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Precious Amber
I have watched her from afar since the day she was born… I knew from the moment my eyes spied her that she was the one… the one I needed, the one I have searched for so very long. My careful planning and sacrifices would all be worth it when she was finally mine. She will not disappoint me like the others, for she is Precious...Betrayed, taken, confused and almost utterly alone, six-year-old Amber Rose struggles against her kidnapper. A man she once called a friend is now her deranged keeper. Stripped of anything resembling normal, locked in a room, Amber struggles in a physical and psychological war with her kidnapper, and with herself, as the abuse and manipulation for control begin…The case of Amber Rose hits too close to home for Police Captain Charles Milton, bringing out an obsessive need to bring Amber home no matter what the cost to himself, or others. But will his determination be enough to find her in time?
Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2020
About the author
James Fuller
62 books114 followersJames Fuller has enjoyed the fine art of writing for many years now, he's currently in the process of bringing out his new up and coming fantasy novel: Fall Of The King, the first book in which he hopes to be a series of nine books. James has also written movie scripts, short stories, and has had numerous pieces of poetry published. Through the years he has acquired quite a large fan base for his ...fiction not only through his blog and other various social networking websites such as Facebook but with other writers and artists of all sorts. James' other personal projects also include a comic series for mature readers; a tale of love, loss and vengeance which ignites in amazing emotion as James hopes to bring his character and story to life (collaborating with an artist.)
James has an absolute passion for bringing characters and situations to life with his detailed writing skills that really brings his books to life and makes his characters and their journeys so favourable. As an author he also goes above and beyond when it comes to writing battle scenes, the intricate design and explanations of fighting, not only in swordplay but also in tactics is one of James incredible expertise in which he delights in.
When James isn't on his computer writing his 2nd book of his fantasy series (Salvas) or writing short stories he enjoys recreational activities such a camping, fishing, hiking, and archery. Along with being an adventurous outdoors man James also spends many of his hours in a day as a devoted husband and father.
James has an absolute passion for bringing characters and situations to life with his detailed writing skills that really brings his books to life and makes his characters and their journeys so favourable. As an author he also goes above and beyond when it comes to writing battle scenes, the intricate design and explanations of fighting, not only in swordplay but also in tactics is one of James incredible expertise in which he delights in.
When James isn't on his computer writing his 2nd book of his fantasy series (Salvas) or writing short stories he enjoys recreational activities such a camping, fishing, hiking, and archery. Along with being an adventurous outdoors man James also spends many of his hours in a day as a devoted husband and father.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 27, 2022
Audiobook review:
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
Precious Amber is an experience. It broke my heart, yet I loved it.
Although not for everyone, I truly adored this story. Featuring the darker side of humanity, Precious Amber focuses on gritty topics including child abduction, murder, and rape.
Despite all of the evil, Precious Amber also contains threads of hope woven throughout the tale. Told through the eyes of Amber herself, the local police chief, and in rare instances, her abductor, this story shows you all angles of this tragedy that happens far too often.
The author did a fantastic job with this delicate topic, portraying everyone’s POV’s accurately and realistically. I was instantly drawn into this story and I couldn’t put it down until it was over. I will definitely be reading more by this author ASAP.
*I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
Precious Amber is an experience. It broke my heart, yet I loved it.
Although not for everyone, I truly adored this story. Featuring the darker side of humanity, Precious Amber focuses on gritty topics including child abduction, murder, and rape.
Despite all of the evil, Precious Amber also contains threads of hope woven throughout the tale. Told through the eyes of Amber herself, the local police chief, and in rare instances, her abductor, this story shows you all angles of this tragedy that happens far too often.
The author did a fantastic job with this delicate topic, portraying everyone’s POV’s accurately and realistically. I was instantly drawn into this story and I couldn’t put it down until it was over. I will definitely be reading more by this author ASAP.
*I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
March 26, 2022
Having read books such as The Lovely Bones and Lolita, this story’s subject matter was not foreign to me. Yet I found it difficult to pinpoint exactly what was great about it, and what was not, and provide a coherent review. But I’ll try.
The story is written in close-third with multiple POVs. It was effective, and I think required for a story like this, but the POV switches felt random, and some, such as the kidnapper’s (while visceral), were too brief to provide the insight I wanted. That essentially pulls together my only real complaint about this story. While some places had excellent depth, pulling you into the story as much through emotion as description, there were times I felt disconnected from the story or characters. Ultimately, while this is an incredibly difficult read given the premise, I still found myself wanting more, especially towards the end.
That said, I could write an essay on all the things I loved about this book. Fuller took on an immense challenge writing this, and he did it honestly. He doesn't hold back on the plot, and paints a horrifyingly accurate depiction of Amber’s experiences. This is the kind of book I would expect to be studying in more hardcore literary courses, or potentially philosophy or psychology courses, discussing the darker sides of human nature (or lack thereof). If nothing else, reading this has compelled me to read the prequel, and I do absolutely recommend giving this book a shot…if you aren’t faint of heart.
The story is written in close-third with multiple POVs. It was effective, and I think required for a story like this, but the POV switches felt random, and some, such as the kidnapper’s (while visceral), were too brief to provide the insight I wanted. That essentially pulls together my only real complaint about this story. While some places had excellent depth, pulling you into the story as much through emotion as description, there were times I felt disconnected from the story or characters. Ultimately, while this is an incredibly difficult read given the premise, I still found myself wanting more, especially towards the end.
That said, I could write an essay on all the things I loved about this book. Fuller took on an immense challenge writing this, and he did it honestly. He doesn't hold back on the plot, and paints a horrifyingly accurate depiction of Amber’s experiences. This is the kind of book I would expect to be studying in more hardcore literary courses, or potentially philosophy or psychology courses, discussing the darker sides of human nature (or lack thereof). If nothing else, reading this has compelled me to read the prequel, and I do absolutely recommend giving this book a shot…if you aren’t faint of heart.
August 17, 2020
Precious Amber by James Fuller
This book took me by surprise. It was better than I expected.
A little girl kidnapped from her yard by a man she had known and trusted all her life. The feistiness and knowledge the child had to know to protect herself portrayed such strength and wisdom.
Her sick abductor, used bribery and cruelty to get Amber and another girl to satisfy his disgusting wants. The detective looking for the girl, had his own reason for the need to find this bastard.
You can feel the thoughts and emotion of all the characters drawing you deeper into the story and keeps you reading. It's a heartbreaking story that could happen and makes you more aware of the possibilities.
I have read other books by James Fuller and I have never been disappointed in his ability to keep me wanting more. He's an exceptional storyteller.
This book took me by surprise. It was better than I expected.
A little girl kidnapped from her yard by a man she had known and trusted all her life. The feistiness and knowledge the child had to know to protect herself portrayed such strength and wisdom.
Her sick abductor, used bribery and cruelty to get Amber and another girl to satisfy his disgusting wants. The detective looking for the girl, had his own reason for the need to find this bastard.
You can feel the thoughts and emotion of all the characters drawing you deeper into the story and keeps you reading. It's a heartbreaking story that could happen and makes you more aware of the possibilities.
I have read other books by James Fuller and I have never been disappointed in his ability to keep me wanting more. He's an exceptional storyteller.
June 14, 2020
This book is a must read. Precious Amber will offend you, upset you, bring out the protector in you as you charge thru the story wanting to help. Definitely one you won't be able to put down for long. A poignant heartbreakingly wonderful story. James Fuller has written an unforgettable book.
April 23, 2022
If the one thing I wanted was to feel tension, I definitely felt it. Amber is just six years old when she is kidnapped, and with multiple points of view, we not only see Amber's perspective, we also see the police officers working tirelessly to find her and, more disturbingly, the perspective of her kidnapper.
