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The Taking
From the shadows of slavery, a legend begins to rise...
A slave. A warrior. And secrets meant to stay buried.
When a young girl is found abandoned on the castle steps in the medieval town of High Crown, she is swiftly claimed by a kitchen servant and thrust into a life of slavery. With no memory of who she is or where she came from, she has no refuge beyond the cold stone walls that bind her—and no hope of escape.
But some things are more feared than chains.
As whispers spread of giants stirring beyond the borders—ancient, fearsome beings thought slaughtered long ago—she finds an unlikely ally in a mighty warrior. Under his guidance, she learns the way of the sword—not just to survive, but to prepare for a destiny unknown even to her.
Drawn beyond the safety of High Crown, this warrior and girl embark on a journey through a land haunted by legends, kept by curses, and steeped in secrets long buried. What they uncover will change everything.
And when darkness rises, the fate of the realm will rest in the hands of a girl without a past—and the warrior who walks at her side.
A slave. A warrior. And secrets meant to stay buried.
When a young girl is found abandoned on the castle steps in the medieval town of High Crown, she is swiftly claimed by a kitchen servant and thrust into a life of slavery. With no memory of who she is or where she came from, she has no refuge beyond the cold stone walls that bind her—and no hope of escape.
But some things are more feared than chains.
As whispers spread of giants stirring beyond the borders—ancient, fearsome beings thought slaughtered long ago—she finds an unlikely ally in a mighty warrior. Under his guidance, she learns the way of the sword—not just to survive, but to prepare for a destiny unknown even to her.
Drawn beyond the safety of High Crown, this warrior and girl embark on a journey through a land haunted by legends, kept by curses, and steeped in secrets long buried. What they uncover will change everything.
And when darkness rises, the fate of the realm will rest in the hands of a girl without a past—and the warrior who walks at her side.
345 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2025
About the author
J.M. Easterly
1 book64 followers*Also writes under the name Mae East.
Hello, lovely wanderer! I'm J.M. Easterly. Thanks for stopping by. I’m an independent author who likes to roam across genres the way some people roam through bookstores—curious, wide-eyed, and occasionally carrying more than I probably should.
I’m generally an optimist at heart, but my stories sometimes slip down shadowy alleyways or wander into stormy weather. I like a bit of contrast—sunshine means more after the rain, after all.
My books won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee… or mysterious glowing potion), and that’s perfectly all right. Stories are like doors: not every one is meant for every traveler. But if you choose to open one of mine, I hope it leads you somewhere unexpected, unforgettable, or perhaps to a much-needed escape hatch from a busy life.
And if one path doesn’t suit you? There’s always another genre waiting just around the corner.
However you found your way here, thank you. From one reader to another, may your shelves be full, your bookmarks plentiful, and your next great adventure only a page away. 📚✨
Hello, lovely wanderer! I'm J.M. Easterly. Thanks for stopping by. I’m an independent author who likes to roam across genres the way some people roam through bookstores—curious, wide-eyed, and occasionally carrying more than I probably should.
I’m generally an optimist at heart, but my stories sometimes slip down shadowy alleyways or wander into stormy weather. I like a bit of contrast—sunshine means more after the rain, after all.
My books won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee… or mysterious glowing potion), and that’s perfectly all right. Stories are like doors: not every one is meant for every traveler. But if you choose to open one of mine, I hope it leads you somewhere unexpected, unforgettable, or perhaps to a much-needed escape hatch from a busy life.
And if one path doesn’t suit you? There’s always another genre waiting just around the corner.
However you found your way here, thank you. From one reader to another, may your shelves be full, your bookmarks plentiful, and your next great adventure only a page away. 📚✨
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 10, 2026
This book read like a prequel to me-kinda slow and laying the groundwork. By the end, I was completely attached to the MC and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her story!
February 28, 2026
I was originally thinking of rating this book 3.5 stars, but after the lore drop towards the end and the fact that I read it in basically a day with no regrets, I'm bumping it up to 4 stars.
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book at first, as I found it to be somewhat slow (though I can see the argument that getting kidnapped off the streets by a witch-associated, abusive old woman is the exact opposite of that). However, I quickly realized that I am a sucker for the whole "giants might be back btw guys" storyline, so I had no problem getting into the book when that threat really started to take shape.
One thing: The fact that this girl took a gamble on a second sketchy looking old woman in a crowd of people after what happened all those years ago had me judging, but if the vibes were right girl go for it I guess.
Can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book at first, as I found it to be somewhat slow (though I can see the argument that getting kidnapped off the streets by a witch-associated, abusive old woman is the exact opposite of that). However, I quickly realized that I am a sucker for the whole "giants might be back btw guys" storyline, so I had no problem getting into the book when that threat really started to take shape.
One thing: The fact that this girl took a gamble on a second sketchy looking old woman in a crowd of people after what happened all those years ago had me judging, but if the vibes were right girl go for it I guess.
Can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
THANK YOU to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC✨
"... Fighting should never be a mans first plan of action, but only a plan of survival...
A brilliant first novel for a series!
The Taking has a Game of Thrones vibe to it and the main character reminds me of Arya.
I've noticed a few comments saying it reads like a prequel, which I don't think is a bad thing. I like how we are gradually shown and told information rather than being told everything at once and feeling like we have to catch up.
The pacing was steady, it was a lot of character building and focusing on survival. I love how Aella didn't let her surroundings dampen her spirit and sass yet she learned how to adapt in order to survive.
The writing was carefully crafted, all of the characters had a depth and the world was built quite well.
I was quite sad when it ended, I can't wait for the sequel!
"... Fighting should never be a mans first plan of action, but only a plan of survival...
A brilliant first novel for a series!
The Taking has a Game of Thrones vibe to it and the main character reminds me of Arya.
I've noticed a few comments saying it reads like a prequel, which I don't think is a bad thing. I like how we are gradually shown and told information rather than being told everything at once and feeling like we have to catch up.
The pacing was steady, it was a lot of character building and focusing on survival. I love how Aella didn't let her surroundings dampen her spirit and sass yet she learned how to adapt in order to survive.
The writing was carefully crafted, all of the characters had a depth and the world was built quite well.
I was quite sad when it ended, I can't wait for the sequel!
May 28, 2026
The Taking feels like the kind of book that’s laying strong groundwork for a bigger series. The pacing is steady and, at times, it reads a bit like a “prequel” in the best sense — lots of character building, survival, and gradually revealed lore instead of dumping everything on you at once. It took me a little to fully settle in at the start, but by the end I was genuinely attached to Aella and invested in where her story is going.
What I enjoyed most was Aella herself: she’s scrappy, sharp, and doesn’t let a harsh world crush her spirit. The writing has that classic fantasy vibe (swords-and-sorcery energy with a darker edge), and the late-story reveals really bumped this up for me. Overall, I’m giving it 4 stars and I’m definitely curious to continue the series.
I received a free copy via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
What I enjoyed most was Aella herself: she’s scrappy, sharp, and doesn’t let a harsh world crush her spirit. The writing has that classic fantasy vibe (swords-and-sorcery energy with a darker edge), and the late-story reveals really bumped this up for me. Overall, I’m giving it 4 stars and I’m definitely curious to continue the series.
I received a free copy via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
May 30, 2026
I really got involved in this story. The publisher states, it is a character, lore and world builder for a series, so on that basis do expect a cliff hanger ending. I didn't actually mind the ending so much, but I do really want to read the next book now. I've had all sorts of theories about who she is and what might happen, I've no idea if any of them are likely. I'm definitely hooked in. The detail in the book is excellent, with really good character development and continuity throughout the book.
I have really liked reading a book that is focused on characters having an adventure rather than romance. It's a big Yes! from me.
I am thankful to the author, High Crown Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
I have really liked reading a book that is focused on characters having an adventure rather than romance. It's a big Yes! from me.
I am thankful to the author, High Crown Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
April 5, 2026
Well I'm hooked. I didn't win the Goodreads give-away, but took a chance on The Taking anyway. Glad I did.
This novel sort of starts off with the standard swords and sorcery featuring the downtrodden, but precocious young protagonist. What really grabbed me, though, was how Aella rose above the world's casual cruelty to become the hero that the land needs (but perhaps doesn't deserve).
Looking forward to #2, if for no other reason than to see how deep the land's sickness runs and who all will go down when Aella beats the, ...well..., whatever the BBEG truly is.
This novel sort of starts off with the standard swords and sorcery featuring the downtrodden, but precocious young protagonist. What really grabbed me, though, was how Aella rose above the world's casual cruelty to become the hero that the land needs (but perhaps doesn't deserve).
Looking forward to #2, if for no other reason than to see how deep the land's sickness runs and who all will go down when Aella beats the, ...well..., whatever the BBEG truly is.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews