#Book Review, Blog Tour and #Giveaway: The Taker CLOSED
Friday, September 02, 2011 Posted by Dina
Book Description
True love can last an eternity... but immortality comes at a price...
On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting another quiet evening of frostbite and the occasional domestic dispute. But the minute Lanore McIlvrae - Lanny - walks into his ER, she changes his life forever. A mysterious woman with a past and plenty of dark secrets, Lanny is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. He is inexplicably drawn to her . . . despite the fact that she is a murder suspect with a police escort. And as she begins to tell her story, a story of enduring love and consummate betrayal that transcends time and mortality, Luke finds himself utterly captivated.
Her impassioned account begins at the turn of the nineteenth century in the same small town of St. Andrew, Maine, back when it was a Puritan settlement. Consumed as a child by her love for the son of the town's founder, Lanny will do anything to be with him forever. But the price she pays is steep - an immortal bond that chains her to a terrible fate for all eternity. And now, two centuries later, the key to her healing and her salvation lies with Dr. Luke Findley.
Part historical novel, part supernatural page-turner, The Taker is an unforgettable tale about the power of unrequited love not only to elevate and sustain, but also to blind and ultimately destroy, and how each of us is responsible for finding our own path to redemption.
My Review
It's hard to believe that The Taker
is Alma Katsu's debut novel. Her enthralling storytelling, well-researched historical background and powerful characters kept me captivated, turning page after page. This dark and mesmerizing tale is above all a tribute to eternal love. The narrative effortlessly goes from present day Maine through 19th century Boston to 14th century Europe. I usually do not care much for the supernatural but The Taker would not be the same without it. There are ancient alchemy secrets that make people immortal, unimaginable cruelty and evil, great passion and extraordinary love that transcends life.
is Alma Katsu's debut novel. Her enthralling storytelling, well-researched historical background and powerful characters kept me captivated, turning page after page. This dark and mesmerizing tale is above all a tribute to eternal love. The narrative effortlessly goes from present day Maine through 19th century Boston to 14th century Europe. I usually do not care much for the supernatural but The Taker would not be the same without it. There are ancient alchemy secrets that make people immortal, unimaginable cruelty and evil, great passion and extraordinary love that transcends life.Ms. Katsu has written an extraordinary book that stays with me, hauntingly, long after I turned the last page. The Taker, coming out on September 6, is the first novel in a trilogy. I just can't wait to see what literary magic she will conjure next.
The Giveaway
Thanks to Gallery Books, one lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of The Taker!
To enter, please comment below what's the best book you've read this year.
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, #79 DonnaP!
Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post. Cover art and book description courtesy of the publisher or PR firm.
September 2, 2011 at 9:16 PM
This is a very difficult decision because I have read some really wonderful books this year. I'm going to go with The Color of Heaven by Julianne MacLean.
Thanks for the chance to win The Taker.
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 2, 2011 at 9:30 PM
So funny to see this giveaway, 'cause I've been on the hunt looking to win this book! I'm very excited!
Let's see I already follow you on twitter!
I already follow @AlmaKatsu
I'm now following @gallery_books
I already follow @simonschuster
I really hope to win!!! Thank-you!!!
Laura Kay
anovelreview@yahoo.com
www.anovelreview.blogspot.com
September 2, 2011 at 9:51 PM
The Hunger Games, most definitely.
-Britt T.
brittany_tucker@aol.com
September 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM
I read Patty's review of this book. Sounds good if you both liked it!
I read a lot, but not as much as I used to, so the best book?...it was Clive Cussler, but I can't remember the title!
nineteen19 at blackfoot dot net
September 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM
e-mail subscriber
nineteen19 at blackfoot dot net
September 3, 2011 at 1:01 PM
like U on FB under shana cummings williams
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September 3, 2011 at 1:01 PM
friend on FB under shana cummings williams
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September 3, 2011 at 1:02 PM
GFc follower
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September 3, 2011 at 1:03 PM
networked blogs follower
nineteen19 at blackfoot dot net
September 3, 2011 at 1:03 PM
google reader follower
nineteen19 at blackfoot dot net
September 3, 2011 at 6:50 PM
Never knowing was a great book and the girl who disappeared twice.
amhengst at verizon dot net
September 3, 2011 at 6:51 PM
I like just another blog on FB
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
September 3, 2011 at 6:52 PM
i am a email subscriber
amhengst at verizon dot net
September 3, 2011 at 6:54 PM
i am a GFC follower
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
September 3, 2011 at 7:37 PM
The best book that I have read so far this year has been Break the Skin.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:37 PM
I follow Gallery Books on Facebook as Anne Loyd.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:38 PM
I follow Gallery Books on Twitter as Anneliz702.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:38 PM
I follow Alma Katsu on Twitter as Anneliz702.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:39 PM
I follow SimonSchuster on Twitter as Anneliz702.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:40 PM
I subscribe to blow emails.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:40 PM
I follow you on GFC as AnneL.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:40 PM
I like your blog on FB as Anne Loyd.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:41 PM
I follow your blog on Networked Blogs as Anne Loyd.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:41 PM
I friended you on FB as Anne Loyd.
Anneliz702@hotmail.com
September 3, 2011 at 7:54 PM
Probably the best one so far was NurtureShock. sarah.greeners (at) gmail (dot) com
September 3, 2011 at 7:54 PM
GFC follower sarah.greeners (at) gmail (dot) com
September 3, 2011 at 7:54 PM
email subscriber sarah.greeners (at) gmail (dot) com
September 3, 2011 at 8:23 PM
The best book I read was Dewey.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 3, 2011 at 8:23 PM
GFC Follower
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 3, 2011 at 8:23 PM
voted for you at picket fence
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 3, 2011 at 8:39 PM
My favorite book this summer was The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey
Thank you for this opportunity!
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:45 PM
I follow @Gallery_Books on twitter (I'm @smallftprints)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:45 PM
I follow @AlmaKatsu on twitter (I'm @smallftprints)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:45 PM
I follow @simonschuster on twitter (@smallftprints)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:45 PM
I subscribe to your blog by e-mail (reducefootprints at gmail dot com)
September 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I subscribe to your blog via RSS (in my google reader using my other email address: cadsupport1 at gmail dot com)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I follow you publicly on Google Friends Connect
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I like Just Another New Blog on Facebook (I'm Sml Footprints)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I voted for Just Another New Blog on Picket Fence Blogs (9/3/11)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I follow you on Networked Blogs (I'm Sml Footprints)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I like you on Facebook (I'm Sml Footprints)
reducefootprints at gmail dot com
September 3, 2011 at 8:58 PM
I am a follower and email subscriber at Tore923@aol.com.
Tori, Reviewer at Sidhe Vicious Reviews.
September 3, 2011 at 8:59 PM
I read Torment from the Fallen series. That was really good. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com/Tori, Reviewer at Sidhe Vicious Reviews
September 4, 2011 at 8:25 AM
I read The Administration series by Manna Francis and loved it! I can't wait for the next book.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2011 at 8:29 AM
Follow on Twitter (as bl0226) and tweeted..
http://twitter.com/#!/bl0226/status/110328098897137664
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2011 at 8:30 AM
Follow Alma Katsu on Twitter (@bl0226)
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2011 at 8:31 AM
Follow Gallery Books on Twitter (@bl0226)
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2011 at 8:31 AM
Follow Simon and Schuster on Twitter (@bl0226)
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Email subscriber.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2011 at 8:32 AM
GFC follower (booklover0226)
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2011 at 5:51 PM
I've read many good books so far but if I had to pick one - What the Dog Saw.
September 4, 2011 at 5:51 PM
GFC follower
September 4, 2011 at 5:51 PM
Email subscriber
September 4, 2011 at 5:55 PM
I voted for you.
September 4, 2011 at 7:20 PM
I've read tons of good books! This one was tough. I think it was probably The Laurel Series by Aprilynne Pike. smithlinda60(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 4, 2011 at 7:21 PM
I follow you publicly.
September 4, 2011 at 7:21 PM
I am a FB follower. ;)
September 4, 2011 at 7:22 PM
I added your button to my sidebar.
September 4, 2011 at 8:11 PM
voted for you at picket fence
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 5, 2011 at 11:42 AM
voted for you at picket fence
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 5, 2011 at 4:15 PM
One of the best books I read this year was "On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet".
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
September 5, 2011 at 4:16 PM
I follow on GFC as Sandra K321.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
September 5, 2011 at 10:03 PM
So far "The Help" is the best book I have read this year.
katie at coverbutton dot net
September 6, 2011 at 5:47 AM
Follow you on Twitter: BookLoverC
Tweeted giveaway:
follow @Gallery_Books, @AlmaKatsu or @simonschuster on twitter
Extra entries: Follow through Network blogs as Cassandra Hernandez-Ruiz or BM Dimension.
Voted on Picket Fence.
E-mail subscribed:hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
Friend requested you: BM Dimension
Follow through Just Another Blog on GFC: Cassandra Ruiz
Will tweet 9/6/11 -9/14/11
Really want to win. Thanks for the giveaway.
My e-mail:hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
September 6, 2011 at 5:55 AM
For under Cassandra or Cassandra Ruiz
Tweeted giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/BookLoverC/status/111009009309462528
My e-mail- hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
September 6, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto
GFC & Twitter Follower: kimyunalesca
Networked blogs: Kim Cuasay(kimyunalesca)
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/kimyunalesca/status/111147846958448640
Followed @Gallery_Books, @AlmaKatsu & @simonschuster
email subscriber
Like just another blog on Facebook
Added your blog button at my side bar
http://kimyunalesca.blogspot.com/
kimyunalesca(at)yahoo(dot)com
September 6, 2011 at 7:49 PM
wow..best this year..I have no idea what the best was there have been so many,but I suggest reading
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
hollow_sins(at)yahoo dot com
September 6, 2011 at 7:49 PM
email subscriber
hollow_sins(at)yahoo dot com
September 6, 2011 at 7:50 PM
google follower-hollowsins
hollow_sins(at)yahoo dot com
September 6, 2011 at 7:50 PM
facebook friend
amanda h
hollow_sins(at)yahoo dot com
September 6, 2011 at 8:50 PM
voted for you at picket fence
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 7, 2011 at 9:31 AM
voted for you at picket fence
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 8, 2011 at 10:46 AM
voted for you at picket fence
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
September 9, 2011 at 12:11 PM
One of the best books I've read this year is The Keeper of Lost Causes.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 9, 2011 at 12:12 PM
I am an email subscriber.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 9, 2011 at 12:12 PM
I am a GFC follower.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 9, 2011 at 12:12 PM
I subscribe via RSS feed.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 9, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I voted for you at the Picket Fence today!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 10, 2011 at 8:04 AM
I voted for you today.
September 10, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Voted at the Picket Fence today!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 10, 2011 at 2:32 PM
For under Cassandra or Cassandra Ruiz
Tweeted giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/BookLoverC/status/112591407310585858
Shared on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=131907090241111&id=100001958199467
Voted on Picket Fence today:
http://picketfenceblogs.com/category/lifestyle?similar=2953
My e-mail- hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
September 11, 2011 at 11:25 AM
I think "Be Different" has been the best book I've read this year. It was definitely thought provoking and eye opening.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:27 AM
I follow you on twitter and I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/aniheartsjapan/status/112909949952196608
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:28 AM
I follow @Gallery_Books on twitter @aniheartsjapan
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I follow @AlmaKatsu on twitter @aniheartsjapan.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I follow @simonschuster on twitter.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I follow via GFC as ani hearts japan.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I like your blog on facebook as Ani G W.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:32 AM
I voted for you on picket fence.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:32 AM
I follow on networked blogs.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:33 AM
I friended you on facebook as Ani G W.
aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com
September 11, 2011 at 11:50 AM
For under Cassandra or Cassandra Ruiz
Also almost forgot to answer the question including on all my other comments. My favorite book I read this year, The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.
Tweeted giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/BookLoverC/status/112914388771540992
Shared on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/bm.dimension/posts/174128859328249
Voted on Picket Fence today:
http://picketfenceblogs.com/category/lifestyle?similar=2953
My e-mail- hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
September 11, 2011 at 3:58 PM
I voted at Picket Fence blogs today!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 11, 2011 at 4:02 PM
The Righteous by Michael Wallace
miryfaye at yahoo.com
September 11, 2011 at 4:03 PM
I follow you on Twitter and Tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/letswinblog/status/112979343449399296
miryfaye at yahoo.com
September 11, 2011 at 4:04 PM
I follow @AlmaKatsu - letswinblog
miryfaye at yahoo.com
September 11, 2011 at 4:04 PM
I follow @Gallery_Books on Twitter - letswinblog
miryfaye at yahoo.com
September 11, 2011 at 4:05 PM
I follow @simonschuster on twitter - letswinblog
miryfaye at yahoo.com
September 12, 2011 at 7:34 AM
Voted over at the Picket Fence today!
Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 12, 2011 at 10:07 PM
For under Cassandra or Cassandra Ruiz
Also for the question including on all my other comments. My favorite book I read this year, The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Tweeted giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/BookLoverC/status/113432874220396544
Shared on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/bm.dimension/posts/269930053030707
Voted on Picket Fence today:
http://picketfenceblogs.com/category/lifestyle?similar=2953
My e-mail- hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
September 14, 2011 at 3:24 PM
The best book I've read this year is The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen. Love to read this book. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
September 14, 2011 at 3:25 PM
Subscribe via email.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
September 14, 2011 at 3:26 PM
Follow publicly on GFC!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
September 14, 2011 at 3:27 PM
Voted on Picket Fence Blogs 9/14.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
September 14, 2011 at 8:33 PM
I voted for you. sarah.greeners (at) gmail (dot) com
September 15, 2011 at 7:50 AM
I follow on Twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/nfmgirl/status/114304800354598912
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM
I follow @Gallery_Books via Twitter
nfmgirl AT gmail dOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM
I follow @AlmaKatsu via Twitter
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM
I follow @simonschuster via Twitter
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September 15, 2011 at 7:54 AM
I subscribe via email
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September 15, 2011 at 7:54 AM
I subscribe via RSS
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September 15, 2011 at 7:54 AM
I follow via GFC
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:55 AM
I follow JANB on FB
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:55 AM
I follow via Networked Blogs
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:56 AM
I'm a friend on FB: Heather H J
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:56 AM
I have you on my blog roll:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 7:57 AM
I have your button:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
September 15, 2011 at 6:24 PM
I voted at the Picket Fence blog today!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 15, 2011 at 6:50 PM
For under Cassandra or Cassandra Ruiz
Also for the question including on all my other comments. My favorite book I read this year, The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Tweeted giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/BookLoverC/status/114471123030253568
Shared on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=176435149097583&id=100001958199467
Voted on Picket Fence today:
http://picketfenceblogs.com/category/lifestyle?similar=2953
My e-mail- hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
September 16, 2011 at 3:32 PM
Voted at the Picket Fence today!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
September 17, 2011 at 11:32 AM
The best so far this year that I have read is Confessions of a Catholic Cop written by Thomas Fritzsimmons... Great Book
jenblizzard at yahoo dot com
September 17, 2011 at 11:34 AM
follow via twitter and tweeted
@jenblizzard542
http://twitter.com/#!/jenblizzard542/status/115085925498888192
jenblizzard at yahoo dot com
September 17, 2011 at 11:36 AM
follow @simonschuster via twitter'
@jenblizzard542
jenblizzard at yahoo dot com
September 17, 2011 at 11:36 AM
follow @AlmaKatsu via twitter'
@jenblizzard542
jenblizzard at yahoo dot com
September 17, 2011 at 11:37 AM
follow @Gallery_Books via twitter'
@jenblizzard542
jenblizzard at yahoo dot com
September 17, 2011 at 12:38 PM
The best book was "The five people you'll meet in Heaven"
theremustbmore@aol.com
September 17, 2011 at 12:39 PM
I am a twitter follower
theremustbmore@aol.com
September 17, 2011 at 6:52 PM
probably Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 6:55 PM
follow you on twitter
and tweeted under frugalwahms
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM
follow @simonschuster on twitter
frugalwahms
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:07 PM
subscribe via email
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:08 PM
follow on GFC
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:08 PM
follow on networked blogs
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:08 PM
like you on FB
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:08 PM
subscribe via rss
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:09 PM
voted on picket fences
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:11 PM
follow @Gallery_Books on twitter
frugalwahms
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:12 PM
follow @AlmaKatsu
on twitter
frugalwahms
laurie1993@verizon.net
September 17, 2011 at 7:52 PM
I voted at the Picket Fence today!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com