Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Book Shelf: Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey


For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.

(Blurb from Goodreads....)


Review:

Stolen Away is yet another brilliant tale by author Alyxandra Harvey that explores the world of Faerie in a quick, fun and modern setting!

I love Alyxandra Harvey’s books and this one is no exception. Harvey is a talented storyteller who always manages to entertain me with her captivating world and her precise and easy to read writing. In Stolen Away, Harvey delves into the world of the Fae in a story that is entertaining and romantic. Personally, I would have liked a bit more world building and at times I did feel as though parts of the story were rushed, but I’m taking into consideration that this is a stand alone novel when I look at that. The mythology was lovely and I loved the overall plotline!

Told in dual perspective, the book continues back and forth between best friends and protagonists Eloise and Jo. This isn’t new for Harvey, with some of her other books set out in a similar manner, and it gives us an insight into the different goings on during the story from both girls. I found both Eloise and Jo to be likable characters and it was easy to follow them throughout the story. Both had their individual personality traits and were strong young women. As always with Harvey’s books, the feeling of friendship is undeniable with both characters dedicated to helping each other no matter what.

Filled with a fantastic range of characters both from the mortal and human world, Stolen Away never lacks for flair and magic. It was so incredibly easy to get lost in the Faerie world that was so beautiful throughout the story. The Fae creatures and characters both Eloise and Jo met added a new layer of fun to the story, from a tiny warrior faerie Jo quickly befriends to Eloise’s colourful mother and aunt, they were all wonderful editions to the story.

In the amidst of the danger and adventure both girls manage to find romance, Eloise with her protector Lucas and Jo with Eldric, a mysterious boy who isn’t who he appears. I enjoyed both relationships; they were sweet and romantic, although they came on a bit fast for my liking. The passion was undeniable between Jo and Eldric, while Eloise and Lucas was more a subtle underlining to the tale.

Overall Stolen Away was an easily enjoyable story. Beautifully written and created, the tale draws you in easily and holds you the entire time!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thank-you so much!)
Format: Paperback
AU Release Date: Available now.
Expected AU Price: $15.99
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy if you're a Harvey fan like me, or borrow if not.
Cover: Love it--simple, but stunning.
Read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone novel, but I'll definitely be reading more books by

13 comments:

  1. Aw, I'm sorry this wasn't like... MAGIC for you, but so glad you enjoyed it! I had no idea it was a stand alone! Ooooh, I need more standalones in my life. Totally keeping an eye out for it--fab review, AS ALWAYS, Rach! ♥

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    1. I liked it but I just didn't love it. Not like I love her Drake series. Worth reading though

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  2. Like is fine, but I might let it pass for the timebeing, sounds interesting though, Great review Rachel.x

    Ƹ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

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    1. This is worth a read and I recommend you read it one day. But don't feel you need to race out and get it :)

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  3. Love your review. I love the cover of this novel.

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    1. Thanks. I do too--it's nicer than the US one :)

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  4. I SO need to read the Drake series soon. I hear so much about them, they sound fantastic! I'm glad Alyxandra still managed to hook you in with Stolen Away. I love me some YA faeries and desperately want to read MORE of them, so I think I should pick up my copy of this soon. I especially like how you say the friendship between characters shone through, I love seeing strong bonds between characters that aren't always romantic :)

    Amazing review!

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    1. I love the Drake Chronicles! Their definitely worth reading Brods. They're light and fun and it's so easy to get lost in each and every book! I would love to know your thoughts on them! Harvey does friendship really well between her characters in all the books of hers I've read and I really dig that.....

      Thanks babe xoxo

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  5. I've read every single Harvey book so I'll definitely check this out too. They've been a lot of mixed reviews for this book . . . but I still have hope that I enjoy it. Great review!

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    1. I've read them all but Haunting Violet, which I'd love to get to. I think you'll enjoy it Erin. You may not "love" it, but you'll enjoy it. And thanks XD

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  6. I haven't read any Alyxandra Harvey books yet I really want to I hear she's great. This one sounds interesting too I may just start with it :) Great review chicka!

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    1. Alyxandra Harvey's books are really light, fun, reads, perfect when you wanna kill some time with a fun book. Thanks hunni xx

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  7. Ooohh, this one sounds interesing! I actually haven't read ANY of Harvey's books before (Yes, you can kill me!) but wow...I really should read this one soon, eh? Fantastic review Rachel!

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Hi everyone!

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Hope you have a great day and Happy Reading!
~Rachel
xoxo