Friday, October 07, 2011

Review: Held by Edeet Ravel

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Held
Edeet Ravel
Released January 25th, 2011
by Annick Press, Limited

What happens when the source of your worst fears becomes the object of your affection?

Seventeen-year-old Chloe’s summer vacation in Greece comes to an abrupt end when she is suddenly bound, gagged and whisked away to an unidentified location. Waking up from a drug-induced sleep, she finds herself in a squalid warehouse. Chloe can only imagine the worst.

After several days of total isolation and utter despair, Chloe faces a new threat when her kidnapper appears, but she also feels a sense of relief. His revelation that she is being held as ransom for a prisoner exchange, however, does little to allay her fears.

The weeks pass and, haunted by terrifying dreams and with only her thoughts to keep her company, Chloe fights to remain calm in an impossible situation. At least her kidnapper, although cold and distant, visits frequently, often bringing gifts. Before long, Chloe begins to have feelings for him that take her by surprise. Though still fearing for her safety, she now fantasizes about a life together. And is it her imagination, or does her captor share those feelings? Even when she is finally released, Chloe vows to protect her captor at any cost.

I was fortunate to have won this book in a Goodreads’ First Reads giveaway (many thanks!!!), but I would have gladly paid for it as it’s a wonderful book.

Chloe, a 17 year old, gets abducted during her vacation in Greece. In her mind she expects the worse: they are terrorists and she will be raped and killed, maybe tortured. So it came to a big surprise when she is very well treated with gourmet meals and everything she needs during her confinement. Consequently, she soon starts to fa…moreI was fortunate to have won this book in a Goodreads’ First Reads giveaway, but I would have gladly paid for it as it’s a wonderful book.

Chloe, a 17 year old, gets abducted during her vacation in Greece. In her mind she expects the worse: they are terrorists and she will be raped and killed, maybe tortured. So it came to a big surprise when she is very well treated with gourmet meals and everything she needs during her confinement. Consequently, she soon starts to fall for her abductor, an attractive and considerate young man. A classic case of Stockholm Syndrome.

The story is narrated by Chloe in a first person point of view. That way, we get to really be in her head and understand how she is feeling and what she’s going through. The character of Chloe is very realistic; the emotions she’s feeling are tangible and you become aware of her desperation throughout the ordeal. Before I read the book I couldn’t conceive how this syndrome actually manifests, now I understand how easily it can. I never once felt it was unrealistic or excessive. I even hoped they would end up together while I was reading!

The only downside for me was the ending. I wasn’t really sure what to think of it. Was her kidnapper just brainwashing her? Were the smoking kids actually there? Is she going to snap out of it? Or was it all for real? I felt just a tiny bit disappointed, but at the same time, it does add a mysterious allure to the story.

All in all, It was a fresh and unique YA novel. Suspenseful and captivating, Held is a great read and I highly recommend it. Good job Edeet! I will be seeking more of your work!

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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9 Responses to “Review: Held by Edeet Ravel”

  1. Sarah

    Great review Giselle! I added this one a little while back when you recommended it to me on my review of Stolen. It sounds really good!

    As someone who has read a book (Stolen) about Stockholm Syndrome, I have to agree. It’s very hard to understand how someone can get to the point of being infatuated with their captor. But, these kinds of books suck you in and before you even realize it, you’re right there with her! It’s crazy.

    Definitely need to read this one soon.

    ♥ Sarah @ I’m Loving Books

  2. Andrea

    Hmmm…sounds interesting. I, too, would have a hard time believing onStickholm Syndrome. It’s cool that the book makes you believe in it. That sounds weird, right? Hopefully you’ll get what I’m saying.
    Great review!

  3. Lauren M

    Ooh, freaky! I hadn’t heard of this one before, but now I’m interested! Stockholm Syndrome is really fascinating. Glad Held was a great read! Thanks for the review! 🙂

  4. mfay2

    I never heard of this book! It sounds AMAZING! I’m up for another book with kidnapping plot. I’m adding it to my wishlist and the review was very helpful! I was passing by to thank you for commenting on my WOW post, too!

  5. Candace

    I hadn’t heard of this one before, but WOW! It sounds really good! I kind of hate being left wondering though, I want to know the answers to everything, so that part of it could maybe ruin it for me. I’ll have to read it sometime and see for myself.

  8. A Canadian Girl

    I haven’t heard about this one but I’m adding it to my wishlist since you mentioned that the way Chloe develops Stockholm Syndrome is very realistic. There aren’t too many books dealing with that. The ending does seem a little up in the air though.