The Taker

De: Alma Katsu

Narrado por: Laurel Lefkow

From the author of The Hunger—hailed by Stephen King as “deeply, deeply disturbing, hard to put down”—comes a hauntingly atmospheric novel that blends dark romance, immortality, and betrayal in a mesmerizing tale of love that refuses to die.

True love can last an eternity...but immortality comes at a price...

Working the midnight shift in a rural Maine hospital, Dr. Luke Findley expects nothing more than frostbite cases and the occasional domestic dispute—until Lanore McIlvrae enters his ER under police escort. Beautiful, enigmatic, and suspected of murder, Lanny captivates Luke instantly. As she begins to tell her story, he is drawn into a confession that stretches back more than two centuries.

Her tale begins in the early 19th century, when St. Andrew, Maine, was still a Puritan settlement. As a child, Lanny becomes consumed by her love for Jonathan, the founder’s son, and will sacrifice everything to be with him. What she gains is eternal life—but at a terrible cost. Bound by an immortal pact fueled by alchemy, lust, and obsession, Lanny is condemned to endure centuries of loss and longing.

Now, two hundred years later, the possibility of healing—and salvation—may lie with Luke. Part historical novel and part supernatural thriller, this spellbinding story explores how unrequited love can sustain the soul, blind the heart, and ultimately destroy both.

Egh - kind of a downer

I read an article this week that defined happiness as "being satisfied with what you have" if that's true, then this book is the definition of unhappiness.

Based on the description; I did not expect the book I got. That being said - I'm not sure what I was expecting. I think clearer resolution might be it. I felt like the book "ended" as opposed to it being "finished".

I will say that I think Lanny did finally start to mature emotionally by the last chapter, I don't think it was enough of a leap to really make me feel like the journey was worth it.

I had been considering reading this book and then a book club I belong to selected it for this month's selection. I'm glad I had a reason to finish what was otherwise a pointless and dull book.

A little slow at the end

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next! The end of this book was a bit slow and left me wondering if I should even read the next...but I already bought it! P.S. it's a good start to the second book...I just hope it doesn't disappoint with the ending again!!

The protagonist needs to be slapped

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This story brought out so many emotions in me that at times I had to remind myself that it was a work of fiction. Some spoilers ahead, so beware if you continue reading.

This woman allows herself to be physically and emotionally abused repeatedly. She has no respect for herself, long before she met Adair and his minions and I had a hard time trying to enjoy the story when this woman was so abused.

Would you be willing to try another book from Alma Katsu? Why or why not?

Perhaps. The writing was well done, I just could not get past the doormat - Lenore.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narration was fine except that the narrator mispronounced several words.

Do you think The Taker needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I know there are two more in the series. I've read some of the reviews so I am not sure I'm going to listen to/read the next. I may just end with this story.

Live Forever?

If you could sum up The Taker in three words, what would they be?

Eternity...Loneliness...Timeless.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the different stories of the characters go back and forth through time.

What does Laurel Lefkow bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She does a good job with performing all the characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Forever is a long, long time. What would you do to live forever? If it was for love?

Any additional comments?

This book was fully engrossing and I enjoyed it immensely. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

decent read

it bounced around alot and was hard to keep up if you weren't paying close attention.