I’m one of four Willow daughters. He’s the first-born son of the Scafoni family. And we have history.For generations, the Scafoni family have demanded a sacrifice of us. A virgin daughter to atone for sins so old, we don’t even remember what they are anymore.But when you have as much money as they do, you don’t play by the rules. You make them.And Sebastian Scafoni makes all the rules.The moment … makes all the rules.
The moment I saw him, I knew he would choose me. Even though the mark on my sheath declared me unclean. Even though my beautiful sisters stood beside me, offered to him, he still chose me.
He made me his.
And then he set out to break me.
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Taken is the exact kind of book I usually avoid. I know myself and my limits very well but I’m also a reader that adheres to the phrase, “Never say never.” I’m open enough to know there is always an author out there that can take a story line I’d normally hate and make me love it. So I went in to reading Taken with my eyes and mind open. While Natasha didn’t make me love what I normally hate, she did write a compelling enough story that I found myself unable to put it down. Even as I cringed and ranted and railed at the characters and the scenes playing out, I continued to read.
Part of me wants to hate it enough to trash it, to tear the characters, their actions and the story line apart but I won’t. I can’t. Yes, I was uncomfortable with the noncon/dubcon sex scenes, the humiliation and the Stockholmesque relationship, but I also recognized the writer’s talent despite my own limitations. I’m an open enough reader to know that subjects that I avoid are the same subjects others seek out. Natasha’s talent had me finishing this story that in many other similar books, I couldn’t. With that alone, Natasha has gained my admiration. I will be picking up the next in the duet.
Oh, my sweet and holy he!!. I’m in shock after reading this book. It left me gasping and completely unsure as to what was going on. There are twists and turns and it’s a roller coaster that keeps you right on the edge of your seat the entire time you’re reading it.
The Willows and the Scarfonis have a deep and historical bond. Of course, it is much worse than it sounds. The sons of the Scarfoni, each generation, choose one of the quadruplet Willow daughters and keep her for 3 years, one year for each of the brothers. They do with her what they will. The survival rates of the Willow Girls after they get home is very low. They come home broken and changed, and end up killing themselves.
Helena and her 3 sisters are this generation’s Willow Girls, on their 21st birthday, it’s time for one of them to be chosen. Helena doesn’t think it will be here. She’s done what she can to make sure she’s not chosen, and she expects one of her 3 golden sisters will be chosen. But Sebastian Scarfoni chooses her.
I don’t know whether or not to hate Sebastian. Sometimes I hate him, sometimes I don’t. He is a total ashhole and a right b@st@rd, but what can you do? I know that I hate Ethan and Lucinda, with a passion. Nothing bad enough can happen to those two. Gregory is even harder to figure out. I don’t know if I like him or not. I’m definitely leaning towards not. As for Helena, I feel so sorry for her. She’s so unhappy and in so much pain and she tries to be fierce because that’s the only way that she can live, and she actually is fierce, sometimes, but not always.
I can’t wait until the next part of the duet. I may die between now and then because I need it so much.
What do you do, if you find out one day, a man will be showing up to pick between you and your virgin sisters and take you as part of a sacrifice your family has been involved in for so long and no one even remembers the specific crimes you are paying for? If you’re Helena, you make sure you’re not a virgin when that day comes. Problem is, Sebastian picks her anyway, non-virgin not withstanding. He sees something in her he has to possess and once he has her, he sets out to claim her and slowly break her down. In the process Sebastian lives up to the dark reputation he has, yet he has moments of kindness that seem to contradict everything Helena knows and experiences at his hands. Helena, for her part, is full of spunk and determination, she will not be easily controlled and she has a knack for being reckless.
I really loved both Sebastian and Helena. Sebastian is the perfect dark, sexy male lead who makes questionable choices, but manages to make you fall for him regardless. I loved Helena’s personality, but did get a bit frustrated with some of the choices she made. This is the first of a duet and the ending has me grateful we will not be waiting too long for the last part.
Wow! Get ready to be sucked in from the first page for a roller coaster ride full of emotions.
Taken is book one of the Dark Legacy Duet. It’s a dark twisted story about the tradition between two families and the sacrifices that must be made. It’s a story full of family secrets and deception with twists and turns you wont expect. There are characters you will like and there are characters that you will absolutely loathe and despise. Who is telling the truth and who is lying? Although Sebastian Scafoni and Helena Willow are the main two characters, the rest of the Scafoni family play a major part in the events that unravel.
That ending left me anxious and on the edge of my seat! Thank goodness book two (Torn) is scheduled for release in just a couple of weeks because I’m dying to find out what happens next.
I was kindly provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Holy Smokes!!!!!! What a start to this dark romance. I really can’t say much without giving away the story but wow!!!! I already hate the mother and one brother and am hoping by the end of this series, they are dealt with!! LOL This story drew me in from the very first page and kept me up very late at night because I couldn’t put the book down. Yes, it ends in a cliffhanger but the next book is only a couple of weeks away. And if you know me, you know I hate cliffhangers but I will happily wait for the next book. I HAVE to know what happens to the characters!!!!!! GET THIS BOOK!!!!
OMG!!!! This book, it delivers everything you want in an enemies to lovers and dark read, Sebastian Scafoni carries on with the tradition of picking a Willow girl and his sights are on Helena the chosen one, just one look and he knows she will be his challenge. Helena is sassy and feisty and does not back down and she tells herself she will survive but who does she trust and listen to, this is one sadistic crazy family and I already despise the mother, the brothers Im not sure yet. There are secrets and drama down right meanness with punishments that are expected for Helena, but when Sebastian brings out his good side the hotness and scenes are smoldering hot and it is intense and that cliffhanger just Whoa!!! didn’t see that and I cannot wait for more.
I really enjoyed reading this! It’s full of twists and suspense and that ending definitely left me wanting more!
I swear Natasha Knight’s novels are like Christmas to me. I want to sit and savor but my excitement and anticipation has me devouring her books in one sitting. I absolutely FLOVED Taken. It was dark, sexy, erotic, suspenseful and every damn thing and more you can expect from this author’s novels. I truly was addicted and seriously can not wait for the conclusion to this series.
Without giving away any spoilers, Helena is one of the four Willow daughters, “Willow Girl” and in a long standing (archaic) tradition is chosen as a slave for the Scafoni sons. When she is chosen to serve Sebastian, the eldest Scafoni heir for one year, not only do they have a feral and fiery attraction but the growing feelings between them are palpable. I loved that this story was dark and sexy af but also emotional.
This author is brilliant as she not only tells a masterful story but sets the scene and emotions beautifully. I felt Helena’s joy and anguish as she contemplated her circumstances and experienced her fear and growing attraction for Sebastian. It was absolutely incredible and the myriad of secrets, intrigue and unknown intentions in the story have me dying for book two. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Nnnoooooooooooooooooooooo
Ugh I didn’t want that to end!
History has a way of being in the present,
Generation after generation of doing something so barbaric that, and it’s still continuing.
Sebastian ugh I should totally hate him but since the beginning I really took to him I felt something about his presence but then, my feelings changed then changed again and again
Helena her will is so strong, but even the strongest can be broken down when the rug is pulled under them, but is everyone who they seem & will the wrong person feel like her saviour?
This ends on a cliffhanger and as much as I love them right now my head is like WWWHHHHYYYYY
What did I just read?! My heart is beating so hard!! This was my first read by this author and she had me entranced from the very first paragraph. The story of the Scafoni’s and the Willow’s is not for the faint of heart. The history of these families goes back hundreds of years and each year they take their vengeance. When Helena is chosen by Sebastian her life as she knows it is forever changed. Can she survive? Can she maybe stop the craziness?
While reading this many emotions will go thru you..anger..disbelief..hope.. and many more. Not to mention the unspoken chemistry between these two characters. I didn’t want to put this book down, it’s that good! Now I can’t wait for the next book so I can find out what happens. I’ll be waiting on pins and needles till then. And, should you read this, most definitely that would be a yes!
I gave this Book a rating of 5 ’s
Title: Taken
Series: Standalone
Genre: New Adult & College Romance
Author: Natasha Knight
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: October 29, 2018
I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions and am choosing to leave a review.
>-< >–< >–< >–< >–<>–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< What I liked/Didn’t Like: Loved It!!!! One small problem though I HATE Cliffhangers give me book 2 already will ya. Somewhat of a dark romance with a few twists and turns. You feel as if you are in the characters heads and your not sure who to trust. The story pulls you in from the beginning and doesn’t let you go till the end. Scratch that with the cliffhanger it hasn’t let me go yet.
4.5 stars!!
This was my first read from Natasha but it for sure won’t be my last! I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to love or hate Sebastian and Helena’s character was vulnerable but kick ass. She stuck up for herself and kept strong through more than anyone should have to endure!
Taken is a roller coaster of emotions that for sure won’t leave you disappointed. I read it in one day and that just doesn’t happen for me. I couldn’t put it down! So excited for the 2nd part!!
Be still my dark-loving heart! Taken is the first book in the Dark Legacy Duet by one of my Queens of Darkness, Natasha Knight! It is INTENSELY GRIPPING, ANGSTY, frequently DISTURBING and DELICIOUSLY DARK!
Sebastian Scafoni is a complicated man….one who grew on me rather quickly for reasons you will discover when you read this intense, unpredictable story! I truly believe he has a heart of gold….however only time will tell if my suspicions are accurate (seeing as Taken ends in a cliffhanger to end ALL CLIFFHANGERS!!!) I am sooooo glad that Torn will be coming out in a few weeks so I can find out EXACTLY what twisted, demonic schemes Natasha has in store for poor, misguided Helena Willow (the chosen “Willow Girl”) I NEED to know what will happen to that HATEFUL, CRUEL stepmother (I have a few ideas of how to deal with HER!) and if Sebastian will follow the age-old tradition through to the end!
I ABSOLUTELY could not put this one down and I CANNOT WAIT for Torn! All I can say is you really need to prepare yourself for this one….it is simply UNFORGETTABLE! A DEFINITE 5 STAR MUST READ!!!
Dark, consuming and page turning, Taken is absolutely mind blowing!
Helena is one of four Willow daughters. Sebastian is the eldest Scafoni son. Due to past transgressions, every generation, one Willow daughter is sacrificed to the whims of the Scafoni sons, starting with the oldest.
When Sebastian chooses Helena, she promises to find a way to end the awful tradition. But it’s not easy. With no one to trust besides the Sebastian, she must put her trust in him even though he is her enemy.
Will she be strong enough to survive and break the tradition?
This book excites and thrills from the very first page to the last. Full of suspense and heartbreak this book is nothing short of utterly addictive.
I was awed by Helena’s strength. She is a phenomenal character with tons of backbone. She is no meek princess.
Sebastian is commanding, demanding and possessive. He is dark and pushes Helena ever more towards her breaking point. Helena will not roll over and play dead however and this causes some power plays between them that were riveting.
Natasha Knight has without a doubt rocked this book!
Please note that this book ends on a cliffhanger and has dark themes that may cause triggers.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars
Taken by Natasha Knight is the First book in the Dark Legacy Duet Series. This is the story of Sebastian and Helena.
Scafoni family has always has always taken a sacrifice of a daughter from the Willow’s family for centuries and this time it will be no different. Helena know that she is the ugly and non-pure of the sisters, so she knows she won’t be picked…but then she finds herself being picked by Sebastian.
Helena is a strong stubborn women who tires not to be scared of Sebastian but his family is another matter…especially the Step-Mother, Lucinda. Sebastian is somewhat harsh toward Helena but I felt it was more of the way he was raised but he did have some softer moments. They are feeling their way through their feelings and the old legend of the ‘sacrifice’.
This is a Dark Romance that does end with a cliffhanger to set up the next installment in their story.
Whoa – that was not the cliffhanger I thought would happen. I wasn’t sure what it would be, but that wasn’t in the realm. So, so good though!
One Willow girl has been given the Faconi boys for generations. She spends one year with each of the sons, and then goes home again. Helena was sure she wouldn’t be chosen, yet she was, and first born, first up, is Sebastian. She expects the worse, and it isn’t pleasant, yet, she knows it could be worse, and probably will get worse. The unexpected heat between her and her captor takes her off guard, but she can’t deny it, deny him, and his demands. It conflicts within her, but she is choosing the devil she knows for the time, until she can figure something out
Just when things seem to be going one way, they get turned in the wind. It appears the worst will happen sooner than she thought. And it looks like history will repeat itself with her, not end.
I need the rest of the story because this was awesome and I have to know how this turns out, pretty please!
No Spoilers – it is important that you go in blind – just trust me
Holy Chit!
Dark – Consuming – left me breathless
This is part one and it ends on a serious cliffhanger
Sebastian – the eldest of the Scafoni brothers – It is his duty to choose one of the Willow women – He has always had a bit of darkness to him and when he sees the fire that burns in Helena’s eyes there is no question left as to who he will choose – the one he knows will feed his darkness
I was clenching my kindle in anger , then holding my breath in anticipation, only to choke on my fear a moment later swamped with the need to stop the story – quite literally
I was on edge from the moment we met Helena, a prisoner to her pain
I need book two and I need it yesterday!!
Family tradition has to be upheld in order to keep the curse at bay. Dealt with like a business transaction, Willow girl to be sentenced to three years with the Scafoni’s. Harvest one Willow girl, from four…selected by the eldest Scafoni son. Spending one year with each of the three sons, however she must endure whatever punishment is thrown upon her. Does the chosen Willow girl have to take her punishment quietly? Well I guess it depends on your personality, however Helena does not…she is going to put up one hell of a fight and do whatever she can to put a stop to this crazy tradition. Only she has a few problems she is being held captive in a foreign country with no money or passport and she is falling for Sebastian. He got to choose her and he has first rights to her body. He has some redeeming qualities but he is also a very stoic man. Lucinda is the stereotypical jealous, evil stepmother unfortunately she has been poisoning her son Ethan with her cruelty. There is a lot more than meets the eye to the youngest brother Gregory, his true character will be revealed as the story unfolds. Helena needs to do some exploring and start asking questions to get some answers. Hopefully she can survive the conniving and cruel Scafoni family.
Wow this story amazing. Let me start by saying this is a duet, so Taken ends with a jaw dropping cliffhanger that will make you antsy for Torn. It comes out in just a couple weeks.
I will keep this review spoiler free. If the readers want to read this duet they need to leave their morals at the door. It’s a dark romance that will have you addicted to this story. I was wondering, still am, where this story is going. Who I thought were allies are actually not. I don’t know who to trust and not.
This characters are just plain perfectly created. Helena doesn’t take any crap in the face of the enemy. She doesn’t let go of who she is. Sebastian is the enemy or is he really?
This story is captivating. It’s suspenseful and intriguing. I was sucked in so deep that I still haven’t crawled my way out yet. It’s a complete mind game. Once I started reading, I just couldn’t put it down. I went through it in a matter of a few short hours. I can’t wait for the conclusion.
Duet told in a duel POV with a shocking cliffhanger. I strongly recommend this story.
All I can say is Holy Amazeballs!
In Taken we are introduced to Helena Willow and Sebastian Scafoni.
They come from families who have hated and despised each other for generations.
The tradition they uphold each generation is twisted,perverted and dark.
When the time comes for Sebastian to go get his Willow Girl he somewhat breaks with the tradition
of picking a virgin.
He is immediately drawn to Helena.
He sees the fight in her eyes,the inner strength she has and he’s intrigued by the vast diffidence in appearance between her and her sisters.
To say the “relationship” between Helena and Sebastian is complicated is an understatement,omg its an enigma unto itself!
In a mansion that houses four twisted people Sebastian informs Helena that he’s her only ally.
Now just imagine what the other disturbed freaks are like!
But not everything is as it seems.
Ms. Knight always delivers exceptional books!
With storylines and plots that are thrilling,intense and dark.
Bad boy “heroes” that I want to hate but just can’t and strong determined ladies I love and cheer on.
Taken has all her hallmark signatures!
I can’t freaking wait for the next book and the conclusion of this stunning story!