The Mercy of Gods (The Captive's War Book 1)

The Mercy of Gods is the first book in The Captive's War series. Humanity arrived on the planet Anjiin long ago, but that history is about to end. The Carryx—part empire, part hive—have conquered and enslaved species across the galaxy for centuries. Now they face a great and deathless enemy, and humanity may hold the key to their survival. Dafyd Alkhor is an assistant to a brilliant scientist, content with his academic life until Carryx ships descend on Anjiin. The human population is decimated, and the brightest minds, including Dafyd, are taken to serve on the Carryx homeworld. There they are forced into competition against other captive species, with extinction as the penalty for failure. Dafyd and a few companions recognize a deeper game beneath the surface contest—they must learn to understand and manipulate the Carryx themselves to survive. Caught between a human rebellion and mysterious enemies, they pay a terrible price to become trusted servants of their rulers. Dafyd transforms from an ordinary man into humanity's champion and betrayer, the most hated figure in history and his people's guardian.