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Stolen
Ella’s no stranger to sacrifice. Pursuing a professional career in ballet demands that she risk everything, including remaining in war-torn London to continue her training. Dancing has always been her singular desire, until reserved American Jesse Cohen transfers to her school. When partnered in a production of Giselle, Ella glimpses a new side of Jesse and works to break through his defenses. Their tentative friendship blossoms into romance, but happiness is not theirs to keep.
Jesse mysteriously vanishes, confounding the authorities and breaking Ella’s heart. When all searches fail to locate him, Ella takes matters into her own hands. She begins with the attic - their secret meeting spot - where a strange melody pricks her ears. Following it, she ventures an unusual attic door, down a dark path, and into an idyllic, magical realm called Arcadia.
She’s found by a gruff forest-dweller named Wren, and the two form a friendship out of necessity. Wren teaches Ella survival skills and imparts two pieces of wisdom: Don’t eat the red berries and stay away from the mountain queen’s forces.
Armed with no evidence other than a strong conviction, Ella believes that Jesse is in Arcadia and resolves to find him. Her mission is plagued by crippling self-doubt, hidden treachery, and resistance from a powerful foe. A substantial sacrifice must be made to ensure Jesse’s safety, but Ella’s not sure her heart can withstand it.
Jesse mysteriously vanishes, confounding the authorities and breaking Ella’s heart. When all searches fail to locate him, Ella takes matters into her own hands. She begins with the attic - their secret meeting spot - where a strange melody pricks her ears. Following it, she ventures an unusual attic door, down a dark path, and into an idyllic, magical realm called Arcadia.
She’s found by a gruff forest-dweller named Wren, and the two form a friendship out of necessity. Wren teaches Ella survival skills and imparts two pieces of wisdom: Don’t eat the red berries and stay away from the mountain queen’s forces.
Armed with no evidence other than a strong conviction, Ella believes that Jesse is in Arcadia and resolves to find him. Her mission is plagued by crippling self-doubt, hidden treachery, and resistance from a powerful foe. A substantial sacrifice must be made to ensure Jesse’s safety, but Ella’s not sure her heart can withstand it.
233 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2017
7 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Titone
3 books24 followersJessica Titone hails from a tiny town in the deep south, though she lives as much in her head as anywhere else. During the day, you’ll find her producing an endless stream of meals, cleaning up spills, and attempting to keep her kids alive. But at night, she enjoys a good Netflix binge, an engrossing read, curating soundtracks for her stories, and traveling the depths of her imagination. Stolen is her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 24, 2018
Stolen, by Jessica Titone, is a young adult novel that will appeal to readers of historical fiction, fantasy and romance. In it, we meet Ella, an aspiring ballerina living and training in London circa World Wall II. When Ella is partnered with Jesse, a dancer from America, a romance slowly begins as they train for their starring roles in a production of the famous ballet Giselle.
While this might be enough for the plot of a historical romance novel alone, what makes Titone’s story more intriguing is its added fantasy. When Jesse goes missing, Ella returns to their secret meeting spot and finds something both unexpected - and magical. What follows is a portal story that leads Ella into the fantasy world of Arcadia, where she believes Jesse is. But in order to find and save him, she will have to face a dangerous enemy as well as conquer her own fears.
Stolen is a novel that weaves together my favorite genres, and - like my mother’s best cherry icing on a fluffy angel food cake - it’s also a novel of the performing arts. Readers will root for Ella and Jesse and race through the pages of this dancing story, but will also want to pause and savor its creative details. I’m one satisfied reader who’s hoping that it’s only a short intermission before Titone’s next opening act.
While this might be enough for the plot of a historical romance novel alone, what makes Titone’s story more intriguing is its added fantasy. When Jesse goes missing, Ella returns to their secret meeting spot and finds something both unexpected - and magical. What follows is a portal story that leads Ella into the fantasy world of Arcadia, where she believes Jesse is. But in order to find and save him, she will have to face a dangerous enemy as well as conquer her own fears.
Stolen is a novel that weaves together my favorite genres, and - like my mother’s best cherry icing on a fluffy angel food cake - it’s also a novel of the performing arts. Readers will root for Ella and Jesse and race through the pages of this dancing story, but will also want to pause and savor its creative details. I’m one satisfied reader who’s hoping that it’s only a short intermission before Titone’s next opening act.
January 29, 2018
"If you love something, set it free; if it comes back it's yours.
If it doesn't, it never was."
-Richard Bach-
There are many versions of this quote, and most are of 'unknown' origin, yet this version seems to fit best here.
This is a beautiful story. The quote does fit nicely. Friendship, lost love, seemingly? Distant places and lands...or was it really?
I guess the thing that most stands out for me is the lack of value we place on both the people and the things we care about. This story for me points this out so clearly if we simply 'read between the lines.'
Whether this was the authors intent I may never know yet the importance of that which we cherish tends to be forgotten in today's world. This novel truly illustrates to me how dear we should hold such things.
This will certainly lift one's spirits a touch.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book...
Four and a half stars...
If it doesn't, it never was."
-Richard Bach-
There are many versions of this quote, and most are of 'unknown' origin, yet this version seems to fit best here.
This is a beautiful story. The quote does fit nicely. Friendship, lost love, seemingly? Distant places and lands...or was it really?
I guess the thing that most stands out for me is the lack of value we place on both the people and the things we care about. This story for me points this out so clearly if we simply 'read between the lines.'
Whether this was the authors intent I may never know yet the importance of that which we cherish tends to be forgotten in today's world. This novel truly illustrates to me how dear we should hold such things.
This will certainly lift one's spirits a touch.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book...
Four and a half stars...
January 15, 2018
A interesting look at a romance with some fantasy. Ella is a character I can relate to. I felt the different emotions this book gave me and it was a good read. I don't think I could be a ballerina but I do love to tap dance. *This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.*
January 26, 2018
This was a very well written YA Fantasy novel. I loved the premise and setting of the story. Post World War II London.
Ella is a 17-year-old ballerina who falls for young and brooding Jesse who happens to be her dance partner.
The book starts as a historical romance where silent love blooms between Ella and Jesse. It remains so with the slow-burning romance between the lead pair up until chapter 4.
After which, the novel switches genre and transforms into a YA Fantasy. I liked the way author has seamlessly blended the fantasy element with historical romance. The story was good, the world building was remarkable except there is very little character development of Jesse. However, the character of Ella was drawn remarkably well.
The descriptive of the magical world Arcadia were vivid and beautifully captured into poetic prose. But what I admired most was the author’s writing style. It’s beautiful and artistic and poetic and so soothing. As pages swiped, I felt myself more and more immersed in the book, many times feeling as if I was watching a painter painting a picture right in front of me.
However, the hazy ending left me wanting for more. I would have loved to read more about Ella and Jesse, and I wish author will plan a sequel to this, sometime in the future.
Ella is a 17-year-old ballerina who falls for young and brooding Jesse who happens to be her dance partner.
The book starts as a historical romance where silent love blooms between Ella and Jesse. It remains so with the slow-burning romance between the lead pair up until chapter 4.
After which, the novel switches genre and transforms into a YA Fantasy. I liked the way author has seamlessly blended the fantasy element with historical romance. The story was good, the world building was remarkable except there is very little character development of Jesse. However, the character of Ella was drawn remarkably well.
The descriptive of the magical world Arcadia were vivid and beautifully captured into poetic prose. But what I admired most was the author’s writing style. It’s beautiful and artistic and poetic and so soothing. As pages swiped, I felt myself more and more immersed in the book, many times feeling as if I was watching a painter painting a picture right in front of me.
However, the hazy ending left me wanting for more. I would have loved to read more about Ella and Jesse, and I wish author will plan a sequel to this, sometime in the future.
September 10, 2018
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was so surprised by this book! It reminded me a bit of Alice in Wonderland, in some parts of the book and I liked that a lot. The writing is good and I was always on the edge of my seat, curious what would happen. The funny thing is; I didn't read the back of the book before starting, so I was very surprised when the book started going the way of a Fantasy book. I adore the mystery, interwoven with the dancing and the beginning of a true love.
A longer review can be found at Bite Into Books
I'm curious what's to come next by Jessica Titone. The writing was good, the characters were believable, I was curious what was to come next all the time and I just couldn't stop reading. I'm sure that YA/Fantasy lovers will fall in love with this author after reading this book!
I was so surprised by this book! It reminded me a bit of Alice in Wonderland, in some parts of the book and I liked that a lot. The writing is good and I was always on the edge of my seat, curious what would happen. The funny thing is; I didn't read the back of the book before starting, so I was very surprised when the book started going the way of a Fantasy book. I adore the mystery, interwoven with the dancing and the beginning of a true love.
A longer review can be found at Bite Into Books
I'm curious what's to come next by Jessica Titone. The writing was good, the characters were believable, I was curious what was to come next all the time and I just couldn't stop reading. I'm sure that YA/Fantasy lovers will fall in love with this author after reading this book!
October 27, 2018
The romance at the start wasn’t that bad, I was expecting it to be really cheesy. It wasn’t, which is great for a person who not all that into the romance side of things.
The fantasy and world building were so great. It was a nice change going from WWII, ballet to then this whole new world. The way the magic was done wasn’t overall different or unique but it wasn’t in your face confusing either. It was the right amount. I just loved how Jesse and Wren got along, how Wren was pretty badass for the era she was from.
The fantasy and world building were so great. It was a nice change going from WWII, ballet to then this whole new world. The way the magic was done wasn’t overall different or unique but it wasn’t in your face confusing either. It was the right amount. I just loved how Jesse and Wren got along, how Wren was pretty badass for the era she was from.
March 22, 2018
Allow me to start my review of Jessica Titone's Stolen - a YA fantasy novel - with a personal note. Generally speaking, this is a needless element in objective reviews. However, the reason I include it is pertinent, I believe. The thing is, YA literature and fantasy must be among my least likely-to-pick genres of literature. The reason I chose to read Stolen was that I had read Titone's literary-fiction novel Watermarked, which I found to be excellent. To paraphrase an author friend of mine, good writing can make me read almost anything. This was the case with Stolen
Titone's writing is virtually flawless on the sentence-level. Her language is descriptive, engaging, but not self-important (a necessary quality for YA, I would think). The story revolves around the efforts of Ella, a young ballet dancer who, finding herself in a strange, magic land, struggles to find a way back (or through, whichever you prefer). The storyline is not spectacularly original, but good novels are good not because of their storyline but because of their storytelling.
The first third of the novel describes the protagonist's efforts to make it as an emerging dancer - during the Blitz, on top of everything. A new dancing partner - a young American - seems to become a bit more than just a dancing partner. It was at around that time I realized how, indeed, good storytelling can make me read virtually any kind of book. I mean, reading a YA-style (=somewhat predictable evolution, simple narrative paths, straightforward characters) about ballet? And liking it? If that's not a sign of quality writing, I don't know what is.
In terms of narrative balance, things get slightly more complicated entering the second third. Indeed, this is where the protagonist finds herself in another realm. Strictly on the sentence-level, things remain as high-quality as before. There is a lot of depth in the descriptions of the magic land (though, perhaps unexpectedly, a bit lacking in terms of creativity; magic is all but absent until into the third part). All in all, this middle part reads a bit like a survival story (which in a sense it is), and less like a fantasy novel. In other words, there was a bit more... Minecraft and not enough Alice in Wonderland.
What throws the balance a bit further off is the fact that a new character, Wren, overshadows the protagonist, narratively speaking. Wren, an older inhabitant of this magic realm, serves as a "street-smart" guide of sorts to the helpless Ella. In terms of character morphology (those interested in theoretical background can read more here), Wren becomes a bit too important for an assistant, whereas the protagonist comes off as slightly too irrelevant. I should underline that, to an extent, this is natural for the YA genre. Furthermore, the narrative acquires the necessary balance by the third part, where the protagonist and the antagonist finally come face-to-face.
The ultimate conclusion of the novel is both surprising and inevitable (again, those interested in more theory can look here). It is surprising because it departs from usual genre expectations, and it is inevitable because, really, the narrative could not be resolved in any other way. Brilliant, rewarding, respecting to the reader.
Overall, Stolen remains at all times a very engaging narrative, with excellent language deployment. On a personal note, I am in awe of Titone's ability to understand the intended audience of the YA genre, for this requires a certain degree of intentional simplification which is not easy to achieve. Things that I mentioned earlier (including simple narrative paths and straightforward characters) are a plus for the genre in question; needed elements without which the novel would've been out of place, balancing awkwardly between genres.
I should also mention the important symbolism hiding underneath this (perhaps deceptively) simple appearance. Although the protagonist is a young girl growing up in WW2 England and finding herself in a fantasy world, her problems are those any teen or young adult from our times can relate to. A significantly charged atmosphere in terms of gender dynamics pervades the novel - and it is perhaps partly unwritten, which makes it all the more so affective, as it operates on the subconscious level. I think this is a veritable achievement, considering the genre.
Ultimately, I struggled a bit with rating Stolen properly. Ratings (particularly on a scale of 1-5) are to an extent artificial, subjective, and difficult to assign properly. So, readers of this review should pay more attention to the text above and less to the rating. Between 4 and 5, I (somewhat reluctantly) decided on a 4-star rating as a result of the slight narrative imbalance of the second act and, perhaps more importantly, because I am convinced Titone has the skills for something even better. Therefore, you could perhaps consider this a 4+ rating.
Titone's writing is virtually flawless on the sentence-level. Her language is descriptive, engaging, but not self-important (a necessary quality for YA, I would think). The story revolves around the efforts of Ella, a young ballet dancer who, finding herself in a strange, magic land, struggles to find a way back (or through, whichever you prefer). The storyline is not spectacularly original, but good novels are good not because of their storyline but because of their storytelling.
The first third of the novel describes the protagonist's efforts to make it as an emerging dancer - during the Blitz, on top of everything. A new dancing partner - a young American - seems to become a bit more than just a dancing partner. It was at around that time I realized how, indeed, good storytelling can make me read virtually any kind of book. I mean, reading a YA-style (=somewhat predictable evolution, simple narrative paths, straightforward characters) about ballet? And liking it? If that's not a sign of quality writing, I don't know what is.
In terms of narrative balance, things get slightly more complicated entering the second third. Indeed, this is where the protagonist finds herself in another realm. Strictly on the sentence-level, things remain as high-quality as before. There is a lot of depth in the descriptions of the magic land (though, perhaps unexpectedly, a bit lacking in terms of creativity; magic is all but absent until into the third part). All in all, this middle part reads a bit like a survival story (which in a sense it is), and less like a fantasy novel. In other words, there was a bit more... Minecraft and not enough Alice in Wonderland.
What throws the balance a bit further off is the fact that a new character, Wren, overshadows the protagonist, narratively speaking. Wren, an older inhabitant of this magic realm, serves as a "street-smart" guide of sorts to the helpless Ella. In terms of character morphology (those interested in theoretical background can read more here), Wren becomes a bit too important for an assistant, whereas the protagonist comes off as slightly too irrelevant. I should underline that, to an extent, this is natural for the YA genre. Furthermore, the narrative acquires the necessary balance by the third part, where the protagonist and the antagonist finally come face-to-face.
The ultimate conclusion of the novel is both surprising and inevitable (again, those interested in more theory can look here). It is surprising because it departs from usual genre expectations, and it is inevitable because, really, the narrative could not be resolved in any other way. Brilliant, rewarding, respecting to the reader.
Overall, Stolen remains at all times a very engaging narrative, with excellent language deployment. On a personal note, I am in awe of Titone's ability to understand the intended audience of the YA genre, for this requires a certain degree of intentional simplification which is not easy to achieve. Things that I mentioned earlier (including simple narrative paths and straightforward characters) are a plus for the genre in question; needed elements without which the novel would've been out of place, balancing awkwardly between genres.
I should also mention the important symbolism hiding underneath this (perhaps deceptively) simple appearance. Although the protagonist is a young girl growing up in WW2 England and finding herself in a fantasy world, her problems are those any teen or young adult from our times can relate to. A significantly charged atmosphere in terms of gender dynamics pervades the novel - and it is perhaps partly unwritten, which makes it all the more so affective, as it operates on the subconscious level. I think this is a veritable achievement, considering the genre.
Ultimately, I struggled a bit with rating Stolen properly. Ratings (particularly on a scale of 1-5) are to an extent artificial, subjective, and difficult to assign properly. So, readers of this review should pay more attention to the text above and less to the rating. Between 4 and 5, I (somewhat reluctantly) decided on a 4-star rating as a result of the slight narrative imbalance of the second act and, perhaps more importantly, because I am convinced Titone has the skills for something even better. Therefore, you could perhaps consider this a 4+ rating.
December 19, 2017
This is not a book I would naturally pick up and read, in fact it would be something I would likely skip over due to what it seems to be about … however that would be a big mistake on my part. I would have missed a fantastic read simply due, to judging a book by its cover.
Jessica does a fantastic job in weaving this story together in a magical yet aloof manner … and then, well shit gets real. I loved the hard twist to this tale it was one I did not see coming and I loved the feel of a looking glass being shattered to pieces as the ugliness crept in.
The plot takes a jarring leap into a completely new direction and yet I loved it … the characters are forced through this ugly hard sensation and it worked well for making me fall in love with this tale.
I enjoyed my time in this world and I will definitely be wanting more from Jessica Titone.
Thank you for a great read and breaking the mold – 5 stars from 5 out of me
Jessica does a fantastic job in weaving this story together in a magical yet aloof manner … and then, well shit gets real. I loved the hard twist to this tale it was one I did not see coming and I loved the feel of a looking glass being shattered to pieces as the ugliness crept in.
The plot takes a jarring leap into a completely new direction and yet I loved it … the characters are forced through this ugly hard sensation and it worked well for making me fall in love with this tale.
I enjoyed my time in this world and I will definitely be wanting more from Jessica Titone.
Thank you for a great read and breaking the mold – 5 stars from 5 out of me
January 22, 2019
There are things about this novel that are different from your standard fantasy novel but some that are the same. The combination of history and fantasy was weaved fairly well together, although so long was spend on the history side of things at the beginning that I started to wonder if I'd read the blurb incorrectly and it was a straightforward history romance.
Once it changed, it was evident that it was more than historic. Even in the fantasy realm, the story it told was comparatively simple. Friendship and love were strong themes. I think some people might be disappointed with the end, but I found it fitting and in some ways more satisfying than it would have been if it had been grander and more epic. The quiet ending worked for me.
It's definitely a book to check out.
Once it changed, it was evident that it was more than historic. Even in the fantasy realm, the story it told was comparatively simple. Friendship and love were strong themes. I think some people might be disappointed with the end, but I found it fitting and in some ways more satisfying than it would have been if it had been grander and more epic. The quiet ending worked for me.
It's definitely a book to check out.
February 14, 2018
This story was a delightful surprise!
Beginning the novel, my interest was captured by the world building and descriptions. My mind displayed a perfect reel of images placing me into her historical timeline. Next, the descriptions of ballet left me cursing my two left feet. The budding romance between Ella and Jesse was sweet and adorable, and all this was mixed in with some delicious fantasy world-building when she steps into Arcadia.
I applaud Titone for fusing a hodgepodge of genres (Romance, historical fiction, fantasy) in one story without seeming chaotic. This was a fun world to venture into and I hope to see more.
Beginning the novel, my interest was captured by the world building and descriptions. My mind displayed a perfect reel of images placing me into her historical timeline. Next, the descriptions of ballet left me cursing my two left feet. The budding romance between Ella and Jesse was sweet and adorable, and all this was mixed in with some delicious fantasy world-building when she steps into Arcadia.
I applaud Titone for fusing a hodgepodge of genres (Romance, historical fiction, fantasy) in one story without seeming chaotic. This was a fun world to venture into and I hope to see more.
January 13, 2018
Jessica Titone's Stolen has all the elements of a modern fairytale - sweet romance, ballet, a door to a mysterious land, and an evil Queen. (Three and half stars)
Ella is a talented ballet student in London during the final years of the Second World War. At first she is unsettled when she is paired with Jesse, a serious young man newly arrived from America. Just when their relationship becomes interesting, Jesse disappears and Ella goes searching for him, stumbling into a magical kingdom far from the London she knows. She doesn't know the way home, who she can trust or how to find Jesse, but she is determined to bring him home.
This is a story of love, betrayal, revenge, fear, control and letting go. I liked the interplay between Ella and Wren and that the 'victory' didn't depend on fighting. While the world-building is relatively simple and plot a little linear for my tastes, the story flowed well and kept me invested in Ella, Wren and Jesse's fates. I liked how the Giselle (the ballet Ella and Jesse were practising for) was interwoven with the plot.
Young Adult readers who love ballet, fairy-tales and sweet romance should enjoy Stolen
Ella is a talented ballet student in London during the final years of the Second World War. At first she is unsettled when she is paired with Jesse, a serious young man newly arrived from America. Just when their relationship becomes interesting, Jesse disappears and Ella goes searching for him, stumbling into a magical kingdom far from the London she knows. She doesn't know the way home, who she can trust or how to find Jesse, but she is determined to bring him home.
This is a story of love, betrayal, revenge, fear, control and letting go. I liked the interplay between Ella and Wren and that the 'victory' didn't depend on fighting. While the world-building is relatively simple and plot a little linear for my tastes, the story flowed well and kept me invested in Ella, Wren and Jesse's fates. I liked how the Giselle (the ballet Ella and Jesse were practising for) was interwoven with the plot.
Young Adult readers who love ballet, fairy-tales and sweet romance should enjoy Stolen
February 11, 2018
This is a Narnian tale of a young ballerina huddling with her fellow dancers trying to maintain some kind of normal life in a bombed out WWII London. If that isn't concern enough the young man she's fallen for has vanished. In her search for him she finds herself in a magical world created by an evil witch. Can she save herself, her love? This was a well written and paced piece.
December 4, 2017
Of course this is getting five stars from me. What can I say? I'm biased.
Part fairy tale, part romance, part adventure thriller - this is far different than anything else I've written, and I like it more each time I read it. I can't wait to share it with the world. Only a few more weeks.
Part fairy tale, part romance, part adventure thriller - this is far different than anything else I've written, and I like it more each time I read it. I can't wait to share it with the world. Only a few more weeks.
March 28, 2018
I must confess that it took me some time to warm to Jessica Titone's Stolen. The first quartet of chapters relies on heavy exposition to trace the budding relationship between Ella and Jesse, two ballet students in post-WWII England. While their relationship isn't unbelievable, the characters were so thinly sketched that it was hard to get invested.
Then, everything takes a hard left turn for the better, the wonderful. In a twist reminiscent of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Jesse and then Ella are lured by music that acts as a siren's song. They find themselves in land ruled by a queen who keeps a harem of boys. Ella is taken under the wing of Wren, a longtime resident of the land, and after getting her bearings, she makes plans to rescue Jesse, who doesn't seem to remember her.
I won't give away the rest of the plot save to say that it, while fantasy, feels realistic in motivation and action. The writing shifts into showing mode as well, and the balance among dialogue, description, and action is proportioned nicely, which leads the novel to unfold at a steady clip. Titone is gifted at weaving inner monologue through the narrative, and Ella's voice gains in strength and color. The writing quality is lovely — a cut above what I've encountered in books for this age range.
I'm giving this four stars for the pleasure I found in reading most of this — no easy feat, considering that writing fiction has turned me into a such a grumpy reader. However, I've been intimately involved with the dance world for over three decades and I wrote a twenty-five page paper on Giselle in grad school, so the numerous bloopers in regards to ballet irked me. Everything from the rendering of plié where the accent mark is incorrectly placed to the attribution of Giselle's choreography to a Monsieur Louviere (the choreography was done in 1841 by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, the latter of whom was the paramour of Carlotta Grisi, the first Giselle; perhaps the author meant répétiteur?) demonstrate a lack of familiarity with the subject matter. Furthermore, Giselle's elements of Romanticism and droit de seigneur that inform the novel's latter half could have been better conveyed, so that the reader can appreciate the way Titone spun them into the plot.
I could on for some length here, but the balletic inaccuracies will only bother you if you know ballet. If you don't know plié from plea and Giselle is a Brazilian model, then enjoy the book for its nice writing and pleasantly unfolding plot.
Then, everything takes a hard left turn for the better, the wonderful. In a twist reminiscent of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Jesse and then Ella are lured by music that acts as a siren's song. They find themselves in land ruled by a queen who keeps a harem of boys. Ella is taken under the wing of Wren, a longtime resident of the land, and after getting her bearings, she makes plans to rescue Jesse, who doesn't seem to remember her.
I won't give away the rest of the plot save to say that it, while fantasy, feels realistic in motivation and action. The writing shifts into showing mode as well, and the balance among dialogue, description, and action is proportioned nicely, which leads the novel to unfold at a steady clip. Titone is gifted at weaving inner monologue through the narrative, and Ella's voice gains in strength and color. The writing quality is lovely — a cut above what I've encountered in books for this age range.
I'm giving this four stars for the pleasure I found in reading most of this — no easy feat, considering that writing fiction has turned me into a such a grumpy reader. However, I've been intimately involved with the dance world for over three decades and I wrote a twenty-five page paper on Giselle in grad school, so the numerous bloopers in regards to ballet irked me. Everything from the rendering of plié where the accent mark is incorrectly placed to the attribution of Giselle's choreography to a Monsieur Louviere (the choreography was done in 1841 by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, the latter of whom was the paramour of Carlotta Grisi, the first Giselle; perhaps the author meant répétiteur?) demonstrate a lack of familiarity with the subject matter. Furthermore, Giselle's elements of Romanticism and droit de seigneur that inform the novel's latter half could have been better conveyed, so that the reader can appreciate the way Titone spun them into the plot.
I could on for some length here, but the balletic inaccuracies will only bother you if you know ballet. If you don't know plié from plea and Giselle is a Brazilian model, then enjoy the book for its nice writing and pleasantly unfolding plot.
December 23, 2017
Ella is a student at a ballet academy that dreams of becoming a ballerina. She falls for her partner, Jesse. Just before their romance begins, Jesse disappears without a trace. Heartbroken, Ella is determined to find him. During her search, she stumbles upon a magical new land called Arcadia. She learns that Jesse is a prisoner of the realm’s queen. Can Ella rescue him or will she lose him for good?
Ella is a fun and lovable character. She is very ambitious and loves to read poems. At times, she can be strange because she loves to talk to herself. However, she always likes to see the good in others. I really thought her character grows when she is in Arcadia. She is forced to make hard decisions and to trust in others. It was interesting to see how Ella matures into a strong heroine. Ella is not a person who gives up easily. Thus, Ella is a tough character, and I kept rooting for her to find happiness.
Overall, this book is about friendship, loss, and choices. I thought the characters were well-developed. However, I thought the kindling romance between Jesse and Ella was rushed and would have liked it to have developed more slowly. I also did not get a good grasp of the world-building of Arcadia and would have liked a more explanation of the world. The plot was a bit slow-moving at times. However, it was full of magic and mystery that kept me at the edge of my seat reading! I wanted to find out what would happen to Ella in the end! It was a very heart-wrenching story that captivated me from the first page. While it has a satisfactory ending, I would love to have a sequel. I want to see what the aftermath of the journey lies in wake of these characters. Stolen was a beautiful emotional story that is perfect for fans of fantasy and fairy-tale lovers. I recommend this for fans of The Snow Queen, Sun, Moon, Ice and Snow, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
(Note: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Ella is a fun and lovable character. She is very ambitious and loves to read poems. At times, she can be strange because she loves to talk to herself. However, she always likes to see the good in others. I really thought her character grows when she is in Arcadia. She is forced to make hard decisions and to trust in others. It was interesting to see how Ella matures into a strong heroine. Ella is not a person who gives up easily. Thus, Ella is a tough character, and I kept rooting for her to find happiness.
Overall, this book is about friendship, loss, and choices. I thought the characters were well-developed. However, I thought the kindling romance between Jesse and Ella was rushed and would have liked it to have developed more slowly. I also did not get a good grasp of the world-building of Arcadia and would have liked a more explanation of the world. The plot was a bit slow-moving at times. However, it was full of magic and mystery that kept me at the edge of my seat reading! I wanted to find out what would happen to Ella in the end! It was a very heart-wrenching story that captivated me from the first page. While it has a satisfactory ending, I would love to have a sequel. I want to see what the aftermath of the journey lies in wake of these characters. Stolen was a beautiful emotional story that is perfect for fans of fantasy and fairy-tale lovers. I recommend this for fans of The Snow Queen, Sun, Moon, Ice and Snow, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
(Note: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
March 31, 2018
“Stolen” is Jessica Titone’s 2nd novel. I think this is an exciting young writer who is going to establish a name for herself in the romance/YA/fantasy genres. Here are some thoughts about the book, in no particular order.
1. I love it when authors refuse to adhere to clearly-defined, cookie-cutter genres. “Stolen” is a terrific blend of themes and elements that readers seem to love. England in WWII. Ballet, and all the work and discipline associated with it. Young love. Magical transport to a mysterious fantasy world. Young women demonstrating self-reliance, courage, and grit. Depictions of “boy vs. girl” gender struggles. I’ve seen some reviewers describe it as a “mix tape,” but I enjoyed all the different elements at work.
2. Very smooth writing. Like butter. Nary an inopportune clause, clunky adverb, or episode of bombastic excess. Superbly written and edited.
3. Very artistic cover. Very nice.
4. I wish the author let her hair down a little more, and really explored this alternate world she created. It seemed like an opportunity to really depict some Alice-in-Wonderlandesque, fantastical things, but with the exception of the berries, there really wasn’t a whole lot of that.
5. Like a few other reviewers, I felt a little let down by the ending. I felt like things never quite built to a tense climax and resolution. It was just kind of like…”oh, well, I guess that just about wraps things up.” I would have enjoyed something a bit more intense, unpredictable, and dramatic.
6. Overall this is very good stuff and I suspect teenage girls will especially enjoy this book. Readers will definitely be looking forward to additional tales of romance from this talented author.
1. I love it when authors refuse to adhere to clearly-defined, cookie-cutter genres. “Stolen” is a terrific blend of themes and elements that readers seem to love. England in WWII. Ballet, and all the work and discipline associated with it. Young love. Magical transport to a mysterious fantasy world. Young women demonstrating self-reliance, courage, and grit. Depictions of “boy vs. girl” gender struggles. I’ve seen some reviewers describe it as a “mix tape,” but I enjoyed all the different elements at work.
2. Very smooth writing. Like butter. Nary an inopportune clause, clunky adverb, or episode of bombastic excess. Superbly written and edited.
3. Very artistic cover. Very nice.
4. I wish the author let her hair down a little more, and really explored this alternate world she created. It seemed like an opportunity to really depict some Alice-in-Wonderlandesque, fantastical things, but with the exception of the berries, there really wasn’t a whole lot of that.
5. Like a few other reviewers, I felt a little let down by the ending. I felt like things never quite built to a tense climax and resolution. It was just kind of like…”oh, well, I guess that just about wraps things up.” I would have enjoyed something a bit more intense, unpredictable, and dramatic.
6. Overall this is very good stuff and I suspect teenage girls will especially enjoy this book. Readers will definitely be looking forward to additional tales of romance from this talented author.
March 13, 2018
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
I am kind of torn about this novel. It’s pure fantasy, which isn’t something I always love, but it had a lot of elements that I enjoy. Namely a girl finding herself in a new magical world and learning the ropes. Which there was a bunch of in this book.
I found myself disappointed that I saw every twist coming, for example: who the queen was and everything Jesse did.
While I liked Ella’s character and Wren, I felt the author could have taken more time on the world building and character development. That being said Ella and Jesse are both very believable characters, though not terribly unique.
Not only is this novel fantasy, but it is a coming of age drama, which I know will appeal to many people. I would have loved it just for that reason alone, 10 to 15 years ago. Now I see too many of these types of stories to count. That does not discredit it. In fact the coming of age portions are written quite well and very relatable.
I wish the author had done more with Wren’s character than just used her as a plot device, a way to move the story forward.
I loved the scene where Ella follows strange music though an attic door to find Arcadia, it’s my favorite part of the whole novel.
In fact bits and pieces of this novel were amazing, but the ending, for me, fell flat.
I think this author has tremendous potential and would read more by her.
Like this? Find more at
I am kind of torn about this novel. It’s pure fantasy, which isn’t something I always love, but it had a lot of elements that I enjoy. Namely a girl finding herself in a new magical world and learning the ropes. Which there was a bunch of in this book.
I found myself disappointed that I saw every twist coming, for example: who the queen was and everything Jesse did.
While I liked Ella’s character and Wren, I felt the author could have taken more time on the world building and character development. That being said Ella and Jesse are both very believable characters, though not terribly unique.
Not only is this novel fantasy, but it is a coming of age drama, which I know will appeal to many people. I would have loved it just for that reason alone, 10 to 15 years ago. Now I see too many of these types of stories to count. That does not discredit it. In fact the coming of age portions are written quite well and very relatable.
I wish the author had done more with Wren’s character than just used her as a plot device, a way to move the story forward.
I loved the scene where Ella follows strange music though an attic door to find Arcadia, it’s my favorite part of the whole novel.
In fact bits and pieces of this novel were amazing, but the ending, for me, fell flat.
I think this author has tremendous potential and would read more by her.
Like this? Find more at
December 6, 2017
Stolen might just take your breath away with the cinematic and beautiful feel as the story launches and weaves around the reader like a beautiful and intricate dance. It's soft and sweet, lilting and poetic in the beginning, building up a slow and perfect romance between the two main characters Jesse and Ella. I loved their progression from friends to deep connection that was driven by their dance partnership. Truly kept me riveted to the book...
And then the story takes a drastic turn. Here's where I hard time. I HATED what the characters had to endure and the twist was brutally awkward and painful, yanking the reader from the pristine and perfect world of ballet and into a dark and sinister world manipulated by the greed, revenge, hurt, and anger of one individual. The author does a brilliant job of thrusting Ella and Jesse in impossible situations that are heart wrenching. When I can dislike something so intensely and keep reading, I know the author has talent.
The book is well written and while it does lag a bit in the middle I enjoyed the story and of course the ending. I was hoping for more closure and left with many questions but perhaps the author plans on returning to this tale in the future. I'd be curious to read what happens next. Quite a unique and original twist on fantasy romance. Give this one a try!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Word Building: 4.5/5
Story Flow: 3.5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 4/5
And then the story takes a drastic turn. Here's where I hard time. I HATED what the characters had to endure and the twist was brutally awkward and painful, yanking the reader from the pristine and perfect world of ballet and into a dark and sinister world manipulated by the greed, revenge, hurt, and anger of one individual. The author does a brilliant job of thrusting Ella and Jesse in impossible situations that are heart wrenching. When I can dislike something so intensely and keep reading, I know the author has talent.
The book is well written and while it does lag a bit in the middle I enjoyed the story and of course the ending. I was hoping for more closure and left with many questions but perhaps the author plans on returning to this tale in the future. I'd be curious to read what happens next. Quite a unique and original twist on fantasy romance. Give this one a try!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Word Building: 4.5/5
Story Flow: 3.5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 4/5
November 25, 2017
Just like in Giselle, true love saves a young man’s life
Written from first-person perspective of our protagonist Ella Spencer, “Stolen” employs the young-woman-meets-young-man, young-woman-loses-young-man, young-woman-finds-young-man-again formula with great skill. From the outset, we find out how much Ella loves ballet and we enjoy watching her relationship with Jesse Cohen unfold, but everything is about to change when Ella finds herself in another world she doesn’t recognize. With the objectives of finding Jesse on the mountain and convincing him to go back through the door to their former lives, she encounters characters like Wren, Polly (who learns all about Arcadia from her), and Gwenyth (who imprisons her). After her ordeal in the strange land, Ella finds herself changed. She’s crossed a line, a boundary, and there is no going back the way she was before her. Despite this, the young man she loved before her transformative experience is still beside her, ready to embrace the future, ending the novel on a positive note. This novel is a brisk read that is well paced and should find a wide audience, both among those who enjoy romance as well as those who enjoy adventures in worlds beyond our own.
Written from first-person perspective of our protagonist Ella Spencer, “Stolen” employs the young-woman-meets-young-man, young-woman-loses-young-man, young-woman-finds-young-man-again formula with great skill. From the outset, we find out how much Ella loves ballet and we enjoy watching her relationship with Jesse Cohen unfold, but everything is about to change when Ella finds herself in another world she doesn’t recognize. With the objectives of finding Jesse on the mountain and convincing him to go back through the door to their former lives, she encounters characters like Wren, Polly (who learns all about Arcadia from her), and Gwenyth (who imprisons her). After her ordeal in the strange land, Ella finds herself changed. She’s crossed a line, a boundary, and there is no going back the way she was before her. Despite this, the young man she loved before her transformative experience is still beside her, ready to embrace the future, ending the novel on a positive note. This novel is a brisk read that is well paced and should find a wide audience, both among those who enjoy romance as well as those who enjoy adventures in worlds beyond our own.
January 2, 2018
Wonderfully written…
Let me start by saying that I had no business liking this book. I’m a 51 year old man, and this is the story of young, ballerina and her stolen love. And yet I did. I really enjoyed it, and it was due to Titone’s writing.
Her dialog is great, and flows easily. It sounds like people talking, realistically, and that’s not always an easy thing to pull off. Her descriptions hit that sweet spot of letting you see what it is that the main character is seeing, and yet doesn’t get bogged down in so much detail that you glaze over from it.
The story itself is simple, but it flows along nicely, always moving and keeping you moving along with it. I know nothing about ballet, and yet even those passages that talk about it kept me entertained.
If I have any critique it would be with the ending. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t, but for me it wrapped up just a little too quickly and neatly. However, that is a very small criticism and in no way should stop you from enjoying this book.
Give it a try. It’s a quick, fun read.
Let me start by saying that I had no business liking this book. I’m a 51 year old man, and this is the story of young, ballerina and her stolen love. And yet I did. I really enjoyed it, and it was due to Titone’s writing.
Her dialog is great, and flows easily. It sounds like people talking, realistically, and that’s not always an easy thing to pull off. Her descriptions hit that sweet spot of letting you see what it is that the main character is seeing, and yet doesn’t get bogged down in so much detail that you glaze over from it.
The story itself is simple, but it flows along nicely, always moving and keeping you moving along with it. I know nothing about ballet, and yet even those passages that talk about it kept me entertained.
If I have any critique it would be with the ending. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t, but for me it wrapped up just a little too quickly and neatly. However, that is a very small criticism and in no way should stop you from enjoying this book.
Give it a try. It’s a quick, fun read.
March 19, 2018
Ella is a ballet dancer studying at Sadlers Wells in a war torn London at the end of WWII. When she dancers with the enigmatic Jesse, they fall in love, having secret trysts in a dusty attic - and then, he suddenly disappears after returning to the attic to find her necklace which she thinks she left there. After Jesse is deemed a missing person by the ballet school, the police, and his desperate parents, Ella returns to the attic wondering if something happened to him up there, and ends up finding a secret door, that leads her to a magical land, ruled by a bitter queen. Can Ella find Jesse in this magical place, and if so can she bring him back to London, or even find her own way back?
I loved 'Stolen'. It's a well written and unique YA novel that spans many genres - Historical fiction, romance and fantasy - and could be described as Alice in Wonderland meets Black Swan. The only problem is it ended too fast. I would absolutely love to know more. Here's hoping there's a sequel.
I loved 'Stolen'. It's a well written and unique YA novel that spans many genres - Historical fiction, romance and fantasy - and could be described as Alice in Wonderland meets Black Swan. The only problem is it ended too fast. I would absolutely love to know more. Here's hoping there's a sequel.
March 30, 2018
I enjoyed the delicate opening to this novel; the budding relationship between Ella and Jesse as it develops through their love of dancing. When, suddenly, he disappears I was desperate to find out what had happened. Then, the novel takes a sharp and magical twist and I was thrust into a different world. A world that took my breath and left me page-turning desperately to find out more. Wow, the book stepped up a gear at this point from being a charming romance to something completely engaging. I won't spoil what happens but I wasn't even thinking of something like this. It's rare a novel throws me.
The book crosses many different areas and is hard to define, but overall a really enjoyable young adult novel with elements of fantasy, romance and history. I wasn't expecting a story like this from the description and was very pleasantly surprised. I do feel, however, I wanted to know a little more about the characters as feel there was a lot of mystery left and I craved some more depth. I enjoyed this novel as a sweet romance novel with certainly a surprising difference.
The book crosses many different areas and is hard to define, but overall a really enjoyable young adult novel with elements of fantasy, romance and history. I wasn't expecting a story like this from the description and was very pleasantly surprised. I do feel, however, I wanted to know a little more about the characters as feel there was a lot of mystery left and I craved some more depth. I enjoyed this novel as a sweet romance novel with certainly a surprising difference.
December 19, 2017
Like an old fashioned mixed-tape, Stolen, by Jessica Titone, pulls together several “songs” to give us a flawed, but not-unpleasant diversion. So, whether it is romance, coming-of-age drama, or fantasy that you prefer, you will find it here. This book has a little bit of everything.
The opening chapters are engaging and set the pace well. The use of ballet as a plot device for the budding romance is particularly interesting, as too are the main characters, Ella and Jesse, well rounded and believable. I should also note that despite my normal aversion to love arcs, I found myself quite invested in their future. Taking a look at the overall presentation, I found the writing throughout generally effective, and Titone is particularly good at using character descriptions to build tension. But there is nothing entirely new here. Jesse is the standard dark, brooding love-interest ala a young Mr. Darcy, and Ella is your typical self-conscious teen. The uniqueness to this piece comes towards the hundred-page mark, as the characters are thrown into a fantasy world in a situation reminiscent of Narnia. Unfortunately, this is where my problems with the story begin.
The plot is sound, and interesting. Ella follows a strange music through a door in an attic, and finds herself in another world created by a queen/witch with serious relationship issues; luring all males she can, in the hopes to replace a spurned lover. Unfortunately, with the introduction of the character Wren into the mix, I was jarred out, and lost immersion. It was a peculiar problem, and one that took some time to wrangle. First, Wren tends to use terminology, and speech patterns that are out of period (we are lead to believe she is from a pre-1900 society). Now I can readily forgive this, and most other readers will easily too; after all, this is more or less just my inner history nerd talking. However more pointedly, the character’s personality, and interactions with Ella establish her as merely a device. At no point did I feel any sort of real connection between the two, or that Wren herself, was a person worth paying attention too. Away from this hamstring, as conflict and the introduction of a third character – foreshadowed well, to be the Queen in disguise – the story does recover.
Yet, not enough, and this is largely to do with the ending. While all the major threads are weaved together, I found their resolutions unsatisfactory. Sure, Ella gets her Jesse back in the end. Sure, Wren finally has a life where she is not being taken for granted. But there is the distinct sense that something is missing. Like ending your mix-tape with a piece from Mariah Carey, when the rest is filled with songs by Queen.
The opening chapters are engaging and set the pace well. The use of ballet as a plot device for the budding romance is particularly interesting, as too are the main characters, Ella and Jesse, well rounded and believable. I should also note that despite my normal aversion to love arcs, I found myself quite invested in their future. Taking a look at the overall presentation, I found the writing throughout generally effective, and Titone is particularly good at using character descriptions to build tension. But there is nothing entirely new here. Jesse is the standard dark, brooding love-interest ala a young Mr. Darcy, and Ella is your typical self-conscious teen. The uniqueness to this piece comes towards the hundred-page mark, as the characters are thrown into a fantasy world in a situation reminiscent of Narnia. Unfortunately, this is where my problems with the story begin.
The plot is sound, and interesting. Ella follows a strange music through a door in an attic, and finds herself in another world created by a queen/witch with serious relationship issues; luring all males she can, in the hopes to replace a spurned lover. Unfortunately, with the introduction of the character Wren into the mix, I was jarred out, and lost immersion. It was a peculiar problem, and one that took some time to wrangle. First, Wren tends to use terminology, and speech patterns that are out of period (we are lead to believe she is from a pre-1900 society). Now I can readily forgive this, and most other readers will easily too; after all, this is more or less just my inner history nerd talking. However more pointedly, the character’s personality, and interactions with Ella establish her as merely a device. At no point did I feel any sort of real connection between the two, or that Wren herself, was a person worth paying attention too. Away from this hamstring, as conflict and the introduction of a third character – foreshadowed well, to be the Queen in disguise – the story does recover.
Yet, not enough, and this is largely to do with the ending. While all the major threads are weaved together, I found their resolutions unsatisfactory. Sure, Ella gets her Jesse back in the end. Sure, Wren finally has a life where she is not being taken for granted. But there is the distinct sense that something is missing. Like ending your mix-tape with a piece from Mariah Carey, when the rest is filled with songs by Queen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
Stolen is a fantastic story about a trip to a land of magic, Narnia-like.
I particularly liked the evil queen and the plot line of rounding up the young men to do all the work for the queen. What happens though if the young men grow up to be older? Does the magic keep them from ageing? Or does the queen send them back to their homes when they reach thirty?
I held back one star due to the passive ending. It is indeed different, but I was kind of hoping that the heroine would make a bold move.
Lovely story, just flowing with ease and full of wonder. The ballet is a good fit due to the dreamlike enchantment of this story.
I particularly liked the evil queen and the plot line of rounding up the young men to do all the work for the queen. What happens though if the young men grow up to be older? Does the magic keep them from ageing? Or does the queen send them back to their homes when they reach thirty?
I held back one star due to the passive ending. It is indeed different, but I was kind of hoping that the heroine would make a bold move.
Lovely story, just flowing with ease and full of wonder. The ballet is a good fit due to the dreamlike enchantment of this story.
February 8, 2018
I loved this book from the first sentence. The writing style is very immersive, and I was sucked into the story as if I was standing beside Ella every step of the way. I was there with her as she exercised at the barre each day, as she lay in her dormitory dreaming of joining the company at Sadler’s Wells, and I felt her anguish when Jesse went missing.
And here I must stop, so as not to give too much away, but Jesse’s disappearance takes the story along a whole different path. Like Alice down the rabbit hole you are thrust into a new world, one just as absorbing as the first, but filled with twists and turns as Ella continues her search for Jesse.
And here I must stop, so as not to give too much away, but Jesse’s disappearance takes the story along a whole different path. Like Alice down the rabbit hole you are thrust into a new world, one just as absorbing as the first, but filled with twists and turns as Ella continues her search for Jesse.
January 31, 2018
As someone who enjoys modern ballets like the Nutcracker, I found the romance between dancers Ella and Jesse charming. The author did a good job developing their relationship. The transition into the fantasy world of Arcadia, when Ella follows music through a door in an attic, could have a bit smoother. But I appreciate Ella's gumption when she attempts to rescue Jesse, who has mysteriously disappeared. While I don't want to spoil the ending, I found it satisfactory. I'd recommend this book to fans of fantasy romances.
February 14, 2018
An interesting YA fantasy tale.
Stolen is an easy read. It includes historical, fantasy and romantic themes weaved throughout. The premise involves girl meets boy, boy disappears, girl looks for boy, and boy and girl are together in the end… a satisfying YA story line with a villain to boot.
Ella’s character is developed nicely, but some characters could have been developed more. The pacing is well done and the story flowed. Beautiful writing with a unique plot. If the plot can keep my interest, then I am a happy reader.
Stolen is an easy read. It includes historical, fantasy and romantic themes weaved throughout. The premise involves girl meets boy, boy disappears, girl looks for boy, and boy and girl are together in the end… a satisfying YA story line with a villain to boot.
Ella’s character is developed nicely, but some characters could have been developed more. The pacing is well done and the story flowed. Beautiful writing with a unique plot. If the plot can keep my interest, then I am a happy reader.
September 4, 2018
There is much to recommend this book, Stolen, to the reader -- its smooth flow, the well-written, solid characterization and emotions. I rooted for the heroine to succeed, and booed the villain. Most satisfactory. But the ending jarred me enough to mention here. It left me feeling unsatisfied, as though the writer missed an opportunity to take this story to a higher level. Still, it is rare to see a book done so well on so many levels.
December 13, 2017
Stolen was a good book and written well. It’s a type of story I haven’t read in a while but still enjoyed. It feels a little Peter Pan ish, but there’s nothing thing wrong with that. For those who enjoy the tales that share two worlds, particularly the fairy realm, I would recommend this book.
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October 15, 2020Dnfing. This went into a completely different direction and I’m not sure I like it.
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