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The Taker (The Taker Trilogy #1)

by Alma Katsu (Goodreads Author)

3.68 of 5 stars 3.68 · rating details · 3,516 ratings · 818 reviews

True love can last an eternity . . . but immortality comes at a price. On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural St. Andrew, Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting a quiet evening. Until a mysterious woman arrives in his ER, escorted by police—Lanore McIlvrae is a murder suspect—and Luke is inexplicably drawn to her. As Lanny tells him her story, an impassioned account o...more

Paperback, 464 pages

Published March 27th 2012 by Gallery Books (first published April 14th 2011)

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May 04, 2012 Fiction Fool rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone! It's that good.

Rating: (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥)

"You might ask if I loved Jonathan for his beauty, and I would answer: that is a pointless question, for his great, uncommon beauty was an irreducible part of the whole. It gave him his quiet confidence--and his easy, disarminging way with the fairer sex. And if his beauty drew my eye from the first, I'll not apologize for it, nor will I apologize for my desire to claim Jonathan for my own. To behold such beauty is to wish to possess it; it's desire that drives every collec

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Jun 03, 2012 Siobhan (Totally Bookalicious) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-top-10

First I was to say just a little bit about the book cover. So everyone is always saying "Dont judge a book by its cover". However, honestly it usually the cover that makes you pick up the book to start with. If the cover catches your eye you will pick up the book. Most people deny that they judge a book by its cover but we are all guilty of it at some. And this cover is one that would catch your eyes in book store. Its looks really pretty in the picture. However it is simply WOW in person. It ju...more First I was to say just a little bit about the book cover. So everyone is always saying "Dont judge a book by its cover". However, honestly it usually the cover that makes you pick up the book to start with. If the cover catches your eye you will pick up the book. Most people deny that they judge a book by its cover but we are all guilty of it at some. And this cover is one that would catch your eyes in book store. Its looks really pretty in the picture. However it is simply WOW in person. It just gorgeous. A beautiful design that is enchanting. The design is all embosed and just perfect. And as a bonus it has black edged paper. As I said its just WOW

Now. The Taker is one of those story that grips you from the first chapter. Alma has created a wonder dark and enchanted tale of love and obsession and mixed it with a memorizing story that it very brutal at times.

The story line is just wonderful. The story follows Lanny, a woman who has had a hard life and when she appears into Dr. Luke's life everything changes for him, as this beautiful woman tells him her story of her life. As we read about Lanny's past we are introduced to so many colourful characters. Lanny herself is actually rather easy for me to connect with it. She is selfish at times and her love for Jonathan (the man she loved in her past) is a borderline dangerous obsession for her. However, she is tough and wise and survives through all her tough times. We don't really here alot of Luke as this is mainly a story of Lanny's past. He was likeable although I sometimes didn't want to come back from the past as it was just so mesmerizing.

The Taker had me shocked at times and smiling at times. And the twist in the plot was a real shock to me. Usually I can figure out a plot really quick. However, I never knew what was coming next for Lanny and the biggest twist had me gasping with shock. I mean proper mouth opened just staring like OMG.

What I truely loved about this was that in most books its all happily ever afters. However, this is a more realistic ending to the story and I loved it. It truely was the most perfect ending.

If you are looking for a fantastic story that will have you hooked straight away and that it bound to be a bestseller then please as soon as this book is out buy you will not be disappointment.

Finally just a quick thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy for review. I have never been more grateful for a book as now this is one of my favourite reads and looking forward to more of Alma Katsu's novels.

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Aug 09, 2012 oliviasbooks rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: readers who enjoy the deep, dark pits of human nature

Shelves: e-version, gods-demons-angels-immortals, historical-fantasy, urban-fantasy-paranormal, lacks-fluff-or-hope, male-point-of-view, multiple-povs-letters, mystery-crime-sleuthing, read-2012, witches-sorcerers-magic, thriller, a-jerk-is-a-jerk, adult-fiction, wring-her-neck, debut, sex-and-glamour

*** The review may contain some spoilery concerning the first half of the plot ***

Finally over. *sigh*

That short outburst above had been my "review" right after I had finished reading the book, and as far as my Goodreads.com account was concerned I planned to leave it at that. Now, more than three months later, I have accumulated enough emotional distance to deal with the story again.

I do not remember the exact wording, but when I was handed Alma Katsu’s debut The Taker in March, it came with th...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: heroine-unlikable, heroine-unusually-attractive, guilty-pleasure, historicals, mood-dark-and-twisted, place-boston, predatory-lesbian, secret-identities, sex-sex-and-more-sex, supernatural

This uneven first novel promises the start of an entertaining series for those who enjoy supernatural/paranormal historicals. Big, dramatic, and lurid, this novel tells the story of Lanny McIlvrae, a woman born in 19th century rural Maine, who still walks the Earth some two centuries later, tortured by her past. Alternating between now -- when she convinces the ER doctor to help her escape to Canada and then Paris -- and recounting her past -- how she ended up immortal -- the story features sex,...more This uneven first novel promises the start of an entertaining series for those who enjoy supernatural/paranormal historicals. Big, dramatic, and lurid, this novel tells the story of Lanny McIlvrae, a woman born in 19th century rural Maine, who still walks the Earth some two centuries later, tortured by her past. Alternating between now -- when she convinces the ER doctor to help her escape to Canada and then Paris -- and recounting her past -- how she ended up immortal -- the story features sex, violence, a hint of supernatural elements, and unrequited love.

This book felt very familiar to me in tone and plot (most notably Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles and Cate Tiernan's Balefire books), especially with the story-within-a-story style Katsu employs. According to her website, she was particularly inspired by the Pinnochio story which can be seen in Lanny's developmental arc; but unfortunately, to me, the story just seemed a bit tired and 'done': the excesses and immoral decadence of the immortals, the fascination with beautiful people being immortalized, the desire to atone for one's centuries-long sins. Which is a shame because Katsu's writing is good and her heroine Lanny had promise. I greatly enjoyed the historical sections, following Lanny's adolescence in her repressive, small village, where she nurtured a one-side love for the town's rich, beautiful playboy. Her devotion to him leads to her downfall, of course, the slow eroding of her soul as she does what she can to remain his, in whatever form.

The contemporary portions of the novel rang most awkward and unrealistic; in a novel this size, I would have liked more time developing why this small town doc would give up everything to help Lanny. He's a flimsy foil for Lanny to tell her story; I'd much rather this have been her diaries or a letter although I suppose the doctor will feature in the next book.

I've seen a lot of reviews that describe this book as 'sexy' which I find baffling: certainly, there's a ton of sex in it, but it's often violent and/or non-consensual, which isn't my idea of hot. It is, however, dramatic and titillating and grotesque and entertaining, over-the-top escapism for the autumn, a beach read when it's too chilly for the beach(less)

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Sep 01, 2011 Nancy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I must have missed something with this book because the reviews are rave yet I am ashamed I finished it. Because I am Puritanical? Perhaps.

The writer's style is flawlessly executed. She created interest immediately. Her description complete and idea of immortality intriguing. I could have been happy with the first few chapters then the last few chapters and skipped about 200 pages in between.

Lanore is from Puritanical Maine in the early 1800's. She is in love with Jonathon, the son of the town e...more I must have missed something with this book because the reviews are rave yet I am ashamed I finished it. Because I am Puritanical? Perhaps.

The writer's style is flawlessly executed. She created interest immediately. Her description complete and idea of immortality intriguing. I could have been happy with the first few chapters then the last few chapters and skipped about 200 pages in between.

Lanore is from Puritanical Maine in the early 1800's. She is in love with Jonathon, the son of the town elite. He is set to inherit the semi-charmed life and, although he cares much for Lanore, he could never marry her. It would be socially inappropriate. Also, Jonathon is not in love with her. Oh, he'll have his dalliances and they will include Lanore, but he is a philanderer at heart.

Lanore ends up in Boston and is quickly inherited as a possession by a hedonistic and sadistic man named Adair. He is the king of his little lair and whatever he desires, he will acquire. He is also an alchemist of sorts. He grants immortality. The price, however, is he owns who he makes.

So, just to be clear - this part of the book is about sex. All forms of sex between people. This takes up an inordinate amount of the book. The story is still continuing and I am still reading because I feel compelled to find out what happens but I had to swim through a lot of sewer water to get to the end of the book. I'm not talking titillating kind of chick lit sex. It is hedonistic and sadistic, quirm-in-your-own-skin, uncomfortable kind of sex. It is violent and I am afraid I will need to take a long, hot shower.

You may be asking why I kept reading even when it was so uncomfortable. I kept thinking it would move on! And it didn't! Lanore kept giving in to Adair and doing things that were ethically against her background (more than just the sex) and I didn't like her. I didn't like Jonathon. Certainly I would have some sympathy for Luke - but I didn't. Against my better judgment, I kept reading. It had to get better. It just had to. Then I turned the last page and found the Acknowledgments.

Really?

Talented writer. Interesting concept. Well used verbiage and sentence structure. Compelling style. Really, really good writer. Did I say that? But the story to be told was not worth it. (less)

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Feb 10, 2012 Allison rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this book for free through Goodreads first reads, and I was excited to dig in. I only got a few chapters in and lost interest, though. I quickly grew tired of Lanny's obsession with Jonathan, a weak and spineless individual not worth such devotion. Apparently there are some twisted sex scenes later on that you have to wade through to keep up with the story--not worth it for a mediocre read to begin with.

****

I keep coming back to my review of this book, perhaps because I rarely give on...more

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Dec 15, 2012 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-julia

As heartbreaking as any gothic novel, Alma Katsu's THE TAKER is a sad story of beauty and love and human failing, spun out over the centuries. Though the story begins in a small town emergency room in Maine, we quickly flashback to Lanny's origins in colonial America. To be honest, the nominal "main character" of the present day story, Dr. Luke Findley, was a forgettable foil that I mostly glossed over. I was focused on the long ago tale of the young girl Lanny once was, limited by circumstances...more As heartbreaking as any gothic novel, Alma Katsu's THE TAKER is a sad story of beauty and love and human failing, spun out over the centuries. Though the story begins in a small town emergency room in Maine, we quickly flashback to Lanny's origins in colonial America. To be honest, the nominal "main character" of the present day story, Dr. Luke Findley, was a forgettable foil that I mostly glossed over. I was focused on the long ago tale of the young girl Lanny once was, limited by circumstances and crippled by unrequited love.

Lanny is a sympathetic character, even as the hopelessness of her love is apparent from the start. Rather than making this a predictable story, the alchemy of Katsu's writing transformed these common materials into something completely unexpected. In her hands, over the arc of such a long lifetime, familiar tropes take on nuances I never would have expected. Lanny's devotion to Jonathan, her best friend, the gorgeous village philanderer and golden boy, is a classic scenario for heartbreak. Jonathan himself is by turns careless and kind, his benign neglect of Lanny and others breaks hearts, ruins marriages, and takes lives. When the worst inevitably happens, Lanny is set adrift in the world with no power and no protection. Though the writing itself is not explicit, the sexual circumstances of this book covers a lot of victimization, rape, and injustice. So many of the characters in this book are trapped by circumstance, powerless against those who would abuse them, yet still able to fight on and function. Despite the difficult subject matter, Katsu maintains a spark of humanity in even her worst villain. I rooted for his downfall, but never quite gave up expecting some moment of redemption for him.

While that particular moment never came, over the course of book other familiar roles are turned on their head. Lanny finds her fangs, and by trial and error comes into her own. She causes injuries of her own along the way, while Jonathan, isolated by his beauty and charisma from women and men alike, has moments of maturity and vulnerability before falling afoul of his best friend's good intentions. The extended timeline of this story offers new depths to this sad story, though Katsu's ultimate truth seems to be one of inevitability. Even with eternal life, one can't control the human heart.

Sexual Content: References to sex, rape, and incest.(less)

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May 19, 2013 Tonya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am not one for fantasy novels. This one is the exception. It is gripping. Katsu is an average writer but an exceptional story teller. Imaginative, scary, sexy and really good! I loved Adair - his character is what made the book for me. Will definitely be reading the next one.

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Jan 26, 2012 Melissa Crytzer Fry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This novel promises an unforgettable story before even the first printed page. A golden metallic, embossed scroll-like paper adorns the inside flaps of the hardcover version of this book, hinting at mystery, intrigue and antiquity.

And the first haunting chapter delivers on that promise, leading the reader into the intriguing stories behind those scroll-like papers, propelling the reader forward. Yes, Alma Katsu’s debut novel captivated me from the start. It is a complete anomaly in terms of the...more This novel promises an unforgettable story before even the first printed page. A golden metallic, embossed scroll-like paper adorns the inside flaps of the hardcover version of this book, hinting at mystery, intrigue and antiquity.

And the first haunting chapter delivers on that promise, leading the reader into the intriguing stories behind those scroll-like papers, propelling the reader forward. Yes, Alma Katsu’s debut novel captivated me from the start. It is a complete anomaly in terms of the neat genres of the publishing industry: it’s part love story, part fantasy/supernatural, part historical fiction, part mystery (none of these genres, ironically, are what I usually read). But it is also a literary novel, and I drank every delicious word.

This story of Lanny and Jonathan – and unrequited love – spans centuries, locales, emotions, heartache and frightening periods of darkness and pure evil. The skill with which Katsu weaves in and out of three different time frames – present day, 1800s, 1300s – is nothing short of breathtaking. The story structure reminds me of Russian nesting dolls, each story tucked neatly into the other, building on the next to form the whole. And with each uncovered layer, a new discovery.

And the words … Alma Katsu strings together words with efficiency and beauty. The prose is, indeed, drinkable. The characters, their flaws and their often destructive decisions and behavior, make them worthy of following through this 400+ page book. In addition to meeting Lanny and Jonathan, a host of additional characters – Adair, Dona, Tilde, Alejandro, Uzra – add additional intrigue to this book that is ultimately about the power and sometimes destructive nature of love. It's also about obsession, fitting in, and finding one's place in the world.

A word of warning: this story is not for the faint of heart. While elements of magic and passion are key to the novel, so are masochistic and sadistic themes in several sections. Some portions of the book have their share of violence. And while I have never gravitated toward those themes in my reading preferences, the presence of them was necessary to portray the true evil that bound these characters together and threatened to tear them apart; some readers may find them to be too much. Even so, I believe most readers will feel that Katsu handled the topics with craftsmanship and skill.

If you are interested in a story that is truly unique – and even a story within a story within a story – this book is pure magic. I am happy that it was recommended to me by a trustworthy source; otherwise, I’m sure I’d have missed out on this intriguing tale whose characters will stay with me for a long time.
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Jan 22, 2013 Sandy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

THE TAKER by Alma Katsu

THE TAKER can best be described as a novel of mixed genre. It is a historical fantasy that spans the past to the present with sci-fi undertones, gothic horror and there is a definite love story, of sorts. Some reviewers have labeled The Taker as a romance story that crosses the centuries, but for everything I have read, this is definitely not a romance novel. The Taker is well written, thought provoking and eerily depressing. The novel spans two centuries in the life of La...more THE TAKER by Alma Katsu

THE TAKER can best be described as a novel of mixed genre. It is a historical fantasy that spans the past to the present with sci-fi undertones, gothic horror and there is a definite love story, of sorts. Some reviewers have labeled The Taker as a romance story that crosses the centuries, but for everything I have read, this is definitely not a romance novel. The Taker is well written, thought provoking and eerily depressing. The novel spans two centuries in the life of Lanore (Lanny) McIlvrae and is told through flashbacks and flash forwards using three different and varying points of view. My biggest concern is that the novel left me depressed yet wanting more. Apparently I am a reading-masochist at heart because I want to know what happens next and I know I will regret both-not reading and reading more.

The novel is divided into three parts and three stories. There are overlapping stories (between the parts) where flashbacks are required to explain the significance to the current day drama and within the parts-the story is told from two different points of view and the current day is narration. Some readers may find the back and forth confusing, but the individual storytellers recount the circumstances of how they came to be.

Lanny and Jonathan is a story of unrequited love. Lanny has loved Jonathan all of her life and the fact that she has lived more than 200 years, has never eased the longing and memories. But the heartache grows deeper and the sorrow of loss and pain becomes almost unbearable with every bitter story of conquest and denial. Jonathan’s history of womanizing will eventually catch up and it will be Lanny who will make the decision between life and death.

Lanny and Adair is another story of love, power and control. But as her Master, Adair demands things from those he has brought into his life, and his demands are hard, especially on Lanny. Adair believes he is unlovable, a man who has lived 100s if not 1000s of years, but with each incarnation, he becomes more despondent and bored. His need for Lanny can only be explained as a necessary evil. Is it because he knows she will never love him the way she have loved Jonathan, or does it go much deeper than a maker to his charge?

Lanny and Luke’s relationship is the overlapping narration throughout the story. On the run from the authorities, Luke aids Lanny in her cross country and cross continent trek searching for the answers as to who and what is Lanny McIlvrae. Their adventure is the storyline. Lanny recounts her story to Luke, flashing back to the time of her making and allowing Adair’s point of view to flash us back even further. It is this particular part of the storyline that is the apex of the story. All other storylines are told throughout Lanny and Luke’s adventures.

The Taker is a well-written novel. It is not a story of vampires and blood. It is dark, mysterious, depressing and passionate. The storyline will haunt and anger. There is grief for the loss of a love, of a child and a life once shared. But in all honesty when I finished the novel, I felt depressed. There was only loneliness and misery, sorrow and pain. There is no HEA. But this is only Book ONE. OK….*looking around for some Xanax and a couch*….on to The Reckoning July 2012 (Book TWO ) and The Devil’s Scribe (e-novella)

I would have given the novel 4 STARS but my depression has yet to be cured........

see all of my reviews at thereadingcafe.com
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Jun 07, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

It's been a while since a book has haunted me consistently like this one has/is. Even a few days after finishing it scenes suddenly flood my mind and emotions, sometimes making me pause in the middle of whatever I'm doing just so I can fully ponder it all.

'The Taker' is a dark, heart wrenching tale of unrequited love, obsession, and the price of immortality. (Yet, that seems a very weak summation.)

It's a romance, but nothing like your average romance. It's a paranormal, but everyone is human, j...more It's been a while since a book has haunted me consistently like this one has/is. Even a few days after finishing it scenes suddenly flood my mind and emotions, sometimes making me pause in the middle of whatever I'm doing just so I can fully ponder it all.

'The Taker' is a dark, heart wrenching tale of unrequited love, obsession, and the price of immortality. (Yet, that seems a very weak summation.)

It's a romance, but nothing like your average romance. It's a paranormal, but everyone is human, just some of them are immortal (no powers). Lanore and Jonathan are young adults, but it's definitely not YA. It is severely tragic, but hopeful. 'The Taker' is unlike anything I've read in a long time.

At times the subject matter almost became so unbearably heartbreaking that I didn't know if I could take any more, but at the same time I was so compelled to know what the next page brought that putting it down (and leaving it down) was impossible.

There was a great deal of sexual content, nondescript, but much of it abusive (physical & emotional) or just plain wicked and indulgent on the part of the characters. It was clearly not *about* the sex with this book, though. Nothing escapist about it; the underlying sense of loneliness, desperation, or feeling of imprisonment within the characters was a tangible presence in all their actions and interactions.

Needless to say, I cried a lot. It stirred my emotions and provoked deep thought. I enjoy a good melancholy story where things sometimes just don't play out the way your heart aches for them to. (I guess it's the masochist in me.)

While I was right in the thick of it I was firmly decided that I did *not* want to read the next book, I just couldn't... however, by the time I reached the end I was chomping at the bit for book 2. (which isn't out until June, unfortunately)

The author, Alma Katsu, reassured me that the next 2 books in this trilogy will get lighter and have more romance as they go. Which only increases my level of anticipation for them!

Update: I changed my rating to 5 stars because that is a rating I only give to books that I want to, or feel compelled to read more than once. I couldn't resist reading this one again! And luckily I wasn't as much of a crybaby the 2nd time around. Not much longer til The Reckoning!(less)

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Sep 13, 2011 Alyse Campbell rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wanted to like this book. I wanted to love this book. I am dying for a book that spills real love and real heart. This book was trying so hard to be Anne Rice. Katsu begins her book by going down that road, but ends up with a sad mimicry of a Rice's connection between immortality and sadism (something that could not have been avoided by the characters even if Katsu had a better writing style). The characters were flat and apparently incapable of making sound or selfless decisions. There is nev...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Lily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reseña publicada en: eldesvandelosuenos.blogspot.com/2011/...

Oscura, atractiva, fascinante y misteriosa.

La portada de este libro me sedujo desde el primer momento que la vi. Es oscura, atractiva, fascinante y misteriosa, como la novela misma. El amor, la pasión y los deseos más oscuros y prohibidos se entrelazan sin complejos en un relato desgarrador y poderoso.

La autora nos cuenta la vida de Lanore, una muchacha nacida en una familia muy humilde que vive en un pueblecito de Maine en el siglo XI...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Kelly Zsuzsa Németh rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Alma Katsu has a wonderful voice. I really enjoyed all the bouncing. The way Lanore comes to be immortal is so different than anything I have read. It was beautiful, dark and sad at the same time.
I highly recommend it!

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Apr 12, 2011 Daisy Chain Books rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An addictive tale of immortal love, Alma Katsu’s debut novel, The Taker, will keep you reading late into the night, and leave you wanting more. Combining elements of paranormal romance with historical fiction, this book will take you on an unmissable journey through time.

The story opens in present day Maine, in the small town of St. Andrew, where Dr. Luke Findley is about to embark on yet another monotonous shift at the Aroostook County Hospital. Recently divorced, and living a totally unfulfill...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Kristina McMorris rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To borrow a catch phrase from "Grey's Anatomy," The Taker is the ultimate "dark and twisty" novel -- in the best sense. I'm arguably one of the slowest readers on Earth, and yet I flew through this story in merely two days. Lush, addictive, at times disturbing, The Taker is a fabulously imaginative work by a talented author.

(Not: Readers unsettled by the ending should know this is the first in a trilogy.)

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Apr 20, 2011 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dr. Luke Findley is getting tired of living in St. Andrew but refuses to leave. When Lanore, an immortal suspected murderer, arrives at the hospital, Luke's life is about to become a little less boring! Lanny requests his help in order to escape but he isn't sure if he should trust her. To gain his trust, Lanny recounts her dramatic story.

Lanny's story takes us to St. Andrew two hundred years ago where we start to learn about her eventful past. Lanny turns out to be a very selfish woman who'd d...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Alex rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

IMMORTAL
Per terminare la lettura di questo libro e fare la recensione ho dovuto chiamare a raccolta tutta la mia pazienza e il mio amore per la lettura.Catturata da subito da una bella cover e da una trama intrigante e misteriosa mi sono immersa nella lettura di questo paranormal fantasy storico che prometteva scintille!
Ben presto ho dovuto fare i conti con un romanzo lontanissimo da ciò che amo leggere,per contenuti e personaggi. Guardavo di continuo quanti capitoli mi separavano dalla parola f...more IMMORTAL
Per terminare la lettura di questo libro e fare la recensione ho dovuto chiamare a raccolta tutta la mia pazienza e il mio amore per la lettura.Catturata da subito da una bella cover e da una trama intrigante e misteriosa mi sono immersa nella lettura di questo paranormal fantasy storico che prometteva scintille!
Ben presto ho dovuto fare i conti con un romanzo lontanissimo da ciò che amo leggere,per contenuti e personaggi. Guardavo di continuo quanti capitoli mi separavano dalla parola fine.....ma quello della reviewer è un duro lavoro quindi eccovi il mio personale pov ;)
Il romanzo comincia ai giorni nostri Luke medico di una piccola cittadina del Maine,frustrato dalla monotonia e dalla solitudine della sua vita e sempre più deciso a lasciarsi tutto alle spalle,sopratutto dopo il divorzio e la morte dei genitori. Forse proprio per questo senza pensarci due volte aiuta Lenny,una ragazza colpevole di omicidio che viene portata in stato di arresto al pronto soccorso. Lenny racconta la sua assurda storia a Luke e insieme partono alla volta del confine canadese. Da qui in poi Lenny racconterà a Luke tutta la sua storia a partire dal 1800 secolo in cui è nata,ebbene si Lenny è una creatura immortale,,,,, gli parla del suo amore per un ragazzo del suo villaggio Jonathan,delle sue colpe e dell'incontro che ha segnato la sua vita irrimediabilmente ovvero quello con Adair il suo creatore! Ora l'intera storia si svolgere contemporaneamente tra presente e passato,,,,Lenny non è minimamente ricambiata da Jonathan e dopo aver sopportato per anni le sua scappatelle,incinta di suo figlio viene allontanata dal villaggio,mandata un un convento,dove non arriverà mai. Infatti a proprio a Boston Lenny incontrerà Adair e la sua corte di succubi,,,la sua vita non sarà piú la stessa. Orrore,abusi,torture,lussuria sfrenata,odio e una perversione che nulla ha a che vedere con l'amore saranno le costanti nelle sua vita!
Nel romanzo si alternano tre punti di vista,quello di Lenny,che racconta del suo passato nel 1801 ,quello di Luke nel presente dopo l'incontro con la stessa Lenny e infine quello di Adair che racconto di come nel lontano 1349 sia diventato immortale.Ciò permette al lettore di vivere in parallelo il presente e il passato della storia,creando un intreccio interessante e sviluppando l'intera storia in maniera completa.
I personaggi tutti ben descritti dall'autrice con novizia di particolari ,non riescono a catturare la mia attenzione,perché le loro caratteristiche peculiari sono: l'egoismo,la crudeltà,la lussuria e sopratutto un innata cattiveria che anima il loro cuore!
Parliamo di Lenny: Una ragazza semplice,insicura e fortemente ossessionata da Jonathan suo coetaneo nonché erede della più facoltosa famiglia del suo villaggio..Ma che non corrisponde -{minimamente} i suoi sentimenti. Inizialmente ho ammirato la costanza e la perseveranza di Lenny,convinta che dall'amicizia sarebbe potuto sbocciare l'amore,,,ma nulla di nulla!!!Per quanto riguarda l'amore... nessuno più di me è incline al romanticismo!
Ma quando il desiderio supera l'amore rendendolo un'ossessione, quando il volere del proprio amato diventa talmente forte che la parola amore si trasforma in possessione,come può crescere un rapporto sano e di complicità su queste basi?
Una donna innamorata consapevole di non essere ricambiata, fin dove può spingersi per ottenere ciò che desidera? Ceca fino all'inverosimile Lenny non batte ciglio davanti alle innumerevoli relazioni clandestine del suo Jonathan, che corre da lei solo per raccontarle i guai nei quali si caccia e per avere da lei la soluzione ad essi....insensibile,immaturo,egoista e donnaiolo!!!!
Parliamo di Adair:Venduto dal padre,su due piedi,ad un anziano medico,che trattandolo come servo nonché aiutante,lo brutalizzerà con violenze e sevizie.Il senso di solitudine che prova Adair è palese e innescherà la sua ossessione portandolo,nei secoli a venire a circondarsi di amici-prigionieri,incatenati a lui. Amici... si possono davvero definire tali? Ne dubito... {senza svelare il finale,ho capito subito il bluff,} Forse tra tutti i personaggi solo con lui riesco a provare una sorta di temporanea empatia,,,perché subisce cose indicibili e trova ogni volta la forza di alzarsi ed andare avanti,,,,,se cè qualcuno in diritto di mostrarsi egoista e crudele è Adair di certo.
Infine Luke:Un medico di una cittadina sperduta che non vede l'ora di lasciarsi alle spalle il suo divorzio e la morte dei genitori,,,,si lascia convincere di punto in bianco,da una perfetta conosciuta e rea confessa di un omicidio,ad aiutarla nella sua evasione.
Scusatemi ma la sopportazione ha un limite!!!!
Capitolo dopo capitolo si susseguono scene di violenza gratuita,volgari accoppiamenti e una sconfinata solitudine come una nebbia fitta avvolge tutti i personaggi.Non c'è amore,gioia,amicizia,lealtà sembra che tutti i sentimenti negativi siano convogliati in queste pagine,ho la sensazione di vivere con essi un eterno calvario alla ricerca di una redenzione che non esiste!
Non sono riuscita a trovare nessuna di quelle sensazioni che una lettrice cerca in un libro ho solo l'amaro in bocca,,,,,,mi toccherà ora cercare di leggere qualcosa di zuccherosamente dolce tanto da provocarmi la carie ai denti,devo risollevare il mio animo romantico dalle ceneri di Immortal ;)
Il mio modesto e soggettivo parere vi sconsiglia di accostarvi a questo obbrobrio,,,,,preferendovi una lettura migliore!
>Baci Alex ❤Voto 1 stella(less)

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Nov 03, 2012 Marii rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: home-bookshelf, favorites

I was expecting this book to be like any other supernatural book, but it's nothing like that. Of course, it has a lot of supernatural staff, but nothing like you could think about. Alma Katsu comes up with the darkest side of love and obessions.

Lanny it's a girl who had been in love with Jonathan since her childhood. Despite the oposition of her family Lanny beomes Jonathan's best firend. Over the time, Jonathan seems to develop some feelings for Lanny and the consecuences of those feelings put...more

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May 29, 2012 Laurie rated it 2 of 5 stars

At points I liked and enjoyed this book - at others I grew annoyed with it. I did not like the writing style of the present tense 3rd person narrative (all the present day scenes were written this way). I found reading these sections felt awkward because of it. Some of the dialogue particularly in the beginning was a little stilted. But as the story shifted to Lanore's past and her maker's history the perspective shifted to past tense 3rd person and the writing became more fluid and enjoyable. O...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Heather rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, i-hate, no, other-supernatural, fiction-lit

I'm just going to list the things I hated most about this novel.

1. Jonathan. He was beautiful, sure. The most beautiful man on the planet (because everyone on the planet in this book's universe shared the same standards of beauty, apparently). But beyond that, what was his appeal? He was weak, spineless, and disloyal. He had no character. I have a hard time believing anyone would love him upon getting to know him.

2. Both Lanny and Jonathan holding themselves responsible for driving someone to su...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Elise rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"The Taker" was one of my Goodreads recommendations based on the fact that my favorite genre is Magic Realism, but this book is not an example of Magic Realism at all. It is a supernatural and historical novel with a romantic conflict, and it is the first book in a series of four. In short, this is not my type of book at all with its cast of immortal characters (but thankfully, no vampires), but once I started reading it I could not put it down--going to bed after 2am, missing morning mass and a...more

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Oct 09, 2011 Juliana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-vixen-print-or-e-books, fiction, historical-fiction, 0-own-in-dead-tree-form, 0-still-need-to-review, 2011-reads, 2011-sep-reads, fiction-vixen-posted-book-review, sad-emotional-kind-of-a-downer, book-within-book-story-within-story, set-in-usa-maine, set-in-usa, set-in-1810s, set-in-2010s, story-goes-back-and-forth-in-time, twists-turns-secrets-surprises, psychological-thriller-and-suspense, rape-sexual-assault-and-abuse, romance, obsessive-destructive-love-passion, not-for-the-faint-of-heart, dark-disturbing-twisted, darkly-sensual, taboo, violence, first-person-narrator, third-person-narrator, covers-that-are-beautiful, did-not-like-the-main-characters, did-not-like-any-of-the-characters, part-of-a-series, gothic-novel, horror-novel, metaphysical, 3-half-stars, challenge-2011-bb-the-50-states, challenge-2011-2012-rrrc-romanc-101, challenge-2011-nbrc-read-your-name, challenge-2011-nbrc-all-about-you, challenge-2011-wllk-sep-wed-pirate, challenge-2011-2012-rlci-locations, went-a-little-status-update-crazy

3.5 stars | Grade: B-
This novel is a story about the choices we make and how they can result in consequences we are unwilling to imagine at the time and unable to fix later on. It’s a story about blind and selfish love, about becoming a slave to one’s desires, about the evilness that exists in the human heart and the loneliness that can drive us to do terrible things. It’s a story about human weakness and indulgence, about how permissiveness and indifference can become cruelty. It’s a story abo...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Sara (Just Another Story) Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review first posted at http://unautrehistoire.blogspot.com/

I knew nothing about The Taker by Alma Katsu before I received an e-mail from Simon and Schuster Canada. So, it sat on my shelf for a couple months, I knew I was going to read it, but I also knew I had other things to read. I am so glad that I got to read this book. SO glad. Alma Katsu took me for a literary ride that I will never forget. I think after reading this story I am kind of obsessed with it. The story itself was amazing, but so...more Review first posted at http://unautrehistoire.blogspot.com/

I knew nothing about The Taker by Alma Katsu before I received an e-mail from Simon and Schuster Canada. So, it sat on my shelf for a couple months, I knew I was going to read it, but I also knew I had other things to read. I am so glad that I got to read this book. SO glad. Alma Katsu took me for a literary ride that I will never forget. I think after reading this story I am kind of obsessed with it. The story itself was amazing, but so was the writing, so were the characters. While reading this book, I had a hard time putting it down. It was full of suspense, and twists and turns, and thrills. It was a roller coaster that I was happy to be on.

The story essentially starts with Dr. Luke treating Lanny, and Lanny- revealing herself as immortal-needs Luke's help to escape. What Lanny also needs help with is her grief. She has just lost the love of her life, Jonathan, and is suffering for it. However it's not that simple. I don't want to give away to much here, So I won't go into to much detail. However, Lanny goes on to tell Luke her story.How she came to be immortal, the people she met, the things she did, and how after so many years, Jonathan is dead.

I have read stories in the past, that start out hundreds of years in the past, and somehow end up in present day. I have read stories that tell of what life was like way back when, what was done, how a character has changed for the better, and so on, and so forth. The Taker has all of this, but it also has more. What that more is, I don't really know. Lanny starts her story in 1816 when she first approaches Jonathan at church. It is here that their friendships begins. She talks about how their relationship evolved, but, she also says that she loved him from the very beginning. She tells about how things changed and she was forced to leave the town she knew as home, and venture to a big unknown city. It is here that she meets Adair, and her life of immortality begins. It was all very captivating. The Taker was a story within a story, and at one point, I was reading a story within a story, within a story. I really loved the multi-dimensional story telling that I found in The Taker. The story flowed beautifully, and I was never confused by the back and forth between past and present.

Katsu is a great writer, and I feel like she had a great balance of plot and character. The characters in this novel were great, however I think that without the story that she had created they wouldn't have been that special, however, at the same time, I also believe that without the characters she had developed the plot would have fallen flat. The Taker was a story about interpersonal relationships, and the relationship dynamics were complex. They were insanely destructive,co-dependant, and incredibly unhealthy, but, at the same time, you didn't want them to end.

I was happy with how the book ended, having no clue that it was indeed part of a trilogy, I felt it ended well. I thought there was some possibility for a sequel. Now I am so excited for the next installment. There are characters I am hoping will return and I am eager to read more about Lanny and Luke.

The Taker was really an amazing novel and I hope that you all go out and buy it on release day. Sept 6th, it will not disappoint.

(less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Debut author, Alma Katsu has really hit a home run with The Taker. This book is so anti-love, a true pessimist’s delight. The Taker shows with Lanore Mcllvrae, the main protagonist, how falling in love with someone who doesn’t love you in the same way back can destroy your life. In the case of Lanore, Alma has created a more sensationalized example, using supernatural elements to prove that love can be not only destructive but can become an unhealthy obsession that will eat away at a person unti...more

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May 07, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-favourites, read-in-2012

I think this is my favourite book so far this year, aside from Karen Marie Moning's Fever Series.

This had so many things I like to read about all in one book: historical fiction, romance, supernatural, a mystery. I found the writing addictive, and the narrative structure - switching between the past and present but never quite giving the full story in either - worked really well.

I didn't quite connect with Luke's character, and felt that his reasons for helping Lanny were a little odd, but as...more

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Jul 08, 2011 Miss rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of historical fiction, fans of Anne Rice

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal-romance, bad-boy, historical-fiction, mystery, time-travellig, adult

The Taker is a story of mystery, passion, unreturned tragic love, and the paranormal.
It’s sort of adult dark tale with goth elements, paranormal romance and historical fiction.
This book is cleverly constructed and has a few stories within a story, it's very well written - compelling characters, and intricately detailed.
The brilliant Alma Katsu is definitely an author to watch out for in the future!

If you are looking for a fantastic, brutal, heartbreaking and magical story, read THE TAKER.
I high...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fascinating read from start to finish, not quite sure if the ending but all in all a great read, Maybe a little to much sexual content but still I found myself entranced by Lanny and her story

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Dec 10, 2011 cecilia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: green-covers

Dr. Luke Findley thought he knew the difference between life and death, and he was getting tired of this black-and-white life. When he watches murder suspect Lanny McIlvrae heal instantly before him, suddenly Luke’s life takes a walk on the gray side. Before he stops to consider the consequences, Luke helps this mysterious young woman escape from the authorities and inexplicably tags along. While on the run, Lanny reveals her story which dates back to the early 1800s. It revolves around an unfor...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Nerine Dorman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

IF INTERVIEW with the Vampire and Wuthering Heights were your thing, then it’s safe to say The Taker will be right up your alley.
Alma Katsu gradually unfolds her saga, revealing mystery upon mystery within a lush setting that spans centuries.

We are introduced to Lanore McIlvrae, a young woman who lives in a Puritan settlement and bears an impossible love for Jonathan St Andrew, the son of their small town’s wealthy founder. Contrary to my initial expectations, the love between the two was largel...more IF INTERVIEW with the Vampire and Wuthering Heights were your thing, then it’s safe to say The Taker will be right up your alley.
Alma Katsu gradually unfolds her saga, revealing mystery upon mystery within a lush setting that spans centuries.

We are introduced to Lanore McIlvrae, a young woman who lives in a Puritan settlement and bears an impossible love for Jonathan St Andrew, the son of their small town’s wealthy founder. Contrary to my initial expectations, the love between the two was largely a one-sided affair – an all-consuming obsession, really.

I muttered quietly to myself: “This will not end well,” and continued reading. Lanore will stop at nothing to possess Jonathan. Her entire being is so focused on him that it precludes any rational decisions. But fate conspires to take Lanore away from rural Maine to Boston, where her path crosses with that of the decadent, cruel Adair and his entourage. Here she stumbles across a dark alchemical secret – one that offers her the hope that she might have her darling Jonathan with her forever.

Katsu offers a prose style that harks back to the classics, and the narrative of this novel shifts between the present, past and
remote past. Readers are voyeuristically brought in near the conclusion of a tragedy. But the anticipation of revealing the mysteries that lead up to this point make this enthralling.

A warning: None of the characters are likeable. Lanore’s motivations are purely self-centred and short-sighted. Jonathan is a self-absorbed cad. Adair is a manipulative monster, and the assorted support cast are wicked and, in the case of the secondary narrator, Luke, weak-willed.

Yet, somehow, this brokenness of the ensemble works well together in their ill-at-ease relations. Much like Heathcliff or Lestat, Lanore is a creature who is simultaneously worthy of pity and admiration, and as much as one is apt to hate Jonathan or Adair, it is all too easy to fall under their spell. Lovers of the gothic novel need to perk up and indulge in this series – Katsu’s writing will hit all the right marks.(less)

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About Alma Katsu

I'm the author of THE TAKER and THE RECKONING (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster), the first two novels in a trilogy about desire, obsession and the dark things we sometimes do for love. The Taker, which has been widely compared to the ealy work of Anne Rice, was selected by ALA/Booklist as one of the top ten debut novels of 2011 and translation rights have been sold in 14 languages. The third bo...more

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The Witch Sisters (The Taker, Book #2.5)

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Quotes from The Taker

“I´ve always wanted him to love me the way I loved him. He did love me, I know he did. Just not the way I wanted him to.

"And it´s so different for a lot of people I´ve known. One partner doesn´t love the other enough to stop drinking, or gambling, or running around with other women. One is the giver and one is the taker. The giver wishes the taker would stop."

"But the taker never changes," Luke says, though he wonders if this is always the case.

"Sometimes the giver has to let go, but sometimes you don´t. You can´t. I couldn´t give up on Jonathan. I seemed to be able to forgive him anything.” — 40 people liked it

“I’d always secretly believed that a love as fierce and true as mine would be rewarded in the end, and now I was being forced to accept the bitter truth.” — 40 people liked it

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The Taker (The Taker Trilogy #1)

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