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Branded
Terrorists have invaded Sydney, and Allison King barely escapes her brother’s wedding reception alive. She and her siblings flee, but their parents are killed by firing squad.
Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.
But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.
Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.
But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.
302 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2014
4 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Katie Hamstead
24 books216 followersBorn and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush," and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student. Now she lives in Idaho with her daughters and their collection of animals.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels available, and is published through REUTS Publishing and Soul Mate Publishing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a mother. She now works as a Special Education Paraprofessional to help support her family while she studies Education and English. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student. Now she lives in Idaho with her daughters and their collection of animals.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels available, and is published through REUTS Publishing and Soul Mate Publishing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a mother. She now works as a Special Education Paraprofessional to help support her family while she studies Education and English. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 16, 2017
**** 3.5 Stars ****
When Australia was attacked by terrorists, Ali and her siblings had to learn how to survive. Her experiences of escaping the enemy made her a symbol of resistance. Kind of like Katniss from Hunger Games except there's no skill of archery involved.
Im not sure how to feel about Branded. It started off really exciting and the story sucked me in. But somewhere down the line I found myself rolling my eyes. I mean... Ali gets captured over and over again by the general, and she always escapes. Everywhere she goes, people fall in love with her and want to sacrifice themselves for her. Even the general gets a strange addiction to her.
Although I wouldn't say this was a home run for me, I have to admit that Katie Hamstead has a wonderful imagination and knows how to tell a story.
When Australia was attacked by terrorists, Ali and her siblings had to learn how to survive. Her experiences of escaping the enemy made her a symbol of resistance. Kind of like Katniss from Hunger Games except there's no skill of archery involved.
Im not sure how to feel about Branded. It started off really exciting and the story sucked me in. But somewhere down the line I found myself rolling my eyes. I mean... Ali gets captured over and over again by the general, and she always escapes. Everywhere she goes, people fall in love with her and want to sacrifice themselves for her. Even the general gets a strange addiction to her.
Although I wouldn't say this was a home run for me, I have to admit that Katie Hamstead has a wonderful imagination and knows how to tell a story.
November 23, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Soul Mate Publishing via NG in return for an honest review.
Rating- 3.5 Stars
"It appeared like every major city in Australia had been hit, and hit hard. There were shots of the Sydney Opera House burning, the Flinder's street Railway Station, now a pile of rubble, and even Darwin lay crumbling and in ruins."
This book was a bit a of self-discovery journey for me. I have realised that I am pretty much a guppy, a serious guppy...i cannot handle and i mean CANNOT handle reading a realistic terror attack on Australia!
Especially in light of all that happened in Paris and in Sydney earlier this year.
*shudders* This book was really realistic, and made me want to stop reading because it addressed events i could almost see happen!! Yikes! My blood pressure sky rocked! gimme fey, vamps or werewolves any day, i know they don't exist, but don't give me something like Terrorist. I felt the dawn of a panic attack at some points(just kidding i don't get those, but i'd imagine it'd be something similar).
Especially as this story revolves around a woman who is the main character. Her name is Aly and she is the object of the leader of the terrorist's obsession.
Therefore within this book we get to see, how a woman would navigate these times, and how there would be torture, rapes, branding, death.
It gave me the hibbie-gibbies! but Well done Hamstead! you write really well to have made me feel that way!
My objection is the romance, it went really, really quick (as in the first 20% of the story). I guess in the light of things and all that had to happen, it is hard to make a drawn out romance but still. It was kind of insta, however, i did like Damien so i didn't mind too much.
This book will also make you question yourself. There were moments where Aly did things that made me angry and rave but then when i questioned myself and wondered, if i was in the same position as her...would I do the same to survive?
Ugh this book, turned me inside out.
On another note, i did like Nick's character and I liked the fact that the author touched on the fact that all humans are not the same, even if they are of the same religion.
It's definitely worth a read if you can stomach reading terror attacks on your home turf (to Aussies like me) and if you want a character who basically almost becomes a Katniss Everdeen of Australia.
Stay awesome!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog (help the little people!)
tweet me @thebookherald
Rating- 3.5 Stars
"It appeared like every major city in Australia had been hit, and hit hard. There were shots of the Sydney Opera House burning, the Flinder's street Railway Station, now a pile of rubble, and even Darwin lay crumbling and in ruins."
This book was a bit a of self-discovery journey for me. I have realised that I am pretty much a guppy, a serious guppy...i cannot handle and i mean CANNOT handle reading a realistic terror attack on Australia!
Especially in light of all that happened in Paris and in Sydney earlier this year.
*shudders* This book was really realistic, and made me want to stop reading because it addressed events i could almost see happen!! Yikes! My blood pressure sky rocked! gimme fey, vamps or werewolves any day, i know they don't exist, but don't give me something like Terrorist. I felt the dawn of a panic attack at some points(just kidding i don't get those, but i'd imagine it'd be something similar).
Especially as this story revolves around a woman who is the main character. Her name is Aly and she is the object of the leader of the terrorist's obsession.
Therefore within this book we get to see, how a woman would navigate these times, and how there would be torture, rapes, branding, death.
It gave me the hibbie-gibbies! but Well done Hamstead! you write really well to have made me feel that way!
My objection is the romance, it went really, really quick (as in the first 20% of the story). I guess in the light of things and all that had to happen, it is hard to make a drawn out romance but still. It was kind of insta, however, i did like Damien so i didn't mind too much.
This book will also make you question yourself. There were moments where Aly did things that made me angry and rave but then when i questioned myself and wondered, if i was in the same position as her...would I do the same to survive?
Ugh this book, turned me inside out.
On another note, i did like Nick's character and I liked the fact that the author touched on the fact that all humans are not the same, even if they are of the same religion.
It's definitely worth a read if you can stomach reading terror attacks on your home turf (to Aussies like me) and if you want a character who basically almost becomes a Katniss Everdeen of Australia.
Stay awesome!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog (help the little people!)
tweet me @thebookherald
September 8, 2013
I was lucky enough to read this story before it was picked up by Soul Mate Publishing.
The gripping plot pulled me right through to the final page and kept me reading late into the night. It had an almost thriller feel, with plenty of adventure and romance. Ali is a brave, admirable heroine who I enjoyed reading about.
If you loved John Marsden's Tomorrow When The War Began, you will fall in love with Branded.
The gripping plot pulled me right through to the final page and kept me reading late into the night. It had an almost thriller feel, with plenty of adventure and romance. Ali is a brave, admirable heroine who I enjoyed reading about.
If you loved John Marsden's Tomorrow When The War Began, you will fall in love with Branded.
February 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In a word: Intense. Usually with stories that have a MC that is constantly hunted on a personal level by the enemy, it's all about the chase. You don't expect them to come face to face with the enemy several times over, and I love that Ali does. She turns into the white whale to the General's Ahab, as the characters refer to it. Only she has much more snark and spirit than a white whale, I'm sure.
Ali isn't the typical MC lusted after by an enemy. She's not weak at all, but not impenetrable either. She's genuinely scared for her life, especially when face to face with the General, and the author lets you feel that fear alongside Ali. What is brilliant about feeling that fear so strongly is that you feel her defiance as well. You rise up with her and feel just as indignant as she does.
Her romance with Damien happened fast, but I felt like that was really realistic given the circumstances. Everything about their way of life has been threatened, but there's still a hope that things can get normal and people cling to that hope. The normalcy of things like romance and marriage. And I do love that this is addressed later on, but that they continue to fight for each other. On the other hand, I really root for Nick. He's my favorite character. Without him, I feel like the war would have only gotten worse even after it all came to a head. In a way, I think he means more to the war than Ali does.
This was an exhilarating read, full of suspense, action, romance, and heartbreak on so many different levels. A very powerful and emotional read for people of any religion.
In a word: Intense. Usually with stories that have a MC that is constantly hunted on a personal level by the enemy, it's all about the chase. You don't expect them to come face to face with the enemy several times over, and I love that Ali does. She turns into the white whale to the General's Ahab, as the characters refer to it. Only she has much more snark and spirit than a white whale, I'm sure.
Ali isn't the typical MC lusted after by an enemy. She's not weak at all, but not impenetrable either. She's genuinely scared for her life, especially when face to face with the General, and the author lets you feel that fear alongside Ali. What is brilliant about feeling that fear so strongly is that you feel her defiance as well. You rise up with her and feel just as indignant as she does.
Her romance with Damien happened fast, but I felt like that was really realistic given the circumstances. Everything about their way of life has been threatened, but there's still a hope that things can get normal and people cling to that hope. The normalcy of things like romance and marriage. And I do love that this is addressed later on, but that they continue to fight for each other. On the other hand, I really root for Nick. He's my favorite character. Without him, I feel like the war would have only gotten worse even after it all came to a head. In a way, I think he means more to the war than Ali does.
This was an exhilarating read, full of suspense, action, romance, and heartbreak on so many different levels. A very powerful and emotional read for people of any religion.
February 16, 2014
Branded gets straight to the action. We start at Ali's brother's wedding, when a group of terrorists invade, slaughtering many of the wedding guests, including Ali's parents. Ali flees with her brother, sister, and new sister-in-law. They soon learn that these terrorist invaders have taken over all of Australia, and plan to kill all Westerners who do not denounce Christianity. Anyone who chooses not to denounce their faith is branded with the sign of the Cross, and then killed.
The story starts with action and doesn't let up. There is never a dull moment, or lagging scene, and Katie puts her characters through all kinds of hell. One of my favorite things about the story was Ali. She is the perfect heroine--brave, committed to her beliefs and her family, and doesn't give up no matter how horrible things get. She is determined to survive and thrive.
I'm certainly no expert on world politics, but I found the premise a to be a little over-the-top and hard to believe, which is why I give it four stars instead of five.
All in all, strong writing, well crafted plot, and a strong and likable main character.
The story starts with action and doesn't let up. There is never a dull moment, or lagging scene, and Katie puts her characters through all kinds of hell. One of my favorite things about the story was Ali. She is the perfect heroine--brave, committed to her beliefs and her family, and doesn't give up no matter how horrible things get. She is determined to survive and thrive.
I'm certainly no expert on world politics, but I found the premise a to be a little over-the-top and hard to believe, which is why I give it four stars instead of five.
All in all, strong writing, well crafted plot, and a strong and likable main character.
September 30, 2015
Ali is enjoying her brother's wedding reception when all hell breaks loose. And it really does. Bombs or grenades going off right outside their building. Bullets whizzing by her head as she runs for safety. With her sister, brother and new sister-in-law, they all decide to head home to gather a plan. When they get to their house, it's deserted. Her parents aren't there because they were killed by soldiers before they left the reception location. Once they figure out what to do, they don't have much time because they're coming for them. Just as soon as they're heading out the back door, the troops are coming down the street. They need to hide and fast.
While they run for their lives hiding out in the bush, they decide to head to a camp to the west that they had seen a message about. Although they never make it. They're caught by the General and Ali sacrifices herself to save her family. She is taken back to their base but soon escapes. Now, there's a hunt for her by both the General and the people who think they will be saved if they turn her in. The General is obsessed with Ali and will do anything to get her. What he doesn't realize is that he can't keep her. She will always escape.
Daniel has met the woman of his dreams and sacrifices everything for her. War changes a person, even when you're captured, tortured and brainwashed. Even though he fell in love with Ali, can they be the people they were when they got married?
Ali is a courageous and strong young woman who fights for what she believes. Unbeknownst to her she becomes the hero of this war. The one who brings hope to those who have survived this invasion. She escaped and she fought back. Daniel is made for her. He fights for her and he won't give up.
Wow. This is an awesome book! This book starts you off with action and suspense and never lets up until the very end. Throughout the whole book you're wondering what's happening, why is this happening, who's doing this and what will happen next. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Excellently written with some awesome, fearsome characters! I read this book in one day because I just couldn't put it down. Well, I had to at one point because the kids had football, but I didn't put it down until the last second! LOL!
There is violence in this book because it is a book about a war. There is romance too because let's face it, every heroine deserves to meet her hero in the darkest of times, right? Right!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
While they run for their lives hiding out in the bush, they decide to head to a camp to the west that they had seen a message about. Although they never make it. They're caught by the General and Ali sacrifices herself to save her family. She is taken back to their base but soon escapes. Now, there's a hunt for her by both the General and the people who think they will be saved if they turn her in. The General is obsessed with Ali and will do anything to get her. What he doesn't realize is that he can't keep her. She will always escape.
Daniel has met the woman of his dreams and sacrifices everything for her. War changes a person, even when you're captured, tortured and brainwashed. Even though he fell in love with Ali, can they be the people they were when they got married?
Ali is a courageous and strong young woman who fights for what she believes. Unbeknownst to her she becomes the hero of this war. The one who brings hope to those who have survived this invasion. She escaped and she fought back. Daniel is made for her. He fights for her and he won't give up.
Wow. This is an awesome book! This book starts you off with action and suspense and never lets up until the very end. Throughout the whole book you're wondering what's happening, why is this happening, who's doing this and what will happen next. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Excellently written with some awesome, fearsome characters! I read this book in one day because I just couldn't put it down. Well, I had to at one point because the kids had football, but I didn't put it down until the last second! LOL!
There is violence in this book because it is a book about a war. There is romance too because let's face it, every heroine deserves to meet her hero in the darkest of times, right? Right!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
October 1, 2015
A suspenseful, powerful romance set against the backdrop of Sydney, Australia during a terrorist attack. Adventurous, compelling, exciting with very dangerous situations and consequences.
Fast paced, addictive, and powerful. What if?? Terrorist attacked, and either killed out right or branded Christians with a crucifix, marking them for death. What would you do? Ally fought back, bravely, courageous and honorably.
Written in first person, which I normally do not enjoy, but this story will capture the reader's attention from the beginning to the last page. Well written, unique, with engaging, endearing and courageous characters. The storyline was intriguing and interesting. An enjoyable and satisfying read. Fans of Suspense, with a bit of romance, love of country, faith, redemption, with a powerful message, should enjoy "Branded". A great read!
*Received for an honest review of the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: mild ( due to violent situations)
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Fast paced, addictive, and powerful. What if?? Terrorist attacked, and either killed out right or branded Christians with a crucifix, marking them for death. What would you do? Ally fought back, bravely, courageous and honorably.
Written in first person, which I normally do not enjoy, but this story will capture the reader's attention from the beginning to the last page. Well written, unique, with engaging, endearing and courageous characters. The storyline was intriguing and interesting. An enjoyable and satisfying read. Fans of Suspense, with a bit of romance, love of country, faith, redemption, with a powerful message, should enjoy "Branded". A great read!
*Received for an honest review of the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: mild ( due to violent situations)
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
February 25, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I have just finished Branded and have to say: wow. This book has quickly joined my favourites list.
Branded tells the story of Ali, a woman on the run. She's hunted, but not your typical damsel in distress, and I fell in love with her as a heroine.
I liked that there was what I considered to be the perfect amount of romance in this book. It added to the story without becoming the story, flavouring it perfectly and letting us see a vulnerable side of Ali.
I won't give away too much of the plot, but this was book was full of action and adventure, and kept my hand firmly fixed on the 'page turn' button throughout the entire read. It was so easy to devour and I really think it's testament to Hamstead's skill as an author that she can so easily depart from usual ancient historical style and fall straight into this contemporary story of one woman's war against a major badass.
5 stars
I have just finished Branded and have to say: wow. This book has quickly joined my favourites list.
Branded tells the story of Ali, a woman on the run. She's hunted, but not your typical damsel in distress, and I fell in love with her as a heroine.
I liked that there was what I considered to be the perfect amount of romance in this book. It added to the story without becoming the story, flavouring it perfectly and letting us see a vulnerable side of Ali.
I won't give away too much of the plot, but this was book was full of action and adventure, and kept my hand firmly fixed on the 'page turn' button throughout the entire read. It was so easy to devour and I really think it's testament to Hamstead's skill as an author that she can so easily depart from usual ancient historical style and fall straight into this contemporary story of one woman's war against a major badass.
5 stars
February 24, 2014
This is one of those books that you can't put down. The action starts right from the beginning and doesn't let up. Allison is a very strong character, and I loved seeing her weaknesses when it comes to matters of the heart.
The General wins biggest creep award in a NA novel. His infatuation with Allison is intense and tortures. There were times I thought she would cave in, but she never did.
There's romance, and though it may seem rushed at first, when the next day may be your last would you wait? I don't think I would. I'd add more but I don't want to give spoilers, but let's just say Damien isn't the only game in town ; )
Religion plays a part in the story but it doesn't come across heavy handed. It's nicely woven into the plot.
This is a great story for anyone who loves a courageous suspenseful read with romance
The General wins biggest creep award in a NA novel. His infatuation with Allison is intense and tortures. There were times I thought she would cave in, but she never did.
There's romance, and though it may seem rushed at first, when the next day may be your last would you wait? I don't think I would. I'd add more but I don't want to give spoilers, but let's just say Damien isn't the only game in town ; )
Religion plays a part in the story but it doesn't come across heavy handed. It's nicely woven into the plot.
This is a great story for anyone who loves a courageous suspenseful read with romance
September 28, 2014
Wow - I couldn't put this one down. Branded is the story of the world gone mad. Ali, is being hunted by a crazy General who is leading a revolt to take over Australia. On her brothers wedding day she sees her parents killed by these Terrorist. As she and her siblings flee she catches the Generals eye and he brands her with a cross. Ali is no weak sister she brands him in the face and escapes, and the ride begins! Will Australia survive?
There is a lot of adventure, action and a bit of romance. I have to say I missed a few hours of sleep to finish it I had to see what happened next.
There is a lot of adventure, action and a bit of romance. I have to say I missed a few hours of sleep to finish it I had to see what happened next.
January 26, 2016
This was such an amazing story. It sure keep my attention and had me going from the start. It starts with actions and it keeps on going. I love a book that can keep you invested and makes you want to keep reading to see what happens next. Katie Hamstead has an amazing way to play with word and make you feel like you are apart of the characters world.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Really its an amazing book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Really its an amazing book.
January 5, 2016
Amazing
I really liked Ali she was inspiring. As a culture we seem to find fault with people due to outward appearance and it has impacted everyone like the book. We need to see people differently. I really am inspired by this author. Thank you for the great story... Btw the heroes are wonderful!
I really liked Ali she was inspiring. As a culture we seem to find fault with people due to outward appearance and it has impacted everyone like the book. We need to see people differently. I really am inspired by this author. Thank you for the great story... Btw the heroes are wonderful!
July 10, 2015
A wonderful tale of what could happen if all the wrong things fell into line and a crazy irrational man was at the helm. It was a different type of book for me and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth the story had and the amazing characters.
December 2, 2015
I really liked the book. It is a very emotional story with lots of fast-paced action, suspense and some romance. Even after finishing it I am still thinking about how I would have reacted in these situations.
I won this book at Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book at Goodreads Giveaways.
October 19, 2015
A race against fanatic groups as Australia is being raided. Ali and her family try to escape a crazy General, fend for themselves and Ali discovers her own poer, finds love and kick some ass. I liked the action and the fast pace of the story very much!
October 3, 2017
I received this book as an ARC book.
I typically enjoy a book that 'grabs' me right away. However, this book was a little different. It was immediately intense, which is not a bad thing, but after a bit it just became the same predictable drama between Ali and the General. I feel that it may have been a bit better, had certain parts been written in a flash back style. The predictableness of the saga between The General and Ali and her loved ones, made the book hard to read at times. I would have preferred a little back story at the beginning, again with flash back chapters in between all the intense drama with the war/General.
I typically enjoy a book that 'grabs' me right away. However, this book was a little different. It was immediately intense, which is not a bad thing, but after a bit it just became the same predictable drama between Ali and the General. I feel that it may have been a bit better, had certain parts been written in a flash back style. The predictableness of the saga between The General and Ali and her loved ones, made the book hard to read at times. I would have preferred a little back story at the beginning, again with flash back chapters in between all the intense drama with the war/General.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2019
I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
This book was okay for me. I was very worried that Ali was going to get raped, but I'm happy to report that she doesn't in this novel. There were times where it got close but it never actually happened. So if that's a trigger for you, you might want to decide if this book is for you.
The amount of luck that Ali had through this entire book is crazy. This book is heavily revived religion - its why the war started - and Ali was a faithful believer. But for one person to go through everything she went through is a bit unbelievable for me.
Overall this was an okay novel. I'm glad I got a chance to read it.
This book was okay for me. I was very worried that Ali was going to get raped, but I'm happy to report that she doesn't in this novel. There were times where it got close but it never actually happened. So if that's a trigger for you, you might want to decide if this book is for you.
The amount of luck that Ali had through this entire book is crazy. This book is heavily revived religion - its why the war started - and Ali was a faithful believer. But for one person to go through everything she went through is a bit unbelievable for me.
Overall this was an okay novel. I'm glad I got a chance to read it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews