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Dark Alchemy: Catch 22
She was captured and enslaved. He was freed only to be conscripted. Both are trapped.
On an inescapable island, Dimitri struggles to break free from the compulsion enslaving his mind, even as the drugs he is forced to create for the enhanced ones tighten his invisible chains. Mattie hunts for any means of escape, collecting secrets and searching for cracks that don't exist. The bond growing between them is a risk neither can afford, and neither can resist.
Meanwhile, across the globe, Annani faces an impossible bargain that demands the unthinkable.
Welcome to Catch-22.
On an inescapable island, Dimitri struggles to break free from the compulsion enslaving his mind, even as the drugs he is forced to create for the enhanced ones tighten his invisible chains. Mattie hunts for any means of escape, collecting secrets and searching for cracks that don't exist. The bond growing between them is a risk neither can afford, and neither can resist.
Meanwhile, across the globe, Annani faces an impossible bargain that demands the unthinkable.
Welcome to Catch-22.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2026
646 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 24, 2026
Dark Alchemy: Catch 22, Book 104 of the Children of the Gods series by Isabell Lucas @itlucas_author - You must read this book serial in order from book 1!
Eek! What a fabulous 1st book about Mattie & Dimitri! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Gods/Goddesses/Aliens), Male/Female, Is Khiann Dead 😲, Overall Storyline Arc For The Series & a cliffhanger for the next part of this series!
Eek! What a fabulous 1st book about Mattie & Dimitri! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Gods/Goddesses/Aliens), Male/Female, Is Khiann Dead 😲, Overall Storyline Arc For The Series & a cliffhanger for the next part of this series!
February 9, 2026
Every month I wait for the next book in the series and this one did not disappoint. SPOILER: The previous book left off with Annani finding out Navah has had access to her true love mate for 5,000 years. He wants to trade his freedom for him. Not gonna happen.
On the island we are introduced to two new couples. When one almost dies because an immortal tried to rip his head off and pumped him full of venom, he realized he wasn’t sick but was becoming immortal. And Losham has found Navah’s ‘treasure’ and in trying to access it, he triggered an explosion caused by the body traps. Now I have to wait for the next book to see if the explosion killed the 5 ‘treasures’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Pgs 391
Quotes:
"It feels to me like we're stumbling in the dark while someone shines a flashlight in our eyes occasionally, but instead of illuminating the way, the flash of light only confuses us further."
"How do you feel? Besides floaty?" "Like I got hit by a truck and then the truck apologized by giving me really good drugs."
On the island we are introduced to two new couples. When one almost dies because an immortal tried to rip his head off and pumped him full of venom, he realized he wasn’t sick but was becoming immortal. And Losham has found Navah’s ‘treasure’ and in trying to access it, he triggered an explosion caused by the body traps. Now I have to wait for the next book to see if the explosion killed the 5 ‘treasures’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Pgs 391
Quotes:
"It feels to me like we're stumbling in the dark while someone shines a flashlight in our eyes occasionally, but instead of illuminating the way, the flash of light only confuses us further."
"How do you feel? Besides floaty?" "Like I got hit by a truck and then the truck apologized by giving me really good drugs."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
What started for me as a little spicy original world to get caught up in has turned into a monthly pulse pounding kindle throwing tantrum when it ends.
I know you’re going to say Nicole there’s over 100 books to catch up on, why would I start this series?!
Because you absolutely have to escape to this world we me. Do all 104 books leave me devastated that it’s over? No, in the middle somewhere there’s a point where they become a bit repetitive but once you get over that hump you’ll be twitching for your next fix.
The story is exactly where a reader wants to be at right now so pick up book 1 Dark Stranger and send me hateful comments later, we can all commiserate later and talk about how mean it is that Ms. Lucas does this to us every month.
You’re welcome?
I know you’re going to say Nicole there’s over 100 books to catch up on, why would I start this series?!
Because you absolutely have to escape to this world we me. Do all 104 books leave me devastated that it’s over? No, in the middle somewhere there’s a point where they become a bit repetitive but once you get over that hump you’ll be twitching for your next fix.
The story is exactly where a reader wants to be at right now so pick up book 1 Dark Stranger and send me hateful comments later, we can all commiserate later and talk about how mean it is that Ms. Lucas does this to us every month.
You’re welcome?
February 8, 2026
Such a fantastic read! We have been getting pieces of information of Kiahnn that didn’t really fit together until now that Navuh told Ananni where he is. But, Navuh wants his freedom in exchange.
On the island, things are heating up between Mattie and Dimitri. Mattie is getting a lot of unwanted attention from the customers at the bar, so Dimitri is trying to figure out how to get Mattie over to the lab as an assistant.
Losham can’t figure out how to get into the glass enclosure in the basement. He knows that his father has something of great worth in there, but what it is? He doesn’t know.!
I can’t wait for the next book, to hear more about how some of these things work themselves out!
#paranormalromance
#fantasyromance
#loveonatropialisland
On the island, things are heating up between Mattie and Dimitri. Mattie is getting a lot of unwanted attention from the customers at the bar, so Dimitri is trying to figure out how to get Mattie over to the lab as an assistant.
Losham can’t figure out how to get into the glass enclosure in the basement. He knows that his father has something of great worth in there, but what it is? He doesn’t know.!
I can’t wait for the next book, to hear more about how some of these things work themselves out!
#paranormalromance
#fantasyromance
#loveonatropialisland
February 8, 2026
Dimitri, who is assisting with the enhancement program, is trying to find his way around the compulsion from Dave. But he also needs to keep working on the experiments as well. While he is at the bar, he meets Mattie. They start to develop romance. Dimitri tries to protect Mattie when a commander starts to make unwanted advances which results in some interesting outcomes. One being Petrov helping protect Mattie. Also, we find out more about Petrov and why he visits the brothel so often. Meanwhile Annani is struggling with the ultimatum that Navuh has given her. She wants Khiann back but doesn’t want to free Navuh. Then there is Losham who is determined to find out what is in the enclosure. The ending leaves you wondering what the outcome to his actions will be.
February 7, 2026
Mattie and Dimitri
We get to meet Mattie in this book who in turn meets Dimitri. It's not a happy story how she ends up on the island and may trigger some, but I hope it's a happy story with her and Dimitri. Dimitri gets quite a surprise which I did not see coming.
The clan finally discover where Khiann may be but how to retrieve him is the question or if they even can and at what cost?
This is a great series. You really need to read right from book one on to get all of the backstories and understand who all of the players are. It is well worth the effort. I look forward to every new book that comes out every month and can't wait to read them.
We get to meet Mattie in this book who in turn meets Dimitri. It's not a happy story how she ends up on the island and may trigger some, but I hope it's a happy story with her and Dimitri. Dimitri gets quite a surprise which I did not see coming.
The clan finally discover where Khiann may be but how to retrieve him is the question or if they even can and at what cost?
This is a great series. You really need to read right from book one on to get all of the backstories and understand who all of the players are. It is well worth the effort. I look forward to every new book that comes out every month and can't wait to read them.
February 7, 2026
So many exciting things are happening!
Another exciting and suspenseful chapter to the Children of the Gods series. Now we know for sure where Khiann is located and Navuh is trying to bargain the location for his freedom. However, Kian and his team have figured out where Khiann is being kept and p!an to get him out without Navuh's help. Can they do it? It will be very complicated. Meanwhile on the Island, we find the scientist Dimitri falling for a new addition to the wait staff in the bar. Could they be the key to helping the clan with their plan? There is a totally unexpected twist for Dimitri, and I can't wait to see how that pans out.
Another exciting and suspenseful chapter to the Children of the Gods series. Now we know for sure where Khiann is located and Navuh is trying to bargain the location for his freedom. However, Kian and his team have figured out where Khiann is being kept and p!an to get him out without Navuh's help. Can they do it? It will be very complicated. Meanwhile on the Island, we find the scientist Dimitri falling for a new addition to the wait staff in the bar. Could they be the key to helping the clan with their plan? There is a totally unexpected twist for Dimitri, and I can't wait to see how that pans out.
February 9, 2026
Exciting and full of action
I love that the story continues with some background on Mattie then lays the foundation for Dimitri and Mattie's story. Meanwhile it continues with Tony's transition and an upcoming marriage as well as Syssi's future telling as well as Eucleed sharing more about himself to Princess Annani. Besides this we learn more about Navah's Island and the people on it as well as Navah's condition and threats. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a bit of syfi within normal life. I mean with elements of our reality, they are not in another planet or universe.
I love that the story continues with some background on Mattie then lays the foundation for Dimitri and Mattie's story. Meanwhile it continues with Tony's transition and an upcoming marriage as well as Syssi's future telling as well as Eucleed sharing more about himself to Princess Annani. Besides this we learn more about Navah's Island and the people on it as well as Navah's condition and threats. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a bit of syfi within normal life. I mean with elements of our reality, they are not in another planet or universe.
February 11, 2026
Book 104! OMG! Way to keep up on our toes I.T. Lucas. All I can say is Navuh warned them of Losham's curiosity. The clock was literally ticking!
They wanted Navuh, they got him. Where do we go from here?
"If the prophecy was true, then Khiann could not die because he needed to father her two remaining children. The booby-traps would not destroy him. The transport would not damage him. Whatever obstacles lay between her and her truelove, the Fates would find a way to overcome them. Because the prophecy demanded it. Because true love could not die."
Or could it?
Up next, Dark Alchemy: House of Cards (Book 105)- The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance
They wanted Navuh, they got him. Where do we go from here?
"If the prophecy was true, then Khiann could not die because he needed to father her two remaining children. The booby-traps would not destroy him. The transport would not damage him. Whatever obstacles lay between her and her truelove, the Fates would find a way to overcome them. Because the prophecy demanded it. Because true love could not die."
Or could it?
Up next, Dark Alchemy: House of Cards (Book 105)- The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance
February 7, 2026
And the story continues...
What can you say when it's book 104 that you haven't said about the others 103? Of course you have a love connection, cameos, blackmailing, and a holy crap cliffhanger!
Dimitri and Mattie (who is new to the CotG) are the MCs in Catch-22 but you get the conclusion of the cliffhanger from book 103 of Khiann's existence. Plus Tony's induction and Azezoo's wedding planning. Oh oh and a surprise induction!!!!!!
If I thought the other books made it hard waiting for the next in the series, this one is a killer!
What can you say when it's book 104 that you haven't said about the others 103? Of course you have a love connection, cameos, blackmailing, and a holy crap cliffhanger!
Dimitri and Mattie (who is new to the CotG) are the MCs in Catch-22 but you get the conclusion of the cliffhanger from book 103 of Khiann's existence. Plus Tony's induction and Azezoo's wedding planning. Oh oh and a surprise induction!!!!!!
If I thought the other books made it hard waiting for the next in the series, this one is a killer!
February 13, 2026
Perfect chemistry!
If slow burns, sizzling tension, and finally moments are your thing, Dark Alchemy: Catch 22 will absolutely wreck your sleep schedule in the best way because you won’t put it down!
Isabell knows exactly how to stir together the right amount of danger, desire, and emotional vulnerability into one irresistible potion. The chemistry? Off the charts. The banter? Sharp and delicious. The suspense? Just enough to keep your heart racing while you’re clutching the book while catching your breath!
If slow burns, sizzling tension, and finally moments are your thing, Dark Alchemy: Catch 22 will absolutely wreck your sleep schedule in the best way because you won’t put it down!
Isabell knows exactly how to stir together the right amount of danger, desire, and emotional vulnerability into one irresistible potion. The chemistry? Off the charts. The banter? Sharp and delicious. The suspense? Just enough to keep your heart racing while you’re clutching the book while catching your breath!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did not see that coming, but I’m glad I got to catch all 22 exciting events stirring in the cooking pot that is The Children of the Gods.
Like wildflowers creeping out of the cracks of a dilapidated sidewalk or abandoned house, love blossoms on an unforgiving island. Bravery and heroics abound. New life springs up from a dire situation, and it’s absolutely lovely!
This book can be read on its own, but you’d be missing out on all the joy of the long journey.
Like wildflowers creeping out of the cracks of a dilapidated sidewalk or abandoned house, love blossoms on an unforgiving island. Bravery and heroics abound. New life springs up from a dire situation, and it’s absolutely lovely!
This book can be read on its own, but you’d be missing out on all the joy of the long journey.
February 8, 2026
The clan has Navuh , what is happening on the island ?
Navuh has information that Annani has been searching for centuries. Dave is in charge of the island will the clan rescue the rest of the people captured there? The was a fantastic read. It starts off with Mattie who was captured by doomers. They make her a servant in the bar . There she meets Dimitri . Dimitri is also being held against his will. This book is definitely worth reading.
Navuh has information that Annani has been searching for centuries. Dave is in charge of the island will the clan rescue the rest of the people captured there? The was a fantastic read. It starts off with Mattie who was captured by doomers. They make her a servant in the bar . There she meets Dimitri . Dimitri is also being held against his will. This book is definitely worth reading.
February 8, 2026
Amazing!
Honestly, this story is a tapestry like no other. We're 104 books into this saga and I still can't get my head around how all the threads have come together. The multitude of characters we've come to know have been consistent in personality, yet have shown growth. This book had me on the hook the whole way through and the ending... I don't know if I want to hide or demand the next book immediately.
I never want this serious to end...seriously!
Honestly, this story is a tapestry like no other. We're 104 books into this saga and I still can't get my head around how all the threads have come together. The multitude of characters we've come to know have been consistent in personality, yet have shown growth. This book had me on the hook the whole way through and the ending... I don't know if I want to hide or demand the next book immediately.
I never want this serious to end...seriously!
February 8, 2026
This wasn't my favorite book of the series. It was interesting and a necessary bridge to what happens next. I can't wait for the next one. If you like this series you really need to get involved with her other series "Bonds of Wings and Fury. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in both series.
February 10, 2026
THIS SERIES IS A MILLION STARS AMAZING
Just finished book 104 it's always new always fresh while keeping it current to today and bringing back the other characters we've met and gotten to know throughout the series. I recommended it to so many people in my family who are big readers avid readers and they've all loved it. a million stars all the way everyday.
Just finished book 104 it's always new always fresh while keeping it current to today and bringing back the other characters we've met and gotten to know throughout the series. I recommended it to so many people in my family who are big readers avid readers and they've all loved it. a million stars all the way everyday.
February 15, 2026
Isabell's Alchemy
I definitely enjoyed this book. I love the way Isabell can continue this wonderful saga and introduces new characters but also can keep the story going for others so there's no loose threads left hanging while always delivering a new and different HEA. She has her own alchemy working to keep this universe going so well.
I definitely enjoyed this book. I love the way Isabell can continue this wonderful saga and introduces new characters but also can keep the story going for others so there's no loose threads left hanging while always delivering a new and different HEA. She has her own alchemy working to keep this universe going so well.
February 7, 2026
another brilliant book
Tense especially the ending as Al ways the author leaves us desperate for more.
The strategy that William comes up with I just hope no power like Putin reads these stories too convincing and could be used against us gulp
Tense especially the ending as Al ways the author leaves us desperate for more.
The strategy that William comes up with I just hope no power like Putin reads these stories too convincing and could be used against us gulp
February 7, 2026
catch 22
Love can be found when you least expect it, even when you are a captive slave. This book is just another example of the most epic storylines in ages. Each ending leaves me salivating for more.
Love can be found when you least expect it, even when you are a captive slave. This book is just another example of the most epic storylines in ages. Each ending leaves me salivating for more.
February 7, 2026
Mattie is resilient in the face of everything shes gone through and Dimitri is not just intelligent but protective, their story is a good one. Annani finds out the truth of Khiann. Is it too late? This one left me gasping. Can't wait for the next one!
February 8, 2026
great series
I have been reading this series for years and this section of the story is very satisfying. I really like the central love story and the tension caused by trying to stage another island operation/rescue. I thought the story moved along a a steady rhythm.
I have been reading this series for years and this section of the story is very satisfying. I really like the central love story and the tension caused by trying to stage another island operation/rescue. I thought the story moved along a a steady rhythm.
February 9, 2026
dark alchemy Catch 22
Wow!!! I have been reading this series since 2021, and I’m even more drawn in to the new twists and turns I.T. Lucas’ mind is sending my mind. Love this series, can’t wait fir the next book.
Wow!!! I have been reading this series since 2021, and I’m even more drawn in to the new twists and turns I.T. Lucas’ mind is sending my mind. Love this series, can’t wait fir the next book.
February 10, 2026
Excellent
Every book seems to settle some curiosity and create more at the same time. I love this series. After over 100 books, I still stay interested and anxious for the next book too come out.
Every book seems to settle some curiosity and create more at the same time. I love this series. After over 100 books, I still stay interested and anxious for the next book too come out.
February 11, 2026
ugh
This storyline is stressing me out. I need this resolved! This is 60/40 stress/ happiness.
As much as I sad for Mattie I do appreciate Dimitri’s growth because Tony was a wet blanket.
This storyline is stressing me out. I need this resolved! This is 60/40 stress/ happiness.
As much as I sad for Mattie I do appreciate Dimitri’s growth because Tony was a wet blanket.
February 13, 2026
OMG!!
This book has an amazing ending that gives new meaning to the phrase 'cliff hanger'!
As always we have been gifted with a wonderful story that has continued to weave multiple lives into an intriguing and intricate multi-world system. I can't wait for the next book to drop!
This book has an amazing ending that gives new meaning to the phrase 'cliff hanger'!
As always we have been gifted with a wonderful story that has continued to weave multiple lives into an intriguing and intricate multi-world system. I can't wait for the next book to drop!
February 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-Read From Start to Finish!
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The story moves at a perfect pace, blending unforgettable characters with twists and emotional moments that kept me turning pages late into the night.
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The story moves at a perfect pace, blending unforgettable characters with twists and emotional moments that kept me turning pages late into the night.
February 20, 2026
I have been reading IT Lucas Children of the Gods from the beginning and I have enjoyed the series from Book #1 to Book #104 and I am sorry to see it is coming to end - Book #105 can't wait but I still feel there is more to this story and I hope IT Lucas can come up with another book.
I have enjoyed reading this series - keep up the good work - looking forward to Book #106.
Love ya
I have enjoyed reading this series - keep up the good work - looking forward to Book #106.
Love ya
February 21, 2026
Great book that has intriguing story line and characters. I read the book in 2 days. I’m very glad that IT Lucas doesn’t include so many steamy sex stories- glad she’s writing really interesting stories that leave us wanting more .
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am telling you, this series is so good! I know some will probably say book 104 of a series is too much, but if you read it you can’t get enough
February 7, 2026
Excellent and unexpected
So many twist and turns, so many obstacles. I am never disappointed and always left wanting more! Best series! Knocking it out of the park Lucas!!!
So many twist and turns, so many obstacles. I am never disappointed and always left wanting more! Best series! Knocking it out of the park Lucas!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews