mate in stasis for all these years.
A lot is covered in this book. Navih is recuperating slowly, but surely. I this means that his mind is plotting the negotiations to have himself released. Ariana is still not claiming or using what powers for their own balance of power with him when he's under a vulnerable state. She just always submits to him because of him being her "true love mate" why still I'm constantly even when it's not necessary just so he doesn't get upset with her. She won't even tell him that she went to a party. She needs to own her own power with him. In the meantime, it is revealed that he has been holding Anani's love mate in stasis for all these years.
January 3, 2026
They are finally home!
Areana and the harem ladies, together with Elias and Tony, are finally free and with the clan. A very exciting end to the trilogy of getting off Navuh's island. But the clan has Navuh now, too, and what will he do to regain his freedom and resume his evil ways? And what is happening on the island? Can he take it back if he is freed? There is a lot happening in this book with lots of tension and exciting news for other characters. I wasn't able to put it down, and as with anything so good, I was sad it ended but can't wait for the next one.
Areana and the harem ladies, together with Elias and Tony, are finally free and with the clan. A very exciting end to the trilogy of getting off Navuh's island. But the clan has Navuh now, too, and what will he do to regain his freedom and resume his evil ways? And what is happening on the island? Can he take it back if he is freed? There is a lot happening in this book with lots of tension and exciting news for other characters. I wasn't able to put it down, and as with anything so good, I was sad it ended but can't wait for the next one.
January 4, 2026
Gifted writing
For someone to write a series of over a hundred books, the writing has to be phenomenal. To keep reviews as high as they are, readers have to be engaged and willing to read these books. I.T. Lucas is on a level way above other writers. She transcends her writing with style and the ability to keep the reader involved in every aspect of her stories. Characters and story lines are imaginative and keep we, as readers, always wanting more. I love this series, please keep writing more of it.
For someone to write a series of over a hundred books, the writing has to be phenomenal. To keep reviews as high as they are, readers have to be engaged and willing to read these books. I.T. Lucas is on a level way above other writers. She transcends her writing with style and the ability to keep the reader involved in every aspect of her stories. Characters and story lines are imaginative and keep we, as readers, always wanting more. I love this series, please keep writing more of it.
January 3, 2026
Great!
Similar to the last book, there is a lot going on. It is lovely to watch the relationship grow between Tula and Esag and how Tony handles it.
Areana and Navuh have a complicated relationship. It is interesting to get to know Navuh a little better and what is this big secret he is holding on to that Annani will want to hear?
There is a lot going on with a few other couples and I can't wait for the next one.
Similar to the last book, there is a lot going on. It is lovely to watch the relationship grow between Tula and Esag and how Tony handles it.
Areana and Navuh have a complicated relationship. It is interesting to get to know Navuh a little better and what is this big secret he is holding on to that Annani will want to hear?
There is a lot going on with a few other couples and I can't wait for the next one.
January 3, 2026
Bargain Indeed...
I don't know what to say about this book that I haven't said about the others, which is, what a fantastic read and a hell of a cliffhanger!
This book has love gained, love lost, old friends, new friends, plus the fact we get to see some characters we haven't heard from in awhile! Roni, Fenella, Din, Arezoo, and Kaia make cameos. As well as you get see how the Wings of Fury is integrated into the CofG series.
ENJOY, cause I certainly did!!!
I don't know what to say about this book that I haven't said about the others, which is, what a fantastic read and a hell of a cliffhanger!
This book has love gained, love lost, old friends, new friends, plus the fact we get to see some characters we haven't heard from in awhile! Roni, Fenella, Din, Arezoo, and Kaia make cameos. As well as you get see how the Wings of Fury is integrated into the CofG series.
ENJOY, cause I certainly did!!!
January 13, 2026
Dark Island Bargain
The successful operation of retrieval of the Harem and all the women has definitely shifted the focus and narrative. Of course dealing with the “Mad Evil Manipulator” also compounds the storyline but that’s the way it is. I’ll be curious to see where all this leads. I love reading this series. Can it be that this series is now over a hundred books? Keep them coming!!
The successful operation of retrieval of the Harem and all the women has definitely shifted the focus and narrative. Of course dealing with the “Mad Evil Manipulator” also compounds the storyline but that’s the way it is. I’ll be curious to see where all this leads. I love reading this series. Can it be that this series is now over a hundred books? Keep them coming!!
January 4, 2026
Brilliant Series
Dark Island Bargain by I T Lucas. Those rescued from the Island are beginning to integrate into life in the village. Navuh is gradually getting feeling back although it is very, very slow. Arianna is very stressed about revealing all she had kept hidden from Navuh and what he is plotting. He keeps on about the bomb shell that will let Annani release him.
Dark Island Bargain by I T Lucas. Those rescued from the Island are beginning to integrate into life in the village. Navuh is gradually getting feeling back although it is very, very slow. Arianna is very stressed about revealing all she had kept hidden from Navuh and what he is plotting. He keeps on about the bomb shell that will let Annani release him.
January 12, 2026
Reckoning
The author has drawn the readers to a precipice of intrigue from ancient rivals in this chess game of life as we know it or possible oblivion. As much as I want to see the outcome, I am reluctant to not relish the delicious journey and characters that have gotten us to this point. Kudos for remembering to put romance back in this issue, too!
The author has drawn the readers to a precipice of intrigue from ancient rivals in this chess game of life as we know it or possible oblivion. As much as I want to see the outcome, I am reluctant to not relish the delicious journey and characters that have gotten us to this point. Kudos for remembering to put romance back in this issue, too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness this takes us in a whole different direction, Annani not willing to give Nuvah anymore than a second thought in the negotiations but he has a trump card that will blow Annani for loop. Be prepared for the shock wave about to happen between the Doomers and the Clan
January 5, 2026
Riveting
I won’t spoil this book by saying what is going on, but I will say that your body will react with each word read. Once again I could not put it down. It was simply riveting. Every thing was thrilling! I can’t wait until the next book in the series.
I won’t spoil this book by saying what is going on, but I will say that your body will react with each word read. Once again I could not put it down. It was simply riveting. Every thing was thrilling! I can’t wait until the next book in the series.
January 5, 2026
Great Series
I have enjoyed every book in the series so far. I wish the next book would come out sooner. It usually takes me one day to read the new book then it's wait time until the next one comes out. I wait because it is a great series.
I have enjoyed every book in the series so far. I wish the next book would come out sooner. It usually takes me one day to read the new book then it's wait time until the next one comes out. I wait because it is a great series.
January 8, 2026
Fantastic
Finally navhu is caught but is he. This book answered so many questions and the whereabouts of Khiann. Even injured Navuh is stirring trouble. The eight enhanced soldiers are impossible and getting worse and Annani is in for a surprise can't wait for the next book
Finally navhu is caught but is he. This book answered so many questions and the whereabouts of Khiann. Even injured Navuh is stirring trouble. The eight enhanced soldiers are impossible and getting worse and Annani is in for a surprise can't wait for the next book
January 11, 2026
to be revealed
As we end another chapter and another book was still on. It’s about what is to come next. Who is going to win this potential stalemate? For the god of her nephew come out ahead? And where? We have a shame and play into all of this.
As we end another chapter and another book was still on. It’s about what is to come next. Who is going to win this potential stalemate? For the god of her nephew come out ahead? And where? We have a shame and play into all of this.
January 11, 2026
Absolutely addictive
This series is completely addictive, over 100 books in and I feel the need to throw my kindle against the wall when it ends. I need more!!! Always more. You can’t jump in, do yourself a favor a start at book 1 and catch up!!
This series is completely addictive, over 100 books in and I feel the need to throw my kindle against the wall when it ends. I need more!!! Always more. You can’t jump in, do yourself a favor a start at book 1 and catch up!!
January 14, 2026
Ohh my….. The plot thickens
In all of this series, I never thought that Ananini would have to make a decision like this….
I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I highly recommend reading this series, it’s one of the best that I have ever read.
In all of this series, I never thought that Ananini would have to make a decision like this….
I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I highly recommend reading this series, it’s one of the best that I have ever read.
January 18, 2026
2.5 stars
These books are starting to drag. Too much filler monologue and not enough action. Areana annoys me and Tony is pathetic. Tula is a selfish diva. Too much focus on unlikeable characters.
These books are starting to drag. Too much filler monologue and not enough action. Areana annoys me and Tony is pathetic. Tula is a selfish diva. Too much focus on unlikeable characters.
January 24, 2026
Children of the God's Series
This has been a wonderful series. I love how Ms Lucas pulls characters from past stories and have them show up in the present book. A great binge worthy series!
This has been a wonderful series. I love how Ms Lucas pulls characters from past stories and have them show up in the present book. A great binge worthy series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series is getting so exciting can’t wait for the next
January 3, 2026
🔥
I had an arc copy, and this is one of my favorites to date. I live a good cliffhanger, and this definitely ends on a good one
I had an arc copy, and this is one of my favorites to date. I live a good cliffhanger, and this definitely ends on a good one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews