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Heart of Dread #2
Stolen
Who is Eliza Wesson?
Months after Nat and Wes said goodbye on the shores of the Blue, Nat is learning how to control and use her new power. She and her drakon are the last of their kind—and she’s risked her life for their reunion. When she receives a mysterious distress call, she races to help, soliciting the guidance of her new friend, the beautiful and aloof Faix Lazaved of the Blue.
Still heartbroken over losing Nat, Wes is racing cars on a New Vegas racetrack while his team is scattered and lost. When he finds out that his sister, Eliza, is being held in the golden domes of El Dorado, he does what he’s best at—running to her side—and gambles on luck to see him through one more time.
They soon discover that the answer to both their quests lies in the same question: Who is Eliza Wesson—what is she capable of, and why was she stolen from her family so long ago?
Months after Nat and Wes said goodbye on the shores of the Blue, Nat is learning how to control and use her new power. She and her drakon are the last of their kind—and she’s risked her life for their reunion. When she receives a mysterious distress call, she races to help, soliciting the guidance of her new friend, the beautiful and aloof Faix Lazaved of the Blue.
Still heartbroken over losing Nat, Wes is racing cars on a New Vegas racetrack while his team is scattered and lost. When he finds out that his sister, Eliza, is being held in the golden domes of El Dorado, he does what he’s best at—running to her side—and gambles on luck to see him through one more time.
They soon discover that the answer to both their quests lies in the same question: Who is Eliza Wesson—what is she capable of, and why was she stolen from her family so long ago?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2014
100 people are currently reading
4747 people want to read
About the author
Melissa de la Cruz
187 books15.9k followersMelissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
March 31, 2015
I forgot how nice it is to be able to read an entire book in under 24 hours.
Review to come.
Pre-review:Dear Book,
Love, Annie
Review to come.
Pre-review:Dear Book,
Love, Annie
Want to read
August 6, 2014Huehuehue. I just can't help it.
November 23, 2014
Evil cliffhanger!
April 29, 2019
This is the second book in the series and I thought it was better then the first and just as good as the third. I really like the characters Wes, Shakes, Farouk, and the Smallmen- Brendan and Roark. I like Nat too but her lack of confidence throughout the entire series was absolutely infuriating.
January 20, 2015
My thoughts before reading:
I was looking forward to this book because it is the second
book in a series I enjoy. I wanted to see how the characters I fell in love
were doing.
My thoughts after reading:
This book just made me drop my jaw again and again.
The story
was so much more intricate and much more enjoyable than the first.
Nat and Wes are each living different lives away from one another. Nat is doing
her best to protect the Blue and Wes is doing his hardest to find his sister.
Suddenly Nat receives a call for help and she complies taking with her Faix.
Faix is one of the oldest in the Blue besides the queen herself. He is also helping Nat’s with her new found powers. The distress call somehow leads
to Wes but it is not the romantic encounter they had hoped for. Wes is jealous
and suspicious of Faix and Nat is being stubborn.
The adventure they go on is
much more dangerous than the first. They confront new and more powerful
enemies. One question that has been on Wes’ mind is answered, where is his
sister and what has become of her? The answer to that is not what you expect.
I highly recommend it. The characters are just as lovable as
the first book. The adventures are more entertaining and the surprises in them
are worth reading. It will leave you with plenty of anticipation for the next
book.
I was looking forward to this book because it is the second
book in a series I enjoy. I wanted to see how the characters I fell in love
were doing.
My thoughts after reading:
This book just made me drop my jaw again and again.
The story
was so much more intricate and much more enjoyable than the first.
Nat and Wes are each living different lives away from one another. Nat is doing
her best to protect the Blue and Wes is doing his hardest to find his sister.
Suddenly Nat receives a call for help and she complies taking with her Faix.
Faix is one of the oldest in the Blue besides the queen herself. He is also helping Nat’s with her new found powers. The distress call somehow leads
to Wes but it is not the romantic encounter they had hoped for. Wes is jealous
and suspicious of Faix and Nat is being stubborn.
The adventure they go on is
much more dangerous than the first. They confront new and more powerful
enemies. One question that has been on Wes’ mind is answered, where is his
sister and what has become of her? The answer to that is not what you expect.
I highly recommend it. The characters are just as lovable as
the first book. The adventures are more entertaining and the surprises in them
are worth reading. It will leave you with plenty of anticipation for the next
book.
Want to read
January 14, 2015*patiently awaits cover*
wow the cover is really different then I expected
wow the cover is really different then I expected
March 18, 2015
Awesome book. :-). Can't wait to see what happens next!!!
March 27, 2024
Some books just make you feel old... this one makes me feel old!
I read the first book in this series, Frozen, a decade ago. Let that sink in. When the first book came out, I jumped and bought it release day. I was OBSESSED. But then, I never could find the sequel. My local book stores would sell out and then "wouldn't be able to order it in." So, for years, I kind of forgot about it. I stumbled upon the sequel through Book Outlet and ordered it immediately. I remember loving the first book, even though I don't really remember what happened in Frozen...
And that was my downfall. I completely forgot what happened in the first book and Stolen is COMPLICATED. This isn't the type of book you wait a decade in between and let the book fill you in. I have to say, that was the worst part. It was all my fault! I don't have the first book in my personal library anymore so I did some online review reading, watched some YouTube videos, and read the synopsis. It kind of helped, but didn't bring back that spark of excitement I had way back when...
Regardless, this is a fun, fantasy read! It's unique and fast paced, just how I like them. The book is too complicated for me poor brain to remember all of the details of the first book, but I can say - I'm sure it's an excellent follow up. I had a great time reading and now I truly hope I don't wait another decade for the final book in the series.... Wish me luck!
Three out of five stars.
I read the first book in this series, Frozen, a decade ago. Let that sink in. When the first book came out, I jumped and bought it release day. I was OBSESSED. But then, I never could find the sequel. My local book stores would sell out and then "wouldn't be able to order it in." So, for years, I kind of forgot about it. I stumbled upon the sequel through Book Outlet and ordered it immediately. I remember loving the first book, even though I don't really remember what happened in Frozen...
And that was my downfall. I completely forgot what happened in the first book and Stolen is COMPLICATED. This isn't the type of book you wait a decade in between and let the book fill you in. I have to say, that was the worst part. It was all my fault! I don't have the first book in my personal library anymore so I did some online review reading, watched some YouTube videos, and read the synopsis. It kind of helped, but didn't bring back that spark of excitement I had way back when...
Regardless, this is a fun, fantasy read! It's unique and fast paced, just how I like them. The book is too complicated for me poor brain to remember all of the details of the first book, but I can say - I'm sure it's an excellent follow up. I had a great time reading and now I truly hope I don't wait another decade for the final book in the series.... Wish me luck!
Three out of five stars.
the-maybe-tbr
June 14, 2018I bought this couple of weeks ago, and thought, "Hey, that's a really beautiful cover, it even has red edged pages!"
And since it was only a quid, I took it home... Only to find this is a second to a trilogy, a trilogy I have no interest in reading! :/ Typical. At least it was only a pound, but I'm still annoyed that there was no way of knowing that this was a sequel until I looked on Goodreads...
Still, the cover looks pretty on my shelf--clashy, but pretty.
And since it was only a quid, I took it home... Only to find this is a second to a trilogy, a trilogy I have no interest in reading! :/ Typical. At least it was only a pound, but I'm still annoyed that there was no way of knowing that this was a sequel until I looked on Goodreads...
Still, the cover looks pretty on my shelf--clashy, but pretty.
December 24, 2017
Stolen is the second book in Melissa de la Cruz’s Heart of Dread series. I didn’t particularly care for the first book, but as I’d brought the trilogy I decided to continue reading. After all, they are extremely quick reads that can be completed in a single sitting.
If the truth is to be known, I cannot decide if I liked this one more or less than the prior book. Certain elements seemed to have been improved, but other elements seemed to have disintegrated more. As with the prior book, I would possibly give a two-point-five-star rating, but it is not at the point where I would be rounding up. In other words, as with the first book, I wasn’t crazy about this one.
New elements were introduced in this book, and I did enjoy some of the new elements added. It added a little bit more to the story, and I hoped these would carry the story through. However, as with the prior book, we never really went in depth into anything – again, things were glossed over. Moreover, many of the new elements lead to rather predictable outcomes.
Overall, I wasn’t blown away by book two either.
If the truth is to be known, I cannot decide if I liked this one more or less than the prior book. Certain elements seemed to have been improved, but other elements seemed to have disintegrated more. As with the prior book, I would possibly give a two-point-five-star rating, but it is not at the point where I would be rounding up. In other words, as with the first book, I wasn’t crazy about this one.
New elements were introduced in this book, and I did enjoy some of the new elements added. It added a little bit more to the story, and I hoped these would carry the story through. However, as with the prior book, we never really went in depth into anything – again, things were glossed over. Moreover, many of the new elements lead to rather predictable outcomes.
Overall, I wasn’t blown away by book two either.
July 27, 2015
This was a very good and interesting book.
I gave it a 4 because usually the 5s I give are like AMAZING.
I think it did seem a bit rushed at times.
But overall it was good
I gave it a 4 because usually the 5s I give are like AMAZING.
I think it did seem a bit rushed at times.
But overall it was good
December 28, 2014
Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: Stolen, Heart of Dread by Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston.
In Stolen, Heart of Dread by Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston, we continue the saga of Nat And Wes begun in the first of the series, Frozen. Nat and Wes had parted and Nat has gone on to harness her powers. Having learned that the fire within is a part of who she is, at the same time she finds she is also the last of her kind. With the help of her friend Faix she learns to release the dragon and to use him in her fight of all that is wrong and those guilty of holding her planet in its frozen state.
Wes has gone on to find his sister, Eliza, rumored to be held in the golden domes of the Eldorado. Being back in New Vegas has its own dangers and what happens if Eliza doesn’t want to be found.
When Nat loses her dragon she and Wes reunite as it soon becomes obvious that both their quests are leading them in the same direction, directly into the dangerous cauldron of what has created their frozen world from the beginning. Where does Wes’s sister fit in, and why was she kidnapped from her family so long ago.
If you enjoy fantasy and danger, threaded with mystery and adventure you will love the characters in this tale. The second of a series it still reads well on its own, and you will find that Wes and his erstwhile friends are a mix of fear and courage. It is when they are all together the courage becomes fierce, and when one of their friends comes into trouble, you see what makes them who they are.
Nat is heartbroken for she fears she has lost her inner dragon, but finding Wes again sooths her being for her love is strong. Yet can she really overcome losing the primary part of her that has been her steady source of courage from the beginning?
Eliza is the question mark. Who is she really, is she a woman needing rescue or is she behind the plots to keep the world as it has become––frozen. Can Wes and Nat along with their friends find the answers before it is too late for them all?
If you enjoy romance, danger, fun and mystery you are sure to enjoy this work. A young Adult fantasy that reads a bit like a fairytale and holds you captive, it is also a tale for the young at heart.
While is reads well on its own, you will want to find Frozen to find out how it all comes together.
This is a wonderful find for your young adult reader, and a work that you will enjoy as an adult as well. It has just enough mystery and danger to keep all levels entertained.
In Stolen, Heart of Dread by Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston, we continue the saga of Nat And Wes begun in the first of the series, Frozen. Nat and Wes had parted and Nat has gone on to harness her powers. Having learned that the fire within is a part of who she is, at the same time she finds she is also the last of her kind. With the help of her friend Faix she learns to release the dragon and to use him in her fight of all that is wrong and those guilty of holding her planet in its frozen state.
Wes has gone on to find his sister, Eliza, rumored to be held in the golden domes of the Eldorado. Being back in New Vegas has its own dangers and what happens if Eliza doesn’t want to be found.
When Nat loses her dragon she and Wes reunite as it soon becomes obvious that both their quests are leading them in the same direction, directly into the dangerous cauldron of what has created their frozen world from the beginning. Where does Wes’s sister fit in, and why was she kidnapped from her family so long ago.
If you enjoy fantasy and danger, threaded with mystery and adventure you will love the characters in this tale. The second of a series it still reads well on its own, and you will find that Wes and his erstwhile friends are a mix of fear and courage. It is when they are all together the courage becomes fierce, and when one of their friends comes into trouble, you see what makes them who they are.
Nat is heartbroken for she fears she has lost her inner dragon, but finding Wes again sooths her being for her love is strong. Yet can she really overcome losing the primary part of her that has been her steady source of courage from the beginning?
Eliza is the question mark. Who is she really, is she a woman needing rescue or is she behind the plots to keep the world as it has become––frozen. Can Wes and Nat along with their friends find the answers before it is too late for them all?
If you enjoy romance, danger, fun and mystery you are sure to enjoy this work. A young Adult fantasy that reads a bit like a fairytale and holds you captive, it is also a tale for the young at heart.
While is reads well on its own, you will want to find Frozen to find out how it all comes together.
This is a wonderful find for your young adult reader, and a work that you will enjoy as an adult as well. It has just enough mystery and danger to keep all levels entertained.
December 14, 2014
This is the second book in the Heart of Dread series. I liked the first book, Frozen, a lot more then this book. Frozen just had such an interesting blend of magic and science fiction and so much potential. This book was a bit boring and it was hard to get engaged in the story.
In this book Nat is fighting for Blue on the back of her Drakon and working with Faix Lazaved (from the Blue) to develop her powers as a drakonryder. Meanwhile Wes is still searching for his sister Eliza and is forced back into service in an effort to get her back. Each are fighting their own battles against the establishment and eventually they collide. The biggest question is where is Eliza Wesson and who is she?
I really enjoyed Frozen and I am not sure why this book didn't have the same appeal to me. There isn't a lot of description throughout so some of the settings were hard to picture. I also just had some trouble engaging with the characters. Nat and Wes are either separate or at odds with each other for vast portions of the book. Faix seems like he could be an interesting character but his character came across as very dry.
The plot was very predictable as well. I figured out who Eliza is fairly early in the book and was disappointed to find out I was right.
The story was okay but didn't really engage me or grab me. I had trouble sitting down to read this because I just found myself absolutely ambivalent about what was going on. This was disappointing because I loved the world created in this series and thought it had a lot of potential. I was really hoping this book would focus more on the Blue and the magic there but it didn’t.
Overall this was an okay book in this series. I didn’t like this book as much as the first book, Frozen. The characters weren’t as engaging as in Frozen and the plot was very predictable. Right now I am undecided as to whether or not I will continue reading this series. I still like the idea of an ice covered post-apocalyptic world where magic blends with tech; but I just felt like the world-building was lacking in this book
In this book Nat is fighting for Blue on the back of her Drakon and working with Faix Lazaved (from the Blue) to develop her powers as a drakonryder. Meanwhile Wes is still searching for his sister Eliza and is forced back into service in an effort to get her back. Each are fighting their own battles against the establishment and eventually they collide. The biggest question is where is Eliza Wesson and who is she?
I really enjoyed Frozen and I am not sure why this book didn't have the same appeal to me. There isn't a lot of description throughout so some of the settings were hard to picture. I also just had some trouble engaging with the characters. Nat and Wes are either separate or at odds with each other for vast portions of the book. Faix seems like he could be an interesting character but his character came across as very dry.
The plot was very predictable as well. I figured out who Eliza is fairly early in the book and was disappointed to find out I was right.
The story was okay but didn't really engage me or grab me. I had trouble sitting down to read this because I just found myself absolutely ambivalent about what was going on. This was disappointing because I loved the world created in this series and thought it had a lot of potential. I was really hoping this book would focus more on the Blue and the magic there but it didn’t.
Overall this was an okay book in this series. I didn’t like this book as much as the first book, Frozen. The characters weren’t as engaging as in Frozen and the plot was very predictable. Right now I am undecided as to whether or not I will continue reading this series. I still like the idea of an ice covered post-apocalyptic world where magic blends with tech; but I just felt like the world-building was lacking in this book
March 7, 2015
Can I get legally married with a book cover? Highly doubt it, but that is how much I love this cover. The change in the cover of this book is amazing! I’m not into the whole changing the covers for sequels, but I love how shiny the books are now. I’m all about cute covers that will blow my socks off. I love the facts that I got so hooked to Stolen just like I did with Frozen.
This sequel revolves around the mystery regarding Wes sister, Elissa, who was kidnapped when she was younger. Nat is now out there with her drakon discovering all the new powers she possess and what she can do with them. After the sad goodbye between Wes and Nat, Wes is now without a team and participating in dangerous race cars. After he hears information about her sister, he decides to follow the information given to him.
*SLOW CLAP* Thank you Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston for still giving me a badass Nat. When I tell you this book got me hooked is because of Nat is this badass girl with badass powers. A girl that can kicks butt is the best quality that a character can have. This is a strong girl that gave up something so she could be free and help people in the Blue. Wes is this adorable/badass that I loved since Frozen. The situation that he is now in this second book lets you see this totally different side of him that is outstanding. His character has gone through hard stuff and it’s good to see how he is doing now.
The writing in this book is just outstanding. I found myself liking the same things that I did when I read Frozen. I can picture this world, I can see Nat flying around on her drakon and that is a wonderful thing that Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston can do at the moment of writing. They are not only telling a story, they are showing with their words of how big and powerful this world is.
I totally recommend The Heart of Dread series. This is a series that will take you into the world that you are reading and will totally make you proud reading a badass girl-character.
This sequel revolves around the mystery regarding Wes sister, Elissa, who was kidnapped when she was younger. Nat is now out there with her drakon discovering all the new powers she possess and what she can do with them. After the sad goodbye between Wes and Nat, Wes is now without a team and participating in dangerous race cars. After he hears information about her sister, he decides to follow the information given to him.
*SLOW CLAP* Thank you Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston for still giving me a badass Nat. When I tell you this book got me hooked is because of Nat is this badass girl with badass powers. A girl that can kicks butt is the best quality that a character can have. This is a strong girl that gave up something so she could be free and help people in the Blue. Wes is this adorable/badass that I loved since Frozen. The situation that he is now in this second book lets you see this totally different side of him that is outstanding. His character has gone through hard stuff and it’s good to see how he is doing now.
The writing in this book is just outstanding. I found myself liking the same things that I did when I read Frozen. I can picture this world, I can see Nat flying around on her drakon and that is a wonderful thing that Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston can do at the moment of writing. They are not only telling a story, they are showing with their words of how big and powerful this world is.
I totally recommend The Heart of Dread series. This is a series that will take you into the world that you are reading and will totally make you proud reading a badass girl-character.
October 6, 2015
I really liked this book. IT had been awhile since I read the first book, Frozen, but it all came back and I loved how the story continued. Much better than some second books, as the voice and the journey were as epic as the last.
Nat, still separated from Wes, has to journey alone once her drakon is injured to the queen. There she travel with Faix to retrieve a stolen book.
Wes is recruited by the army general to capture the pilgrims trying to find the Blue, those he once helped, and finds Nat. Then they travel to the White City to try to find Wes' sister, Eliza. There there is danger, death, and betrayal.
Can their love survive?
Nat, still separated from Wes, has to journey alone once her drakon is injured to the queen. There she travel with Faix to retrieve a stolen book.
Wes is recruited by the army general to capture the pilgrims trying to find the Blue, those he once helped, and finds Nat. Then they travel to the White City to try to find Wes' sister, Eliza. There there is danger, death, and betrayal.
Can their love survive?
November 9, 2014
Stolen picks up shortly after Frozen ends. Do not try to read if you haven't read the first one. Wes has a lead on his missing sister-taken when they were 7. Nat hears a friends call for help. The two meet again to battle the RSA & save their loved ones. Secrets are revealed, surprises made. I definitely enjoyed this more than the first.
January 31, 2019
Sometimes the second book is better than the first, not in this case. In Frozen the destruction of Old Vegas leapt off the pages, the conflict was full of action and the characters were well defined and the plot moved forward effortlessly. In Stolen New Vegas the bleakness of the new land never felt real to me. The conflict at times wasn't well thought out and caused moments of bordeom. New characters came into play but really never gelled with the existing characters.
As for the plot it was lackluster for most of the book and Wes's story and Nat's story were two seperate stories that didn't connect to the end. The last quarter of the book redeemed the series for me. It was fast paced, explosive in revealing the truth about what happen to Old Vegas an where New Vegas is headed. That gives me enough reason to read Golden and hope it is more like Frozen.
As for the plot it was lackluster for most of the book and Wes's story and Nat's story were two seperate stories that didn't connect to the end. The last quarter of the book redeemed the series for me. It was fast paced, explosive in revealing the truth about what happen to Old Vegas an where New Vegas is headed. That gives me enough reason to read Golden and hope it is more like Frozen.
April 12, 2018
Nat Kestral and Ryan Wesson’s exciting and imaginative adventure continues in “Stolen” as they part ways, his search for his sister Eliza uncovering a clue to his imprisonment in El Dorado while the dragonrydder, learning to control her power works with her drakon to protect Vallonis against the RSA armada.
When an alarming distress call from Liannan summons Nat, she’s joined by her teacher and mentor Faix Lazaved in a race to save her friend as events unfold that have her reuniting with Wes and members of his crew. Their love forging a bond of trust they gamble their lives in freeing the prisoners from the golden domes of El Dorado only to be faced with a painful truth that could kill them both.
Cleverly the authors create overlapping worlds one frozen, grey and crumbling from corruption, the other Blue, glowing with beauty, light and magic. As Nat protects the one from being infested by the RSA, Wes struggles to survive and find his sister in the other. Fast-paced and action-packed the adventure heats up when Nat and Ryan reunite as she and her friend, the drau Faix take on a military patrol ship while looking for Liannan. Their bond of love and trust stronger than ever, the two join forces with their friends to free the marked held captive in El Dorado only to discover the truth about Eliza Wesson who was stolen from her home as a child.
Well-developed and intriguing with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, details begin to emerge not only about the failing of the world and a spell that could heal it, but also about Eliza and her capabilities which could bring heartbreak and death. Compelling in intensity and suspense, the story flows smoothly to a thrilling cliff-hanger that will have you rushing to read “Golden” the final book in the trilogy.
In this book the characters continue to develop in complexity and strength. Nat Kestral (aka Anastasia Dekesthalias) the “Resurrection of the Flame” insecure about the power she possesses gains confidence under the tutelage of mentor and friend, the impassive, merciless and cold Faix Lazarved, one of the legendary, powerful and vicious drau race. Yet fearing her love for Wes will undermine her duty to Vallonis she again takes the easy way out appearing aloof and distant until faced with a new awareness of her feelings for him. Sixteen-year-old Ryan Wesson caught up in a military ruse to change his allegiance is fast-thinking, witty and humane, a hero who is willing to sacrifice himself for those he loves. These characters and others breathe life into the plot giving it depth, high-energy and emotional-intensity.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Stolen” a young adult mix of fantasy and mystery in a post-apocalyptic world that I found enthralling and highly recommend.
When an alarming distress call from Liannan summons Nat, she’s joined by her teacher and mentor Faix Lazaved in a race to save her friend as events unfold that have her reuniting with Wes and members of his crew. Their love forging a bond of trust they gamble their lives in freeing the prisoners from the golden domes of El Dorado only to be faced with a painful truth that could kill them both.
Cleverly the authors create overlapping worlds one frozen, grey and crumbling from corruption, the other Blue, glowing with beauty, light and magic. As Nat protects the one from being infested by the RSA, Wes struggles to survive and find his sister in the other. Fast-paced and action-packed the adventure heats up when Nat and Ryan reunite as she and her friend, the drau Faix take on a military patrol ship while looking for Liannan. Their bond of love and trust stronger than ever, the two join forces with their friends to free the marked held captive in El Dorado only to discover the truth about Eliza Wesson who was stolen from her home as a child.
Well-developed and intriguing with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, details begin to emerge not only about the failing of the world and a spell that could heal it, but also about Eliza and her capabilities which could bring heartbreak and death. Compelling in intensity and suspense, the story flows smoothly to a thrilling cliff-hanger that will have you rushing to read “Golden” the final book in the trilogy.
In this book the characters continue to develop in complexity and strength. Nat Kestral (aka Anastasia Dekesthalias) the “Resurrection of the Flame” insecure about the power she possesses gains confidence under the tutelage of mentor and friend, the impassive, merciless and cold Faix Lazarved, one of the legendary, powerful and vicious drau race. Yet fearing her love for Wes will undermine her duty to Vallonis she again takes the easy way out appearing aloof and distant until faced with a new awareness of her feelings for him. Sixteen-year-old Ryan Wesson caught up in a military ruse to change his allegiance is fast-thinking, witty and humane, a hero who is willing to sacrifice himself for those he loves. These characters and others breathe life into the plot giving it depth, high-energy and emotional-intensity.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Stolen” a young adult mix of fantasy and mystery in a post-apocalyptic world that I found enthralling and highly recommend.
November 12, 2018
I was hoping that this second book will fill the plot holes from Frozen, but it didn't. If anything, things just got weirder.
There were a bunch of things that bugged me, including the fact that there doesn't seem to be a limit to Nat's power. She can make things disappear and reappear now, simply by 'sculpting the void'? Wtf? Oh, and she's so powerful now that even iron (which supposedly cancels out magic) can't stop her! Well, how convenient!
And the writing style is getting to me too. Melissa de la Cruz seems to enjoy describing things in pairs:
"Her power was unpredictable, uncontrollable."
"Her head throbbed with resentment and confusion."
"A spell that was meant to heal the world, to bring magic and wonder back into existence, had brought death and destruction instead."
"Eliza was mischievous and delusional, cruel and thoughtless, but she wasn't a killer, she wasn't a cannibal."
and
"He nodded and ran up into the burning building, up into the smoke and flame, to find his love and his shame, his future and his past"
I'm sorry. Is this suppose to be poetic? Because it's not. It's cheesy and annoying.
and ohmygoodness every time I read "rage and fury" or "fire and fury," I wanted to rip my hair out. What rage? What fury? Woman, why you so angry? I don't understand.
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Check out my reviews for the rest of the series:
Book 1: Frozen
Book 2: Stolen
Book 3: Golden
There were a bunch of things that bugged me, including the fact that there doesn't seem to be a limit to Nat's power. She can make things disappear and reappear now, simply by 'sculpting the void'? Wtf? Oh, and she's so powerful now that even iron (which supposedly cancels out magic) can't stop her! Well, how convenient!
And the writing style is getting to me too. Melissa de la Cruz seems to enjoy describing things in pairs:
"Her power was unpredictable, uncontrollable."
"Her head throbbed with resentment and confusion."
"A spell that was meant to heal the world, to bring magic and wonder back into existence, had brought death and destruction instead."
"Eliza was mischievous and delusional, cruel and thoughtless, but she wasn't a killer, she wasn't a cannibal."
and
"He nodded and ran up into the burning building, up into the smoke and flame, to find his love and his shame, his future and his past"
I'm sorry. Is this suppose to be poetic? Because it's not. It's cheesy and annoying.
and ohmygoodness every time I read "rage and fury" or "fire and fury," I wanted to rip my hair out. What rage? What fury? Woman, why you so angry? I don't understand.
----------------------------------------------
Check out my reviews for the rest of the series:
Book 1: Frozen
Book 2: Stolen
Book 3: Golden
May 10, 2022
I loved the sequel! It was amazing. I'm so pissed that I have write this review twice though. This book was predictable, but only one part. I was not expecting the whole book to go the way that it did. THE ENDING! So cruel.
I thought the book was going to
Some of my favourite parts
I thought the book was going to
Some of my favourite parts
November 18, 2014
4.5 stars
Why you should read it: Frozen was a fabulous read and listen. The narrators did such a great job with Nat and Wes I couldn't wait for the sequel in the Heart of Dread series, Stolen. We get more of Nat, more of her drakon and of course more of Wes. When they split apart I could feel their heartache (such great writing) but also the elation of fighting for the Blue and with her drakon! I have to say, as much as I loved Frozen, I loved Stolen even more. There are so many secrets, so much revealed (can't give up spoilers!) and more secondary characters introduced. We see more into Wes' mind and watching his dive into danger will keep you on your toes. Warning, though, if you haven't read Frozen, you're going to be lost, but if this interests you, go pick up the first book! If you like audio books, Phoebe Strole and Dan Bittner are perfect opposite one another and will bring the characters to life!
Head over to the HEA blog to see what paranormal powers Michael and Melissa would want to have!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
Why you should read it: Frozen was a fabulous read and listen. The narrators did such a great job with Nat and Wes I couldn't wait for the sequel in the Heart of Dread series, Stolen. We get more of Nat, more of her drakon and of course more of Wes. When they split apart I could feel their heartache (such great writing) but also the elation of fighting for the Blue and with her drakon! I have to say, as much as I loved Frozen, I loved Stolen even more. There are so many secrets, so much revealed (can't give up spoilers!) and more secondary characters introduced. We see more into Wes' mind and watching his dive into danger will keep you on your toes. Warning, though, if you haven't read Frozen, you're going to be lost, but if this interests you, go pick up the first book! If you like audio books, Phoebe Strole and Dan Bittner are perfect opposite one another and will bring the characters to life!
Head over to the HEA blog to see what paranormal powers Michael and Melissa would want to have!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
January 27, 2018
I loved this book it was so very well written it was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. I really liked the characters even more than I did in the last book they have developed so much they were so well written. The romance was putten on the back burner this time but it was still there you could still tell Wes and Nat still loved each other very much and would do anything for each other. I liked the story a whole lot it was so very well written even the twist at the end was surprising The ending just made me want to read the next book as soon as possible. So overall I loved this book and will read the last book soon.
February 2, 2015
4.5 stars
Speechless, how will I be able to wait for the third book with an ending like this!
In June 2014:Will they update this someday? I want the plot!
Speechless, how will I be able to wait for the third book with an ending like this!
In June 2014:Will they update this someday? I want the plot!
January 4, 2015
I lived reading this book it was gripping an amazing sequel
January 12, 2015
Great story, I cannot wait for the next one.
July 7, 2018
Hunger Games meets fantasy. Wow what a book! Lot’s of action from start to finish. Big twist and cliff hangers be prepared.
May 30, 2021
I was a bit disappointed that Wes and Nat were not together at the beginning of this book but their reunion was worth the wait. As book 2 in the series, this one did not disappoint. I think it was a bit better than the first one.
June 26, 2020
Really good book I liked it hoping to read the next book
May 18, 2015
While Wes is in New Vegas trying to track down his long lost twin sister, Nat and her drakon are off battling the human forces trying to invade the Blue. So far, Nat and Mainas seem to be willing, but a new weapon injures the drakon and forces Nat to go solo for a while. Just at that time, Nat gets a distress call from Lianann who has been kidnapped by someone. About the same time, Wes gets info that his sister is being held in El Dorado and is about to be transferred to New Kandy, a place with a very bad reputation for what it does with those with magic. In several crazy turns of events, Nat and Wes end up headed in the same direction and are reunited, only both are afraid to show any emotion about this reunion if it just means they'll be torn away from each other again. And of course, nothing can go anywhere close to the plan.
This book suffers a teensy bit from what I call middle-book-syndrome. It seems to have two purposes, wind down from the first book and gear up for the next book's grand ideas. Oh, and of course, we can't forget the typical post-romantic realization awkwardness of a relationship part of that syndrome either. (Wanted to knock Nat and Wes' heads against each other a couple of times.) In the course of doing all that, it seriously felt like the entire book was spent jumping out of one frying pan and into another more serious fire. I lost track of how many times people got caught, broke out of that entrapment only to be caught again. And then there was the cliffhanger ending. Seriously, it doesn't get much worse. If you can't handle cliffhangers do NOTWes or Nat or both?! Did they go, 'How can we make sure people are dying for the next book in the series? Oh, I know we'll again. And just in case that doesn't work, we'll take away too.'" I realize I've been venting a bit here. Sorry about that. Really, I'm sure once book three is out this will feel much better. You do learn some very, very important things in this book. It just wasn't as fun as the first one on it's own.
Notes on content: Every once in a while there was some real mild to moderate swearing. Primarily the characters use made up future swearing that probably averages out to once every third page or so. No sexual content beyond some kissing. There are several battles in this book, and each one involves some injuries and fatalities by a variety of methods. None are particularly gory, but the body count is up there.
This book suffers a teensy bit from what I call middle-book-syndrome. It seems to have two purposes, wind down from the first book and gear up for the next book's grand ideas. Oh, and of course, we can't forget the typical post-romantic realization awkwardness of a relationship part of that syndrome either. (Wanted to knock Nat and Wes' heads against each other a couple of times.) In the course of doing all that, it seriously felt like the entire book was spent jumping out of one frying pan and into another more serious fire. I lost track of how many times people got caught, broke out of that entrapment only to be caught again. And then there was the cliffhanger ending. Seriously, it doesn't get much worse. If you can't handle cliffhangers do NOTWes or Nat or both?! Did they go, 'How can we make sure people are dying for the next book in the series? Oh, I know we'll again. And just in case that doesn't work, we'll take away too.'" I realize I've been venting a bit here. Sorry about that. Really, I'm sure once book three is out this will feel much better. You do learn some very, very important things in this book. It just wasn't as fun as the first one on it's own.
Notes on content: Every once in a while there was some real mild to moderate swearing. Primarily the characters use made up future swearing that probably averages out to once every third page or so. No sexual content beyond some kissing. There are several battles in this book, and each one involves some injuries and fatalities by a variety of methods. None are particularly gory, but the body count is up there.
December 7, 2014
Stolen picks up pretty soon after Frozen ended. Nat is the awesome Drakonrydder of Vallonis. She is doing her duty to protect The Blue. She has learned how to use some of her powers and her and her Drakon are pretty much one in the same. They appear to be winning against what the world throws at them. Up until a new weapon cripples her and her Drakon. The Drakon burrows into the Earth in hopes to heal but, it is not guaranteed, he is hurt pretty bad. Nat is broken. She feels the loss of her Drakon. With the help of one of her friends she is able to come to her senses and live. While all this is going on with her Wes is having troubles of his own. He is trying to find his sister who he learned is still alive. It is not an easy task. It turns out to be more life threatening then anticipated. Will these two ever get what they want and be able to just life a happy quite life?
I swear when I read this book I thought these guys were in their 20's. Not teenagers. They way they act and things they have to do are just crazy. This is probably because of the way life is now. Earth is a harsh place to live and would cause you to have to be an adult at a young age. They are in life and death situations pretty regularly. I did like how the magical world played such a big role in Stolen. We get to learn a lot about the other characters and their roles in this new world. Magic is all around them and even inside people who had no idea. The twist with Eliza I NEVER saw coming! OMG! I am still shocked at how this book ended. Anyway, Nat and Wes have a lot to work through. Luckily they get to do some of it together.
Nat and Wes have feelings for each other. They are pretty cute together. I was hoping for a little more action between them but, they were pretty busy not dying and saving their friends from certain death so...I forgive them. The supporting characters are also awesome! There is a bit of a love triangle but, not really. Ok, more not really. Nat is very into Wes. I liked that!
The book ended with an INSANE cliffhanger. I was like NOOOOOO it can't be done! Please let there be another chapter. Seriously, the next book needs to come out soon!
I swear when I read this book I thought these guys were in their 20's. Not teenagers. They way they act and things they have to do are just crazy. This is probably because of the way life is now. Earth is a harsh place to live and would cause you to have to be an adult at a young age. They are in life and death situations pretty regularly. I did like how the magical world played such a big role in Stolen. We get to learn a lot about the other characters and their roles in this new world. Magic is all around them and even inside people who had no idea. The twist with Eliza I NEVER saw coming! OMG! I am still shocked at how this book ended. Anyway, Nat and Wes have a lot to work through. Luckily they get to do some of it together.
Nat and Wes have feelings for each other. They are pretty cute together. I was hoping for a little more action between them but, they were pretty busy not dying and saving their friends from certain death so...I forgive them. The supporting characters are also awesome! There is a bit of a love triangle but, not really. Ok, more not really. Nat is very into Wes. I liked that!
The book ended with an INSANE cliffhanger. I was like NOOOOOO it can't be done! Please let there be another chapter. Seriously, the next book needs to come out soon!
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