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The Children of the Gods #65

Dark Gambit The Pawn

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Temporarily assigned to supervise a team of bioinformaticians, Marcel expects to spend a couple of weeks in the peaceful retreat of Safe Haven, enjoying Oregon Coast’s cool weather and rugged beauty.

Things quickly turn chaotic when the retreat’s director receives an email with an encoded message about a potential new threat to the clan.

While those in charge of security debate what to do next, Safe Haven’s first ever paranormal retreat is about to begin, and one of the attendees is a mysterious woman who makes Marcel’s heart beat faster whenever she’s near.

Is the beautiful mortal his one truelove?

Or is she the harbinger of more bad news?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2022

1995 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

I.T. Lucas

153 books1,367 followers

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5 stars
1,198 (69%)
4 stars
388 (22%)
3 stars
115 (6%)
2 stars
16 (<1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Ninoska Goris.
275 reviews177 followers
April 2, 2023
"Then there was the scandalous threesome idea that Eric was pushing her into, and that was stressing her out even in its modified and less scandalous version."

I have been reading this series for over a year now and so far there have been better stories than others, but all of them were good.
Until we get to the story of Eric and Darlene / Marcel and Sofia. I know that as the series progresses they have to entertaing new ways to find and transform the dormants, but this idea of the writer is more than horrible.
Definitely if the series keeps in that line, I will not continue reading it.
Profile Image for Bonnie Keller.
67 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2022
I have read all of this series!

I am hooked on this soap opera of books, because it is a book form of a soap opera. The only pet leave I have is 10% of the beginning of the book is advertising the other books. Then the final 10% of the book is about the past books. Complete waste of pages that could be more story. The books are too short as is. The only reason I can not give this book five stars.
Profile Image for IdRatherBeReading.
303 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2022
finally some exciting action

Could it be true!!? Could Annanis clan finally be found? By jades cruel captures no less. So exciting. I was anxious just reading where Emmett was being manipulated. It was so close. I’m excited to see what happens now.
Profile Image for Lisa Crowe smith.
89 reviews
September 30, 2022
Love this series

Didn't resolve past issues but opened many new store lines. Please close some past issues before going on to more.
Profile Image for KAREN SAUNDERS.
51 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2022
Ms. Lucas moves in a much needed, new direction...

Dark Gambit is the first fresh narrative direction the author has taken in about three or four dozen books for the change. They all involved trilogies that sought out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go... Wrong franchise.

The clan's purpose was to stay out of the Doomers' way and find dormants to join their ranks and grown their population. But the basic formula to find a dormant got mired in several plotlines woven together to make one couple's romance last three books. That was what made me quit reading the series until I was told it was changing directions. It took at least a dozen books to threaten the Kra-ell and the Clan in a face to face conflict that should be a storyline on its own.

It appears the writer got tired of the Navuh storyline and perhaps couldn't think of a way to either return to it, or tie it up. She then brought in the Kra-ell but there was a significant failure to launch so it languished in Trilogy purgatory. I'm pleased that Ms. Lucas stuck mostly with the main characters, Marcel and Sofia in this book.

The author's weaknesses is juggling several plotlines. They aren't even subplots. They are fully realized, thick plots that diluted the narratives of the intended main characters.

Not the case in Dark Gambit: The Pawn. This angle takes a plunge into espionage unwittingly making the existence of the Immortals vulnerable to the Kra-ell. I'm going to choose to hope she focuses on this couple and plot in this trilogy.

I think Ms. Lucas is testing the waters for a MMF Menage plotline. Keep the idea vague or wrap this plot up in two books so you can get to Eric, Max and Darlene. I'll see where she goes with this.
Profile Image for MzAnn.
689 reviews14 followers
November 27, 2022
The Excitement Returns

Yep...It's getting good again!

We have three older Dormants waiting to transition. Their decisions rest on whether or not Eric safely completes his transition. Kaia is even more suspicious of the "blessings" Annani and now Toven have given to transitioning Dormants... and something will need to be done about it.

Jade's attempt to reach out to Emmett seems to have been successful... but will Emmett be able to understand it... and will he and/or the Clan be able to do anything about it.

Jade's plea for help many not have been as covert as she thought. Igor's suspicions have been raised. He sends Sofia, a human from his compound, to scope out Safe Haven... to try to suss out Jade's interests in the place. But Sofia falls for Marcel, and her loyalties will be tested.

Will Eric transition successfully? Have Gilbert, Karen and Darlene waited too long to attempt transition? Should Karen and/or Darlene allow done other males to induce them instead of waiting on their mates?

Has Jade's attempt to find help put Emmett, Safe Haven, and the Clan in danger? Will Kian move to help the female Kra-ell leader and those who are held captive with her? Will Sofia succeed in her spy mission? And if she does, what happens to her relationship with Marcel?

Tune in to the next episode of All My General Days of Restless Lives to Live!

(I'm still waiting to see now Khiann comes back. Now, I'm even more curious about the connection between Annani's Clan and the Kra-ell... and if/how the evolution of the Odus will fit into everything!)
Profile Image for Simone.
24 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
I was so happy with this book. Isabell writes two different kinds of stories—character based and plot based. Character based stories are like many in the beginning and like William and Kaia’s story just was. They focus on the characters, falling in love, and the Dormants transition into an Immortal. The plot-based stories have all of that, but also have the added bonus of including info pertaining to the overarching plot.

Now that we’re 65 books in, and there’s an established overarching plot, going back to those solely character-based plots is a bit difficult for me. I’m happy William got his HEA, but I was really hoping for some info on the Odus—that’s what the goal of their project is. We didn’t get it, which makes sense since it’ll take a long time to translate the Okidu’s journals. I hope we get back to it.

But THIS book really has everything! Marcel and Sophia are very unique from the other characters, and I love seeing the new characters with interesting backgrounds and motivations interacting. I never thought I’d be so grateful for Eleanor, but she really saved the day in this book! My heart was pounding at the end!

I’m so glad we are finally making headway in the Kra-ell story line. I’m really interested and filled with theories about how Annani’s clan is going to rescue Jade and the other women and children from the compound. I also desperately want to know what part the Kra-ell have to play in the even greater storyline—once rescued, what next?
Profile Image for Robin.
464 reviews9 followers
September 25, 2022
Dark Gambit The Pawn (The Children of the Gods Paranormal Romance Book 65) - I.T. Lucas

Stories and background theories are starting to materialize as the many storyline plots advance.
Jade’s encoded letter to Emmet is getting the attention it was intended for and has sparked the hopes for the Kra’ell living with The Clan. Kian is wary of these newest developments and he is totally right to trust his instincts. Even I am nervous of the repercussions this could bring about . These long lived people are dangerous with Jade or Igor and their followers are fanatical at best.
Igor, suspicious of Emmett and the whole retreat sends Sophia in to spy and gather information. When she hooks up with Marcel the union is for real on both sides but so bad for the clan and her actions can have serious repercussions for everyone! Suspense and danger seem to be on the horizon.
Meanwhile the transformations to immortality for the newest family , Darlene,Karen, William, etc is going slowly and after two weeks Eric has finally awoken.
So many excitement, tension, and emotions running all over with perilous consequences hanging in the air. Loving all the twists and turns and can not wait for the next installment (Book 66).
Profile Image for Tracy Books_Beers_Brews.
1,076 reviews54 followers
September 25, 2022
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: Paranormal romance, fated mates
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍: 🔥🔥🔥
𝑷𝑶𝑽: Multiple, both the main characters, secondary characters & previous main characters
~~~~~~~~~~
The book count for this series may seem daunting since this is the 65th book, thankfully the way IT Lucas organizes the series is by having the books are set in 3-4 books in a mini-series that revolves around a main couple. There are often side characters & couples that you will see develop along side the main couple. The series does have an overarching storyline that continues through all the books so it is best to read them in order. These books are also told from the POV of multiple individuals, even many of the side characters or members of previous highlighted coupled. Each chapter clearly identifies who is telling their story so it is easy to follow.

Ok this is the first book for Marcel and his mate Sofia & I have to say this has been my favorite start of one of the trilogies in a long time. I was unsure how I was going to feel about the Kra-ell coming into more of a focus, but I am really enjoying the direction that the author has taken for this. I can’t wait to see where it will go next.
Profile Image for Angela Cornell.
Author 1 book34 followers
September 29, 2022
Dark Gambit The Pawn KU 316 pgs ***.* 9/29/22 Marcel &Sofia

3.5 stars for the last half of the book. 2 stars for the first half. Jade’s keeper, Igor, found out about Emmett and Safe Haven so he sent a spy in to see what she could find out, Sofia. She wasn’t privy to what Ivan wanted and just knew to snoop around to see if anything odd was happening in Safe Haven. Marcel was taken with Sofia from the beginning as was she with him. They spent time together and became closer until Eleanor pulled the plug. Eric’s ending story was really boring and I skipped over much of his chapters but I didn’t like his 3 books in the first place. The ending of this book was exciting and of course puts you on edge just wanting to keep reading Marcel’s story which won’t be out for a few months.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
124 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2022
Sophia and Marcel’s story starts with this book and I have to say I am pleased with how their storyline is moving. We have been wondering how Jade’s people were going to meet up with the Clan. I am interested to see how this storyline plays out, but I am also interested in some of the smaller side stories that are still moving along. I have stopped trying to guess who the next couple will be and have just decided to go with the flow and take in the lovely stories!! At book 65 we know we are all well invested in the soap opera that is the Clan!
514 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
Marcel & Sofia part1, Bk65

Eric is awake, Gilbert is planning on going "home" to wrap things up ready to come back to Karen n the family to start their new life.
Eric talks his idea over of how they transition their ladies without waiting the full 6months for their venom glands to come in.

Over at safe haven everything goes into high alert when new Paranormal girl Sofia catches Marcels eye. but then Egor the head of the Karell turns the tables on Emmett a feeling he really really doesn't like, luckily Elenor is there to save him Just in time!!!
Profile Image for Brenda Davis.
272 reviews
September 24, 2022
Gambit - Cliffhanger

What a cliffhanger- but so much of a page turner that I read a just over 6 hrs. With Eric successfully transitioned, Sofia unable to give her truth. Jade maybe being punished, but hopefully Igor will be found and taken down. But then what will Jade become if she is able to go back to her old hold over a community. Hummm. All the twist I just love I. T. Lucas. Now to wait for book 66. 💕
662 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2022
WOW! Ms. Lucas did it again! The suspense was off the charts exciting. Poor Marcus is afraid to fall for Sophia because of a past bad experience with another woman. Sophia is definitely a pawn for Igor and his ambition. Will Jade be able to get the message from Emmett and get rescued. Glad Toven is able to redeem himself by helping the Clan with the Dormants. Couldn't put this book down and would recommend it to a friend.
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,292 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2022
The Plot Thickens

Dark Gambit The Pawn, book 65 of The Children of the Gods series by I.T. Lucas. The plot thickens with new Kra-ell characters. Marcel is in charge of the secret project at Safe Haven. When be meets Sophia was immediately taken by her. Sophia wants a real life but she doesn't control her fate. Hopefully, The fates have a plan. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
213 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2022
Great book!

It still amazes me that after 65 books, this story never gets old. I absolutely love this series and this book is a fantastic addition to the series. I can't wait to see how Sofia and Marcel's story unfolds and if they're able to free Jade. And if that eventuates, how are the immortals lives going to change with the threat of a species that looks capable of overpowering pretty much all of them.
Bring on book 66!
Profile Image for Netta Overhulser .
549 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2022
Marcel

So many things are happening in this book, and we get more insight on what happened to Jade and the other missing female Kra-ell. I really enjoyed getting to know Marcel better, he is not a character we have heard from before. Sofia finds herself in a tricky situation and I'm looking forward to reading on the solution found for it. This series just keeps getting better all the time!
Profile Image for Moon Books.
159 reviews
September 25, 2022
Hooked

I love this series, the more I read the more I want. The plot thickens!!! Here when you think things are going to go one way bam! She surprises me. I love we keep hearing from all the characters, and this twist just excited me. If you haven't go back and read them all. I have many times cause they are just so good.
3 reviews
September 26, 2022
Dark Gambit The Pawn

I really love reading children of the gods books but recently I am a bit tired of the way the books ends. Having to wait for the next book to find out what happens is making me not want to read the series anymore. It would be much better to stick to one story and finish it. Having multiple stories going on and waiting for the next book is just frustrating.
40 reviews
November 6, 2022
awesome

Totally recommend this series! I have read the entire series to date. And decided to reread from the beginning all over again. I’m finding out some things that I missed because I was so in a hurry to finish the series. Love this so much, wish it would be made into a movie!!!
Profile Image for terri.
110 reviews
November 24, 2022
Great Read

Marcus and Sophia are attracted to each other immediately. Sophia is supposed to get information about Safe Haven for Igor. Igor suspects Jade but can't prove anything yet. Sophia meets with Emmett and she is found out as a spy. Can't wait to read the next book to see what happens.
Profile Image for Misty Mickeletto.
5 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2023
Love this series. I sincerely wish the author would abandon the phrases "beneath lowered lashes" and "under lowered lashes" because she overused them so many times in previous books that they scream at from the pages each time she uses them now. Outside of that, this series is lovely and you don't have to wait a year for each new book since each seems to broken down into three shorter books.
175 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2022
back to normal

Struggled with Williams trilogy. And to be honest I wasn’t looking forward to this as we had no back story on Marcel, but I loved it. At last a bit of excitement and danger again. Can’t wait for 66
97 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2022
each one just makes me want more

Although this one started out a little more scattered then most it came back around and made sense. My biggest problem is that so read them on the first day and have to wait for the next one. Very enjoyable series
Profile Image for Cynthia Jackson.
1,169 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2022
The plot thickens, again.

The characters are well developed, interesting, sexy & charismatic. The storylines get better & better with every new book. I do hate the cliff hangers. They do keep me excited for the next book.
92 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2022
Stupendous!

OMG As usual this story is as exceptional as the entire series! Every book in "Children of the Gods" has exceeded every expectation! Still one of the absolute most exciting and romantic I've ever had the absolute pleasure to read! I.T. Lucas is a total treasure!
1,038 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2022
Great read...

A really enjoyed this installment of the children of the gods. Every new book Is great, telling the story of a new couple, new people. These people have become like family. As always I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Profile Image for Karen Bhurji.
47 reviews20 followers
September 29, 2022
Gripping

Darn it I have to wait for the next in the series the story just keeps on going not sure when it will finish but looking forward to the next one. Sure glad we don't have too long to wait.
28 reviews
October 1, 2022
never fails me

Once again IT Lucas has brought another chapter of TCOTG series to us. This on going series is sooooo worth the read. Her characters are all “amazing” and their stories are so wonderfully inter-twined, she always leaves you hungry for more. Well written, well imagined. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and world with us, Ms Lucas.
847 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2022
Sophia and Marcel

Interesting side story evolving with the Kra’Ell (?).
Sophia is a pawn of a strong compeller and has no choice but to obey him. This might make the good guys decide to take action against the others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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