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Quest for Truth #1
Taken
Five—Four—Three—Two—One!” “We’re out of here!” Suit up! Jump into hyper flight with the four Wikk kids! Forced into a high stakes hunt for their missing parents by the sinister Cpt. Vedrik, the siblings’ only hope is their parents’ Archeos e-journal. Can Tiffany decipher the clues within it? As time runs out, it’s all up to Oliver and his Federation training to fly the Phoenix and protect his crew. But twins Mason and Austin endanger the mission when they unexpectedly meet . . . the blue boy! The Quest for Truth series unfolds as the four Wikk kids are thrust into a desperate race to find the mysterious planet Ursprung and stop the Übel renegades from misusing its long-lost secrets. Ancient cities, treacherous villains, high-tech gadgets, the Phoenix—encounter all of these and more on this futuristic, interplanetary adventure!
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
27 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Brock D. Eastman
37 books84 followersBrock Eastman has a degree in Marketing and works for David C. Cook leading digital product and content development. Previously he was a producer and podcast host for Adventures in Odyssey. He is the author of The Quest for Truth series, Bedtime on Noah’s Ark, Daddy’s Favorite Sound, Mommy’s Favorite Smell, Imagination Station series; Showdown with the Shepherd, Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop, and Edge of the Galaxy. He writes feature stories and the Dr. Fizzlebop recurring column for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. He loves playing games and cooking with his wife and reading stories to his four kids each night, who have also been co-authors on several of his projects.
Bibliography
Taken (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2011)
HowlSage (Destiny Image 2011, Crimson Pulse Media 2020)
Imagination Station: Showdown with the Shepherd (Tyndale & Focus on the Family 2011)
Risk (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2012)
Coming Storm (Crimson Pulse Media 2012)
Unleash (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2013)
Tangle (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2015)
Rainbow Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2015)
Count, Hippo Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2015)
Happy Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2015)
Alpha Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2016)
Wasted Wood (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Waste Deep (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Truthful Test (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Davey and the Mech (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Hope (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2019)
Daddy’s Favorite Sound (Harvest House Kids 2019)
Mommy’s Favorite Smell (Harvest House Kids 2019)
Bedtime on Noah’s Ark (Harvest House Kids 2020)
Afraid of the Light (Crimson Pulse Media 2021)
Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop (Tyndale Kids 2021)
Welcome to Hippopolis (Crimson Pulse Media 2022)
Obby the Obot (Crimson Pulse Media 2022)
Edge of the Galaxy (Tyndale & Focus on the Family 2023)
St. Nicking at Night (Crimson Pulse Media 2023)
Bibliography
Taken (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2011)
HowlSage (Destiny Image 2011, Crimson Pulse Media 2020)
Imagination Station: Showdown with the Shepherd (Tyndale & Focus on the Family 2011)
Risk (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2012)
Coming Storm (Crimson Pulse Media 2012)
Unleash (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2013)
Tangle (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2015)
Rainbow Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2015)
Count, Hippo Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2015)
Happy Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2015)
Alpha Hippo (Crimson Pulse Media 2016)
Wasted Wood (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Waste Deep (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Truthful Test (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Davey and the Mech (Crimson Pulse Media 2017)
Hope (P&R Publishing & Focus on the Family 2019)
Daddy’s Favorite Sound (Harvest House Kids 2019)
Mommy’s Favorite Smell (Harvest House Kids 2019)
Bedtime on Noah’s Ark (Harvest House Kids 2020)
Afraid of the Light (Crimson Pulse Media 2021)
Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop (Tyndale Kids 2021)
Welcome to Hippopolis (Crimson Pulse Media 2022)
Obby the Obot (Crimson Pulse Media 2022)
Edge of the Galaxy (Tyndale & Focus on the Family 2023)
St. Nicking at Night (Crimson Pulse Media 2023)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 2, 2018
I just love this series so much!!! <3
This isn't anywhere close to the first time I've read them (although it's the first time I've listened to the audiobooks), but up until now, I haven't given them a proper review, which I will remedy now. Strike that--there probably won't be anything proper about this review, judging from the fact that all my words seem to have been replaced by hearts and smiley faces.
Just--this series, you guys! I almost didn't pull it off the library shelf; I accidentally started in the middle of the series; I had a hard time getting into the style for the first couple of chapters. Seriously, my relationship with these books should have been doomed from the start. But I absolutely love them!!!
First off--good Christian sci-fi. Let me say that again. Good. Christian. Sci-fi. I never knew such a thing existed until I found this series. (This was before I also discovered the Firmament books, but I digress...) This book is probably the lightest of the series on the Christian themes, just because it's the very beginning of the quest, and there aren't nearly enough pieces to start putting together yet. But trust me, it's laying the groundwork, and there are amazing things to come.
Second--the plot. Talk about keeping you on the edge of your seat! Every time the scene switches, I cheer and groan at the same time, because yes, I want to get back to the other characters! but no, I have to know what happens here, too! Not to mention--spaceships. And spaceship chases. And a galactic quest to rescue kidnapped parents from a sinister and mysterious group of soldiers while discovering clues to a buried history... Does it get any more epic? I mean seriously?
Third--the characters. I mean, first--the characters. I mean, I've put them third, but they should be first. It was the characters that first drew me in to this story, and they engrossed me so completely that I actually forgot I had ever had trouble with the style. (Trust me, this is huge; I have never had a book do that before this series.) The characters are diverse and unique, not perfect by any means, but completely relatable. And the sibling relationships--I seriously feel like someone must have had spy cameras planted in my house growing up. That's honestly how real they seem. I identify so much with Oliver, which is strange considering that I'm not anything close to a seventeen-year-old boy. But I have definitely been in the older-sibling-trying-to-make-important-decisions-while-your-siblings-are-debating-your-leadership role! And this book just absolutely nails it!
So here's my overall reaction to this series. Read the library's copies just about to death. Bought my own. Am now buying the audiobooks. Don't regret it for a single minute. :D
Highly recommended!
This isn't anywhere close to the first time I've read them (although it's the first time I've listened to the audiobooks), but up until now, I haven't given them a proper review, which I will remedy now. Strike that--there probably won't be anything proper about this review, judging from the fact that all my words seem to have been replaced by hearts and smiley faces.
Just--this series, you guys! I almost didn't pull it off the library shelf; I accidentally started in the middle of the series; I had a hard time getting into the style for the first couple of chapters. Seriously, my relationship with these books should have been doomed from the start. But I absolutely love them!!!
First off--good Christian sci-fi. Let me say that again. Good. Christian. Sci-fi. I never knew such a thing existed until I found this series. (This was before I also discovered the Firmament books, but I digress...) This book is probably the lightest of the series on the Christian themes, just because it's the very beginning of the quest, and there aren't nearly enough pieces to start putting together yet. But trust me, it's laying the groundwork, and there are amazing things to come.
Second--the plot. Talk about keeping you on the edge of your seat! Every time the scene switches, I cheer and groan at the same time, because yes, I want to get back to the other characters! but no, I have to know what happens here, too! Not to mention--spaceships. And spaceship chases. And a galactic quest to rescue kidnapped parents from a sinister and mysterious group of soldiers while discovering clues to a buried history... Does it get any more epic? I mean seriously?
Third--the characters. I mean, first--the characters. I mean, I've put them third, but they should be first. It was the characters that first drew me in to this story, and they engrossed me so completely that I actually forgot I had ever had trouble with the style. (Trust me, this is huge; I have never had a book do that before this series.) The characters are diverse and unique, not perfect by any means, but completely relatable. And the sibling relationships--I seriously feel like someone must have had spy cameras planted in my house growing up. That's honestly how real they seem. I identify so much with Oliver, which is strange considering that I'm not anything close to a seventeen-year-old boy. But I have definitely been in the older-sibling-trying-to-make-important-decisions-while-your-siblings-are-debating-your-leadership role! And this book just absolutely nails it!
So here's my overall reaction to this series. Read the library's copies just about to death. Bought my own. Am now buying the audiobooks. Don't regret it for a single minute. :D
Highly recommended!
March 10, 2020
From the very first page, Brock Eastman’s new book "Taken", grips and pulls the reader into its fast-paced, adventure tale. "Taken" is the start of P & R Publishing’s “The Quest for Truth” series, and focuses on a group of four children (Oliver – 17, Tiffany – 15, and the twins Mason and Austin – 11) whose parents (the Wikks) are archeologist-explorers. Their parents get captured by a secret society called the Ubel, and the children are forced to embark on their parents’ planned space voyage without them.
They soon discover that the world as they know it is not as it seems. Their parents have found an ancient book from Ursprung, the humans’ home planet which has been lost for centuries. And on the edge of the galaxy, they learn that the Federation may not merit their allegiance after all. With their world crumbling around them, the Wikk children resolve to take on their parents’ quest for truth, in hopes of finding and rescuing their parents.
The quest takes them to a forsaken planet on the edge of the galaxy where they meet their parents’ benefactor and try to outfit their ship. While on this planet, the twins stumble upon a mysterious blue people and are taken captive. I won’t give away too much more of the plot, except to say that by the end of this first book, you’ll be hooked. I can’t wait for the next installment of “The Quest for Truth”, to find out what happens to the Wikk children as their exciting quest continues.
The book is written for younger readers, upper elementary age through high school, but parents are sure to enjoy it as well. The siblings fight with one another and have to learn to trust each other, living for the common good, instead of their own desires. The plot is intricate and unexpected, and the world that is created is entirely believable and yet unlike anything else I’ve read. It is not a dark or evil story and is safe for all readers.
“The truth” which is sought has to do with “eternal life” and the book sounds a lot like the Bible, but this is no simplistic allegory or anything. It is a well-written adventure tale with a fascinating science fiction world that is sure to enthrall readers. I expect the series will ultimately have a moral lesson to be learned which can be drawn out by conscientious parents; but if you’re worried about the potential for a cheesy Christian production that overdoes the Christian themes to the detriment of the story, then I’m with you. And this book is nothing of the sort. I expect this series will draw a faithful following of readers who fall in love with the futuristic world that Brock Eastman has created. If you pick up this book, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by P & R Publishing. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
They soon discover that the world as they know it is not as it seems. Their parents have found an ancient book from Ursprung, the humans’ home planet which has been lost for centuries. And on the edge of the galaxy, they learn that the Federation may not merit their allegiance after all. With their world crumbling around them, the Wikk children resolve to take on their parents’ quest for truth, in hopes of finding and rescuing their parents.
The quest takes them to a forsaken planet on the edge of the galaxy where they meet their parents’ benefactor and try to outfit their ship. While on this planet, the twins stumble upon a mysterious blue people and are taken captive. I won’t give away too much more of the plot, except to say that by the end of this first book, you’ll be hooked. I can’t wait for the next installment of “The Quest for Truth”, to find out what happens to the Wikk children as their exciting quest continues.
The book is written for younger readers, upper elementary age through high school, but parents are sure to enjoy it as well. The siblings fight with one another and have to learn to trust each other, living for the common good, instead of their own desires. The plot is intricate and unexpected, and the world that is created is entirely believable and yet unlike anything else I’ve read. It is not a dark or evil story and is safe for all readers.
“The truth” which is sought has to do with “eternal life” and the book sounds a lot like the Bible, but this is no simplistic allegory or anything. It is a well-written adventure tale with a fascinating science fiction world that is sure to enthrall readers. I expect the series will ultimately have a moral lesson to be learned which can be drawn out by conscientious parents; but if you’re worried about the potential for a cheesy Christian production that overdoes the Christian themes to the detriment of the story, then I’m with you. And this book is nothing of the sort. I expect this series will draw a faithful following of readers who fall in love with the futuristic world that Brock Eastman has created. If you pick up this book, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by P & R Publishing. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
August 19, 2011
I read a couple of reviews on this book before and said don't start till you have time to finsh. It was good advice. I really enjoyed it and hated that the book was done till the next book comes out in the series.
Oliver has finshed loading all the crates and is wondering where his parents are. He checks on his sister and twins they are asleep so he goes back home and finds a different ship and a whole bunch of soldiers surrounding his house. Oliver sneaks into the garage and before he opens the door to kitchen he sees his parents sitting and a leader is asking them questions. Wondering where the children are. He also lets Oliver and his parents know that he knows what they have discovered on previous trips to find man's orgin.
Oliver is discovered but his dad tries to help him escape and tells him to take the children and leave while he can. Oliver is 17 has been in academy for a year of training. twins are 11 yr boys. Tiffany is a teenager. Oliver is being chased by soldiers and he escapes because he knows the woods around his home.
Oliver gets back on the ship and takes off with the help of Tiffany and make it away to hyperdrive before the other ships can catch them. Oliver has just a little real training on flying the ship but a lot of hours in simalators.
They know where his parents where to meet their backer,but they don't know who to trust since someone has informed on his parents. The kids are all surprised to learn that their is a year supply of stuff on board and the kids were not going back to school their this year.
Tiffany speaks a few different lanages and is reading her mother journal to figure out where they might be taking thier parents, so they can rescue them.
While Oliver was trying to get rid of the ships that followed them he damaged the ship communications.
They land on different planet that every 3 years it becomes a ice planet and that time is comming in 4 days. Oliver & Tiffany head out to dome city to find parts for ship and their parents backer to see if he can help them.
Twins were told to stay in the ship but they don't and meet a blue boy. and he takes something that the twins will get in trouble so they chase him and think he fell off a cliff.
Than being lost they find a group of blue men with a wagon of supplies from thier ship and are taken prisoner.
Thier is a lot more action to the story and not sure who to trust. They all make different friends and still plan to rescue their parents and friends.
It is a story for all ages. I got lost in the story would love to swim in the blue mans pool. I will read the next book in series.
I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
Oliver has finshed loading all the crates and is wondering where his parents are. He checks on his sister and twins they are asleep so he goes back home and finds a different ship and a whole bunch of soldiers surrounding his house. Oliver sneaks into the garage and before he opens the door to kitchen he sees his parents sitting and a leader is asking them questions. Wondering where the children are. He also lets Oliver and his parents know that he knows what they have discovered on previous trips to find man's orgin.
Oliver is discovered but his dad tries to help him escape and tells him to take the children and leave while he can. Oliver is 17 has been in academy for a year of training. twins are 11 yr boys. Tiffany is a teenager. Oliver is being chased by soldiers and he escapes because he knows the woods around his home.
Oliver gets back on the ship and takes off with the help of Tiffany and make it away to hyperdrive before the other ships can catch them. Oliver has just a little real training on flying the ship but a lot of hours in simalators.
They know where his parents where to meet their backer,but they don't know who to trust since someone has informed on his parents. The kids are all surprised to learn that their is a year supply of stuff on board and the kids were not going back to school their this year.
Tiffany speaks a few different lanages and is reading her mother journal to figure out where they might be taking thier parents, so they can rescue them.
While Oliver was trying to get rid of the ships that followed them he damaged the ship communications.
They land on different planet that every 3 years it becomes a ice planet and that time is comming in 4 days. Oliver & Tiffany head out to dome city to find parts for ship and their parents backer to see if he can help them.
Twins were told to stay in the ship but they don't and meet a blue boy. and he takes something that the twins will get in trouble so they chase him and think he fell off a cliff.
Than being lost they find a group of blue men with a wagon of supplies from thier ship and are taken prisoner.
Thier is a lot more action to the story and not sure who to trust. They all make different friends and still plan to rescue their parents and friends.
It is a story for all ages. I got lost in the story would love to swim in the blue mans pool. I will read the next book in series.
I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
September 8, 2011
I received this book free of charge from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
From Goodreads: "Suit up! Jump into hyper flight with the four Wikk kids! Forced into a high stakes hunt for their missing parents by the sinister Cpt. Vedrik, the siblings' only hope is their parents' Archeos e-journal. Can Tiffany decipher the clues within it?"
I really liked this book, and I think it's a great book for MG and YA readers alike! The basic storyline is about the 4 Wikk siblings: Oliver, 17, Tiffany 15, and the twins Austin and Morgan, 11. Their parents are archeologists in a time far in the future, who travel to different planets for archeological digs. It appears that they have uncovered something very important, something that culminates in their kidnapping by the nefarious Capt. Vedrik. Oliver walks in on the kidnapping and his parents cause a distraction so he can get away. He has to get to his brothers and sister and take them away from there. Their mission from that point forward is to find out who has their parents, why they were taken, and then devise a way to save them.
The kids go on lots of adventures and get in tons of trouble, which is the real fun of the book. They actually act and talk like real siblings, although this did cause me to dislike a couple of them at times. Oliver sometimes gets a little bit too full of himself, as the leader and the one in charge, which causes some friction with Austin, one of the twins. Austin himself can get kind of snotty at times, but again, they act like regular kids. I haven't met a teen or preteen yet who I have liked all the time!!
The book is definitely action packed - it grabs you from the very first page and takes you on a wild ride, fraught with kidnappings, deception, and twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat!
The ending is really just the beginning, setting the stage for what I think will be a great new series. I know I can't wait for the next installment!!
In summary, this is a great MG/YA book, full of action, that I highly recommend to fans of fantasy and science fiction alike. I give it an enthusiastic 5 stars :D
From Goodreads: "Suit up! Jump into hyper flight with the four Wikk kids! Forced into a high stakes hunt for their missing parents by the sinister Cpt. Vedrik, the siblings' only hope is their parents' Archeos e-journal. Can Tiffany decipher the clues within it?"
I really liked this book, and I think it's a great book for MG and YA readers alike! The basic storyline is about the 4 Wikk siblings: Oliver, 17, Tiffany 15, and the twins Austin and Morgan, 11. Their parents are archeologists in a time far in the future, who travel to different planets for archeological digs. It appears that they have uncovered something very important, something that culminates in their kidnapping by the nefarious Capt. Vedrik. Oliver walks in on the kidnapping and his parents cause a distraction so he can get away. He has to get to his brothers and sister and take them away from there. Their mission from that point forward is to find out who has their parents, why they were taken, and then devise a way to save them.
The kids go on lots of adventures and get in tons of trouble, which is the real fun of the book. They actually act and talk like real siblings, although this did cause me to dislike a couple of them at times. Oliver sometimes gets a little bit too full of himself, as the leader and the one in charge, which causes some friction with Austin, one of the twins. Austin himself can get kind of snotty at times, but again, they act like regular kids. I haven't met a teen or preteen yet who I have liked all the time!!
The book is definitely action packed - it grabs you from the very first page and takes you on a wild ride, fraught with kidnappings, deception, and twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat!
The ending is really just the beginning, setting the stage for what I think will be a great new series. I know I can't wait for the next installment!!
In summary, this is a great MG/YA book, full of action, that I highly recommend to fans of fantasy and science fiction alike. I give it an enthusiastic 5 stars :D
July 26, 2020
Fun read lots of action and adventure with four kids. Very creative.
January 28, 2012
Taken is a fast moving, action packed adventure for Oliver (age 17), Tiffany (age 15) and twins Mason and Austin (age 11). Their mission? To solve the mystery of WHY their parents were captured and to save them from Aliens from Ubel.
This book opens up with Oliver overhearing and almost walking in on the bad guys (the Aliens from Uber) confronting his parents after they were grabbed. He escapes and runs back to the Phoenix (their family’s spaceship) which has already been packed for a year long expedition and where his brothers and sister who are waiting to leave with their parents. From here the story takes off – there is a wild chase through canyons and out a waterfall, a inter-galactic jump into space and when they arrive at their first stop (mentioned in their mothers journal) the kids split up. Oliver & Tiffany head off to find parts for the ship after leaving Mason and Austin strict instructions that they were NOT to leave the ship. Guess what? They leave the ship and head off on an adventure of their own (I would of LOVED to go on this adventure – it’s complete with a awesome water park, castles, blue people and more).
I’m not going to tell you any more. This book was wonderful I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I liked all of the kids in the book – they aren’t bratty, very whiny or potty mouthed. It was so nice to read a book that is very well written and thoroughly planned with all of the I’s dotted and T’s crossed. I didn’t realize when I started reading it that it was going to be part of a series and it wasn’t until I had about 50 pages to go that I figured out they weren’t going to solve the mystery and find their parents by the last page. However I left feeling like the story in this book was completely finished.
This book opens up with Oliver overhearing and almost walking in on the bad guys (the Aliens from Uber) confronting his parents after they were grabbed. He escapes and runs back to the Phoenix (their family’s spaceship) which has already been packed for a year long expedition and where his brothers and sister who are waiting to leave with their parents. From here the story takes off – there is a wild chase through canyons and out a waterfall, a inter-galactic jump into space and when they arrive at their first stop (mentioned in their mothers journal) the kids split up. Oliver & Tiffany head off to find parts for the ship after leaving Mason and Austin strict instructions that they were NOT to leave the ship. Guess what? They leave the ship and head off on an adventure of their own (I would of LOVED to go on this adventure – it’s complete with a awesome water park, castles, blue people and more).
I’m not going to tell you any more. This book was wonderful I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I liked all of the kids in the book – they aren’t bratty, very whiny or potty mouthed. It was so nice to read a book that is very well written and thoroughly planned with all of the I’s dotted and T’s crossed. I didn’t realize when I started reading it that it was going to be part of a series and it wasn’t until I had about 50 pages to go that I figured out they weren’t going to solve the mystery and find their parents by the last page. However I left feeling like the story in this book was completely finished.
July 9, 2013
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes.
Science fiction is really not my thing. But it's right up my son's alley. He's a huge Star Wars fan and loves a good action/adventure story. This story is fresh and not your ordinary world. There are space ships, lasers, and technological advances. However, the focus is the origin of all life forms rather than solely the destruction of evil forces. The family is on a quest for the truth. And you will find yourself intrigued as you follow their journey.
The blue people who live on Jahr des Eises are primitive and everything there is blue. Think Avatars combined with ugly elves. I don't want to give away any plot spoilers, but these folks are pretty unique and the kids face some challenges trying to escape them.
There were a lot of plot twists and turns. My son's favorite character was Oliver because he is tough, smart, and knows how to fly a shuttle through challenging terrain. He is also a good leader; even the two twins follow his orders (most of the time). Overall, the book draws you in and keeps you interested in what will happen next.
The author included a Visual Glossary to help you see what various objects look like within the story. It's very helpful to refer back to the drawings as you read along. What you imagine things to be is not necessarily what the author intended, so having a visual like this is definitely neat! There is even a recipe for you to make Mr. O'Farrell's Family Recipe for Russian tea.
My son gives this three thumbs up (because you can have three thumbs in science fiction)! It is definitely a great read for tweens and teens.
Science fiction is really not my thing. But it's right up my son's alley. He's a huge Star Wars fan and loves a good action/adventure story. This story is fresh and not your ordinary world. There are space ships, lasers, and technological advances. However, the focus is the origin of all life forms rather than solely the destruction of evil forces. The family is on a quest for the truth. And you will find yourself intrigued as you follow their journey.
The blue people who live on Jahr des Eises are primitive and everything there is blue. Think Avatars combined with ugly elves. I don't want to give away any plot spoilers, but these folks are pretty unique and the kids face some challenges trying to escape them.
There were a lot of plot twists and turns. My son's favorite character was Oliver because he is tough, smart, and knows how to fly a shuttle through challenging terrain. He is also a good leader; even the two twins follow his orders (most of the time). Overall, the book draws you in and keeps you interested in what will happen next.
The author included a Visual Glossary to help you see what various objects look like within the story. It's very helpful to refer back to the drawings as you read along. What you imagine things to be is not necessarily what the author intended, so having a visual like this is definitely neat! There is even a recipe for you to make Mr. O'Farrell's Family Recipe for Russian tea.
My son gives this three thumbs up (because you can have three thumbs in science fiction)! It is definitely a great read for tweens and teens.
September 7, 2016
Even though I don't usually read youth fiction, I was intrigued by the book cover and decided to read it. The Wikk kids were well developed characters and the adventure was filled with lots of action, some humor, and some unexpected twists. The futuristic planet he created was interesting and the storyline was exciting enough that it kept my interest.
Reading Taken reminded me of how books entertained me as a young child and I enjoyed it very much. Great book to have your children read or for you to read to your children.
Reading Taken reminded me of how books entertained me as a young child and I enjoyed it very much. Great book to have your children read or for you to read to your children.
September 10, 2022
The beginning was pretty slow but besides that I liked this book. Mason and Austins pov was my fav. I kinda rush through this book to get to the next book in the keeper of the lost cities series so this book may grow higher in my view later.
August 7, 2025
Great family series!
March 12, 2019
It was alright. The plot was interesting and the world building was curious, but the characters felt flat, and besides a dominent trait, they were pretty boring. And everything was blue.
Would I recommend it... umm sure. If you like this genre of stories sure. I haven't read the rest of the series and will probably get into it some day. I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style and there were quite a few cringe moments in the beginning that I had quite the time roasting. Let me quote one for you that gives a basic idea of the writing style of the book.
"Cruz wearily lifted his gun and shot several stuns. Whoomp. Whoomp. Whoomp. Oliver jumped, rolled, and ran." Pg 32.
So.. once I guess I got into it enough I sort of didn't look for those moments as much, but it was still there and not my favorite. I never actually got INTO the story. Just sort of wondered what would possibly happen next.
One good part to point out was that even though this book is part of a series I was very happy with the way it concluded this particular book in the end. So that was good.
Maybe it's not a fair review because I just read through it to get it done, and maybe I will revisit it again when I read the whole series but so far that's what I got. :D
Would I recommend it... umm sure. If you like this genre of stories sure. I haven't read the rest of the series and will probably get into it some day. I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style and there were quite a few cringe moments in the beginning that I had quite the time roasting. Let me quote one for you that gives a basic idea of the writing style of the book.
"Cruz wearily lifted his gun and shot several stuns. Whoomp. Whoomp. Whoomp. Oliver jumped, rolled, and ran." Pg 32.
So.. once I guess I got into it enough I sort of didn't look for those moments as much, but it was still there and not my favorite. I never actually got INTO the story. Just sort of wondered what would possibly happen next.
One good part to point out was that even though this book is part of a series I was very happy with the way it concluded this particular book in the end. So that was good.
Maybe it's not a fair review because I just read through it to get it done, and maybe I will revisit it again when I read the whole series but so far that's what I got. :D
January 26, 2016
When the four Wikk siblings' parents are taken by an unknown group, it is up to them to find and rescue them as they also search for the prize the bad guys are after. Ursprung, the origin of man kind. A very interesting sci-fi with cool gadgets, a mystery needing solving, and a lot left to uncover.
December 26, 2011
I bought it for my grandson and read it first. Eastman's writing is sort of choppy, and the characters don't flesh out well. A young reader, however, will probably like the book more than I did.
January 2, 2013
Quick-paced and kept all of us engaged from young to old as we used it as a read-aloud.
November 7, 2025
Finally getting to dig back into this series after too many years away from it. Looking forward to the other 4 books.
January 27, 2015
A imaginative YA novel full of adventure and fun sci-fi elements.
May 15, 2017
After their archaeologist parents are kidnapped by the government, Oliver and his siblings, Tiffany, Austin, and Mason, head to a remote planet, Dar Isis, to discover what their parents were investigating. A planet about to be plunged into a very long winter, time is of the essence. When Mason and Austin get kidnapped by the natives while Tiffany and Oliver are out looking for someone, things start to look grim for the Wikk family. Can the four be reunited before time runs out? Can they save their parents? What were their parents looking into?
The plot is well developed, mysterious, and draws the reader into Oliver’s world. The characters are likable and add humor to this science fiction adventure. Fans of Star Wars, adventure, action, and science fiction will enjoy listening to this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' Weekly Reads Wrapup Reviews with Sleight episode. For book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
The plot is well developed, mysterious, and draws the reader into Oliver’s world. The characters are likable and add humor to this science fiction adventure. Fans of Star Wars, adventure, action, and science fiction will enjoy listening to this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' Weekly Reads Wrapup Reviews with Sleight episode. For book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
March 12, 2017
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
I was offered a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Oliver just came back from his first year at the Academy and he is getting ready for a trip with his parents and siblings. Everything is ready at the ship but their parents are missing. Oliver decides to go home to see if their parents are there, and discovers that they were taken by the Übel renegades. Oliver's parents are archaeologists, and their main mission is searching for Earth sprung, but their work is more important to some than Oliver thought. The four siblings will go on a dangerous mission to try to find and rescue their parents.
The beginning of this book made me think of a science-fiction Indiana Jones adventure for young readers, even though I am sure adults will enjoy it too. It is an action packed book in which the characters' ages range from eleven to seventeen, and there is not a moment of boredom.
It could perfectly be a five star book but it is a shame that none of the many questions is answered. It is not only that it ends on a major cliffhanger, but I have the feeling that it is part of a longer book. There are a lot of hints here and there and I am sure there is a great story behind it, but this book just merely skims the surface. It really leaves you wanting to continue reading just because it feels it ends in the middle of the story. I understand it is just the first book of a series, but I think it is necessary to give at least a conclusion at the end of each book to avoid frustrating the reader.
There is something I listened to in the book that I did not like, and it was about evolution, meaning that the characters did not believe in it. I do not know how the story will turn out in future books, but this point worries me since evolution is a fact.
L.C. Kane did a very good job narrating this story and transmitting the character's emotions. She made the story work perfectly well. I found an editing issue though; around 15:36 there is a small gap in the audio. It does not impair the story but it is a pity when this happens.
I would like to continue the series though, since I think the subject is extremely interesting and we are bound to an exciting ride.
I was offered a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Oliver just came back from his first year at the Academy and he is getting ready for a trip with his parents and siblings. Everything is ready at the ship but their parents are missing. Oliver decides to go home to see if their parents are there, and discovers that they were taken by the Übel renegades. Oliver's parents are archaeologists, and their main mission is searching for Earth sprung, but their work is more important to some than Oliver thought. The four siblings will go on a dangerous mission to try to find and rescue their parents.
The beginning of this book made me think of a science-fiction Indiana Jones adventure for young readers, even though I am sure adults will enjoy it too. It is an action packed book in which the characters' ages range from eleven to seventeen, and there is not a moment of boredom.
It could perfectly be a five star book but it is a shame that none of the many questions is answered. It is not only that it ends on a major cliffhanger, but I have the feeling that it is part of a longer book. There are a lot of hints here and there and I am sure there is a great story behind it, but this book just merely skims the surface. It really leaves you wanting to continue reading just because it feels it ends in the middle of the story. I understand it is just the first book of a series, but I think it is necessary to give at least a conclusion at the end of each book to avoid frustrating the reader.
There is something I listened to in the book that I did not like, and it was about evolution, meaning that the characters did not believe in it. I do not know how the story will turn out in future books, but this point worries me since evolution is a fact.
L.C. Kane did a very good job narrating this story and transmitting the character's emotions. She made the story work perfectly well. I found an editing issue though; around 15:36 there is a small gap in the audio. It does not impair the story but it is a pity when this happens.
I would like to continue the series though, since I think the subject is extremely interesting and we are bound to an exciting ride.
April 9, 2022
Taken is an excellent book, with a clean plot line, well written characters and--for a sci-fi setting--believable situations. The main protagonists are four teenagers/pre-teens, and their interactions are nicely realistic--not too harsh nor yet too angelic. My son and I have read this book as well as the sequels, and have greatly enjoyed them.
The plot synopsis is widely available. Let me instead review the story: the plot is original, I like it. It's not one of those recycled plots with characters who look the same (and even sometimes have new names), nor is it obviously copied from or transposed from a different story or plot line. Kudos to Mr. Eastman for developing a great, original plot-line with new and exciting characters! I very much and very highly recommend this book, not just to children (teenagers seem to be the primary audience Mr. Eastman was driving for) yet also adults and younger children too will pick up much (my son is 6).
Thank you Mr. Eastman for a wonderful story.
The plot synopsis is widely available. Let me instead review the story: the plot is original, I like it. It's not one of those recycled plots with characters who look the same (and even sometimes have new names), nor is it obviously copied from or transposed from a different story or plot line. Kudos to Mr. Eastman for developing a great, original plot-line with new and exciting characters! I very much and very highly recommend this book, not just to children (teenagers seem to be the primary audience Mr. Eastman was driving for) yet also adults and younger children too will pick up much (my son is 6).
Thank you Mr. Eastman for a wonderful story.
March 14, 2024
This isn't bad. I didn't find anything inappropriate about it, and that is always a plus when it comes to middle grade books.
It's also not great. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense; stuff is telegraphed from a mile away. The pacing gets a bit slow, and there isn't much offered as far as advancing a larger narrative. The characters aren't terrible, but they tend to come off as one-dimensional and flip-flop pretty quickly as far as their emotions and motivations.
One moment Oliver is all about helping his family, doing the right thing, the next he is being rude and inconsiderate to an elderly man who is helping them.
Austin and Mason are probably the more interesting story, but they treat the Blue people pretty poorly considering they were prisoners turned into members of the royal family. They could have been sacrificed to a volcano or something.
The story seems interesting enough . . . but we aren't going anywhere. We spend far too long on this planet and never more forward.
Meh . . . it was okay.
It's also not great. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense; stuff is telegraphed from a mile away. The pacing gets a bit slow, and there isn't much offered as far as advancing a larger narrative. The characters aren't terrible, but they tend to come off as one-dimensional and flip-flop pretty quickly as far as their emotions and motivations.
One moment Oliver is all about helping his family, doing the right thing, the next he is being rude and inconsiderate to an elderly man who is helping them.
Austin and Mason are probably the more interesting story, but they treat the Blue people pretty poorly considering they were prisoners turned into members of the royal family. They could have been sacrificed to a volcano or something.
The story seems interesting enough . . . but we aren't going anywhere. We spend far too long on this planet and never more forward.
Meh . . . it was okay.
April 21, 2018
Oliver’s parents told him to pack up the Phoenix for a trip. Oliver is the oldest of four children who live with their parents on the planet Tragiws. The Phoenix is not a new brand of car but a silver spaceship including sleeping cabins, kitchens and bathrooms. Oliver’s sister Tiffany and twin brothers Mason and Austin had fallen asleep instead of helping. He was concerned that his parents had not arrived in a few hours as they were supposed to. When Oliver returned to the house to check on them, he discovered they had been captured and that he had to escape with his brothers and sister. Although he was the youngest attender of the Academy, he had only flown simulation not an actual. With a shaky first flight, Oliver escapes with his siblings following the flight-plan set by his dad. Then he and his siblings try to figure out the rest of the parent’s plan and why they were in danger.
Excitement. Adventure. Danger. Thrilling. Middle school and up could enjoy this sci-fi adventure.
Excitement. Adventure. Danger. Thrilling. Middle school and up could enjoy this sci-fi adventure.
November 28, 2019
Space sagas are one of the most unexplored genres of Christian fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. Having thoroughly enjoyed Sigmund Brouwer's Robot Wars series (previously known as the Mars Diaries), I have been waiting for another well-written Christian science fiction adventure. Into this space (no pun intended) comes Brock Eastman with The Quest for Truth series.
In book one, Taken, the Wikk siblings wake up to a nightmare: their parents have vanished, and worse, someone named Captain Vedrik has ambushed their home. The four Wikk siblings must escape and follow the clues left behind in their parents' journal in order to find them before it's too late. Along the way, they'll explore the outer reaches of space and encounter strange creatures on far off planets, all while hoping to stay out of Captain Vedrik's clutches.
Taken reads much like the first installment in a space serial, with just enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued, while wondering what will happen next. The characters are mostly introduced here, taking time with each of the Wikk siblings to explore who they are in relation to this adventure they've embarked upon.
The action is tight, well-written, and enjoyable. While long-time science fiction fans may not be surprised by some of the revelations throughout, overall, this is definitely a fun intergalactic romp with some moments of real danger for the Wikks. For anyone interested in outer space, this is one series worth picking up!
In book one, Taken, the Wikk siblings wake up to a nightmare: their parents have vanished, and worse, someone named Captain Vedrik has ambushed their home. The four Wikk siblings must escape and follow the clues left behind in their parents' journal in order to find them before it's too late. Along the way, they'll explore the outer reaches of space and encounter strange creatures on far off planets, all while hoping to stay out of Captain Vedrik's clutches.
Taken reads much like the first installment in a space serial, with just enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued, while wondering what will happen next. The characters are mostly introduced here, taking time with each of the Wikk siblings to explore who they are in relation to this adventure they've embarked upon.
The action is tight, well-written, and enjoyable. While long-time science fiction fans may not be surprised by some of the revelations throughout, overall, this is definitely a fun intergalactic romp with some moments of real danger for the Wikks. For anyone interested in outer space, this is one series worth picking up!
October 11, 2017
When Mr. and Mrs. Wikk are taken captive by a mysterious group called Ubel on their home planet of Tragiws, their oldest son, Oliver, manages to rescue his sister, Tiffany, and the twins, Mason and Austin, by flying their family spacecraft, the Phoenix, to the planet of Vor Eis. There, Oliver and Tiffany attempt to contact their parents' associate/friend, Mr. O'Farrell, while the twins (who were supposed to stay with the ship) go exploring and meet a strange race of blue people ...
This middle-grade adventure is set in the far future, when Humanity has spread across the Galaxy, and its planet of origin is known only as a mythical world called "Ursprung". The book was exciting, and I do want to know what happens to the children, and their parents, in the sequels.
This middle-grade adventure is set in the far future, when Humanity has spread across the Galaxy, and its planet of origin is known only as a mythical world called "Ursprung". The book was exciting, and I do want to know what happens to the children, and their parents, in the sequels.
May 8, 2019
I listened with my 9 year old son and he loved it! He couldn't believe how dumb the twin boys could be at times and the trouble they caused. There was plenty of action and the pace of the story keeps you interested and hard to put down. The narrator did a fantastic job with the acting, voices and telling of the story. I would recommend this to kids that like action, fantasy, and adventure stories. It is a little like a sci-fi 39 Clues. I'd say it'd be great for 2nd graders and up, even the adults will enjoy it.
I was given this free audiobook copy in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
I was given this free audiobook copy in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
September 12, 2022
This book was such a page turner for me! This book is perfect for adventure loving tween and teen readers. When I read this book it really sparks my imagination. The Wikk family members are the perfect characters for this book. On top of everything else, this book is full of lot’s of fine detail, surprises, mysteries, and adventures! I highly recommend this book and hope you can enjoy it as much as I did!
August 23, 2023
We have loved this book series, I read this first one to my kids and they took off unable to wait before reading the next ones. Both my son and daughter enjoyed the adventure, and excitement the books are entertaining for 3rd grade through adult. I recommend buying the set to have on hand so you don’t have to wait to get the next one in the series.
August 6, 2019
Great, clean, Christian sci-fi. Action. Adventure. Strange planets. Space flight. And it’s clean. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
October 11, 2020
An emersive story of kids racing against the clock and figure out the clues left behind by their parents. Great world building.
June 29, 2023
Might be a good story. Needs a good editor to clean up first.
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