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The Children of the Gods #5

Dark Enemy Captive

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When the rescue team returns with Amanda and the chained Dalhu to the keep, Amanda is not as thrilled to be back as she thought she'd be. Between Kian's contempt for her and Dalhu's imprisonment, Amanda's budding relationship with Dalhu seems doomed. Things start to look up when Annani offers her help, and together with Syssi they resolve to find a way for Amanda to be with Dalhu. But will she still want him when she realizes that he is responsible for her nephew's murder? Could she? Will she take the easy way out and choose Andrew instead?

332 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2015

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I.T. Lucas

153 books1,365 followers

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5 stars
2,978 (49%)
4 stars
1,850 (31%)
3 stars
957 (16%)
2 stars
139 (2%)
1 star
43 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for angela .
785 reviews161 followers
October 15, 2019
Wow

I’m just loving this series, this book like the ones before it, was superb. I’m very curious to find out what happens in the next book, with Amanda and “the dummer”. If Amanda finds peace within herself, for loving who she loves.

Loving everything about this series!!!

Profile Image for Melinda.
848 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2019
It's missing something

I thought the last book was really good. The pace had picked up and the characters had some depth to them but this book is back to the constant drone of too much self-reflection and the slow pace.

It doesn't help that I just can't stand some of the main characters like Kian and the perfect little Syssi. I like characters with flaws like Dalhu.

The ongoing plot and developing story lines are interesting though and keep me going.
Profile Image for Debbie.
944 reviews80 followers
November 25, 2017
Dark Enemy: Taken – Captive – Redeemed
Children of the Gods books 4-6
I.T. Lucas

Series Summary:
From the beginning of time there have been near immortal beings who have molded humanity, been the object of worship but who as a race almost destroyed each other and human civilization.
Now only two Gods are left both sworn enemies:
The followers of Morta, the Doomers and the descendants of the Goddess Annani.

Lucas continues her unique addicting series with Amanda and Dalhu’s obstacle filled love story. It’s intense and at times dark but she always instills enough light for hope. Her dialogue is fast paced and her plot is engaging and interesting giving a freshness to this often stale genre. Her world building is unique and her characters may be ancient but surround themselves with all the 21st century gadgets plus her hints to future stories will lure readers (well this reader anyway) into purchasing the next set of books in the series.
Books 4 through 6 are Amanda and Dalhu’s story and must be read in order. In these installations readers will learn more about the history of these two remaining clans of immortals, will get more intimate with the Goddess and her family and will eventually get hints about what’s to come.
The audible edition is once again left in the capable voice of Charles Lawrence’s deep, sexy, satisfying baritone who expertly gives readers a deeper experience by intoning the emotions vocally and does a fantastic job portraying each and every character, human, immortal, male and female.

SUMMARY:
Amanda is the daughter of the last remaining female deity, Annani descendant from a race who ages ago were almost eradicated by civil war. She’s the youngest and for centuries has been known as the “party princess” but has redeemed herself lately when she became a scientist with the sole purpose of finding dormant immortals and save her race by providing them with mates. When she’s abducted by a member of her clan’s mortal enemy, the doomers, she’s afraid of death or worse. But that’s not what her captor has in mind at all.
Dalhu has long known the doomers philosophy is wrong and when he sees the photograph of a female immortal of his clan’s enemy he’s smitten. When he sees her in person he knows she’s his destiny. Now only if he can figure a way to keep her.
Profile Image for Andrea.
256 reviews
April 26, 2022
This book is book five in the series, The Children of the Gods. I did not give this book the same 5-star rating I gave the others. The books in this series are quick reads, and for paranormal romance, they are okay. This one didn't entirely focus on any one character, but it did bring in Amanda's mother. She was an interesting character and not what you would expect from a "god". I will be reading the next book in the series.
14 reviews
January 5, 2023
I love the series and the focus on Amanda’s character is key to setting her up in following books. She’s spicy!!
7 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2015
Dark enemy Captive continues Amanda and Dalhu's star-crossed love affair. While imprisoned in the clan stronghold, Dalhu learns that Amanda is Annani's daughter and loses even the tiny spark of hope he was clinging to that Amanda'll find a way for them to be together. They'll never be allowed near one another. But Annani enlists Anandur's help and the two of them arrange for Amanda to see Dalhu behind Kian's back. There is a very hot scene that takes place in a bathroom, and for a while it looks as if things will work out between Amanda and Dalhu, but Kian makes sure to blow them apart by forcing Amanda to acknowledge that her lover is her nephew's murderer. Amanda is torn between wanting Dalhu and despising him, and she considers giving Andrew a chance.
Meanwhile, Annani wants Kian and Syssi to have a grand wedding, the first ever for the clan, and she shoots down all of Syssi's objections. At first Syssi's reluctant, but when she realizes that Kian is as enthusiastic about marrying her, if not more, as his mother, she accepts. Now all she has to do is plan a wedding for six hundred Immortals in less than two weeks and figure out what to do about her parents. But Syssi's worries are of the happy kind, while Amanda's seem insurmountable. Could she ever be with the man who ordered her nephews murder? I guess we'll have to wait and see how she solves this problem in the next book, Dark Enemy Redeemed.
Profile Image for Angela Sanders.
Author 47 books976 followers
September 19, 2016
Amanda's rescue and much more!

Kian, his team of immortals, along with Andrew and his team of spec ops set out to to rescue Amanda from the Doomer who kidnapped her. When they reach the secluded cabin they find way more than they bargained for... Dalhu and Amanda in a very "compromising" position.... All hell breaks loose, leaving Amanda broken and mortified. Dalhu is taken to the dungeon at the keep...
Kian can't even look at Amanda, but with the assistance of Annani and Syssi, things start looking up until certain secrets are revealed. Again, Amanda's left devastated. Meanwhile, Kian and Syssi spring exciting news with the help of Annani. Will it be enough to bring Amanda home from her extended vacation? Will she be able to forgive Dalhu and move forward? What does his future hold? Their future?
What about Andrew's future now that he's a potential Dormant? You MUST read and find out! This is an exceptional series that I can't seem to get enough of! Believe me, reading these books again us just as thrilling as the first time!
5 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2016
Amanda knows her brother won't let her anywhere near the Doomer he hates, yet she wants to see if what she felt in the cabin is deeper than just an attraction between two immortals. But the only way she'd be able to visit Dalhu is to ask for her mother's help. Annani doesn't disappoint. In this book Annani plays a larger role, meddling in her children's lives (in a good way) and helping solve the problem of the men from Dalhu's team. (They know about Amanda). But some problems are too difficult for even the Goddess to solve. Can't wait to see where it all leads.
Profile Image for Melissa Crider-Nelson.
5 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2016
The description is the best part

Reading the description I was excited to read this however I was disappointed to say the least. The story was lacking and I even read a few other books in the series hoping it'd get better but that didn't happen. I really don't need a full chapter as a sex scene, seriously it gets old and cheapens the story. The idea of the story was a good one but it ended up just being blah.
32 reviews
January 5, 2019
I had to put this book down, it actually made me really angry. There is no way in this world, that someone would be ok with sleeping with the guy that ordered the murder of their nephew and the way that Kian was made to look unreasonable and the bad guy was ridiculous. The lack of support he received from Syssi was disgusting. Amanda came across as a spoilt bitch and Dalhu was an unrepentant ass. How can people find this story romantic?
Profile Image for Leyns.
3,054 reviews
June 9, 2017
No good.

I can't believe I paid $4.30 NZD for this. Basically nothing important happened. We are really no further than we were at the end of the last book. I'd suggest to skip this one altogether. Save your money!
Profile Image for Daena Guest.
147 reviews10 followers
February 24, 2020
3.5 stars. Okay... This series is addictive even if it is frustrating that no books is self contained. You have to keep reading to get the information IT Lucas has been teasing you with for books and books.

In the last book Amanda, the daughter of a goddess, was kidnapped by a member of the opposition, by Dalhu (think a montegue and capulet situation but with more years and more confusion). Dalhu has waited his whole life for a woman like Amanda, so he decides to leave his past behind and take her with him. He falls head over heels for the demigod.

This book things gets messier when she has a choice between Dalhu a man who has a terrible past that she might never be able to forgive (as he killed her nephew) and Andrew, her best friends brother who is all kinds of sexy.

Now that Dalhu is the captive and Amanda is free can she bring herself to be with him? Can she convince anyone else that Dalhu is no longer a threat to them or their way of life?

I must admit whilst the continued story is clever, fun, sexy and interesting it also is frustrating as hell because the story is continually ongoing. It's no a trilogy is the traditional sense and it's not a series with stand alone books, oh no, this book is basically a continuation of where the last book left off. And it's not means you are continually asking questions that you don't get unless you keep reading. I mean it's clever in some ways but so frustrating in others. Either way I begrudgingly admit I can't stop reading them.
Profile Image for Christian Garcia.
92 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2018
As I read Syssi and Kians story, all I wanted was to have more of Amanda’s story, and now that she has finally found her happiness, all I want to hear is more about Andrews story!

Even though Amanda’s man is from the enemy clan you can’t deny how much he cares for her and him switching teams for the good guys yet keeping his firm personality makes him a very likable character. To me anyways. I never wanted Amanda with Andrew so it definitely a relief the author didn’t go there.

What I enjoy a lot about these books is all the different povs from multiple characters. Even though this set of the series is suppose to be Amanda’s we still get povs from Syssi, Kian, Andrew, some of the guards, and even what’s going on with the bad guys. With their povs you get to see the characters from each other and I love it!

To be honest this series would be perfect for HBO or show time. The paranormal with the everyday modern life I feel would get lots of hype.

Another thing I like is how decent the size is of each book, it only takes me 3-4 hours to get through one if that and I’m always desperate to see from more character so definitely a win for me.

If you are iffy about starting this series don’t hesitate, they just keep getting better.
Profile Image for Angela Cornell.
Author 1 book34 followers
June 21, 2021
Dark Enemy: Captive KU/bought 288 pgs *** 6/20/21 several characters

3 stars. A lot of filler pages in this book, mostly boring, skippable filler pages. I did like the actual conversations when I found them, I tend to get more out of explanations via conversation than pages of just words trying to explain, between conversations. I do plan to keep reading even though I get frustrated with all the endings just stopping in the middle of a story and at least 30+ pages shorter than was listed. I do love the storyline but it’s just nearly having to skim the book to find the continuation of the storyline. I really like Dalhu and am hopeful he will get his chance at a good life eventually. Andrew tends to get on my nerves at times. I need more story in these books, I feel frustrated while reading them but I do want to find out what happens so I keep reading the next book. Thank goodness they are KU, I bought several of the boxed sets a few years ago so I am reading those but I don’t think I will purchase any more so I am glad of the KU on the series or I wouldn’t finish it.
Profile Image for Sherily.
293 reviews16 followers
February 17, 2021
Kian is about to lose his mind. He is letting his anger, hate and prejudice take over. Andrew is level headed enough to help calm Kian.
Amanda has fallen for Dalhu, but is still conflicted. There is so much chemistry between these two.
Dalhu is willing to say and do anything to keep Amanda safe and happy. His eyes are opened once he meets Annani.
Annani, is such a riot. She is intelligent and knows how to communicate to get her own way. She holds no prejudice in her heart and therefore is able to see the bigger picture of what she wants to hope for, for the future of her people.
Dalhu is willing to help her clan and provide them with as much information as he can. Andrew finds respect for Dalhu. Kian is still letting his prejudice against the Doomer keep him angry and in a heated state of mind. He says hurtful things to Amanda that has Amanda running away from everyone in heartbreak.
366 reviews
August 15, 2025
A brief lull.

This installment fell a bit flat, more of a holding pattern with a lot of background info but not too much in the way of action. This is, of course, inevitable in a prolonged saga with an ever expanding cast of characters. Sebastian is coming to the foreground now & what a deeply unpleasant creep he is. Like all top tier cult operatives, his sense of entitlement is staggering. Of course his immortality factors heavily into his disregard for humanity but it certainly doesn't endear him to me: nor, I suspect, to many other readers. It's always good to have a villain to boo & hiss!

I'm intrigued to see Andrew gaining more traction & a bigger role, especially as he is probably a Dormant. The other curious sidebar is the yacht crew - I have the distinct impression that's going to veer into interesting territory.
323 reviews
May 25, 2018
I am loving the story between Amanda and Dalhu even more than the one between Syssi and Kian! Annani, the last living Goddess, has a bigger and more direct role in this book which really made it interesting.

Andrew, Syssi’s brother…to be honest I find him to be so annoying! But in a good way! Not every character can be easily likeable, which makes the story more realistic in my opinion. I’m interested to find out just where his road in this series will take him.

There’s so much friction and strife, the story leaves you wondering if Amanda and Dalhu of overcome their vastly different mentalities. And I love how you’re constantly wondering just what is the real story with Dalhu, has he really changed…or is it something else?
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,564 reviews9 followers
May 22, 2019
After Andrew's rescue team locates Amanda and Dalhu in a very compromising position, and they are taken back to the keep, Amanda realizes she is not as happy as she should be. First, because Kian won't even talk to her, his disgust with her was quite obvious at the cabin. Second because with the way Kian and his man are keeping Dalhu prisoner. So much for getting to know him... Still, when Annani decides to help, things seem to be looking brighter. That is until she stops ignoring the fact that he was responsible for her nephew's murder. Can Amanda forgive Dalhu and build a future with him as her mate? In the first installment, Amanda is made prisoner. In this second, it is Dalhu's turn to be under guard. What will the third bring?
Profile Image for Amanda Gruber.
152 reviews
June 5, 2023
Story continues to drag. Characters can't settle on a personality either and that's frustrating. I liked Amanda a lot at the beginning and now she's wearing on me. Ugh! She's frustrating. Andrew is also wavering. He's a sweet guy, then at the end of book 4 he was a jerk and going to win Amanda's affections, and then was like she can pick who she wants, and now he's like screw her I'm going to have sex with the dr instead. What the heck? Pick a thought process already! Dalhu is about the only character I can currently tolerate.

At this rate, I'm barely hanging on and it's only because the overall story arc is interesting and the unique creatures she's created is just that--unique. However, I'm growing bored and will likely not continue much further.
1,218 reviews
March 3, 2019
Amanda's relationship with Dalhu seems more and more unlikely. Dalhu has been captured and imprisoned by Kian and the his clansmen and Amanda has been rescued and returned to her old lifestyle. The more Dalhu talks and reveals about his duties and the Doomers plans, the harder it is for him to believe he will be allowed to pursue a life with Amanda. This exciting story continues to keep me engaged with new developments continually coming to light and danger closing in on Kian and family. As things heat up, I can only wait to see how these impossible situations with be handled. More great reading ahead in the next installment - can't wait!!!!!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn H⭐ntz.
218 reviews26 followers
October 21, 2022
So, I don't know if I'm going to continue with this series. It's not that it's bad because it's bad, it's just not spectacular, and with how many freakin' books are in this series I don't know if it's worth it. When I started the series, I had never read spicy romances before. So it was new and exciting, and it didn't really matter that the plot was weak because I really was only in it for the sexy scenes.

But now there's no sexy scenes because the author decided to go hard into the plot! Again, it's not a bad book. I just couldn't get into it. I did like the characters though, and since the books are so short maybe I'll read a few more to make a more informed decision.
5 reviews
January 7, 2025
SO GOOD SECOND TIME AROUND!

I AM REREADING ALL THE BOOKS STARTING WITH BOOK ONE AND IM SO GLAD I DID START OVER AND DIDNT JUST PICK UP ON BOOK 60. I REALLY DID FORGET ALOT OF THE LITTLE STUFF. AND AFTER READING OR I SHOULD SAY LISTENING TO MY BOOKS. I DID REMEMBER WITH THE REMINDER AFTER SEEING IT AND HEARING IT ONCE AGAIN! IM SO EXCITED TO READ ALL THESE BOOKS AGAIN. I WONDER HOW MANY SHE IS ACTUALLY PLANNING ON WRITING OR IF ITS NOT GOING TO EVER END! BUT THEY ARE SO GOOD I’M NOT SURE I WANT HER TO END THIS SERIES! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND YOU NEED TO READ THESE BOOKS IN ORDER! HAPPY READING/LISTENING!
Profile Image for Cher .
190 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2018
Better

Sex scenes are written more like porn than a good sex scene. There is a huge difference. Since the first in series, every cliche known to porn has been used. Some is downright vulgar. I am in no way a prude. I like a good sex scene in a Romance just as much as most people. Can't exactly repeat what I am referring to. Trying to keep my review clean here.
Apart from that issue, the story has improved in each installment. Not sure if I would recommend this, but I don't hate it. I loved Ananni's character. What a hoot.
Profile Image for Aimee.
407 reviews17 followers
June 21, 2019
I find myself reading these stories just to find out about the overall story arc. However, each couple could have their stories condensed by a lot. I'm finding them more and more frustrating. Maybe I will just read the back matter, which contains large descriptions for the books, to see where the story goes. I think I would be more inclined to just stop if I was paying for each book; but as I am borrowing them from ku i'm likely to stick it out for a bit. Besides I don't need any of my brain to read these and I need a bit of that right now.
Profile Image for Mickey.
627 reviews49 followers
November 30, 2019
Be Still My Heart

Amanda and Dalhu's story continues in Dark Enemy Captive, which is the fifth book in The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance Series. While I enjoyed this story: it flows and keeps the theme going from the previous books, with the Doomers trying to subjugate the world, especially women. Annani is still all powerful, Kian remains stubborn and Andrew has become more helpful. My only issue is that Dark Enemy begins in a flux and ends the same way, without closure or solutions. Poor Amanda....
44 reviews
August 2, 2022
Officially Hooked

I thought I would just read Kian and Syssi's story and bow out, but after Amanda and Dalhu's story it's impossible to stop. I'm not sure about all 63 books (who writes that many books to a series), but what I've read so far has kept my interest. Kian, he has issues, Syssi sometimes a little too naive and a weeping willow. Amanda, love her, and I even like Dalhu. They seem to fit. Goddess mama is a trip. Annadur and his quiet brother, don't know what's up with him, are interesting characters and I love the way he works Kian's nerves.
310 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2023
Short

Either I read this too fast or it was extremely short…

Not a lot really happened or was revealed in this one that I can think of. Reading them back to back blurs the lines a bit since they are literally just one continuous book. Some progress was made on more information about the Doomer’s recent exploits for Annani’s clan and a new an important Doomer has made it on the scene.

Amanda is left guilt tripping herself over her Doomer…

Anyway, on to the next one. See my notes and highlights on Goodreads. Happy reading!

Profile Image for Tina.
960 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2019
Well this one took me longer to read but that doesn’t take away from the story, although the back and forth with the bad guys got all my nerves!!! Dalhu and Amanda’s relationship takes a turn but will it go the way both of them want? Or will Kian have the final say??
Good story, plot and characters. I love a series but I’m finding this one a bit dragged out, nice love scenes, lots of angst and some twists.
Profile Image for Keira.
401 reviews
September 30, 2021
I was really excited to continue the story of Dalhu and Amanda. Unfortunately, it was lacking on Amanda’s side. I found her reactions to Dalhu uncharacteristic for what we have previously read about Amanda. Her cowering and lack of smarts in her situation were really frustrating.

Dalhu on the other hand was a joy to delve into. His devotion to the spoiled princess was unwavering and learning more about his backstory just made him more endearing.
Profile Image for Irradiant.
79 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
Eh. I liked Andrew.

Poor Dalhu. He really did come a long way from the first 3 books but I feel so sorry for him. So far I haven't seen anything to like about Amanda besides her friendship with Syssi, and even that started as an ulterior motive to fix up her brother. It was meh. I'm still continuing the books because I like Syssi and Kian, Andrew, and even Michael. Just wondering what happens to them. I'd also like to know Brundar's story.
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