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Taken
Jack Harden is your average good-old-fashioned American truck driver.
You can ask the girl he's got duct-taped in the back of his cab, she'll tell you.
Oh, don't worry - it's okay. His wife knows all about it.
She told him to do it.
You can ask the girl he's got duct-taped in the back of his cab, she'll tell you.
Oh, don't worry - it's okay. His wife knows all about it.
She told him to do it.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Adam Light
20 books270 followersAdam Light resides in northeast Florida with his beautiful wife and daughter, and their two fur sons, Walker and Aspen.
For years, he's peeked out at you from your slightly open closet door, or grasped at the little toes you carelessly left uncovered. His stories have been published in horror anthologies such as Doorbells at Dusk, the Bad Apples: Halloween Horror series, and Dead Roses: Five Dark Tales of Twisted Love, to name a few.
Now, you can find all of his work under one gorgeous cover in Dreams for the Dying, the definitive collection of Adam Light's tantalizing tales. Be sure to pick it up now, before it's too late.
Click here for your copy of Dreams for the Dying
For years, he's peeked out at you from your slightly open closet door, or grasped at the little toes you carelessly left uncovered. His stories have been published in horror anthologies such as Doorbells at Dusk, the Bad Apples: Halloween Horror series, and Dead Roses: Five Dark Tales of Twisted Love, to name a few.
Now, you can find all of his work under one gorgeous cover in Dreams for the Dying, the definitive collection of Adam Light's tantalizing tales. Be sure to pick it up now, before it's too late.
Click here for your copy of Dreams for the Dying
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 3, 2014
I took possession of my Kindle in January. It opened up a new world for me, free and cheap books, short and epic, at the touch of a button. Needless to say, getting an itchy trigger finger on a Kindle can be financially lethal but it also means I get a nice backlog of stories to read when I get some downtime.
Taken was a great little story, not too long, thirty minutes front to back. It takes a tried and tested formula (trucker kidnaps waitress in sinister circumstances) and flirts with cliché. This doesn't matter too much because the writing is exquisite. For some reason, I couldn't stop reading this story. The words pull you in, keep your attention held and by the end you wonder "What the hell just happened?" This wasn't a disappointing read and I know the story has been done a dozen times since, but Taken was done with enough originality to stand amongst the crowd.
When an author can take a well-worn tale and make it refreshing, it's a testament to their craft. Horror is one of the genres where rehashes are commonplace and re-treads are not always welcome. Not so here. Adam Light's creepy tale is proof that, when in the right hands, a familiar tale can illicit strange new feelings. This is definitely a writer to keep an eye on. I'm now off to download his next book because it's only a fingertip away...damn you, Kindle!
Taken was a great little story, not too long, thirty minutes front to back. It takes a tried and tested formula (trucker kidnaps waitress in sinister circumstances) and flirts with cliché. This doesn't matter too much because the writing is exquisite. For some reason, I couldn't stop reading this story. The words pull you in, keep your attention held and by the end you wonder "What the hell just happened?" This wasn't a disappointing read and I know the story has been done a dozen times since, but Taken was done with enough originality to stand amongst the crowd.
When an author can take a well-worn tale and make it refreshing, it's a testament to their craft. Horror is one of the genres where rehashes are commonplace and re-treads are not always welcome. Not so here. Adam Light's creepy tale is proof that, when in the right hands, a familiar tale can illicit strange new feelings. This is definitely a writer to keep an eye on. I'm now off to download his next book because it's only a fingertip away...damn you, Kindle!
October 17, 2013
This was a really good horror/thriller. The buildup is great. The story even gave me a chuckle in one or two parts. Maybe it was just me but I guessed about something on the plot way before it was revealed and I do not know if it was a lucky guess or my mind just works funny. So unfortunately what should have been, and is, a great reveal, was not for me. But I encourage those who love the horror/thriller/revenge type of stories to read this. The only reason I am not giving it five stars is because I think it could have went a little farther. But not much. I plan to read everything by this author.
January 12, 2014
3.5 stars!
I enjoyed this short tale because it was fast paced and well written. However, it felt to me as if I've read this story before. I can think of two other authors off the top of my head that have plots along this same vein. I guess in the end, it's up to the author to make the story his own and I think Adam Light did a good job of that. (As a music lover, I love what he did with a certain popular song.)
Recommended for fans of horror shorts.
I enjoyed this short tale because it was fast paced and well written. However, it felt to me as if I've read this story before. I can think of two other authors off the top of my head that have plots along this same vein. I guess in the end, it's up to the author to make the story his own and I think Adam Light did a good job of that. (As a music lover, I love what he did with a certain popular song.)
Recommended for fans of horror shorts.
September 29, 2012
Not many stories have the ability to "get me" - but this one did. Just an awesome read from start to finish. Nicely straddles the line between the horror and thriller genres, should appeal to fans of both.
November 3, 2013
Jack’s a man in love, so much so that he’ll do just about anything for his goddess, his sweet Dianne and that includes the kidnapping of a beautiful young waitress but it’s ok, everything will be alright, after all Dianne says so. Jack was still unclear as to why Dianne would demand such a thing, was she going insane and the waitress they get isn’t quite what they envisioned, not so innocent after all.
Jack seems a believable character, the reprehensible act of the kidnapping itself rests entirely with his partner and the anticipation builds until we eventually meet Dianne, who has to be as crazy as him, a match made in heaven.
Very well written novella, was immediately pulled in by the story but first off by the book synopsis itself, certainly grabbed me and made me want to investigate further.
I must admit I did guess the outcome with the lovely Dianne but not the capable and just a little bit resentful waitress.
Jack seems a believable character, the reprehensible act of the kidnapping itself rests entirely with his partner and the anticipation builds until we eventually meet Dianne, who has to be as crazy as him, a match made in heaven.
Very well written novella, was immediately pulled in by the story but first off by the book synopsis itself, certainly grabbed me and made me want to investigate further.
I must admit I did guess the outcome with the lovely Dianne but not the capable and just a little bit resentful waitress.
September 19, 2015
Great intro to Adam Light
Taken is a fun and disturbing short story that is quick to get it's ass in gear to the good stuff. Road tales are usually a lot of fun and this one does not disappoint with its setup or it's payoff. I look forward to reading more from Adam Light.
Taken is a fun and disturbing short story that is quick to get it's ass in gear to the good stuff. Road tales are usually a lot of fun and this one does not disappoint with its setup or it's payoff. I look forward to reading more from Adam Light.
February 16, 2015
A long haul truck driver is bringing home a special gift for his significant other. This is a great short story,well written and enjoyable.
December 16, 2012
I am thrilled to get my hands on this! While I don’t normally use the blurbs for a book, this one is so good I have to share it with you!
Jack Harden is your average good-old-fashioned American truck driver.
You can ask the girl he’s got duct-taped in the back of his cab, she’ll tell you.
Oh, don’t worry – it’s okay. His wife knows all about it.
She told him to do it.
Whoa. I bet that got your attention.
Jacks’s wired and tired. He’s on the last leg of an 18 hour burn and turn. Soon he’ll be with her. With his goddess. With Dianne.
“Dianne, Dianne. Oh sweet godd#mn Dianne.”
At first he didn’t think he could go through with it. He’s not the type. But if he wants to go home, he better have his cargo. Can’t go home without it.
She’s all wrapped up, well, taped up, nice and tight. She won’t be getting away. What Dianne wants with her, he hasn’t a clue. But he’ll know soon enough.
What really got me was how nervous and bumbling Jack was when he snatched the girl. It had me on edge, hoping he’d get away safely. I was actually on his side. You know the story’s good when you’re pulling for the bad guy.
As for the victim. Well, lets just say she’s not a wallflower. She’s got a mouth on her and plenty of bravado. Jack had better be careful with this one. She’s a kick-ass chick and her one liner, you’ll know it when you read it, is every bit as good as Arnold’s, ”I’ll be back.“
I could picture the author chuckling in evil delight when he was writing Taken. It’s psychological horror that messes with your mind.
Can’t wait for you to meet Dianne.
A short, wicked good read.
Jack Harden is your average good-old-fashioned American truck driver.
You can ask the girl he’s got duct-taped in the back of his cab, she’ll tell you.
Oh, don’t worry – it’s okay. His wife knows all about it.
She told him to do it.
Whoa. I bet that got your attention.
Jacks’s wired and tired. He’s on the last leg of an 18 hour burn and turn. Soon he’ll be with her. With his goddess. With Dianne.
“Dianne, Dianne. Oh sweet godd#mn Dianne.”
At first he didn’t think he could go through with it. He’s not the type. But if he wants to go home, he better have his cargo. Can’t go home without it.
She’s all wrapped up, well, taped up, nice and tight. She won’t be getting away. What Dianne wants with her, he hasn’t a clue. But he’ll know soon enough.
What really got me was how nervous and bumbling Jack was when he snatched the girl. It had me on edge, hoping he’d get away safely. I was actually on his side. You know the story’s good when you’re pulling for the bad guy.
As for the victim. Well, lets just say she’s not a wallflower. She’s got a mouth on her and plenty of bravado. Jack had better be careful with this one. She’s a kick-ass chick and her one liner, you’ll know it when you read it, is every bit as good as Arnold’s, ”I’ll be back.“
I could picture the author chuckling in evil delight when he was writing Taken. It’s psychological horror that messes with your mind.
Can’t wait for you to meet Dianne.
A short, wicked good read.
December 17, 2012
Taken is the first of Adam Light's works that I have had the pleasure of reading.
I enjoyed this novel little story, from the blurb on the back to the twist that I didn't see coming at the end. The characters left me a little apathetic; I found Jack to be too much of a 'nice guy', despite what he gets up to during the novel, and his unconditional love and puppy-eagerness to please Dianne was a little annoying. That said, I didn't dislike the characters, and they worked well within the scenarios written.
Unfortunately I did find a spattering of errors in the book, but Adam Light's raw storytelling talent made sure that they didn't detract too much from the narrative. This was the only reason I didn't feel able to rate it higher at the moment.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by this author though, and I'd recommend this little story to anyone who likes a bit of a chilling thriller with a good twist!
I enjoyed this novel little story, from the blurb on the back to the twist that I didn't see coming at the end. The characters left me a little apathetic; I found Jack to be too much of a 'nice guy', despite what he gets up to during the novel, and his unconditional love and puppy-eagerness to please Dianne was a little annoying. That said, I didn't dislike the characters, and they worked well within the scenarios written.
Unfortunately I did find a spattering of errors in the book, but Adam Light's raw storytelling talent made sure that they didn't detract too much from the narrative. This was the only reason I didn't feel able to rate it higher at the moment.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by this author though, and I'd recommend this little story to anyone who likes a bit of a chilling thriller with a good twist!
March 24, 2013
Wow. This was a good read. From the get-go I was hooked, had to know what Jack was going to do with his captive. I was dying to find out what the deal was with Dianne. I liked how he was a trucker, I know people who are, so it was very easy to imagine riding in the truck down the dark, lonely highway. I could feel his nervousness, his paranoia, like it was my own. While I was rooting for Rayne, I also kinda felt bad for Jack. Then when it's all coming to the climax, and we meet Dianne, it was like, whoa. Poor Jack. And yet I liked how Rayne was kinda a bad-ass in the end. This story grabbed me and kept me racing to the end, I enjoyed it a lot. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
December 31, 2012
Great story, felt like a gnarlier Stephen King short story - meant as a very high compliment. This gets good and nasty with a proper payoff. Really enjoyed it, highly recommended, kept on guessing right to the end how it would turn out, but very satisfying. Don't want to give it away, ut easy to find out as it's a quick, very worthwhile read. Enjoyed this a great deal.
March 23, 2013
This was a great short story! It was a great set up and captured my attention right from the start. I enjoyed it immensely.
As you read you begin to understand Jack and what he will do for his Goddess, his wife. Undying love? Fear? Or just plain psycho? Never expected that twist at the end. Great job to the Author!
As you read you begin to understand Jack and what he will do for his Goddess, his wife. Undying love? Fear? Or just plain psycho? Never expected that twist at the end. Great job to the Author!
February 24, 2015
An interesting premise but felt just a bit too short to have gained enough momentum.
If the ending and the character of the waitress was fleshed out more it would have felt a little less rushed. But all in all it was a nice freebee on amazon.
If the ending and the character of the waitress was fleshed out more it would have felt a little less rushed. But all in all it was a nice freebee on amazon.
January 14, 2013
That was unexpected and I loved it. I think I have told everyone about this story today.
December 6, 2012
I found this short story to be a real tasty little treat. The writing style was smooth, consistent and quite compelling. I am looking forward to reading other works by this author.
June 19, 2013
This was a great short story! A fast paced read with a twist!
November 21, 2013
Adam Light's Taken is disturbing fun. I always love a story told from this sort of perspective. Reminiscent of Psycho and certainly well worth the read.
May 13, 2014
Another good short story by this author.
He has a way with getting that suspense in very few pages.
He has a way with getting that suspense in very few pages.
March 29, 2015
Super quick...super creepy short story!
October 31, 2018
BEWARE of SPOILER
We know the story. He kidnapped her. He probably will torture her. And she'll end up in some place remote until a jogger found her.
But, the catch with Taken was, this was his first time. He did it because his Goddam Goddess wanted him too. And he was, well, cute.
So, something will go wrong. It will. This is Murphy Law about to happen. And you can't help it. Root for him or the girl.
Urgh, I'm having those moment again. You know the moment where I wanted evil to prevail.
We know the story. He kidnapped her. He probably will torture her. And she'll end up in some place remote until a jogger found her.
But, the catch with Taken was, this was his first time. He did it because his Goddam Goddess wanted him too. And he was, well, cute.
So, something will go wrong. It will. This is Murphy Law about to happen. And you can't help it. Root for him or the girl.
Urgh, I'm having those moment again. You know the moment where I wanted evil to prevail.
January 27, 2013
A psychopath is on the loose and hunting.
Jack Harden was driving his cherry red Freightliner Truck down I-10 doing a turn and burn to Slidell. He was listening to his favorite song, Jack and Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp, while tooling down the road. He could hardly wait to get home to Dianne in Jacksonville.
He kept thinking, it’s all Dianne’s fault.
He stopped for a bite to eat and and picked up the waitress, not voluntarily either. He was bringing her back to “Goddess” Dianne? He wondered what she wanted with the girl.
He watched her through the rear-view mirror and could tell she wasn’t afraid of him.He thought he could read her mind – fuck you.
He had to stop for gas and felt like the clerk was watching him too closely. Did he know?
Jack and Diane was playing on the radio when he walked into the house. Perfect, or not.
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
If you have 10 or 15 minutes, pick up a copy of Taken, by Adam Light. His writing is a play on his name. His story is anything but Light. A very quick read at 28 Amazon pages.
I loved the ending. It seems to be, the criminal always begs for mercy, when the tables are turned on them. Is is going to get his comeuppance? He could be the nut case next door to you. Funny how he found someone else at fault, of course he would. I “snorted” when I read that. (The word snort is the only one I could think of that was appropriate.) Jack made me think about how people are doing that all the time, blaming someone else for their wrongful deed. They don’t want to take responsibility for their actions.
I kept expecting something to happen. Suspenseful is not a strong enough word for the feeling I had as I read through the pages. What happened was not what I expected and I loved every word of it.
I think I have a morbid, sick sense of humor, because I laugh at the gruesome endings of this kind of book.
If a book says Florida for a location, I am all over it. I like when the writer places their characters in a location I am familiar with. I can’t count the miles I have spent on I-10. Can’t remember how many times I have been to and through Slidell. I haven’t yet been to Jacksonville, though. It seems like I always make a right turn before getting there.
I picked this up on a free Amazon day. I can’t remember exactly how I came across the book. I believe it was either Adam’s brother, Evan (who also writes dark and creepy books) or my sister, Laura at fuonlyknew. Either way, thanks guys. It was one I wouldn’t want to miss.
Jack Harden was driving his cherry red Freightliner Truck down I-10 doing a turn and burn to Slidell. He was listening to his favorite song, Jack and Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp, while tooling down the road. He could hardly wait to get home to Dianne in Jacksonville.
He kept thinking, it’s all Dianne’s fault.
He stopped for a bite to eat and and picked up the waitress, not voluntarily either. He was bringing her back to “Goddess” Dianne? He wondered what she wanted with the girl.
He watched her through the rear-view mirror and could tell she wasn’t afraid of him.He thought he could read her mind – fuck you.
He had to stop for gas and felt like the clerk was watching him too closely. Did he know?
Jack and Diane was playing on the radio when he walked into the house. Perfect, or not.
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
If you have 10 or 15 minutes, pick up a copy of Taken, by Adam Light. His writing is a play on his name. His story is anything but Light. A very quick read at 28 Amazon pages.
I loved the ending. It seems to be, the criminal always begs for mercy, when the tables are turned on them. Is is going to get his comeuppance? He could be the nut case next door to you. Funny how he found someone else at fault, of course he would. I “snorted” when I read that. (The word snort is the only one I could think of that was appropriate.) Jack made me think about how people are doing that all the time, blaming someone else for their wrongful deed. They don’t want to take responsibility for their actions.
I kept expecting something to happen. Suspenseful is not a strong enough word for the feeling I had as I read through the pages. What happened was not what I expected and I loved every word of it.
I think I have a morbid, sick sense of humor, because I laugh at the gruesome endings of this kind of book.
If a book says Florida for a location, I am all over it. I like when the writer places their characters in a location I am familiar with. I can’t count the miles I have spent on I-10. Can’t remember how many times I have been to and through Slidell. I haven’t yet been to Jacksonville, though. It seems like I always make a right turn before getting there.
I picked this up on a free Amazon day. I can’t remember exactly how I came across the book. I believe it was either Adam’s brother, Evan (who also writes dark and creepy books) or my sister, Laura at fuonlyknew. Either way, thanks guys. It was one I wouldn’t want to miss.
January 17, 2013
Taken is a short read – half an hour at the most. I loved it – concept, voice, outcome, weirdness factor. All of it.
Jack Harden is a long-distance truck driver. He’s very much in love with his wife, ‘sweet Goddamn Dianne’, and would do anything she asks for, to please her.
So far, a story like any other. Until you read the words ‘In the rear-view mirror, Jack glanced at the waitress he had duct-taped and tied down on his bunk.’ The simple story turns thriller.
I’m not sure what genre Taken fits into, because the tone and pace change dramatically from the first page to the end paragraph. The style is tight, with no unnecessary fluff. Descriptions are concise, dialogue flows, there is skill to the way this story is written. The ending is satisfying and quite dark – there was little indication of it at the beginning. I can’t imagine it could have been improved in any way, with the exception of some light proofreading. Minor issues; they did not spoil my enjoyment.
This was the first story by Adam Light I’ve read, and I enjoyed it enough to make me want to read other books by this author. I might read it again. It gets five stars from me.
Jack Harden is a long-distance truck driver. He’s very much in love with his wife, ‘sweet Goddamn Dianne’, and would do anything she asks for, to please her.
So far, a story like any other. Until you read the words ‘In the rear-view mirror, Jack glanced at the waitress he had duct-taped and tied down on his bunk.’ The simple story turns thriller.
I’m not sure what genre Taken fits into, because the tone and pace change dramatically from the first page to the end paragraph. The style is tight, with no unnecessary fluff. Descriptions are concise, dialogue flows, there is skill to the way this story is written. The ending is satisfying and quite dark – there was little indication of it at the beginning. I can’t imagine it could have been improved in any way, with the exception of some light proofreading. Minor issues; they did not spoil my enjoyment.
This was the first story by Adam Light I’ve read, and I enjoyed it enough to make me want to read other books by this author. I might read it again. It gets five stars from me.
November 4, 2013
Taken is a short story and in the time of novels, the short story is often a forgotten craft. Many writers cannot develop a good storyline with well thought out characters within the small framework that is the short story. Or the short story is more along the lines of a forgotten chapter from a novel that is already successful. The writer relying on the reader's past commitment and knowledge of the characters and story to complete the short tale.
Adam Light has no problem with that here.
Taken is a stand on its own short story thriller.
Jack Harden is an ordinary truck driver. Nothing to notice. He sits alone in the small town diner staring at the waitress. She is exactly what he has been waiting for. He needs to find a way to be alone with her. Then he will take her, tie her up and hide her away in the back of his cab for the ride home. He will do exactly as his wife Karen, told him to. Jack just needs to wait for he right moment...
Adam Light has no problem with that here.
Taken is a stand on its own short story thriller.
Jack Harden is an ordinary truck driver. Nothing to notice. He sits alone in the small town diner staring at the waitress. She is exactly what he has been waiting for. He needs to find a way to be alone with her. Then he will take her, tie her up and hide her away in the back of his cab for the ride home. He will do exactly as his wife Karen, told him to. Jack just needs to wait for he right moment...
March 20, 2013
This is the first story I have read by Adam and I really enjoyed it. I didn't find anything really different about the story itself, but the writing was very well done. It is a very quick read and I didn't find myself losing interest in it at any point (which I have had happen with short stories) there is no lull in it everything that happens is part of the story and nothing seems like it was just thrown in. Overall it is absolutely worth the read.
Hope this helps I don't really write many reviews because I know I'm not really good at them.
Hope this helps I don't really write many reviews because I know I'm not really good at them.
March 22, 2013
Another great story by Adam. Jack is a long haul truck driver who has kidnapped an innocent waitress from a roadside diner, It's okay though, because he is not a deranged psychopath, he is only doing it because his wife told him to, that makes it perfectly alright. A good fast paced little read with a nice little twist at the end.
A couple of editing issues, but nothing that detracts from the story, except for the one spot where Jack is referred to as John in the gas station. I would recommend that be corrected on the Amazon Kindle edition.
A couple of editing issues, but nothing that detracts from the story, except for the one spot where Jack is referred to as John in the gas station. I would recommend that be corrected on the Amazon Kindle edition.
May 28, 2013
Excellent, loved it! "Taken" starts out as a scary bully story about a truck driver using his power on the road to kidnap a thin helpless waitress not too many people are going to miss should she disappear .. but then ! the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, and the outcome is totally creative and refreshing. I especially liked -without giving too much away- that the woman in this story is not just a complete victim, but has a genuine strength all her own. Wonderful premise about a mysterious 'goddess'. Will be re-reading it. A favorite !!
May 17, 2013
Taken is the story of a long distance truck driver who kidnaps a waitress, from that simple premise it builds the tension nicely. It's a short story, so a quick read, helped by the fact the writing flows well. Unfortunately that's it's only real flaw, I would have like to have seen more development, especially for the waitress, there was huge potential there to make the story more involving.
But that is a minor complaint, the story itself is paced well and did grip me. Well worth checking out.
But that is a minor complaint, the story itself is paced well and did grip me. Well worth checking out.
September 10, 2013
Jack and his Goddess
Adam Light brings some twists and turns to this short story that I wasn't expecting.
Jack, long haul trucker, has a special load this time - a surprise for his "Goddess" Dianne. Rayne, truck stop waitress, gets more than she bargains for when she asks for a light to her cigarette from Jack.
There's surprises for everyone in this little gem from author Light.
Good pacing and a glimpse into Jack's warped world - what more could a reader expect from a horrific little tale?
Adam Light brings some twists and turns to this short story that I wasn't expecting.
Jack, long haul trucker, has a special load this time - a surprise for his "Goddess" Dianne. Rayne, truck stop waitress, gets more than she bargains for when she asks for a light to her cigarette from Jack.
There's surprises for everyone in this little gem from author Light.
Good pacing and a glimpse into Jack's warped world - what more could a reader expect from a horrific little tale?
March 23, 2013
Taken was a cool short story. I liked the idea and the story was well-executed. It was a fast read and I read it in one sitting. The ending was interesting and unexpected - it's hard to say more about it without spoiling it - but I liked the twist and the outcome was good too. I preferred this one to Vengeance by the foot but Way Out of Here is my favourite so far.
June 15, 2013
Taken grabbed me from the very beginning! It was well written and will definitely hold your interest.
This was a short story that you can read in one sitting. It was full of suspense and had me wondering what was going to happen. But there is no way I saw that twist at the ending, it was great!
This was a short story that you can read in one sitting. It was full of suspense and had me wondering what was going to happen. But there is no way I saw that twist at the ending, it was great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews