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Kick Lannigan #1
Gone
Soon to be a TV series starring Chris Noth and Danny Pino!
From the critically acclaimed author of the Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell series, an “utterly exhilarating and emotionally rich” thriller that will have “your heart in your throat” (Megan Abbott, bestselling author of Dare Me).
Twenty-one-year-old Kick Lannigan is a survivor.
She can pick any lock, fire any weapon, throw any knife, and aim a punch at her opponent’s trachea. And when the enigmatic John Bishop shows up asking her to help him rescue missing kids, Kick has every reason to be wary. He appears to have access to limitless money, high-level contacts, and details of Kick’s background long kept sealed by the court. Yet everything he tells her about himself seems to be a lie.
Headstrong by nature, suspicious by circumstance, and a smart-ass by self-determination, Kick can’t help but see the writing on the wall: together, she and Bishop could make an unstoppable team, willing to do whatever it takes to see justice served…if they don’t kill each other first. For Kick, whose interest in child abduction is deeply personal, it’s a gamble worth taking.
Critically acclaimed as “excruciating…compelling” (Booklist, starred review) and “propulsive” (People), Gone is a high-octane and hard-hitting thriller you won’t be able to put down.
*Originally published as One Kick (Simon & Schuster, 2014)
From the critically acclaimed author of the Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell series, an “utterly exhilarating and emotionally rich” thriller that will have “your heart in your throat” (Megan Abbott, bestselling author of Dare Me).
Twenty-one-year-old Kick Lannigan is a survivor.
She can pick any lock, fire any weapon, throw any knife, and aim a punch at her opponent’s trachea. And when the enigmatic John Bishop shows up asking her to help him rescue missing kids, Kick has every reason to be wary. He appears to have access to limitless money, high-level contacts, and details of Kick’s background long kept sealed by the court. Yet everything he tells her about himself seems to be a lie.
Headstrong by nature, suspicious by circumstance, and a smart-ass by self-determination, Kick can’t help but see the writing on the wall: together, she and Bishop could make an unstoppable team, willing to do whatever it takes to see justice served…if they don’t kill each other first. For Kick, whose interest in child abduction is deeply personal, it’s a gamble worth taking.
Critically acclaimed as “excruciating…compelling” (Booklist, starred review) and “propulsive” (People), Gone is a high-octane and hard-hitting thriller you won’t be able to put down.
*Originally published as One Kick (Simon & Schuster, 2014)
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 19, 2014
246 people are currently reading
10240 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Cain
91 books3,815 followersChelsea Cain is the New York Times bestselling author of the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thrillers Heartsick, Sweetheart, Evil at Heart, The Night Season, Kill You Twice, and Let Me Go. Her next book One Kick (August, 2014) will be the first in her Kick Lannigan thriller series. Her book Heartsick was named one of the best 100 thrillers ever written by NPR, and Heartsick and Sweetheart were named among Stephen King's Top Ten Books of the Year. Her books have been featured on HBO's True Blood and on ABC's Castle. Cain lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,542 reviews
August 13, 2014
***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato
Before I say anything else, I feel the need to point out that if you’re interested in this book because it sounds ‘fun’, you might want to reconsider because it is anything but.
This is a book I was looking very forward to reading after having heard wonderful things about the author’s Gretchen Lowell series (to which I own the first book) and I wasn’t let down in the least. This book is very emotional, and at times even hard to read, because you become so overwhelmed. That's not really surprising once you realize that this book deals with serious issues like pedophilia and child pornography.
Kick was rescued a decade ago from a man who kidnapped her when she was 6 and sadly, she would never be the same again. Her time with the man has affected her in ways that can and WILL make you feel so emotional. What’s even worse is that somewhere in the back of her mind, he’ll be ‘daddy’ to her since her own father left barely 4 months after she was returned. In spite of all that, Kick is still a very strong female lead, especially given her circumstances. Once she was returned, she trained herself so that she would always be able to protect herself and that no one would ever be able to force her to go ANYWHERE. Kick can literally kick your ass and knows many ways to kill you without having any weapons on hand. That’s what grounds her.
She also spends a lot of time paying attention to Amber Alerts and trying to save other kids; the kids that might have otherwise never went missing if she hadn’t auto nuked the files on her abductor’s computer under his order.
Then she meets Bishop or, more appropriately, he sneaks into her house and finds her and gives her an opportunity to help save some of the kids that recently have gone missing. And so they go to places from Kick’s past and try to connect the dots to find the assholes who took these young children.
I think what makes this book even heartbreaking is the flashbacks we get of Kick’s past, from when she was Beth and we see how that has an affect on her presently. How when near the presence of her abductor, she forgets she’s Kick and feels like the helpless child who obeyed his orders. The feels.
What makes this book so strong, aside from Kick, is the entourage of secondary characters - from James to Bishop to Mel and to even Frank - they are so well-developed. None of them are flat. They are all well-rounded characters with complicated pasts of their own (in the case of James and Bishop) that make them who they are today. Even in the case of Mel. You may not like him, I mean, who would? But the author characterizes him so well that even though you may hate him, you see that he is a very complicated character who in spite of his perversions actually cares for Kick.
There's no romance in this book, but there is a hint of one which would definitely be interesting to see developed considering how complicated the characters are.
This book is a mixture of a plot and character-driven book, and both aspects of the novel are very strong. The plot was well-developed and while there are several questions that haven’t been answered, I am sure they will be in the future instalments. This book in itself was wrapped up very well leaving us with enough questions to look forward to in reading the sequel but nothing that would torment us *cough* cliffhanger *cough*.
I absolutely adored this book. It was moving and emotional and really, I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a gritty suspenseful read.
Before I say anything else, I feel the need to point out that if you’re interested in this book because it sounds ‘fun’, you might want to reconsider because it is anything but.
This is a book I was looking very forward to reading after having heard wonderful things about the author’s Gretchen Lowell series (to which I own the first book) and I wasn’t let down in the least. This book is very emotional, and at times even hard to read, because you become so overwhelmed. That's not really surprising once you realize that this book deals with serious issues like pedophilia and child pornography.
Kick was rescued a decade ago from a man who kidnapped her when she was 6 and sadly, she would never be the same again. Her time with the man has affected her in ways that can and WILL make you feel so emotional. What’s even worse is that somewhere in the back of her mind, he’ll be ‘daddy’ to her since her own father left barely 4 months after she was returned. In spite of all that, Kick is still a very strong female lead, especially given her circumstances. Once she was returned, she trained herself so that she would always be able to protect herself and that no one would ever be able to force her to go ANYWHERE. Kick can literally kick your ass and knows many ways to kill you without having any weapons on hand. That’s what grounds her.
She also spends a lot of time paying attention to Amber Alerts and trying to save other kids; the kids that might have otherwise never went missing if she hadn’t auto nuked the files on her abductor’s computer under his order.
Then she meets Bishop or, more appropriately, he sneaks into her house and finds her and gives her an opportunity to help save some of the kids that recently have gone missing. And so they go to places from Kick’s past and try to connect the dots to find the assholes who took these young children.
I think what makes this book even heartbreaking is the flashbacks we get of Kick’s past, from when she was Beth and we see how that has an affect on her presently. How when near the presence of her abductor, she forgets she’s Kick and feels like the helpless child who obeyed his orders. The feels.
What makes this book so strong, aside from Kick, is the entourage of secondary characters - from James to Bishop to Mel and to even Frank - they are so well-developed. None of them are flat. They are all well-rounded characters with complicated pasts of their own (in the case of James and Bishop) that make them who they are today. Even in the case of Mel. You may not like him, I mean, who would? But the author characterizes him so well that even though you may hate him, you see that he is a very complicated character who in spite of his perversions actually cares for Kick.
There's no romance in this book, but there is a hint of one which would definitely be interesting to see developed considering how complicated the characters are.
This book is a mixture of a plot and character-driven book, and both aspects of the novel are very strong. The plot was well-developed and while there are several questions that haven’t been answered, I am sure they will be in the future instalments. This book in itself was wrapped up very well leaving us with enough questions to look forward to in reading the sequel but nothing that would torment us *cough* cliffhanger *cough*.
I absolutely adored this book. It was moving and emotional and really, I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a gritty suspenseful read.
August 26, 2014
"You have some anger issues. You know that, right?" says the mysterious John Bishop to Kit 'Kick' Lanigan. This is after she slaps him hard enough to make him see stars. Which is immediately after he saves her from a bomb blast that levels the house they were in. Which is immediately after the two of them bust into that deserted house believing they are on the trail of some missing/exploited kids and the dudes responsible. Which is immediately after…see where this is going? Pell-mell to nowheretown.
Chelsea Cain's One Kick has been in stores for a couple of weeks at this point. It’s a hit. Cain is the bestselling author of the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thrillers and has such a rabid fan base that the 'average' Amazoogle review is somewhere between 'bangin' and 'Pulitzer.' All this makes my self-described ‘critical review’ simply moot. But here's a dude's perspective.
Plot-wise it’s simple: Kick was kidnapped for exploitative porn as a child; rescue-PTSD-mom cashes in. Kick learns a lot of self-defense and offense tactics, and seeks to help any kid possibly suffering the same fate. A dude shows up one day looking for her help doing the same thing.
Papier-mâché dialog (e.g., Bishop says things like, "You're crazier than I thought"), combined with limited character development make this go nowhere fast. Though Cain has written this with a certain fluidity and keeps things moving at a decent, if jerky, pace this is a book that, like most books, is coldly calculated to sell to mass audiences. In a sense, Cain’s job is not to write but to plumb the depths of how far down the ‘average’ reader is willing to lower him/herself for $25.99. It is aimed at a mass audience and has been constructed to outrage/disgust/offend just enough to keep people reading. It doesn’t cross any taboo lines that haven’t been crossed before, and it doesn’t broach any new or uncharted territory.
As heroine, Kick is unrealistic to the point of being insulting to women. Supposedly beautiful, mentally strong and ninja-talented at things like kicking ass and picking locks, she also has a mantra: "I shall be a champion of freedom and justice. I shall build a more peaceful world." For someone so skilled, confident, and resolute she sure as hell shuts down a lot.
It takes way too long to get there, but Bishop wants Kick to give him access to Mel so he will give up the safe house(s) wherein exploited children are kept. When seeing her former captor for the first time, Cain paints Kick as compassionate instead of murderous, giving as opposed to steely. Mels’ hands' "familiarity was an anchor," she thinks. Even as Mel says, "I always tried to protect you" (151), Kick considers donating a kidney to him.
Though Kick is manipulating the crap out of Mel, she’s also selling herself, using herself as bait. Because Mel believes it, even saying "You're still my girl, Beth," the conversation turns to selling boys (which they term 'items').
Outrageous and disgusting? Yes, without doubt. Overwhelming or unreadable? Hardly. Cain has played a calculated hand (one can practically sense the “Ooh, look away” frowny faces). Author Andrew Vachss plays a much more terrifying hand in even his mildest book.
I’ve seen professional and armchair reviewers calling One Kick gritty, emotionally difficult, challenging to read, complex; it’s none of these. It’s a simplistic thriller with little in the way of character development or nuance. The question comes down to, do you really want to read a thriller that has exploited children at its core?
But hey I’m just some dude.
Find reviews of books for curious minds at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Chelsea Cain's One Kick has been in stores for a couple of weeks at this point. It’s a hit. Cain is the bestselling author of the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thrillers and has such a rabid fan base that the 'average' Amazoogle review is somewhere between 'bangin' and 'Pulitzer.' All this makes my self-described ‘critical review’ simply moot. But here's a dude's perspective.
Plot-wise it’s simple: Kick was kidnapped for exploitative porn as a child; rescue-PTSD-mom cashes in. Kick learns a lot of self-defense and offense tactics, and seeks to help any kid possibly suffering the same fate. A dude shows up one day looking for her help doing the same thing.
Papier-mâché dialog (e.g., Bishop says things like, "You're crazier than I thought"), combined with limited character development make this go nowhere fast. Though Cain has written this with a certain fluidity and keeps things moving at a decent, if jerky, pace this is a book that, like most books, is coldly calculated to sell to mass audiences. In a sense, Cain’s job is not to write but to plumb the depths of how far down the ‘average’ reader is willing to lower him/herself for $25.99. It is aimed at a mass audience and has been constructed to outrage/disgust/offend just enough to keep people reading. It doesn’t cross any taboo lines that haven’t been crossed before, and it doesn’t broach any new or uncharted territory.
As heroine, Kick is unrealistic to the point of being insulting to women. Supposedly beautiful, mentally strong and ninja-talented at things like kicking ass and picking locks, she also has a mantra: "I shall be a champion of freedom and justice. I shall build a more peaceful world." For someone so skilled, confident, and resolute she sure as hell shuts down a lot.
It takes way too long to get there, but Bishop wants Kick to give him access to Mel so he will give up the safe house(s) wherein exploited children are kept. When seeing her former captor for the first time, Cain paints Kick as compassionate instead of murderous, giving as opposed to steely. Mels’ hands' "familiarity was an anchor," she thinks. Even as Mel says, "I always tried to protect you" (151), Kick considers donating a kidney to him.
Though Kick is manipulating the crap out of Mel, she’s also selling herself, using herself as bait. Because Mel believes it, even saying "You're still my girl, Beth," the conversation turns to selling boys (which they term 'items').
Outrageous and disgusting? Yes, without doubt. Overwhelming or unreadable? Hardly. Cain has played a calculated hand (one can practically sense the “Ooh, look away” frowny faces). Author Andrew Vachss plays a much more terrifying hand in even his mildest book.
I’ve seen professional and armchair reviewers calling One Kick gritty, emotionally difficult, challenging to read, complex; it’s none of these. It’s a simplistic thriller with little in the way of character development or nuance. The question comes down to, do you really want to read a thriller that has exploited children at its core?
But hey I’m just some dude.
Find reviews of books for curious minds at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
June 23, 2019
Summer A Thon: A book with sunrise colors on the cover
I'm sad.
I have now read every Chelsea Cain novel. I went on her website and apparently Chelsea Cain only writes Graphic Novels now. I was especially upset to discover that she has no plans to write any more books in this particular series. I've fallen in love with these characters and now I'll never know what happens next.
One Kick is about Kick Lannigan who was abducted by child predator at six years old and kept for 5 years. Her story was a world wide sensation(think Elizabeth Smart). Now at 21 she's spend her time at shooting ranges and martial arts studios trying to put her past behind her.
Enter Bishop an enigmatic former weapons dealer who has a proposition that Kick can't refuse. He needs her to use her knowledge to find 2 missing kids.
Like all Chelsea Cain novels One Kick is DARK. If you have any triggers avoid her books because she goes there. I felt nausea at times reading this book. She doesn't sugar coat what happens to children who have been abducted by sexual predators. Its sicken and utterly real.
One Kick is just further proof of Chelsea Cain's evil genius. I sped through One Kick.
PLEASE CHELSEA CAIN WRITE MORE NOVELS. I BEG YOU!
I'm sad.
I have now read every Chelsea Cain novel. I went on her website and apparently Chelsea Cain only writes Graphic Novels now. I was especially upset to discover that she has no plans to write any more books in this particular series. I've fallen in love with these characters and now I'll never know what happens next.
One Kick is about Kick Lannigan who was abducted by child predator at six years old and kept for 5 years. Her story was a world wide sensation(think Elizabeth Smart). Now at 21 she's spend her time at shooting ranges and martial arts studios trying to put her past behind her.
Enter Bishop an enigmatic former weapons dealer who has a proposition that Kick can't refuse. He needs her to use her knowledge to find 2 missing kids.
Like all Chelsea Cain novels One Kick is DARK. If you have any triggers avoid her books because she goes there. I felt nausea at times reading this book. She doesn't sugar coat what happens to children who have been abducted by sexual predators. Its sicken and utterly real.
One Kick is just further proof of Chelsea Cain's evil genius. I sped through One Kick.
PLEASE CHELSEA CAIN WRITE MORE NOVELS. I BEG YOU!
November 14, 2017
I really loved these characters! I definitely was emotionally attached, even in the prologue. This book was extremely fast paced with several plot twists and some unresolved issues in the conclusion. Of course that makes me look forward to a sequel.
Cain deals with the horrific "business" of child pornography. She manages to describe and invoke very strong feelings without using specifics of the abuse. Otherwise I probably would not have been able to complete this book... She created a strong, resilient character with Kick, a young woman who was able to overcome her dreadful childhood. I appreciated that Kick was not super human; she struggled immensely when facing her fears and her abductor and that felt much more real than if she were able to close up her past in a neat box, tucked away in a dark corner. With the help of other unconventional characters, Kick is able to problem solve and search for current missing children.
This was a great thriller and I look forward to reading more stories of Kick Lannigan!
Cain deals with the horrific "business" of child pornography. She manages to describe and invoke very strong feelings without using specifics of the abuse. Otherwise I probably would not have been able to complete this book... She created a strong, resilient character with Kick, a young woman who was able to overcome her dreadful childhood. I appreciated that Kick was not super human; she struggled immensely when facing her fears and her abductor and that felt much more real than if she were able to close up her past in a neat box, tucked away in a dark corner. With the help of other unconventional characters, Kick is able to problem solve and search for current missing children.
This was a great thriller and I look forward to reading more stories of Kick Lannigan!
August 24, 2014
I finished this book yesterday and my first thought was, "How does she do it?." Seriously, Cain takes evil, in this case child porn and the kidnapping of children for sex, characters who have been victims of this evil and crafts a novel that I found difficult to put down. Oh, I wanted to look away plenty of times, but I loved the character of Kick, flaws and all, James, who was for many years a victim and Bishop, the mysterious man from nowhere, who needs Kicks help.
This is a very gritty book, the tension palpable, quick moving with plenty of action. But a warning, the subject is raw, the violence explicit and graphic. Yet, the characters are so darn addicting.
The beginning of a new series by this author and one I am looking forward to reading.
ARC from NetGalley.
This is a very gritty book, the tension palpable, quick moving with plenty of action. But a warning, the subject is raw, the violence explicit and graphic. Yet, the characters are so darn addicting.
The beginning of a new series by this author and one I am looking forward to reading.
ARC from NetGalley.
August 13, 2023
Kick Lannigan was abducted as a child, then "raised" by new parents (Mel and Linda) who were part of a child pornography ring. Apparently suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, Kick became attached to the abductors, and even came to love them in some fashion.
Rescued at age ten, a very disturbed Kick becomes determined to ensure her safety. Thus, by the time she's an adult Kick is an expert in martial arts and is always well-armed - with pistols, throwing stars, knives, nunchucks, etc. You name it, she has it - and she knows how to use it.
Kick's closest companions are her elderly dog Monster and her "adopted brother" James, a troubled computer addict who lives in an apartment below hers.
When a young girl and boy are abducted a few weeks apart, Kick becomes obsessed with the case. Enter John Bishop - a mysterious, well-trained operator with endless resources - whose job seems to involve rescuing kidnapped children and investigating child pornography. After tussling with Bishop, Kick joins his mission to try to find the kidnapped youngsters.
The task requires Kick to retrieve her old, painful memories and even to vist a dying Mel in prison - in an attempt to get information about child pornographers.
While they're pursuing the abductors Kick and Bishop fly in private planes, stay in a lavish home, and engage in a speck of romance. On the down side, some terrible things happen involving violence and torture.
This is page turner with memorable characters, including some disgusting bad guys and good guys you can root for. Kick is a tough cookie with awe-inspiring skills and Bishop - though more enigmatic - has a good heart and high-powered connections that help him do his job.
A good thriller.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
April 13, 2019
Oh wow, where do I start? I freaking loved this book for SO many reasons. I am so keen to read the next installment in the Kick Lannigan series now, bring it on!
What's it about?
Kick Lannigan, 21, is a survivor.
Abducted at age six in broad daylight, the police, the public, perhaps even her family assumed the worst had occurred. And then Kathleen Lannigan was found, alive, six years later.
In the early months following her freedom, as Kick struggled with PTSD, her parents put her through a litany of therapies, but nothing helped until the detective who rescued her suggested Kick learn to fight. Before she was thirteen, Kick learned marksmanship, martial arts, boxing, archery, and knife throwing. She excelled at every one, vowing she would never be victimized again.
But when two children in the Portland area go missing in the same month, Kick goes into a tailspin. Then an enigmatic man Bishop approaches her with a proposition: he is convinced Kick's experiences and expertise can be used to help rescue the abductees. Little does Kick know the case will lead directly into her terrifying past…
My Review:
The subject matter for this book is not nice, child abduction, child pornography, child abuse, not easy reading. I had moments of choked emotion in scenes of this book, knowing this stuff is also out there and it's real. Sickening. Difficult. Sad.
Right from the first page I was hooked in and followed Kick with fascination, she is a character that I felt grew as the novel progressed along, so much so that the Kick that was represented early in the book with her angst, need for self-protection and tough skinned self was not the women who we met at the end. I thought that was really good writing, watching the character morph and grow and change and heal.
Kick has come through her years surviving abduction, being found at age six, she's now 21 and is an expert in fighting skills, body combat, use of various weaponry, and loves her Glock, really loves her Glock. Kick is not willing to be a victim ever again.
When the mysterious and connected Bishop comes to Kick to ask for her help in finding some children that have been abducted Kick is wary but challenged, she has dedicated a lot of time to wanting to fight the cause that stole so much of her life from her. She gets it, she gets what these children are going through.
The details in this book are harrowing at times, the "safe houses", the networks, the bargaining of children for money, the secret places the children are kept, absolutely mind blowing. But makes you feel sick too, but you so want justice as does Kick. We watch her painfully at times reconnect with the past and push through. Astounding stuff.
The plot is pacy and tight, it develops well, I was connecting so much more with both Kick and Bishop as people by the second half of the book, watching their working relationship dynamics with interest.
The book is powerful, readable, hard to put down, disturbing, challenging and exceptional, I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did.
I think Chelsea Cain has tackled a difficult subject matter with this series, but I think she's on to a winner with Kick Lannigan and her quest for justice for the children who have been taken. I struggle to find the words to describe to you how this book made me feel, but I was feeling a LOT and on a roller coaster, at times putting the book down to process and breathe.
Without spoilers I just have to say that the exploration of the relationship that Kick has with her abductor is powerful, surprising and startling. Complex indeed.
Five fantastic stars from me, I will be getting the next book without a doubt, really loved this book despite it's difficult subject matter, don't let that put you off, read it and see for yourself.
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.
What's it about?
Kick Lannigan, 21, is a survivor.
Abducted at age six in broad daylight, the police, the public, perhaps even her family assumed the worst had occurred. And then Kathleen Lannigan was found, alive, six years later.
In the early months following her freedom, as Kick struggled with PTSD, her parents put her through a litany of therapies, but nothing helped until the detective who rescued her suggested Kick learn to fight. Before she was thirteen, Kick learned marksmanship, martial arts, boxing, archery, and knife throwing. She excelled at every one, vowing she would never be victimized again.
But when two children in the Portland area go missing in the same month, Kick goes into a tailspin. Then an enigmatic man Bishop approaches her with a proposition: he is convinced Kick's experiences and expertise can be used to help rescue the abductees. Little does Kick know the case will lead directly into her terrifying past…
My Review:
The subject matter for this book is not nice, child abduction, child pornography, child abuse, not easy reading. I had moments of choked emotion in scenes of this book, knowing this stuff is also out there and it's real. Sickening. Difficult. Sad.
Right from the first page I was hooked in and followed Kick with fascination, she is a character that I felt grew as the novel progressed along, so much so that the Kick that was represented early in the book with her angst, need for self-protection and tough skinned self was not the women who we met at the end. I thought that was really good writing, watching the character morph and grow and change and heal.
Kick has come through her years surviving abduction, being found at age six, she's now 21 and is an expert in fighting skills, body combat, use of various weaponry, and loves her Glock, really loves her Glock. Kick is not willing to be a victim ever again.
When the mysterious and connected Bishop comes to Kick to ask for her help in finding some children that have been abducted Kick is wary but challenged, she has dedicated a lot of time to wanting to fight the cause that stole so much of her life from her. She gets it, she gets what these children are going through.
The details in this book are harrowing at times, the "safe houses", the networks, the bargaining of children for money, the secret places the children are kept, absolutely mind blowing. But makes you feel sick too, but you so want justice as does Kick. We watch her painfully at times reconnect with the past and push through. Astounding stuff.
The plot is pacy and tight, it develops well, I was connecting so much more with both Kick and Bishop as people by the second half of the book, watching their working relationship dynamics with interest.
The book is powerful, readable, hard to put down, disturbing, challenging and exceptional, I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did.
I think Chelsea Cain has tackled a difficult subject matter with this series, but I think she's on to a winner with Kick Lannigan and her quest for justice for the children who have been taken. I struggle to find the words to describe to you how this book made me feel, but I was feeling a LOT and on a roller coaster, at times putting the book down to process and breathe.
Without spoilers I just have to say that the exploration of the relationship that Kick has with her abductor is powerful, surprising and startling. Complex indeed.
Five fantastic stars from me, I will be getting the next book without a doubt, really loved this book despite it's difficult subject matter, don't let that put you off, read it and see for yourself.
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.
May 27, 2014
As a child, Kit “Kick” Lanigan was abducted in broad daylight. Missing for nearly six years, an intensive FBI investigation led to her recovery. Ten years later, at age twenty-one, One Kick follows Lanigan as she struggles with PTSD, dodges reporters who are desperate for updates while distancing herself from her fame-hungry mother. When not firing her Glock or learning a new self-defense discipline, Kick keeps her ear to the ground regarding recent abductions, struggling to find a way to help.
Everything changes when a mysterious man named “Bishop” shows up at her door asking for her help. He’s with a group that works to recover missing children and asks for Kick’s assistance. Can Kick lend a hand and help locate two missing children or will her past get in the way?
I received a review copy from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
The character of Kit Lanigan is a memorable one and her struggle to maintain somewhat of a normal life following her abduction felt very realistic. In a world where news coverage is literally twenty four-seven, reporters are always desperate for content so when an event like Kit’s rescue captures the hearts and minds of America, it’s only natural that the public are going to want follow-up stories; whether Kit likes it or not. It certainly doesn't help matters that her mother clings to her daughter’s relevance in the same vein as a Dina or Michael Lohan, always trying to parade her daughter into the public eye.
While Bishop and Kit work well together – Kit’s intimate knowledge of the type of person they’re hunting is invaluable – I always felt that Kit played second fiddle to Bishop far too often. I get that she’s less experienced than she thinks she is when it comes to tracking criminals but it seemed like Bishop was picking up the pieces more than he should have to.
This was my first Chelsea Cain experience and while I wasn't blown away, I did enjoy myself. I’d be interested in seeing where the series goes from here and whether or not Kit can evolve into a true kick-ass heroine.
Cross posted @ Every Read Thing
Everything changes when a mysterious man named “Bishop” shows up at her door asking for her help. He’s with a group that works to recover missing children and asks for Kick’s assistance. Can Kick lend a hand and help locate two missing children or will her past get in the way?
I received a review copy from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
The character of Kit Lanigan is a memorable one and her struggle to maintain somewhat of a normal life following her abduction felt very realistic. In a world where news coverage is literally twenty four-seven, reporters are always desperate for content so when an event like Kit’s rescue captures the hearts and minds of America, it’s only natural that the public are going to want follow-up stories; whether Kit likes it or not. It certainly doesn't help matters that her mother clings to her daughter’s relevance in the same vein as a Dina or Michael Lohan, always trying to parade her daughter into the public eye.
While Bishop and Kit work well together – Kit’s intimate knowledge of the type of person they’re hunting is invaluable – I always felt that Kit played second fiddle to Bishop far too often. I get that she’s less experienced than she thinks she is when it comes to tracking criminals but it seemed like Bishop was picking up the pieces more than he should have to.
This was my first Chelsea Cain experience and while I wasn't blown away, I did enjoy myself. I’d be interested in seeing where the series goes from here and whether or not Kit can evolve into a true kick-ass heroine.
Cross posted @ Every Read Thing
September 25, 2024
A 'kick' ass protagonist who was rescued from an awful situation 10 years ago teams up with a man named Bishop to save abducted children before it's too late.
What to expect:
~ single 3rd person POV
~ child abduction/abuse/pornography
~ fast paced action
What to expect:
~ single 3rd person POV
~ child abduction/abuse/pornography
~ fast paced action
July 23, 2014
It's after midnight and I've just finished another Chelsea Cain novel much to my delight. She's a long time favorite thriller/suspense novel writer who never fails to give a great "ride" for the money. Chelsea is one of those authors who calls you to pick up every book she writes because you know you're going to get consistent thrillers that speed along and are gripping. "One Kick" is no exception to this rule. I'm excited to have this introduction to a new set of characters and a new series.
Loved, loved the story here of a young woman who is a grown up "rescue" from a child kidnapping. The details of what she went through in her transition back to "normal" are exceptional and believable. They add a broad dimension to this thriller based on finding two children who have also been kidnapped.
Kick Lannigan is a wiry and wild protagonist who is worthy of a series of her own. I absolutely love her. Beautiful and brilliant, she is also physically powerful and; yet, psychologically vulnerable. A startling combination for a potent storyline. Her strange relationship with John Bishop adds that sugar and vinegar aspect to the plot that's pitch perfect! These two are dynamic and fun to read about.
I couldn't put this book down all day until I'd finished it. I think you'll love it if you're interested in a fast-paced suspense novel. Great storyline with fascinating characters.
5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame
Loved, loved the story here of a young woman who is a grown up "rescue" from a child kidnapping. The details of what she went through in her transition back to "normal" are exceptional and believable. They add a broad dimension to this thriller based on finding two children who have also been kidnapped.
Kick Lannigan is a wiry and wild protagonist who is worthy of a series of her own. I absolutely love her. Beautiful and brilliant, she is also physically powerful and; yet, psychologically vulnerable. A startling combination for a potent storyline. Her strange relationship with John Bishop adds that sugar and vinegar aspect to the plot that's pitch perfect! These two are dynamic and fun to read about.
I couldn't put this book down all day until I'd finished it. I think you'll love it if you're interested in a fast-paced suspense novel. Great storyline with fascinating characters.
5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame
March 22, 2018
This work can best be described as a Young Adult thriller. Readers who are fresh to the genre, and perhaps a little fresher to life itself, will find it much easier to muster the suspension of disbelief required than, say, those of us who have been around this block a couple of times.
Kathleen "Kick" Lannigan was abducted by a sexual predator at the age of six. The next five years were spent achieving singular renown on the pedophile film circuit. Recovered at age eleven, her post-abduction existence has been filled with media attention, psychological therapy and training in a vast array of self-defense disciplines. Now twenty-one, Ms. Lannigan finds herself in possession of an arsenal of personal weaponry, a wall map filled with pushpins tracking current child abductions and plenty of unfocused time on her hands. Lucky for her, a devastatingly attractive mystery man with apparently unlimited resources drops down from the heavens to facilitate her quest to rescue victims like herself.
Cool, you might say. A little Fifty Shades, sure, but I could roll with that. Only as it turns out, Kick's inventory of acquired skill-sets (martial arts, boxing, target shooting, archery, knife throwing, etc., etc.) remains largely that: an inventory. When push comes to shove it's a knee in the groin, a scramble up the side of a house, the pick of a tricky lock and an awful lot of quivering. She's dead weight in dangerous situations and frequently requires rescuing herself - which fouls up any number of opportunities to make headway on the hunt. I suppose one could advance the argument that Kick needs to believe she's ready to take on all comers...even if it's only to get to sleep at night. But her author would have to give a nod to that, to admit her protagonist's astonishing level of self-deception on this front, and she never does.
The book is a page-turner. Cain gets a good pace going and is constantly introducing a new twist or challenge - which goes a long way toward helping a reader overlook his dissatisfaction with the last. I thought a decent stride had been hit three-quarters of the way through, but things crumbled for me in the home stretch, and there rather badly.
So I'm calling this a fair offering for those who are new to the thrill-ride, just as long as we're clear that after this? Expectations should rise.
Kathleen "Kick" Lannigan was abducted by a sexual predator at the age of six. The next five years were spent achieving singular renown on the pedophile film circuit. Recovered at age eleven, her post-abduction existence has been filled with media attention, psychological therapy and training in a vast array of self-defense disciplines. Now twenty-one, Ms. Lannigan finds herself in possession of an arsenal of personal weaponry, a wall map filled with pushpins tracking current child abductions and plenty of unfocused time on her hands. Lucky for her, a devastatingly attractive mystery man with apparently unlimited resources drops down from the heavens to facilitate her quest to rescue victims like herself.
Cool, you might say. A little Fifty Shades, sure, but I could roll with that. Only as it turns out, Kick's inventory of acquired skill-sets (martial arts, boxing, target shooting, archery, knife throwing, etc., etc.) remains largely that: an inventory. When push comes to shove it's a knee in the groin, a scramble up the side of a house, the pick of a tricky lock and an awful lot of quivering. She's dead weight in dangerous situations and frequently requires rescuing herself - which fouls up any number of opportunities to make headway on the hunt. I suppose one could advance the argument that Kick needs to believe she's ready to take on all comers...even if it's only to get to sleep at night. But her author would have to give a nod to that, to admit her protagonist's astonishing level of self-deception on this front, and she never does.
The book is a page-turner. Cain gets a good pace going and is constantly introducing a new twist or challenge - which goes a long way toward helping a reader overlook his dissatisfaction with the last. I thought a decent stride had been hit three-quarters of the way through, but things crumbled for me in the home stretch, and there rather badly.
So I'm calling this a fair offering for those who are new to the thrill-ride, just as long as we're clear that after this? Expectations should rise.
August 30, 2014
*sigh*
I was given an ARC of this novel by Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review and I'll try to be as honest, polite and professional as I can...
I'm going to give this book and extra star because it's obvious that Chelsea Cain can write. ONE KICK has a dynamic and clever structure, and I could even forget for a chapter or two that I was not reading a good book.
I consider myself to be a good audience, I rate most of my readings favorably, but I could not endorse this novel with a gun on my head. I have a laundry list of complaints with it: the premise is ridiculous and poorly exposed, it says a couple blatantly false things about martial arts, it breaks the 'show, don't tell' rule several times (especially when it comes to 'proving' kick's badassery), you don't know who the hell they are chasing after for the 85% of the novel, the final scene is so absurd that it drained every ounce of sympathy I had for Kick, I could go all night long here, but I think you got the jist of it. You'll have to hit my blog next friday (www.deadendfollies.com) to know more about it.
I'm not telling you not to read it, I know that there is a readership for this kind of novel, but if you browse through my reviews and agree with my comments most times well...ugh...you should definitely think twice before buying ONE KICK. Oh well! You live, you learn.
I was given an ARC of this novel by Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review and I'll try to be as honest, polite and professional as I can...
I'm going to give this book and extra star because it's obvious that Chelsea Cain can write. ONE KICK has a dynamic and clever structure, and I could even forget for a chapter or two that I was not reading a good book.
I consider myself to be a good audience, I rate most of my readings favorably, but I could not endorse this novel with a gun on my head. I have a laundry list of complaints with it: the premise is ridiculous and poorly exposed, it says a couple blatantly false things about martial arts, it breaks the 'show, don't tell' rule several times (especially when it comes to 'proving' kick's badassery), you don't know who the hell they are chasing after for the 85% of the novel, the final scene is so absurd that it drained every ounce of sympathy I had for Kick, I could go all night long here, but I think you got the jist of it. You'll have to hit my blog next friday (www.deadendfollies.com) to know more about it.
I'm not telling you not to read it, I know that there is a readership for this kind of novel, but if you browse through my reviews and agree with my comments most times well...ugh...you should definitely think twice before buying ONE KICK. Oh well! You live, you learn.
July 21, 2017
Kick Lannigan is the kind of character I wanted to like: a woman who has tried to overcome childhood abduction and abuse by looking after herself, avoiding the media spotlight, training in self defence, finding out about the kind of child pornography rings she was forced in to so she might be able to help others... But she's also batshit crazy.
Now, considering her past, i'd be happy to let this slide if it were at all consistent or part of her in a way that felt natural. Instead, she spends the entire time threatening her rich, seductive, and masterful sidekick (yawn), failing to live up to her apparent skills or knowledge, and doing strange things for no apparent reason for either herself or the plot. If this were an investigation into the broken mind of a sexual abuse survivor, it'd make sense, but as far as I was aware, this is supposed to be an investigative novel and her crazy antics (wooo, she's cray, cray) just make the whole thing confused and more than a little annoying. The author has simply tied far too hard here to make a memorable character, overloading her with idiosyncrasies to make her seem deep and different, but in the end leaving her completely flat and somewhat ridiculous.
Now, considering her past, i'd be happy to let this slide if it were at all consistent or part of her in a way that felt natural. Instead, she spends the entire time threatening her rich, seductive, and masterful sidekick (yawn), failing to live up to her apparent skills or knowledge, and doing strange things for no apparent reason for either herself or the plot. If this were an investigation into the broken mind of a sexual abuse survivor, it'd make sense, but as far as I was aware, this is supposed to be an investigative novel and her crazy antics (wooo, she's cray, cray) just make the whole thing confused and more than a little annoying. The author has simply tied far too hard here to make a memorable character, overloading her with idiosyncrasies to make her seem deep and different, but in the end leaving her completely flat and somewhat ridiculous.
August 9, 2014
This has the makings of a great novel, and the first 50 pages grab you by the throat (I really thought this would be another winner by Cain, but then it went down hill fast for me), but unfortunately the characters portrayed are very unlikable, especially Kick, the female protagonist and the "mysterious, sexy, will end up being Kick's love interest" Bishop, who ends up as a total cliche regarding his personality and characterization.
The subject matter is very heavy and uncomfortable and the mystery element is engaging but Kick, the heroines, leaves a lot to be desired. You should sympathize with her because of all the horrible things she has gone through, especially at such a young age by being kidnapped and surrounded by pedophiles. At 21, she acts like a survivor, and has incredible strength and gumption, but I just couldn't connect with her on any level. She has this lack of dimension and a grating attitude that is suppose to be this bad ass chick, but falls flat. Bishop is too stereotypical and like every sexy undercover warrior in an expensive suit we've seen time and again. He and Kick don't jive well together at all, which is the main source of tension between them. But even though Kick doesn't like Bishop, she doesn't have a problem having sex with him, which comes out of left field. There is no plausible explanation why she would want to be intimate with him. It felt uncomfortable and more of a shock, even though it was fade to black.
The investigation aspect has some great moments and there are many twists and turns you won't see coming, especially at the end. But even with the crime investigation element, I found a big lack of overall enjoyment, which has to do with Kick and Bishop who had nothing really amazing about them.
One Kick failed to deliver.
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/9...
The subject matter is very heavy and uncomfortable and the mystery element is engaging but Kick, the heroines, leaves a lot to be desired. You should sympathize with her because of all the horrible things she has gone through, especially at such a young age by being kidnapped and surrounded by pedophiles. At 21, she acts like a survivor, and has incredible strength and gumption, but I just couldn't connect with her on any level. She has this lack of dimension and a grating attitude that is suppose to be this bad ass chick, but falls flat. Bishop is too stereotypical and like every sexy undercover warrior in an expensive suit we've seen time and again. He and Kick don't jive well together at all, which is the main source of tension between them. But even though Kick doesn't like Bishop, she doesn't have a problem having sex with him, which comes out of left field. There is no plausible explanation why she would want to be intimate with him. It felt uncomfortable and more of a shock, even though it was fade to black.
The investigation aspect has some great moments and there are many twists and turns you won't see coming, especially at the end. But even with the crime investigation element, I found a big lack of overall enjoyment, which has to do with Kick and Bishop who had nothing really amazing about them.
One Kick failed to deliver.
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/9...
May 18, 2018
Three and a half stars
Kidnapped at age six and rescued at age twelve Kick Lannigan has learned to defend herself. Determined never to be a victim again, martial arts, boxing, archery, knife throwing and shooting are now all skills in her repertoire. Kick has two loves in her life. One is Monster, her dog, who is old and missing some faculties these days and the other is James, who she loves as a brother. When she is asked to put her past experience to use to help track down children that have been abducted, Kick agrees to help even though she has more than a few issues with Bishop who she will be working with. Aside from Monster and James, Kick is a loner, who doesn’t play well with others, as Bishop finds out at times. But the ex-cop Bishop has his issues too. They make an interesting pairing.
This is a book that kept me turning the pages despite the violence with is strong and graphic at times and the use of language in particular the f word. There were times I found it hard to read especially given the topics of child abduction, sexual abuse and child pornography and yet I could not abandon it either. I had to keep reading.
The funny thing was my husband had taped a new show. As we started to watch it, it all seemed too familiar. I yelled. Stop.’ I can’t watch this now. I’m reading it.’ The show is titled Gone. Not sure how closely it follows the book or whether we will end up watching it, depending how closely it follows the book. It may be too violent to watch on a screen. It was enough at times in print. I’m not sure I could say I enjoyed this book, but it does have a certain compelling tension that kept me reading. I would recommend it for anyone who likes a fast paced gritty read.
Kidnapped at age six and rescued at age twelve Kick Lannigan has learned to defend herself. Determined never to be a victim again, martial arts, boxing, archery, knife throwing and shooting are now all skills in her repertoire. Kick has two loves in her life. One is Monster, her dog, who is old and missing some faculties these days and the other is James, who she loves as a brother. When she is asked to put her past experience to use to help track down children that have been abducted, Kick agrees to help even though she has more than a few issues with Bishop who she will be working with. Aside from Monster and James, Kick is a loner, who doesn’t play well with others, as Bishop finds out at times. But the ex-cop Bishop has his issues too. They make an interesting pairing.
This is a book that kept me turning the pages despite the violence with is strong and graphic at times and the use of language in particular the f word. There were times I found it hard to read especially given the topics of child abduction, sexual abuse and child pornography and yet I could not abandon it either. I had to keep reading.
The funny thing was my husband had taped a new show. As we started to watch it, it all seemed too familiar. I yelled. Stop.’ I can’t watch this now. I’m reading it.’ The show is titled Gone. Not sure how closely it follows the book or whether we will end up watching it, depending how closely it follows the book. It may be too violent to watch on a screen. It was enough at times in print. I’m not sure I could say I enjoyed this book, but it does have a certain compelling tension that kept me reading. I would recommend it for anyone who likes a fast paced gritty read.
August 31, 2014
I love the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell books that Chelsea Cain writes. Now, she has created a new series starring Kick Lannigan (which is the name she now goes by) or should I say Kit Lannigan (which is her name as a child) or Beth (the name her kidnapper/pedophile/disgusting father figure) called her.
That’s right; Kick was abducted as a child and made to perform in child pornography movies. Now as an adult, she has developed coping skills to survive. She likes the feel of gunmetal and throwing stars. They calm her. They soothe her.
The book jacket reads that Kick is “a sharp shooter, a lock picker, an escape artist, a knife thrower, and a student of martial arts, among other pursuits”. I only repeat this as she sure doesn’t seem that accomplished as you read her story, because she gets kidnapped, gets handcuffed, hesitates when she does need to throw a knife and ok, maybe her martial arts skills did help her somewhat. She’s also a little annoying, doesn’t listen to others and causes more problems.
What I’m trying to say is Kick is a flawed lead character and reads more like a side”kick”. For me, Bishop was more intriguing and mysterious. I wanted to know more about him. He works for a mysterious rich entrepreneur, has use of a private jet, beautiful house and expensive cars at his disposal. Now here’s a man I want to know more about. And we do learn more about Bishop, but Kick is the lead of this new series.
The story has Bishop enlisting Kick’s help in finding the pornography ring that her kidnapper was a part of. The story was a little too neatly packed near the end and a little implausible. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did, but I’d rather be reading a new Archie/Gretchen story instead.
~Barb
That’s right; Kick was abducted as a child and made to perform in child pornography movies. Now as an adult, she has developed coping skills to survive. She likes the feel of gunmetal and throwing stars. They calm her. They soothe her.
The book jacket reads that Kick is “a sharp shooter, a lock picker, an escape artist, a knife thrower, and a student of martial arts, among other pursuits”. I only repeat this as she sure doesn’t seem that accomplished as you read her story, because she gets kidnapped, gets handcuffed, hesitates when she does need to throw a knife and ok, maybe her martial arts skills did help her somewhat. She’s also a little annoying, doesn’t listen to others and causes more problems.
What I’m trying to say is Kick is a flawed lead character and reads more like a side”kick”. For me, Bishop was more intriguing and mysterious. I wanted to know more about him. He works for a mysterious rich entrepreneur, has use of a private jet, beautiful house and expensive cars at his disposal. Now here’s a man I want to know more about. And we do learn more about Bishop, but Kick is the lead of this new series.
The story has Bishop enlisting Kick’s help in finding the pornography ring that her kidnapper was a part of. The story was a little too neatly packed near the end and a little implausible. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did, but I’d rather be reading a new Archie/Gretchen story instead.
~Barb
December 9, 2019
A high-octane story that will never let you catch your breath, nonstop action, and twists galore. But it’s Kick Lannigan that really gives this stellar read its heart and soul. Chelsea Cain has outdone herself—and that’s no small feat.
September 22, 2019
A harrowing read full of truly heartbreaking details and satisfying retributive justice.
This one is not a fun read nor, is it for the faint of heart. The subject matter, though informative and important will, unfortunately stay with you and continue to disturb you after you close this book.
I picked this book up as an impulse buy, without knowing anything about the author (although I see she has another, earlier series which is crazy popular) or the story. I was caught a bit off guard, as I don’t usually gravitate towards books depicting child abuse, but found myself hooked by the strength, determination and resilience of James, Kick and Bishop.
Although hard to read in some spots, this was well done. I am looking forward to tackling the next in this series.
This one is not a fun read nor, is it for the faint of heart. The subject matter, though informative and important will, unfortunately stay with you and continue to disturb you after you close this book.
I picked this book up as an impulse buy, without knowing anything about the author (although I see she has another, earlier series which is crazy popular) or the story. I was caught a bit off guard, as I don’t usually gravitate towards books depicting child abuse, but found myself hooked by the strength, determination and resilience of James, Kick and Bishop.
Although hard to read in some spots, this was well done. I am looking forward to tackling the next in this series.
April 24, 2016
I realize how long it took me to finish this book but life and work got in the way and then my library checkout expired and I had to place another hold on it. I finally finished it and I really like Chelsea Cain, wait I love her!! The main topic of this book is excruciating and yet she managed to write about it without being graphic and detailed which is what I was afraid of going into this book. Kick rises above her childhood tragedy to become a total badass as an adult to overcome past ghosts. I will be reading the follow to the series.
September 21, 2018
A fast moving thriller about kidnapping, child porn and survival. Not overly graphic but it is still a tough subject. The story was more about destruction and revenge. I connected with the characters and would have given it five stars but I thought the ending was forced and not a satisfying jumping off spot for the next book in the series.
April 29, 2017
2 ½ stars
After six years held captive by her 'father' Beth has been psychologically re-programmed to forget her old life. When she is finally rescued it turns out Beth is really Kick Lannigan and her father is really a paedophile involved in a child sex syndicate making videos, selling children and getting rich in the process.
Kick gets returned to her real family and for the next 10 years she trains long and hard, mentally and physically to make sure that she will never become a victim again. The author shows how an abuse victim can have mixed feelings about their abusers. This man Mel was the only father figure Kick knew and although intellectually she knew he was a monster she still viscerally responded to him as a father figure.
So, while certain sections were interesting other things just left me irritated.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when an author sets up a character to be an expert at something only to show this character being bested at almost at every corner. When that happens, it takes credibility away from the character and story. The author generously reminds the reader a little too often just how well trained Kick is in various forms of martial art and weaponry yet she needs constant rescue from Bishop. And who brings a gun to a knife fight and loses?
And when you take a highly controversial topic such as child pornography you need to tread very carefully otherwise the story comes across as either disgusting or unbelievable.
And then lastly, the story is set up as the first book in a series which means some elements are not explored fully however I found out that book 2 will never be published and if I knew that beforehand I probably would not have bothered reading this.
I am rounding up my rating to 3 stars purely because I enjoyed the audio narrator and the fast pace of the story.
After six years held captive by her 'father' Beth has been psychologically re-programmed to forget her old life. When she is finally rescued it turns out Beth is really Kick Lannigan and her father is really a paedophile involved in a child sex syndicate making videos, selling children and getting rich in the process.
Kick gets returned to her real family and for the next 10 years she trains long and hard, mentally and physically to make sure that she will never become a victim again. The author shows how an abuse victim can have mixed feelings about their abusers. This man Mel was the only father figure Kick knew and although intellectually she knew he was a monster she still viscerally responded to him as a father figure.
So, while certain sections were interesting other things just left me irritated.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when an author sets up a character to be an expert at something only to show this character being bested at almost at every corner. When that happens, it takes credibility away from the character and story. The author generously reminds the reader a little too often just how well trained Kick is in various forms of martial art and weaponry yet she needs constant rescue from Bishop. And who brings a gun to a knife fight and loses?
And when you take a highly controversial topic such as child pornography you need to tread very carefully otherwise the story comes across as either disgusting or unbelievable.
And then lastly, the story is set up as the first book in a series which means some elements are not explored fully however I found out that book 2 will never be published and if I knew that beforehand I probably would not have bothered reading this.
I am rounding up my rating to 3 stars purely because I enjoyed the audio narrator and the fast pace of the story.
July 29, 2020
I started this book and was really digging it, so I went to find book 2 and of course there’s some kind of publishing nightmare. I think Chelsea Cain switched publishers & her old pub house is holding it hostage. I’m so pissed 😂 unfortunately I can’t recommend this series if book 2 is unavailable 👎🏼
July 20, 2016
4.5
Agarrou-me com tal intensidade, que não o pude largar sem ler a palavra "Fim".
Adorei
----
«Kick, raptada com 6 anos, agora com 21 anos, ficou marcada para sempre!
Numa vida ensombrada por este evento, Kick dedica-se a seguir o rasto de crianças que desaparecem e a tentar encontrar conexões entre elas com a ajuda do seu irmão.
Quando duas crianças desaparecem, Bishop, um homem misterioso, aborda-a, e pede a sua ajuda. Estará ela preparada para o que lhe pede? Poderá ela confiar em Bishop?
É o primeiro livro da autora que leio. Já tinha sido aliciado a "ler" a autora no passado e eis que surge a oportunidade através do primeiro livro da série #Kick Lannigan, através da Saída de Emergência. Oportunidade que agarrei com muita satisfação.
Apesar de ter um tema forte subjacente, o rapto e a pedofilia, achei extraordinária a abordagem ao tema. Sem utilizar uma abordagem descritiva da temática que vise chocar, Chelsea Cain, conta-nos a história com eloquência tal que criamos desde logo laços com Kick e que deixa, a meu ver, um maior destaque à história e ás personagens em si.
Volvidos dois dias de uma leitura rápida e vertiginosa, ainda não consigo distinguir qual dos elementos me apaixonou mais! Se foi a escrita fluída e límpida, ou a intensidade da história, ou mesmo as personagens coerentes e verosímeis. Mas, no conjunto, foram estes os elementos que deram um ímpeto de voracidade à leitura deste livro.
Deixem-me fazer uma correcção, não li este livro!, parece-me que a palavra "devorei" se adequa mais. Contestei o sono com convicção que pela madrugada me tentou, e desde logo percebeu que era uma batalha perdida. Foi, de facto, uma leitura deliciosa.
Há um detalhe, no meio do livro, que adorei. A autora, muito oportunamente começa a semear a dúvida de uma forma mais explicita, e este pequeno detalhe, ainda que possa passar desapercebido, é o inicio (...)
Ler mais em:
Opinião: Nunca Perdoar, Nunca Esquecer de Chelsea Cain |Livros e Marcadores
Agarrou-me com tal intensidade, que não o pude largar sem ler a palavra "Fim".
Adorei
----
«Kick, raptada com 6 anos, agora com 21 anos, ficou marcada para sempre!
Numa vida ensombrada por este evento, Kick dedica-se a seguir o rasto de crianças que desaparecem e a tentar encontrar conexões entre elas com a ajuda do seu irmão.
Quando duas crianças desaparecem, Bishop, um homem misterioso, aborda-a, e pede a sua ajuda. Estará ela preparada para o que lhe pede? Poderá ela confiar em Bishop?
É o primeiro livro da autora que leio. Já tinha sido aliciado a "ler" a autora no passado e eis que surge a oportunidade através do primeiro livro da série #Kick Lannigan, através da Saída de Emergência. Oportunidade que agarrei com muita satisfação.
Apesar de ter um tema forte subjacente, o rapto e a pedofilia, achei extraordinária a abordagem ao tema. Sem utilizar uma abordagem descritiva da temática que vise chocar, Chelsea Cain, conta-nos a história com eloquência tal que criamos desde logo laços com Kick e que deixa, a meu ver, um maior destaque à história e ás personagens em si.
Volvidos dois dias de uma leitura rápida e vertiginosa, ainda não consigo distinguir qual dos elementos me apaixonou mais! Se foi a escrita fluída e límpida, ou a intensidade da história, ou mesmo as personagens coerentes e verosímeis. Mas, no conjunto, foram estes os elementos que deram um ímpeto de voracidade à leitura deste livro.
Deixem-me fazer uma correcção, não li este livro!, parece-me que a palavra "devorei" se adequa mais. Contestei o sono com convicção que pela madrugada me tentou, e desde logo percebeu que era uma batalha perdida. Foi, de facto, uma leitura deliciosa.
Há um detalhe, no meio do livro, que adorei. A autora, muito oportunamente começa a semear a dúvida de uma forma mais explicita, e este pequeno detalhe, ainda que possa passar desapercebido, é o inicio (...)
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Opinião: Nunca Perdoar, Nunca Esquecer de Chelsea Cain |Livros e Marcadores
November 4, 2014
I am not that good with words so I know I am not going to review this book as good as it should be reviewed so I will keep it short and sweet. I just have to say how much I love Chelsea Cain!!! I am such a fan of her writing. She holds nothing back. Her characters are so down to earth and have demons of their own and seem so real you just can't help but root for them.
The main character, Kick was such a bada** heroine! I loved her! I tried to take this book slow because I knew I had to wait another year for her next book but by page 180 I had became so engrossed in the story I could not put it down.I stayed up way too late finishing it. I might have even teared up a little bit while reading this story. By the end I wanted more. Whyyyy must you make me wait another year, Chelsea???? Whyyy!?!?
The main character, Kick was such a bada** heroine! I loved her! I tried to take this book slow because I knew I had to wait another year for her next book but by page 180 I had became so engrossed in the story I could not put it down.I stayed up way too late finishing it. I might have even teared up a little bit while reading this story. By the end I wanted more. Whyyyy must you make me wait another year, Chelsea???? Whyyy!?!?
July 22, 2014
I was so excited to hear Chelsea Cain had a new series out this year, but this one left me with pretty mixed feelings. I kinda wish this series had started with book two, since I don't think the origins of Kick's traumas converging with the new life she's embarking upon were entirely convincing.
It's also kind of as if Susan, the lovably flawed but occasionally klutzy, always-finding-herself-kidnapped-and-tied-up character from the Gretchen Lowell series, was in the starring role in this book. And while I love Susan, that's a lot of Susan to take.
I was going to write a more in-depth review of this book, and have sold countless people on the Gretchen Lowell series, but I'm declining to write anything beyond this at this point.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
It's also kind of as if Susan, the lovably flawed but occasionally klutzy, always-finding-herself-kidnapped-and-tied-up character from the Gretchen Lowell series, was in the starring role in this book. And while I love Susan, that's a lot of Susan to take.
I was going to write a more in-depth review of this book, and have sold countless people on the Gretchen Lowell series, but I'm declining to write anything beyond this at this point.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
September 20, 2014
Immediate reaction after reading: WHAT THE HELL??
When I added this book on Goodreads, I think I saw that this was not a standalone book. But it was like I wasn't aware of that fact while I was reading this. I mean I was so prepared to see the ending and everything but nooo.. there was a huge cliffhanger. I don't know how to feel about it.
Anyway, not as gripping and enticing as I expected this book would be. Some parts kind of dragged and the main character is so confusing.
Full review could be posted on Deadly Darlings. (Go to the blog, Zoe's having an INT giveaway!)
When I added this book on Goodreads, I think I saw that this was not a standalone book. But it was like I wasn't aware of that fact while I was reading this. I mean I was so prepared to see the ending and everything but nooo.. there was a huge cliffhanger. I don't know how to feel about it.
Anyway, not as gripping and enticing as I expected this book would be. Some parts kind of dragged and the main character is so confusing.
Full review could be posted on Deadly Darlings. (Go to the blog, Zoe's having an INT giveaway!)
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March 14, 2019
Listened to audiobook for second time. First listen earned 4 Stars.
This second listen warranted 3 Stars, although I did enjoy it and, as usual, I had forgotten almost the entire storyline/plot. It seemed a bit confusing this time, but as I am two years older, maybe I am confused!
This second listen warranted 3 Stars, although I did enjoy it and, as usual, I had forgotten almost the entire storyline/plot. It seemed a bit confusing this time, but as I am two years older, maybe I am confused!
July 9, 2014
I’m a huge fan of Chelsea Cain’s Sheridan/Lowell books so when I heard she was kickstarting a new series (yes that was on purpose!) I was extremely excited. For good reason it turns out, as this was probably the biggest page turner I have read this year so far. It engulfed me in two mad reading sessions (one of which I only stopped because my eyes would literally not stay open a moment longer) as I pretty much inhaled the whole tale start to finish.
Kick Lannigan has a dark past – when she was young she was kidnapped and lived a horror story for many years until she was rescued. These days Kick is pretty sure she can look after herself as she has spent years training herself in the art of self defence and offence. When the enigmatic Bishop arrives in her life and pretty much forces her to help him track down a child recently missing, she will need all these skills and then some in order to survive and perhaps save that childs life.
Chelsea Cain has always managed to walk the fine line between violence, thrills and spills and emotional resonance, whilst still making the story endlessly exciting, always compelling and never ever dull. This is no exception – if anything I would say that I already prefer the nuances and background in this new series. Kick is an amazing character to follow along with, as she manages her anxiety, tries to remain always clear headed in the face of adversity and still maintain an image of strength. Not always quite managing it, she is fascinating to behold. Add to the mix tough guy Bishop, who has demons of his own, and you have a partnership that just pops off the page and will hold you in the grip of reading madness until the final moments.
An intelligent fast moving plot barely gives you time to catch a breath, there is a dark heart here dealing as it does with child abduction and abuse, but still having that edge of hope and redemption as we see what true survival really is…and as we race towards the finale it is heart stopping stuff. The ending was perfect (although I need to ask about the 3 legged dog…Ms Cain?) and rounds off Kick’s first (one assumes) foray into a new life whilst leaving you desperate for more.
Perfectly done. Kudos.
When will there be more?
Highly Recommended for fans of Thriller’s with an edge.
Happy Reading Folks!
Kick Lannigan has a dark past – when she was young she was kidnapped and lived a horror story for many years until she was rescued. These days Kick is pretty sure she can look after herself as she has spent years training herself in the art of self defence and offence. When the enigmatic Bishop arrives in her life and pretty much forces her to help him track down a child recently missing, she will need all these skills and then some in order to survive and perhaps save that childs life.
Chelsea Cain has always managed to walk the fine line between violence, thrills and spills and emotional resonance, whilst still making the story endlessly exciting, always compelling and never ever dull. This is no exception – if anything I would say that I already prefer the nuances and background in this new series. Kick is an amazing character to follow along with, as she manages her anxiety, tries to remain always clear headed in the face of adversity and still maintain an image of strength. Not always quite managing it, she is fascinating to behold. Add to the mix tough guy Bishop, who has demons of his own, and you have a partnership that just pops off the page and will hold you in the grip of reading madness until the final moments.
An intelligent fast moving plot barely gives you time to catch a breath, there is a dark heart here dealing as it does with child abduction and abuse, but still having that edge of hope and redemption as we see what true survival really is…and as we race towards the finale it is heart stopping stuff. The ending was perfect (although I need to ask about the 3 legged dog…Ms Cain?) and rounds off Kick’s first (one assumes) foray into a new life whilst leaving you desperate for more.
Perfectly done. Kudos.
When will there be more?
Highly Recommended for fans of Thriller’s with an edge.
Happy Reading Folks!
September 20, 2014
Kick Lannigan is one kick-ass heroine! Think an American Lisbeth Salander. Abducted at 6y old and used to make child pornography movies which still circulate on the internet, she was eventually rescued in a police raid six years later. Now at 21, she still suffers from the effects of her time in captivity. Her parents put her into all sorts of therapy but the only thing that worked for her was learning self defence, martial arts and how to shoot a gun with deadly accuracy. Now she lives alone with her old childhood dog, near her best friend James, another person damaged as a child.
Into Kick's life explodes Bishop, a man with a mission, ex-cop now working for a very wealthy private company. Also a man with a horrific event in his childhood. Two children have recently disappeared, known to be abducted and Bishop wants Kick to help him find them. To do this Kick must revisit her past and the man who abducted her.
A gripping rollercoaster of a novel, it deals front on with issues of child sexual abuse, pornography and the effect on victims. The relationship between Bishop and the independent Kick is fasciniating to watch as they each try to protect or outdo the other. This is the first book in a new series from Chelsea Cain and I look forward to the next, hopefully starring her new hero and heroine Bishop and Kick.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.
Into Kick's life explodes Bishop, a man with a mission, ex-cop now working for a very wealthy private company. Also a man with a horrific event in his childhood. Two children have recently disappeared, known to be abducted and Bishop wants Kick to help him find them. To do this Kick must revisit her past and the man who abducted her.
A gripping rollercoaster of a novel, it deals front on with issues of child sexual abuse, pornography and the effect on victims. The relationship between Bishop and the independent Kick is fasciniating to watch as they each try to protect or outdo the other. This is the first book in a new series from Chelsea Cain and I look forward to the next, hopefully starring her new hero and heroine Bishop and Kick.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.
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