What do you think?
Rate this book
Many Lives #2
Taken
From New York Times bestselling author Laxmi Hariharan, don't miss the next book in the USA Today Bestselling Many Lives Series
Aria West: If I get out of here alive, I am never to going to let myself feel so powerless ever again
Jai Iyeroy: Everything in my past has lead up to this moment, for I am sworn to protect this city.
Three years ago Jai allowed the only woman he loved to walk out of his life. But Aria’s back now. Except her life is in danger, and this time Jai will do anything, even break his vow to protect his city, to keep her safe.
Set in a near-future where successive economic downturns in the West have resulted in refugees seeking shelter in the East
Background to the Many Lives Universe
The Many Lives series begins in present day Bombay when a tsunami wipes away much of the city. Post-tsunami Bombay of the future is one of the most prosperous cities in the world. On the other hand, successive economic downturns have stripped most Western of its wealth, pushing many to seek a new life in the East. Refugees from Europe now pour into Bombay, into the camp nicknamed the Jungle. And no one is safe from the growing menace of the merciless human-wolf hybrids and vampires.
Each book in the Many Lives universe is a stand alone in the series. A possible progression is as listed below
Many Lives - Main Series
1. Feral
2. Taken
3. Untamed
4. Redemption
Many Lives Prequel Series
1. Awakened
2. Origins
3. Chosen
Many Lives inspiration novelettes
1. Exhale
2. Ugly
Join my newsletter to get my best three novelettes free.
Aria West: If I get out of here alive, I am never to going to let myself feel so powerless ever again
Jai Iyeroy: Everything in my past has lead up to this moment, for I am sworn to protect this city.
Three years ago Jai allowed the only woman he loved to walk out of his life. But Aria’s back now. Except her life is in danger, and this time Jai will do anything, even break his vow to protect his city, to keep her safe.
Set in a near-future where successive economic downturns in the West have resulted in refugees seeking shelter in the East
Background to the Many Lives Universe
The Many Lives series begins in present day Bombay when a tsunami wipes away much of the city. Post-tsunami Bombay of the future is one of the most prosperous cities in the world. On the other hand, successive economic downturns have stripped most Western of its wealth, pushing many to seek a new life in the East. Refugees from Europe now pour into Bombay, into the camp nicknamed the Jungle. And no one is safe from the growing menace of the merciless human-wolf hybrids and vampires.
Each book in the Many Lives universe is a stand alone in the series. A possible progression is as listed below
Many Lives - Main Series
1. Feral
2. Taken
3. Untamed
4. Redemption
Many Lives Prequel Series
1. Awakened
2. Origins
3. Chosen
Many Lives inspiration novelettes
1. Exhale
2. Ugly
Join my newsletter to get my best three novelettes free.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2016
280 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Laxmi Hariharan
57 books1,390 followersLaxmi is a New York Times bestselling author of paranormal and contemporary romance.
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
Claim your FREE books : BookHip.com/WFVDWA
Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
Stalk her:
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlaxmi
FB: http://laxmihariharan.com/LaxFBPage
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laxmi-Harihara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laxmi...
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
Claim your FREE books : BookHip.com/WFVDWA
Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
Stalk her:
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlaxmi
FB: http://laxmihariharan.com/LaxFBPage
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laxmi-Harihara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laxmi...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 5, 2017
It was the power of an ancient sword and the mistake of one warrior woman that brought the world to its knees under the power of a terrible Tsunami. Today, what is left of the world struggles to rebuild and Bombay has become one of it’s the most prosperous cities. It is now up to one young woman, a refugee, to steal the sword from its current master or face the death of her young sister.
In a world now filled with more than power hungry human monsters, humanity must face the threat of shifters and Jai knows the sword will mean the difference between survival and death for his people, but he hates the memories it holds.
As Ariana devises a way to get the sword from Jai, she discovers there is more to the powerful man than meets the eye, but even the most carefully thought out plans can go awry and when Ariana is kidnapped and brutalized by the shifters, Jai knows he must save the feisty and beautiful woman he is falling for, but in his world, Ariana would never be safe. Many years and thousands of miles will separate them until once again, Fate will intercede and bring them together, but once again, the sword could tear them apart. Is history about to repeat itself?
Laxmi Hariharan’s TAKEN adds even more color and definition to her Many Lives books in the dystopian, post-apocalyptic world she has created. Filled with grit, the powers of love, betrayal, jealousy and political machinations in this dark and frightening world come alive as good versus evil continues to battle for dominance. Will the past also rise up like a ghost in the night? Will the shifters continue to devour, rape and torture humanity? High tensions rule in this amazing tale on each and every page and Laxmi Hariharan pulls out all of the stops to create edge of your seat reading as the pages disappear and you become part of the chaos.
Series: Many Lives
Publisher: Lotus and Sun (September 9, 2016)
Publication Date: September 9, 2016
Genre: Paranormal | Post Apocalyptic | Romance
Print Length: 370 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
In a world now filled with more than power hungry human monsters, humanity must face the threat of shifters and Jai knows the sword will mean the difference between survival and death for his people, but he hates the memories it holds.
As Ariana devises a way to get the sword from Jai, she discovers there is more to the powerful man than meets the eye, but even the most carefully thought out plans can go awry and when Ariana is kidnapped and brutalized by the shifters, Jai knows he must save the feisty and beautiful woman he is falling for, but in his world, Ariana would never be safe. Many years and thousands of miles will separate them until once again, Fate will intercede and bring them together, but once again, the sword could tear them apart. Is history about to repeat itself?
Laxmi Hariharan’s TAKEN adds even more color and definition to her Many Lives books in the dystopian, post-apocalyptic world she has created. Filled with grit, the powers of love, betrayal, jealousy and political machinations in this dark and frightening world come alive as good versus evil continues to battle for dominance. Will the past also rise up like a ghost in the night? Will the shifters continue to devour, rape and torture humanity? High tensions rule in this amazing tale on each and every page and Laxmi Hariharan pulls out all of the stops to create edge of your seat reading as the pages disappear and you become part of the chaos.
Series: Many Lives
Publisher: Lotus and Sun (September 9, 2016)
Publication Date: September 9, 2016
Genre: Paranormal | Post Apocalyptic | Romance
Print Length: 370 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 24, 2017
Another 5 star story by Laxmi Hariharan.
What I have enjoyed the most about this series is that it uses India as it's backdrop. There are so many good stories from that part of the world and more good ones keep coming.
This is a love story dealing with loss and redemption. And the main question is what would you do to keep a promise.
What I have enjoyed the most about this series is that it uses India as it's backdrop. There are so many good stories from that part of the world and more good ones keep coming.
This is a love story dealing with loss and redemption. And the main question is what would you do to keep a promise.
Want to read
March 29, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2020)! 🎁
January 8, 2019
I liked this third novel in the Many Lives Box Set more than the previous ones. This story has more action and is faster-paced, some of it quite brutal; the author doesn't protect the characters from harm and difficult and demanding situations.The characters are not by all means perfect but humanly flawed. It was also fascinating to follow how the overall main storyline onf the series progressed and to see previous characters reappearing. It's very interesting to read books placed in India instead of in the Western world.
October 12, 2016
This is the second book in the "Many Lives" series and wow, it just get better. This is definitely a book you won't want to put down. It has a connection to the first book but can be read as a stand alone but having read the first book and knowing how good it is, you really should read it.
Three years ago Jai send Aria out of his life, but she is back now and in danger. Aria tries to deny she has feelings for Jai as she is still hurting about the past but they are forced together and Jai will do anything to keep her safe. I won't tell you more as I hate it when reviewers spoil the story for you, so you will just have to read it and find out for yourself just how good this series is. I can't wait to add book three to my collection.
Three years ago Jai send Aria out of his life, but she is back now and in danger. Aria tries to deny she has feelings for Jai as she is still hurting about the past but they are forced together and Jai will do anything to keep her safe. I won't tell you more as I hate it when reviewers spoil the story for you, so you will just have to read it and find out for yourself just how good this series is. I can't wait to add book three to my collection.
October 19, 2017
3.5 Stars
October 19, 2016
This book...what can i say? Absolutely frickin awesome, i read this in a day, i just couldn't put it down, couldnt stop reading to find out what happens next. I love the world in which this book and this series is a part of, there are always surprises around the corner and i adored that about this book. I do want to mention that i loved the descriptions of Goa, i went there 10 years ago and i fell in love with the place and the way the descriptions were it took me right back there.
The storyline in this is fantastic, it is so creative and so imaginative with so many surprises within it, you seriously find yourself addicted to find out what the next page or chapter holds, i love the way that Laxmi Hariharan writes, its so personal with a warmth within it that pulls you into the life of the story and of the characters, making y want to know more. Its not just reading a brilliant book, its an experience in with you se a glimpse of a magical imagination that we the readers have been allowed a sneak peak into.
I loved all the characters and to mention them all would spoil the storyline and reading experience of this book but i have to mention the two that really called and spoke to me. Aria...she is amazing, from word go i loved her character. Her inner strength that seems to be neverending no matter the situation, her will to do what is right and her deep love and protectiveness for those that she loves and cares about. She has her own inner code and will do what she thinks is right every time. And of course i have to mention Jai, he really is an awesome character, he has a deep sense of duty and keeping promises, he is a honourable but feels like his life is mapped out for him. He helps those that he sees are in need and when he loves, it is completely and openly with no reservation, also being extremely protective.
I cant say how awesome this book is...i am dying to read more from this world, just want to drown in it. This is a serious page turner and an addictive read, i voluntarily read this as an advanced reader copy and all these thoughts are my own and very personal to me. Seriously if you havent read this then get a copy, you will fall in love with it i guarantee
The storyline in this is fantastic, it is so creative and so imaginative with so many surprises within it, you seriously find yourself addicted to find out what the next page or chapter holds, i love the way that Laxmi Hariharan writes, its so personal with a warmth within it that pulls you into the life of the story and of the characters, making y want to know more. Its not just reading a brilliant book, its an experience in with you se a glimpse of a magical imagination that we the readers have been allowed a sneak peak into.
I loved all the characters and to mention them all would spoil the storyline and reading experience of this book but i have to mention the two that really called and spoke to me. Aria...she is amazing, from word go i loved her character. Her inner strength that seems to be neverending no matter the situation, her will to do what is right and her deep love and protectiveness for those that she loves and cares about. She has her own inner code and will do what she thinks is right every time. And of course i have to mention Jai, he really is an awesome character, he has a deep sense of duty and keeping promises, he is a honourable but feels like his life is mapped out for him. He helps those that he sees are in need and when he loves, it is completely and openly with no reservation, also being extremely protective.
I cant say how awesome this book is...i am dying to read more from this world, just want to drown in it. This is a serious page turner and an addictive read, i voluntarily read this as an advanced reader copy and all these thoughts are my own and very personal to me. Seriously if you havent read this then get a copy, you will fall in love with it i guarantee
August 24, 2016
An intense romance set in a dystopian future with a unique mix of Western and Indian flavours. The concept of a prosperous India in a post apocalyptic world totally caught my attention. Characters are well etched and it was refreshing to see the balanced shift of perspectives and the dwelling on moments while ensuring the fast pace needed for the genre. The romance starts on a surprising note but the author took care to dwell upon the different sides of each of the protagonists to give a well rounded love story.
The antagonists seemed intriguing and I wanted to know more on their side. Then I realized that this book is a part of a series. Look forward to reading the prequels of the series
The antagonists seemed intriguing and I wanted to know more on their side. Then I realized that this book is a part of a series. Look forward to reading the prequels of the series
November 25, 2016
I was given this book by the author. I wanted to leave a review. This is my honest review.
I read Feral first and didn't know what to expect but this book left me wanting more! It's a whole new look on how the hybrids are seen and what has happened to Maya in only a few years, she's got bitter and its a shock after seeing her as a fragile girl, she's now strong and fears nothing. This book is more about Jai and Aria, she saves his life in the jungle that the refugees call home when he's attacked by a hybrid, but does she have another motive. She is so full of hate and compassion at the same time, she has seen more than anyone so young should have seen. She lived in New London and watched her father killed with her mother then following the same fate. She now has to look after her younger sister and that leads her to Bombay following many others that see it as the promised land but that can't be further from the truth she learns when she arrives. She is strong but both her and Jai feel a pull towards each other neither wanting to admit it though, both having other commitments and having to follow different paths.
I couldn't put this book down its brilliant and draws you in like the Feral did. You think you know what's happening but then it twists, you can feel the tension building through the characters and you will them to go on.
The characters are fantastic and you can imagine their faces and what they are going through, this is cleverly written so that you can understand why everyone is following the paths they have to take, is it really destiny?
I can't wait to read the next book to read how everything started and how it got to this point, why the tsunami was started and did Jai's mother know what she was unleashing when she used the sword on that fateful night.
If definitely recommend this book. It's a love story and more, well worth a read even if you've not read Feral.
I read Feral first and didn't know what to expect but this book left me wanting more! It's a whole new look on how the hybrids are seen and what has happened to Maya in only a few years, she's got bitter and its a shock after seeing her as a fragile girl, she's now strong and fears nothing. This book is more about Jai and Aria, she saves his life in the jungle that the refugees call home when he's attacked by a hybrid, but does she have another motive. She is so full of hate and compassion at the same time, she has seen more than anyone so young should have seen. She lived in New London and watched her father killed with her mother then following the same fate. She now has to look after her younger sister and that leads her to Bombay following many others that see it as the promised land but that can't be further from the truth she learns when she arrives. She is strong but both her and Jai feel a pull towards each other neither wanting to admit it though, both having other commitments and having to follow different paths.
I couldn't put this book down its brilliant and draws you in like the Feral did. You think you know what's happening but then it twists, you can feel the tension building through the characters and you will them to go on.
The characters are fantastic and you can imagine their faces and what they are going through, this is cleverly written so that you can understand why everyone is following the paths they have to take, is it really destiny?
I can't wait to read the next book to read how everything started and how it got to this point, why the tsunami was started and did Jai's mother know what she was unleashing when she used the sword on that fateful night.
If definitely recommend this book. It's a love story and more, well worth a read even if you've not read Feral.
December 19, 2017
A fantastic follow-up to Feral, the first book in the Many Lives series. In this story we get to know more about Jai, who was briefly introduced in Feral, as Maya's brother. Maya and Jai are the children of Ruby and Vik, one of the few survivors after a catastrophic tsunami that has reshaped the world. This book focuses on Jai and his struggles to live up to the promise he made to his dying mother, Ruby; that he will protect the city she loves at all costs. Unbeknownst to Jai, he will meet Aria who will make him question his duty to his family, his city, and his duty to his heart. This story has a far more developed plot than Feral, intertwining complexities that date back to his parent's actions and the consequences of said actions. The story has a strong character development making a very cohesive storyline between the first book and the second book of the series. Though not much focus is placed on Ruby, Vik and Vishal, their character development is impressive, specially since they are secondary characters in this book. Overall it was a well-written sequel making me extremely curious to continue with the series.
February 10, 2018
Jai and Ariana - what a thrilling story
From the get go Jai and Ariana are fated to be together but they will have to get through some life changing challenges before they get there. Some huge family problems with his uncle Vishal aka the General. Ariana meets Jai by saving him from the wolves to get his attention. She is desperately trying to save her and her sister's lives from Vishal by distracting him to get his sword away from him for the General. All the General can think about is getting the sword to Maya and causing a tsunami so he can get more powerful. Maya wants her shifters to have a better way to live. The fighting and conniving going on is unbelievable. All Jai, Vic, and Ariana want is to make a better world for everyone to live in. This is a must read folks, it feels like your watching an action movie filled with great love and loss. Well done Laxmi.
From the get go Jai and Ariana are fated to be together but they will have to get through some life changing challenges before they get there. Some huge family problems with his uncle Vishal aka the General. Ariana meets Jai by saving him from the wolves to get his attention. She is desperately trying to save her and her sister's lives from Vishal by distracting him to get his sword away from him for the General. All the General can think about is getting the sword to Maya and causing a tsunami so he can get more powerful. Maya wants her shifters to have a better way to live. The fighting and conniving going on is unbelievable. All Jai, Vic, and Ariana want is to make a better world for everyone to live in. This is a must read folks, it feels like your watching an action movie filled with great love and loss. Well done Laxmi.
February 4, 2018
This is book two in the many lives series. A perfect follow up to book one Feral in the Many Lives series. A dystopian/ paranormal romance post apocalyptic world The world building descriptions are well detailed, descriptive, & vivid. A allegory that is gritty with a dark & frighting world. Brimming with betrayal, jealousy, romance, political machinations, powers of love, good vs evil battling for dominance, & Merciless Human-Wolf Hybrids. A creative unparalleled writing style the captures the essence of this genre. I loved all the characters but Aria & Jai stole the show. A intriguing synopsis that leads into a edge of your seat thrill ride narrative that is suspenseful. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 21, 2018
If you're looking for a book about Shifters, romance, intrigues, exotic lands, fighting, and adventure, you've found it!
I enjoyed reading this book. There's a little bit of something for almost everyone's taste in books here. There's a whole lot of romance, supernatural magic, action, intrigues, fights, Shifter action, and adventure, all in this one book. And if you need more books along the same lines, because one book isn't quite enough to satisfy your literary quests, then you're in luck, because there are several more books in this series. However, if one fantastic book for a weekend read is all that you desire, you're also in luck, since this book can stand alone and has a "happily ever after" at the end. Happy reading!
I enjoyed reading this book. There's a little bit of something for almost everyone's taste in books here. There's a whole lot of romance, supernatural magic, action, intrigues, fights, Shifter action, and adventure, all in this one book. And if you need more books along the same lines, because one book isn't quite enough to satisfy your literary quests, then you're in luck, because there are several more books in this series. However, if one fantastic book for a weekend read is all that you desire, you're also in luck, since this book can stand alone and has a "happily ever after" at the end. Happy reading!
January 17, 2018
READY FOR A WILD RIDE????
I read this as a boxed set of 2.
A truly fascinating whirl wind of a world in which lies are revealed and secrets exposed. A well written story that has a unique quality that keeps you coming back for more. You don't who you can trust or if your enemy is your best friend. I fell in love with this series and I know if you pick up a copy you won't put it down until your finished. I read it 3 times already and have every intention of doing so for a ling ling time. I can't wait for the full story, that'll be Christmas morning for me because I'll have my series and a cup of coffee huddled down for my reading fest. A great work of art Laxmi. You have me hooked.
I read this as a boxed set of 2.
A truly fascinating whirl wind of a world in which lies are revealed and secrets exposed. A well written story that has a unique quality that keeps you coming back for more. You don't who you can trust or if your enemy is your best friend. I fell in love with this series and I know if you pick up a copy you won't put it down until your finished. I read it 3 times already and have every intention of doing so for a ling ling time. I can't wait for the full story, that'll be Christmas morning for me because I'll have my series and a cup of coffee huddled down for my reading fest. A great work of art Laxmi. You have me hooked.
August 14, 2018
I enjoyed Ariana and Jai's story. Their conflict and refusal to see whats right i front of them makes this story interesting. The drama and intrigue kept the pages turning and really helped bring the story to life. I really enjoyed following these characters all over the world and getting to see them grow and change. It was great seeing characters from previous books come back and getting to see things unfold and the different twists that story took was great. I really enjoyed reading this story and I can't wait to read more. I do wish the chapters had the name at the beginning but otherwise it was great.
February 11, 2018
This is Book 2 in the Many Lives series and it's an interesting way to tell a story through many short stories. Each book gives you a complete story line but I am still left wanting to know more - I don't feel robbed, I just get invested in the characters and want to know what happened in between the great gaps of time between books, In this book we follow the story of Jai and Aria who's love story is basically about the one who almost got away. I recommend that these books be read in order so that you can fully grasp the concept. Taken is a quick steady read but one that is worth your time
January 19, 2018
Taken is book 1 in the Many Lives series. There is also a prequel. All three books are worth reading. Each book is a standalone but also the storyline follows from one book to the next. Laxmi Hariharan does a superb job of telling this story through the eyes of the main characters, Ariana and Jai. Enjoy this book and the entire story by reading the rest of the series. Filled with suspense and action.
October 18, 2020
Amazingly written again. Taken was a thrill ride of a read for me. I truly enjoyed it.
Aria is a high spirited young lady who loves her family and would do anything to keep them safe.
Jai leads a very disciplined life as a soldier and a leader as the Guardian of the city. He also hides his love for the woman he let walk away 3 years ago. Will he be able to keep her this time?
Read Taken to answer these questions and more.
Aria is a high spirited young lady who loves her family and would do anything to keep them safe.
Jai leads a very disciplined life as a soldier and a leader as the Guardian of the city. He also hides his love for the woman he let walk away 3 years ago. Will he be able to keep her this time?
Read Taken to answer these questions and more.
September 20, 2017
From the first page to the last I was hooked ,this is a well written fantasy set in the future about a newly formed world.
There's humans and werewolves and plenty of trouble.
A brilliant read
Voluntarily reviewed this advance copy
There's humans and werewolves and plenty of trouble.
A brilliant read
Voluntarily reviewed this advance copy
August 27, 2018
Aria and Jai meet again. They each deny that there is a strong emotional pull between. They are on opposite sides of the economic scale. She lives the reality with the rebels, he leads the idealistic life following orders blindly. Follow the story to see what happens between Aria and Jai.
April 4, 2020
Starts fast and doesn't let up!
I love strong female leads and Ari ticks all the boxes. She also cares deeply for her family. Jai is also strong, but he has lost himself a bit because of a promise to his mother. Together they are more.
I love strong female leads and Ari ticks all the boxes. She also cares deeply for her family. Jai is also strong, but he has lost himself a bit because of a promise to his mother. Together they are more.
September 2, 2020
Taken
Really enjoyed reading. I actually read the next book in the series prior Reading this book. Filled in some blanks for me but was still easy to follow.Highly recommend reading.
Really enjoyed reading. I actually read the next book in the series prior Reading this book. Filled in some blanks for me but was still easy to follow.Highly recommend reading.
November 8, 2025
Great stories by this author!
My second book, and it seems I can't get enough to read!! I love fantasy or shaoeshifter books with good stories. It is a great way to escape modern times. Highly recommend!
My second book, and it seems I can't get enough to read!! I love fantasy or shaoeshifter books with good stories. It is a great way to escape modern times. Highly recommend!
October 31, 2017
Enjoyed all the action and passion. Jai and Aria deal with the wolf shifters. Decisions re love of family/city and love of the heart.
November 28, 2017
Another great addition to the series!
March 14, 2018
Shifters
Wow. It was battle after battle. Love and hate. Victory and loss. Heartbreak and New love. Respect and disrespect. Life and death. What do you expect from an awesome read.
Wow. It was battle after battle. Love and hate. Victory and loss. Heartbreak and New love. Respect and disrespect. Life and death. What do you expect from an awesome read.
March 26, 2018
Sword of honor
What an interesting storyline and a intriguing characters.
Follow along with Jai as he finds love and betrayal from family.
What an interesting storyline and a intriguing characters.
Follow along with Jai as he finds love and betrayal from family.
July 9, 2018
Wow! An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author.
August 7, 2018
DNF at 38%. It's a it's not you it's me thing. I just couldn't get into these books.
July 19, 2023
Unfortunately I found that this book not so good. Story-line could have been better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews