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The Torn Holding Kate Series
Abducted to exotic worlds in quantum spheres, a 16 year old beauty, Kate Wilson, and a team of teen misfits confront inner monsters and demons brought to life by quantum science. Dragons, aliens, sentient tornados, and tree dwelling natives terrorize them as they fight for survival on strange planets and other worlds, and struggle to overcome emotional turmoil and mental illness. Kate is torn between sizzling passion and loyal stability, when two very different boys vie for her attentions. Trapped between self-loathing and independence, Kate must choose to live with horrifying consequences or kill the monster who loves her. A romantic thriller with action packed adventure, passion, science fiction and fantasy overtones for young adult readers of all ages.
312 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2013
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 3, 2013
Where to begin? Wow. Where has this LaDonna D. Cole been hiding? Probably in some awesome jungle or something, battling her muse, and honing her story-telling skills... because they are awesome. This lady was simply born a pro. I hope the world is ready for her, because I see this going BIG. I'm talking BIG SCREEN big. I don't say that about many stories. I said it after 3 chapters of this one. It is going to be tough to give a worthy review without dumping any spoilers. Let's just go with... it is a wildly imaginative story that lovingly anchors the reader with completely realistic characters. Young people that have relate-able issues and true feelings that we can all understand. Seriously, I dare you not to relate to at least one (or more) of the characters! They are so varied, which makes for a really good read. Each character is carefully sculpted... and each works perfectly within their place in the storyline. There they are, right by your side, in this twisting and turning adventure as it launches you from one incredible world to another. It leaves you breathless... in the best possible ways. There's mystery, thrills, chills, laughter, and tears... Oh, and a really sweet, deliciously complicated, love story too. Reading The Torn is a lot like being in an amusement park where you have the vip pass to every awesome ride and there's no waiting line! You just jump right in, buckle up, and hold on tight! The beating heart of this fantastic tale is a theme that echoes through the ages and sticks with you long after you close the book. I won't spoil it for you... you'll have to read it to find out. This one was worth every star! =) Watch and see... this is going to be a hit. I read it in two days! I didn't even bother to go to bed, just kept reading, and reading, and reading.
I'm looking MOST forward to the next book in this series.
I'm looking MOST forward to the next book in this series.
July 7, 2018
Nothing in this made much sense to me - the book title, the series title, the love triangles, the reason Kate is at Heartwork Village, Kate's personality, how many jumps can relate to one person, the thing about the Nobel Prize at the end - nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2019
This was a great book. My only complaint is the cliffhanger ending. I don't want to wait to read more. A definite must read for the science fiction fantasy lover. Great character and story development.
*I received a copy of this book for free. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
*I received a copy of this book for free. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
January 25, 2018
I found the book amazing. It did take me awhile to understand it fully, but once I did it was fulfilling. I hope there is more. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
February 20, 2014
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite.
Heartwork Village is a summer camp of sorts for kids who have been having troubles. Katie is dealing with the effects of her parents divorce and runs with the wrong crowd. Trip tries to save his little sister from the physical and sexual abuse of a step-father only to kill the man. They are all sent to Heartwork Village, but it is no normal camp. Quantum mechanics is at work, and the campers "jump" into alternative realities to help one team member work through the issues that brought them here in the first place. The Torn revolves around a group of kids. Katie, who is torn between Trip, the big muscular guy that provides her with safety, and Coery who provides her with eternal love. LaDonna Cole weaves a coming of age story into a soul-searching experience novel, with the adventure of these quantum jumps. An amazing mix of storylines and ideas to keep everyone interested.
When you think of reading a novel set in a camp for troubled teens, The Torn is not what you think of at all. The teamwork that is required by the teens to complete the jumps, the trust and the openness that they must share is amazing. Each jump, for each person is a wonderful lesson for the reader. The characters all deal with things that the everyday teen will be facing and so the whole book is inspirational and encouraging. LaDonna Cole gives the reader romance, adventure, fantasy and at the same time answers to deal with some of the most pressing problems of youth today. The feelings of worthlessness, self-hatred, parental divorce, abandonment, unloveable, and so much more. Parents and adult will find it a warming read, and even may find information to help them talk to youth dealing with the issues.
Heartwork Village is a summer camp of sorts for kids who have been having troubles. Katie is dealing with the effects of her parents divorce and runs with the wrong crowd. Trip tries to save his little sister from the physical and sexual abuse of a step-father only to kill the man. They are all sent to Heartwork Village, but it is no normal camp. Quantum mechanics is at work, and the campers "jump" into alternative realities to help one team member work through the issues that brought them here in the first place. The Torn revolves around a group of kids. Katie, who is torn between Trip, the big muscular guy that provides her with safety, and Coery who provides her with eternal love. LaDonna Cole weaves a coming of age story into a soul-searching experience novel, with the adventure of these quantum jumps. An amazing mix of storylines and ideas to keep everyone interested.
When you think of reading a novel set in a camp for troubled teens, The Torn is not what you think of at all. The teamwork that is required by the teens to complete the jumps, the trust and the openness that they must share is amazing. Each jump, for each person is a wonderful lesson for the reader. The characters all deal with things that the everyday teen will be facing and so the whole book is inspirational and encouraging. LaDonna Cole gives the reader romance, adventure, fantasy and at the same time answers to deal with some of the most pressing problems of youth today. The feelings of worthlessness, self-hatred, parental divorce, abandonment, unloveable, and so much more. Parents and adult will find it a warming read, and even may find information to help them talk to youth dealing with the issues.
May 14, 2014
I read The Torn as a recommendation from a friend. I'm not really sure how to respond except to say I loved it because it constantly took me by surprise.
I'm an adult, but this book was really engaging for me. This is a book that I would recommend to any teenager because it is a way to enjoy a great piece of fiction, but also learn that sometimes things that happen in the past, that are out of our control, can be dealt with in constructive ways.
There's a love triangle, which I typically don't tolerate, but the opposite personalities had me so surprised that I was constantly curious as to how it was going to go. Kate and I don't have the same personality traits at all: she's not me even a little. But there were still other characters I identified with that pulled me along, and Kate's totally opposite made me fascinated with her.
If you want a book that will make you gasp, cry, want to throw it across the room, and never let it go at the same time, this is safe bet.
I plan on buying the next book in the Holding Kate series as soon as it's available.
I'm an adult, but this book was really engaging for me. This is a book that I would recommend to any teenager because it is a way to enjoy a great piece of fiction, but also learn that sometimes things that happen in the past, that are out of our control, can be dealt with in constructive ways.
There's a love triangle, which I typically don't tolerate, but the opposite personalities had me so surprised that I was constantly curious as to how it was going to go. Kate and I don't have the same personality traits at all: she's not me even a little. But there were still other characters I identified with that pulled me along, and Kate's totally opposite made me fascinated with her.
If you want a book that will make you gasp, cry, want to throw it across the room, and never let it go at the same time, this is safe bet.
I plan on buying the next book in the Holding Kate series as soon as it's available.
June 11, 2014
LaDonna Cole has created an intriguing world in her debut novel, The Torn. Delinquent youths are sent to a place called Heartwork Village, where quantum technology transports them to exotic worlds where they face their fears and insecurities in order to overcome them. (I've often thought about how awesome it would be to travel to other worlds within seconds. Sure beats long road trips!)
My main issue with this story is the romance. Kate, our young protagonist, falls in love with both Corey and Trip. This is fine--after all, lots of people have crushes on more than one person. But it seemed to me that the extent of the romance was just a lot of making out. I would have liked to see a more in-depth relationship between Kate and the one she ultimately chooses because true love is so much more than kissing (and sex, which I am grateful did not appear in here since the characters are teenagers).
The story does have a good message about letting go of that which traps us in the past. Are you "Torn" about whether or not to move on? Read this book.
My main issue with this story is the romance. Kate, our young protagonist, falls in love with both Corey and Trip. This is fine--after all, lots of people have crushes on more than one person. But it seemed to me that the extent of the romance was just a lot of making out. I would have liked to see a more in-depth relationship between Kate and the one she ultimately chooses because true love is so much more than kissing (and sex, which I am grateful did not appear in here since the characters are teenagers).
The story does have a good message about letting go of that which traps us in the past. Are you "Torn" about whether or not to move on? Read this book.
December 29, 2013
My Review: Detention camp a whole new way. Troubled teens sent to a camp instead of the regular juvie must battle their personal demons in a unique way. When in turns into a struggle between life and death something is obviously going wrong. With a cute love triangle thrown in will these teens be able to fix the problem as well as solve their own issues? I guess I will have to read the rest of the series to find out. I am drawn into this young adult adventure and will have to read the rest. I give it a 5 star. Love it’s original concept.
January 30, 2014
The TORN!!!!!!!
Have you read this book yet?
No?
Change that now.
It's a super fun read and you move very quickly through. It only gets 4 stars because I really don't like one of the characters, so I can't give it 5.
Torn is a fast-paced, wild adventure through several worlds when quantum physics becomes an avenue for therapy. Kate is strong yet vulnerable, and easy to relate to. Hop in on this crazy ride and pick a side as you fight for Kate's love life - all the while, she'll be fighting to remain alive in a therapy session gone wrong.
Have you read this book yet?
No?
Change that now.
It's a super fun read and you move very quickly through. It only gets 4 stars because I really don't like one of the characters, so I can't give it 5.
Torn is a fast-paced, wild adventure through several worlds when quantum physics becomes an avenue for therapy. Kate is strong yet vulnerable, and easy to relate to. Hop in on this crazy ride and pick a side as you fight for Kate's love life - all the while, she'll be fighting to remain alive in a therapy session gone wrong.
June 13, 2014
This is a great debut novel by LaDonna Cole.
I have to admit that when I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I read until I finished it (3 am) and can't wait to find out what happens next. Great story combining the real-life issues of troubled teens (and adults) and an inventive fantasy world. I was completely immersed. Cole did a wonderful job keeping the story action-packed while still allowing for character growth.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I have to admit that when I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I read until I finished it (3 am) and can't wait to find out what happens next. Great story combining the real-life issues of troubled teens (and adults) and an inventive fantasy world. I was completely immersed. Cole did a wonderful job keeping the story action-packed while still allowing for character growth.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
August 6, 2016
If you love fantasy but are looking for something different than all the other vampire and werewolf YA books out there, this is for you. This book was fascinating, emotional, and always surprising. Loved it, and I'm glad I got to spend some time in this intriguing world!
August 20, 2014
Very imaginative storyline!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews