THE TAKER

"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.

The Taker by Alma Katsu *This has quickly become my favorite book*

First I must say thank you, Alma for the opportunity to read and review your debut novel! I loved it and I know my words can not give it justice.

To all readers, I would HIGHLY suggest you read this in hard back. The book is so beautiful and sometimes there is just something about holding a book in your hand enjoying turning the pages, seeing it stained with tears (proof of the emotion felt while reading) etc... The cover is GORGEOUS!

This story was so addictive. I didn't want to put it down, my poor family... LOL! The story deals with immortal love, has great aspects of historical fiction. The Taker, kept me reading late in the night. I wanted/ want more! Combining paranormal romance and historical fiction, this book will take your emotions up and down leave you gasping, eyes watering, heart racing, wanting to know what is going to happen next. I really enjoyed the research and history that went into this book. I am writing this review several months later after reading it a second time and I enjoyed it more the second time than I did the first! This book is cleverly put together and has a few stories within a story, it's very well written. Alma is able to describe characters and scenes like nothing I have experienced before. Everything is so very detailed. She describes things so well I was not left wondering, I could picture everything perfectly.

The ending COMPLETELY shocked me! I was not expecting it all. I can't wait to read The Reckoning (Taker #2), also excited to read The Devils Scribe, but sad that it is only available electronically.

I have to say thank you again to Alma for captivating me like no one ever has. :)