Captivity

by Nox Noxious

A dark fantasy romance of captivity, power, and forbidden love.

When humanity fell to the Covart-Virus, Dr. Melodie Jaxxon became the humanity’s last hope. But one mistake tore her from her world and delivered her into captivity by an Awyan — a commander of an ancient race of elves who see her as property, not salvation.

Now bound to a ruthless warlord who renames her Allora, she must fight to survive the gilded prison of his desire — and uncover the truth about the soulbond that ties them.

Perfect for readers who
🖤 Dark fantasy romance
🔥 Possessive antiheroes
🌑 Soul bonds and forbidden love

Genres: Fantasy Romance

556 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2025

Reviews

[Lanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted so badly to love this book. The good reviews and TikTok clips piqued my interest. But this book was not great. It wasn’t bad but it’s not a 5 star read. Which is weird considering all the 5 star reviews that are not at all sus......

This entire book is all of the characters having the same conversation over and over and over again. Malec is obsessed with Melodie/Allora (more on that to come). Everyone tells her why he’s obsessed and why it’s unusual for him. And every single time she’s shocked like she’s never heard it before. It sends chills down her spine. She's shocked into silence. She feels a tremble of fear. Every time. She repeatedly engages with Malec where they just have the same inactions down to the tick of his jaw and her screaming “I’m not a pet.” I was halfway through the book and the only personality traits Malec exhibits are a ticking jaw and OCD.

Melodie on the other isn’t cunning or even that smart. With the exception of fighting skills she constantly makes dumb decisions then is shocked when everyone tells her the same damn thing about Malec. She constantly tries to escape and fails because she doesn’t think it through. She sleeps with Malec in an effort to manipulate him despite the fact that it doesn’t work and keeps doing it even after it’s obvious it has the opposite effect. There’s supposed to be this intensity that goes beyond love but really it’s just him staring at her, saying you’re mine and wanting to keep her locked up. I feel like I’m told about the intensity but I don’t feel the intensity. I just feel annoyed that no one communicates properly in this book and it’s explained away as playing games or being calculating.

And the name change part way through the book and then the change back was weird and confusing. (Never mind that she gave up her name without a fight. Just a few 'that’s not my names' and then she was answering to it like she’d always been called that.) The same with all the characters with variations of the same name. I couldn’t keep them straight and as the book progressed I stopped caring.

The passage of time was also weird. She learns an entire new language in just a few weeks, gets sick for a few days and spends who knows how long in the north. There’s a sense of urgency but no reasonable timeline to accompany it. Scenes jump from one character or POV to the next without clarity often beginning simply with he or she. How many times did he order her to be locked up only for the next sentence to be her somewhere entirely different with no explanation?

I love that this book featured a strong character of color but it was not ready to publish yet. It lacks the cohesiveness of complete story and has pages of repetition that make the storyline weak because there’s no progression. Things are left unexplained. What magic do they possess exactly? How does this hierarchy work? How has no one noticed the portal before? Why has no one on earth noticed? It’s in Africa but not one single black person has ever come through before?

Like I said not a bad book but one that needs an editor, a beta and a dialogue coach to avoid building an entire book around the same conversation.

[GoldenEyeOfHorus · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 32%.

This is the perfect example of why I can't stand the language barrier trope. They can't speak each other's languages so they just stare, scowl, and grunt at each other. Also, there is way too much repetitive inner dialogue with this trope because the MCs can't talk to one another. It makes the relationships move at a glacial pace. I want the MCs to get to know each other and banter.

As I stated, it was very repetitive, so much so that I started getting suspicious of AI usage.

I found the author's reddit posts (u/spitfyrus) via a Google search and they admit to using ChatGPT. Separately, I noticed a lot of the Goodreads reviews are fake (all 5 stars, AI profile pictures, the reviews are worded very similarly, and the profiles have rated most of the same books). On this author's reddit they admitted in a post that they paid Fiverr to review their books, and found out afterwards that they were faked.

[Megan Leffel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free Black Canary by Nox is a fantasy romance that had me hooked from the first chapter. The story follows Dr. Melodie Jaxxon, a human scientist trying to save her world from a deadly pandemic. But instead of finding a cure, she ends up falling through a portal into a savage, unfamiliar world—and right into the path of a dangerous, obsessive warlord who refuses to let her go.
This book is not your typical fantasy romance. It’s gritty, intense, and it gets HOT in the descriptive areas where it counts! Melodie is a strong, determined protagonist, but she’s constantly forced to make impossible choices. Her dynamic with the warlord is full of tension, fear, and chemistry—definitely one of those relationships where you're not sure whether to scream or swoon (sometimes both).
The themes of survival, obsession, and sacrifice are woven really well throughout. I especially liked how the story played with predator vs. prey dynamics—it kept me guessing who really had the power in each scene.
If you enjoy morally gray characters, brutal worlds, and emotionally charged, high-stakes romance, Free Black Canary is worth checking out. Just be warned: it’s intense, and it doesn’t pull punches. But if that’s your thing? You’re in for a ride.

My wonky dislike was that though descriptive writing is great, I personally get there was too much of it. I sometimes found myself getting pulled into sleepiness reading the extreme and lengthy descriptions of every item, every room and every emotion felt by each character … that it took away from the story itself.

However, I still definitely recommend this book!!!! Excited for the next installment!

[Andersen Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free Black Canary stayed with me long after I turned the last page — not because it was easy to read, but because it was deeply human in a story that could have easily leaned only into darkness.

One of the things I loved most was the friendship between Luko and Melodie. Their bond felt genuine, earned, and quietly powerful. In a world where humans are stripped of agency and safety, their connection becomes a lifeline. Luko’s presence is grounding — a reminder that loyalty and compassion can exist even in the most brutal circumstances. That friendship mattered to me because it gave Melodie something real to hold onto when everything else was being taken from her.

And Luko’s unwavering loyalty to Malec? That loyalty is not blind or shallow — it’s rooted in respect, history, and belief. Luko understands Malec in a way few others do, and watching that bond play out added depth to both characters. It showed that Malec inspires loyalty not through fear alone, but through strength of character.

As for Malec — I’m unapologetically Team Malec.
What struck me most was his unshakable love for a woman who does not — and may never — return it. That kind of love isn’t loud or performative; it’s patient, restrained, and deeply painful. Malec doesn’t demand affection. He carries it. He bears it. And that quiet endurance made him far more compelling than a typical dominant fantasy figure.

Malec’s true power isn’t just his strength — it’s his will. His wisdom, insight, foresight, and ability to command without constant cruelty set him apart. He sees further than others. He plans not just for conquest, but for survival, stability, and future consequences. His knowledge and restraint give him gravity, and his internal conflict makes him feel painfully real.

What moved me most is that Malec is not a man ruled by impulse. He listens. He observes. He understands the cost of power — and still carries it. That combination of command and introspection made him unforgettable to me.

Free Black Canary is not a simple story of captivity or romance. It’s about loyalty, impossible love, moral tension, and the fragile spaces where strength and vulnerability coexist. It challenged me, frustrated me at times, and ultimately earned my emotional investment.

This is a book for readers who appreciate complex characters, relationships that don’t resolve neatly, and stories that trust the reader to sit with discomfort. For me, it was the characters — especially Malec, Luko, and Melodie — that made this story resonate so deeply.

Highly recommended, and yes — I will absolutely continue the series.
Unless Nox kills my baby, Malec, my one true love, in the series.

[Sneha Sarkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free Black Canary is a dark, seductive fantasy romance that sinks its claws into you from page one and refuses to let go. It’s a story of power, captivity, and forbidden love set in a world where humanity’s fall gives rise to an intoxicating clash between science and ancient magic.
Allora, once Dr. Melodie Jaxxon, is a fierce, complex heroine trapped in a gilded cage by a ruthless elf warlord. Their connection, forged through a mysterious soulbond, burns with tension and emotional depth. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is written with delicious slow-burn precision, full of defiance, longing, and dangerous attraction.
The worldbuilding is lush, filled with political intrigue and high-stakes power struggles that make every page pulse with intensity. The prose is evocative, balancing sensuality with grit, and the pacing keeps readers teetering between heartbreak and hope.
While it leans heavily into the dark romance genre with possessive heroes and morally gray choices, it never loses sight of its emotional core: a woman’s battle for autonomy and identity in a world determined to claim her.
Spicy, emotional, and utterly captivating, Free Black Canary is a must-read for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and From Blood and Ash.
A hauntingly passionate fantasy that lingers long after the final page.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setup of this story pulled me in because it feels like two novels in one. At first, it reads like a dystopian thriller about a virus ravaging the planet. The stakes couldn’t be higher 98% of humanity gone, with only one scientist soldier left hunting for the cure. But then the story doesn’t stay within those boundaries; it expands into an entirely new realm ruled by elves. That kind of genre bending takes courage, and I love when authors aren’t afraid to break expectations. I find myself particularly intrigued by the power imbalance described humans are property, seen as lesser beings. That opens the door to exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and dignity, all within a fantasy setting. Dr. Jaxxon seems like the perfect character to carry this kind of narrative. She’s practical and trained, but she’s also someone defined by her mission. Now she has to figure out how to survive in a world where her mission no longer makes sense. It sounds like the kind of book that asks both “what does survival mean?” and “what makes survival worth it?”

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description alone reads like a cinematic opening. A virus wiping out 98% of mankind is terrifying enough, but adding the personal angle of Dr. Melodie Jaxxon a soldier and epidemiologist makes it all the more compelling. She isn’t just fighting for herself; she’s carrying the hope of an entire species. And then the story pivots into the unexpected: a portal, a savage realm, and a society of elves who see humans as nothing more than property. That’s the kind of twist that takes an already strong premise and elevates it to something original. What excites me most is the tension between science and fantasy. Dr. Jaxxon’s skills come from a world of logic, data, and survival tactics. But what happens when she’s dropped into a land where none of that applies, and where even her identity as a human is stripped of dignity? I can imagine the culture clash, the desperate choices, and the resilience required to keep going. This sounds like the kind of book that combines action with thought-provoking themes about power, survival, and humanity itself.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sounds like the kind of book that refuses to fit into one genre and I love that. On the surface, it’s apocalyptic science fiction: a deadly virus has wiped out almost all of humanity, leaving one scientist soldier as the last hope for survival. But then it veers into fantasy with the sudden arrival of a portal and a brutal society of elves. That kind of blending keeps me on my toes as a reader, because I don’t know what to expect. Dr. Jaxxon seems like a fascinating protagonist, she has the training and intelligence to handle crises, but she’s placed in an environment where her skills may not apply. The Awyans sound ruthless, and their treatment of humans as property creates an instant sense of danger and injustice. I imagine this book won’t just focus on physical battles but also on the psychological strain of losing everything familiar. The blurb makes me think of stories that explore resilience in impossible circumstances, and I’m already eager to see how Dr. Jaxxon fights to survive when everything she knows is gone.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing that grabs me about this book description is the sheer weight of the stakes. Humanity is nearly gone, a virus has done its worst, and the last person carrying the cure is pulled away from Earth into a strange new world. That twist immediately shifts the story into unknown territory. I’m fascinated by the world of the Awyans. Elves in fantasy often appear noble or mystical, but here they’re described as savage warriors who reduce humans to property. That flips the usual trope and makes me wonder how Dr. Jaxxon will respond. Will she adapt and survive in silence, or will her soldier’s instincts push her toward rebellion? I also love the contrast between science and magic. As an epidemiologist, Jaxxon understands viruses and medicine, but in this new world, she’s up against problems that can’t be solved with data and microscopes. It makes me wonder whether her scientific training will help her survive or make her vulnerable. This description promises a gritty, action packed, and emotionally intense story that explores what survival really means.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of post apocalyptic stories, but this one stands out because of its twist. Most focus on Earth and rebuilding what was lost, but here, the protagonist doesn’t even get the chance. She’s swept away into another realm where the rules are completely different. That idea instantly raised the stakes for me, because it’s not just about survival in the aftermath of a virus, it’s about survival in an alien society where humans are seen as disposable. Dr. Jaxxon sounds like a character worth rooting for. She’s not just a fighter; she’s a thinker, with both medical knowledge and military training. That combination makes her strong, but the description suggests she’ll still be deeply challenged in this new environment. I’m particularly curious about the Awyans and how their society works. Are they united, or will there be cracks in their rule that she can exploit? The setup feels tense, dramatic, and layered with possibilities. It sounds like a story that will be both fast paced and thought provoking, which is exactly the kind of mix I enjoy.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I admire about this description is how it promises both intensity and depth. On the surface, it’s an action driven survival story humanity nearly wiped out, a lone scientist soldier fighting against the odds, and a hostile new world filled with danger. But beneath that, it seems to explore themes of identity, oppression, and resilience. Dr. Jaxxon is immediately compelling as a protagonist because she isn’t just tough; she’s smart and driven by purpose. The portal twist feels like a game-changer, and it raises the stakes in unpredictable ways. The Awyans sound like the kind of adversaries who will keep the tension high throughout, and the detail that they see humans as property creates an instant sense of injustice that makes me want to see Jaxxon fight back. I’m also intrigued by how her scientific mindset will clash with a society that operates on completely different principles. This description gives me the sense of a story that’s thrilling, emotional, and thought-provoking all at once.

[Ella (DearFuturePublisher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ A True Enemies-to-Lovers Masterpiece ✨

This is a TRUE enemies-to-lovers book. Not the kind where the characters spend half the book as enemies and then suddenly flip into romance, but one where hate, anger, and tension simmer throughout nearly the entire narrative. The FMC is in the midst of this virus taking over humanity; she accidentally falls into a portal to another world and becomes enslaved to the fae, and that’s where the delicious push-pull tension comes into play. Our FMC wants nothing to do with the fae, nothing to do with this world; her only goal is to get back home. Yet the constant clash of wills, the sharp edges of their interactions, and the undeniable tension make the enemies-to-lovers trope feel so raw and authentic.

This was so close to a 5-star read. I’d call it a solid 4.5, but since partial ratings aren’t possible, I’m happily rounding up to 5 stars.

[Shamell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything like this. I was absolutely floored at how much I enjoyed this read. If you enjoy very well written dark romance you will love this book. It was a beautiful slow burn and an emotional ride. My heart ached for Malec. Is he a villain hummmm depends on how you view life but I love it. Melodie his Allora and his dove that reminded him of lightning was so beautifully created.
I loved that she was strong and came with a background in the military and epidemiology. I’m rooting for Malec because I love seeing love win. Allora pleaseeeeeeeee listen to that pull in your heart. I can’t wait for book two. Amazon make this book easier to find. It’s a beautiful work of art that is being missed because it doesn’t show up when put in the search bar.

[Nataliesimmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the very first page. Dr. Melodie Jaxxon or Allora, as her captor renames her is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read in dark fantasy romancea brilliant, resilient woman thrown into a savage new world where survival means defiance, strategy, and unbreakable spirit.

The dynamic between Melodie and Malec Talandros is intense, brutal, and beautifully complicated. Their bond is equal parts dangerous and magnetic, and the way the story balances raw survival with soul-deep connection kept me completely invested. Add in the twist of the cure running through Malec’s veins, and the stakes skyrocket.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gripping and seductive dark fantasy romance that completely pulls you into its shadowy world. From the fall of humanity to Melodie’s capture, the story is packed with tension, danger, and forbidden desire that keeps the pages turning.

Dr. Melodie Jaxxon is a strong, intelligent heroine whose resilience makes her impossible to forget. Her transformation into Allora is both haunting and powerful, and the emotional struggle between survival and connection is beautifully portrayed. The Awyan commander is a perfectly written possessive antihero, dark, commanding, and irresistibly compelling, making their soulbonded connection intense and addictive.

[Caroline Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free Black Canary is everything I love in a dark fantasy romance intense, emotional, and completely unpredictable. Melodie’s strength and determination make her a character you root for, even in the harshest situations. Malec is brutal, but as the story unfolds, you see layers of vulnerability that make him impossible to hate. The world building was incredible and immersive, pulling me straight into this dangerous, beautiful realm. If you enjoy stories where survival, passion, and power collide, this is a must read!

[Charlotte Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, I was hooked! The concept of a soldier epidemiologist being pulled into a savage elven world was so original. Melodie’s resilience and intelligence make her a strong lead, while Malec is the perfect morally gray love interest intimidating but compelling. The bond between them is intense and written so well that you feel every moment of tension. This book kept me guessing, and the twists were perfectly timed. Highly recommended for fans of dark romance with high stakes!

[Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in and didn’t let me go. The writing was descriptive and powerful, painting a world that was equal parts terrifying and captivating. Melodie’s strength carried the story I adored her fire and intelligence. Malec is complex and dangerous, and the bond between them had me holding my breath. The reveal about the cure was brilliant and heartbreaking at the same time. It’s been a while since I’ve read something this immersive. Highly recommend to anyone who loves dark fantasy romance.

[Cheryl Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible start to a series! The writing is vivid and immersive, making you feel the danger and beauty of this new world. I loved Melodie’s fight to keep her independence despite everything stacked against her. The relationship between her and Malec is a rollercoaster passionate, raw, and full of conflict. I also loved the moral dilemmas woven into the story, especially when her mission clashes with her growing feelings. This book has everything: action, romance, and depth!

[Olivia Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the start and never let go. The world building is rich and dark, creating a setting that feels dangerous yet fascinating. Melodie’s inner strength and quick thinking make her such an inspiring character, even when everything is against her. The bond between her and Malec is intense equal parts fear, attraction, and something deeper. I loved the mix of survival, romance, and moral tension. Can’t wait to dive into the sequel!

[Sophie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story! The premise is so unique mixing a post apocalyptic world with a savage fantasy realm. Melodie is fierce and smart, and her determination to survive kept me rooting for her the whole time. Malec is a complex character, both terrifying and irresistible. Their relationship is full of tension and slow burn passion that had me hooked. This book was everything I hoped for and more!

[Aurelia Hulls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free Black Canary is an addictive blend of dark fantasy and romance. The stakes are high from the very first chapter, and the suspense never lets up. I loved how the author balanced danger and intimacy, making the connection between Melodie and Malec feel both forbidden and inevitable. The writing is vivid, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. If you’re looking for an emotional, action packed read, this is it!

[Cheryl Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! This story had me on edge the entire time. Melodie’s resilience is incredible she refuses to be broken, even when thrown into an impossible situation. Malec is everything you want in a dark hero: powerful, unpredictable, and devastatingly alluring. The tension between them is electric, and the plot twists were perfectly timed. This is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy romance with real danger and heart.

[Mia Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did! The concept of a scientist soldier trapped in a world ruled by elven warriors is so original and well executed. Melodie’s strength and defiance make her an unforgettable heroine. The chemistry between her and Malec is explosive, and their dynamic kept me hooked. The story is fast paced, emotional, and beautifully written. I need the next book right now!

[Luna Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free Black Canary is one of the most captivating fantasy romances I’ve read in a long time. The stakes feel incredibly high, and the sense of danger is constant. Melodie’s fight for survival is inspiring, and the emotional conflict between her duty and her feelings for Malec adds so much depth. I loved the slow burn attraction and the way their relationship develops. Definitely a 5 star read for me!

[Zara Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the first page! The world-building is intense and immersive, and I loved the mix of dystopian sci fi and dark fantasy. Melodie is such a strong, determined heroine, and her struggle between survival, duty, and unexpected desire kept me on edge the whole time. The chemistry between her and Malec is electric complex, raw, and impossible to look away from. A must read for fans of enemies to lovers with high stakes!

[Maya Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible ride! I’ve read plenty of fantasy romance, but this one stands out for its originality and emotional depth. The author did an amazing job portraying Melodie’s strength and resilience without making her perfect. Malec is brutal yet compelling, and their bond is one of the most intense I’ve read in a long time. The story is action packed with just the right amount of heat and danger. Highly recommend!

[Hannah Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic blend of survival, passion, and heart stopping suspense! The concept of a soldier scientist trapped in a brutal world ruled by elven warriors is so unique. Melodie’s fight for freedom and the unexpected feelings that develop for her captor had me completely enthralled. The push and pull between them is written so well that you feel every ounce of tension. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely consumed me. From the opening pages, Melodie’s determination to survive made me root for her with everything I had. The world is harsh, unforgiving, and terrifying, but her brilliance and refusal to bend kept me hooked. Malec is a brutal character, but the way their fates become tangled through the imprint left me breathless. The tension here isn’t just romantic, it’s about freedom, identity, and power, and that’s what made it unforgettable.

[Grace Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most was the character development of Malec. At first, he’s cold, ruthless, and terrifying, but through his interactions with Melodie, you start to see cracks in the armor. Watching him struggle against the imprint was just as fascinating as watching Melodie resist his control. Their relationship isn’t simple or sweet, it’s complicated, raw, and painful, but that’s exactly what made it feel so real.