21 Nov 2010

STOLEN.

STOLEN by KELLEY ARMSTRONG.

Elena Michaels is a wanted woman. Ten years ago she was transformed into a werewolf by her lover. Her transformation makes her powerful. But in the wrong hands, it also makes her deadly.

And now, just as she's coming to terms with it, a group of scientists learns of her existence. They're hunting her down, and Elena is about to run straight into their trap. But they haven't reckoned on Elena's adoptive family, her Pack, who will stop at nothing to get her back.

They haven't reckoned on Elena, either. And that's a very big mistake.
...... From the outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (from the prologue): He hated the forest. Hated its eternal pockets of damp and darkness.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: "Now, I wasn't worried he'd do anything. I was very strict on that point. No devouring classmates." Jeremy rolled his eyes. "Other parents warn their kids not to talk to strangers. I had to warn mine not to eat them."

Ok, I've read these books in a rather strange way - book 3, DIME STORE MAGIC, first and now book 2. Who knows which of the remaining Otherworld books I'll read next.

Did reading part 3 first in any way ruin my enjoyment of part 2, Stolen? I'd have to say no though of course I could work out certain plot developments by knowing which of the characters made it to the next installment.

Perhaps even more enjoyable then Dime Store Magic - it was certainly far more humorous (but maybe that's just werewolves for you) - Stolen was much more pacier and action packed though I have to warn those of a squeamish nature that it was, in places (quite a lot of places) quite bloody and gory.

As I've said before characters usually make or break a novel for me. No matter how good the plot, get the characters wrong and, generally speaking, I don't enjoy the book. Stolen's characters, I'm therefore pleased to say, made this story for me. I enjoyed most of the characters in Dime Store Magic but I loved the characters in this. Especially Elena who was one gutsy woman/wolf. Quick witted and mentally as well as physically strong she was everything I liked in a 'leading lady'. however, equally fascinating for me was Ty Winsloe, the villain of the story who, like a pantomime baddie, I wanted to get his just deserts all the way throughout the book.

Recommended to those who like their supernaturals stories a bit more grown up, I thought Stolen an enjoyable read that, once started, I found difficult to put down.

Stolen was a library book read.

15 comments:

Misha said...

I haven'r read a book by Kelley Armstrong. So thanks for the review! I do need a more "grown-up" supernatural book. lol

dr.antony said...

I was reminded of "The lady Hawk".

Oddyoddyo13 said...

It sounded pretty interesting...haha, amazing how fantasy/paranormal has risen in the past couple of years!

Thanks for the review!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

I haven't yet read any of Kelley Armstrong's books. Having read your review, I think I should get & read them!

budh.aaah said...

I think I am gonna love this one :)

Golden Eagle said...

I've never read anything by Kelley Armstrong; werewolves are so ubiquitous these days that I've rather lost interesting in them. But this book does intrigue me--I'll remember it. Thank you for the review!

SG said...

Reading Part 3 first and then Part 2 and then Part 1 is fine nowadays. Don't they call it prequel!

Ashlie Swainston said...

I think its funny that you read # first then 2, I've done that in a series before. It changes the perspective totally, but it doesn't always ruin the series. I think i would like Kelly Armstrong, thank you for the review.

Ashlie

Suko said...

The Memorable Moment is quite funny. I think I'd enjoy Stolen.

Kelly said...

I couldn't help but smile at this line:

"it was certainly far more humorous (but maybe that's just werewolves for you)"

I was certainly drawn more to the wolves in the Twilight books than the vampires. Not as much so in the Sookie Stackhouse books.

Gina said...

Interesting how reading them out of order is not affecting your enjoyment of them....definitely speaks to the author's story telling ability.

Willa said...

Never heard of this author before but I could be quite interested in reading this one, it sounds cool. I love it when the heroine is a cool chick and Elena sounds like one :-) Great review.

The Bookworm said...

Characters make or break the book for me also.
This sounds like a good series.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

Ashlie Swainston said...

I saw your comment on the Giveaway, but did you enter? I just wanna make sure because I had you in ind specifically when I was making this contest international!

Ashlie @ Bookish Novelties

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Oh I read book...11? I think it was 10 or 11 or something like that. But I really enjoyed it and got the first one of the series. I have it on my shelf to get to and the series all sounds amazing. I've heard great things of it and so glad to hear you enjoyed it too. :) Thanks!