I thought I understood the difference between dreams and nightmares. Now I’m trapped in a place that feels like both, with no hope of ever waking up. The Erlking wants to hurt me, punish me for the sins of the past, even though I can’t remember committing them. I can also see the passion for me burning in his gaze. Rage and desire have become two side of the same coin. Except this time I’m not at his mercy alone. Puck and Tamlin have sworn to protect me from the worst of his urges, the ones that even the Erlking can’t control. But an even greater threat looms in the darkness and it’s coming for all of us. I thought the Erlking was my worst nightmare, but now we’re trapped together in a twisted dreamscape that is more dangerous than anything I’ve ever imagined. As much as I fear him, he might be the only thing standing between me and a much greater evil. We can stand against it together, or be torn apart.
Captive of Dreams is a paranormal reverse harem romance. Contains adult themes and may be triggering to some readers.
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
When I discovered Stolen by Shadows, I didn't know what to expect but after reading it, I fell in love with the story. It reminded me so much of the movie the Labyrinth, which is one of my favorite childhood movies but it was all grown up and it's own thing while also giving me that same feeling I got from the movie. Evelyn did an amazing job and I didn't know if she could continue that feeling in the second book but she did. Captive of Dreams has the same whimsical feeling that the first book did but is a new and amazingly interesting story.
Izzy is in the Underground and the more time she spends there and with the guys she starts to figure things out. Izzy is smart and through the events that take place she starts to piece together things about the Underground, princess Lim and things about the guys past. The more she knows the closer she gets to the guys, Puck with his deflection, Tamlin keeping her at bay and even Killian with his cruelty, all have reasons behind it. I love how things grow and develop between them but they guys keep things from her and it is driving me crazy and there is this scene with Puck that makes me think Lim's past with Puck is more complicated than what we know.
Izzy isn't a pushover, plus she is very stubborn which puts her in situations that are kinda dramatic while also putting her in a place where she doesn't really have any power but she is starting to get some of that power back. She's starting to think through her reactions before letting loose.
The story is very interesting with mystery, history of the fae, politics, magic, and steam. Just like in Stolen by Shadows, there are chapters told from Vaughn's pov and those are quite interesting. To see him and Chole after their experience in the Underground, knowing that Izzy is stuck there and having to deal with the aftermath. I had a couple of theories about the story and one was revealed to be true but I wonder if any of my other theories will be revealed to be correct in the next book.
I loved Captive of Dreams so much, it was such an enjoyable read that was dark and full of great world-building and interesting characters. The storyline was amazing, infusing the story with similarities to something I loved while being a totally new story. Evelyn killed me with the ending though, not only did my heartache a little but it ended on a cliffhanger and now I am left waiting for the final book, Forged in Darkness. I can't wait to see what happens next.
The excitement for this book already started when finishing the first book, because this is where it really gets interesting, this is where the story moves beyond the movie and I couldn't wait to see what Avery would do with it. So, when she announced last week that ARCs were going to be sent this weekend I was already hoping to get one soon so I could get started!
And once more Avery delivered a really action packed and addictive tale. Even though the goal in this book is a not as clear as in the previous one, she manages to keep it interesting from start to finish. We get to see the aftermath of everything that happened, but we mostly get to see more of the politics and the weakened position of the Erlking. On top of that the world was expanded and we got to see more dark and threatening parts of it, which was something I didn't expect.
I also like it that Avery didn't forget the humans in this story. So often writers lose interest in the human friends, but we get a few chapters from their point of view and we get to see everything they're doing and trying and willing to believe to get Izzy back. I have to admit that one of the twists in that storyline didn't exactly come as a surprise for me, but I liked that. It meant that it was hinted at and planned and not just a last minute idea that sounded cool.
But, what I love most is the character of the Goblin King. Look, the other guys in this story are amazing in their own way, but the Erlking is so incredibly interesting and complex! He's not my type of guy, but I love how Avery didn't try to soften him up or make him less dangerous and threatening. He's not all of a sudden some kind of good guy who was just misunderstood. He's a dangerous and lethal man who might have some soft spots in him. Somewhere.
And after that amazing cliffhanger I can't wait to read the next book! I will count down the days until the message comes that ARCs will be sent!
Killian - Erlking is such a complicated character. Hes full of contradictions. Just when i think ive worked him out he does something that changes my opinion of him. It definitely keeps you guessing about who the good and bad guys are in this series. So i kinda empathise with Izzy (FMC) when she doesnt know which way to turn or who to trust except her stone soldier - Tamlin and her court jester - Puck (who she gets very steamy with in this book). Also Chloe & Vaughn (her friends) are trying to help her but Vaughn just annoyed me big time in this book. I hope he redeems himself in the next one? Still im loving this series a lot & that ending?? Oh boy completely brilliant. Dying to read the next book
I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting, considering how I went from adoration at the start, to slight disappointment by the end of the first one.
The fundamental problem I have with this series is the Erlking, or Killian, is by far the most interesting character and, while I am a fan of RH, I think this would be a better boom without Puck, Tamlin or the very annoying Vaughn. Apart from Vaughn I don't have an issue with them, but it is her relationship with the Erlking that is compelling.
The twist with Greta was one I anticipated from the end if the last book, but the ending threw some integrating things into play for the next book.
I was looking forward to this second book so much and was definitely not disappointed. It continued right off where the first one ended but this book really dove into the systematics of the world, how power controls and makes people want you as a leader, and how eager people are to get that power for themselves. As with the first book, this one had some amazing world building. Different characters and species were introduced and described and new untraveled (by the Erlking and anyone in his kingdom) areas of the world were brought to life with Avery's words.
Let's move onto the main characters. Izzy is really fighting herself and her past with the Erlking as she slowly begins to remember bits and pieces of her past. Who could ever love a man whose sole goal is to harm and harness one's power for themselves? But surprisingly, the Erlking has a softer side to him. As we learn more about his past and how he became a king, we know that he wouldn't have chosen this path if he knew what the sacrifice would be. I have to say, I'm warming up to him. You can tell that he truly loves Izzy, and piece by piece he will break down the walls she has built. Puck and Tamlin are a different story altogether. I'm anxious to see how Izzy makes Puck realize that he is good enough to be loved and to see if she will finally talk to Tamlin to know his true feelings instead of just assuming to know what is going through his mind. Because you know what happens when you assume. Vaughn and Chloe, although less involved in this book, weren't forgotten, and I loved seeing what they were doing in order to reunite with Izzy. Although I have to admit that I feel they were so desperate to get Izzy back that they put too much trust in others and didn't question their odd behavior. Yikes. See where that got them. That was one heck of a cliffhanger! I'm excited to see what Avery comes up with in order to bring everyone back together again.
Wow I really enjoyed the first book but the second book was just wow I was sat on the edge of my sit it most definitely it didn’t disappoint. Izzy is in the underworld on her own as her friends have been sent back to the real world. Killian the Erkling king will do anything to make Izzy his even thought she can’t remember her former life in the underworld even if it hurts her and cause her pain.
Tamlin and puck are still trying to protect Izzy but at what cost to them. I absolutely loved this book and I love Izzy character and that she will fight no matter what the cost to her self.
Chloe and Vaughan are trying to find away to bring Izzy back they haven’t forgotten about her and what happen in them in the underworld they just want there friend back.
Omg the cliffhanger what a lot of twist and turns that lead up to the cliffhanger I can’t wait for the next book to see were this story is going to go I absolutely cannot get enough of this story and the characters in the book.
We learned about Izzy and the Erlking's history in the beginning and how they became cursed. Throughout the book the Erlking is trying to gain more power and maintain his alliances with other groups in the Underworld. After going on a trip to see the Dark Elves that did not go as planned, Izzy and Killians relationship changes for the better. I love that we get to see how much he still loves Izzy and what he has done to protect her. There are a couple suprises in the end that I did not see coming. Let me just say Gretta, I knew something what up with her but did not see this exactly.
This world is such a great one! I cant wait for the next book to see how they are able to escape what happened. I hope Puck and Tamlin will be reunited with Izzy. Oh man that ending. I cant quit think about it.
I really enjoyed the first book, and this second in the trilogy will also not disappoint. Izzy is now in the Underworld still without her memories. The Erkling King, Killian, is not one for sharing any information though. You get to find out a lot more about the Underworld and how Izzy fits into it, even if she can't remember herself. Vaughan and Chloe are trying to help get Izzy back but don't know how, and its refreshing to see that her best friends haven't been forgotten in the story once she was involved with the Underworld. Even though there is a cliffhanger, I love it, I love the twists of the last couple of chapters and I can't wait to see how the story will continue in the next book.
I am absolutely head over heels in love with this series!! The characters are easily lovable, the world building is extraordinary, and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I have to admit after reading Stolen by Shadows and the beginning of Captive of Dreams I really didn’t see me ever liking the Erlking. So you can imagine my surprise when the cliffhanger with him left me crying! I don’t know how Evelyn Avery did it but she found a way to make what most would think an irredeemable character someone we actually grow found of and start to understand.
I cannot recommend this book enough!!! Honestly I’m at a bit of a loss for words after that cliffhanger! Five out five recommend!
I enjoyed this book even more than the first and that is definitely saying something! It is a great continuation to the series and I’m on tenterhooks waiting to find out what will happen in book 3. The reveal of the dark queen didn’t surprise me, I expected it even in book one but that’s not to say it wasn’t an amazing ride to get to that point. I love how we get to know Killian better and the other guys in Izzy’s life and that ending... just wow! I did not see that coming and I’m really hoping for our girl to get her happy ever after when all is said and done. Team killian all the way. I have some other theories on how it will end but we’ll just have to wait and see. Definitely worth a read.
This book had me on pins and needles by the end of the book. It starts off where book one leaves off. It is not slow but not to fast either and a great build up. You will get to know more about Killian aka the Erlking. This one is intense and a bit witty. Isabella is trying to figure out what is going on. She also seems to not be able to make heads or tails of how she feels about Killian. Don't discount Puck and Tamlin. Will she figure out why she is with Killian? Will she regain her memories. Can her friends Chloe and Vaughn get back to save her. What of Isabella's mother? This is definitely a great follow up to book one. I cannot wait to see what will happen next.
Boom two of this series and Izzy is adjusting to life in the labyrinth. Killian/the Erkling are fighting for control. And secrets are revealed. My one downside is that for a few chapters you jump locations without it being noted. As a reader we get to see more of the Underground and learn more or Lin’s past. This books is steamier than the first but all the scenes were well written and helped move the plot along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow second book did not disappoint, It had me on the edge the whole time, in this one you learn more about the underworld and it's one where it passes the movie and you see more of Izzy and how she continues. I loved everything about it and was so excited from book 1, the writing is amazing and I love how Evelyn can take you away and make you feel like your in that world!! This is 5 stars for sure and can't wait to see what happens next!!
Seriously I am falling in love with this series. Book 1 was amazing. This book is phenomenal!!! This story started right where book 1 left off. So yes you have to read other book first. This story answers a lot of questions I had from previous book. Also it does end on a cliffhanger which means yay another book!!!! I don’t like giving away spoilers so you will have to take my word on it that this is a freaking amazing story!!! Highly recommend!!!
This story has appeared to attach to my soul. It has left me with a deep need for more. More history, more love, and more Izzy! I love her character, completely. The guys are rather nice as well. The story was, yet again, well written and thorough. I love everything about it! This book was so dang good that I'm speechless. Raging for more!!
Once again another book in the series that I could not put the book down. The book sucked me right into The Erlking and Izzy’s World from the get go. I really didn’t want to leave. Love the story, very well written. It does end with a cliffhanger and leaves you carving the next book. I really, really can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Ugh that cliffhanger... I devoured this book in one sitting! As I anxiously await the 3rd book release I'm going to reread this book again its that good. I have so many mixed feelings on Killian after this book. I am so hoping that Izzy will get her happy ending. This story is crazy good. 1 click this series you won't regret this fantasy.
Oh my holy land of mind fucks. What the heck who' else needs therapy after this book. I think my soul felt that ending. This books was fantastic it was steamy twisty and that ending I need book 3 so bad I'm losing my mind. Evelyn is amazing at suspense and drama holy wow
This was everything I hoped for in the follow up and more. The dynamics are amazing as things start falling into place and then wham! A big twist right at the end, I expected part of it at some point, but I wasn't ready. I am on pins & needles wondering what's next.
I thought this second installment of the series was spellbinding. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. I look forward to reading the conclusion of this story.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. These characters, and this world is breathtakingly suspenseful. Loved every moment. Pure perfection!
Omg this book blew me away. I was not expecting this. I love this so much and need book 3 now. I literally could not put my reader down. This author rocks.
All. The. Feels. Dark and twisted. An emotional rollercoaster that leaves you begging for more. Mind the cliff, but it is so worth it. Can’t wait for book3!!!