Sue's Reviews > Exquisite Captive

Review and playlist also posted at Young Adult Hollywood.
Listen to my Exquisite Captive playlist on 8tracks.



Exquisite Captive came into my life like the perfect book I could ever wish for. I have so much love for this novel. It is brilliant and filled with rich world building. I would read it again and again. And trust me, this is the book YOU would want to read.

What lured me into reading Exquisite Captive is that it reminded me a little bit of The Grisha Trilogy. If you’re fan of Leigh Bardugo and Laini Taylor’s books, you will absolutely devour this one.

Exquisite Captive is far superior to other Young Adult High Fantasy books out there. Not only is it a masterpiece of work, it is also diverse in gender and race. It’s the perfect book everyone’s been looking for.

The book follows the story of Nalia, a jinni like a genie who can grant wishes. She is the only survivor of coup d’état that killed almost everyone from her caste. Now back on Earth she is sold into slavery. She is bound by the golden shackles to the rich and handsome Malek, her human master. She is forced to obey his every command or else suffer the consequences.

“Granting wishes is a bitch.”

Meet Nalia, the protagonist of the story. She is a Ghan Aisouri, a jinni who can access the power of all four elements. What a perfect way to introduce yourself, young lady. I instantly fell in love with her. She is a remarkable heroine, feisty, strong and is willing to admit that she can be vulnerable. She also has a very great humor. She keeps the book going.

Malek is such an enigma. He certainly has the charms to make everyone fall in love with him and he can also be cruel if the situation requires it. He makes it easy for everyone to warm to him despite his misgivings. It’s the era of I-love-hot-villains.

“You see now, don’t you?” he whispered, his voice tender, but his onyx eyes hard. “We need to be together, you and I. This fighting –it only brings us sadness, no?”
“Nalia?”
“Yes, Master.”

Meet Raif, the leader of Arjinna’s revolution. He promises to free Nalia in exchange for an unbearably high price. He is your norm Young Adult hero, selfless and would do anything for the greater good.

“You make me so godsdamn angry, Raif! How do you do that?”
His lip curled up. “Special talent of mine.”



Yes, certainly. There is plenty of kissing and fondling involved.
Exquisite Captive tackles challenging matters like SLAVERY. (view spoiler)[Props to Demetrios for not romanticizing it. (hide spoiler)]

While there are some parts of the novel that might make some uncomfortable, the story telling is immensely sweeping making the flaws glide smoothly. There was never a dull moment. The pace is just perfect. The writing was great. We already established this book has a great set of main characters, brilliant plot and alluring romance. The world building is fantastic, a breath of fresh air. I finished it in one sitting. I can guarantee Exquisite Captive will pave the way for more genie books in the future.