Chosen

Stained #3

by Ella James

BOOK THREE IN THE BESTSELLING STAINED SERIES ~ LISTED AS ONE OF AMAZON'S TOP 100 BEST YA EBOOKS OF 2012:
Julia has been chosen. While at the Stained compound, she was tapped as The One to win the war against the Nephilim and leashed with an illness that worsens each day she is away from The Three - and her destiny. Determined not to return to the frightening Chosen leaders and desperate to escape her fate, Julia and her friends journey to the Swiss Alps, home of a rogue Chosen clan.

In this snowy haven, all hell breaks loose. Someone is traitor. Someone changes sides. Someone is dragged to Hades. A new romance blossoms. An old romance is damned. And The Three will stop at nothing to recover the weapon that will help them regain power.

ELLA JAMES' BOOKS:
-Have been listed among Amazon's 100 best YA ebooks of 2012
-Have been nominated best fantasy/sci fi novel at utopYAcon 2012
-Have been nominated best debut novel at utopYAcon 2012
-Have won the prestigious FlamingNet Top Choice Award
-Have featured one of the Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2011 (Cayne)
-Have been listed as some of the Top 10 YA books of 2011
-Have been featured on numerous Amazon bestseller lists

EXALTED, STAINED BOOK FOUR, IS OUT NOW!

*Chosen is rated Mature YA for violence, sexual situations, and language. Parents, please pre-read before giving this book to a teenager under the age of 15.*

Genres: Paranormal, Angels, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Demons

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2012

About the author

Ella James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.

Reviews

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really disappointed in myself for not getting to the books that are in this series before reading this one as I feel I have missed important parts to the book for my own understanding. Although I haven’t read the other books, I find myself understanding what Ms. James has set up for us in this story line. I have read other work of hers and fell in love with her writing style and the way she kept me from doing things I was suppose to do but was too caught up in wanting to know what happens next in her books. She is definitely one of the great writers that I adore reading.
Julia doesn’t want to believe she is The One. But circumstances are proving otherwise for her. There are people out to find her and she is hiding with the help of friends to be safe but can they really save her or is she putting them in harm’s way? Her headaches are getting worse and all she wants is relief from them and to be able to live a normal life and have a normal relationship with Cayne but is that really possible for either of them? Will she find all the answers she is seeking? You have to read to find out. Another great piece of work by Ms. James. Thank you for the great read.

[Derinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shut the front DOOR!!!! Can anyone hear my heart pounding. Yes, that's right heart pounding so hard, had to walk around my table 3 times to get the adrenaline rush that Ella James put there, out of my system! I had taken a break and was trying to enter a contest on FB and I couldn't even win anything :( Because while I was waiting for the game to start, I glance over at my kindle to read only a couple of lines. And that was it. Game over. Story read.

Another FABULOUS book in the "stained series"! You have got to be kidding me. You ever just want to kick yourself for not reading something faster. Well this is me kicking myself! Chosen, adds so many new characters to the story. This was so full of action, turn after turn. I really have NO FREAKIN clue as to who is bad or who is good! I am just sitting here wondering if I should look her up and demand answers LOL. Even switching from the different characters POV, I am still clueless! And now to put the icing on the cake, so to speak. She is going to make me WAIT!

I will give everyone a good piece of advise. READ THIS SERIES!

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! One more to go, I can't believe how fast this book flew by. I NEED to read the last book. I am dying to see what happens and how everything ends up. Please let there be a HEA at the end for me!

[Juliah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation to the series

The crew has made it to Switzerland and the search to find the Swiss Chosen begins. They’re constantly on the run from the Chosen working for the Three that want to take Julia back. When they finally find the Swiss Chosen they’re offered sanctuary, but is there a price? Everyone seems to be plotting, they all want Julia on their side, but does anyone except Cayne even care what’s beat for Julia? Can she trust everyone in her crew or anyone at all? All these questions kept running through my mind while reading this book and could not put it down. I’m excited to read the next one and finally get some answers to other questions I still have about Julia and Cayne and some of the others. This has been a great continuation of the series.

[Jessica Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frustrating cliffhanger!

This is a great installment in the chosen series. Super fast paced, with lots of action, drama, more back story and of course romance. It will leave you with a frustrating cliffhanger, frustrating in that it makes you just have to read the next book which is just so hard (*wink wink) hehe.

I do highly recommend this book and the series!

[Natasha's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

At least it was better than the second book.

[Marcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - I think the previous book was better, but this was a fun read. Action, constantly on the move, fun dialogue (though sometimes feels a little strained, hence a star off).

[Autumn Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - I think the previous book was better, but this was a fun read. Action, constantly on the move, fun dialogue (though sometimes feels a little strained, hence a star off).

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off slow and half way through the action picked up. It ended on a cliff hanger. I am ready to pick up the fourth and final book in the series.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become obsessed with Ella James and her books, and let me just say that she is a doll for sending me a copy of Chosen to review! I pretty much flew through this because I could not wait to find out what happens to Julia and Cayne and co. This book did not disappoint. The plot became thicker and juicier, some questions were answered, and I Cayne pretty much became my number one book boyfriend today!

So, getting right into it without giving away too much of the plot since this book has only been available for about 15 hours right now, we meet our band of Chosen on the run from "the three" and all of their minions. The action starts right from the beginning, resulting in someone getting run over (I won't say who!) and the gang trying to find the a safe house with a cat/Tiger on the roof. While they are on the run, Julia's headaches are steadily getting worse, but she is trying to hide her pain from everyone including Cayne. When they finally reach their safe house, in an ironic twist they realize that they had been looking for the wrong object. In the safe house we meet a slew of new characters, and rejoin some ones we haven't seen in awhile. The group is reassured that they will be kept safe, and they believe that they will be. The feeling of safety is fleeting though, because the group of Chosen who are looking for "The One" know where Julia and her friends are hiding, and they are on their way. This time they will not let her go. With a traitor who is hidden in Julia's midst and her continual worsening headaches, it is anyone's guess what is going to happen to this group of "ex-pats". Evil is becoming craftier and the stakes have become higher than ever as Julia's true purpose as "The One" are revealed.

This book was a fantastic addition to the Stained trilogy, and I felt that so far it had much more action than all the others. It picked up sprinting, and went into a steady run, with so much juicy action and romance. Edan had me guessing the book too. We are introduced to him in Stolen, and I really liked his character when he was introduced. He is the perfect mystery man in the way that you have no idea what team he is batting for, until the very end; and let me say it is a shocker! I love all of the sarcastic comments that Julia says to Caleb, they make me chuckle every time she calls out Caleb with something so snarky it is just great. I especially loved that the novel focused a little more on Meredith too, and I really hope to see more of her in Exalted. Also, the relationship between Cayne and Julia is just so sweet, and it melts my heart a little bit more every time Cayne does something that makes him seem just a little more human. If you have not started this series, what are you waiting for?! It is a fantastic story, with a great concept that just keeps getting further developed!

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, we continue on with Cayne and Julia’s journey. The group: Julia, Cayne, Meredith, Drew and Carlin, and even Edan, are on their way to this place ‘safe haven’ for ex-chosen they’ve been told about. There is a lot of tension between Julia and Cayne on the trip there, and she has been giving him the silent treatment almost the entire way; even though he did get her out of there, she has very mixed feelings about him. Thinking of all the things that have happened in her life so far, plus finding Cayne, learning of his past –tough as it is to sink in to her- and then now, learning she has been chosen to be “The One”… it’s a lot to take in. Their relationship has kind of gotten stronger, while at the same time has been damaged a bit, by what she’s learned of Cayne and who is was. But nothing can keep them apart.

When they get to the new facility, everyone seems nice and they all can’t help but feel ‘safe’…or can they? This book kept me on the edge trying to figure out if they should really be trusted, or are they just making up a ruse to ‘use Julia’ against “The Three” in this supposed war against them. When meeting Jacquie, the headmaster of the place, Julia kept her guard up as to not give any indication that she knew she is “The One”. I was surprised at the events that occurred towards the end, but it kept it all the more exciting and interesting! After reading all three books in a row, I was disappointed to learn the 4th book is not out yet. But I can’t wait! =)

[Sheila Ryals · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not as good as the first two! maybe it was because I thought it was going to be the conclusion to the the first two and then find out it was not with a huge cliffhanger! That leaves so much more in the air than you even realized. It did skip around a bit with the time. So when you go from one scene to another a whole month passed by. There was no warning So I had to reread to figure out what the heck was going on. May wanna put a little parentheisis in there saying that time went by. so no consusion. Then there where secrets that where secrets on top of secrets. You actually start seeing some answers only to have more questions right along with the characters. Ella is such a good rider you get so absorbed in the book that you feel there emotional anguish and want answers as much as they do! I am hoping once I read the 4th book not sure if it is out and I am missing it or it is not even released yet! I am watching for it! Just know that you need tissues and maybe an stressball to either use or throw when you get mad with the characters hehe! but hopefully like i said in the next book hopefully I will read it go back and reread this one and say oh i was wrong and bump this up the 5 stars instead of the 4 and a half i want to give it! sucks you can not color in half a star. I think it makes a difference.

[Lynn Worton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review 6 ******

This third book in the Stained series is absolutely FANTASTIC!

Julia is a wonderful character. She is a Chosen. She is strong and stubborn, and very much in love with Cayne. And she can see auras!

Cayne is a Nephilim, who is in love with Julia. He is a fantastic character. He is very complex, but also has a mysterious past. I think I've got a bit of a book crush on him!

This story continues on from the nail-biting cliffhanger of Stolen. The story is well written, with lots of plot twists and turns. I shouldn't be surprised by now, as Ella James uses plot twists so effectively, but I definitely was surprised! There was a lot of misdirection and slight of hand, which I applaud! I love Ella's books because of them. This makes her books so hard to put down! However, the "mistress of the nail-biting cliffhangers" has struck again! Yes, I mean you Ms James! You are a cruel woman! I am now dying to find out what's going to happen next! :)

This is a fantastic YA series, and if you haven't read the first two books, Stained and Stolen, you are missing out! I highly recommend this book, and series, if you are looking for a totally unique take on the YA angel/demon/adventure/romance genre.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took a bit longer to read this book than the first two in the series and honestly I'm getting a bit frustrated with the series. I love the concept, the new take on Nephilim, and of course Cayne and Julia's characters and the romance between them. It just seems to me that the story is getting a bit disjointed and hard to follow. Aside from the revelation that Julia is 'The One' and there is some sort of war going on between the two branches of the Chosen over a prophecy concerning her, there wasn't that much direction to this book in the series. The main characters just seemed to be going from place to place as the story got more and more confusing - especially with the introduction of all sorts of minor characters who were hard to keep track of. I will go ahead and read the next book because I want to find out what will happen, but honestly so far the first book was the best for me and it's been all downhill from there. Hopefully things will come together in the next story. I'd recommend picking up the first book in this series if you're looking for a quick and easy paranormal read, but don't really mind not finishing a series. You minght find it a bit hard to stick with after the first book.

[Sheri (Tangled Up In Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog!! :) :)

I swear to you, Ella James could teach a class in the art of cliffhangers!! She gives us another mind spinning, action packed addition to the Stained series and it just keeps getting better book after book. I honestly still don't know who to believe in. The only people I believe in for sure are Julia and Cayne. And maybe Mer and Drew...but with the way things twist and turn who knows.

Julia and the crew, after finally starting to relax and thinking they were within a safe haven amongst a rogue group of Chosen, are of course betrayed. I still can't figure out who did it!! There are some seemingly obviously choices, yet at least one of them has cast just enough of a shadow of doubt that I think maybe they're innocent, which I kind of hope is the case.

I can't wait to sit down and start the final book and see how everything comes together in end. Such a good adrenaline pumping series that really keeps you guessing!

[Rachel Dissell · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I've stated in my previous reviews for this series, the story is interesting and worth the read. The writing style has room for improvement. That is generally the norm with indie authors, considering they don't have access to teams of people to consult on every aspect of a book, as with traditionally published authors.

Fair warning, after three books, I've noticed that the author seems fond of cliff-hanger endings (if you read the book, you will see the pun in that statement). In some cases, I can understand the need for such an ending on occasion, but generally speaking, I like each book in a series to conclude a little less abruptly. It doesn't detract from the books, but it can definitely leave you feeling frustrated when you turn a page to discover there are no more left.

I really like the series, even though I feel like it falls short of it's potential in some ways. It's still very enjoyable and I will continue to read these books until their conclusion.

[Anita Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much more then the last one, Cayne and Julia's relationship is still strained but thanks goodness this does not last the whole book. The place they go seems so wonderful but nothing is quite as it seems and we get to see some true colors of certain people in their group. I hate the hold the "3" have on Julia and that she is given such a small amount of relief from this hold. I love the relationship that has built between Meredith and Julia and getting to see how all of the group get closer to one and another. Then major things occur and the rest of the book is action packed, so much happens, trying to keep track of who is hurt, where each of them are, and then a devastating betrayal happens and the book ends, can't wait until the next book.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit longer, which I liked, but it felt like the middle drug along a bit. Granted we were waiting for the crap to hit the fan, but if felt like we were...does that make sense? Anyhow, I loved all the time in Europe, disliked the evil Chosen chasing them, liked the protectiveness of Cayne, disliked Julia for being a liar (all for pride- grr), wasn't so sure about the Swosen, wasn't liking Edan (or trusting him), was pissed about Nathan...so pissed, and by the end I was super pissed by Edan too!!! Ugh! Not sure how this is all getting wrapped up in one more book, but I am beyond invested now. What a great series! Not sure how many more surprises I can take. Also I really want someone to kill Dizzy. That chick is whack and needs to be whacked.

[Lburt · Rating 3 out of 5]

So not my favorite book in this series. I don't know maybe I wasn't in the right mood or something. I thought Julia and Cayne were super cute together and I love how their relationship has developed. I still like all the characters and the plot is still good. However the story didn't feel like it progressed in this book. I mean besides searching for the "swosen" and Julia's headaches nothing happens in this book. It seems like you good have chopped this book down to 50pages and the added to the end of book two or the beginning of book four and skipped this book altogether. Anyway maybe its just me but that how it seemed.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen - Book 3 of the "Stained" series, July 30, 2012
Chosen does not disappoint! Author Ella James, has given us even more of what we loved in the first 2 books of the series: Love, Mystery, Relationships, Drama.
Chosen, like Stolen (book 2), picks up right where we left off. If you haven't read both Stained & Stolen, please read them first.

Chosen doesn't have quite as much action as the first 2 books, Ms. James makes up for that with character development. Her characters are written in a way that makes them very real to the reader. Simply put she makes us care about her characters and what happens to them.

I can't wait to see how she ties things up in Book 4.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ella James and her stories. The stained series has been great so far... Chosen is not my favorite book in the series however. Yes it moves the story along, but I felt that there wasn't much conflict resolution that you expect in a story. I had a hard time following who was saying what... and a harder time staying interested in the story. That being said, I'll return for another. Ella I think you are a great writer, but some extra editing seems like good advice to me. I found several typos... and grammar errors. I know you typically expect those in a self published book, but a few of these made the dialog hard to follow.

[Jackie -Sated Faery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Angel Wings!! That did not just happen!!! Man, this was just heartbreaking and beautiful! Not only am I totally invested in what happens to Cayne and Julia, but I have grown to love several of their friends, too. And there's danger around every corner, they can't seem to figure out who to trust! Not only do they not know much about some of the people around them, they may not know as much as they think they do about themselves. But I have faith in both in them, they better not let me down! They are simply amazing together, they could take on the world! I just hope they don't have to... On to Exalted to find out!

[J.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read but, at times, very confusing. A lot of it still feels underdeveloped which should not be the case by book 3. And the constant updates on what they're all wearing and place descriptions did get tedious- with the books so short, the space wasted on those irrelevant details could have been much better used to further the story development and thrust instead. I'm intrigued to see how it will all pull together in the final book (already d/l'd), find out what Julia's role actually is, find out what Edan's deal is and what Cayne actually is. I've figured very little of it out thus far...lots of red herrings, very few real hints so far as I've picked up on.

[Nanette Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok so i'm cheating. i haven't finished the book yet but i wanted to give Ella James some early love. I stumbled upon this series and as soon as i started the first book i was hooked. i love love this series and it keeps getting better. Ella is an amaizing author and a really sweet person. I'm so excited to find out what happens with Cayne, Julia and the gang. They are trying to find out if Julia is infact "The One" and if bad boy Edan is on their side. Oh it just keeps getting better. Eeee! i'm going back to read some more.
Read this book..

[Jordaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another amazing read, just like the first two. This one I'll give 4.5 stars, though, unlike the full five like I gave the others. The reason for this was that I felt it lacked a bit of the action and thrill of Stained and Stolen. I read it in four or five sittings, instead of one or two.

But the first two were so incredible, I definitely put this one on a pedestal, and it was definitely great, I just didn't love it quite as much.

That ending, though. Wow. I had to read it over a few times because I was so surprised. I'm gonna go crazy waiting for the next installment!

[Kristin Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a way to end a book!

You know how you just know about a person or what's going to happen in a book? Yeah, I thought I knew too.

This book was filled with surprises! I knew Wean was bad but I didn't get his motivation... still really don't and now I can't wait to read Exalted to find out.

Then there is the mystery of people saying random things and you think, "oh, no! Please, don't do that!"

Gah! I need to read the next one ASAP!

Sorry, I know my reviews sound crazy sometimes. I just hate spoilers.

[Jennie Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give these books 5 stars, but I honestly can't. I feel that sometimes when reading, the scenes get a little confusing and also it's seems there's words missing here and there.

Other than that, the story line is great! Like I've said previously, it's action-packed, full of suspense and the story keeps you drawn in until the very end. Every book so far has ended on a cliffhanger. No big deal. It's such a good story, I'm ready to buy the next book as soon as I've finish the previous one. Well on to the next. Can't wait to see what happens in Exalted, book 4.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, I felt like this book should be part of another one.. the story is interesting but a little slow and I think I would have hated the shortness of it if I didn't already have the other one of the series to read... Anyways, the characters were great for me so I think I appreciated it after all. 3 stars.

[Aarzoo Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH 4.5 it rocked! trust me when i say it i know i took a long time to read cause of my work! but trust me ive never read any nephilm book with such a suspense and drama and everything! it was awesome just can't explain how good and amazing it was
MUST READ DON'T LEAVE IT READ IT!

[Karen Gomez]

Let me just say that I am binge reading got so into the series after reading the first book yesterday,I have read 2 and 3 after this short break to write this review i am off to read the next book. OMG love it can't wait to see what happens, aaaaaaa can't believe the ending going to stop now to keep reading. I love Cayne super fan right now.