Held

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Description

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. This powerful psychological thriller leaves readers wondering at every suspenseful turn: Is Chloe experiencing Stockholm syndrome

Reviews

Award-winning Canadian-Israeli novelist Edeet Ravel dishes up an intriguing psychological thriller in this young adult novel about an American teen who is kidnapped during a summer stay in Greece.--Elizabeth Brea"ForeWord Reviews" (04/29/2011)
Held is both riveting and surreal... Well worth the read.--Kris McNaughton"edwardsmagazinebookclub.com" (07/12/2011)
Ravel casts doubt on all her characters in this clever, engaging page-turner.--Deirdre Baker"thestar.com" (06/21/2011)
Ravel's characters are honest and life-like depictions. She allows readers to get inside Chloe's head and feel what she's feeling. The power play between Chloe and her captor and the resulting suspense keep readers engrossed throughout the novel... Held is dramatic and full of suspense without falling into the genre of horror or becoming too theatrical and emotive. Readers learn on the first page that Chloe has survived her experience and must re-integrate herself into her old life. This is part of the suspense as well because one cannot help but wonder what kind of person Chloe has become after such a harrowing experience. Ravel also never reveals the true relationship between Chloe and her captor.... Held is an excellent and timely young adult novel. The news seems to regularly mention hostage takings, and Edeet Ravel has given readers just a glimpse of what that situation might be like. Highly Recommended.--Ann Ketcheson"CM" (04/29/2011)
This well-written book will be interesting for students who are looking for a thoughtful read that is a bit out of the ordinary.--Sarah Nelson"Resource Links" (06/01/2011)
There is a sense of desperation and emergency that fills every corner of Held, bestselling novelist Edeet Ravel's novel of suspense and exploration of the Stockholm Syndrome. Edeet Ravel once again proves herself an adept manipulator of difficult material....This is rich, thought-provoking stuff. This eminently discussible novel continually asks readers to consider whether ends justify means and how power and control affect relationships. Less thriller than psychological puzzler, this novel effectively keeps readers guessing.
Award-winning...novelist Edeet Ravel dishes up an intriguing psychological thriller in this young adult novel.--Elizabeth Brea"ForeWord Reviews" (04/29/2011)
Dramatic and full of suspense... Held is an excellent and timely young adult novel.... Highly Recommended.--Ann Ketcheson"CM" (04/29/2011)
Well-written... Interesting for students...looking for a thoughtful read that is a bit out of the ordinary.--Sarah Nelson"Resource Links" (06/01/2011)
...(A) clever, engaging page-turner.--Deirdre Baker"thestar.com" (06/21/2011)

Author Bio

Edeet Ravel's best-selling novels for adults include "Ten Thousand Lovers" and "Your Sad Eyes and Unforgettable Mouth." Her novels for younger readers include the critically acclaimed Pauline series and "The Saver." She lives in Guelph, Ontario. Visit her website at www.edeet.com.