Taken
by Edward Bloor

    TAKEN by Edward Bloor
    Category:  Science Fiction
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  10/9/07
    Publisher:  Knopf
    Reviewed by:  Lynn Crow
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Ever since her dad invented a super-effective bronzing treatment, Charity's been living the life of the coddled
    rich, in a guarded estate of a select 120 homes, with servants to see to all of her family's needs.  But being rich
    has its downsides, too -- she can rarely go beyond the walls of the estate, her father and ex-stepmother are too
    busy with their own lives to concern themselves with hers, and being a rich kid makes her the target of the
    growing kidnapping industry.  

    When Charity finds herself taken by mysterious men in an ambulance, she decides to follow the rules to the letter
    to ensure that she'll be delivered safely home as soon as the ransom is paid.  But the longer she spends with the
    kidnappers, the more clear it becomes that their plans are more complicated than she could have imagined.

    TAKEN puts readers right inside Charity's head, making every moment of the kidnapping as vivid as if they
    were experiencing it themselves.  Charity's reactions are believable and poignant.  With every frightening
    development and shocking twist, readers will find themselves right there with her, quickly turning the pages to
    learn what will happen next.  Charity herself is a strong heroine, practical, scared, yet not afraid to put up a fight
    when she has to.  

    Readers may have a hard time relating to the world the novel portrays and the isolation in which Charity now
    lives with her family's newfound wealth.  The society seems very strongly divided between the rich and poor,
    with little room in between.  Nonetheless, it provides a pointed commentary on many of the advantages the
    privileged in today's world take for granted, and the struggles of those who do not have those advantages.  
    TAKEN is sure to provoke thoughtful discussion among its readers.

    For both its tense and unpredictable story and its social commentary, TAKEN is a great read.   Be forewarned
    -- with so many twists, at least one is guaranteed to take you completely (and pleasantly) by surprise!