What do you think?
Rate this book
Taken
A young crew of five are toughing it out together, sailing around the world on a gruelling charity challenge. They are used to being pushed to the limit, but nothing could have prepared them for being kidnapped.
When they are taken hostage by a notorious warlord and his band of child soldiers, the trip of a lifetime turns into a one-way journey into the heart of the African jungle.
When hope is all you have, survival is all you can fight for...
When they are taken hostage by a notorious warlord and his band of child soldiers, the trip of a lifetime turns into a one-way journey into the heart of the African jungle.
When hope is all you have, survival is all you can fight for...
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2014
10 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
David Massey
3 books31 followersDiscovered by the same publisher as J.K. Rowling, David Massey certainly made an impression with his debut young adult novel TORN. Published in August 2012 in the UK by Chicken House, TORN won the Lancashire Book of the Year 2013 and on July 30th 2013 the amazing hardcover edition was released by Scholastic in the USA!
David's second book TAKEN was released by Chicken House on World Book Day 2014 and around the world by Scholastic. TAKEN won Dudley Teen Book Awards 2015.
Now David is back with his third and most exciting young adult novel BONE SURFERS - a murder mystery set twenty metres below the heart of Paris in a chilling labyrinth of catacombs lined with the bones of six million dead people. BONE SURFERS will be officially launched on 1st March, World Book Day 2018, with a free download available on Amazon.
PRAISE FOR BONE SURFERS
“Massey really taps into the teenage psyche, taking his readers into an exciting world of motorbike chases, parkour runners, manga expos and catacombs! The sense of mystery stays with you to the end” ~ Dr Jacqueline Harding.
David Massey lives near Stourbridge with his wife Debi and is Senior Film, TV and Radio Engineer at Birmingham City University. His varied career has taken him from teaching and music journalism to presenting, producing and writing for radio. As the Romanian revolution was ending, David even led a team taking supplies to Bucharest and Timisoara. On the way home he stopped near Checkpoint Charlie to help chip holes in the Berlin Wall.
In his spare time, David is an accomplished classical guitarist and is currently writing his fourth YA novel and is available for schools, festivals and events.
PRAISE FOR TORN
"This thrilling, war-torn drama, told through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old female British army medic, brings to life the war in Afghanistan – and the perils and challenges facing our young soldiers. It’s both moving and fantastically compelling – from the joys of comradeship to the terror of enemy attack and the ultimate victory of love, understanding and compassion" - Barry Cunningham OBE, publisher.
PRAISE FOR TAKEN
"TAKEN cleverly marks out the disabilities you can see, from those you can’t, and
combines love and war to deliver the thriller of this or any other season. Totally unique,
totally gripping – it’s simply a stunning and fiercely important read" - Barry Cunningham OBE, publisher.
For more information about David Massey or BONE SURFERS please contact drmasseybooks@gmail.com
David's second book TAKEN was released by Chicken House on World Book Day 2014 and around the world by Scholastic. TAKEN won Dudley Teen Book Awards 2015.
Now David is back with his third and most exciting young adult novel BONE SURFERS - a murder mystery set twenty metres below the heart of Paris in a chilling labyrinth of catacombs lined with the bones of six million dead people. BONE SURFERS will be officially launched on 1st March, World Book Day 2018, with a free download available on Amazon.
PRAISE FOR BONE SURFERS
“Massey really taps into the teenage psyche, taking his readers into an exciting world of motorbike chases, parkour runners, manga expos and catacombs! The sense of mystery stays with you to the end” ~ Dr Jacqueline Harding.
David Massey lives near Stourbridge with his wife Debi and is Senior Film, TV and Radio Engineer at Birmingham City University. His varied career has taken him from teaching and music journalism to presenting, producing and writing for radio. As the Romanian revolution was ending, David even led a team taking supplies to Bucharest and Timisoara. On the way home he stopped near Checkpoint Charlie to help chip holes in the Berlin Wall.
In his spare time, David is an accomplished classical guitarist and is currently writing his fourth YA novel and is available for schools, festivals and events.
PRAISE FOR TORN
"This thrilling, war-torn drama, told through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old female British army medic, brings to life the war in Afghanistan – and the perils and challenges facing our young soldiers. It’s both moving and fantastically compelling – from the joys of comradeship to the terror of enemy attack and the ultimate victory of love, understanding and compassion" - Barry Cunningham OBE, publisher.
PRAISE FOR TAKEN
"TAKEN cleverly marks out the disabilities you can see, from those you can’t, and
combines love and war to deliver the thriller of this or any other season. Totally unique,
totally gripping – it’s simply a stunning and fiercely important read" - Barry Cunningham OBE, publisher.
For more information about David Massey or BONE SURFERS please contact drmasseybooks@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 15, 2022
Understandably apprehensive, Rio focused on the yacht that would carry her and the five wounded veterans she’d yet to meet, around the planet. The mission of the self-described group of misfits isn’t just to prove that a disability doesn’t disable the individual. The true goal is raising money for the Hidden Children, kids whose families have been destroyed by war. As the “able-bodied” mate, Rio is confident in her sailing skills. As a civilian rather than a veteran, she hopes for the strength and resolve to genuinely contribute to the crew.
The badly burned Marcus uses outstanding humor to keep the crew relaxed. Rio adores his hilarious t-shirts that draw attention away from his stretched, scarred skin. The youngest soldier, Izzy had fallen from a helicopter, shattering one of her legs. While being treated, it was discovered that she was diabetic and required daily insulin shots. Charis has both a gorgeous Welsh accent and a robotic arm.
Ash looked like a super-hero to Rio when she saw him on his blades-in-lieu-of-legs. His charm, intelligence and warmth stole her breath and stopped her heart. An endeavor of this magnitude; establishing relationships based on trust would be paramount; looking for love…distracting. Make that dangerous. Jen, the one crew member to take an instant dislike to Rio, keeps a close watch on Ash.
The Lord’s Resistance Army which began in Uganda, touting their goal of ruling according to biblical ten commandments has, in truth, broken each one. Moses Mwemba, 2nd in command of the LRA views the disabled veterans’ mission as an opportunity to garner attention, thus notoriety. The Sangoma (Witch Doctor) will sabotage the ship. Once stalled, his young, crazed army will abduct the crew, and move them deep into the jungle. Huge ransoms will be demanded, but hardly the point.
Taken elicits tangible sensations. Heavy, humid air of the jungle is suffocating. The stench of spreading infection is stomach churning. Torture and gratuitous killings invoke horror, anger, and disbelief. Critical observations without prejudices poignantly present different points of view. Emotions aren’t mutually exclusive. Fear, anger and hatred towards the captors don’t necessarily override empathy, compassion or even an odd affinity for the half-starved, frightened, bark-munching child captors.
Mr. Massy brilliantly displays that stark fear, even coupled with harsh, deplorable, unimaginable conditions; can’t smother basic human will to survive. He shows that through the absolute worst, most dismal of situations; life goes on. Kindness, compassion, selflessness: qualities not always evident; usually do exist, in most people.
Taken is not just an outstanding, exceptional book. The issues, terroristic groups, senseless acts of violence and killings are very real. Mr. Massey provides imperative education while simultaneously gifting a compelling story packed with clever characters, spot-on dialogue and thought-provoking prose.
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
************ *********** *********** ********** ***********
UPDATE: Working with a High School English teacher, I presented a 5-Minute Book Talk about this phenomenal story to 5 different classes and I donated several copies of this book to the classroom library. Since that time, the feedback has been astounding and remarkably encouraging. Students really do want to broaden their horizons and they are very interested in what is going on all over this planet.
A fantastic addition to all Summer Reading Lists for rising High Schoolers.
The badly burned Marcus uses outstanding humor to keep the crew relaxed. Rio adores his hilarious t-shirts that draw attention away from his stretched, scarred skin. The youngest soldier, Izzy had fallen from a helicopter, shattering one of her legs. While being treated, it was discovered that she was diabetic and required daily insulin shots. Charis has both a gorgeous Welsh accent and a robotic arm.
Ash looked like a super-hero to Rio when she saw him on his blades-in-lieu-of-legs. His charm, intelligence and warmth stole her breath and stopped her heart. An endeavor of this magnitude; establishing relationships based on trust would be paramount; looking for love…distracting. Make that dangerous. Jen, the one crew member to take an instant dislike to Rio, keeps a close watch on Ash.
The Lord’s Resistance Army which began in Uganda, touting their goal of ruling according to biblical ten commandments has, in truth, broken each one. Moses Mwemba, 2nd in command of the LRA views the disabled veterans’ mission as an opportunity to garner attention, thus notoriety. The Sangoma (Witch Doctor) will sabotage the ship. Once stalled, his young, crazed army will abduct the crew, and move them deep into the jungle. Huge ransoms will be demanded, but hardly the point.
Taken elicits tangible sensations. Heavy, humid air of the jungle is suffocating. The stench of spreading infection is stomach churning. Torture and gratuitous killings invoke horror, anger, and disbelief. Critical observations without prejudices poignantly present different points of view. Emotions aren’t mutually exclusive. Fear, anger and hatred towards the captors don’t necessarily override empathy, compassion or even an odd affinity for the half-starved, frightened, bark-munching child captors.
Mr. Massy brilliantly displays that stark fear, even coupled with harsh, deplorable, unimaginable conditions; can’t smother basic human will to survive. He shows that through the absolute worst, most dismal of situations; life goes on. Kindness, compassion, selflessness: qualities not always evident; usually do exist, in most people.
Taken is not just an outstanding, exceptional book. The issues, terroristic groups, senseless acts of violence and killings are very real. Mr. Massey provides imperative education while simultaneously gifting a compelling story packed with clever characters, spot-on dialogue and thought-provoking prose.
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
************ *********** *********** ********** ***********
UPDATE: Working with a High School English teacher, I presented a 5-Minute Book Talk about this phenomenal story to 5 different classes and I donated several copies of this book to the classroom library. Since that time, the feedback has been astounding and remarkably encouraging. Students really do want to broaden their horizons and they are very interested in what is going on all over this planet.
A fantastic addition to all Summer Reading Lists for rising High Schoolers.
dnf
December 26, 2014I received a free digital copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This may be a great book, but I just can't make myself finish. I honestly don't know why I would have requested it from netgalley... perhaps by accident or the description didn't give me enough heads up.
The world can be an awful place, and I'm just not the kind of reader that can read about the worst in human nature...I can't stand to read about humans doing unspeakable things to other humans. Child soldiers. I know it's a reality, and it's horrible and sad, but I just can't ruminate on it. I look for books that entertain and take me to amazing places... not to these depths that can give me images I can't shake.
I stopped before they are kidnapped after skimming ahead...I'm sorry, I just can't do it.
This may be a great book, but I just can't make myself finish. I honestly don't know why I would have requested it from netgalley... perhaps by accident or the description didn't give me enough heads up.
The world can be an awful place, and I'm just not the kind of reader that can read about the worst in human nature...I can't stand to read about humans doing unspeakable things to other humans. Child soldiers. I know it's a reality, and it's horrible and sad, but I just can't ruminate on it. I look for books that entertain and take me to amazing places... not to these depths that can give me images I can't shake.
I stopped before they are kidnapped after skimming ahead...I'm sorry, I just can't do it.
February 25, 2022
I barely ever rate books so low after reading it all, and I don’t really write reviews but i felt obliged to after this one.
First of all, I felt no attachment to any of the characters. They were all equally boring, with almost no personality. Jen being obsessed with Ash, the same going for Rio, the main character. The other three were barely important in the book too, the author neglecting to develop any characters and making them all simply nice (managing a flirty cliche with Marcus)and cripplingly boring people.
Secondly, despite the book being based on a hostage situation, there was almost no suspense as the book was not only predictable but not written with enough emotion to excuse that. There were no situations where the reader would feel genuinely afraid for the characters- this could be a result of how disengaged the characters felt or simply lack of tension throughout the entire. book. The lack of emotion wasn’t displayed in an explainable way, in fact Rio cried a lot, but it didn’t make her seem any more real as the writing constantly reminded me I was just reading a book- exactly the opposite of what a book should do.
Lastly, the forced romance element was in no way rewarding to a reader. Normally, I would take a guilty pleasure in a side plot of romance, but due to lack of character development and interaction, it ended up being a girl fawning over the first guy she met on their ship. Perhaps Rio’s lack of substance was a result of an ADULT MALE trying to write through the perspective of a coloured young woman, but the male characters seemed equally one dimensional.
All in all, I don’t think I can decide whether this is a terrible book or just a terribly average one. If you’re looking for a good read, look elsewhere.
First of all, I felt no attachment to any of the characters. They were all equally boring, with almost no personality. Jen being obsessed with Ash, the same going for Rio, the main character. The other three were barely important in the book too, the author neglecting to develop any characters and making them all simply nice (managing a flirty cliche with Marcus)and cripplingly boring people.
Secondly, despite the book being based on a hostage situation, there was almost no suspense as the book was not only predictable but not written with enough emotion to excuse that. There were no situations where the reader would feel genuinely afraid for the characters- this could be a result of how disengaged the characters felt or simply lack of tension throughout the entire. book. The lack of emotion wasn’t displayed in an explainable way, in fact Rio cried a lot, but it didn’t make her seem any more real as the writing constantly reminded me I was just reading a book- exactly the opposite of what a book should do.
Lastly, the forced romance element was in no way rewarding to a reader. Normally, I would take a guilty pleasure in a side plot of romance, but due to lack of character development and interaction, it ended up being a girl fawning over the first guy she met on their ship. Perhaps Rio’s lack of substance was a result of an ADULT MALE trying to write through the perspective of a coloured young woman, but the male characters seemed equally one dimensional.
All in all, I don’t think I can decide whether this is a terrible book or just a terribly average one. If you’re looking for a good read, look elsewhere.
August 9, 2014
Review from A Journey Through Pages
Taken is most certainly a plot driven book. A group of young ex-soldiers whose service was cut short by debilitating injuries decide to show their new disabilities do not hinder them by taking a sailing trip around the world for charity. Rio, our main character, is hired as support crew as she is a sailing champion and they are required to have a certain number of able bodied members aboard or no sponsors.
As that stands there is of course a little tension as Rio is an outsider to this close knit group. Of course, when a group of child soldiers led by a terrorist attacks their ship and takes them captive every thing soon changes.
Taken is a pretty unique book among New Adult. I feel as if most NA and YA books are heavily character (or romance) driven as opposed to plot. Of course, due to the focus the main group of characters feels underdeveloped compared to what I am used to. Many of them are a bit one note, which didn't ring well with me. The most developed and layered character however, is the Empty Child. She soon becomes the mystery that I am most interested in and her story does not disappoint.
Along those lines for much of the book I was confused as to the age of our main characters. Rio seems to be sixteen or seventeen, but the others were all in military and trained. I don't know the age for military service in Great Britain and the book didn’t specifically say what their ages were. This may not bother most people, but I spent half the book wondering about it.
On the plus side, the environment and situations in this book is very well done. A couple of scenes had my heart dropping. Others filled me with grisly anticipation.
There also was an obvious amount of research done which I appreciated as a reader. I loved the inclusion of the runner blades for Ash as those are one of the cooler innovations I’ve come across. And all of their issues were different as was how they dealt with them. On top of that we have the horrifying description of child soldiers, fear and brainwashing and the wild animals the group comes across.
I think if you enjoy survival and adventure stories you will enjoy Taken. If you find plot more important to you than character development than I also recommend this book to you.
3.5 Bookmarks
Taken is most certainly a plot driven book. A group of young ex-soldiers whose service was cut short by debilitating injuries decide to show their new disabilities do not hinder them by taking a sailing trip around the world for charity. Rio, our main character, is hired as support crew as she is a sailing champion and they are required to have a certain number of able bodied members aboard or no sponsors.
As that stands there is of course a little tension as Rio is an outsider to this close knit group. Of course, when a group of child soldiers led by a terrorist attacks their ship and takes them captive every thing soon changes.
Taken is a pretty unique book among New Adult. I feel as if most NA and YA books are heavily character (or romance) driven as opposed to plot. Of course, due to the focus the main group of characters feels underdeveloped compared to what I am used to. Many of them are a bit one note, which didn't ring well with me. The most developed and layered character however, is the Empty Child. She soon becomes the mystery that I am most interested in and her story does not disappoint.
Along those lines for much of the book I was confused as to the age of our main characters. Rio seems to be sixteen or seventeen, but the others were all in military and trained. I don't know the age for military service in Great Britain and the book didn’t specifically say what their ages were. This may not bother most people, but I spent half the book wondering about it.
On the plus side, the environment and situations in this book is very well done. A couple of scenes had my heart dropping. Others filled me with grisly anticipation.
There also was an obvious amount of research done which I appreciated as a reader. I loved the inclusion of the runner blades for Ash as those are one of the cooler innovations I’ve come across. And all of their issues were different as was how they dealt with them. On top of that we have the horrifying description of child soldiers, fear and brainwashing and the wild animals the group comes across.
I think if you enjoy survival and adventure stories you will enjoy Taken. If you find plot more important to you than character development than I also recommend this book to you.
3.5 Bookmarks
July 13, 2014
Join four combat wounded young, Afghan vets and their two woman support team as they begin their benefit around the world sail, only to be captured by the segments of the half maniacal Lord’s Resistance
Army and taken deep into the African interior.
Survival becomes a day to day challenge, as they face the extremists looking for ransom and fame, as well as hunger, thirst and exhaustion.
Will they all survive? Or will they become more victims of these crazed
extremists? Forget what you were doing; postpone that party or flick,
turn off your phone, hit the john, gather your snacks, and jump on this one – you won’t want to stop reading!
Army and taken deep into the African interior.
Survival becomes a day to day challenge, as they face the extremists looking for ransom and fame, as well as hunger, thirst and exhaustion.
Will they all survive? Or will they become more victims of these crazed
extremists? Forget what you were doing; postpone that party or flick,
turn off your phone, hit the john, gather your snacks, and jump on this one – you won’t want to stop reading!
March 31, 2016
my favorite book I have ever read, I'm going to give props to Damian because he suggested it to me. The ending was my favorite part of the whole book
I would suggest this to anyone.
I would suggest this to anyone.
July 22, 2014
Holy mother of boredom, Batman!
I just cannot believe how uninterested I was in a book that had a fantastic premise. I mean from the synopsis, it seemed as though it was going to have a little bit of everything. Intrigue! Sea voyages! Pirates! Entertainment! Only it didn't. Why? Because it was just so ever-loving dull.
The biggest strike against Taken, for me anyway, was that I felt as though there was no character development. This is a book that pretty much banks on you rooting for the characters. You're supposed to care about them so that when they are in this life or death situation, you're left with a feeling of dread and terror at the though of them not making it. Taken didn't have this. I didn't care one whit for any of the characters. We start the story, there's some antagonism, and then the characters are in danger. There was no build up. And I needed to know more about their pasts, more about their feelings, just more of anything to figure out whether or not I wanted to invest time in their journey. Once I finished Taken, I realized that with what little I knew about them, I wouldn't have.
So, needless to say Taken was a vast disappointment for me. The characters were all blank slates and my God was this book dull. All I felt while reading it was an increase anxiousness to finish it. Not because I cared about what happened to the characters, but because I wanted to start something (ANYTHING!) else.
**Thanks to Netgalley for providing this for review!
I just cannot believe how uninterested I was in a book that had a fantastic premise. I mean from the synopsis, it seemed as though it was going to have a little bit of everything. Intrigue! Sea voyages! Pirates! Entertainment! Only it didn't. Why? Because it was just so ever-loving dull.
The biggest strike against Taken, for me anyway, was that I felt as though there was no character development. This is a book that pretty much banks on you rooting for the characters. You're supposed to care about them so that when they are in this life or death situation, you're left with a feeling of dread and terror at the though of them not making it. Taken didn't have this. I didn't care one whit for any of the characters. We start the story, there's some antagonism, and then the characters are in danger. There was no build up. And I needed to know more about their pasts, more about their feelings, just more of anything to figure out whether or not I wanted to invest time in their journey. Once I finished Taken, I realized that with what little I knew about them, I wouldn't have.
So, needless to say Taken was a vast disappointment for me. The characters were all blank slates and my God was this book dull. All I felt while reading it was an increase anxiousness to finish it. Not because I cared about what happened to the characters, but because I wanted to start something (ANYTHING!) else.
**Thanks to Netgalley for providing this for review!
January 22, 2015
I haven seen many mixed reviews for this book but as far as my opinion goes, I loved it. It is difficult to find a good action/adventure book these days that doesn't have a fantasy element when you are working with the young adult genre. I was very happy that I won this book for our school because this is something we are really lacking.
Though the book is basically told from Rio's perspective this is still an action book which will pull boys in as well. Rio is a last minute addition to a crew of teens who are going to sail around the world. The catch is that she is the only able bodied person on the ship (everyone else has some type of disability). Obviously she feels a little like the odd man out because the rest of the crew already know each other. Not long into their journey they are captured by a resistance group off the coast of Africa and they are soon drug through the jungle doing everything they can to survive. The must depend on their ability to work together in order to keep their wits about them and protect each other along the way.
This will keep the reader engaged throughout the story and the most amazing part for me was how the book was swear free. Basically other than the violence, which I would expect from this type of story, the book is clean so it makes good book for I would say junior high and up. Great job Massey! I look forward to reading more by this author.
Though the book is basically told from Rio's perspective this is still an action book which will pull boys in as well. Rio is a last minute addition to a crew of teens who are going to sail around the world. The catch is that she is the only able bodied person on the ship (everyone else has some type of disability). Obviously she feels a little like the odd man out because the rest of the crew already know each other. Not long into their journey they are captured by a resistance group off the coast of Africa and they are soon drug through the jungle doing everything they can to survive. The must depend on their ability to work together in order to keep their wits about them and protect each other along the way.
This will keep the reader engaged throughout the story and the most amazing part for me was how the book was swear free. Basically other than the violence, which I would expect from this type of story, the book is clean so it makes good book for I would say junior high and up. Great job Massey! I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 28, 2015
Rio, a young sailing prodigy, decides to join a casual yacht expedition around Africa, ran by a group of disabled teenagers seeking to prove their abilities to the world through travel. But everything goes wrong when the ship is Taken by pirates- or, more precisely, the children working for Joseph Kony, and his second in command Moses Mwemba, who hold them for ransom. Together, they must find a way to escape, and before it's too late.
I read another David Massey novel before this, so I guess I know what to expect. Yet i still found myself crying when .
Why did I give it four stars? One word. Ash. He annoyed me throughout the book, along with the constant descriptions of how he looked. Romance just wasn't handled well, or even needed.
The action was gripping and constant, and the plot was interesting- I wanted to know what would happen to Rio and her friends. That's what makes a book good to me.
To read next: A Clockwork Orange
June 21, 2014
www.booksforcompany.com
In Short
- Taken is a very intense read.
- Became action packed very quickly.
- I became almost friends with the characters.
In Long
Having enjoyed David's previous book, Torn, I was excited to read Taken and was hoping to enjoy it as much as I did Torn.
Taken is a very intense read from the beginning and really got action packed pretty much within a few pages! Any uncertainty that I had about the book was very quickly diminished by David's style of writing which captivated me. I really felt like I was going through this experience with the characters and was actually there myself. I wanted to fight with and for the characters.
I really enjoyed how Taken unfolds and different parts of the story start to be pieced together and make sense. It definitely kept my attention throughout the book, I even found myself holding my breath at some points as I read as quickly as I could to find out what David had planned for my 'new friends'.
Final Thoughts
Taken is a chilling book which was different from anything else I have read before. I really enjoyed David's style of writing which flowed easily and was very addictive.
In Short
- Taken is a very intense read.
- Became action packed very quickly.
- I became almost friends with the characters.
In Long
Having enjoyed David's previous book, Torn, I was excited to read Taken and was hoping to enjoy it as much as I did Torn.
Taken is a very intense read from the beginning and really got action packed pretty much within a few pages! Any uncertainty that I had about the book was very quickly diminished by David's style of writing which captivated me. I really felt like I was going through this experience with the characters and was actually there myself. I wanted to fight with and for the characters.
I really enjoyed how Taken unfolds and different parts of the story start to be pieced together and make sense. It definitely kept my attention throughout the book, I even found myself holding my breath at some points as I read as quickly as I could to find out what David had planned for my 'new friends'.
Final Thoughts
Taken is a chilling book which was different from anything else I have read before. I really enjoyed David's style of writing which flowed easily and was very addictive.
October 26, 2014
When Rio Cruz signs on as one of two able bodied crew members for an around the world cruise with four disabled teen military veterans, she has no idea what lies in store for her. She quickly has many of her assumptions challenged by how physically adept these men and women actually are and she forms strong connections with Ash and Izzy. But early in their trip, the teens are kidnapped by members of the Lord's Resistance Army and held for ransom. As they are moved from place to place, deeper and deeper into the jungle, they realize that they are unlikely to survive. The cruelty of Moses Mwemba, the group's leader, and the crazed, drug-induced behavior of the boy warriors whom he leads, are horrifying, and readers will be swept up in this riveting tale of adventure and survival. The needless violence and murders seem to occur so often that the young warriors are left with little compassion, and yet, there is a glimpse of caring from one of the kidnappers. It's hard to imagine how someone could emerge from such an experience without being completely traumatized. I enjoyed this book just as much as the author's earlier title, Torn. He really knows how to spin a yarn.
February 24, 2015
This book was unbelievable! Props once again to the talented David Massey! This book about love, fear, and triumphs stole my heart. It is full of unexpected twists and characters that I will remember forever. I think the story of how a trip of a lifetime takes an unexpected turn is very interesting, and I have never read anything like it. I also like how characters of opposite sides come together in the end. I think that aspect of the book is somewhat similar to Torn by David Massey, but it affects the book in no way for me. I think that this book can easily please anyone, and it certainly draws you in.
February 1, 2015
Most of us don't have a clue about what goes on in many countries on the African continent. What starts out as a great adventure on a wonderful yacht for 6 teens (4 with various injuries and 2 able-bodied) leaving from South Africa soon turns into a kidnapping scenario. They are scared and at the mercy of the trigger-happy members of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army), most of whom are children not much younger than they are. The action is non-stop including killings, torture, and the death of one of the members of their own crew. This is a "can't put it down" read which will keep readers of high-school age totally engaged.
March 3, 2015
Four teens who were wounded and disabled while serving their terms in the military are joined by two other teen athletes in an attempt to sail around the world together. Their widely varying personalities and personal conflicts must be put aside when they are attacked and taken hostage by guerrilla soldiers from the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).
Violence and attempted rape should steer this towards more mature readers.
Absolutely loved how the strengths of each character shine through. It's frightening to know that these types of hostage situations do actually occur and that this is not written as a dystopian novel. (Although your dystopia fans will also enjoy it).
Violence and attempted rape should steer this towards more mature readers.
Absolutely loved how the strengths of each character shine through. It's frightening to know that these types of hostage situations do actually occur and that this is not written as a dystopian novel. (Although your dystopia fans will also enjoy it).
November 13, 2015
A thoroughly engaging book, where a hostage crisis is expressed in such a human way that you feel right in the thick of it. I loved each of the characters, and their relationships and interactions really brought the book to life. I could go on about Izzy, who was definitely my favourite, but I liked how each crew member was distinct in their own way, and it is one of the first books that I have read where a main character is not able-bodies, so I particularly enjoyed the prominence of the subject in the book. I actually really liked the beginning of the book as well, it is so interesting that you almost forget that a hostage crisis is about to happen.
August 6, 2014
Wow wow wow wow. I don't typically read books like this but I got this one as an ARC so I figured, what the heck. Rio was absolutely my favorite. Although she didn't have a disability like the rest of the crew (I would have preferred it if she did)she was still unconventional and lovable. Aside from that, I loved the idea of a whole book where most of the characters are disabled. It was fun and original. Plus, the Lord's Resistance Army thing was a big bonus. Be prepared for some surprising friends, exciting characters, and a really great plot!
August 4, 2016
this book is a really good book its about a group of young adults who go out to sea on a sailing trip one of the girls on the boat does not know anybody else on board but as the trip progresses she develops really good friendships with them. One day the radio stops working and something happens...
They get taken 'kidnapped' by a group of really powerful bad men that take them to a forest that is the perfect place to hide them. The time the group of sailors are among the 'Others' they start to learn their secrets......
They get taken 'kidnapped' by a group of really powerful bad men that take them to a forest that is the perfect place to hide them. The time the group of sailors are among the 'Others' they start to learn their secrets......
September 11, 2014
This is a fantastic read. I bought it on impulse when it first came out, not sure if it would be my thing but really loved the characters - especially Rio. It is so different from all the other YA books out there and kept me turning the pages right to the end.
March 19, 2016
I think this was a great historical fiction book. I will give most credit to Mrs. Morgan simply because she suggested it to me. I think the storyline and plot were great. If anyone likes historical fiction, or doesn't like it (me), I would highly suggest this book.
July 24, 2014
Riveting thriller. Some brutal parts. Good for ages 13 and up.
August 8, 2014
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
March 10, 2018
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A high octane survival and action book that deals with some very dark parts of history.
Opening Sentence: My rucksack thuds onto the wooden pontoon and all the stress of getting here falls away with it.
The Review:
When I first started reading Taken, I had no idea of the wild journey I was about to begin. This book begins with Rio joining the support crew for a group of disabled military veterans who want to sail around the world for a charity challenge. Soon after, the sailboat is hijacked by a warlord and his child soldiers, who take the crew captive. As they are taken deeper and deeper into the jungle, the crew fight for survival at every turn.
The plot was relatively straight forward but I could’t put the book down. David Massey did an excellent job of keeping the suspense level high, even during quieter moments. I was never quite sure what the warlord would do next or how the crew would survive until the next day. There were a few plot twists that, even though I saw them coming, still packed quite an emotional punch. The environment was beautifully described and easy to imagine. I liked that the author had the dangers coming both from their captors and their surroundings. It made the book feel more realistic, particularly in light of the author’s obvious knowledge about the area.
I was impressed by how much research the author had done for this book. The military veterans had a variety of medical issues and they were all portrayed very realistically. The author would mention how each character was suffering in a different way at different times due to the combination of their circumstances and medical problems. I also really liked that he portrayed each of their disabilities as a strength at some point in the novel. Additionally, the author brought depth to his portrayal of child soldiers that did justice to the complexity and injustice regarding them.
Rio and the other members of the crew weren’t quite as developed as I would have liked. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth to them, although that may have been a by-product of the survivalist tone of the narrative. However, I think there could have been more character development, particularly in regards to the relationships between them, in the beginning that would have improved the later scenes. I was also a little confused about the ages of the military veterans and Jen but that wasn’t a big deal. My favorite character was introduced about halfway through and she stole the show. I don’t want to say too much because of the risk of spoilers but I loved watching her character development.
Taken was a wonderful surprise. It was a high octane survival story that dealt with subjects I hadn’t expected to see in young adult fiction. Definitely worth the read if you’re interested in the genre.
Notable Scene:
“Pirates,” Ash growls, “probably Somalis, but how the hell they’ve got this far south . . .”
“You’re sure?” I ask him.
“We’re miles from anywhere. Those four launches you saw, Rio, they aren’t on a pleasure cruise — they’re heading this way at full speed. There’s no way they’d have enough fuel to get this far from land, so my guess is that there’s a mother ship just over the horizon.”
Izzy looks like she does when she’s going hypo. She’s fiddling with her bracelet and her voice is barely a whisper. “Without the engine we’re dead in the water.”
I’m cold as ice — scared — and suddenly we’re all thinking the same thing: The radio has been acting up.
FTC Advisory: Chicken House provided me with a copy of Taken. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A high octane survival and action book that deals with some very dark parts of history.
Opening Sentence: My rucksack thuds onto the wooden pontoon and all the stress of getting here falls away with it.
The Review:
When I first started reading Taken, I had no idea of the wild journey I was about to begin. This book begins with Rio joining the support crew for a group of disabled military veterans who want to sail around the world for a charity challenge. Soon after, the sailboat is hijacked by a warlord and his child soldiers, who take the crew captive. As they are taken deeper and deeper into the jungle, the crew fight for survival at every turn.
The plot was relatively straight forward but I could’t put the book down. David Massey did an excellent job of keeping the suspense level high, even during quieter moments. I was never quite sure what the warlord would do next or how the crew would survive until the next day. There were a few plot twists that, even though I saw them coming, still packed quite an emotional punch. The environment was beautifully described and easy to imagine. I liked that the author had the dangers coming both from their captors and their surroundings. It made the book feel more realistic, particularly in light of the author’s obvious knowledge about the area.
I was impressed by how much research the author had done for this book. The military veterans had a variety of medical issues and they were all portrayed very realistically. The author would mention how each character was suffering in a different way at different times due to the combination of their circumstances and medical problems. I also really liked that he portrayed each of their disabilities as a strength at some point in the novel. Additionally, the author brought depth to his portrayal of child soldiers that did justice to the complexity and injustice regarding them.
Rio and the other members of the crew weren’t quite as developed as I would have liked. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth to them, although that may have been a by-product of the survivalist tone of the narrative. However, I think there could have been more character development, particularly in regards to the relationships between them, in the beginning that would have improved the later scenes. I was also a little confused about the ages of the military veterans and Jen but that wasn’t a big deal. My favorite character was introduced about halfway through and she stole the show. I don’t want to say too much because of the risk of spoilers but I loved watching her character development.
Taken was a wonderful surprise. It was a high octane survival story that dealt with subjects I hadn’t expected to see in young adult fiction. Definitely worth the read if you’re interested in the genre.
Notable Scene:
“Pirates,” Ash growls, “probably Somalis, but how the hell they’ve got this far south . . .”
“You’re sure?” I ask him.
“We’re miles from anywhere. Those four launches you saw, Rio, they aren’t on a pleasure cruise — they’re heading this way at full speed. There’s no way they’d have enough fuel to get this far from land, so my guess is that there’s a mother ship just over the horizon.”
Izzy looks like she does when she’s going hypo. She’s fiddling with her bracelet and her voice is barely a whisper. “Without the engine we’re dead in the water.”
I’m cold as ice — scared — and suddenly we’re all thinking the same thing: The radio has been acting up.
FTC Advisory: Chicken House provided me with a copy of Taken. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 15, 2017
Complete review available: Taken
Stunning - I loved this. There was an incredible amount of action that drove the plot, and some great representation of characters with disabilities. The writing remained strong throughout and urged the reader forward with gripping suspense and cliffhangers. There were even some poignant, tear-jerking moments scattered amongst the thrill. Well-researched and with a novel idea, Massey created an emotional read (which, granted, had a cliched romance and a rather over-introductory opening scene), but was nonetheless an absolute joy to read.
Stunning - I loved this. There was an incredible amount of action that drove the plot, and some great representation of characters with disabilities. The writing remained strong throughout and urged the reader forward with gripping suspense and cliffhangers. There were even some poignant, tear-jerking moments scattered amongst the thrill. Well-researched and with a novel idea, Massey created an emotional read (which, granted, had a cliched romance and a rather over-introductory opening scene), but was nonetheless an absolute joy to read.
September 15, 2017
This book always has you on the edge of your chair waiting to find out what happens next. The author's word chose really gives vivid imagery as you read throughout the book. This overall is a phenomenal book!
June 21, 2017
Truthfully I didn't like any of the characters, least of all Rio. There wasn't any character development besides Danielle's, and the poor pacing and attempt at suspense failed to keep my interest.
December 4, 2017
This book is boring! It took me 3 months to read it because it was so boring and I couldn't get into it
dnf
November 19, 2024DNF at p103
December 1, 2024
(3.5 stars) honestly this book was really sad, kinda dark and traumatic. loved the main character but found it hard to read at times
September 9, 2016
The first thing I do when reading a book that includes real places, people, historical events, or organizations is to see what supplementary information the author has provided. In this case, the story involves the Lord's Resistence Army, led by Joseph Kony. While it's clear the author took the time to research the subject matter, I appreciate when they include their research for the reader. Especially with teens, it is foolish to assume that the reader will already know that this is a work of fiction inspired by real people and events. I would hate for a teen to pick up this book and never know that the horror this fictional group experienced has been faced by real people in this day and age. Despite the widespread publicity Kony experienced in the past few years, there are more than likely many teens who do not know much about him and his group. Just a page or two of background information would be all it takes to ensure that readers truly understand the gravity of the book's subject matter; I was disappointed to see that this did not happen in this case.
Despite that, I found Taken to be a gripping thriller. Massey did an excellent job of letting the events unfold in a way that allow the reader to feel like they are part of the group of hostages; they will panic and tremble right along with them as they are taken off their boat and marched deep into the African jungle. The most unsettling death in the book was not the most gruesome and the most interesting character development was not found in the group of hostages. Massey creatively weaved together the lives of very different people, from completely opposing backgrounds, and threw them together into one of the most terrifying settings in the world, all while maintaining a sense of realism and truth.
Readalikes: "Hostage Three" by Nick Lake, "The Living" by Matt de la Pena
Despite that, I found Taken to be a gripping thriller. Massey did an excellent job of letting the events unfold in a way that allow the reader to feel like they are part of the group of hostages; they will panic and tremble right along with them as they are taken off their boat and marched deep into the African jungle. The most unsettling death in the book was not the most gruesome and the most interesting character development was not found in the group of hostages. Massey creatively weaved together the lives of very different people, from completely opposing backgrounds, and threw them together into one of the most terrifying settings in the world, all while maintaining a sense of realism and truth.
Readalikes: "Hostage Three" by Nick Lake, "The Living" by Matt de la Pena
October 14, 2014
3.5
A team of young people who were seriously wounded during combat in Afghanistan plan to sail a yacht around the world, proving that amputees are just as capable as everyone else. However, what was supposed to be a great adventure quickly became a nightmare...
The teens had barely started their journey up the African coast when they were kidnapped by 4 boats' worth of men with machine guns. Their captors turn out to be members of the LRA, or Lord's Resistance Army, the murderous army of child soldiers led by Joseph Kony. While the kidnappers want the sailors kept alive to use as hostages, no one knows how long that will last, or what other dangers they will encounter as the LRA soldiers lead them on a journey through Tanzania and into the jungles of the Dem. Republic of Congo. Will they be rescued or find a way to escape? Or will they even survive?
High interest, high suspense, but a bit too daunting to recommend for reluctant readers. For example, too much technical sailing talk. Some realism issues with the timeline, general believability, and with the way rape was glossed over. The beginning was oddly abrupt and the characterization was only okay, but I still enjoyed the plot and wanted to know what happened. Good for readers wanting action/suspense, who don't mind some gore and intense violence.
A team of young people who were seriously wounded during combat in Afghanistan plan to sail a yacht around the world, proving that amputees are just as capable as everyone else. However, what was supposed to be a great adventure quickly became a nightmare...
The teens had barely started their journey up the African coast when they were kidnapped by 4 boats' worth of men with machine guns. Their captors turn out to be members of the LRA, or Lord's Resistance Army, the murderous army of child soldiers led by Joseph Kony. While the kidnappers want the sailors kept alive to use as hostages, no one knows how long that will last, or what other dangers they will encounter as the LRA soldiers lead them on a journey through Tanzania and into the jungles of the Dem. Republic of Congo. Will they be rescued or find a way to escape? Or will they even survive?
High interest, high suspense, but a bit too daunting to recommend for reluctant readers. For example, too much technical sailing talk. Some realism issues with the timeline, general believability, and with the way rape was glossed over. The beginning was oddly abrupt and the characterization was only okay, but I still enjoyed the plot and wanted to know what happened. Good for readers wanting action/suspense, who don't mind some gore and intense violence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews