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The Ravening #2
Taken Over
Librarian's note: Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0086Q7UNK.
Devastated by the loss of Cade, struggling to survive in a world she no longer knows, Bethany is determined to exact revenge upon the aliens that have shredded her life, and the lives of her family and friends. Presented with an opportunity to uncover the secret that Dr. Bishop feels her blood holds, and why she is different than the rest of the survivors, Bethany strikes out on a mission. With a small group of fellow survivors, Bethany is determined to gather the supplies necessary to discover what help she may be for humanity. Though she is haunted by memories of those she’s lost, Bethany refuses to give up hope that one day they might be able to regain some semblance of their former lives. However chances of that are looking smaller and smaller as they are confronted with new, and even deadlier creatures looking for only one thing; the destruction of the human race.
Devastated by the loss of Cade, struggling to survive in a world she no longer knows, Bethany is determined to exact revenge upon the aliens that have shredded her life, and the lives of her family and friends. Presented with an opportunity to uncover the secret that Dr. Bishop feels her blood holds, and why she is different than the rest of the survivors, Bethany strikes out on a mission. With a small group of fellow survivors, Bethany is determined to gather the supplies necessary to discover what help she may be for humanity. Though she is haunted by memories of those she’s lost, Bethany refuses to give up hope that one day they might be able to regain some semblance of their former lives. However chances of that are looking smaller and smaller as they are confronted with new, and even deadlier creatures looking for only one thing; the destruction of the human race.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
102 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
About the author
Erica Stevens
44 books2,282 followersErica Stevens is the author of the Captive Series, Coven Series, Kindred Series, Fire & Ice Series, Ravening Series, and the Survivor Chronicles. She enjoys writing young adult, new adult, romance, horror, and science fiction. She also writes adult paranormal romance and historical romance under the pen name, Brenda K. Davies. When not out with friends and family, she is at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 29, 2012
You saw it coming from a mile away but you didn't care. Great book full of suspense and romance waiting patiently for the next one.
September 4, 2013
Like I said, I was hooked on these two books! You never know if the second book will be as good as the first one, but this one was its equal, if not better. So many things are explained in this book about Bethany and definitely about Cade. Their relationship takes a right turn into the beyond when he reveals things about himself and things about her that she didn't even know (and definitely didn't want to hear). After hating these monsters so very much for taking her mother and making her life hell, it turns out she has fallen in love with one. How messed up is that? Not only is that messed up, but these aliens traveling around destroying worlds sound a whole lot like vampires to me. They are crazy fast, strong, and like blood. It's like a new and different form of vampire. And it makes things even more exciting! I am wondering if there will be another book, because this is definitely not the end of the war for Earth. It's true what they say: It's never over until it's over.
August 20, 2013
Predator vs Terminator vs Independence Day
I found a bit of all 3 themes in the 2nd part of Bethany's & the other survivor's unfolding journey. Ms. Stevens weaves an interesting storyline with her unique take on some familiar themes. Humans thrust into a horrifying reality of apocalyptic-end-of-the-world-because-of-predator-aliens-but-we're-gonna-survive-&-kick-their-ugly-sadistic-asses-asap situation. I like the process that changes everyday soft humans into survivors. This book is darker than the 1st as the reader "sees" much of the damage wrought by the enemy as Bethany & team come across the results of old savage attacks. Upon completion of reading this installment I need to read something fluffy after all the hard heart thumping & dark imagery I just experienced!
I found a bit of all 3 themes in the 2nd part of Bethany's & the other survivor's unfolding journey. Ms. Stevens weaves an interesting storyline with her unique take on some familiar themes. Humans thrust into a horrifying reality of apocalyptic-end-of-the-world-because-of-predator-aliens-but-we're-gonna-survive-&-kick-their-ugly-sadistic-asses-asap situation. I like the process that changes everyday soft humans into survivors. This book is darker than the 1st as the reader "sees" much of the damage wrought by the enemy as Bethany & team come across the results of old savage attacks. Upon completion of reading this installment I need to read something fluffy after all the hard heart thumping & dark imagery I just experienced!
March 23, 2013
Good book. Can't believe it's already over! And Cade - What a SURPRISE!!! Found a couple of silly mistakes that are distracting. Couldn't "bare" for this to happen and I think Ms. Stevens meant "wary" instead of "weary" in another spot, color me perfectionist! I DO notice those things! Yes, even when I'm worried sick about my protagonists! Now I have to wait anxiously for the next installment(s). Why, oh why did I devour this one so speedily?!! Oh, sorry about withholding the 5th star, Ms. Stevens, but I felt the protagonist's why do I feel this way self- examinations went on a bit too long, and, well, maybe once too often. But I DID enjoy the book!! Keep ‘em coming!
March 12, 2013
This story just gets better and better! I was surprised when Cade returned and his new information! *no spoiler from me*
A great turn on the paranormal with sci-fi / fantasy with a romantic twist. This story has great lens and wonderful characters. The heroine is strong and in love. The supporting characters are there without taking too much from her and her life. The struggle for survival and the world left after alien domination is not far-fetched but actually visible to the mind...
Can't wait for the next one!
A great turn on the paranormal with sci-fi / fantasy with a romantic twist. This story has great lens and wonderful characters. The heroine is strong and in love. The supporting characters are there without taking too much from her and her life. The struggle for survival and the world left after alien domination is not far-fetched but actually visible to the mind...
Can't wait for the next one!
January 12, 2013
4.5 stars
Like book #1, Ravenous, I really enjoyed Taken Over. I am really excited to see what happens next in book #3. I assume there will be a book #3?
This book has some great twist and turns.
I recommend THE RAVENING SERIES.
Like book #1, Ravenous, I really enjoyed Taken Over. I am really excited to see what happens next in book #3. I assume there will be a book #3?
This book has some great twist and turns.
I recommend THE RAVENING SERIES.
November 5, 2012
Love this series so far! I guessed the twist! But it just made me appreciate the events and characters even more. Bethy is that rare creature in YA fiction - a likeable female lead! She's dark, yet driven and well Cade is Cade! I even started to nearly like Jenna (nearly)! This book is really sad in places and uber dark, I Cannot wait for book 3, but sadly I think I'm in for a long wait.
January 19, 2013
Once again I was a captive audience with this book! Can't wait for book 3!!!
January 31, 2013
Can't wait till the next one come out!!!
February 22, 2013
Much better than the first. I want more!!
March 22, 2013
Is there going to be a book 3?!?
May 15, 2013
This was a really good read. Action packed. Can't wait for the next book.
February 2, 2020
I didn't think book 2 of The Ravening series could be better than book 1, but it was. It was even more suspenseful. The author, Erica Stevens, has quite the imagination, but with a lot of common sense thrown in. I have found no holes in the story. Book 1 hinted at a couple secrets that book 2 has revealed, but there are more secrets to be found out, and I want to know them. Bethany and Cade are refreshing in YA love stories; they aren't silly or immature. Bethany does show her youth but isn't sappy. All the characters and their actions under those circumstances are believable. Since I am retired from the US Air Force, and have read too many YA books to count, and I'm 66 years old, I think I'm probably a good judge. I have downloaded book 3, but I need to charge my Kindle, and get something done besides reading. But I can't wait to continue the series.
October 17, 2020
Slow start
This one did have bit of a slow start to it, but it held my interest. Things started to really pick up around chapter 5/6. Some of the plot twists were predictable to me, but I still enjoyed this continuation of the the story. I disagree with the reviews that said the first half of the book was just Bethany being heartbroken. I think the author did a good job of making me feel how a heartbroken teen would feel in Bethany’s situation would feel.
This one did have bit of a slow start to it, but it held my interest. Things started to really pick up around chapter 5/6. Some of the plot twists were predictable to me, but I still enjoyed this continuation of the the story. I disagree with the reviews that said the first half of the book was just Bethany being heartbroken. I think the author did a good job of making me feel how a heartbroken teen would feel in Bethany’s situation would feel.
January 27, 2020
So glad we got Cade back! This book had The 5th Wave feel to it with finding out what Cade really is. But also finding out what's happened to Bethany gives it a vampire kind of feel too. These books are so well written and the plot is so awesome. It's so much action!!! I can't wait to find out how it ends!
August 6, 2018
Taken Over Review
This series keeps getting better. Book one left me with a broken heart but it was restored in Taken Over. More suspense, action packed, plot twists and turns. Loved it!
This series keeps getting better. Book one left me with a broken heart but it was restored in Taken Over. More suspense, action packed, plot twists and turns. Loved it!
February 28, 2020
WOW, there are some major info drops in this one. Some of it I kind of foresaw coming but still like the way it was told. Some others, didn't see coming at all. Curious to see where the 3rd book takes this story.
May 10, 2017
Great read
It answers lots of questions that I had from the first one. It does feel a little short though... looking forward to the next one.
It answers lots of questions that I had from the first one. It does feel a little short though... looking forward to the next one.
March 4, 2018
The tension mounts
Lost and traversing in a new world order, our family discovers just how little they know. Scarce knowledge about survival and themselves or each other.
Lost and traversing in a new world order, our family discovers just how little they know. Scarce knowledge about survival and themselves or each other.
April 14, 2018
I couldn’t stop reading this book!
I was sad that I couldn’t read it while I was at work !
Tomorrow I take on book three!!
I was sad that I couldn’t read it while I was at work !
Tomorrow I take on book three!!
December 5, 2019
Intrigue continues
The second book is just as gripping, intense and palm sweating as the first. The plot continues to thicken and many twists abound. Awesome storyline.
The second book is just as gripping, intense and palm sweating as the first. The plot continues to thicken and many twists abound. Awesome storyline.
March 20, 2020
Wow. A captivating storyline. So many twists. Amazing read.
July 28, 2020
Oooooooo! Even Better!
Filled with EXCELLENT plot, twisted dynamics, and all the good stuff of the first book! It is definitely worth the read!
Filled with EXCELLENT plot, twisted dynamics, and all the good stuff of the first book! It is definitely worth the read!
June 6, 2021
Another Page Turner
I spent half of the first book heart broken. I still have strong emotions for the secondary characters as well. I look forward to reading the final book.
I spent half of the first book heart broken. I still have strong emotions for the secondary characters as well. I look forward to reading the final book.
May 26, 2014
Overall 4 star
-Book Description: 4.5
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 3.5
-Creativity: 3.5
-Grammar: N/A Unedited Copy
-Simile Use: 3.5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 3
-Show Not Tell: 3
Taken Over by Erica Stevens is the second novel in the Sci-Fi YA series The Ravening. The novel continues the journey of the protagonist, Bethany, in a strange world ruled by aliens out for human blood. The cover of this novel does an excellent job pulling the reader in and furthermore, shows the bleakness of the world presented within its pages. The description also grabs you and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The plot of the novel moved at a quick pace, although I found there were times were Bethany was repeating information I already knew at length. This may have been a way to let readers who hadn't read the first novel in on what was happening, but this novel couldn't be a stand alone either way. Overall, the creativity of the novel held for much of the story with the exception of where we learn what Cade does and why he's so drawn to Bethany. For me it was just too Twilight-ish, to the point where I saw hot Cade turn into pale, controlling Edward Cullen in my mind. I was able to get past this, as Stevens does a good job describing how certain myths came to be from the aliens, but I must admit it had me slamming the book against my forehead in frustration that the novel even had me thinking about Twilight. The novel does a good job rounding itself out, while ending at a point where you must read the next one, which I am going to do very quickly! Stevens does a good job keeping similes to a minimum, and utilizing description of the horrid occurrences to keep you running right along with Bethany. I did notice the word 'obtuse' was used a lot. There were also several instances where I would have preferred dialogue over internal narration to keep with the tenant of show not tell, but I didn't find myself skimming too much. I can't wait to see how the world morphs in the third and final novel, Reclamation.
-Book Description: 4.5
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 3.5
-Creativity: 3.5
-Grammar: N/A Unedited Copy
-Simile Use: 3.5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 3
-Show Not Tell: 3
Taken Over by Erica Stevens is the second novel in the Sci-Fi YA series The Ravening. The novel continues the journey of the protagonist, Bethany, in a strange world ruled by aliens out for human blood. The cover of this novel does an excellent job pulling the reader in and furthermore, shows the bleakness of the world presented within its pages. The description also grabs you and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The plot of the novel moved at a quick pace, although I found there were times were Bethany was repeating information I already knew at length. This may have been a way to let readers who hadn't read the first novel in on what was happening, but this novel couldn't be a stand alone either way. Overall, the creativity of the novel held for much of the story with the exception of where we learn what Cade does and why he's so drawn to Bethany. For me it was just too Twilight-ish, to the point where I saw hot Cade turn into pale, controlling Edward Cullen in my mind. I was able to get past this, as Stevens does a good job describing how certain myths came to be from the aliens, but I must admit it had me slamming the book against my forehead in frustration that the novel even had me thinking about Twilight. The novel does a good job rounding itself out, while ending at a point where you must read the next one, which I am going to do very quickly! Stevens does a good job keeping similes to a minimum, and utilizing description of the horrid occurrences to keep you running right along with Bethany. I did notice the word 'obtuse' was used a lot. There were also several instances where I would have preferred dialogue over internal narration to keep with the tenant of show not tell, but I didn't find myself skimming too much. I can't wait to see how the world morphs in the third and final novel, Reclamation.
April 11, 2013
A Short review of an awesome book I read a while ago!
Love this series! Erica Stevens provides a unique take on the alien/vampire/fantasy/sci-fi genres because The Ravening books are a kind of hybrid of them all. The blood drinking vampire like aliens are vicious and cruel (well most of them) and the humans are well... food!
I have to say that I guessed the twist pretty early on (I had my suspicions in the first book)! But it just made me appreciate the events and characters even more.
Bethy is that rare creature in YA fiction - a likeable female lead! She's dark, yet driven and fights to survive. She could quite easily have gone back to Bret after what happened to Cade at the end of book 1, but she didn't. She used her heartbreak to motivate her (even if it was a massive struggle)! I also loved how Bethy isn't your average sunny heroine, she knows she should be nicer at times but she just isn't, sunny doesn't suit her!
And well Cade is Cade! After the shock ending to book 1, I won't go into too many details as I don't want to give much away. The characters all grew and develop, they make mistakes, screw up and some die. I even started to nearly like Jenna by the end (nearly)!
This book is really sad in places and uber dark, I cannot wait for book 3, but sadly I think I'm in for a long wait as Erica has said she focusing on her other books at the moment!
Note: I previously posted part of this review on my old Goodreads account!
See my blog for more reviews
Love this series! Erica Stevens provides a unique take on the alien/vampire/fantasy/sci-fi genres because The Ravening books are a kind of hybrid of them all. The blood drinking vampire like aliens are vicious and cruel (well most of them) and the humans are well... food!
I have to say that I guessed the twist pretty early on (I had my suspicions in the first book)! But it just made me appreciate the events and characters even more.
Bethy is that rare creature in YA fiction - a likeable female lead! She's dark, yet driven and fights to survive. She could quite easily have gone back to Bret after what happened to Cade at the end of book 1, but she didn't. She used her heartbreak to motivate her (even if it was a massive struggle)! I also loved how Bethy isn't your average sunny heroine, she knows she should be nicer at times but she just isn't, sunny doesn't suit her!
And well Cade is Cade! After the shock ending to book 1, I won't go into too many details as I don't want to give much away. The characters all grew and develop, they make mistakes, screw up and some die. I even started to nearly like Jenna by the end (nearly)!
This book is really sad in places and uber dark, I cannot wait for book 3, but sadly I think I'm in for a long wait as Erica has said she focusing on her other books at the moment!
Note: I previously posted part of this review on my old Goodreads account!
See my blog for more reviews
March 18, 2014
Taken Over is the sequel to Ravenous and like the first book, is a fast paced and exciting read.
Aliens have wiped out the vast majority of the human population, leaving only a few survivors who are now banding into small groups in an attempt to escape their hunters.
The second book leaps in as Bethany and her survivor family attempt to join a larger group of people, having escaped Cape Cod. With army veterans and a doctor in their midst, they begin a more sophisticated rebellion against the new alien power.
I enjoyed the boost these developments gave to the plot line, bringing in characters and throwing new light on the ones we already know. I loved the way they were able to develop and adapt to their harsh new lives in this slightly more secure setting.
There are mysteries galore and the story takes an unexpected turn towards the end which looks like it sets the characters up for another gear shift in the final book in the series.
Aliens have wiped out the vast majority of the human population, leaving only a few survivors who are now banding into small groups in an attempt to escape their hunters.
The second book leaps in as Bethany and her survivor family attempt to join a larger group of people, having escaped Cape Cod. With army veterans and a doctor in their midst, they begin a more sophisticated rebellion against the new alien power.
I enjoyed the boost these developments gave to the plot line, bringing in characters and throwing new light on the ones we already know. I loved the way they were able to develop and adapt to their harsh new lives in this slightly more secure setting.
There are mysteries galore and the story takes an unexpected turn towards the end which looks like it sets the characters up for another gear shift in the final book in the series.
April 29, 2016
My OPINION of this book
Book two picks up a few weeks after where book one ends. Bethany is struggling with the disappearance of Cade. She stays loyal to his memory and fights to grieve and be able to let him go. Mid book Cade miraculously returns changed and initially refuses to discuss what happened but then secrets are revealed.
Spoiler coming..... Cade is one of the aliens...but he lives Bethany and claims she is calls to him, almost like a mate. He literally craves her blood and soul. The way it was written was a little romantic, as odd as that sounds. The reason, Bethany wasn't frozen is revealed. A new characteristic of the aliens is revealed and the reason behind the invasion is revealed. I could go on but the book is just that good.
An excellent written book. Good characters. Plenty of action, suspense and romance. I absolutely liked this book and plan to continue with the series.
Book two picks up a few weeks after where book one ends. Bethany is struggling with the disappearance of Cade. She stays loyal to his memory and fights to grieve and be able to let him go. Mid book Cade miraculously returns changed and initially refuses to discuss what happened but then secrets are revealed.
Spoiler coming..... Cade is one of the aliens...but he lives Bethany and claims she is calls to him, almost like a mate. He literally craves her blood and soul. The way it was written was a little romantic, as odd as that sounds. The reason, Bethany wasn't frozen is revealed. A new characteristic of the aliens is revealed and the reason behind the invasion is revealed. I could go on but the book is just that good.
An excellent written book. Good characters. Plenty of action, suspense and romance. I absolutely liked this book and plan to continue with the series.
March 30, 2013
Bethany was lost and felt alone when cade was taken by the aliensat the end of book one. Shes been training hard and fight new style aliens. The dr believes that bethenys blood holds the cure for the frozen but he keeps needing new samples bc he believed the alien corpse sharing the cooler had contaminated her blood. Suddenly cade is back and tells her alot of truths and tells her the dr can nolonger take her blood and that he had stayed away from her for so long to save her life but staying away doesnt keep her safe and he is determaned to keep her just that. They are all on the move for a safe place and to find more survivers so they can defeat the aliens.
July 22, 2013
Wow Erica Stevens pulls it off again. I think the second installment to this series is way better than the first book. You learn more about the aliens (which had me pulled right in) and how they did really take over. Also, still so much mystery behind all of the characters! Bethny is a dark character because she is going through so many changes, but you can really resonate with her am why she is acting that way! Also, the end of the book, OH EM G!!! Can't wait for the third book and to see what happens with everyone! Another round of applause for Erica Stevens? Has me all wrapped up in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews