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Captive
The Kingdom of Akeldama has long been blessed—or cursed, if you prefer—by the gods. The indomitable and awe-inspiring kingdom lives and breathes through the blood of the ones bound to its essence. Never before has an outsider successfully taken the Akeldama throne from the rightful heirs...until now.
Everyone, even her two husbands, assumed that Princess Sienna had perished alongside her parents the night of the siege. They were all wrong...
Bound by chains, locked in a dungeon and unable to escape, Sienna has been forced to endure years as a captive in the very castle that she grew up in. For years, the only breaks from the torture of her own thoughts were when the false king that had murdered her beloved parents visited her for one of two reasons: either to drain the essence of Akeldama from her very veins or in a vexing attempt to persuade her to be his queen.
However, now another captive has been thrown into her cell with her and she is no longer alone in the dark. Her new cellmate might be just what she needed to restore that defiance that had been missing for so long.
AUTHOR NOTE: This story is a historical fantasy (heavy on the fantasy), reverse harem, SERIAL. There are twelve parts to it and I will release another part each month (barring catastrophe). Also, there may be triggers so if that sort of thing gets under your skin...maybe this isn’t the book for you?
Everyone, even her two husbands, assumed that Princess Sienna had perished alongside her parents the night of the siege. They were all wrong...
Bound by chains, locked in a dungeon and unable to escape, Sienna has been forced to endure years as a captive in the very castle that she grew up in. For years, the only breaks from the torture of her own thoughts were when the false king that had murdered her beloved parents visited her for one of two reasons: either to drain the essence of Akeldama from her very veins or in a vexing attempt to persuade her to be his queen.
However, now another captive has been thrown into her cell with her and she is no longer alone in the dark. Her new cellmate might be just what she needed to restore that defiance that had been missing for so long.
AUTHOR NOTE: This story is a historical fantasy (heavy on the fantasy), reverse harem, SERIAL. There are twelve parts to it and I will release another part each month (barring catastrophe). Also, there may be triggers so if that sort of thing gets under your skin...maybe this isn’t the book for you?
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2017
28 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 28, 2017
I don't believe I have read a story like this one, makes for interesting reading. Captive centers around Princess Sienna, who has been held prisoner for the past two years, alone with only her strength of will. Her only company is the false king Cassius, who either offers her a chance of freedom and out of the damp hell to become his Queen, Or she gets her magic of Akeldama drained so that he can use her power for his own. Until one day a man wakes up the same cell. A King Killer, Joaquin Gagnon, a man who warns her not to believe everything she hears, but still hides secrets. When she learns that her husbands are still alive and in the resistance, it gives her renewed purpose to stay alive.
I really enjoyed this historical fantasy, Sienna is a strong main character that even though she is going through captivity she still has a strong sense of self. The point of views of all of the characters is always a interesting read and gives us added insight into the story. Overall I would recommend Captive and I am eagerly awaiting Execution.
I really enjoyed this historical fantasy, Sienna is a strong main character that even though she is going through captivity she still has a strong sense of self. The point of views of all of the characters is always a interesting read and gives us added insight into the story. Overall I would recommend Captive and I am eagerly awaiting Execution.
July 6, 2023
2.5 Stars
October 30, 2017
5 dazzling new author stars
Captive is part 1 of a slow burn RH serial, it is also the authors first published work.
I was immediately captivated by Princess Siennas story..It is told in a multi POV which I love as it gave me more insight into other characters. The thought and world building F N Hammack has poured into her story is incredible.
Back to Sienna, the story begins in flashback to a happier time, a carefree Princess is happily contemplating marriage to her two lovers..which is seen as scandalous to the Kingdom, though funnily enough not unheard of. The King and Queen have accepted her choice of marriage but Cassius a trusted member of the court is enraged by the thought..he vows she will be his and he will do what it takes to stop it.
Flash forward and my how things have changed..We find Sienna held captive by the now false King Cassius after he violently took power from the Akeldama family.
Both her parents are dead..she is in chains while the false King drains her blood magic to maintain control of the now dying Kingdom.
She has been captive for two years when she suddenly gets a cell mate..Known as King killer his reputation precedes him but the fact that he now knows the princess is alive does not bode well for him...surely he will not be leaving alive, or will he?
Meanwhile her husbands have started a resistance movement, vowing to somehow overthrow Cassius, They live in hiding staying one step ahead of Cassius and his hired thugs.
I adore the historical elements of this series immensely...what could be better than a Tyrant "King" a captive princess and the promise of a handful of hot sword wielding men in Siennas harem ;)
Suffice it to say I adore this story and while it is a serial it is such a vivid story that I don't mind the wait..which will be a short one , for book 2.
**I received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review **
Captive is part 1 of a slow burn RH serial, it is also the authors first published work.
I was immediately captivated by Princess Siennas story..It is told in a multi POV which I love as it gave me more insight into other characters. The thought and world building F N Hammack has poured into her story is incredible.
Back to Sienna, the story begins in flashback to a happier time, a carefree Princess is happily contemplating marriage to her two lovers..which is seen as scandalous to the Kingdom, though funnily enough not unheard of. The King and Queen have accepted her choice of marriage but Cassius a trusted member of the court is enraged by the thought..he vows she will be his and he will do what it takes to stop it.
Flash forward and my how things have changed..We find Sienna held captive by the now false King Cassius after he violently took power from the Akeldama family.
Both her parents are dead..she is in chains while the false King drains her blood magic to maintain control of the now dying Kingdom.
She has been captive for two years when she suddenly gets a cell mate..Known as King killer his reputation precedes him but the fact that he now knows the princess is alive does not bode well for him...surely he will not be leaving alive, or will he?
Meanwhile her husbands have started a resistance movement, vowing to somehow overthrow Cassius, They live in hiding staying one step ahead of Cassius and his hired thugs.
I adore the historical elements of this series immensely...what could be better than a Tyrant "King" a captive princess and the promise of a handful of hot sword wielding men in Siennas harem ;)
Suffice it to say I adore this story and while it is a serial it is such a vivid story that I don't mind the wait..which will be a short one , for book 2.
**I received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review **
October 30, 2017
F.N. Hammack's debut work, "Captive", is part 1 in a 12-part serial. While it lacks the polish that many seasoned writers obtain, Hammack is able to fully immerse the reader in a world where magic and greed have caused conflict on a massive scale. This appears to be written in a "sink-or-swim" manner (my favorite way to go), forcing the reader to immerse themselves full right away. The opening scene gives a good idea of who the villain is, but nothing is concrete.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this story is the fact that 90% of this part takes place in a dungeon cell. There is very little in way of outside elements, which leaves the reader (and author) focusing entirely on character development. Surprisingly, for not most the story taking place in a dungeon, we meet a lot of the main characters and are given a pretty good look at what motivates them and the range of personalities that are important to the story.
There is a lot of foreshadowing in this part, each character introduced is obviously important in some way (even if we're not entirely sure how), but the use of flashbacks to foreshadow is kind of brilliant. Going back in time to get a glimpse of the future is crazy, but it really works. The flashbacks give us a glimpse into who these people are and how they are tied together. On occasion, they also show us how they might be tied in the future.
There are a few misspellings and incorrect word uses, but nothing that makes this a difficult read. Overall, this was enjoyable (and a nice break from the overwhelming influx of Urban Fantasy/PNR books). I am looking forward to the next installment and to watching Hammack grow as a writer!
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this story is the fact that 90% of this part takes place in a dungeon cell. There is very little in way of outside elements, which leaves the reader (and author) focusing entirely on character development. Surprisingly, for not most the story taking place in a dungeon, we meet a lot of the main characters and are given a pretty good look at what motivates them and the range of personalities that are important to the story.
There is a lot of foreshadowing in this part, each character introduced is obviously important in some way (even if we're not entirely sure how), but the use of flashbacks to foreshadow is kind of brilliant. Going back in time to get a glimpse of the future is crazy, but it really works. The flashbacks give us a glimpse into who these people are and how they are tied together. On occasion, they also show us how they might be tied in the future.
There are a few misspellings and incorrect word uses, but nothing that makes this a difficult read. Overall, this was enjoyable (and a nice break from the overwhelming influx of Urban Fantasy/PNR books). I am looking forward to the next installment and to watching Hammack grow as a writer!
October 30, 2017
This serial isn't like any of the other serials I have read in the RH genre. First off the set up where you bounce points of view is very nice. It provides insight to different aspects of the story line and I like that! Second you don't start the story out where the girl meets the guys and you see how their relationship starts, with this one the relationship has already been established with two of the guys and you get to see flashbacks of the first meetings and such. I love this different way of telling the story because it keeps you interested in my opinion. The characters each have interesting personalities and I look forward to learning more about each one.
This is definitely a great start to what I believe will be a captivating serial and I look forward to the next part! :D
This is definitely a great start to what I believe will be a captivating serial and I look forward to the next part! :D
September 6, 2018
I knew fairly early on that I wasn't going to read the next installment in this serial. The book had some distracting capitalization and punctuation issues, but more importantly, the characters didn't feel real to me. Their reactions often felt unnatural and exaggerated. The characters--even the MC, who has been imprisoned and tortured for years--laughed or snorted in response to almost every sentence. The book just wasn't that funny. Also, you shouldn't need to tell me that a character is being sassy or sarcastic. This wasn't a terrible effort, but I've read as much of this serial as I'm willing to.
October 30, 2017
A promising beginning, I can't wait to see where it leads
An intriguing introduction to a brand new fantasy world. My favourite aspect was the way the author patchworked the story together with snippets from past and present and a range of characters. It's like watching a leadlight window being built from shards of coloured glass, with Sienna as the lead came holding it all together.
I can't wait to see how this story develops.
An intriguing introduction to a brand new fantasy world. My favourite aspect was the way the author patchworked the story together with snippets from past and present and a range of characters. It's like watching a leadlight window being built from shards of coloured glass, with Sienna as the lead came holding it all together.
I can't wait to see how this story develops.
October 31, 2017
Hammack starts out with a bang. Captive, is dark, but still has romance, intrigue, and some magic. I liked Sienna, she has strength and resilience, even after being held captive for years. I’m not normally a fan of flashbacks, but Hammack incorporates them well, and I liked that we get the flashes of her history. I can’t wait to see what happens to Sienna and her guys.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed and ARC of this book.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed and ARC of this book.
October 30, 2017
Captive is the first book in a new RH series. FN Hammack does an absolutely amazing job of sucking you into the story and not letting go. It might be a shorter book but it doesn't really seem like it. Buy this book :)
October 31, 2017
Wow! FN Hammack will jump into your one-click list as soon as you read this first installment in her serial! It's so full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing! It's a totally new spin on Reverse Harem and I'm excited to see what she does with it! When is part two out?!?!?
March 4, 2018
Historical RH
A Princess locked in a dungeon for 2 yrs because the ruling King wants her to himself. A man is placed into her sell with her. He seems to rekindles her will to live and get out of the dungeon. Have already purchased the next one to read.
A Princess locked in a dungeon for 2 yrs because the ruling King wants her to himself. A man is placed into her sell with her. He seems to rekindles her will to live and get out of the dungeon. Have already purchased the next one to read.
March 21, 2019
This was difficult to get into. It started by giving you a bunch of information about things that didn't happen yet as the story begins. And then things bounce around from past to present or future or something. I just couldn't figure out was actually going on.
October 30, 2017
Wow what a great start to a new serial. The story is unlike any other I have read so far.
This historically fantasy see's Princess Sienna locked in a dungeon, locked away for years in chains with everyone thinking she was killed at the same time as her parents.
Sienna come across as a strong and fiesty heroine even considering what she is going through. Well written the story flows beautifully from a number of POV's. It has captured my interest and I am eagerly awaiting the next part and I highly recommend this serial
This historically fantasy see's Princess Sienna locked in a dungeon, locked away for years in chains with everyone thinking she was killed at the same time as her parents.
Sienna come across as a strong and fiesty heroine even considering what she is going through. Well written the story flows beautifully from a number of POV's. It has captured my interest and I am eagerly awaiting the next part and I highly recommend this serial
October 30, 2017
Wonderful
I could not get enough of this book. It was amazing and cant wait the rest. I started it and the next thing I knew it was done and I was like damn, I need more.
I could not get enough of this book. It was amazing and cant wait the rest. I started it and the next thing I knew it was done and I was like damn, I need more.
November 8, 2017
Wow
What a wonderful start for a powerful new serial. I cannot wait for more books to come out. F.N. Hammack you got a new fan.
What a wonderful start for a powerful new serial. I cannot wait for more books to come out. F.N. Hammack you got a new fan.
November 10, 2017
Wow!
Wow!
Such an amazing start to the story! I couldn't put it down once I started! F.N Hammacks wow what an amazing first book! I can not wait until she gets her revenge!!!
Wow!
Such an amazing start to the story! I couldn't put it down once I started! F.N Hammacks wow what an amazing first book! I can not wait until she gets her revenge!!!
April 30, 2021
Really great writing style and story. I loved the characters as well. Sadly, I think this series has been discontinued
October 30, 2017
What an interesting and captivating start to a series. I enjoyed the multiple POV in the book as it really helps the reader get into the others characters mind set! Sienna is a strong MC and you can feel her pain coming off the pages, and I am just hoping for her to be reunited with her husbands. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
October 30, 2017
I definitely like the storyline so far, and I also like how the author didn't tell the story in a typical, streamlined way. And I am SO appreciative of how developed and well thought-out her characters and their history are. I definitely want to read the next one.
October 25, 2017
it is amazing. It draws in in and leaves you wanting more. Can't wait for the next one. Great start for a great up in coming series.
October 29, 2017
Well this title was fitting! This first installment of the brand new serial, The Akeldama Chronicles held me 'captive' from the beginning! Hammack paints a beautifully dark world which is beyond compelling. Emotions run high in this installment as the story of a long lost princess begins to unravel. What will part two bring? I'm waiting with bated breath!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews