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106: Dark Alchemy: Mind Games
On Navuh's island, secrets are currency and trust is a luxury no one can afford. When an unexpected offer promises freedom, Dimitri and Mattie must decide how much they're willing to risk, and how much of themselves they'll need to sacrifice. Back home, Annani will stop at nothing to find her lost mate, even if it means making a deal with the devil.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 8, 2026
Love the series but this book (106) was relatively boring
I love the Children of Gods series but this book (Book 106) was relatively boring. It was supposed to be the third book of Dimitri and Mattie. It seems that they are not even close to their conclusion. Also, some of the chapters didn't seem to add anything new, just more of the same. Everything is just being delayed. I find myself often skimming to get to the next chapter.
I love the Children of Gods series but this book (Book 106) was relatively boring. It was supposed to be the third book of Dimitri and Mattie. It seems that they are not even close to their conclusion. Also, some of the chapters didn't seem to add anything new, just more of the same. Everything is just being delayed. I find myself often skimming to get to the next chapter.
April 4, 2026
Stife! Angst! Action!!!!!
Mattie, the Australian young lady who has been kidnapped and sent to Navuh’s evil island, has found love with the Russian chemist Dimitri. Dimitri and Dr Petrov are also captives, working on serums that help the eight enhanced immortals, who have formed the collective known as Dave, stable, as well as working to find a serum for more stable enhanced soldiers under the direction of Losham.
Losham has his own problems now that Navuh is a captive of Annani’s clan. His crazy and power-hungry brothers are circling like sharks while he tries to maintain the illusion that Navuh is still in power but hiding in the harem. But The Fates definitely aren’t smiling on him though, as the hits keep on coming as Losham is still under compulsion by Kian, Lokan and Toven, to communicate the happenings on the island and not reveal that to anyone else. All this while encountering more problems with excavating the mansion’s basement and pressure increasing all the time making it harder to maintain power over all his other rival brothers.
Dave (all eight of him!) surprises the scientists by expressing hope that not only do they want to become familiar with human emotions, ,but that they also want to escape the island, taking Mattie, Dimitri and Dr Petrov along with them. But the hope and excitement of leaving the island is dampened by the knowledge that so many women and children will be left behind. And the logistical nightmare of freeing them all. Can the group devise a plan to save more than just themselves?
Meanwhile Annani makes a decision to try and learn more from Navuh who is still recovering. It’s a delicate balance of getting information from him and not getting played by this evil genius.
The only folks who aren’t playing mind games are Arezoo and Ravun who are both looking forward to their wedding and her induction into immortality *wink wink*
Mattie, the Australian young lady who has been kidnapped and sent to Navuh’s evil island, has found love with the Russian chemist Dimitri. Dimitri and Dr Petrov are also captives, working on serums that help the eight enhanced immortals, who have formed the collective known as Dave, stable, as well as working to find a serum for more stable enhanced soldiers under the direction of Losham.
Losham has his own problems now that Navuh is a captive of Annani’s clan. His crazy and power-hungry brothers are circling like sharks while he tries to maintain the illusion that Navuh is still in power but hiding in the harem. But The Fates definitely aren’t smiling on him though, as the hits keep on coming as Losham is still under compulsion by Kian, Lokan and Toven, to communicate the happenings on the island and not reveal that to anyone else. All this while encountering more problems with excavating the mansion’s basement and pressure increasing all the time making it harder to maintain power over all his other rival brothers.
Dave (all eight of him!) surprises the scientists by expressing hope that not only do they want to become familiar with human emotions, ,but that they also want to escape the island, taking Mattie, Dimitri and Dr Petrov along with them. But the hope and excitement of leaving the island is dampened by the knowledge that so many women and children will be left behind. And the logistical nightmare of freeing them all. Can the group devise a plan to save more than just themselves?
Meanwhile Annani makes a decision to try and learn more from Navuh who is still recovering. It’s a delicate balance of getting information from him and not getting played by this evil genius.
The only folks who aren’t playing mind games are Arezoo and Ravun who are both looking forward to their wedding and her induction into immortality *wink wink*
April 5, 2026
Thank you to the author for this gifted ARC
Dark Alchemy: Mind Games book 106
Another outstanding 5🌟 read for me!
I enjoyed this book so much! I think it focused more on the characters on the island than the village. Specifically Mattie and Dimitri, and also the collective hive mind of Dave. Mattie is still suffering with an injury to her hand and it is really getting in her way due to the small space they are living in.
Dave’s hive mind is wanting to understand how the human feels emotions.
Dave and Dimitri are starting to have more conversations and becoming more like friends. Dave doesn’t really talk with anyone else except about island business with Losham.
Losham is struggling to keep the story about Navuh alive for his brothers, but the pressure is really getting to him. He has pretty much figured out where Navuh is but doesn’t know what to do about it.
But the end was such a cliff hanger, I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Dark Alchemy: Mind Games book 106
Another outstanding 5🌟 read for me!
I enjoyed this book so much! I think it focused more on the characters on the island than the village. Specifically Mattie and Dimitri, and also the collective hive mind of Dave. Mattie is still suffering with an injury to her hand and it is really getting in her way due to the small space they are living in.
Dave’s hive mind is wanting to understand how the human feels emotions.
Dave and Dimitri are starting to have more conversations and becoming more like friends. Dave doesn’t really talk with anyone else except about island business with Losham.
Losham is struggling to keep the story about Navuh alive for his brothers, but the pressure is really getting to him. He has pretty much figured out where Navuh is but doesn’t know what to do about it.
But the end was such a cliff hanger, I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2026
Great storytelling!
This book delves more into the characters on the island. We really get to know them more fully. Dave's collective mind is becoming more curious and more emotional. They have been learning more about the clan from Loshkam's mind and are forming a way to get off the island, hopefully, with the clan's assistance. Dimitri continues his change into an immortal with his fangs growing in and Mattie is healing from her broken hand. This is great storytelling. The suspense, the surprises, the revelations about the characters - all done superbly.
This book delves more into the characters on the island. We really get to know them more fully. Dave's collective mind is becoming more curious and more emotional. They have been learning more about the clan from Loshkam's mind and are forming a way to get off the island, hopefully, with the clan's assistance. Dimitri continues his change into an immortal with his fangs growing in and Mattie is healing from her broken hand. This is great storytelling. The suspense, the surprises, the revelations about the characters - all done superbly.
April 4, 2026
Mattie and Dimitri
There is a lot going on at the island. Losham is struggling and things are getting complicated.
Mattie, Dimitri and Dave have an unexpected friendship. It is interesting to see how their relationship is changing and progressing.
There are many things going on and there is much at stake. I am patiently waiting for the next book.
As usual, this is a great series. You should read right from book one on to get all of the backstories and understand who all of the players are. It is well worth the effort.
There is a lot going on at the island. Losham is struggling and things are getting complicated.
Mattie, Dimitri and Dave have an unexpected friendship. It is interesting to see how their relationship is changing and progressing.
There are many things going on and there is much at stake. I am patiently waiting for the next book.
As usual, this is a great series. You should read right from book one on to get all of the backstories and understand who all of the players are. It is well worth the effort.
April 5, 2026
As usual, this book is good. For some reason, I'm not as "in love" with the characters as in past books. But, that doesn't mean I didn't read it all in one day. The ending left me hanging more than usual. I can't wait for the next book. If you haven't started her other series "Bonds of Wings and Fury" I suggest you start on it. It is just as good and I can't wait to see how they come together. I'd like to see a list of characters and a little synopsis about each one. I'm sure this would be a long list and too much to print. Doesn't mean I don't want it.
April 10, 2026
I grow more and more excited with every book!
I know the series is growing to an end, but if the author is listening: "Hey, I.T. Lucas, Drova and one of the 8 - Dave"!!
I can only hope there's no coincidence in the author disclosing Dave's age range. I can't help but note Drova's growth throughout the series and that her little crush has miraculously faded to black😌.
Deliberation of over two thousand women and children! Could this be the boon the clan has been waiting for?
Oh, Annani, I am rooting for you! Clearly, no one at the clan has ever heard the phrase "from the mouth of babes," or they would be listening to Allegra and the baby crew!!
Next month can't come quick enough.... Well, maybe I can 😉
I know the series is growing to an end, but if the author is listening: "Hey, I.T. Lucas, Drova and one of the 8 - Dave"!!
I can only hope there's no coincidence in the author disclosing Dave's age range. I can't help but note Drova's growth throughout the series and that her little crush has miraculously faded to black😌.
Deliberation of over two thousand women and children! Could this be the boon the clan has been waiting for?
Oh, Annani, I am rooting for you! Clearly, no one at the clan has ever heard the phrase "from the mouth of babes," or they would be listening to Allegra and the baby crew!!
Next month can't come quick enough.... Well, maybe I can 😉
April 13, 2026
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to the next books often. The last few have been redundant and often have very little happening, little to no climax and extremely redundant throughout- the same information repeated, ie. Mattie’s hand, the multiple faces of Dave, why they act the same. It would be nice if each book actually had something happen. I found myself skipping over much of the writing because it did not add value. Enough of prolonging Annani’s reunion and liberation of the island!
March 9, 2026
I needed a day to cool down from that ending, I’m pretty sure this was the worst cliffhanger ever.
Dark Alchemy Mind Games is mostly setup and no pay off but the next one will be completely enthralling. Yeah it lost a star for me for that reason but I get it. It’s still my absolute favorite monthly series.
If you’re not reading this series, catch up quickly!
*Received this as an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review
Dark Alchemy Mind Games is mostly setup and no pay off but the next one will be completely enthralling. Yeah it lost a star for me for that reason but I get it. It’s still my absolute favorite monthly series.
If you’re not reading this series, catch up quickly!
*Received this as an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review
April 5, 2026
Intrigue evolving
Lucas delivers a sharp, character-driven story, with Dave standing out in this story. His collective consciousness of eight gives him expanded awareness, but instead of fulfillment, it deepens his restlessness. He wants more than shared knowledge—he craves real-world experience.
This is another gem to uncover. Can’t wait for 107, but be sure to get into the mind games.
Lucas delivers a sharp, character-driven story, with Dave standing out in this story. His collective consciousness of eight gives him expanded awareness, but instead of fulfillment, it deepens his restlessness. He wants more than shared knowledge—he craves real-world experience.
This is another gem to uncover. Can’t wait for 107, but be sure to get into the mind games.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark Alchemy: Mind Games, Book 106 of the Children of the Gods series by Isabell Lucas @itlucas_author - You must read this book serial in order from book 1!
OMG! OMG! What an amazing 3rd book about Mattie & Dimitri! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Gods/Goddesses/Aliens), Male/Female, Is Khiann TRULY Dead?, Overall Storyline Arc For The Series & a cliffhanger for continuing this serial!
OMG! OMG! What an amazing 3rd book about Mattie & Dimitri! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Gods/Goddesses/Aliens), Male/Female, Is Khiann TRULY Dead?, Overall Storyline Arc For The Series & a cliffhanger for continuing this serial!
Review of advance copy received from Author
How do you do this to us Lucas??? You manage to keep me wanting more ALL THE TIME! This one definitely has the worst cliff hanger in a while, I am NOT OKAY! This series continues to get better over time and I absolutely can't wait for the next edition. I really don't know how you made me kind of like Dave, but you did.
April 4, 2026
Another trilogy in this amazing Serial complete, if you haven’t started from book 1 it’s a must! Mind games is all but a game it’s survival at this point! Will Dave the eight minds and Dimitri negotiate a deal? Will they be able to trick Losham? How will the clan help? All these questions and suspense makes this book amazing 🤩!
April 4, 2026
Building the suspense...
Well if I thought the last book was the foundation, then this one is definitely the framework. The suspense continues and a huge cliffhanger to boot. As much as I love these books I feel like we are back on the cruise, where the anticipation is building and building waiting for the big bang to happen. Can't wait to see what is next!
Well if I thought the last book was the foundation, then this one is definitely the framework. The suspense continues and a huge cliffhanger to boot. As much as I love these books I feel like we are back on the cruise, where the anticipation is building and building waiting for the big bang to happen. Can't wait to see what is next!
April 4, 2026
It seems time is running out with Dimitri’s changes, Losham’s new request, and Dave’s proposal. What decisions will be made? Will Losham be able to keep his brothers from trying to take over? When will the excavation be completed? What decision will Annani make? So many issues need to be resolved. Bring on the next book.
April 4, 2026
exciting , nerve wracking
As always the author builds up the suspense whilst maintaining the lives and feelings of the subjects in the book, and as always ends the story at a climactic time when we the readers are desperate to learn what happens next. I particularly liked the way the eight called Dave are looking at saving the women and children
As always the author builds up the suspense whilst maintaining the lives and feelings of the subjects in the book, and as always ends the story at a climactic time when we the readers are desperate to learn what happens next. I particularly liked the way the eight called Dave are looking at saving the women and children
April 6, 2026
Dark Alchemy: Mind Games is book 106 of I.T. Lucas' The Children of the Gods series. The character building is truly amazing. Ms Lucas ability to bring in new characters to a series this big is truly mind boggling. Her ability to fit new characters into the storylines of her existing characters lives is top tier writing. Every new book enhances the last and sets up the next perfectly.
April 8, 2026
Great read...
What else could possibly go wrong with trying to dig out the basement?? Lol Will everything come together? Will Lokan answer the phone? Right now I have more questions than I've read answers to. And more than anything I want the clan mother to have her mate. And to see Mattie get off the island.
What else could possibly go wrong with trying to dig out the basement?? Lol Will everything come together? Will Lokan answer the phone? Right now I have more questions than I've read answers to. And more than anything I want the clan mother to have her mate. And to see Mattie get off the island.
April 8, 2026
Mind Games
This was a great read to add to the children of the gods series. I love all the books she's written in this series. Lucas keeps you coming back to read the next. I can never wait for the next book to come out.I recommend it to anyone who loves sci.Fi , with the little fantasy and romance.
This was a great read to add to the children of the gods series. I love all the books she's written in this series. Lucas keeps you coming back to read the next. I can never wait for the next book to come out.I recommend it to anyone who loves sci.Fi , with the little fantasy and romance.
April 11, 2026
Oh wow
I love the books especially this one I can't wait for the story to continue and for Khiann to be found alive Annani deserves her true love mate and for Dimitri Petro Mattie And the 8 to be free I hope number one finds his mate and their mother's and the dormants and their children are also safely freed
I love the books especially this one I can't wait for the story to continue and for Khiann to be found alive Annani deserves her true love mate and for Dimitri Petro Mattie And the 8 to be free I hope number one finds his mate and their mother's and the dormants and their children are also safely freed
April 11, 2026
This series just keeps getting bigger and better!
I was hooked from the first book Dark Stranger: The Dream. Every time a book ends I can’t wait for the next one to come out. Desperately awaiting book 107! Luckily, IT Lucas is a prolific writer with impressive world-building skills who often is able to release her books early, thank the Fates!
I was hooked from the first book Dark Stranger: The Dream. Every time a book ends I can’t wait for the next one to come out. Desperately awaiting book 107! Luckily, IT Lucas is a prolific writer with impressive world-building skills who often is able to release her books early, thank the Fates!
April 22, 2026
Never disappoints!!!
I have read all them! Some of them twice! (Usually when I am waiting for the next one..
I thought I would get tired of the series, and yet...Not!
Thank the Fates that I.T. Lucas just keeps hitting it out of the park! She is so prolific that I don't have to wait too long either.
I have read all them! Some of them twice! (Usually when I am waiting for the next one..
I thought I would get tired of the series, and yet...Not!
Thank the Fates that I.T. Lucas just keeps hitting it out of the park! She is so prolific that I don't have to wait too long either.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg. So good! Makes it almost impossible to wait for the next book! I know people will say. Book 106 in the series, and feel they don’t have time. But this series is so good. And if you start it now, you can read book after book without having to wait for the next to come out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I crashed out at the end of this book. I am desperate for the next one. I will not be okay until I can read it. I know the characters’ goals, but I have no idea how they’re going to achieve them, which is so nice and a lot of fun knowing I’ll be surprised.
April 4, 2026
Another storming installment!!
Weirdly I am really starting to like Dave, his reactions in the dormant enclosure are more human than you expect from the doomers, I like where the story is going and can see an ending in the distance certainly with the island as it is now
Weirdly I am really starting to like Dave, his reactions in the dormant enclosure are more human than you expect from the doomers, I like where the story is going and can see an ending in the distance certainly with the island as it is now
April 5, 2026
Mattie & Dimitri
Dave wants to experience love will Mattie and Dimitri decide to help them ? The glass engagement exploded bring down more of the mansion how will the clan rescue Khiann and his companions? So much packed into this book .
Dave wants to experience love will Mattie and Dimitri decide to help them ? The glass engagement exploded bring down more of the mansion how will the clan rescue Khiann and his companions? So much packed into this book .
April 4, 2026
Wow, what a cliffhanger. The next book is needed right now. The suspense builds up in the best way. The writing has you hooked through the whole book. Setbacks happen for some, while the scientists, Mattie, and Dave move forward with their plans. Another amazing book.
April 8, 2026
Just keeps getting better
I have read all the books in this series. Highly recommend and encourage you to read them all. Just when you think you know where the series is going, you're wrong! Can't wait until the next book!
I have read all the books in this series. Highly recommend and encourage you to read them all. Just when you think you know where the series is going, you're wrong! Can't wait until the next book!
April 10, 2026
Worst book in the series. Repetitive filler, nothing of interest occurs, and awfully abrupt cliffhanger ending. Very disappointing. I’d much prefer the author release books less often or shorter books rather than have the same information be constantly repeated from multiple POVs.
April 14, 2026
Good
This book has plenty of information on the island and the struggles of the characters to make their lives better. The storyline has intrique and excitement and always looking forward to the book.
This book has plenty of information on the island and the struggles of the characters to make their lives better. The storyline has intrique and excitement and always looking forward to the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews