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readingundertheradar's review against another edition
4.0
The book is split up into parts, and that's done really well. It wouldn't make sense if there weren't distinct divides at different points in the story. And naturally, it would make sense for the parts to pick up as you went further into the book, but that's where my disappointment fell. There was so much world-building done in part one, the part that introduced the characters and the town and the Heist and basically what everything was, that it made me much more concerned with this world than what happened in parts two and on. And there was so much detail about the society itself and how it worked, and how they stayed populated and had a government and how food worked, but it didn't bog me down with too much information all at once. By the end of part one, I was super intrigued and settled into this world, and then everything changed.
Jumping from part to part was good, but it confused and disoriented me at the same time. I got tired at learning about each new thing that was happening, and I got tired of all the information dumps and expository chunks that were needed to keep the reader in the know about what was going on.
The whole premise itself is really interesting, that the idea of a society that has no idea where its citizens are going to. It also reminded me a lot of Divergent, which makes much more sense if you've read both, but I won't go into any more detail for fear of spoiling it.
The big issue that surrounds this book is, yep, the main character. So, after getting about midway through the book, I started to hear some backlash against Gray, saying he was an irritating main character, people didn't like him, he was selfish and immature, etc. Here's my problem with that — do all MCs have to be likable? NO. They are human! I loved that Gray struggled with behaving like an "adult" because really, he is 17, and trying to be a teenager in the middle of a society where he might be gone the next day and doesn't know what's going to happen to him. That's difficult! I would not want to be in that situation.
So yes, I did like Gray, and even if I didn't, that wouldn't make the book any less likable, I had other issues with it besides him.
Go leave comments at http://www.happybookloversblog.com/2013/12/taken.html to tell me what you think about likable MCs!
Jumping from part to part was good, but it confused and disoriented me at the same time. I got tired at learning about each new thing that was happening, and I got tired of all the information dumps and expository chunks that were needed to keep the reader in the know about what was going on.
The whole premise itself is really interesting, that the idea of a society that has no idea where its citizens are going to. It also reminded me a lot of Divergent, which makes much more sense if you've read both, but I won't go into any more detail for fear of spoiling it.
The big issue that surrounds this book is, yep, the main character. So, after getting about midway through the book, I started to hear some backlash against Gray, saying he was an irritating main character, people didn't like him, he was selfish and immature, etc. Here's my problem with that — do all MCs have to be likable? NO. They are human! I loved that Gray struggled with behaving like an "adult" because really, he is 17, and trying to be a teenager in the middle of a society where he might be gone the next day and doesn't know what's going to happen to him. That's difficult! I would not want to be in that situation.
So yes, I did like Gray, and even if I didn't, that wouldn't make the book any less likable, I had other issues with it besides him.
Go leave comments at http://www.happybookloversblog.com/2013/12/taken.html to tell me what you think about likable MCs!
suzannedix's review against another edition
4.0
Gray is a 17 year old boy who has grown up in dusty, dry Claysoot. His village is poor but they all make do since there is absolutely no way they can venture past the Wall. The one thing they can not abide by however is the Heist. The Heist happens on each village boy's eighteenth birthday. The boys literally just disappear into thin air. Blaine, Gray's brother, is the most recent victim of the Heist and Gray is devastated by his loss. The Heist has been going on in Claysoot for generations but it is only until Gray discovers a powerful secret, that he is actually Blaine's twin and should have therefore been Heisted as well, that he dares to seek answers to how and why all the men are taken. With the help of his girlfriend, Emma, she and Gray escape over the Wall and find themselves immediately embroiled in a civil war between the Rebels and Union Central, the city beyond the Wall. This is an utterly strange new world compared to isolated Claysoot and Gray and Emma have to learn quickly how to adapt and who they can trust. Many mysteries of the Heist and the Wall are revealed though just as many new questions arise in this interesting story.
Readers will enjoy this dystopian story though it does not read so very different from the many already out there. The concept of the Heist is unique though the love triangle between Gray, Emma and Bree is so typical that it makes for a lackluster plot. Recommended if students are still clamoring for science fiction/dystopians.
Fans of The Maze Runner, Legend and Divergent may want to give this one a try.
Recommended grades 8 and up. No language but there is a small amount of sexual content albeit vaguely described.
Readers will enjoy this dystopian story though it does not read so very different from the many already out there. The concept of the Heist is unique though the love triangle between Gray, Emma and Bree is so typical that it makes for a lackluster plot. Recommended if students are still clamoring for science fiction/dystopians.
Fans of The Maze Runner, Legend and Divergent may want to give this one a try.
Recommended grades 8 and up. No language but there is a small amount of sexual content albeit vaguely described.
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Hmmm, coming and glancing at the reviews and see many negative ones from people who didn't care for this. I really liked it. Not a 5-star favorite, but it kept me interested and I was happy the next book was available for immediate download from my library ... I'm continuing on.
I may have a slight prejudice ... the main character's name is Gray, and that's my husband's name ;)
This was an interesting world, or worlds, as things are not all they same. Had shades similar to the Divergent and Maze Runner series (this is only a test) ...
I may have a slight prejudice ... the main character's name is Gray, and that's my husband's name ;)
This was an interesting world, or worlds, as things are not all they same. Had shades similar to the Divergent and Maze Runner series (this is only a test) ...
otakuish's review against another edition
5.0
Oh. My. Goodness. After my long streak of reading mediocre dystopian novels, I was ready to throw in the towel and just give up. I was about five seconds away from ripping my hair out, if I had to read about another annoying female MC in a post-apocalyptic world....And then I finally read this book. And the heavens cleared up, and the sun shone through and angels started singing.
I. Loved. This. I LOVED IT. I loved the fast pace, the characters, the just right amount of plot building. I have no idea why some reviewers didn't enjoy it.
Let me just say, it's been a lonnnnggg time since I've read a dystopian novel with a male MC. And Gray was spectacular. I've seen a few reviews about how people think Gray is an asshole (especially for hitting a girl...are you guys fucking kidding me? That girl was being a bitch, and totally deserved a punch. I'm a girl, and I still think she deserved to get socked. I'm all about equalism. I'm 99% sure that if the MC had been a female who had punched a male, everyone would be applauding it.)
There's one thing I didn't enjoy about Gray and that really comes up in the end, and I don't want to ruin much for people so I'll keep it simple. I really hate love triangles. I could have done without this one. There was honestly no reason to have certain things happen, but it will probably be a theme in the second book, so I suppose it's a necessary evil. Ugh.
As for the plot. Well done to Erin Bowman. Over the years, I've discovered that one of the things I hate most about dystopian novels is the pacing. I'm ready for the book to be over about midway through. That was not the case for Taken. I loved the pace. It was brisk, and to the point. Things happened, characters reacted to those things and the story just kept push push pushing forward, and it was brilliant. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, and I also didn't feel like I would fall asleep while things were dragged out.
The story's 4 parts all held their own, but I have to say I loved the beginning more than the ending. It starts out very strong, and I loved all the parts up until Of Divisions. Didn't enjoy it as much as the rest of the book. (Probably because I hate people dying. And revenge. And relationships based on revenge.)
I'm a suck-y reviewer though, and I've probably just written down a whole bunch of random spaztic things which will make no sense, but I'm begging to anyone who reads this: READ TAKEN.
I mean it, really. Give Taken a chance. I'm so glad I found this, and am already planning on reading the next book (even though I dread the awkwardness of the love triangle that will follow...seriously, can't I read one post apocalyptic or dystopian book without the MC's having to worry about which person to chose? Don't the have bigger fish to fry, like I dunno...staying alive?!!?!? *I'm looking at you Hunger Games*).
My wild tangent aside, please do read Taken. Enjoy the thrill of this novel journey. Do try to read it in one sitting. I would have, but alas life got in the way and it took me several days.
I. Loved. This. I LOVED IT. I loved the fast pace, the characters, the just right amount of plot building. I have no idea why some reviewers didn't enjoy it.
Let me just say, it's been a lonnnnggg time since I've read a dystopian novel with a male MC. And Gray was spectacular. I've seen a few reviews about how people think Gray is an asshole (especially for hitting a girl...are you guys fucking kidding me? That girl was being a bitch, and totally deserved a punch. I'm a girl, and I still think she deserved to get socked. I'm all about equalism. I'm 99% sure that if the MC had been a female who had punched a male, everyone would be applauding it.)
There's one thing I didn't enjoy about Gray and that really comes up in the end, and I don't want to ruin much for people so I'll keep it simple. I really hate love triangles. I could have done without this one. There was honestly no reason to have certain things happen, but it will probably be a theme in the second book, so I suppose it's a necessary evil. Ugh.
As for the plot. Well done to Erin Bowman. Over the years, I've discovered that one of the things I hate most about dystopian novels is the pacing. I'm ready for the book to be over about midway through. That was not the case for Taken. I loved the pace. It was brisk, and to the point. Things happened, characters reacted to those things and the story just kept push push pushing forward, and it was brilliant. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, and I also didn't feel like I would fall asleep while things were dragged out.
The story's 4 parts all held their own, but I have to say I loved the beginning more than the ending. It starts out very strong, and I loved all the parts up until Of Divisions. Didn't enjoy it as much as the rest of the book. (Probably because I hate people dying. And revenge. And relationships based on revenge.)
I'm a suck-y reviewer though, and I've probably just written down a whole bunch of random spaztic things which will make no sense, but I'm begging to anyone who reads this: READ TAKEN.
I mean it, really. Give Taken a chance. I'm so glad I found this, and am already planning on reading the next book (even though I dread the awkwardness of the love triangle that will follow...seriously, can't I read one post apocalyptic or dystopian book without the MC's having to worry about which person to chose? Don't the have bigger fish to fry, like I dunno...staying alive?!!?!? *I'm looking at you Hunger Games*).
My wild tangent aside, please do read Taken. Enjoy the thrill of this novel journey. Do try to read it in one sitting. I would have, but alas life got in the way and it took me several days.
heidi_boyles's review against another edition
3.0
I had such high expectations for Taken and in some ways they were met. I enjoyed the story, I just needed more. The characters were enjoyable, I just wanted more. I will read the Fallen as I do want to see what happens. I am hoping it's a little more exciting.
heisereads's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I enjoyed this story, there were unexpected parts and more to it than it seemed at first. There were some issues I had with not totally buying into some of the relationship parts - it seemed a little surface level, and those elements pulled me out of the story. The larger parts of the story and this world that was created after the wars and the experiments and what is going on there were intriguing. I enjoyed it enough to be looking forward to reading the sequel.
juliescalzo's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a cross between Maze Runner & Divergent. It was definitely a page turner, but it didn't necessarily effect me in any way. Maybe because I feel like I've read it before. And, of course, it's a trilogy, so there are 2 more to go. I'm not sure if I'll read the next 2.
marireadsabook's review against another edition
3.0
Story was a quick read, but predictable, cheesy, and definitely a product of its time. More like 2.75. Fast paced, meh characters, odd love triangle. Won’t continue with the series probably.
readingwithpapillons's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely amazing!! Loved it so much! 5 star!
- there is no date to when I finished it because stupid me deleted it from my bloody read shelve!-
- there is no date to when I finished it because stupid me deleted it from my bloody read shelve!-
rsarnelli's review against another edition
4.0
After reading such mixed/negative reviews for this book, I didn't expect to like Taken as much as I did. It’s not a perfect book - there are some plot holes and inconsistencies, and the pacing seemed a bit off - but I found it an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, dystopian debut.
I didn't find Gray all that likeable at first, and I thought that was going to break the book for me right in the first few chapters. He’s rash, reckless, selfish and impulsive, but he’s not downright horrible. He grew on me throughout the book. Is he “swoon-worthy”? No way. But I didn't mind him as a narrator.
Despite its imperfections I enjoyed Taken, so I don’t really want to nitpick at it too much. I’ll definitely pick up the sequel, and maybe even the novella at some point.
I didn't find Gray all that likeable at first, and I thought that was going to break the book for me right in the first few chapters. He’s rash, reckless, selfish and impulsive
Spoiler
(and he beats up a girl in the first chapter)Despite its imperfections I enjoyed Taken, so I don’t really want to nitpick at it too much. I’ll definitely pick up the sequel, and maybe even the novella at some point.