Stolen

By: Lucy Christopher

Narrated by: Emily Gray

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

This stunning debut novel from Australian author Lucy Christopher generated considerable buzz for its nonstop suspense and breathtaking imagery. Sixteen-year-old Gemma is on a layover at Bangkok Airport, headed to Vietnam with her parents. Then the vaguely familiar Ty drugs Gemma’s drink and steals her away. Her head swirling in confusion, Gemma soon finds herself fighting to survive in the unforgiving Outback.

©2010 Lucy Christopher (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

already listened twice

This narrator has the tone of voice that absolutely suits the story. It's a storyline that some will find unbearable if not unbelievable but the whole book relies on people understanding stories. I think it is lovely. I bought it on a whim and although I have already listened to it twice, it is a book I will come back to because it evokes a view of Australia that we would like to be part of or like to be true.

Dark & Thrilling

This marks the first fictional audiobook that I have ever listened to! And it is quite an enjoyable experience! Although I probably would have read this book in one evening, listening to it for the last few weeks has really brightened those slow hours at work. At first the slowness of listening frustrated me as Christopher’s novel is certainly a gripping story! But as I grew accustomed to letting my ears paint the pictures, I started really looking forward to those quieter moments when I could listen to it. The audio version is narrated by one woman, who has a pleasant voice to listen to. The novel’s format is that of a long letter from the abducted sixteen year old, Gemma, to her captor, Ty. Listening to the “you” makes this a bit startling at first to listen to, but it really makes it easier to identify with the villain, too. The narrator’s gruffer voice for male voice and higher one for the other women is a bit startling at first, but even when handling the different accents the narration is clear and easy to listen to and never distracting.

The storyline itself is dark for the YA market - definitely targeted towards the older end with its swearing, drinking and the overall abduction premise. The perspective and overall style of the book really sets it apart from other kidnapping stories. The book also offers a fascinating insight into Stockholm Syndrome - though at times the sympathy for the villain is over-emphasized. Still, it has a ring of authenticity to it. But, it definitely romanticizes being kidnapped - another reason why this is more appropriate for older teens and adults. It’s an emotional story - evoking tears and some genuine chills.

Stolen

This book was very entertaining but I felt like it just stopped. There was no ending, all these unanswered questions and it is over. The author just leaves so much to your own imagination. I felt disappointed and wanted at least another chapter.

Great story and great accents

I've never ever said that I'd wished that a book was longer, but I wish this book had more details. I was totally invested in this story and wanted to hear more details like what exactly did they eat and did they ever get eggs from the chickens? I wanted to hear more about when it finally rained, I would have enjoyed another couple of hours of this story. I loved the voice, the way it was written. I also loved the ending. I hope she writes a bunch more books.

Touching story

" Stolen" held my interest throughout. I couldn't help but like the two main characters of the story and all the way through I wasn't sure how I wanted their story to end. When I reached the ending I realized that the author got it right. Very enjoyable read.

Magnificent, Thought-provoking story

Any additional comments?

This is not only a story about being kidnapped. It's really a story of what’s right and what’s wrong. I truly cared for Gemma, Ty, I even felt for the poor chickens and the camel tied up outside. I am so emotionally drained after reading this as it's the kind of story that really messes with your mind! I loved every minute of it. I do caution you, this is not the happily ever after type of story. The narrator did an outstanding job!

Excellent listen...

A very interesting story told in a very interesting way, you won't regret buying this book...

Narration is good but not perfect, sometimes it lacks the emotion described (like when someone is talking very angrily or excitedly it doesn't show) but at the rest of the time (95%) the story telling is excellent...

Only wish there was some sort of chapter naming or markings to know when to stop, doesn't have to be chapter numbering (maybe something like "(1). Day 1, (2). Evening, (3) Day 2, (4) The Trip...etc") but that's no big deal...

You might start to appreciate the book more once you read it all the way through, but the story is gripping enough so it's doubtful you'll start but not finish this great book...

Desperate and real. Excellent narration.

What did you love best about Stolen?

I can truly see the heroine's dilemma and desperation. If you have ever been in any sort of abusive or dominating relationship, and felt unable to escape, or felt the complexities of co-dependency, you will probably love this book.

What other book might you compare Stolen to and why?

Room. Just a desperate, oh my gosh, what would I do, kind of a read.

What about Emily Gray’s performance did you like?

Excellent Aussie and British accents. Brings the main characters to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Extreme, no. But I cannot wait to hit "play" and don't want to get to the end and have it be over. Really enjoying it.

Good book

I enjoyed this book will read it again the kidnapping is a bit weak and you can find fault but I loved this story set in the Australian outback and 3-4 weeks after reading this book Im still thinking about it:-))

Naiveté and sweetness within criminal behaviour

Its not too often we find a book which induces us to feel sympathetic towards both victim and perpetrator of a crime. That's what made this book different for me, and enjoyable.

I did wish the ending could have been different, but ... of course ... it couldn't.

Really nice listen!

Easy listen and amazing voice. Story was good too, beautiful nature imagery and good characters. I would have liked a little more character development, but not to say I'm disappointed!