What do you think?
Rate this book
The Captive
Relieved from deadly toil in the mines, a slave is brought to his master's household to work and there encounters a new form of torture in a seductive young woman who he is forbidden to have. Original.
395 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
14 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 8, 2011
I'm not a big fan of Amanda Ashley. There is something in her writing. However, the storyline of this one seemed interesting. The back is a bit vague on what type of romance this book is about. It turns out, this is a sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic book with Confederations, planets, aliens galore. Normally, it isn't my type of read. I prefer historicals and PNR's to these types of romance books. However, as I mentioned the story seemed interesting so even after I found out the actual genre I continued to read the book.
For a bit of time in the beginning the heroine wasn't my favorite. She seemed spoiled at times and a brat. I could tell she was intrigued by the captive, Falkon, but she just didn't seem as sympathetic as I would have wished for a heroine in that type of situation. Having typed that however, I will say that she improved halfway through the book and once the "I love you's" came she was always loving and kind to the hero. In fact later in the book she actually
There were a couple of things that I didn't like. There were two villians, if you will. However, one of them was an enemy of Falkon's who was once his friend. The other villian deserved a worse death, IMO.
However, this was still a good read, even if the writing was a bit light at times. The story flowed well and the book was really a fast read; when I had time to read it.
For a bit of time in the beginning the heroine wasn't my favorite. She seemed spoiled at times and a brat. I could tell she was intrigued by the captive, Falkon, but she just didn't seem as sympathetic as I would have wished for a heroine in that type of situation. Having typed that however, I will say that she improved halfway through the book and once the "I love you's" came she was always loving and kind to the hero. In fact later in the book she actually
There were a couple of things that I didn't like. There were two villians, if you will. However, one of them was an enemy of Falkon's who was once his friend. The other villian deserved a worse death, IMO.
However, this was still a good read, even if the writing was a bit light at times. The story flowed well and the book was really a fast read; when I had time to read it.
May 23, 2012
I was kind of disappointed because I love Amanda Ashley's books but I don't think Sci-fi is her thing. Honestly it was an historical romance set on another planet. No originality at all. The hero did not stand out for me at all. Ms. Ashley did not bring him to life and make me care about him and I usually like to connect with the heroine but I just couldn't get into this one. Honestly, I just couldn't get into this book and I really did try. I got 3/4 through it before I finally put it down for good. It wasn't really bad but it never excited me. I like a book that I pick up to read a few pages even before getting out of bed or feeling like I can't wait to get back home to read it but this book never did that for me. I guess it may be a case of just reading too many romances and now only the exceptional ones stand out. Sorry Amanda. Still love all of your vampire romances though...
June 12, 2012
This story was interesting and it was good to read a nice little romance again. This one was a little different though the romance, as in common, started out a little shakily.
It takes place in the galaxy somewhere on a planet called Tierde where Lady Ashlynne lives with her parenta and Prisoner Number 4, aka Falkon, has been taken to work as a slave in the black crystal mine that is owned by Ashlynne's father. Falkon is a mercenary from the planet Daccar and he is not happy with his imprisonment.
Ashylnne is betrothed to another but falls in love with Falkon, after he saves her life and they are on the run.
I was amazed at how many times Falkon was put in shackles, I did not think he would ever be free. I found it hard to beleive that Lady Ashlynne was taken prisor by her husband and sent to work in her own mine and no-one questioned it?
A good read all the same
It takes place in the galaxy somewhere on a planet called Tierde where Lady Ashlynne lives with her parenta and Prisoner Number 4, aka Falkon, has been taken to work as a slave in the black crystal mine that is owned by Ashlynne's father. Falkon is a mercenary from the planet Daccar and he is not happy with his imprisonment.
Ashylnne is betrothed to another but falls in love with Falkon, after he saves her life and they are on the run.
I was amazed at how many times Falkon was put in shackles, I did not think he would ever be free. I found it hard to beleive that Lady Ashlynne was taken prisor by her husband and sent to work in her own mine and no-one questioned it?
A good read all the same
June 12, 2012
I LOVED THIS BOOK. IT IS MY FAVORITE ROMANCE NOVEL EVER. A MUST MUST READ
November 27, 2013
It was very captiveting story indeed. I was hooked from beginig till end and enjoy it. I like the plot, caracters, feelings,...This is why I love reading books.
June 17, 2025
DNFed halfway in.
I like the world building and the MMC. The concept is great, too. But oml, the FMC is the most insufferable creature I've ever had the displeasure of reading. She completely killed my investment in the book. The writing was also painfully repetitive. I would've been able to look past it if the FMC wasn't so unbearably annoying.
I like the world building and the MMC. The concept is great, too. But oml, the FMC is the most insufferable creature I've ever had the displeasure of reading. She completely killed my investment in the book. The writing was also painfully repetitive. I would've been able to look past it if the FMC wasn't so unbearably annoying.
March 2, 2025
Reread. Still found it a good read. I will be reading the rest of this series too.
April 5, 2012
I was wonderfully surprised to discover that this romance novel takes place in a galaxy far far away. It's a great story driven novel, but I love sci-fi romance and am still puzzled why there's nothing on the cover to indicate it's anything other than your usual run of mill trashy romance. But it's not. It's different and I liked it a lot.
SYNOPSIS:
Heroine: Rich chick, sheltered, compliant personality, living in isolation (sure, she's spoiled as they other reviewers complained, but this is the only life she's ever known) on a planet where her dad is in charge and rules with an iron fist. She's promised in a political marriage to a stranger, and on a lark spies on a new slave destined to work in the mines that pay for all her wealth.
Hero: Number 4 is his slave name. He was a military commander, with a family and prestige, until he was injured and taken as a POW. His family was killed in retrubition, and he was sent to die slowly inch by inch on this God forsaken planet, pulling precious crystals from the mine, until he is taken to the master house to be the yard slave.
Heroine Ashlynn follows the slave around unaware of the repurcussions from her sexual curiousity are inflaming Hero Falkon.
Their mine and home are destroyed in an attack that killed everyone except Falkon and Ashlynn. They have an arduous trek overland to a spaceport, escape to the planet of her finacee and eventually make their way back to the mine to free it from those intent on stealing it from Ashlynn. It's a romance novel, so of course they fall in love and have a tame rated G love fest.
What I liked:
LOVED the sci-fi aspect! Unexpected as it was, it was really a backdrop to the story, not the main focus.
Liked the way the charcters bounced back from losing everything they ever loved. They both had guts to even start the process to living again, and to start permitting someone to get close after their tragedies showed great strength of character.
Liked the Rated G aspect.
I liked the epilogue. It's nice when they tie up a story and keep the reader happy.
What I didn't like so much:
I think sometimes Falkon doesn't think. He walked into traps, and really should have taken the controller away from Ashlynn as soon as humanly possible. I also think he should have ransomed her to the finacee, but understand his nobility in denying himself this source of revenue.
Overall it's an enjoyable book, good for the beach, or for killing an afternoon at the park.
SYNOPSIS:
Heroine: Rich chick, sheltered, compliant personality, living in isolation (sure, she's spoiled as they other reviewers complained, but this is the only life she's ever known) on a planet where her dad is in charge and rules with an iron fist. She's promised in a political marriage to a stranger, and on a lark spies on a new slave destined to work in the mines that pay for all her wealth.
Hero: Number 4 is his slave name. He was a military commander, with a family and prestige, until he was injured and taken as a POW. His family was killed in retrubition, and he was sent to die slowly inch by inch on this God forsaken planet, pulling precious crystals from the mine, until he is taken to the master house to be the yard slave.
Heroine Ashlynn follows the slave around unaware of the repurcussions from her sexual curiousity are inflaming Hero Falkon.
Their mine and home are destroyed in an attack that killed everyone except Falkon and Ashlynn. They have an arduous trek overland to a spaceport, escape to the planet of her finacee and eventually make their way back to the mine to free it from those intent on stealing it from Ashlynn. It's a romance novel, so of course they fall in love and have a tame rated G love fest.
What I liked:
LOVED the sci-fi aspect! Unexpected as it was, it was really a backdrop to the story, not the main focus.
Liked the way the charcters bounced back from losing everything they ever loved. They both had guts to even start the process to living again, and to start permitting someone to get close after their tragedies showed great strength of character.
Liked the Rated G aspect.
I liked the epilogue. It's nice when they tie up a story and keep the reader happy.
What I didn't like so much:
I think sometimes Falkon doesn't think. He walked into traps, and really should have taken the controller away from Ashlynn as soon as humanly possible. I also think he should have ransomed her to the finacee, but understand his nobility in denying himself this source of revenue.
Overall it's an enjoyable book, good for the beach, or for killing an afternoon at the park.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
As the daughter of a rich and powerful slave master, the heroine has wanted for nothing as her life. Though she doesn’t believe in the harsh treatment of slaves, she doesn’t think twice to sun bath while the hero, one of those slaves, rakes the yard. The hero was once the leader of the army of his people but now he’s degraded to a slave but his beauty and vitality has kept him out of the deadly mines that kill or injure so many.
Instead, he much be around the beautiful master’s daughter who keeps eyeing him during his daily workings. But when the planet is attacked, the hero, taking mercy on the innocent woman, escapes the chaos and saves her life. Together they flee into the jungle and must rely on each other for survival. I hated the heroine. She was whiny and weak. For god’s sake, the guy was a slave. He’s gone through all sort of torture and abuse yet she’s complaining because she has to run through the run after he saves her from certain death? I’d leave her on her ass.
Instead, he much be around the beautiful master’s daughter who keeps eyeing him during his daily workings. But when the planet is attacked, the hero, taking mercy on the innocent woman, escapes the chaos and saves her life. Together they flee into the jungle and must rely on each other for survival. I hated the heroine. She was whiny and weak. For god’s sake, the guy was a slave. He’s gone through all sort of torture and abuse yet she’s complaining because she has to run through the run after he saves her from certain death? I’d leave her on her ass.
July 13, 2015
I have a love-hate relationship with Amanda Ashley: I either adore the book or it bores me to tears. Nonetheless there is one thing that is present in all of her books, regardless of the dullness degree, and that is the poetic way in which she uses words.
This particular book falls into the first category. Whereas most of her vampire books get boring and tedious after a while(or after reading a dozen like I did), this one was surprisingly interesting. The action was fast paced and it had me guessing. The world itself was quite interesting and imaginative, this coming from someone that doesn't really enjoy futuristic books. Overall I enjoyed it, so I am giving it 4 stars +.
This particular book falls into the first category. Whereas most of her vampire books get boring and tedious after a while(or after reading a dozen like I did), this one was surprisingly interesting. The action was fast paced and it had me guessing. The world itself was quite interesting and imaginative, this coming from someone that doesn't really enjoy futuristic books. Overall I enjoyed it, so I am giving it 4 stars +.
January 9, 2011
I was given this book as a gift. I have to say, I read most of it and then skipped to the end. It was okay but a bit too drama queen for me. I think it could be my change in tastes. Before, these type of romances swept me off my feet. I was also in my late teens and early twenties. Now, I kind of roll my eyes at these and find them to be a bit ridiculous. I guess I don't need this type of romance anymore.
I do want to say the author's writing is just fine. The characters are even fine too. It's just my change in tastes.
I do want to say the author's writing is just fine. The characters are even fine too. It's just my change in tastes.
October 13, 2009
The writing is good, but it wasn't what I was expecting. The Captive was the first Amanda Ashley book I picked up when I heard she was one and the same as Madeline Baker, and I was disappointed since I love, love, LOVE all the MB books I've read. But honestly, my turn off had little to do with the writing...and much more to do with genre; I don't usually read anything futuristic/scifi.
September 15, 2012
Bingung deh... Dari covernya seperti tipe2 cerita HR, tapi ternyata oh ternyata... Kok dalemnya nyinggung galaksi dan planet2 yang entah di mana itu, pantesan agak bingung sewaktu baca nama2 tempat dan suku2nya... Mencoba untuk suka membacanya tapi scifi emang bukan plot favoritku...
June 27, 2016
Amazing
I was a little scared the boy wasn't going to get the girl in this novel. Our main characters fought every obstacle imaginable including each other. But as always love will win all battles.
I was a little scared the boy wasn't going to get the girl in this novel. Our main characters fought every obstacle imaginable including each other. But as always love will win all battles.
December 4, 2007
Futuristic! Very Fun! A great read!
January 20, 2016
It was purchased at the Dollar Store: what more needs to be said?
March 2, 2016
It was good, though it took me a moment to realise that it was based in galaxy universe and not Earth.
September 1, 2014
This original story line came to life with very interesting characters and plot. Great Read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews