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The Chosen #1-3

The Chosen Box Set

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Boxed set of the first three books of THE CHOSEN series--
Emma's spent the last three years trying to protect her son from unknown enemies. Everything's about to change when a mysterious stranger offers his help.

CHOSEN--Emma will do anything to protect her precognitive son Jake, even accept help from Will, a stranger with a dark past. But Will's been hired to deliver Emma to a powerful group. Even though the job screams trouble, nothing prepares Will for Jake's declaration: Will is The Chosen One, prophesied protector of Emma.

HUNTED--As the trail to find Jake grows cold, Will realizes that Emma is displaying supernatural abilities of her own. When they search her past, they find few answers until Raphael shows up and offers information. But it comes at a price Emma is unwilling to pay.

SACRIFICE--Raphael insists that he is the only one who can help Emma save her son, but he's dangerous. Emma begins to wonder if there's someone else who can help her: Water

REDEMPTION (The Chosen #4) released October 10, 2012

Denise Grover Swank lives in Lee's Summit, Missouri. She writes urban fantasies without vampires and werewolves. She also writes romantic comedy mysteries set in the south. She has six children, three dogs, and an overactive imagination. She can be found dancing in her kitchen with her children, reading or writing her next book. You will rarely find her cleaning.

1264 pages, ebook

First published September 30, 2012

159 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

Denise Grover Swank

132 books5,900 followers

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5 stars
276 (54%)
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154 (30%)
3 stars
60 (11%)
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15 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Bonnie.
234 reviews8 followers
September 23, 2015
I adore the Chosen series. Out of all of Denise's books, this have always been a stand-out for me. I LOVE the world she created with Emma, Jake, Will, and the other elementals. I have a running fan-fic in my head which seems eerliy similar to the new continuation series Denise recently announced.

For just $10 this collection is a steal. If you've read the first one (which is permanently free) and enjoyed it enough to stick with the series, then just buy the whole collection!

CHOSEN:
This series is thrilling, to say the least! I came into the series well after it was completed, so I was able to binge read through all of it this past spring. I’ve since read the entire series again! Out of all of Denise’s books, my mind is always floating around in this universe the most.

The protagonists of this series are people who have got a lot of growth ahead of them. Emma Thompson, not to be confused with the actress, is such a strong woman, and her son, Jake, is an angel. (My best friend’s oldest child shares the same name, so I may be biased!) That kid is probably the WISEST character in the series. He’s so so so so young, and goes through so much, but somehow he stays strong and has wisdom well beyond his years. I immediately became invested in their well-being. From the start I did not trust Will Davenport, and with good reason. With that said, Will is NOT a bad guy. He’s fiercely protective. And plays a HUGE role in the series. Don’t ever count him out.

The story of Chosen is one about an epic fight of good versus evil. It really is that simple. You’ve got multiple players in a game who all want the same prize. At times in Chosen, just the first in the series, it’s not exactly clear WHY Emma and Jake are running, but you have to hang in there to learn it all. The journey is worth it and it’s a fun ride. By the end of this novel, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be begging for more! The good news is that there are three more novels and three accompanying short stories. Happy reading! *****FIVE STARS*****

HUNTED:
Hunt or be hunted

I love this series, but I initially found Hunted lacking the spark of Chosen. That doesn't matter to me because it serves as a perfect transition for the series into a few short stories and two more novels. The story does pick up rather quickly, as there's a lot going on.

Emma was infuriating in this part of the story as well, but it's justified because of all the insanity she's dealing with. Her son taken by a mad man, she's traveling with a man she barely knows, two factions are hunting her down, and a creeper dude showing up when she least expects it wherever she goes. Try dealing with that yourself. Will's bestie, James, is pretty awesome. He seems like a typical insecure guy who talks a lot of crap. He'll get no hate from me.

Now let's talk about Raphael... I really liked him in my first read through even though I was sure he wasn't at all trustworthy. His creep factor was OFF THE CHARTS. But he also has this essence about him that's alluring. He's the perfect new character for the story. Right through the end. My opinion on him definitely changed by the end of the series, but here he's kind of wonderful. Unlike Alex.

Hunted is a great transitional novel and well worth the read. I love this series, so I'm obviously biased. ****4.5 STARS****

SACRIFICE:
Sacrifice and surprises
Where Hunted was lacking, Sacrifice brings a lot more to the table. In terms of scale, mythology, and character development.

A battle between the elements is boiling over. It has become not only a threat to our beloved characters of Emma, Jake, and Will, but the collateral damage caused by Aiden, Alex, and Raphael is affecting the world at large. Aiden proves to be fully despicable and malevolent (my favorite word!), Jake is used as a pawn, Raphael appears to be unhinging, and Alex is a different sort of maniac. And then there's Will. Hints of the "big reveal" were there alllllll along and I quite literally cheered through the last few of pages of Sacrifice.

I loved every moment of Sacrifice. I'd give it more than five stars if I could!!! *****FIVE STARS*****

REDEMPTION:
Redeemed

REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED THE SERIES

I've made it no secret that the Chosen series is my favorite out of all of Denise Grover Swank's work. What she does with Redemption is bring everything together in a way that's explosive and satisfying. She never gives her characters easy wins, and sometimes they lose.

I'm happy with how Aiden was eliminated (perfection... killing him with love!). I was actually saddened for Raphael... he seemed so lost. Placing him with Emmanuella in the "afterlife" was fair. Alex can go eff himself for all eternity (let's face it... he was a rapist. No rapist deserves absolution and his ending wasn't brutal enough if you ask me. I'm a little biased on that subject.) Marcus' departure was bittersweet. I wanted to get to know more about him.

I love how Will embraced his new-found abilities. He, Emma, and Jake are one heck of a superhero family! James is absolutely awesome and I knew he wasn't going to fail his bestie. I volunteer my name has his baby mama, LOL! I won't lie... the ending of this series left me wanting more. I wanted something more finite than literally flying away into happily ever after.

I loved this series. It's a mish-mash of genres. It's expansive. It's mythological. The writing definitely improves with each installment, and it was definitely fun to watch Denise's work evolve even if I was a couple years behind the original publishing. I'll always read what she writes! **********TEN STARS**********

EMERGENCE:
Run, Emma, run!
I didn't discover the Chosen short stories until I finished the series. It was actually very nice to be given a different perspective after the fact!

Here we get a glimpse at what Emma was dealing with as she and Jake began to be hunted down. It was definitely scary to read someone reporting a situation and not being taken seriously by the police. This definitely set in motion her chaotic plan of living on the run with Jake.

You don't HAVE to read this short story to read the series, but it wouldn't hurt! I don't have any criticisms of this installment as it is a perfect companion to the series. *****FIVE STARS*****

MIDDLE GROUND:
Stranger Danger

I didn't discover the Chosen short stories until I finished the series. It was actually very nice to be given a different perspective after the fact!

I want so bad to mention some spoilers, but I won't! I loved seeing Will's family. James, of course, is a bad-a bestie. Finally, the mysterious fella at the bar. It makes SO MUCH SENSE! Ugh... I want to know so much more about this guy, but I guess I'll never get it. :) That's okay because ****** wasn't a main character. Oh, and Will's "dad"... What. A. Jerk.

You don't HAVE to read this short story to read the series, but it wouldn't hurt! I don't have any criticisms of this installment as it is a perfect companion to the series. *****FIVE STARS*****

HOMECOMING:
The Courier?

I didn't discover the Chosen short stories until I finished the series. It was actually very nice to be given a different perspective after the fact!

It was great to get ANOTHER glimpse into Will's life before meeting Emma. I understand the situation in which he was discharged, but his father's approach was despicable. I'd take Aiden over that guy... really... mabybe... no, not really. But he's a terrible father. Now James' work is obviously shady, and I understand that Will is dealing with some major issues, but he needs therapy and not a less than legal job. However, this job is what takes him directly. And that ties up the trilogy of shorts in a nice little bow. I loved it and wanted to see more from other characters! That may be because I'm just a greedy reader, lol.

You don't HAVE to read this short story to read the series, but it wouldn't hurt! I don't have any criticisms of this installment as it is a perfect companion to the series. *****FIVE STARS*****
Profile Image for Renee.
209 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2018
Good but the last book dragged

The first book was great. Good action, nice fantasy, and we got to know the characters (even the creepy kid). Second boo, sill pretty good, third was a bit slower, but the fourth seemed to drag and drag. Plus, I was really disliking the kid, Jake, quite a bit in this book. Plus, Emma suddenly became a completely different character in the last book - and not in a good way. I think this could have been a trilogy instead since the last book was almost all filler until the final battle.

The novellas were fine. Gave us some background on Emma, Jake, and Will. All in all, not a bad series but just took a little longer to read solely due to the final book.
20 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2017
Mind blowingly amazing

Such a great read! Denise Grover Swank makes it easy to fall in love with her characters and feel every emotion, every battle, every triumph and so much more. You won't regret buying this series!
DSG is hands down my favorite author. Every time I think she can't top a series- I get sucked into a new one and go on the most amazing journey. My only wish is that I could spend more time with her character; however, 6 days of consistent reading has made my husband ask me to go to book addicts anonymous. Thanks for another great one DSG! Aside from Rose this is def my other number 1!
Profile Image for Yaz.
38 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2019
I literally couldn’t put it down!

I read this series years ago (probably like 7 years ago now) and it remains to this day my favourite series by this author. Excellently executed, rapt story telling that had my emotions all over the place. Between laughter and tears, gripping my phone so hard I thought I’d break it and biting my lip so hard it bled, I just can’t stop reading and re-reading it! If you like paranormal books with adventure, thrill and romance, then this is the perfect book for you!
Profile Image for Ali-Lyn Simpson.
13 reviews
July 7, 2020
I waited to long to read this , then couldn’t put it down.

I brought this book ages ago but didn’t appeal to me to read it at that time. Forgot all about it. Then I got in a slump couldn’t find anything the piqued my interest. Scowling through my endless books to find something I saw the front cover . Couldn’t remember what the book was about. So I thought I’ll try this.
Omg I’m glade I did I couldn’t put the book down. I was hooked . I’m not giving you the story you need to read it for your self. I was so sad when I finished the book. What do I read now !
Profile Image for Catherine Schultz.
65 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2017
Wow

I love reading Denise's books. This series is right up there with her others. She keeps you on the edge of your seat biting you nails wanting more. This series had me laughing crying and angry at times. Her writing is descriptive enough to make you feel like your there. If you love supernatural and the possibility of more this is a series for you. And I'm hoping that there's more to add as it was left open to add more and to answer more questions.
9 reviews
February 1, 2021
Not bad

I found this series compelling but uncomfortable at times having a 5 year old at the centre of the action. I was also left a bit disappointed by the final battle and confused by the that at the end. Finally I was left annoyed by the number of grammatical errors, a first for me when reading a Denise Grover Swank book.
Profile Image for Angela Celeste.
260 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2022
unexpected adventure

This book series was filled with action and intense emotions. I was really able to become immersed through all of them but the last. It seemed to drag on a bit and it was hard to remain committed to finishing. I had mixed emotions when finally did finish and was surprised at the end. In spite of my earlier comment, I would recommend this series.
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
551 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2017
Great story by an awesome writer! Simply could not put it down! Denise Grover Swank has a way of writing where you feel connected to the characters. You will not be disappointed with this series or anything else she writes!
19 reviews
December 22, 2017
Captivating storyline

The storyline is captivating. Author's story telling abilities are awesome.
I completed entier box set in 25 days.

If you like mystery, magic and supernatural, you will definitely like this book.
60 reviews16 followers
July 18, 2018
I just finished the 4th book and I am still reeling. Such a fantastic sci fi series. This isn't a genre I would normally pick up but because I love Denise Grover Swank, I wanted to give it a try! I LOVE Emma. You definitely should read this series!
33 reviews
June 1, 2020
Glad I read this

I read the first book a long time ago. I heard the author read it over FaceTime and I decided to buy the rest of the series. I am glad I did he has lots of twist and turns until the very end.
Profile Image for Samantha.
52 reviews
June 11, 2022
A page turner

I loved the characters and storyline. I found myself up in the late hours, reading (just one more chapter!), on edge, waiting to see what would happen next. There is so much action you won't want to put this series down!
Profile Image for nicky williams.
2 reviews
May 15, 2017
Couldn't put the book down

After reading the Rose Gardener books I wasn't sure if I would like these. But I was hooked immediately. Real page Turner.
Profile Image for Ruthie Parrish.
88 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2017
I loved this series!! I really like it when I can get the full series in a box set. I usually read it as it comes out, but a boxed set is great for gifting!
Profile Image for Linda Peart.
131 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2020
Intense!

I've just read the entire Chosen series. Wow! The back and forth. The hidden agendas. The strategizing. The final ending. Wow!. Well written.
10 reviews
December 19, 2021
Not for me

I just couldn't get interested. Nothing bad, just unable to get interested. I'll try some of her other stuff. And I need 8 more words just to say this wasn't for me
2 reviews
June 16, 2022
Couldn’t put in down!

Great series! A few plots and twists for sure! I couldn’t put these books down! Would love to see this series continue.
4 reviews
January 22, 2024
Chosen series

The series was ok. The last book was so boring, and honestly, this could have been a trilogy. I basically skimmed the whole last book.
147 reviews
October 12, 2016
No matter what DGS is writing about it is always a book that pulls you in. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading Chosen. I should have known it would have intriguing characters and an ever evolving story line. The way that each book pulls you deeper into what is happening ensures once you start the sere is you wont be satisfied until you have devoured them all!
3 reviews
October 15, 2016
Good series

This was an entertaining series. It kept me wondering "what next". I would recommend that my friends read the series.
1,404 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2016
From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Denise Grover Swank: Complete box set of THE CHOSEN series—four books and three short stories

Emma's spent the last three years trying to protect her son from unknown enemies. Everything's about to
change when a mysterious stranger offers his help.

CHOSEN--Emma will do anything to protect her precognitive son Jake, even accept help from Will, a
stranger with a dark past. But Will's been hired to deliver Emma to a powerful group. Even though the job
screams trouble, nothing prepares Will for Jake's declaration: Will is The Chosen One, prophesied
protector of Emma.

“Emergence”—(prequel) When Emma’s two-year-old son starts “seeing things” before they happen,
having her son kicked out of day care pales in comparison to the suspicious strangers showing up at her
door step.

“Homecoming”—(prequel) Will comes back from Iraq with an dishonorable discharge and struggles with
both the guilt of what he’s done and his family’s disownment.

HUNTED--As the trail to find Jake grows cold, Will realizes that Emma is displaying supernatural
abilities of her own. When they search her past, they find few answers until Raphael shows up and offers
information. But it comes at a price Emma is unwilling to pay.

“Middle Ground”—(prequel) Will and his best friend James come home from Iraq for Will’s sister’s
wedding, and Will tries to find footing when the ground beneath him shakes.

SACRIFICE--Raphael insists that he is the only one who can help Emma save her son, but he's
dangerous. Emma begins to wonder if there's someone else who can help her: Water

REDEMPTION-- The epic conclusion to the series.

**

### About the Author

***New York Times***, ***Wall Street Journal***, and ***USA Today*** bestselling author Denise Grover Swank has released over thirty novels and novellas and has sold over two million books. She writes mysteries with romance, humorous romance, light-hearted young adult romance, and urban fantasy. She lives in Blue Springs, Missouri with her three naughty dogs and six imaginative children. You can find out more about Denise at denisegroverswank.com.
Profile Image for Rhea.
244 reviews8 followers
January 29, 2015
Paranormal romance isn't my usual genre but I needed something to read after I finished Denise Grover Swank's latest Rose Gardner novel. "The Chosen" was free on Amazon so I got it not expecting I was about to be hooked. After I finished the first book, I bought the Complete Box Set. Each book in the series was better than the last. The story is gripping, suspenseful and action-packed. The paranormal story is balanced by the emotional journey of the characters. Yes, the book is a romance and a great one but the range of emotions in the book goes further - there are moral battles, struggles of guilt, anger, abandonment, betrayal, self-worth, survival and relationships besides the romance. We get to go along, not only on the ride of the main plot, but on the emotional roller coaster of each character's development. Every character is well-drawn out, multi-dimensional and interesting whether you like them or not. Each character makes you feel something. The novellas in the series are prequels and they are my favorite part because they offer us further insight into characters beyond the story. They may not be "necessary" to the main story but if you read books because you care about characters and want to understand them as more than just props to push the story along, the novellas are a must. This is such a great series and I'm so glad I got bored enough to start it. :) I'm hoping Ms. Swank will write more and continue the series because it's only one day and I'm missing these characters so much.
Profile Image for Lori Clark cook.
74 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2015
This series was my introduction to Denise Grover Swank.

In Chosen - Emma, Jake and Will are introduced in Chosen as Emma and Jake take off again, running from the "bad men" that Jake sees in his visions. This story takes you through lots of road chases and gun fights as the hero, heroine and her son try to stay one step ahead.

In Hunted - It's Emma and Will are on the hunt, trying to find Jake. He's been taken and it's the only thing Emma can focus on. This story takes us through some rough stuff all in the name of finding that little boy.

In Sacrifice - Some super natural stuff is coming to light in this book. Elemental powers in human form are fighting for the right to all power. How do Emma and Will fit into this story? Keep reading, you will find out.

Redemption - The final installment of the series finds Emma, Will and Jake all trying to perfect their powers to be the ones left standing at the end of the battle. Who will live, who will die and who will have the last laugh? It's all in here, enjoy!

Since I read the series there have been three novellas added:

Emergence is the back story for Emma. It tells how Jake came to be and how they started running from the bad men.

Homecoming is Will's back story. His return from the middle east and how he came to be working for the "bad men".

Middle Ground is also Will's story. It goes back before the school fire that got him kicked out of the Marines.
Profile Image for little 'ole me.
250 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2015
Chosen - I love Denise and her writing style for grabbing you and keeping you enthralled with the book and be prepared as you will want to buy the others books in the series!
The story of Emma Thompson and her developing relationship with Will Davenport is an interesting concept as she struggles with herself to accept the help from him when in danger and her son Jake then binding them together whether they like it or not! The paranormal theme is very interesting and i couldn't put the book down as i wanted to reach the end to find the conclusion!!
Hunted - i struggled with this storyline and at times i thought it was too out there in the world of paranormal but i kept on and it won me round and it became a book i couldn't put down again wanting to know more, now moving onto Sacrifice to continue with the series :)
Sacrifice - Sacrifice is the 3rd book In Denise Grover Swank’s “The Chosen” series. After reading the first two books in the series and falling in love with the characters and the plot twists and turns, I was anxious to read this book and get answers to many of the questions posed in Hunted. (the 2nd book). I was pleasantly surprised to discover that not only were so many answered, but even more were posed, leaving me burning through the pages to discover what would happen next.
Profile Image for Sandra Lancaster.
336 reviews
February 29, 2016
What an amazing, fantastic series! I just finished a re-read of this and was just as intrigued and absorbed in the book as the first time around. The story is fast-paced and draws you in from the very beginning. There is something for everyone: action, suspense, humor, mystery and romance. The characters are very well developed and the story told in a way that pulls you in and makes you feel you are there with the characters. It will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what is going to happen. Be prepared to feel all the emotions through this series, it will keep you on your toes.

I highly recommend this series to everyone, even if it's not your usual genre. I have read all of Denise's books and it doesn't matter the genre, they are all fantastic.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
969 reviews23 followers
January 18, 2016
This is a great set of books to read and if you haven't you might as well get the box set bc you are not going to want to put it down till the end. These are the first books I read by Denise. I have not been disappointed. The love story between Will and Emma is very heart warming and breaking. The relationship with Emma and Jake Will make you cry. I would hug my kids tighter because I just felt everything they went through. The elements will make you mad. You will lose sleep because you are not going to want to put this one down. Buckle up this book is going to take you on a ride you will never forget.
Profile Image for Heather.
277 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2016
I love the option of getting the entire series as a boxed set. It is so much easier to keep track of the reading order and the story flows much smoother. I usually don't read this genre, but I love Denise Grover Swank's writing style and the way she brings the characters to life. Her characters are so real and her writing style is so enjoyable. As far as this series, I was so glad I ventured out of my comfort zone to try something new. I was riveted. This is definitely a page-turner. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn't put it down. Another successful series!
Profile Image for Bridget.
1,242 reviews24 followers
July 2, 2016
Really enjoyed this trilogy of Emma, who is on the run with her son, Jake. They don't understand what changed but Jake is an unusual child and appears to be wanted by unknown and ruthless men. In her effort to avoid them, she moves frequently, taking basic jobs to stay ahead of her pursuers. But they seem to be finding her faster each time, so she only has days before she has to run again. Then she meets Will, and he seems to be her untrustworthy savior, who protects them multiple times. Mysteries to solve, this story is full of them. Great reading. I will be looking for more of them.
Profile Image for Angela.
325 reviews26 followers
May 10, 2016
This is the first series I had read by Denise Grover Swank. I can't remember how I found out about her but I am super glad that I did. I really enjoyed the Chosen Series and the premise of the book was really unique. I enjoyed Emma and Will and their tumultuous relationship. The series is gripping, entertaining, and has you on the edge of your seat through every book. I heard a rumor that this series might get picked up again and continued. God I hope so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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