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The Chosen #1
Chosen
Everything Emma Thompson owns fits in a suitcase she moves from one roach infested motel to another. She and Jake, her five year old son who can see the future, are running from the men intent on taking him. Emma will do anything to protect him even when it means accepting the help of a stranger named Will. Jake insists she needs Will, but Emma’s never needed help before. And even though she’s learned to trust her son, it doesn’t mean she trusts Will.
Mercenary Will Davenport lives in the moment. Hauling Emma to South Dakota should have been an easy job, but his employer neglected to tell him about Emma’s freaky son and the gunmen hot on her trail. Instinct tells him this job is trouble, but nothing can prepare him for Jake’s proclamation that Will is The Chosen One. Who must protect Emma from the men hunting her power. A power she doesn’t know she has.
Will protects Emma and Jake on a cross-country chase from the men pursuing them, while struggling with memories from his past, his apprehension of Jake, and his growing attraction to Emma. Will’s overwhelming urge to protect Emma surprises him, especially since it has nothing to do with his paycheck and possibly everything to do with the tattoo Jake branded on his arm. Rich and powerful men are desperate to capture Emma, and Will must discover why before it’s too late.
**Updated to include the short story Emergence.**
Mercenary Will Davenport lives in the moment. Hauling Emma to South Dakota should have been an easy job, but his employer neglected to tell him about Emma’s freaky son and the gunmen hot on her trail. Instinct tells him this job is trouble, but nothing can prepare him for Jake’s proclamation that Will is The Chosen One. Who must protect Emma from the men hunting her power. A power she doesn’t know she has.
Will protects Emma and Jake on a cross-country chase from the men pursuing them, while struggling with memories from his past, his apprehension of Jake, and his growing attraction to Emma. Will’s overwhelming urge to protect Emma surprises him, especially since it has nothing to do with his paycheck and possibly everything to do with the tattoo Jake branded on his arm. Rich and powerful men are desperate to capture Emma, and Will must discover why before it’s too late.
**Updated to include the short story Emergence.**
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2011
1673 people are currently reading
5337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 680 reviews
July 6, 2016
This book was just plain weird. It started out with what I thought was going to be a predictable story, and it was, but there were some twists added that just were strange and I did not like. I won't be reading the next one... Well, maybe I will if it is free and I am really bored, but it is not something I will seek out.
Things I liked:
1 - I kind of liked Will. He wasn't really well developed but he played the cliche "big strong guy" roll well. It's just too bad Emma came across as more of a jerk than strong.
2 - Umm. There did not seem to be a lot of editing problems and, other than the story, the writing was decent enough.
Things I disliked:
1 - There were actually quite a few things I disliked but I'll try to limit myself to two. First and foremost, Jake. I REALLY really disliked that kid. He is super creepy. Is he possessed? I have a six year old, but there was no... absolutely no resemblance between that kid and a real kid. The author tried to explain it away with his gift, but in reality his character was poorly developed. I think the author wanted people to like the kid and this gift he had, but the entire time.... Well he was just really WEIRD and creepy.
2 - The prophecy. I'm sorry. I just thought it was really lame.
Things I liked:
1 - I kind of liked Will. He wasn't really well developed but he played the cliche "big strong guy" roll well. It's just too bad Emma came across as more of a jerk than strong.
2 - Umm. There did not seem to be a lot of editing problems and, other than the story, the writing was decent enough.
Things I disliked:
1 - There were actually quite a few things I disliked but I'll try to limit myself to two. First and foremost, Jake. I REALLY really disliked that kid. He is super creepy. Is he possessed? I have a six year old, but there was no... absolutely no resemblance between that kid and a real kid. The author tried to explain it away with his gift, but in reality his character was poorly developed. I think the author wanted people to like the kid and this gift he had, but the entire time.... Well he was just really WEIRD and creepy.
2 - The prophecy. I'm sorry. I just thought it was really lame.
September 14, 2011
I've read CHOSEN in all of its incarnations, and have never grumbled about diving back into the pages. It's a thriller, yes, and there's plenty of action and weapons and intrigue to keep you turning the pages. The paranormal bent is as mysterious as it is well executed, and the love interest...well, let me tell you. If they made Will's on an assembly line I would be standing in front, possibly without clothing, to grab the first one.
All of the characters are real, acting and reacting in authentic, believable ways no matter which way the story twists and turns. Trust me, you will want to hang on for this ride and buckle up for the sequels as well.
All of the characters are real, acting and reacting in authentic, believable ways no matter which way the story twists and turns. Trust me, you will want to hang on for this ride and buckle up for the sequels as well.
November 13, 2013
"Sometimes the choices we make are part of the path that takes us to where we need to be."
When I sat down with this book tonight, my plan was to only read 3-5 chapters.
Well, you can see how well that worked out for me! ;)
This book sunk its talons into me with the first sentence and had me hooked so deeply into this fabulous story I absolutely could not put it down until I finished it! Yes, it was THAT good!
I don't know what it is about it that I loved the most. It might have been the thrillingly intense storyline that was so full of action and mystery that I was almost wetting my pants during some scenes. It might have been the extremely complex character development that occurred with the two main characters, Will and Emma, and the challenges and obstacles they overcome in order to grow. It might have been the romance that was so unexpected, yet so perfect and sexy and right. It might even have been the fact that this book reminded me ALOT of the writing of Dean Koontz who just so happens to be my favorite author in the universe.
Whatever the case, I loved this book. Enough to read it all in one sitting. And if you love action packed thrill rides of a book, you will too.
Thanks so much Carol, for recommending it to me! :D
When I sat down with this book tonight, my plan was to only read 3-5 chapters.
Well, you can see how well that worked out for me! ;)
This book sunk its talons into me with the first sentence and had me hooked so deeply into this fabulous story I absolutely could not put it down until I finished it! Yes, it was THAT good!
I don't know what it is about it that I loved the most. It might have been the thrillingly intense storyline that was so full of action and mystery that I was almost wetting my pants during some scenes. It might have been the extremely complex character development that occurred with the two main characters, Will and Emma, and the challenges and obstacles they overcome in order to grow. It might have been the romance that was so unexpected, yet so perfect and sexy and right. It might even have been the fact that this book reminded me ALOT of the writing of Dean Koontz who just so happens to be my favorite author in the universe.
Whatever the case, I loved this book. Enough to read it all in one sitting. And if you love action packed thrill rides of a book, you will too.
Thanks so much Carol, for recommending it to me! :D
November 3, 2017
Kitabı çok beğenenler olmuş aslında... Ben de mi bir sorun var acaba??
Çok hoşuma gitmedi. Konuya da karakterlere de pek ısınamadım açıkçası..
Umarım devamında fikrim değişir.
Çok hoşuma gitmedi. Konuya da karakterlere de pek ısınamadım açıkçası..
Umarım devamında fikrim değişir.
October 16, 2013
I'm clearly not in the majority with my opinion about this book. I was really excited to get to the end, not to see what happens, but so I could start a different book. I knew if I picked up another book in the middle of this one I'd never finish this story. The book had great potential, but it really did not pan out for me. There were too many annoyances with the dialogue. "Will, insert whatever overly dramatic, emotional, sarcastic remark from Emma." "Emma, insert condescending eyeroll comment here from Will." "Jake, are the bad people coming? Jake, are the bad people coming now? Jake, what do you see? Jake, why can't you see the bad people?" !@#%$^&@#%$^&@#%$^&@#& Aaahhh! Could. Not. Take. Anymore. The last quarter started to pick up with finally getting some questions answered. Then in the last 10% of the book it just fell flat. Again. I think this could have been an amazing story with a cool paranormal prophecy theme. But, it didn't happen for me.
October 3, 2011
Chosen is a Paranormal Thriller full of suspense, action and revelations. Every character was deeply layerd and as you turn the pages you peeled a layer off these 'onions', so to speak. That is how I pictured the main characters. Emma: a mother, a protector, independent and completely snarky. Jake: a five year old boy, Emma's son, wise for his years and sees the future. (trying not to drop any spoilers) There is many more layers to Jake that you need to read about. And then there is Will: Mercenary, charming and completely full of himself.
And then I turned the page. Jake and Will turned into so much more.
Emma and Jake are on the run from The Bad Men that are after Jake. The year Jake turned 2, Emma realized there was something different, special about him. Not long after that The Bad Men started coming and Jake would get visions of them. Sometimes just barely with enough time to get away. While running from them, Jake and Emma meet Will. Jake insists on Emma trusting Will. As they travel her feelings toward Will increase. She doesn't understand why he is helping her or why Jake insists on his help. Until Will saves their lives several times.
Things begin to change and Emma worries about Jake.
Will was hired by a secret group to bring Emma to them alive. He wasn't told about the kid and he doesn't do kids. But when Jake told his mom to trust Will, he figured the kid maybe an advantage. Will's character is so layered. I kept expecting one thing from him and he would surprise me. He struggles with the right thing to do and the job he was hired for. The relationship between Will and Emma grew in a different way. Her snarky, independent attitude and Will's charm and bad boy sex appeal draws them to each other and pushes them away at the same time. I was rooting for these two through each gun fight, oh there is plenty of gun fights and down right action. Swank's characters are so well written, I could hear their voices. The Bad Men that where featured in this story, Alex and Philip Warren were well written. Their power and evilness seeped through their voices and actions. The voice of the security guard Travis was exactly what I would imagine hearing from a tough security guard attempting to save his life, shaky and full of fear.
Then there is the Prophecy, which states two groups are formed to come against each other. Jake, Emma and Will are all Chosen and a key piece to the Prophecy.
This is the second book of Denise Grover Swank's that I've read and she has not disappointed me once. I will automatically buy any other book she publishes. Twent Eight and a Half Wishes was the first novel I read and it was very different than Chosen but equally as great.
And then I turned the page. Jake and Will turned into so much more.
Emma and Jake are on the run from The Bad Men that are after Jake. The year Jake turned 2, Emma realized there was something different, special about him. Not long after that The Bad Men started coming and Jake would get visions of them. Sometimes just barely with enough time to get away. While running from them, Jake and Emma meet Will. Jake insists on Emma trusting Will. As they travel her feelings toward Will increase. She doesn't understand why he is helping her or why Jake insists on his help. Until Will saves their lives several times.
Things begin to change and Emma worries about Jake.
Will was hired by a secret group to bring Emma to them alive. He wasn't told about the kid and he doesn't do kids. But when Jake told his mom to trust Will, he figured the kid maybe an advantage. Will's character is so layered. I kept expecting one thing from him and he would surprise me. He struggles with the right thing to do and the job he was hired for. The relationship between Will and Emma grew in a different way. Her snarky, independent attitude and Will's charm and bad boy sex appeal draws them to each other and pushes them away at the same time. I was rooting for these two through each gun fight, oh there is plenty of gun fights and down right action. Swank's characters are so well written, I could hear their voices. The Bad Men that where featured in this story, Alex and Philip Warren were well written. Their power and evilness seeped through their voices and actions. The voice of the security guard Travis was exactly what I would imagine hearing from a tough security guard attempting to save his life, shaky and full of fear.
Then there is the Prophecy, which states two groups are formed to come against each other. Jake, Emma and Will are all Chosen and a key piece to the Prophecy.
This is the second book of Denise Grover Swank's that I've read and she has not disappointed me once. I will automatically buy any other book she publishes. Twent Eight and a Half Wishes was the first novel I read and it was very different than Chosen but equally as great.
April 5, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. I came across it by accident on Amazon and I'm so glad I did. It's listed at a terrific price of $2.99 for the Kindle version.
For those who enjoy paranormal novels, let me first just say that this book has nothing to do vampires, werewolves, faeries, or demons, etc. This is something completely different and well worth your time to read.
It's a story that involves prophesies, a child who has special gifts, a mother doing everything in her power to protect her child, and a man who believes he's not worthy of anything good; all the while fighting the "bad men" who want the child, and the secret society who want the mother, and will do anything and everything in their power to accomplish their goal.
It's fast-paced and it grabs the reader's attention right from the very beginning and never lets up. It's full of action, drama, suspense, and romance - all of which the author has taken and interwoven into an amazing and engaging story. Without losing the reader's interest, the author has created characters that are deep and so life-like, all of whom you cannot help but like and cheer for; characters which pull you in and keep you wanting more.
I highly recommend this book to all those who enjoy paranormal novels. It's a definite page-turner. Once you've finished this book, you'll be rushing to read the second book in the series, "Hunted" - something I'm about to do once I press "save."
For those who enjoy paranormal novels, let me first just say that this book has nothing to do vampires, werewolves, faeries, or demons, etc. This is something completely different and well worth your time to read.
It's a story that involves prophesies, a child who has special gifts, a mother doing everything in her power to protect her child, and a man who believes he's not worthy of anything good; all the while fighting the "bad men" who want the child, and the secret society who want the mother, and will do anything and everything in their power to accomplish their goal.
It's fast-paced and it grabs the reader's attention right from the very beginning and never lets up. It's full of action, drama, suspense, and romance - all of which the author has taken and interwoven into an amazing and engaging story. Without losing the reader's interest, the author has created characters that are deep and so life-like, all of whom you cannot help but like and cheer for; characters which pull you in and keep you wanting more.
I highly recommend this book to all those who enjoy paranormal novels. It's a definite page-turner. Once you've finished this book, you'll be rushing to read the second book in the series, "Hunted" - something I'm about to do once I press "save."
March 6, 2012
Where to begin with this book. This is the first book in a long, long time that I forced myself to finish. I've never not finished a book, and I didn't want this to be my first. Thank goodness I got it for free through Kindle. Here were my main problems:
1. Emma swears like a sailor in front of her 5 year-old son. Yeah, I get that she is supposed to be tough, but really it just made her look like a bad mom.
2. Jake, her 5 year-old son, doesn't talk or have the vocabulary of any 5 year-old I know. I understand he's supposed to be gifted or whatever, but that still didn't keep me from shaking my head with disbelief.
3. The dialogue between Emma and Will went something like this- Will: "witty" insult, Emma: "witty" retort, Will: some "humorous" sexual reference, Emma: insult to his looks/manhood/whatever. This would all be followed by Will winking, grinning, or smirking at her. It was formulaic and BORING. And of course through all this shallow banter, they fall head-over-heels in looooove.
4. There was nothing slightly redeemable about any of the characters.
Those are several of many more problems I had with this book, but some people seem to really love it. So read the first few chapters and decide for yourself.
1. Emma swears like a sailor in front of her 5 year-old son. Yeah, I get that she is supposed to be tough, but really it just made her look like a bad mom.
2. Jake, her 5 year-old son, doesn't talk or have the vocabulary of any 5 year-old I know. I understand he's supposed to be gifted or whatever, but that still didn't keep me from shaking my head with disbelief.
3. The dialogue between Emma and Will went something like this- Will: "witty" insult, Emma: "witty" retort, Will: some "humorous" sexual reference, Emma: insult to his looks/manhood/whatever. This would all be followed by Will winking, grinning, or smirking at her. It was formulaic and BORING. And of course through all this shallow banter, they fall head-over-heels in looooove.
4. There was nothing slightly redeemable about any of the characters.
Those are several of many more problems I had with this book, but some people seem to really love it. So read the first few chapters and decide for yourself.
December 4, 2012
I almost wondered if I was missing the first couple of pages of this book (I read it on my Kindle) because we jumped right into the action. I was left with a lot of questions: who were these men after Emma and her son; why were they after her; who was this mysterious stranger who practically bullied his way into helping them? Well guess what, Emma didn't know the answers either, and it made it very hard to put the book down as we slowly started to figure out what was going on together.
It's fast paced and action packed. I loved Emma - her determination, her grit, her willingness to do whatever it took to save her son. Will took a little longer to like. We knew he had a hidden agenda and some issues of his own to work out, but I had faith in his character and hoped he'd do the right thing.
The story itself is like a roller coaster - full of twists and turns, ups and downs, barely allowing you to catch your breath before it's full speed ahead again. It will leave you breathless . . . and wanting more.
I've also read Twenty-eight and a Half Wishes, by this author and I loved it. Chosen is nothing like it. That's not to say I didn't love it as well, it's just very different and shows the versatility of the writer.
It's fast paced and action packed. I loved Emma - her determination, her grit, her willingness to do whatever it took to save her son. Will took a little longer to like. We knew he had a hidden agenda and some issues of his own to work out, but I had faith in his character and hoped he'd do the right thing.
The story itself is like a roller coaster - full of twists and turns, ups and downs, barely allowing you to catch your breath before it's full speed ahead again. It will leave you breathless . . . and wanting more.
I've also read Twenty-eight and a Half Wishes, by this author and I loved it. Chosen is nothing like it. That's not to say I didn't love it as well, it's just very different and shows the versatility of the writer.
Read
August 16, 2015Nope. DNF at 40% Just couldn't take it anymore.
The boy was creepy, his mother beyond annoying and the male protag was a very boring version of damaged hero.
I am so not interested in how this plays out.
The boy was creepy, his mother beyond annoying and the male protag was a very boring version of damaged hero.
I am so not interested in how this plays out.
tbr-later
December 24, 201423 December 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
January 28, 2020
This is the first urban fantasy book I have read but I really enjoy Denise Grover Swanks work, so I thought I would give it a try. I loved this book! This book was full of suspense, had my heart racing and really kept me wanting more. Emma and Will make a great team and Jake is an amazing little boy with quite the gift. I loved how the relationship between Emma, Will and Jake grew and how much trust Emma has in Jake. Even if you think you are not into this genre, give it a try. You will not be disappointed!
November 3, 2018
**2.5**
October 13, 2011
Full review including book trailer is here:
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
Allow me to introduce you to an amazing new urban fantasy series. Chosen is book 1 and November can't come fast enough until I get book 2, Hunted into my hot little hands.
Every once in a while a series comes along and grabs you. For me, Chosen did just that. I contemplated booking a vacation day just to have alone time without kids so I could read without interruption. I just didn't want to put down my Kindle. As it turns out I was able to sneak in some free time at home and during kids sports practices so I got plenty of quality reading time in. Well if you count staying up until 2AM on a work day.
When I started to read Chosen, the first line grabbed my attention. "Emma bolted out the door of the rundown diner, pulling her five year old son behind her. She broke into a cold sweat that had nothing to do with the humid July heat." Right from the get go, my interest was perked and I wanted to know, what, why and how right away. Chapter one was so chalked full of action I think I forgot to breath. I wanted to know what was going on and the little boy Jake had me so curious.
My curiosity didn't stop for chapters and chapters and once I got to fully understand what was going on with Jake and Emma, it was a wow factor.
Will is a perfect hero because he doesn't start off being the hero or shall I rephrase that and say, Will didn't start off intending on being a hero but he immediately adapted to the role. With Emma and Jake on the run, they needed Will and I think Will needed them just as badly. Once the pair got over their impending need for each other, they were a perfect match.
There is an explosion scene that blew my mind. The pain and despair scream through the pages and I my vision got more than a little blurry.
Because Will, Emma and her son Jake ended up on a cross country chase, there was no down time. The book just kept moving and moving and scene after scene was knit together tight and seamless. There were no "filler" scenes and each scene and chapter had a purpose to move the story forward.
I became a fly on the wall watching Emma and Will allow each other to experience their feelings grow for each other. She was not willing to trust so easily and he was not willing to become emotionally attached. Their emotions were true to their characters and in the end the way they ultimately depended on each other was a wonderful evolution to be a part of.
Since Chosen is a series I love that Will, Emma and Jake's story will continue on in the next book. I am truly at a loss to predict how this predicament is all going to play out. The story ending is a bit angsty and a cliffhanger and I've already contacted the author to beg ask me to get an ARC because I can't wait. I need to know the next step in this journey. Once this series is completed (I think it is a trilogy) it will be a stellar combo pack to purchase.
Teasers - awesome car chase, betting target practice, Bad Men, prophecy
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
Allow me to introduce you to an amazing new urban fantasy series. Chosen is book 1 and November can't come fast enough until I get book 2, Hunted into my hot little hands.
Every once in a while a series comes along and grabs you. For me, Chosen did just that. I contemplated booking a vacation day just to have alone time without kids so I could read without interruption. I just didn't want to put down my Kindle. As it turns out I was able to sneak in some free time at home and during kids sports practices so I got plenty of quality reading time in. Well if you count staying up until 2AM on a work day.
When I started to read Chosen, the first line grabbed my attention. "Emma bolted out the door of the rundown diner, pulling her five year old son behind her. She broke into a cold sweat that had nothing to do with the humid July heat." Right from the get go, my interest was perked and I wanted to know, what, why and how right away. Chapter one was so chalked full of action I think I forgot to breath. I wanted to know what was going on and the little boy Jake had me so curious.
My curiosity didn't stop for chapters and chapters and once I got to fully understand what was going on with Jake and Emma, it was a wow factor.
Will is a perfect hero because he doesn't start off being the hero or shall I rephrase that and say, Will didn't start off intending on being a hero but he immediately adapted to the role. With Emma and Jake on the run, they needed Will and I think Will needed them just as badly. Once the pair got over their impending need for each other, they were a perfect match.
There is an explosion scene that blew my mind. The pain and despair scream through the pages and I my vision got more than a little blurry.
Because Will, Emma and her son Jake ended up on a cross country chase, there was no down time. The book just kept moving and moving and scene after scene was knit together tight and seamless. There were no "filler" scenes and each scene and chapter had a purpose to move the story forward.
I became a fly on the wall watching Emma and Will allow each other to experience their feelings grow for each other. She was not willing to trust so easily and he was not willing to become emotionally attached. Their emotions were true to their characters and in the end the way they ultimately depended on each other was a wonderful evolution to be a part of.
Since Chosen is a series I love that Will, Emma and Jake's story will continue on in the next book. I am truly at a loss to predict how this predicament is all going to play out. The story ending is a bit angsty and a cliffhanger and I've already contacted the author to beg ask me to get an ARC because I can't wait. I need to know the next step in this journey. Once this series is completed (I think it is a trilogy) it will be a stellar combo pack to purchase.
Teasers - awesome car chase, betting target practice, Bad Men, prophecy
August 12, 2012
Emma has spent the last five years on the run; running from a dangerous unknown entity who's bent on tracking her son. Jake seemed to have a preternatural ability to see the future, which is handy considering he only sees when the "bad men" are coming. On one close call, they run into a drifter who was willing to help them run away. Untrusting Emma knew in her guts that she shouldn't put their lives in the hands of a stranger. But when bullets started flying in their direction, she knew they no longer have a choice.
Will Davenport has his own agenda - to bring Emma Thompson, alive, to those who hired him. But he never counted on a five-year old boy who seemed much wiser than his age and who'd been in way too many chases to last him a lifetime. Things got even weirder when the boy started talking about a prophecy which includes him as The Chosen, his mother as the queen, and the two sons who would eventually decide the fate of the world. Talk about pressure. It's all good though, because it's not like Will has a choice or a say in the matter. All he knew was the indomitable urge to protect Emma regardless of what he'd face when he failed to bring her to the people who wanted her. What was once a means to a pay check turned into something more - an emotional connection with a "job" that he'd never once allow himself to feel in a long time.
My second DGS book turned out to be a pleasant and an odd experience. The non-stop chase left me breathless in such a way that action movies tend to make my heart race until the hero gets his revenge. Eighty percent of the novel alludes to a prophecy unfulfilled or half-way fulfilled, depending on how much you've paid attention to the story line. But the end result will leave you feeling like you just didn't have a full grasp of what you've read. This is pretty much how I've felt. That doesn't mean, however, that I wasted my time reading this book. On the contrary, I can't wait to read the next one. The ambiguous story arc will make you want to re-read it soon after you've reached the end of the line. Primarily for the need to sate the overwhelming urge to have a mild understanding of what it's about.
You can attempt to classify this as paranormal but you'll fail. Aside from the prophecy, there just wasn't enough of it to consider it as one. It was heaped in action that you could say it's a thriller and romance all rolled into one captivating package. I can't remember ever reading something as unique and as riveting as this novel.
VERDICT: My one and only complaint is, ironically enough, the very thing that I liked about this novel: the cryptic paranormal plot element. And even now, as I'm writing this review, I can't tell you what the hell this book was about. I think it's brilliant, in such a way that it would leave readers chomping at the bits to read the next one. But it's also frustrating; having to spend a day or two to read a novel, and not having a full understanding of what you've read. Regardless, I ordered my copies of the trilogy last week, and I just got a notification that all will be here by tomorrow. Go me.
Will Davenport has his own agenda - to bring Emma Thompson, alive, to those who hired him. But he never counted on a five-year old boy who seemed much wiser than his age and who'd been in way too many chases to last him a lifetime. Things got even weirder when the boy started talking about a prophecy which includes him as The Chosen, his mother as the queen, and the two sons who would eventually decide the fate of the world. Talk about pressure. It's all good though, because it's not like Will has a choice or a say in the matter. All he knew was the indomitable urge to protect Emma regardless of what he'd face when he failed to bring her to the people who wanted her. What was once a means to a pay check turned into something more - an emotional connection with a "job" that he'd never once allow himself to feel in a long time.
My second DGS book turned out to be a pleasant and an odd experience. The non-stop chase left me breathless in such a way that action movies tend to make my heart race until the hero gets his revenge. Eighty percent of the novel alludes to a prophecy unfulfilled or half-way fulfilled, depending on how much you've paid attention to the story line. But the end result will leave you feeling like you just didn't have a full grasp of what you've read. This is pretty much how I've felt. That doesn't mean, however, that I wasted my time reading this book. On the contrary, I can't wait to read the next one. The ambiguous story arc will make you want to re-read it soon after you've reached the end of the line. Primarily for the need to sate the overwhelming urge to have a mild understanding of what it's about.
You can attempt to classify this as paranormal but you'll fail. Aside from the prophecy, there just wasn't enough of it to consider it as one. It was heaped in action that you could say it's a thriller and romance all rolled into one captivating package. I can't remember ever reading something as unique and as riveting as this novel.
VERDICT: My one and only complaint is, ironically enough, the very thing that I liked about this novel: the cryptic paranormal plot element. And even now, as I'm writing this review, I can't tell you what the hell this book was about. I think it's brilliant, in such a way that it would leave readers chomping at the bits to read the next one. But it's also frustrating; having to spend a day or two to read a novel, and not having a full understanding of what you've read. Regardless, I ordered my copies of the trilogy last week, and I just got a notification that all will be here by tomorrow. Go me.
September 3, 2012
Originally posted at: http://lasrmystery.blogspot.com/2012/...
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then you need to read this book! It hits the floor running, and never really stops. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book for review. The author calls it urban fantasy, but it really isn't (I looked up the definition of UF ... yeah, I'm a geek). It's really a paranormal action/thriller that I couldn't stand to put down.
Emma has had a rough few years, hiding out from the bad men who seem to want her son. Thankfully, Jake has an early warning system, but it's starting to get a bit defective: where he was able to sense them with plenty of time to spare, now it's declining ... a few hours... even a few minutes.
We see them for the first time packing to run. And they're too late -- the bad guys are already there. They meet Will, who's not what he seems, and he helps them get away. Sort of.
Emma is a great mom who will do anything, sacrifice anything (and really, she has) for her son, Jake, who's special. He can sense things and see the future. Emma doesn't know why the men are after them, but it doesn't matter. She has a gun and knows how to use it. She's taken defensive driving lessons. She's as prepared as she can be for confrontation.
Will is, at heart, a good man. That shows from the start, no matter what he thinks he is. And Jake trusts him, so Emma allows him along, reluctantly.
This is a book where few things are as they seem, where no place is safe and there's nowhere to run. The author doesn't give you more than a few paragraphs to catch your breath in between the craziness of the pursuit, and she's brutally honest about the way her characters feel. I liked her writing style and her voice. The characters were all well drawn, completely three dimensional and believable. The editing was wonderful and I never got tossed from the story for a glich or typo. Sometimes, I worry when a book is self-published, but that's not the case here at all.
Five year-old Jake is old beyond his years, but I didn't have a problem with him not acting his age. I was a bit taken aback when he ordered his mom around, but that was the parent in me rebelling more than it being unbelievable.
Will needs to sort himself out, and seems to do so on their insanely dangerous trip across the midwest. The reason for things is slowly revealed, a prophecy is shared, the playing field is set. A word of warning: this book's ending is really more of a beginning. While it does close the door on this particular plotline (running from the bad guys), it begins the more serious story of prophecy fulfillment.
The first thing I did upon finishing this book was go out and buy the next two in the series. I'm hooked. Bet you will be, too.
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then you need to read this book! It hits the floor running, and never really stops. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book for review. The author calls it urban fantasy, but it really isn't (I looked up the definition of UF ... yeah, I'm a geek). It's really a paranormal action/thriller that I couldn't stand to put down.
Emma has had a rough few years, hiding out from the bad men who seem to want her son. Thankfully, Jake has an early warning system, but it's starting to get a bit defective: where he was able to sense them with plenty of time to spare, now it's declining ... a few hours... even a few minutes.
We see them for the first time packing to run. And they're too late -- the bad guys are already there. They meet Will, who's not what he seems, and he helps them get away. Sort of.
Emma is a great mom who will do anything, sacrifice anything (and really, she has) for her son, Jake, who's special. He can sense things and see the future. Emma doesn't know why the men are after them, but it doesn't matter. She has a gun and knows how to use it. She's taken defensive driving lessons. She's as prepared as she can be for confrontation.
Will is, at heart, a good man. That shows from the start, no matter what he thinks he is. And Jake trusts him, so Emma allows him along, reluctantly.
This is a book where few things are as they seem, where no place is safe and there's nowhere to run. The author doesn't give you more than a few paragraphs to catch your breath in between the craziness of the pursuit, and she's brutally honest about the way her characters feel. I liked her writing style and her voice. The characters were all well drawn, completely three dimensional and believable. The editing was wonderful and I never got tossed from the story for a glich or typo. Sometimes, I worry when a book is self-published, but that's not the case here at all.
Five year-old Jake is old beyond his years, but I didn't have a problem with him not acting his age. I was a bit taken aback when he ordered his mom around, but that was the parent in me rebelling more than it being unbelievable.
Will needs to sort himself out, and seems to do so on their insanely dangerous trip across the midwest. The reason for things is slowly revealed, a prophecy is shared, the playing field is set. A word of warning: this book's ending is really more of a beginning. While it does close the door on this particular plotline (running from the bad guys), it begins the more serious story of prophecy fulfillment.
The first thing I did upon finishing this book was go out and buy the next two in the series. I'm hooked. Bet you will be, too.
August 22, 2013
(Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk)
Twenty-something Emma is always on the run. Her 5-year-old son Jake can see the future, and he always tells her when the ‘bad men’ are coming, and they have to leave town.
This time, Emma and Jake have only been in town for 3 weeks when he says that the bad men are coming, and Emma hurriedly packs up their stuff and prepares to leave, when she suddenly gets help from an unexpected person.
Will is also staying at the motel where Emma is staying, and he offers to go with her and help her, especially when her car gets a flat tyre and she urgently needs transport.
Can Emma and Jake continue to evade the ‘bad men’? How is Jake able to see the future? And can they trust Will with their lives?
This was an okay suspense/mystery novel, with a bit of the paranormal thrown in.
Emma was a woman who obviously would do anything for her son, and never questioned him when he told her that people were after them and they needed to leave. She obviously loved him dearly, and gave up literally everything to keep him safe. It was unfortunate that they had ended up in the situation that they were in, and I felt really sorry for Emma and the panic she felt every time they were being followed again.
The storyline in this book was okay, although I wasn’t really expecting the paranormal element. Jake’s behaviour actually started to get a bit creepy at times, and I wasn’t expecting what happened to him to happen, which was actually quite sad. I suppose it remains to be seen in future books what will become of him though.
There was a bit of romance between Emma and Will, but I think this was mainly in the interest of other points in the plot rather than this being a major part of the book.
There seemed to be quite a few different bad guys in this, as well as a couple of odd-sounding prophecies, so there was quite a lot going on.
The ending didn’t tie up many things at all really, it was very obvious that this was just the first part of the story, and we didn’t really get many answers at all. At the moment I don’t think I’ll continue with the series though, as this was only okay for me.
Overall; an okay suspense/mystery story, with a bit of the paranormal too.
6.5 out of 10.
Twenty-something Emma is always on the run. Her 5-year-old son Jake can see the future, and he always tells her when the ‘bad men’ are coming, and they have to leave town.
This time, Emma and Jake have only been in town for 3 weeks when he says that the bad men are coming, and Emma hurriedly packs up their stuff and prepares to leave, when she suddenly gets help from an unexpected person.
Will is also staying at the motel where Emma is staying, and he offers to go with her and help her, especially when her car gets a flat tyre and she urgently needs transport.
Can Emma and Jake continue to evade the ‘bad men’? How is Jake able to see the future? And can they trust Will with their lives?
This was an okay suspense/mystery novel, with a bit of the paranormal thrown in.
Emma was a woman who obviously would do anything for her son, and never questioned him when he told her that people were after them and they needed to leave. She obviously loved him dearly, and gave up literally everything to keep him safe. It was unfortunate that they had ended up in the situation that they were in, and I felt really sorry for Emma and the panic she felt every time they were being followed again.
The storyline in this book was okay, although I wasn’t really expecting the paranormal element. Jake’s behaviour actually started to get a bit creepy at times, and I wasn’t expecting what happened to him to happen, which was actually quite sad. I suppose it remains to be seen in future books what will become of him though.
There was a bit of romance between Emma and Will, but I think this was mainly in the interest of other points in the plot rather than this being a major part of the book.
There seemed to be quite a few different bad guys in this, as well as a couple of odd-sounding prophecies, so there was quite a lot going on.
The ending didn’t tie up many things at all really, it was very obvious that this was just the first part of the story, and we didn’t really get many answers at all. At the moment I don’t think I’ll continue with the series though, as this was only okay for me.
Overall; an okay suspense/mystery story, with a bit of the paranormal too.
6.5 out of 10.
May 19, 2012
Sometimes you read a book just because it's sitting right there in front of you, this is one of those books for me. I got it for free via Kindle's lending library system. Normally I wouldn't even bring something like that up, but in this instance it does make a difference.
This book was just ok. It started out in a very predictable fashion and then about a chapter in plopped a monster twist into the story and then went in a totally different direction. While the story itself is alright I just really didn't care for the characters that much. I thought Emma was just a bitch. I know she's had it pretty tough but that really doesn't excuse someone acting like that. Jake just got too weird too fast. You don't even get a chance to know him at all. And then there's poor Will, the typical alpha male plucked out of a thousand other thriller/mystery/romances with a bit of odd magic mojo thrown in to confuse him.
I can't say this was a horrible book, I did read it to the end. I think though that might be more because it was handy than any craving of mine to know the end. If I had paid any amount of money or exerted myself in any fashion to get this book I would be more irritated with it. As it was though I can't overly complain. It's an extremely fast read and I'm sure that it'll appeal to many readers who like a little bit of fluff adventure summer reading. Personally I'll probably skip the rest of the story and find something more to my liking.
This book was just ok. It started out in a very predictable fashion and then about a chapter in plopped a monster twist into the story and then went in a totally different direction. While the story itself is alright I just really didn't care for the characters that much. I thought Emma was just a bitch. I know she's had it pretty tough but that really doesn't excuse someone acting like that. Jake just got too weird too fast. You don't even get a chance to know him at all. And then there's poor Will, the typical alpha male plucked out of a thousand other thriller/mystery/romances with a bit of odd magic mojo thrown in to confuse him.
I can't say this was a horrible book, I did read it to the end. I think though that might be more because it was handy than any craving of mine to know the end. If I had paid any amount of money or exerted myself in any fashion to get this book I would be more irritated with it. As it was though I can't overly complain. It's an extremely fast read and I'm sure that it'll appeal to many readers who like a little bit of fluff adventure summer reading. Personally I'll probably skip the rest of the story and find something more to my liking.
January 9, 2013
A provisional three stars. More than once, for the first half of the book, I was tempted to DNF this one, because of Emma. She's awful. I tried to empathize with her plight, and the stress she was under, but she was just ... gah. EASE UP, LADY FACE.
I found the book to be repetitious on occasion. A memorable instance was the conversations Will & Emma had about how she was too weak to leave the cabin. Two conversations, nearly verbatim, within pages of each other.
I also felt that Emma's change of heart towards Will was rather sudden, given her unrelenting animosity towards him at the beginning, but oh well. Suspension of disbelief engaged!
The premise is an interesting one, if a little clunky at times. The prose is enjoyable, though it too is a little clunky in spots (mostly dialogue), and in need of a bit of extra copy editing.
For all its faults, I'm intrigued enough to include book 2 on my to-read list. It's just not one I need to get to RIGHT NOW, as I tend to do with series I fall head over heels in love with.
I found the book to be repetitious on occasion. A memorable instance was the conversations Will & Emma had about how she was too weak to leave the cabin. Two conversations, nearly verbatim, within pages of each other.
I also felt that Emma's change of heart towards Will was rather sudden, given her unrelenting animosity towards him at the beginning, but oh well. Suspension of disbelief engaged!
The premise is an interesting one, if a little clunky at times. The prose is enjoyable, though it too is a little clunky in spots (mostly dialogue), and in need of a bit of extra copy editing.
For all its faults, I'm intrigued enough to include book 2 on my to-read list. It's just not one I need to get to RIGHT NOW, as I tend to do with series I fall head over heels in love with.
September 8, 2015
Chosen is a supernatural action packed thriller that I simply could not put down! I mean seriously, people came looking for me to see if I was still alive because I disappeared into a world that had me looking over my shoulder and questioning my next move!
Emma Thompson is doing what any mother would do and that is protect her son Jake from the big bad that seems to find them no matter what they do or where they go. Jake has an ability and someone wants it. Will Davenport is a military man trying to make a living outside the service doing the one thing he knows best. When a job offer comes to the table that could set him up for good he takes it not knowing just how much it would change him. No one told him there was a kid involved and he knew something was off with the whole deal. But there was no turning back now. He needed to decide if he was going to use his knowledge and training to do the right thing or make some easy money and not look back.
The choice is yours...
Emma Thompson is doing what any mother would do and that is protect her son Jake from the big bad that seems to find them no matter what they do or where they go. Jake has an ability and someone wants it. Will Davenport is a military man trying to make a living outside the service doing the one thing he knows best. When a job offer comes to the table that could set him up for good he takes it not knowing just how much it would change him. No one told him there was a kid involved and he knew something was off with the whole deal. But there was no turning back now. He needed to decide if he was going to use his knowledge and training to do the right thing or make some easy money and not look back.
The choice is yours...
April 1, 2019
RATING: 3.75 STARS
Read
April 7, 2013I won't review this novel because I didn't finish. I loved this author's YA series. HERE and THERE were amazing. Probably two of the best books I've read in the last few years. But I cannot invest myself in this story. It's not for me. This book is well-written and I have nothing negative to say about it. The book started off very exciting, but once the "romance" came into play, my involvement in the story started losing traction very quickly. Also, I have a thing about "fated" romances and once that kicked in, my interest waned significantly. Like I said...this book is not for me. I made a vow to myself to only read books that hold my interest and not to force myself to finish books that just don't fit my preferences.If you're into supernatural thrillers that are very heavy on the romance, this one may be for you.
August 7, 2014
I am not a huge fan of Urban Fantasy, but I am a major fan of Denise Grover Swank. And that is why I purchased this book to read. I was not disappointed at all. It is not the normal urban fantasy we see with Vampires and the like, it is based on Gods and Earth/Fire/Air/Water themes. There was enough relationship/romance to this story to keep me turning the pages.
Denise has a way with characters that keeps you saying "just one more chapter, just one more chapter...." and that is how it went for me with this book. I love these characters and the plot.
I will be purchasing the other books in this series as I need to know what is next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Denise's writing and anyone who likes a good mystery plot.
Denise has a way with characters that keeps you saying "just one more chapter, just one more chapter...." and that is how it went for me with this book. I love these characters and the plot.
I will be purchasing the other books in this series as I need to know what is next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Denise's writing and anyone who likes a good mystery plot.
October 3, 2011
Emma and her son Jake are running from "the bad men" when Will shows up. Blindly trusting her son, Emma allows Will to join them on their action packed escape. Filled to the brim with action, Chosen will leave you trying to catch your breath from start to finish. Swank plays with the readers emotions from all angles and leaves the reader tied up with the characters so much that it is impossible to put the book down until you know they are all right. I absolutely adored this book, and Will has become one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. I can't wait for the next in the series.
January 2, 2014
My sister, Kathy Rice suggested this book. It pulled me right in and I was hooked. Emma comes on strong as a momma determined to protect her little man. Will shows up on the scene to help save the day but...is he all he seems to be. And the bad guys, WOW! How bad can they get. So excited to get to the next one!
Denise Grover Swank
Denise Grover Swank
February 28, 2020
This is definitely not my normal genre, but I loved everything else I've read by Denise and decided to try it. I am pleasantly surprised and already working on book 2.
August 6, 2012
excellent!!! HUGE page turner. I highly recommend this!!
May 10, 2012
2.5 Stars
Sadly, Chosen did not resonate with me. It’s an exciting premise: A woman and her young child on the run a powerful, mysterious enemy. Car chases, gun fights, men in black, espionage. It had all the makings of a great story, but there were a few things that really irked me.
On the positive side: I did enjoy Wil. He was snarky, sexy, and fun. I didn’t trust him at first, but he grew into an amazing, multidimensional character.
The sex scenes between him and Emma were very well done, and unquestionably steamy.
The story definitely moves, and managed to keep me interested. I loved the mystery, the prophetic elements, and the intensity of everything. I found myself biting my nails and staying up late to finish.
Where the story lost me was all on Emma and her relationship with Jake.
My biggest complaint: A four year old child called the shots and made all the major decisions for the first 50% of the book. “Why was she taking orders from a five-year-old?” Emma asks herself this very question at one point in the book, and I found myself asking the same thing. Jake doesn’t listen to Emma at all – but she does everything he tells her to do, which drove me nuts. I mean, I know some kids are stubborn, but it seems Jake has no respect for her. She constantly tries telling him to do things, and he flippantly ignores her and does whatever he wants. Instead of dealing with this rebellion with some sort of disciplinary action, she either casually ignores it, blatantly caves to his whims, or crosses her arms and sulks. She’s completely a victim to the whims of her child.
He’s FIVE YEARS OLD lady – I mean come on!
Here are just a few examples:
“I don’t care what you say. We’re not staying with him.” … “We have to. You need him.” Jake was calm but firm. Why was she taking orders from a five-year-old? She let out a loud sigh. “Can you tell me why? Please Jake, give me something.” He looked up again, his large blue eyes full of innocence. “I see us with him, driving during the day.”
“Mommy, you need to be nicer to Will.” Jake sat up in the back seat, tears streaming down his face. Her heart lurched. She leaned over the seat to wipe the tears from Jake’s cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’ll be nicer, okay?”
I want to go to the bathroom with Will.” Jake told Emma in a tone that left no room for rebuttal.
A kindergartener with a tone that leaves no room for rebuttal?! A four year old that takes “calm but firm” tones with his mom. Who is the adult in that relationship? Because it’s definitely not Emma. I’m starting to think Jake’s Golden Child ability allows him to completely mind control adults, because I watched Emma acquiesce to him over and over again, often against her own better judgment and common sense.
For all of the above reasons I strongly disliked Emma as a character. She was weak, and acted like a child so much of the book. She spent the first half of the book bitchy, sulky, and ineffectual, completely unable to set boundaries for her son. She spent the last half of the book falling apart and needing others (Wil) to save her. Weak. Weak. Weak.
There is a moment in the story where big, bad, evil things happen. Instead of dealing with these things, Emma goes completely catatonic, putting herself those with her in danger. She refuses to run, or fight. Instead she makes the mature choice, and sits down on the ground weeping and wailing, giving away her position to everyone hunting her. In her situation I would be heart broken, but more importantly, I’d be angry. Big, BAD things happened! Where’s the righteous anger, the need for vengeance? As people, our true mettle is revealed in hardships. We are defined by how we deal with things when life pulls the rug out from underneath us. It’s in those times that the true strength of our souls is revealed. Emma proved conclusively that she has no strength of spirit. She’s a bendable reed, and not worth the ink her story is written in.
Okay, Emma rant over. Now onto some rather glaring plot holes in the story:
The great thing about Chosen is it’s pace and plot. Despite my complaints with it – I finished the book in one day, and there wasn’t a single time I felt bored. Annoyed yes, bored no. I am curious to know what happens to Jake and Wil, but I’m not sure I’ll read more in the series.
Sadly, Chosen did not resonate with me. It’s an exciting premise: A woman and her young child on the run a powerful, mysterious enemy. Car chases, gun fights, men in black, espionage. It had all the makings of a great story, but there were a few things that really irked me.
On the positive side: I did enjoy Wil. He was snarky, sexy, and fun. I didn’t trust him at first, but he grew into an amazing, multidimensional character.
The sex scenes between him and Emma were very well done, and unquestionably steamy.
The story definitely moves, and managed to keep me interested. I loved the mystery, the prophetic elements, and the intensity of everything. I found myself biting my nails and staying up late to finish.
Where the story lost me was all on Emma and her relationship with Jake.
My biggest complaint: A four year old child called the shots and made all the major decisions for the first 50% of the book. “Why was she taking orders from a five-year-old?” Emma asks herself this very question at one point in the book, and I found myself asking the same thing. Jake doesn’t listen to Emma at all – but she does everything he tells her to do, which drove me nuts. I mean, I know some kids are stubborn, but it seems Jake has no respect for her. She constantly tries telling him to do things, and he flippantly ignores her and does whatever he wants. Instead of dealing with this rebellion with some sort of disciplinary action, she either casually ignores it, blatantly caves to his whims, or crosses her arms and sulks. She’s completely a victim to the whims of her child.
He’s FIVE YEARS OLD lady – I mean come on!
Here are just a few examples:
“I don’t care what you say. We’re not staying with him.” … “We have to. You need him.” Jake was calm but firm. Why was she taking orders from a five-year-old? She let out a loud sigh. “Can you tell me why? Please Jake, give me something.” He looked up again, his large blue eyes full of innocence. “I see us with him, driving during the day.”
“Mommy, you need to be nicer to Will.” Jake sat up in the back seat, tears streaming down his face. Her heart lurched. She leaned over the seat to wipe the tears from Jake’s cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’ll be nicer, okay?”
I want to go to the bathroom with Will.” Jake told Emma in a tone that left no room for rebuttal.
A kindergartener with a tone that leaves no room for rebuttal?! A four year old that takes “calm but firm” tones with his mom. Who is the adult in that relationship? Because it’s definitely not Emma. I’m starting to think Jake’s Golden Child ability allows him to completely mind control adults, because I watched Emma acquiesce to him over and over again, often against her own better judgment and common sense.
For all of the above reasons I strongly disliked Emma as a character. She was weak, and acted like a child so much of the book. She spent the first half of the book bitchy, sulky, and ineffectual, completely unable to set boundaries for her son. She spent the last half of the book falling apart and needing others (Wil) to save her. Weak. Weak. Weak.
There is a moment in the story where big, bad, evil things happen. Instead of dealing with these things, Emma goes completely catatonic, putting herself those with her in danger. She refuses to run, or fight. Instead she makes the mature choice, and sits down on the ground weeping and wailing, giving away her position to everyone hunting her. In her situation I would be heart broken, but more importantly, I’d be angry. Big, BAD things happened! Where’s the righteous anger, the need for vengeance? As people, our true mettle is revealed in hardships. We are defined by how we deal with things when life pulls the rug out from underneath us. It’s in those times that the true strength of our souls is revealed. Emma proved conclusively that she has no strength of spirit. She’s a bendable reed, and not worth the ink her story is written in.
Okay, Emma rant over. Now onto some rather glaring plot holes in the story:
The great thing about Chosen is it’s pace and plot. Despite my complaints with it – I finished the book in one day, and there wasn’t a single time I felt bored. Annoyed yes, bored no. I am curious to know what happens to Jake and Wil, but I’m not sure I’ll read more in the series.
March 30, 2021
This book threw me for a loop at first. I thought it was just a thriller. But, oh no! This was a paranormal/fantasy, romance and thriller all rolled into one! It was a crazy and intense ride.
Emma and her five year old son Jake are on the run. From the 'bad men' Jake sees in visions. Will is a mercenary, hired by another group to bring them in. Will is forced to protect Emma and Jake on their cross-country chase, but along the way he becomes conflicted with his growing feelings toward Emma. Together, they try to figure out why these 'bad men' want them, before it's too late.
The constant action kept me turning pages. Gun fights, car chases, running through the woods, it was so intense. I was pleasantly surprised when a weird paranormal/magical element started making its appearance.
Emma is a fighter. And her love and dedication to her son just endeared her to me from the very beginning. Even if her son was completely freaky. (Seriously, what is with that kid?)
Will is a broken man, who had given up on himself and his life. But once Emma enters the picture, he begins to find a purpose and a reason to fight.
It was a crazy ride. I am left with a lot of questions, but I still loved it, and eager to finish the series.
Emma and her five year old son Jake are on the run. From the 'bad men' Jake sees in visions. Will is a mercenary, hired by another group to bring them in. Will is forced to protect Emma and Jake on their cross-country chase, but along the way he becomes conflicted with his growing feelings toward Emma. Together, they try to figure out why these 'bad men' want them, before it's too late.
The constant action kept me turning pages. Gun fights, car chases, running through the woods, it was so intense. I was pleasantly surprised when a weird paranormal/magical element started making its appearance.
Emma is a fighter. And her love and dedication to her son just endeared her to me from the very beginning. Even if her son was completely freaky. (Seriously, what is with that kid?)
Will is a broken man, who had given up on himself and his life. But once Emma enters the picture, he begins to find a purpose and a reason to fight.
It was a crazy ride. I am left with a lot of questions, but I still loved it, and eager to finish the series.
December 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book that I downloaded during a Bookbub promotion by the author. The main characters were human and believable. I especially appreciate the combined toughness and vulnerability of Emma- she wasn't just a 1-dimensional kick-ass female protagonist as are so many characters of this type. Will was a good match for this heroine and the growing romantic interest between the characters was well done. Their verbal sparring was fun. The only drawback to the story was the feeling that the entire thing was development for future books in the series. While some of that is necessary, there needed to be at least one element where the reader felt closure at the end of the story.
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