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Gemma, 16, is on layover at Bangkok Airport, en route with her parents to a vacation in Vietnam. She steps away for just a second, to get a cup of coffee. Ty—rugged, tan, too old, oddly familiar—pays for Gemma's drink. And drugs it. They talk. Their hands touch. And before Gemma knows what's happening, Ty takes her. Steals her away. The unknowing object of a long obsession, Gemma has been kidnapped by her stalker and brought to the desolate Australian Outback. STOLEN is her gripping story of survival, of how she has to come to terms with her living nightmare—or die trying to fight it.
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults
A 2011 USBBY Outstanding International Book
“Complicated and beautiful -- this novel left me doubting my emotions and missing a place I'd never been.” -- Maggie Stiefvater
“All the tension of lightning, all the terror of thunder. A stunning, scary, and beautiful book.”-- John Marsden
* “An emotionally raw thriller a haunting account of captivity and the power of relationships.” -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Disturbing, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once.” -- School Library Journal
“A complex psychological study that is also a tribute to the hypnotic beauty of the Outback.” -- Booklist
“Taut suspense and a riveting plot in a haunting setting.” -- Kirkus
“Has a veracity and immediacy that rivets the reader to the page. Fascinating, disturbing...” -- Voice of Youth Advocates
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"Complicated and beautiful -- this novel left me doubting my emotions and missing a place I'd never been." -- Maggie Stiefvater
"All the tension of lightning, all the terror of thunder. A stunning, scary, and beautiful book." -- John Marsden
"A vivid new voice for teens." -- Melvin Burgess
TheDailyBeast.com, “10 Hot Young Adult titles” roundup, September 16, 2010
BCCB, review, June 2010
“[A]n interesting book for examining what obsessive Twilight-style approaches to love can mean in a real-life context
Readers who can't get enough of Cormier's classic After the First Death will find this induces both shivers and thought.”
Booklist, review, March 15, 2010
“Christopher's first novel is a complex psychological study that is also a tribute to the hypnotic beauty of the outback.”
Kirkus, review, April 15, 2010
“From its compelling opening, the novel delivers taut suspense and a riveting plot in a haunting setting.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review, April 12, 2010
“Christopher's debut is an emotionally raw thriller
fast-paced novel
It's a haunting account of captivity and the power of relationships.”
School Library Journal, review, June 2010
“Disturbing, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once, this book is the antithesis of the situational horror in Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl.”
VOYA, review, June 2010
“Stolen has a veracity and immediacy that rivets the reader to the page. Vivid descriptions of the Sandy Desert combine with Gemma's emotional turmoil to evoke a sense of danger. This fascinating, disturbing novel should appeal to teens fourteen and older.”
Anonymous
Posted Fri Jul 02 00:00:00 EDT 2010
I Also Recommend:
While most may find this book dull - it's not a heart-stopping adventure full of adrenaline and bullets - the prose is exquisite, and the development of both characters and plot... perfect. The author has completely dragged me into the story, and she was able to toy with my emotions page by page. One moment I was disgusted by Gemma's kidnapper, the next I found myself drawn to him, pitying him, even at times loving him. Another aspect of the writing I found excellent was just the description; the mental images are so strong I felt as if I was standing in the desert with Gemma and her captor. One thing I can say with utter certainty if you buy the book: You will never know what to expect. For me, the emotional havoc of Stolen is what makes it so good. I define this as a page turner because I actually cared about Gemma's story.
34 out of 36 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.STOLEN is the story of 16-year-old Gemma, who is kidnapped from a Bangkok airport by Ty. What follows is basically a journal of everything that happens to Gemma, written in the form of a letter to Ty.
You don't know at first where Ty has taken her; you only know that she is in the middle of a desert with him. They live in a home that he has built and stocked so he can care for Gemma.
This was, for me, a novel that I will never forget. The title was very fitting, as you will see after reading the book. After finishing this story, I find it hard to say that I liked it. I did like it, but am not sure if you should like a story about a kidnapping.
I can honestly say that it was a very intriguing story. It was very well-written, and although there were some slow parts for me, it flowed well. I put this story in the same category as LIVING DEAD GIRL by Elizabeth Scott.
This book definitely has a place in my collection, and it's a story that I would read again as well as recommend to others.
20 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Sep 08 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I could not put this book down when I read it and about half way through i had decided that is was my new favorite book. But I was sadly mistaken when I got the the last 50 pages. This was such an amazing book starting out but to me, the ending was awful. It's frustrating to say the least, when possibly great books are ruined at the end.
:(
9 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun May 22 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I fell for ty despite what hee does.beautiful and riveting
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.heyitsaislinn
Posted Sun Jun 12 00:00:00 EDT 2011
So I just kind of got this book, because it seemed interesting. I read the reviews on here and some on Goodreads. I wasn't sure what exactly I was getting myself into. Before I even got it... I just kind of thought it was some guy who took a girl from an airport and just like raped her or something like that. Boy was I wrong. Basically it's about a guy Ty [Tyler] who has been like stalking her on and off since she was 10. It does sound creepy, I mean it is. He kind of knows everything about her. He takes her to Australia to a place he has built especially for them two. In a way you hate Ty, but you also can't help but fall in love with him. I won't say the end but if you read it.... I wish they could have gotten together and that they could have stayed in Australia. Silly wish right? I at least hope that Lucy makes another book to this one. Also, the way Lucy adds the detail is beyond brilliant to say the least. You can just imagine everything in your mind as if you're right there and then. This has to be the best book I have ever read in my lifetime [I'm only 14 so cut me some slack]. I hate rereading books because I already know what's going to happen... actually I've never been able to reread an entire book except Double Fudge in 4th grade but this is definitely one of those books that you can read over and over ago and you'll never get tired of it. Be prepared to get chocked up at the end or to cry.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat May 15 00:00:00 EDT 2010
Every once in a while I come across a book that just captivates me and leaves me spellbound. This book definitely fit into that category. The storyline and drama bring out real emotions in you, and by the end of the story I couldn't decide whether or not I liked Ty (one of the main characters). It was one of those books that left me wanting more very badly, and yet I wasn't certain I wanted to know the outcome. I read it in a little over a day, dreamed about it that night, and it still lingers in my thoughts (and I read it over two weeks ago). I loaned it to one of my best friends and she had the exact same thoughts. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that can handle a story that seems so real that it's almost frightening, especially in it's content as it is the story of a girl being kidnapped at an airport and taken to live with her kidnapper in the deserts of Australia. Fascinating, evocative and emotional...a splendid read.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Dec 30 00:00:00 EST 2011
I expected alot more from this book. It took me a vert long time to get intrested and Gemma just...ahhb annoyed me. Is it weird...i kinda fell for Ty even if the whole ordeal was kinda...sad...and also,i didnt like the ending.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Dec 06 00:00:00 EST 2011
The book was a great page turner.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What can I say? ..this book had me from start to finish. Since I'm not the type to brag and give summaries of stories I've read.. I'll just conclude that this book is beautiful and I enjoyed it very much. The characters are something new and I give Lucy Christopher major credit. Thanks so much for this read.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Feb 04 00:00:00 EST 2012
Thank you, Lucy Christopher, for writing this breathtaking, heart-wrenching book. Or maybe NO thank you, because now i have an unattractive red stuffy nose and red puffy eyes.
Christopher can really steal your emotions and manipulate them through the characters she devised. I found myself on an emotional roller coaster: Pitying Gemma, pitying Ty, loving Ty, hating Gemma. The book left me in a dilemma of raging emotions and jumbled thoughts. This book is raw and filled with real, human emotions. The type of human emotions that are capable of understanding, and loving, the people who wrong you and seeing past their exterior into their hearts. The humans emotions incapable of telling right from wrong. This book left me crying and wanting more.
If you're the type of reader who:
-Likes more realistic fiction
-Likes roller coasters
-Understands the complexities of human emotions and loves it
-Loves nature, even "dead" nature
-Loves reading about love and care
-Likes thought-provoking books
... Then have fun because this book is for you.
Stolen is everything i expected and about 10 million times more.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Jan 17 00:00:00 EST 2012
I read this book and its wierd it like comepletely changes near the end it makes me feel like the writer ramdomly changed the plot . It already did not make a whole lot of sence than it just went all crazy . And to me she is kinda a jurk cause he saved her life.
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TheSeparates
Posted Thu Jan 12 00:00:00 EST 2012
Be warned. This is not your ordinary book. The characters come to life, and stay alive in your heart forever. You'll want to dive into their world and breathe and live the paradise the two main characters went to.
I couldn't put this book down. I finished the book in three hours, right before I went to sleep, dreaming about it even in my sleep. I smiled. I was shocked. I was frustrated. I was touched. I was scared for both Ty and Genma, and I fell in love with both of them. And I was terribly sad when the book ended.
But of course, every book has to end. And I loved the beautiful ending it had. It wasn't the ending I wanted, but it was an ending that fits perfectly for this story.
This book will leave you breathless from the beginning to the end.
I know it did for me. And by the end of the story, I really wished that I could've been in the desert, the Separates.
I recommend this story to everyone, of all ages. I'm sure everyone can appreciate a tale of bitter sweet love.
P.s. Thank you Lucy Christopher, for this wonderful creation. I'm so glad I found this book, and heard the story of Genma and Ty. I'll never forget it.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Jun 05 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Stolen was an okay book...The plot was okay and it wasnt a bad book, i just found it to be a bit slower than i usually like to read...
3 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon Apr 16 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Great read... Interesting twist
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Feb 29 00:00:00 EST 2012
i read this book i was left speechless. it was heart wrenching, and i cried for the wrong person but you can't help but feel attached to him in the end. he loved her and he didn't want to leave her but in the end he gave up his freedom for her and it was incredibly touching. i will always remember this book
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Feb 17 00:00:00 EST 2012
Stolen is the best book ive ever read, i couldnt stop reading this book. The details are perfect and it really moves you. You will love this book no matter what. If you dont belive me, then read it......
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Jan 17 00:00:00 EST 2012
Boaring
2 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Quick-Silver-Girl
Posted Wed Sep 28 00:00:00 EDT 2011
If your looking for an action packed or suspenseful book, this is definetly not it! The back cover completely decieves you! If you are the sentimental type then go for it.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Jun 12 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I really like it but it wasn't my favorite im the the one who likes lot of action ! This book was hard to follow!
2 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Jan 19 00:00:00 EST 2013
I personally love this book.
Amount of pages:180 pgs ( including the title page, cover and copyright information)
Pros: very interesting, u fall in love with gemma, is not alot of pages.
Cons: slow at times and not an action backed book if that is what u r into
What parents need to know: this book is not terribly inopropriate compared to books with this same plot. Use of the f word along with several other curse words is in the book sometimes but it is not in every other sentence but it is still in the books. Also many references of drugs and drinking. Also scenes discribing sex and people hooking up in parks. Also talks about raping and touching in inapropriate ways.
Age level Stolen is good for: 14-15+( depends on the parents)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Gemma, 16, is on layover at Bangkok Airport, en route with her parents to a vacation in Vietnam. She steps away for just a second, to get a cup of coffee. Ty—rugged, tan, too old, oddly familiar—pays for Gemma's drink. And drugs it. They talk. Their hands touch. And before Gemma knows what's happening, Ty takes her. Steals her away. The unknowing object of a long obsession, Gemma has been kidnapped by her stalker and brought to the desolate ...