I think that Amber's age is what made this book even more intense – she is so young, not old enough to understand what's going on, or why such a thing has happened to her. In simple words, she is brainwashed by her kidnapper, you could even use the word trained. If she listens, she is rewarded, she gets toys, a nice room, food. If she doesn't, she is starved and beaten. Throughout the novel, you can see her internal debate as to whether to listen to her kidnapper or not. She learns quickly that she must listen, do as she is told, and catches herself in moments when she seems to accept what has happened, when she feels joy and then quickly remembers why she shouldn't. But should she? Had she been rescued, like her kidnapper had told her? If he was lying, why hadn't her parents come for her yet? It was chilling to see her slowly adjust to her circumstances, in the way that her kidnapper set up, to teach her the new way of thinking, of acting.
Alongside Amber's perspective, we follow Captain Charles Milton of the Cedar Falls police department. He takes the case incredibly personally, becoming more and more involved as the search continues and no evidence comes to light. There is no trail to follow and Amber's life is at stake – for all anyone knows, she could already be dead. His dedication to the case gets him in trouble, in the police department and with the people around him, especially so with his wife. He's barely at home and amidst the panic that another day, another week, has gone by with no signs pointing to Amber's whereabouts, his marriage is falling apart. He pushes his personal life to the side to focus on finding Amber. Watching the other side of the story, from the perspective of someone trying desperately, grasping at the thinnest straws, to try and track Amber down was a fabulous addition to the story, as it reminds you that this is all happening in the real world, where people fight with their partners, where people betray you and where people go into cafes so regularly that they know what their order is before they even sit down. You can't distance yourself from the fact that this is happening in the world that we live in, because Charles Milton is there to remind you and that fact is terrifying.
I am the type of person who narrows in on grammar mistakes and punctuation errors and I won't say that there were none in this book. There were a couple of instances where I had to do a double take on a word, because it was obviously not the correct one, but one very similar to what was meant. Having said that, however, the story was good enough for me to overlook these, because I couldn't tear myself away from this book and I will likely be reading it again very soon.
I think that Amber's age is what made this book even more intense – she is so young, not old enough to understand what's going on, or why such a thing has happened to her. In simple words, she is brainwashed by her kidnapper, you could even use the word trained. If she listens, she is rewarded, she gets toys, a nice room, food. If she doesn't, she is starved and beaten. Throughout the novel, you can see her internal debate as to whether to listen to her kidnapper or not. She learns quickly that she must listen, do as she is told, and catches herself in moments when she seems to accept what has happened, when she feels joy and then quickly remembers why she shouldn't. But should she? Had she been rescued, like her kidnapper had told her? If he was lying, why hadn't her parents come for her yet? It was chilling to see her slowly adjust to her circumstances, in the way that her kidnapper set up, to teach her the new way of thinking, of acting.
Alongside Amber's perspective, we follow Captain Charles Milton of the Cedar Falls police department. He takes the case incredibly personally, becoming more and more involved as the search continues and no evidence comes to light. There is no trail to follow and Amber's life is at stake – for all anyone knows, she could already be dead. His dedication to the case gets him in trouble, in the police department and with the people around him, especially so with his wife. He's barely at home and amidst the panic that another day, another week, has gone by with no signs pointing to Amber's whereabouts, his marriage is falling apart. He pushes his personal life to the side to focus on finding Amber. Watching the other side of the story, from the perspective of someone trying desperately, grasping at the thinnest straws, to try and track Amber down was a fabulous addition to the story, as it reminds you that this is all happening in the real world, where people fight with their partners, where people betray you and where people go into cafes so regularly that they know what their order is before they even sit down. You can't distance yourself from the fact that this is happening in the world that we live in, because Charles Milton is there to remind you and that fact is terrifying.
I am the type of person who narrows in on grammar mistakes and punctuation errors and I won't say that there were none in this book. There were a couple of instances where I had to do a double take on a word, because it was obviously not the correct one, but one very similar to what was meant. Having said that, however, the story was good enough for me to overlook these, because I couldn't tear myself away from this book and I will likely be reading it again very soon.
September 26, 2020
*This is an audiobook review*
Precious Amber is an exceptionally visceral story that toes the line in several areas without taking the actual leap.
It starts with our main gal Amber waiting for her father to come home. It’s a scene that plays out everyday in reality, which makes it all the more jarring to the reader to learn that Amber is being watched. In fact, she has always been watched.
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. And this novel really drives home that terror. Amber’s parents are not neglectful in any way. They are every adult who struggles to balance home and the drudgeries of work. They are well liked, and well known in their community. They have instilled in their daughter to not go off with strangers. They have done everything right.
The first part of the novel throws all of that out the window, and it is no stranger who Amber walks off with. A gut punch to any reader who is also a parent.
The reader is also able to follow the investigation’s ups and downs through the eyes of the police. A very flawed Captain who has his own demons that propel him through the case. He runs down every lead, willing to sacrifice everything to bring Amber home. All because he will not lose another little girl.
The view of the kidnapper is very hard to write without falling into some very cliched pitfalls. Precious Amber is one of the few novels that manages to avoid these pitfalls. The reader follows his trains of thought, how he is utterly convinced that he is taking care of his little girls. Sure it’s all mind games, and he even knows it, but there are times when even HE is convinced. To be able to lead the reader through that kind of journey takes an expert writer. In this, the reader would find very few flaws, if any.
Maria Huard was the PERFECT voice for this story. Because ultimately this story isn’t about a kidnapper, or any of the adults. It’s about a little girl who got thrown into a very dark situation, and grew into a being of strength and determination.
Precious Amber is an exceptionally visceral story that toes the line in several areas without taking the actual leap.
It starts with our main gal Amber waiting for her father to come home. It’s a scene that plays out everyday in reality, which makes it all the more jarring to the reader to learn that Amber is being watched. In fact, she has always been watched.
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. And this novel really drives home that terror. Amber’s parents are not neglectful in any way. They are every adult who struggles to balance home and the drudgeries of work. They are well liked, and well known in their community. They have instilled in their daughter to not go off with strangers. They have done everything right.
The first part of the novel throws all of that out the window, and it is no stranger who Amber walks off with. A gut punch to any reader who is also a parent.
The reader is also able to follow the investigation’s ups and downs through the eyes of the police. A very flawed Captain who has his own demons that propel him through the case. He runs down every lead, willing to sacrifice everything to bring Amber home. All because he will not lose another little girl.
The view of the kidnapper is very hard to write without falling into some very cliched pitfalls. Precious Amber is one of the few novels that manages to avoid these pitfalls. The reader follows his trains of thought, how he is utterly convinced that he is taking care of his little girls. Sure it’s all mind games, and he even knows it, but there are times when even HE is convinced. To be able to lead the reader through that kind of journey takes an expert writer. In this, the reader would find very few flaws, if any.
Maria Huard was the PERFECT voice for this story. Because ultimately this story isn’t about a kidnapper, or any of the adults. It’s about a little girl who got thrown into a very dark situation, and grew into a being of strength and determination.
July 15, 2024
This book contains my favourite coffee line ever: “...he wanted it black, bitter and disappointing today”.
As the first book that I have read written by James Fuller, I went into it with no expectations, good or bad. A completely new author for me. I have read crime and horror most of my life, but this was different. It was scarier because of how real it could be. It was disturbing on several levels and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
I never really understood fast-paced before, but this is it. This book starts at the main event and then just goes for it. There is no long build-up, no drawing out of pointless scenes. It is very to the point and yet somehow maintains its suspense.
Precious Amber was written so well in parts that I actually questioned the author’s morality at points. Fuller truly gives the impression of being in the mind of an incredibly twisted man. And yet he somehow perfectly captures the thoughts of a 6-year-old girl.
When reading crime, the plot usually revolves heavily around the case. In Precious Amber, we get to see how the case affects the investigators personally and read about their non-case-related lives. It felt like following a personal storyline and not just the case. It was a good balance.
I am happy to know that this is just book one in the series, and I can’t wait to read book two! I will be checking his other books out whilst I wait.
As the first book that I have read written by James Fuller, I went into it with no expectations, good or bad. A completely new author for me. I have read crime and horror most of my life, but this was different. It was scarier because of how real it could be. It was disturbing on several levels and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
I never really understood fast-paced before, but this is it. This book starts at the main event and then just goes for it. There is no long build-up, no drawing out of pointless scenes. It is very to the point and yet somehow maintains its suspense.
Precious Amber was written so well in parts that I actually questioned the author’s morality at points. Fuller truly gives the impression of being in the mind of an incredibly twisted man. And yet he somehow perfectly captures the thoughts of a 6-year-old girl.
When reading crime, the plot usually revolves heavily around the case. In Precious Amber, we get to see how the case affects the investigators personally and read about their non-case-related lives. It felt like following a personal storyline and not just the case. It was a good balance.
I am happy to know that this is just book one in the series, and I can’t wait to read book two! I will be checking his other books out whilst I wait.
July 29, 2023
Author James Fuller is a decent storyteller and is able to create a suspenseful story that will keep the reader on the edge of their seats. However, I did have several issues with this story. The main one being that when the story is told from 6-year-old Amber Rose's perspective, it did not feel as if the majority of words and thoughts would be ones coming from a 6-year-old. It would have been nice to have seen the story from the parent's perspective, showing how they were dealing with the 4-month abduction of their child.
Also, it appeared as if the last 70 or so pages were left unedited, and there were a lot of grammar mistakes in the last part of the book.
However, I am thankful that, based on the subject matter of the novel, that I was not subjected to a lot of story matter that could have been upsetting for a reader not used to reading these types of stories.
Also, it appeared as if the last 70 or so pages were left unedited, and there were a lot of grammar mistakes in the last part of the book.
However, I am thankful that, based on the subject matter of the novel, that I was not subjected to a lot of story matter that could have been upsetting for a reader not used to reading these types of stories.
February 19, 2021
I like most the building up of Amber’s character. The author had done his research and able to show what a little girl might react in such a situation. The focusing on a police’s point of view, though, seemed mediocre. As I would like to read how losing a child might impact Amber’s parents. Secondly, the reaction by the community had been almost absent. However, considering that those scenes might be hard to write, and the use of an old-style detective novel didn’t damage the main plot. The book as a whole has been a real treat to me.
I would still like to see if James might touch over the mentioned issues in future books. For example, how could the event either break or bring the community together?
I would still like to see if James might touch over the mentioned issues in future books. For example, how could the event either break or bring the community together?
July 18, 2023
A disturbing book, if only because it is a parent's worst nightmare, the abduction of a little child. Then to find out the abductor has been a sexual predator all his adult life, and he is now in his seventies !
There is graphic detail of how the abductor uses a punishment / reward system to groom his little girls that is horrific to read.
The book starts slowly, with quite a bit of repetition, and there are several typos.
However, soon I found out that I didn't want to put the book down as the pace grew, with the police desperately seeking to find Amber, and Amber herself trying to escape.
I might have given 5 stars but for the typos and my disbelief that a six year old could plot an escape as Amber did.
There is graphic detail of how the abductor uses a punishment / reward system to groom his little girls that is horrific to read.
The book starts slowly, with quite a bit of repetition, and there are several typos.
However, soon I found out that I didn't want to put the book down as the pace grew, with the police desperately seeking to find Amber, and Amber herself trying to escape.
I might have given 5 stars but for the typos and my disbelief that a six year old could plot an escape as Amber did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
This was a fast-paced twisted thriller. There were a lot of components that could work but unfortunately, didn't quite come together for me. The police captain's marriage seemed like an afterthought, the stilted dialogue sounded hollow at times, and I wanted much more motivation from Mr. Tealock. The man had gotten away with his crimes for almost forty years, he had to have been great at manipulating the system.
Otherwise the story had all the bones of a great tale, it just needed some polishing. I enjoyed the premise (even if it was such a sick thing to read about at times) and Fuller's writing style.
Otherwise the story had all the bones of a great tale, it just needed some polishing. I enjoyed the premise (even if it was such a sick thing to read about at times) and Fuller's writing style.
August 31, 2021
This book was so well written, I could not put it down. This is absolutely a parent's worst nightmare and I literally felt that I was experiencing this first hand. We know there are predators out there who are master manipulators and are very capable of torturing and abusing children but to read details could be very disturbing. The author has skillfully managed to tell the story with the details in a way that softens it for the reader. James Fuller has done a wonderful job with one of his main characters, Amber is such a strong, resilient little girl.
I would highly recommend this book!
I would highly recommend this book!
January 15, 2021
Not for the fainthearted!
James has made it real. Everything that happened in the book felt like happening before my eyes. And every single thing in the story was practically true! It can happen in real life too. Take care of your kids people.
I'll be really surprised if this book does not get adapted into live-action. Kept me on the edge from beginning to the end.
Looking forward to the prequel - which is named after the darkest character of the novel.
A must read for crime-thriller fans.
James has made it real. Everything that happened in the book felt like happening before my eyes. And every single thing in the story was practically true! It can happen in real life too. Take care of your kids people.
I'll be really surprised if this book does not get adapted into live-action. Kept me on the edge from beginning to the end.
Looking forward to the prequel - which is named after the darkest character of the novel.
A must read for crime-thriller fans.
October 7, 2021
A young girl is kidnapped for the purpose of inexplicable things. A fast-paced, edgy thriller with intense characters and a striking storyline. Fuller does an excellent job of providing detailed background stories for each character and building suspense throughout the progression of the story. A tough subject to read, but the author created ample emotion to make it a definite page turner until the very end.
* My Kindle download had numerous repeated pages, but, in no way, did it take away from the story.
* My Kindle download had numerous repeated pages, but, in no way, did it take away from the story.
May 9, 2021
A gripping abduction that leaves you guessing.
I loved the threads of this story. They are artfully woven together in a way that left me breathless several times. Terrifying at moments, the tales was a total rollercoaster I had to keep riding.
I recommend this for anyone who loves crime and investigation.
Four stars because of some needed editing, and inconsistencies in the investigation.
I loved the threads of this story. They are artfully woven together in a way that left me breathless several times. Terrifying at moments, the tales was a total rollercoaster I had to keep riding.
I recommend this for anyone who loves crime and investigation.
Four stars because of some needed editing, and inconsistencies in the investigation.
August 12, 2021
I had high hopes for this book but sadly it didn't deliver for me. It felt to me that this book was written by a 4 year old it was just that ridiculous. There were many typos and weird words that don't exist, proofreading is a must if you want to sell your book. A poorly executed story throughout, maybe James Fuller wrote this after a few too many beers. It was also very repetitive, sometimes I thought I was reading the same chapter again. If I could give this book zero stars I would of!
September 26, 2020
This is the first book I have read by James Fuller and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The character points of view are interesting and weave the tension of the story's fabric so cunningly.
It is one of the books you pick up and immediately can't stop reading.
The subject matter could be considered demanding but James has approached it with such care, the overall story is simply excellent.
It is one of the books you pick up and immediately can't stop reading.
The subject matter could be considered demanding but James has approached it with such care, the overall story is simply excellent.
February 5, 2022
This mystery has a fast pace that I really enjoyed and the characters were very realistic. The methods of the criminal were also very believable, with nice attention to the small details of psychopathic controlling behaviour. I also appreciated that it wasn’t overly gory. It all tied together very well but I was sorry there was no attention given to the little boy’s family at the end.
April 15, 2021
This very well written book is every parent’s nightmare - child abduction. Made even scarier by the excellent writing. You don’t read it, you experience it through the vivid description and emotional details. An excellent must-read.
June 3, 2023
Super quick read. Random but many spelling/grammar errors. Disturbing/upsetting - young girls kidnapped.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews