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This follows Gone, the first book in the trilogy.

Held follows Macy Mercer after being abducted by Chester Woodran. Macy finds herself farther from her family in a situation so strange she wouldn't believe it, except that it's her new reality.

Meanwhile, back home her family and friends are dealing with her disappearance. New clues come in, furthering their confusion and distress.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2014

615 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read

About the author

Stacy Claflin

185 books1,426 followers
Stacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.

Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.

Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/

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683 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for Anna.
768 reviews158 followers
March 1, 2021
This is #800 on my read shelf! Just thought that was an important detail. :)

In Held, book 2 of the Gone series by Stacy Claflin, Chester decides he wants to take Macy to a strange community that just so happens to be some strange creepy cult!! Aside from their beliefs having about ten thousand plus holes in it (they pray but don't say to who, they see visions, but what of and why, and other stuff that I'm just like well okay then), they were really just all so weird. They have a few weird rituals like having to take a shower and scrub yourself clean before entering the community as well as wearing those slit veils. Anyway, the cult was definitely a cult and really weird.

And it's not like Macy has much of a choice but to go along with him and listen. I'd be pretty scared because the place seemed pretty well guarded and with all of the weird strict rules it wouldn't be easy to get out of.

Chester gets married to some woman and that woman becomes Macy's new "mom." The new mom, Rebekah, seems pretty nice. But her flaw is that she's totally for the community and the rules and the brainwashing. Then we get a few awkward scenes since the walls separating Macy's room from her "parents'" room are thin and on the wedding night you can...well, you unfortunately probably get the picture. It was so awkward and I didn't need it!

Oh, don't forget the other issue:

Luke was a pretty nice character. He was actually REAL and kind and understanding. And maybe just a hero.

Even though there was still some awkward content that I didn't appreciate, I rated this 2 stars because even though there was more content, Macy seemed to grow up a little more-- hang on, let me pause here.

Macy didn’t care about the meat. She’d eaten enough since Chester took her that she wasn’t a vegan anymore. Maybe someday, if she ever got away from him, she could be one again.

Girl!!! You've gotten so big and now meat doesn't scare you anymore! And you're not referring to it as a dead cow! *sniffles* So emotional. She's such a big girl now. (Read my other review for the first book: Gone

--anyway, Macy seemed to grow up a little more and it felt like more things were actually happening, at least on the side of Macy's POV. She might just find her family in the next book. But that was still a cliff hanger.

Content:
Language: one "b**ches", maybe some dam* and he* (I don't think there was much or any, I can't remember), crap
Sexy Stuff/Romance:
Violence:
Profile Image for Ashley Lloyd.
Author 12 books124 followers
July 8, 2016
Just when I thought this trilogy couldn't get anymore twisted, I read Held. The first book took thinks to a dark place but Held was a whole new game. This trilogy has been the best trilogy I have ever read - Hunger Games and Twilight combined. I just can't get enough! I'll be thinking about these books for a while. I literally got my phone out to read during date night tonight because I needed to find out if my suspicion about Zoey was correct. I'm that addicted!
6 reviews
October 11, 2016
it was a amazing book and i would strongly recommend it but i would start by reading the first book of the series called gone because this book carries on the story because gone is left on a cliffhanger so this book is filled with loads of powerful things and has a very good strong story line
Profile Image for Michael  Dawson .
252 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2021
A Fantastic sequel to Gone the first book in the series can't wait to read the next book Over. I really enjoyed the story I couldn't put it down I highly recommend the series!
Profile Image for Courtney Whisenant.
223 reviews51 followers
November 15, 2014
Held is the second book in the Gone trilogy. This book picked up where the first left off but took a much different direction than I expected. Since it's the second book of three, Macy has obviously not yet been reunited with her family. Held wasn't as realistic and plausible as the first book and some of the events in both storylines were hard to wrap my mind around. Nevertheless, I must know how the story ends and I'm looking forward to some kind of resolution whatever that may be.
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews24 followers
September 20, 2020
Kidnapped Macy Mercer is in even more trouble in the second book in the Gone trilogy. After being taken by Chester Woodran and forced to pretend to be his daughter Heather, Macy is no longer trapped in Woodran's house or barn -- instead, they've joined a creepy misogynistic cult. Nothing will stop Macy from trying to escape, but after months of no evidence of Macy's continued survival, her family is having a hard time holding on. Also, her teenage brother and her best friend are having a baby together.

Gone was a decent book, but both Held and Over (the final book in the trilogy) are excellent. The characters seem more like their adult counterparts in the Alex Mercer books, they all have issues with the psychological trauma of Macy's disappearance, and the action of Macy's escape attempt is thrilling. This is a very good book.
Profile Image for Diane.
654 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2019
More like 3.5 stars. Another quick and easy read, and good enough that I didn’t want to put it down. Like the first one, it ends in a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see how it ends in part 3.
9 reviews
September 16, 2024
I was so obsessed with the characters in these books! I read all three books in a total of 2.5 weeks, which is huge for me. I haven't taken the time for myself to read an entire book in over a year, but I could not put these down.
These are not stand alone books, so make sure you read them in order. Held picks up right where Gone ended, very seamless transition-I felt like I was still reading the same book. The characters really make you root for them, and you desperately want Macy to escape Chester.
Profile Image for Mallory Ann.
87 reviews41 followers
January 5, 2015
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Macy of course is still with her kidnapper Chester. He will stop at nothing to keep Macy from escaping him. A lot happens in this second book and more people are introduced. Macy is such a strong person given her circumstances. She definitely steps up in this book and will do anything in her power to get away and back to her family. Looking forward to the third book to see how it all finally ends.
Profile Image for Jessica Walters.
95 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2016
Heather

This was a great second book in the series. There seems to be a lot of crazies. So much struggle. A new family. A cult! A baby. So much. I couldn't put it down. I read each page with hope and caution.
Profile Image for Grant.
87 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2015
This book is a great follow to "Gone" it really kept my attention
Profile Image for Gemma.
219 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2015
Better than the first as you learn more. Well worth a read
25 reviews
June 23, 2019
Held is the second book in the Gone series. This series follows the kidnapping of teen Macy Mercer. The second book begins approximately one month after Macy's abduction. The story is told from many different perspectives, from Macy to her brother Alex and best friend Zoey, to both of Macy's parents.
. Chester (Macy's kidnapper) has now taken Macy to a commune in the middle of nowhere to live as a family with a new mother and even a school. This commune is an extremely strict cult society where Chester has been welcomed as a soon to be "High Prophet". Rebekah has become Macy's new mother. Macy is torn between trusting the new members of her life or not. She wants to tell everybody she has been kidnapped by Chester but is afraid that nobody will believe her.


. I really enjoyed this book. I feel like each of the characters took on a more realistic role in this novel. Both of Macy's parents are obviously distraught, more so than in the previous book. The father is struggling with his blog and even has a hard time going out in public. The mother has taken to drinking at a local bar to forget things for a while. The family is fighting more than ever. Alex and Zoey have begun a love interest for each other a d have found a lot of comfort in each other. so much so that they become pregnant! This book focused a lot on Zoey and Alex's pregnancy. I wish it focused less on the pregnancy and more on Macy's life inside of the commune. There was definitely less about Chester in this book. I wish the story dove deeper into his side of the story. All the other characters have been developed so much and Chester is kind of at a standstill.. I didn't learn too much about him in this book that wasn't already known.


Overall I found this book to be more believable than the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah Jensen.
2,090 reviews178 followers
Read
January 7, 2025
Book Review: Held by Stacy Claflin

In Held, the second installment of the Gone Saga, Stacy Claflin continues the gripping journey of Macy as she navigates a new and unsettling reality. The story begins with Chester transporting Macy to a strange cult community characterized by bizarre beliefs and rigid rules. This transition thrusts Macy into a world where compliance is crucial for her safety, leaving her feeling scared and vulnerable in the cult's guarded environment.

As the narrative unfolds, Chester marries Rebekah, who quickly becomes Macy's new mother figure. However, Rebekah's unwavering devotion to the cult creates tension and awkward situations, especially considering the thin walls separating Macy's room from her "parents." These dynamics add an intriguing layer of complexity to the storyline, showcasing the challenges of adapting to a new family structure in such a repressive setting.

The plot also introduces Zoey, a character who grapples with the heavy pressure to abort her pregnancy, touching on a sensitive and controversial subject that adds depth to the narrative. In contrast, Luke emerges as a kind and understanding figure, embodying a potential hero for Macy and providing a glimpse of hope amid the turmoil.

Throughout the book, Macy experiences significant growth and change, even going so far as to abandon her vegan lifestyle, which symbolizes her struggle between staying true to herself and adapting to her oppressive circumstances. The conclusion of Held leaves readers on a tantalizing cliffhanger, hinting at the possibility of family reunions for Macy, creating anticipation for the next book in the series.

While the content includes mild language, awkward romantic scenes, and some violence, these elements serve to enhance the realism of the characters' experiences rather than detracting from the overall story. Claflin's writing effectively captures the emotional turmoil and complexity of living in such a challenging environment.

In summary, Held is a captivating continuation of Macy's story that delves deeper into the themes of survival, adaptation, and personal growth. Stacy Claflin skillfully weaves a narrative filled with tension and intrigue, leaving readers eager for the next chapter in Macy's tumultuous journey.
Profile Image for Vivian.
798 reviews10 followers
July 13, 2017
Macy has been taken to a commune by her captor. The group believes in living as puritans where women should be submissive and speak only when spoken to. Chester introduces her as his daughter, Heather. Soon he would marry a submissive and live in a bungalow as a new family. Meanwhile, Macy's real family, along with the local police, are doing everything they can to find her and she will do whatever it takes to escape.

~ I was hoping for a better read with book 2 of the Gone series. Im having a very difficult time getting past the grammatical errors. So unfortunate. I'm no expert and I'm certainly not perfect, but missing entire words? That's just too much. I will say, book 2 was a bit better than book1.
Profile Image for Read-n-Bloom.
414 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2023
Great 2nd Book

Held - 2nd Book in Gone Trilogy- by Stacy Claflin
POV - Multiple POVs
Main Characters - Macy, Chester, Alyssa & Chad (Macy’s parents), Alex & Zoey
Genre - Fiction, Thriller,Suspense,Mystery, Series
.
This was a great second book in the Gone Trilogy by Stacy Claflin! It continued with Macy being kidnapped away from her parents by Chester, a mentally insane man using Macy as his daughter. And of course her parents, Alyssa & Chad are worried sick and wonder if they’ll ever get her back. Also, a new development happens in this second writing between Alex & Zoey and thats all I’m saying. Gonna let you read it yourself and see what you think of it. All in all, a great second book. Looking forward to the last one, Over.
Profile Image for Shirley.
287 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2019
Another good book by Claflin. This one continues from the first suspenseful novel - Gone. An easy and quick read because I didn't want to stop reading! Things were very difficult for Macy in the first book and have not been any easier in this continuation. The writing is simplistic but believable. I kept having doubts about Macy's new school friend, Luke, thinking the reader was in for another twist before the book ended. He, somehow, didn't seem true to me, but I will leave it to the new readers to find out if he was helpful - or not. Can't wait to read the third novel in the trilogy - Over.
Profile Image for Park Her Reads.
114 reviews
June 2, 2025
Super fast-paced and completely addictive! Held picks up right where Gone left off, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was desperate to find out if Macy finally makes it home—but no such luck. Still no answers, and that ending left me yelling, “AHHH!” It’s so frustrating in the best way because I need to know what happens next.

This series has completely pulled me in. I haven’t read a book this quickly in a long time. The suspense is constant, the chapters fly by, and the emotional tension is just as high as in the first book. Just be warned—this is not the conclusion. But if you love a high-stakes cliffhanger, you’ll be hooked!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beth.
66 reviews
May 13, 2018
I bought the trilogy in one ebook but decided to review each book separately.

I thought the editing errors would die in Gone but Held has the same grammatical problems the first book did. I still enjoyed the story line as it progressed. This trilogy hits on a few real life topics: child predators online, teen pregnancy, troubled marriages, the realities of a cult, etc.

I had to admire Macy's tenacity to fight and not give in to her circumstances and try to get back to her family. I felt horror when Chester killed Dorcas and wondered what happened to Luke when they were caught again.

Profile Image for Harmony Lillie.
22 reviews
March 19, 2019
I would read this series again

When I find a book I enjoy, I don't want it to end. I get so involved with these characters, I can feel what they feel. This is a series where I felt connected to the characters. I didn't want to put my kindle down. The first one hooked me, I saw I could buy all three for 5.99 but usually I only read the first And second. As soon as I finished the 2nd, I had to buy the third. Wonderfully written and I didn't see any errors like I do with a lot of books that aren't paper books.
456 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2020
I just finished the second in the Gone series, Held. I'll need ro read the third book tofind out did Macy
make it back home safe and sound. Her family has more problems than just her being kidnapped and being held in a crazy, dangerous cult by Chester and his cohorts. Macy's thirteen year old brother,Alex, has inpregnated Macy.s fifteen year best friend,Zoey, and Dad,Chad, has lost his job so he only his Blog to keep them afloat for income since Macy's mother, Alyssa, doesn't work,she a stay-at-home mom.
Profile Image for Tere J.
266 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2021
What I liked about this book, was the cult aspect.. I like me a good cult drama.. So Macy & Chester's story line appealed to me.

Zoey & Alex - I shake my head with those two, because the author doesn't write teens. No 13 year old boy behaves as maturely as Alex does. Sorry.

But about mid-way thru, I had to see what Macy's husband name was - but then about 90% he wants to share his real name.. So I am curious as to where this is leading.

This book is completely a cliffhanger, and definitely reading Over.
Profile Image for Joy.
310 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2017
Whew...
Fast paced. Great second installment with a cliffhanging end.
In HELD we go with Macy and Chester to their "new home". They go to The Community, basically a cult.
It's difficult to really say much more without giving things away, but as with the first book, I find the whole Alex and Zoey storyline a bit far fetched. Not because of the two year age gap, but because I don't believe a thirteen year old boy would be like this.
Profile Image for Amy.
610 reviews7 followers
August 19, 2019
The second book of the GONE trilogy added even more depth and detail to the first book. GONE ended on a cliffhanger and HELD picked up right where it left off.
Chester packed Macy/Heather up from his parents and took off to a Commune. Macy now has a bit more “freedom” but also more eyes watching her every move. A classmate, Luke, notices her struggling with the new rules of the community and their relationship begins to grow. Can she trust him enough to let him in on her secret?
6 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2019
2.5 stars. At first I was really enjoying it. The book took a completely different turn from what I was expecting but it was good. Learning about how the community ran and how Macy was coping with the new dynamics. I thought there could’ve been a whole book about life in there and saving the escape plotting for another book. However the last few chapters were poor. The escape was too easy. Why hadn’t all the kids just done that before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,550 reviews37 followers
July 14, 2020
Really goood! Read it!

I was so interested in finding out what happened in the third and final book of the series that I couldn't take two minutes to write a review. But it deserves a review.
Read this series. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen, and a lot happened. A lonely girl who looks for love online. A psychopath. Religious cult. And much more.
So get busy with this series. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Caroline Christian.
18 reviews
December 15, 2022
So far, this trilogy is really good. I just finished the second book and starting the third. My only negative is that there were SO MANY typos. The second book especially. The first wasn’t so bad, but the second book got difficult to read because of all the errors. Words were doubled, words made no sense and there was misspelled words. Besides that, a good series, and I’m looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
9 reviews
January 14, 2025
This book continues on a good storyline from book 1, but there are just too many long segements of "thinking" for me. I can handle some thinking to know what's going on inside of a character's head, but there was so much unnecessary thinking detailed in this book. I skimmed over quite a few sections of this droning on. There is still no conclusion to Macy's kidnapping, so I had to purchase book 3 where I do hope There is still no conclusion to Macy's kidnapping, so something will be resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebecca Waldron.
240 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2017
Amazing!

Holy cow! I called it, after the first few pages!!!! Because I watch Escaping Poligamy, I got a bit freaked out while reading. Thankfully, there was none of what I feared to read. A gripping read, that has a great plot. Well thought out, awesome read! Can't wait to find out what happens next! On to Over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews

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