Review: Stolen Away

by Alyxandra Harvey
Release Date: January 17, 2011

Summary:

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.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review:
     This was a little different take on the fae world as it compares to other books I have read in that the main character isn't a fairy.  Eloise is secure in who she is and not used to getting much attention from guys, so when that changes the day Lucas shows up to protect her, she is not sure what to do.  Little does Eloise know she is about to be dragged into a world she didn't think existed.  While Eloise is trying to figure out why she suddenly has a handsome protector and if she is going crazy after several strange events, her best friend Jo starts to fall for a new guy in town, Eldric.

     It was easy for me to get into Stolen Away as Eloise was quirky and fun to get to know and wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed to be right.  Then there is Jo.  Jo is unique in that she is used to getting all the attention from guys and she loves to work on her grandparents farm.  I loved that Jo, despite many warnings from Eldric, still fell for him anyway and could see the good in him even when he couldn't.  The way Eloise's challenge to save her aunt and Jo's love for Eldric mesh keeps the reader on their toes.  There was the right amount of romance (without being too much, meaning, I wouldn't feel bad about sharing this with my students because there wasn't anything inappropriate for a jr. high student) and action.  The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars was because there were a few questions that I felt were left unanswered (though I'm hoping there will be another book about Eloise, Lucas, Jo and Eldric).

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