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The Billionaire #1
Kidnap
Kidnap is the first action packed thriller in 'The Billionaire Series' featuring Tom and Lela Kennedy.
Be one of the first to get to know the unlikely brother and sister duo as they fight their way across the globe with the help of their well connected friends to overcome the might of an extremely powerful and resourceful enemy.
Don't miss 'Assassin', the next exciting installment in 'The Billionaire Series'
Be one of the first to get to know the unlikely brother and sister duo as they fight their way across the globe with the help of their well connected friends to overcome the might of an extremely powerful and resourceful enemy.
Don't miss 'Assassin', the next exciting installment in 'The Billionaire Series'
Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2010
31 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 23, 2012
I was given the opportunity to read this book for free through Goodreads R2R. My review is completely unbiased.
Ok, I was slightly hesitant to read this book because I was afraid it might be a book version of Spy Kids or something. But it was a fantastic read! McDonald does a great job of character development and description. You’re immediately introduced to The Kennedy Family, a slight twist of humor for us Americans; because they happen to be the world’s 3rd richest family with connections to everyone and everything just like JFK’s family. But I digress, Donald and Rachel are Tom and Lela’s parents and Saki is Lela’s dad. Yes you read that correctly, Lela and Tom are not biologically related, yet Rachel and Saki care the Kennedy name as well. If you want to know how that happened, you’re going to have to read the book…..
The lifestyle described is amazing, children given everything in life who are not spoiled. They each have their own unique talents. Tom loves to fly planes, and knows everything about them; while Lela is one of the greatest fighters the world has never seen. The teenagers are given the opportunity to go to The Academy; a brand new school for the richest, most influential parents in both politics and the business world to send their children. It’s set in an island off of Africa which is guarded by an active military base with over 200 well trained soldiers to watch over the children. These children represent the future of the entire world. The Academy was built to teach these children and teenagers not only the fundamentals of a regular curriculum, but also business acumen, politics, formal etiquette for every part of the world. What could go wrong with all of these soldiers, and navy patrol to watch over these children?
Tom and Lela, after failed kidnapping attempts are allowed to go to the Academy. They are ecstatic; it has the latest electronic gadgets, interesting classes, restaurants where they dine, and their friends from all over the world. As Tom and Lela grew up their father, Donald took them with him on his business trips all over the world. They played with the children of whomever he was meeting with. To say their network of friends are “the most powerful people in the world “is accurate, well at least their parents are. It’s a good thing to, because another attempt is underway to kidnap the Tom and Lela once again. The villain has millions of dollars at his disposal, so money is no object to put this plan into motion.
Unfortunately for him and his team, he has underestimated the intelligence, cunning, and network of friends these 2 children have. It becomes a race for them to elude their kidnappers and try to get home before their parents are killed. Can they make it in time, or will they get caught in their own trap?
This book is intended for YA, but as a “grown up” I loved it! McDonald gives all of his characters enough depth that you feel like you’re right there with them. It was so interesting to see this extensive network of friends that the children had developed over the years, and how smart all of the children really are. Yes, I know it’s slightly unrealistic, but at the same time it does make me wonder to what extent those types of connections exist, and if the teenagers would be smart enough about their parents business to do something like this.
I loved the book so much I’m going to download the 2nd book through Amazon on my iPad, since Barnes and Noble doesn’t carry it!! Shame on them for allowing this to slip through the cracks.
Grammatically I only noticed 2 errors, and it had to do with the final letter in a word both times. Other than that, it was flawless so all you have to think about it is when will you have enough time to sit down and get back to reading! If you’re looking for an action books, with lots of twists and turns as well as humor look no further. This is an absolute great escape!
Ok, I was slightly hesitant to read this book because I was afraid it might be a book version of Spy Kids or something. But it was a fantastic read! McDonald does a great job of character development and description. You’re immediately introduced to The Kennedy Family, a slight twist of humor for us Americans; because they happen to be the world’s 3rd richest family with connections to everyone and everything just like JFK’s family. But I digress, Donald and Rachel are Tom and Lela’s parents and Saki is Lela’s dad. Yes you read that correctly, Lela and Tom are not biologically related, yet Rachel and Saki care the Kennedy name as well. If you want to know how that happened, you’re going to have to read the book…..
The lifestyle described is amazing, children given everything in life who are not spoiled. They each have their own unique talents. Tom loves to fly planes, and knows everything about them; while Lela is one of the greatest fighters the world has never seen. The teenagers are given the opportunity to go to The Academy; a brand new school for the richest, most influential parents in both politics and the business world to send their children. It’s set in an island off of Africa which is guarded by an active military base with over 200 well trained soldiers to watch over the children. These children represent the future of the entire world. The Academy was built to teach these children and teenagers not only the fundamentals of a regular curriculum, but also business acumen, politics, formal etiquette for every part of the world. What could go wrong with all of these soldiers, and navy patrol to watch over these children?
Tom and Lela, after failed kidnapping attempts are allowed to go to the Academy. They are ecstatic; it has the latest electronic gadgets, interesting classes, restaurants where they dine, and their friends from all over the world. As Tom and Lela grew up their father, Donald took them with him on his business trips all over the world. They played with the children of whomever he was meeting with. To say their network of friends are “the most powerful people in the world “is accurate, well at least their parents are. It’s a good thing to, because another attempt is underway to kidnap the Tom and Lela once again. The villain has millions of dollars at his disposal, so money is no object to put this plan into motion.
Unfortunately for him and his team, he has underestimated the intelligence, cunning, and network of friends these 2 children have. It becomes a race for them to elude their kidnappers and try to get home before their parents are killed. Can they make it in time, or will they get caught in their own trap?
This book is intended for YA, but as a “grown up” I loved it! McDonald gives all of his characters enough depth that you feel like you’re right there with them. It was so interesting to see this extensive network of friends that the children had developed over the years, and how smart all of the children really are. Yes, I know it’s slightly unrealistic, but at the same time it does make me wonder to what extent those types of connections exist, and if the teenagers would be smart enough about their parents business to do something like this.
I loved the book so much I’m going to download the 2nd book through Amazon on my iPad, since Barnes and Noble doesn’t carry it!! Shame on them for allowing this to slip through the cracks.
Grammatically I only noticed 2 errors, and it had to do with the final letter in a word both times. Other than that, it was flawless so all you have to think about it is when will you have enough time to sit down and get back to reading! If you’re looking for an action books, with lots of twists and turns as well as humor look no further. This is an absolute great escape!
July 11, 2012
This was a really exciting, adventureous, and action packed story! Right from the begining, the author pulls you into a story that you can't wait to find out what happens. The Kennedy's are a wealthy unconventional family with a very talented young daughter and very smart son, Lela and Tom. Although the story is about the family, our central character's are these two children, who despite what others think, can handle their own better than most adults. The story is fast paced and keeps you going with plenty of surprises. I especially loved the ending and will start the second one soon!
December 28, 2011
Great book! I loved all the action and I can't wait for the third book.
July 21, 2022
3.5/5
The first book in an action packed YA thriller duology, Kidnap was a fun read. There is action everywhere in this book, and it makes the story fly by.
It's a shorter one, clocking in at 257 pages, and the writing was very simple to get into. This book is fast paced, despite nearly half of it being taken to establish characters and settings.
I typically don't read YA, but I do enjoy thrillers, and this one way definitely thrilling. Fight scenes a plenty, this book does not slow down. There were also a couple of twists in the book that I felt were done quite well. I didn't see them coming, and they had a strong impact on the plot.
The reason I am taking off a star and a half is because of how utterly unrealistic this book was. I understand it is fiction, but some of the scenes and plot aspects were just ridiculous. A girl in her early teens who can throw punches so hard that she physically lifts grown men off their feet? One of the worlds biggest airplanes gets stolen and nobody notices for a few days? Said airplane ends up being flown across the world by a 13 year old?
These moments pulled me out of the story, as I felt the characters never really were in any danger. They'd always be able to pull out something miraculous, so I went through this book feeling like there wouldn't be any consequences. When feeling like this, it became impossible for any tension to be built.
Overall, a fun and quick read that was a solid debut by this author.
The first book in an action packed YA thriller duology, Kidnap was a fun read. There is action everywhere in this book, and it makes the story fly by.
It's a shorter one, clocking in at 257 pages, and the writing was very simple to get into. This book is fast paced, despite nearly half of it being taken to establish characters and settings.
I typically don't read YA, but I do enjoy thrillers, and this one way definitely thrilling. Fight scenes a plenty, this book does not slow down. There were also a couple of twists in the book that I felt were done quite well. I didn't see them coming, and they had a strong impact on the plot.
The reason I am taking off a star and a half is because of how utterly unrealistic this book was. I understand it is fiction, but some of the scenes and plot aspects were just ridiculous. A girl in her early teens who can throw punches so hard that she physically lifts grown men off their feet? One of the worlds biggest airplanes gets stolen and nobody notices for a few days? Said airplane ends up being flown across the world by a 13 year old?
These moments pulled me out of the story, as I felt the characters never really were in any danger. They'd always be able to pull out something miraculous, so I went through this book feeling like there wouldn't be any consequences. When feeling like this, it became impossible for any tension to be built.
Overall, a fun and quick read that was a solid debut by this author.
December 23, 2016
Far fetched
What can I say. Characters were ok, story and plots were fair but unreasonable. Not to sure business men haul their kids around while doing business and introduce them to the children of the world. I use to remember phone numbers, now I push faces to make calls on me cell. But our 13 year old hero remembers names and numbers of people around the world, developed plans, logistics planes, cars, weapons and people. Our hero saves 4000 kids in 4 different countries and finds time to rescue his loved ones along the way.
What can I say. Characters were ok, story and plots were fair but unreasonable. Not to sure business men haul their kids around while doing business and introduce them to the children of the world. I use to remember phone numbers, now I push faces to make calls on me cell. But our 13 year old hero remembers names and numbers of people around the world, developed plans, logistics planes, cars, weapons and people. Our hero saves 4000 kids in 4 different countries and finds time to rescue his loved ones along the way.
March 4, 2022
Kids do wonders
This is a great story of what bright children can do. Yes, they have a lot of help from their contacts made through their parents, but they used very ingenious methods to get what they needed.
This is a great story of what bright children can do. Yes, they have a lot of help from their contacts made through their parents, but they used very ingenious methods to get what they needed.
June 6, 2021
Shit kids book but great
August 3, 2021
Kidnap
Excellent book although somewhat. Children' 2 13 years old are capable of. Maybe unbelievable.but made a good read and like this author
Excellent book although somewhat. Children' 2 13 years old are capable of. Maybe unbelievable.but made a good read and like this author
October 31, 2021
Action packed
A very enjoyable read. Cleaned my palate from other fiction. Ready to read the next in the series. Refreshing. Thank you author..
A very enjoyable read. Cleaned my palate from other fiction. Ready to read the next in the series. Refreshing. Thank you author..
July 3, 2012
Kidnap is the first book in the YA action adventure series, The Empire Series, written by Murray McDonald. I read this as a R2R with The Nexus! As always, a special thank you to the mods and author for allowing me to participate.
The Review:
I can honestly say I’ve never read anything quite like this book. It was an intricately woven, complicated plot with lots of action, adventure and really smart, connected kids! It was like Richie Rich and Ninja Assassins all rolled into one. Lela and Tom were brilliant as the heroin and hero. Their combined fighting skill, intelligence and resourcefulness created the perfect plan to defeat the bad guys and allowed the good guys to come out on top. I loved the writing style and the cast of intriguing characters from all walks of life left me thrilled and excited to see what happened next. The authors’ knowledge of flight, gadgetry, weaponry, landscape and culture kept me entertained as the antagonist and protagonist plans were globally hatched and executed.
Downside:
My only complaint would be how much was going on at any one given time. Though there was a constant stream of action and events happening full force throughout the entirety of the book, it was a bit daunting to put the book down and pick it back up later, trying to remember what just happened. I’d often found myself going back through to re-read a prior chapter to remember where I was in the story. This could be easily circumvented by merely reading the story in one sitting, but unfortunately, this time around I had many interruptions.
Regardless, this book was definitely one of a kind and a terrific read!
The Wrap Up:
I was highly impressed with the detail and overall story arc of this book. Im definitely a fan and can’t wait to read the second book in the series, Assassin (The Empire Series - Book 2). I want to see more from these characters and their next adventure!
The Review:
I can honestly say I’ve never read anything quite like this book. It was an intricately woven, complicated plot with lots of action, adventure and really smart, connected kids! It was like Richie Rich and Ninja Assassins all rolled into one. Lela and Tom were brilliant as the heroin and hero. Their combined fighting skill, intelligence and resourcefulness created the perfect plan to defeat the bad guys and allowed the good guys to come out on top. I loved the writing style and the cast of intriguing characters from all walks of life left me thrilled and excited to see what happened next. The authors’ knowledge of flight, gadgetry, weaponry, landscape and culture kept me entertained as the antagonist and protagonist plans were globally hatched and executed.
Downside:
My only complaint would be how much was going on at any one given time. Though there was a constant stream of action and events happening full force throughout the entirety of the book, it was a bit daunting to put the book down and pick it back up later, trying to remember what just happened. I’d often found myself going back through to re-read a prior chapter to remember where I was in the story. This could be easily circumvented by merely reading the story in one sitting, but unfortunately, this time around I had many interruptions.
Regardless, this book was definitely one of a kind and a terrific read!
The Wrap Up:
I was highly impressed with the detail and overall story arc of this book. Im definitely a fan and can’t wait to read the second book in the series, Assassin (The Empire Series - Book 2). I want to see more from these characters and their next adventure!
July 9, 2012
I received this from the Goodreads group The Nexus as part of their ARR program. Overall I really enjoyed this book. The author was very good at keeping the readers attention, the characters were for the most part very engaging and the plot was very entertaining. I didn't want the story to end as it was very hard to put down. I will definitely check out the next in the series (Assassin). This is a great YA book and I expect to see many more from this series. My only complaints about this book is that there was so much going on at one time that sometimes it was a little hard to follow without going back and rereading a passage occasionally; and Reapers repeated indignation over the abrupt ending to phone calls between himself and his 'client' was a little odd.
November 23, 2015
5 Star adventure
This book may be a young adult genre, however it is one of the best I've read and I'm 64 years young!!! I've already have book 2 and I plan on reading it this evening!! I do hope Murray McDonald will continue this series with Saki, Lela, Tom , Donald and Rachel. The only drawback is I get so into the plot and characters I read until I completed the story.. too quickly.
This book may be a young adult genre, however it is one of the best I've read and I'm 64 years young!!! I've already have book 2 and I plan on reading it this evening!! I do hope Murray McDonald will continue this series with Saki, Lela, Tom , Donald and Rachel. The only drawback is I get so into the plot and characters I read until I completed the story.. too quickly.
August 5, 2012
This book is considered YA, but I must say, anyone, at any age, would like this fabulous action/adventure story. This book has more action then many adult thrillers and a very intricate and exciting plot. Thoroughly enjoyable for avid action fans at any age.
July 11, 2015
Good action adventure story. I picked up as a Kindle prime free book. Enjoyable I did not realize this was a YA book until I read the first couple of chapters. Have enjoyed other books by the author and will continue to follow him in the future
March 3, 2016
Kidnap review
Kidnap is an excellent fast-paced action thriller, the first in The Billionaire series written by author Murray McDonald. It's billed as being for young adults, but I think all ages will enjoy it.
Kidnap is an excellent fast-paced action thriller, the first in The Billionaire series written by author Murray McDonald. It's billed as being for young adults, but I think all ages will enjoy it.
December 18, 2015
A great story and an overall fantastic book. Very exciting!
November 15, 2016
Excellent Story
Fast paced story and action. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Hard to put down. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Fast paced story and action. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Hard to put down. Can't wait to read more from this author.
January 3, 2017
Very impressive story line!!! I was initially very skeptical about the story line, but could not put the book down! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews