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Original Sin #1
Taken
Step into the sadistic world of America’s most depraved cult to reveal their sinister secrets, wicked games, ruthless desires, and the darkest deception of all…
Before she was my captive, she belonged to someone else…
When I find the beautiful yet broken Jolie Chastain in a cult compound where women are the property of men, she’s in desperate need of help. She thinks she’s all alone in her twisted world, but I’m always watching her. Always waiting for a chance to snatch her away for myself.
I know I shouldn’t go after such a sheltered, messed-up girl, but that’s not going to stop me. I do what I want, and what I want right now is her. My latest addiction.
I’ll make her mine, even if that means dragging myself into the darkest place in the world, and when the time is right, I’ll take her away from everything she knows and give her what she deserves.
Too bad she’s nowhere near as pure and innocent as she seems. She may be too damaged, even for my appetite, and her betrayal will have dire consequences.
She always wanted to be punished for her sins, but once I have her in my grip, she’ll realize she should’ve been careful what she wished for…
Note: This novel contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
Taken is the first book in the Original Sin trilogy. The story continues in Torment.
Before she was my captive, she belonged to someone else…
When I find the beautiful yet broken Jolie Chastain in a cult compound where women are the property of men, she’s in desperate need of help. She thinks she’s all alone in her twisted world, but I’m always watching her. Always waiting for a chance to snatch her away for myself.
I know I shouldn’t go after such a sheltered, messed-up girl, but that’s not going to stop me. I do what I want, and what I want right now is her. My latest addiction.
I’ll make her mine, even if that means dragging myself into the darkest place in the world, and when the time is right, I’ll take her away from everything she knows and give her what she deserves.
Too bad she’s nowhere near as pure and innocent as she seems. She may be too damaged, even for my appetite, and her betrayal will have dire consequences.
She always wanted to be punished for her sins, but once I have her in my grip, she’ll realize she should’ve been careful what she wished for…
Note: This novel contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
Taken is the first book in the Original Sin trilogy. The story continues in Torment.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2019
583 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Stella Hart
33 books303 followersStella Hart is the dark romance pen name of Alessandra Hart. She loves animals, red wine, and rainy days where she can curl up inside and plot new books instead of having to go out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 24, 2019
3.5 stars
I was tired of always trying to be good. I wanted to be bad, and I wanted to do it with Mason.
Taken takes us into the world of the New Eden compound (cult). It’s dark. It’s dreary. It’s sinister. It’s even a little bit sad. But there is a bright light in this story and that is Mason Ashwood. He visited the cult with his family as a teenager before it was a cult (you can read about this in Torn the free prequel), and although he goes back with the wrong intentions, he ends up staying with the right ones. To bust the cult wide open.
Jolie Chastain is the daughter of Prophet Joseph, New Eden’s leader. For eleven years she’s grown up obeying “His Word” the gospel of her father who their “god” speaks to. Her and other women are treated as less than the men and believe that they deserve it.
This story is... disturbing to say the least. It will frustrate even the most open minded person. I have loved Stella Hart’s work in the past and while I did enjoy this one it definitely has a different feel to it. It possibly feels even more suspenseful than her last work. I’m rooting for both Jolie and Mason, but Jolie seems to keep getting in her own way. By the end though everything that happens makes sense, but I was admittedly frustrated while reading. The ending. Well let’s just say I felt it coming, but I still didn’t fully expect it.
I’m excited to see where the next two books take us. I’ve got some suspicions, but I’m not so sure what Ms. Hart will hit us and these characters with next!
Available now!
*ARC provided by Booksprout*
I was tired of always trying to be good. I wanted to be bad, and I wanted to do it with Mason.
Taken takes us into the world of the New Eden compound (cult). It’s dark. It’s dreary. It’s sinister. It’s even a little bit sad. But there is a bright light in this story and that is Mason Ashwood. He visited the cult with his family as a teenager before it was a cult (you can read about this in Torn the free prequel), and although he goes back with the wrong intentions, he ends up staying with the right ones. To bust the cult wide open.
Jolie Chastain is the daughter of Prophet Joseph, New Eden’s leader. For eleven years she’s grown up obeying “His Word” the gospel of her father who their “god” speaks to. Her and other women are treated as less than the men and believe that they deserve it.
This story is... disturbing to say the least. It will frustrate even the most open minded person. I have loved Stella Hart’s work in the past and while I did enjoy this one it definitely has a different feel to it. It possibly feels even more suspenseful than her last work. I’m rooting for both Jolie and Mason, but Jolie seems to keep getting in her own way. By the end though everything that happens makes sense, but I was admittedly frustrated while reading. The ending. Well let’s just say I felt it coming, but I still didn’t fully expect it.
I’m excited to see where the next two books take us. I’ve got some suspicions, but I’m not so sure what Ms. Hart will hit us and these characters with next!
Available now!
*ARC provided by Booksprout*
April 22, 2019
I’ve been anxiously waiting for Stella Hart’s next release and boy was it worth the wait. Taken is a dark romance about a cult called New Eden that has archaic views on women and their role in society. The cult leader or as he deems himself, the ‘Prophet’ along with a few of his devout followers have been brainwashing women and committing all kinds of heinous acts on them to render them subservient to all the vile whims and desires. Mason stumbles upon this cult merely to win a bet, but when he is initiated into the world of New Eden, he cannot escape the darkness that lurks there. Will it be too late before he can get out? Will he be able help to rescue Jolie and all the victims of New Eden?
I am still reeling from the cliffhanger.... all the what ifs? Stella Hart is becoming my go-to author for dark romance. She has a knack for selecting edgy plot themes that always leaves you guessing. Her writing is impeccable, and the plot flows seamlessly. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am still reeling from the cliffhanger.... all the what ifs? Stella Hart is becoming my go-to author for dark romance. She has a knack for selecting edgy plot themes that always leaves you guessing. Her writing is impeccable, and the plot flows seamlessly. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2019
This is a nightmare of a world for women! Jolie has had it ingrained in her that she is not worthy, that she has no rights, and that she can only do what she's been trained to do. It's darky twisted, with a sense of hopelessness that threads its way throughout the book. But it's only the beginning of the trilogy, and there is more to come. Mason, my heart hurts for him trying to draw Jolie out of her dark world. This promises to be an amazing story with books 2 and 3 to come!
October 12, 2022
This book was so good, but also so heavy. It was so crazy and that cliffhanger was not fun. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
April 25, 2019
Prisoner of Love💔
I just could not like this book, and I am fairly easy to please.....
The story is about a cult hidden away on a huge ranch in Louisiana. The cult leader is charismatic, but insane and misguided.
He has his followers convinced that The outside world has suffered a catastrophic disaster, and the cult must stay on his land, which is protected by a force field from the radiation.
The women are even further restricted by being kept underground in servitude all of the time. They are taught that they are totally inferior to men, that women are The root and cause of all sin. They are brainwashed, beaten, and cowed.
The leader is a cruel and sadistic man, and punishments for breaking any of the many rules is swift and severe.
This is not my kind of book. Didn't like The story. The writing seems stilted and strange throughout much of the book, too, which doesn' help. The book ends in a cliffhanger, which as a voracious reader, I dislike.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
I just could not like this book, and I am fairly easy to please.....
The story is about a cult hidden away on a huge ranch in Louisiana. The cult leader is charismatic, but insane and misguided.
He has his followers convinced that The outside world has suffered a catastrophic disaster, and the cult must stay on his land, which is protected by a force field from the radiation.
The women are even further restricted by being kept underground in servitude all of the time. They are taught that they are totally inferior to men, that women are The root and cause of all sin. They are brainwashed, beaten, and cowed.
The leader is a cruel and sadistic man, and punishments for breaking any of the many rules is swift and severe.
This is not my kind of book. Didn't like The story. The writing seems stilted and strange throughout much of the book, too, which doesn' help. The book ends in a cliffhanger, which as a voracious reader, I dislike.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
May 18, 2019
Different kind of dark, twisted, almost unrealistic story
This story is too good to give any spoilers away. After prequel I expected the plot would go in very different way so this part completely took me by surprise. But what a surprise it was! Very well written, perfectly thought through story line and characters developed in a great way. And in terms of darkness, being held captive and romance it is very different to other books in the genre I've read. It's showing this dark, twisted world from different perspective and brings something new, something fresh. I connected with both of the main characters from the start. After the prequel I wasn't sure if I could like Mason, but what he showed here just made me fall in love with him and Jolie at the same time. I loved how the author showed all the cruelty, darkness and wickedness of the World on the pages of this book. I simply devoured it in one sitting. I know it's cliche probably but really this time I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. The tension, the angst, the suspense. Mystery build up in a great way and this is only the beginning. The the cliffhanger at the end, just wow!
Now, I will sit impatiently, waiting for the next part and I will be wondering what could happen next having the prologue to this first part all the time in my mind.
This story is too good to give any spoilers away. After prequel I expected the plot would go in very different way so this part completely took me by surprise. But what a surprise it was! Very well written, perfectly thought through story line and characters developed in a great way. And in terms of darkness, being held captive and romance it is very different to other books in the genre I've read. It's showing this dark, twisted world from different perspective and brings something new, something fresh. I connected with both of the main characters from the start. After the prequel I wasn't sure if I could like Mason, but what he showed here just made me fall in love with him and Jolie at the same time. I loved how the author showed all the cruelty, darkness and wickedness of the World on the pages of this book. I simply devoured it in one sitting. I know it's cliche probably but really this time I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. The tension, the angst, the suspense. Mystery build up in a great way and this is only the beginning. The the cliffhanger at the end, just wow!
Now, I will sit impatiently, waiting for the next part and I will be wondering what could happen next having the prologue to this first part all the time in my mind.
April 24, 2019
Wow! This read held me captive from beginning to end. Mason made a promise to Jolie years ago; she lives in a cult compound and has been taught to obey. Mason has returned to the cult after having visited with his family when he was a teenager. What are his real reasons for being their and does he still plan to help Jolie? This is a dark, intense read with loads of twists and turns. The characters and the story are excellent and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
July 19, 2021
This book was dark. I knew it would be dark but holy moly. I did enjoy it! It was different from the usual books I tend to read. I am intrigued to read what's going to happen with Jolie and Mason. How is this relationship going to playout.
April 25, 2019
Self protracted Godman, malevolent, misguided women and misunderstood knight
Previously in Torn, it was described about the how the women of the New Eden killed and how Jacob manipulated everyone to believe in his new rules and the suppressed the girls who grown up into women as salves. Also there was quite little crush story of Jolie on Mason and his promise to meet her. He completes forget about it until he finds out Jolie is alive and unattainable woman with beauty.
Though I was sick after reading about the new Eden's stipulations, I was interested and waiting to see, how Mason becomes a savior of the women of New Eden.
But in Taken, the story starts in present where Jolie finds out about the truth of father and the other elder men, and escapes from New Eden. But she is captured by a mysterious man who is relieved to be Mason with a scare on his face as he claims that Jolie ruined his life. Also Jolie's regret of what she had done to him. This really piqued my interest more. How a person who wanted to win her for a bet is scared due to her and how she hurt the man she once loved.
The answers for my question came up when the story is taken back to 2010 where Jolie and other woman were still believe what Jacob preach and living a misguided life of Salves. Mason arrives there and on his first arrival he guess about the truth about the community and wants to help the woman also take Jolie, so plays along with Jacob and does everything to get into the community. How he gathers the evidence against the New Eden and What role Jolie played in ruining his life is the story of this book.
I should have to mention, that the author, Stella Hart becoming a maestro in writing dark romance. I haven't read her contemporary romance book but with her previous books and this one she thinks more darker. Also with her books she talks about how the world can abuse any woman with sick men like Tobias and Jacob. I liked this book and liked the character of Mason and really felt sorry for him towards the end of the book. But i still want to give it a four star as it is too dark for people with weak heart to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Previously in Torn, it was described about the how the women of the New Eden killed and how Jacob manipulated everyone to believe in his new rules and the suppressed the girls who grown up into women as salves. Also there was quite little crush story of Jolie on Mason and his promise to meet her. He completes forget about it until he finds out Jolie is alive and unattainable woman with beauty.
Though I was sick after reading about the new Eden's stipulations, I was interested and waiting to see, how Mason becomes a savior of the women of New Eden.
But in Taken, the story starts in present where Jolie finds out about the truth of father and the other elder men, and escapes from New Eden. But she is captured by a mysterious man who is relieved to be Mason with a scare on his face as he claims that Jolie ruined his life. Also Jolie's regret of what she had done to him. This really piqued my interest more. How a person who wanted to win her for a bet is scared due to her and how she hurt the man she once loved.
The answers for my question came up when the story is taken back to 2010 where Jolie and other woman were still believe what Jacob preach and living a misguided life of Salves. Mason arrives there and on his first arrival he guess about the truth about the community and wants to help the woman also take Jolie, so plays along with Jacob and does everything to get into the community. How he gathers the evidence against the New Eden and What role Jolie played in ruining his life is the story of this book.
I should have to mention, that the author, Stella Hart becoming a maestro in writing dark romance. I haven't read her contemporary romance book but with her previous books and this one she thinks more darker. Also with her books she talks about how the world can abuse any woman with sick men like Tobias and Jacob. I liked this book and liked the character of Mason and really felt sorry for him towards the end of the book. But i still want to give it a four star as it is too dark for people with weak heart to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2019
Romance in the immersion of the twisted spirit of a sect
As in the other novels of Stella Hart, I can not say that it is not a "dark romance".
This is the first part of a trilogy and this part is very well written, but it is hard enough to read. Stella has built a sectarian world that is quite frightening, patriarchal, with its rules, its limits, its murders if they are not respected under the guise of divine protection, its lies, its abuses on women and its impossibility to leave.
This part is in the past related to the first chapter which is 8 years later. It is expected that the next book will be harder to read.
The heroine, Jolie, was programmed by her father's guru, kept in the lie of an outside world that would have been almost destroyed in an apocalypse, threatened by a divine power if she doesn't respect the rules and worship. No love, romance possible, couples are decided without any consent. But Jolie regains hope when Mason, a man she met teenager before this "apocalypse", returns, lies to integrate into the sect and seeks to bring out so that they are happy together, while destroying the sect ... .. Well..... that's the plan.
Without revealing everything, the first chapter is 8 years later. Mason has kidnapped Jodie and plans to go back to what happened before.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
As in the other novels of Stella Hart, I can not say that it is not a "dark romance".
This is the first part of a trilogy and this part is very well written, but it is hard enough to read. Stella has built a sectarian world that is quite frightening, patriarchal, with its rules, its limits, its murders if they are not respected under the guise of divine protection, its lies, its abuses on women and its impossibility to leave.
This part is in the past related to the first chapter which is 8 years later. It is expected that the next book will be harder to read.
The heroine, Jolie, was programmed by her father's guru, kept in the lie of an outside world that would have been almost destroyed in an apocalypse, threatened by a divine power if she doesn't respect the rules and worship. No love, romance possible, couples are decided without any consent. But Jolie regains hope when Mason, a man she met teenager before this "apocalypse", returns, lies to integrate into the sect and seeks to bring out so that they are happy together, while destroying the sect ... .. Well..... that's the plan.
Without revealing everything, the first chapter is 8 years later. Mason has kidnapped Jodie and plans to go back to what happened before.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
April 18, 2019
Carla's Five Star Review
Holy Balls! This is as exciting as it is hot! There is a prequel to Taken which is Torn. In order to understand Taken, you must read Torn first. Okay, lets get on with this review. It is dark, and it is dirty. You have a group of men who have convinced young girls and women that the world they knew is gone, and the safest place for them is the underground bunker. Oh, let's not forget that the women's duties include cooking, cleaning, taking care of the children, and servicing the men.
It was only supposed to a silly bet between buddies. Mason remembered Jolie from all those years ago, so he told his friend, Thad, that he could get the young and beautiful woman into his bed. However, once he saw everything that was going on, his plan changed. He was going to set the women free and make sure all of their abusers went to prison for like. He knew it was extremely dangerous, but he just had to get Jolie out. It took a lot of convincing but he finally got Jolie to see the truth. It was just going to be a day-he would gather his evidence and take it to the FBI then the cult would be taken down. Well, things didn't go as planned, and we are left with one massive cliffhanger! I need the next book ASAP!
Holy Balls! This is as exciting as it is hot! There is a prequel to Taken which is Torn. In order to understand Taken, you must read Torn first. Okay, lets get on with this review. It is dark, and it is dirty. You have a group of men who have convinced young girls and women that the world they knew is gone, and the safest place for them is the underground bunker. Oh, let's not forget that the women's duties include cooking, cleaning, taking care of the children, and servicing the men.
It was only supposed to a silly bet between buddies. Mason remembered Jolie from all those years ago, so he told his friend, Thad, that he could get the young and beautiful woman into his bed. However, once he saw everything that was going on, his plan changed. He was going to set the women free and make sure all of their abusers went to prison for like. He knew it was extremely dangerous, but he just had to get Jolie out. It took a lot of convincing but he finally got Jolie to see the truth. It was just going to be a day-he would gather his evidence and take it to the FBI then the cult would be taken down. Well, things didn't go as planned, and we are left with one massive cliffhanger! I need the next book ASAP!
March 25, 2021
Because of the prequel and the prologue (taking place 'Sometime in November, 2018…') I had an idea which way the story could go..... and I was pretty darn close! 😁
As always, for me, a few things were quit convenient, not too realistic and/or a little hard to believe 😉 but it didn't detract from the story, or really bothered me. I really enjoyed this book. 🥰
Quite scary that cults really exist!! I love reading about it... provided that in the end, the oppressed get their bloody revenge. 🩸🔪💀🪓💣🔥 But... in this book, we're not there yet. 😊 Most likely things first have to get worse before they can get better! 😏
Mega cliffhanger.... so I'm gonna continue with book #2 Torment right away!
My rating for Taken: 4.5 stars!
As always, for me, a few things were quit convenient, not too realistic and/or a little hard to believe 😉 but it didn't detract from the story, or really bothered me. I really enjoyed this book. 🥰
Quite scary that cults really exist!! I love reading about it... provided that in the end, the oppressed get their bloody revenge. 🩸🔪💀🪓💣🔥 But... in this book, we're not there yet. 😊 Most likely things first have to get worse before they can get better! 😏
Mega cliffhanger.... so I'm gonna continue with book #2 Torment right away!
My rating for Taken: 4.5 stars!
April 24, 2019
Oh. My. Gawd! What an amazing start to this new series.
The story is set around a Doomsday cult run by Jolie’s father, Jacob Chastain. He has convinced his followers that an apocalypse took place in 1999 and that they all must live in an elaborate underground bunker, away from the ruined and toxic world.
An old family friend, Mason Ashwood, heard rumours about the cult and decides to go digging, curious to find out more. When he discovers his childhood friend, Jolie, is living in this bizarre set up, he resolves to infiltrate the cult to rescue her.
All is not as it would initially seem and something far darker and more insidious lives within the walls constructed by Prophet Chastain. The story takes many twists and turns and I was left breathless by the end of the book, practically yelling at the characters as the story reached its conclusion.
The cliffhanger ending is excruciating in that I can’t wait for the next book to be released. I feel as though my life will be on pause until I sit down with Torment. It looks like this will be another brilliant series from this author, who consistently knocks it out of the park when it comes to dark romance.
The story is set around a Doomsday cult run by Jolie’s father, Jacob Chastain. He has convinced his followers that an apocalypse took place in 1999 and that they all must live in an elaborate underground bunker, away from the ruined and toxic world.
An old family friend, Mason Ashwood, heard rumours about the cult and decides to go digging, curious to find out more. When he discovers his childhood friend, Jolie, is living in this bizarre set up, he resolves to infiltrate the cult to rescue her.
All is not as it would initially seem and something far darker and more insidious lives within the walls constructed by Prophet Chastain. The story takes many twists and turns and I was left breathless by the end of the book, practically yelling at the characters as the story reached its conclusion.
The cliffhanger ending is excruciating in that I can’t wait for the next book to be released. I feel as though my life will be on pause until I sit down with Torment. It looks like this will be another brilliant series from this author, who consistently knocks it out of the park when it comes to dark romance.
April 22, 2019
Yikes! I didn’t think this could get any better but I’m blown away. Mason recalls the promise he made to Jolie all those years ago that he would go back for her when she was of age, but with everything that happened he believes she is gone, that is until he sees proof for himself she’s still alive. Jolie is still living under the belief that the other world is gone and she is to continue her servitude to the men and do her duties as a woman, but deep down she riddled with memories of Mason and how he would look if he wasn’t gone and that something to her and she feels ashamed of what she feels, but when the one boy she wanted shows up and is a man now, but how could that be if the world as we knew it was ended? Can Mason convince Jolie that she’s been lied to all these years and get her out before it’s too late? Will Mason get what he needs to put these men away for the rest of their lives or will it be a fight to the death? Such a good read, you must read Torn first to understand what’s happening, you won’t be disappointed.
April 24, 2019
I sat up all night and read this book cover to cover, once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down! I was looking forward to this series and Stella Hart did not disappoint, this first book in the series is brilliant! There is nothing to dislike in it, the plot is amazing the characters are so well described both the main and sub characters. The main characters have instant chemistry, but the woman fights it. It’s a dark read, a very dark read so that means lots of possible triggers in it. It ends on a cliffhanger which is to be expected being the first book in the series. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat and when I was interrupted this morning by my family, I was not happy as I was still reading this amazingly wonderful fantastically written book! Stella Hart is one of my favourite authors when it comes to dark romance, I want to give it far more than 5 stars, I can’t praise this book enough. Can’t wait for the next book, hope it’s being released soon! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2019
As a reviewer, you sometimes come across those books that just aren't written **for you**, and to be fair to the author you have grant that that fact doesn't speak to the value or artistry of the story being told. That's where I'm at with "Taken: A Dark Captive Romance".
The setup here is impressive. There is much more in the way of plot progression and development than either sex or romance here, which is as advertised as ending with a cliffhanger. And I do feel enough emotional involvement with those possibilities to be interested in the next volume, which is a testament the author's world-building.
If you like dark--legit dark!--romance, this is your jam. One thing I'd advise is you really do start with the prequel "Torn: A Dark Captive Romance (Original Sin Prequel)", which the author has made available at no charge. If you'e on the fence about"Taken: A Dark Captive Romance", give it a go and see if it is "for you"---going by the reviews, there are a lot of YOUs out there.
The setup here is impressive. There is much more in the way of plot progression and development than either sex or romance here, which is as advertised as ending with a cliffhanger. And I do feel enough emotional involvement with those possibilities to be interested in the next volume, which is a testament the author's world-building.
If you like dark--legit dark!--romance, this is your jam. One thing I'd advise is you really do start with the prequel "Torn: A Dark Captive Romance (Original Sin Prequel)", which the author has made available at no charge. If you'e on the fence about"Taken: A Dark Captive Romance", give it a go and see if it is "for you"---going by the reviews, there are a lot of YOUs out there.
April 25, 2019
Taken, the first book in the Original Sin, was my first Stella Hart book and I’m beyond excited that I was able to read an early copy of this book. This series starts off with a detailed look into the dark and twisted world of the Path of the Covenant cult started by “Prophet” Jacob Chastain. Taken also introduces us to Jolie, the Prophet’s daughter, who is living among the cult’s flock of subservient women and Mason, an outsider who knew the Chastains before the group of overzealous religious followers took a sudden diabolical turn for the worst. Taken grabbed my interest from the first page and had me turning pages to the very end. Because this is a trilogy, this book does end in a rather significant cliffhanger but it appears the remaining books will be released within a month of each other. If you’re looking for something uniquely dark with an interesting story, this book and series is for you. I’m patiently looking forward to seeing how the story continues in book two!
April 27, 2019
This was a really good story and was well written, but man oh man was it difficult to read at times. Prophet Jacob and his New Eden ideas on women were tough to take. I know it was important for the storyline but it got so frustrating hearing over and over again how weak willed, weak minded, weak in strength, and the root of all evil women were. I don't consider myself a feminist and it bothered me after a short time. Some will have trouble reading this just for that fact. With that said, like I mentioned above, it was still a well written story. There was drama, danger, tension, and suspense all throughout. It is dark with some twists and turns. I can't wait to see what happens next.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
May 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Booksprout to review.
Taken is the first book on the Original Sin Series from Stella Hart. This is a story about the most depraved cult in America.. This is a book that you will not be able to put down It is dark and dirty and smoking hot..New Eden is a cult that has this awful view of women and what their role in society is. The "Prophet" and some of his most devout followers have been brainwashing women and xommiting some of the most horrible acts to make them subservient to all their crazy desires. Mason discovers this cult when he has a bet to win. He never expects to give in to the darkness within him when he is initiated into New Eden. Will he lose himself or be able to get out before it is to late. Th is book is awesome and has a huge huge cliffhanger that will leave you breathless.
Taken is the first book on the Original Sin Series from Stella Hart. This is a story about the most depraved cult in America.. This is a book that you will not be able to put down It is dark and dirty and smoking hot..New Eden is a cult that has this awful view of women and what their role in society is. The "Prophet" and some of his most devout followers have been brainwashing women and xommiting some of the most horrible acts to make them subservient to all their crazy desires. Mason discovers this cult when he has a bet to win. He never expects to give in to the darkness within him when he is initiated into New Eden. Will he lose himself or be able to get out before it is to late. Th is book is awesome and has a huge huge cliffhanger that will leave you breathless.
April 20, 2019
Wow, what an intriguing first book in this dark twisted trilogy.
This book is the first in the trilogy and ends with one h*ll of a cliffhanger. Jolie has been living with her father and all of the other members of their commune on the New Eden compound for the last eleven years. All she knows is what she's been taught there. Enter Mason, a boy from her past, who is now a man and he is determined to figure out what New Eden is all about. This is a truly dark, twisted, fascinating story. I was pulled in from the very beginning and wrapped up in this dark thrilling story and I'm looking forward to reading book two, Torment. I highly recommend reading this series.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is the first in the trilogy and ends with one h*ll of a cliffhanger. Jolie has been living with her father and all of the other members of their commune on the New Eden compound for the last eleven years. All she knows is what she's been taught there. Enter Mason, a boy from her past, who is now a man and he is determined to figure out what New Eden is all about. This is a truly dark, twisted, fascinating story. I was pulled in from the very beginning and wrapped up in this dark thrilling story and I'm looking forward to reading book two, Torment. I highly recommend reading this series.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2019
This was one heck of a jaw dropping, roller coaster ride to kick-off this dark romance series. Jolie and Mason's story is twisted, intense, suspenseful, dramatic and emotional. This story is really going to keep you on edge as it starts to unfold. I will say that this series will not be for every readers. There is plenty of content in here that will be too disturbing for some and possible triggers for others, so take that into consideration before reading. There is a prequel to this series called: Torn. It is well worth reading if you want an extra look into how Jolie and Mason first meet. This book is only book one so prepare yourself for the cliffhanger that awaits you at the end. I loved it and can't wait to see what happens in book two. I am posting a truthful, voluntary review.
April 25, 2019
In all honesty right now, I've just finished this book and my hands are shaking and my heart is racing while I'm trying to write this review. I thought about waiting until tomorrow before doing this, but I wanted the emotion to come through. This is gripping. This is terrifying. This is powerful. It doesn't start like anything you'd imagine. Then it takes a turn and I thought everything would be okay and would work out. Then BAM!!! All hell broke loose right before the book ended. I don't think I've ever been on an emotional rollercoaster with a plunge this deep. As an author, Stella Hart has exceeded my expectations with this dark romance. As a reader, I'm still in shock. I have to know what happens next.
April 25, 2019
This is the first book in the Original Sin trilogy. There is also a prequel, which sets up the events that take place in this book. I love dark captive stories but THIS, this is the darkest thing Ms Hart has written. This is going to be a must read series for me. The opening scene was so far removed from the end of the prequel, I had to make sure I had the right book. Once I closed my mouth & started reading, I got to know Mason & Jolie, their worlds, and the great secret. The author did a fantastic job of immersing us in Jolie's world, how the improbable might occur, and left us with a cliffhanger which has made me so excited for the rest of this series!
I received a copy of this book. My honest review is voluntarily provided.
I received a copy of this book. My honest review is voluntarily provided.
April 26, 2019
I don't know how Ms. Hart comes up with these plots; but Man, they are some of the darkest and twisted rides I've been one. I can't help but keep reading and be taken in by the tainted beauty of the world she writes about, the depravities she unleashes upon her characters. I'm in thrall by the ernest love-hate emotions I have for the characters; that I become so invested in them and the story, I have to continue reading well into the early morning hours. This story has infested my mind with the need to know what happens next. Don't start if you hate to wait on the precipice. The anticipation may kill you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2019
DARK DEMANDING CRUEL NIGHTMARE!👍👍👍👍👍
Shocked render speechless in a hypnotic state driven to the edge of my seat as this nerve rattling read held me captive by suspense and bound with a desperate desire for more! Frazzled & Captivated from the turn of a page to the next. How will be able to withstand the dooming wait this shocking cliffhanger demands of me? Kicking and screaming with desperation with a guaranteed promise to get my hands on Trapped by Lies! Bound by suspense, engrossing unexpected twists that shocked and haunt your senses, sizzling popping chemistry, emotionally charged and well written. A flipping fantastic must read that gives just as much as it continues to take.
Shocked render speechless in a hypnotic state driven to the edge of my seat as this nerve rattling read held me captive by suspense and bound with a desperate desire for more! Frazzled & Captivated from the turn of a page to the next. How will be able to withstand the dooming wait this shocking cliffhanger demands of me? Kicking and screaming with desperation with a guaranteed promise to get my hands on Trapped by Lies! Bound by suspense, engrossing unexpected twists that shocked and haunt your senses, sizzling popping chemistry, emotionally charged and well written. A flipping fantastic must read that gives just as much as it continues to take.
April 23, 2019
After having read the Prequel that I have like that was the first book by Stella Hart that I was reading, I really like Taken. The first book is an interesting start of this trilogie. It take us into a twisted dark sect that let that have brainwashed their woman after a terrosist attack that occur more than 10 years ago. Making them submissive, thinking that theire all sinners and that women have no rights. I really wish that I have the other two books in the serie. Cant wait to read more about Jolie and Mason.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2020
Devastating and Different
This is a story about a twisted commune and the evils that occur in that environment (executions, torture, slavery). From the prologue, you know something harmful happens to Mason which is brutal as he's the real hero in this story and the anticipation of finding out what happened to him is absorbing. The lead characters clearly have a loving connection and so you root for them and their HEA.
I didn't give it a 5/5 because I didn't buy the whole playboy persona, Mason instead comes across as family-orientated and principled and so that part of the storyline is weak and although the writing is good, there was a lot of repetition and I ended up skim reading paragraphs that rephrase the same thoughts. Despite this, Taken is the best book of the trilogy.
This is a story about a twisted commune and the evils that occur in that environment (executions, torture, slavery). From the prologue, you know something harmful happens to Mason which is brutal as he's the real hero in this story and the anticipation of finding out what happened to him is absorbing. The lead characters clearly have a loving connection and so you root for them and their HEA.
I didn't give it a 5/5 because I didn't buy the whole playboy persona, Mason instead comes across as family-orientated and principled and so that part of the storyline is weak and although the writing is good, there was a lot of repetition and I ended up skim reading paragraphs that rephrase the same thoughts. Despite this, Taken is the best book of the trilogy.
April 20, 2019
Mason Ashwood knows there’s something f***** up happening out at New Eden. Mason infiltrates the cult so he can actually find out what’s happening there and get real evidence to save the prophet's beautiful daughter Jolie Chastain and the other innocents. Jolie has been brainwashed for 11 years so Mason has to bide his time and slowly introduce things to her. Will Mason be able to save Jolie? Note: this story ends in a cliffhanger.
Taken is a dark, twisted and suspenseful story that you won't be able to put down. I can't wait to read Torment, Book 2 of the Original Sin series.
Taken is a dark, twisted and suspenseful story that you won't be able to put down. I can't wait to read Torment, Book 2 of the Original Sin series.
April 23, 2019
This book had a unique and intriguingly different and dark storyline. The storyline draw me in but I did have concerns about It being too dark for me, however I'd read the prequel and liked Mason and Jolie and wanted to see where the storyline went. It wasn't was I was expecting at all, some of the information about the cult was horrific but not overly difficult to read. I
It was extremely well written with a enthralling emotive at times storyline.
I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to find out what happens.
It was extremely well written with a enthralling emotive at times storyline.
I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to find out what happens.
April 26, 2019
If you've read the prequel Torn then you know that Mason and Jolie met when they were young when his family visited the New Eden Compound. When he was leaving he promised Jolie that he would return for her when they grew up. In this book we go with Mason on his journey to the cult to find out if Jolie is still there. Mason and Jolie's story is a dark and sometimes disturbing ride but I loved every twist along the way. I can't wait to read the rest of this deliciously gritty story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
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