Review: ‘The Darkest Captive’ by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Captive
by Gena ShowalterSeries: Lords of the Underworld #14.5
on December 4, 2018
SubGenres: Paranormal Romance
Format: AudioBook, Paperback
Pages: 176
Narrator: Max Bellmore
Length: 5 Hours And 8 Minutes
Source: Purchased
Audience: 18+/Adult
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For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. With good reason! This bad boy of bad boys has lied, stolen, cheated and killed with abandon. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything.
Then he met her.
Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey -- sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow.
Galen's hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her. But as desires blaze white-hot, will Legion run again? Or will the unlikely pair succumb to love at long last?
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
The Darkest Captive is a novella in the Lords of the Underworld series. Readers of the beloved series get a short additional story, while new readers can check out the series.
I was excited to read Galen and Legion’s story finally, but I was disappointed these two characters weren’t getting a full-length novel. I felt they deserved a full story, especially with what happened to Legion and then Galen being originally the bad guy. I felt their story was rushed, and I wished I could have more. It was one of the most highly anticipated couples for me, but I was happy to have something finally. It just won’t be a favorite in the series.
I did enjoy reading this novella and found it a great addition to potentially lure new readers, but as a fan of the LOTU series, this should have been a full-length novel. I didn’t connect with the characters as I did with previous couples in the series. Galen’s character felt off because his personality had changed from when he was first introduced in the series. I did like reading Legion’s character in this one because I tended not to like her originally. She grew on me in this novella, and I loved her growth and strength. However, she should have made Galen work for her affection because he didn’t deserve to win her over that quickly, especially with what he did to the Lords and their ladies.
I loved having all the Lords and William appear in this book and how Aeron was very protective of Legion, like she was his daughter. He was ready to throw down with Galen if he harmed her. The story doesn’t only focus on Galen and Legion getting together, but the fact they have a villain after Legion, and it was not someone I was expecting.
Gena is one writer, though; even if it’s a novella, she brings the action-packed scenes, humor and banter between the characters, and steamy times, too. This is why I will always adore her books. The banter and humor are what had me laughing when I was listening to the audiobook.
I give this novella three stars and can’t wait to read Fox’s story next in the series.
Story Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Steam/Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Standalone or Part of Series: I know this novella can technically be read as a standalone for new readers to the LOTU series, but take it from someone who has read the series, their best read in order.
Would I recommend this novella? Yes. Even though it didn’t get a high rating from me, it doesn’t mean other Paranormal Romance readers won’t enjoy it.
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About Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nearly 100 novels. Most stories fall under the genre of romance, be they paranormal, fantasy, contemporary, or young adult. She’s also co-authored a (delightfully quirky) cozy mystery series as well as a nonfiction guide about how to write a book in a year.
Gena is a dedicated mother, grandmother, and fur-mom. A woman under construction, whose life took a few unexpected turns the past few years. But she’s learned a lot and firmly believes her best days are ahead of her, not behind her. Chances are good she’s writing her next novel and already in love with the hero.
My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
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