Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah 
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 This book has been in my TBR pile for quite some time. It's one of those books that, every time I would see it somewhere, I'd think "Oh! I really need to read that one soon!" - Then I would forget about it for awhile. Finally I came across it while rummaging through the shelves at my local library, and I snatched it up. I am so glad I did! 
 Stolen is written in the form of a letter. Don't let that turn you off, though. It's not irritating like you may think. It reads very very well and it didn't dull any part of the story for me. 
 16-year-old Gemma is kidnapped from an airport while traveling with her parents. Her kidnapper is a man who calls himself Ty. He takes her to an insanely remote location in the Australian desert - to a house described by Gemma as a "shack". It is here that Gemma learns Ty has been watching her - and planning, for a very long time. Apparently he feels he needs to save her, and he needs someone to love him. Crazy, yeah? She also learns that Ty has some very deep and disturbing issues that may explain why he's stolen her, and he may not be quite the monster she believes. 
 When Gemma finally gets the chance to run, she realizes just exactly how far away civilization may be (try nowhere for hundreds of miles) - and that giving up hope of ever leaving may be inevitable. 
 "How long will you keep me?" I asked. 
 You shrugged. "Forever, of course." 
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 Ty is a lot like your average kidnapper in some ways: He's nuts. He's delusional. His boundaries are twisted. He has anger/temper problems. He doesn't understand why Gemma is even upset about what's happened. Other things about him, though, are different: (view spoiler)[He doesn't sexually abuse Gemma. (hide spoiler)] He wants to protect her, love her, and receive the same in return. He even gets upset at her for being careless with her own health. He's just a lost soul who has suffered from terrible childhood traumas, and now has a skewed view of the world and its' people. 
 Gemma was a nice character. I enjoyed reading from her perspective very much. I found her words and views a perfect fit for a 16-year-old girl. She seemed a little overly-insecure with herself, but I guess a lot of teens are. 
 I loved where the story takes place. Lucy Christopher presented us with stunning imagery. I was able to see the desert and all it's personality (not to mention critters!) unfold right in front of my eyes (or behind.. however you see it ;P). I had this urge to ask my husband to book us some sort of vacation for the Australian outback. lol Maybe a little more civilized than the situation depicted in this book, but you get the idea. Gorgeous landscaping! 
 My complaints: 
 The end wasn't my cup of tea. It wasn't what I personally thought would happen, nor was it what I wanted to happen. (view spoiler)[I really wanted to see Gemma and Ty interact at least once more, or even see each other. Maybe from across a court room like she describes in her letter. But, instead - nothing. (hide spoiler)] :( I was a little disappointed. 
 The part where they captured the camel was the most unrealistic thing I think I have ever read. It was exciting, that's for sure! BUT, I just had this insane picture in my head and it doesn't fit with anything humanly possible. 
 That's really it for my complaints. 
 Overall: 
 I think this novel presented a fantastic view on the way Stockholm Syndrome can develop. I also think that it being in the form of a captive-to-captor letter made it even more interesting and believable. Like, I could see myself feeling this way if I was kidnapped as a teen (or even now, for that matter). Reading how she felt, what she was thinking, her panic, fear, confusion, etc. - It made it easy to develop a liking for Ty, and compassion for his situation. 
 This novel was very emotional and moving, but also entertaining and full of action. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I would recommend it. It's a quick read at just 300-ish pages. It was fast-paced and never boring. There is no adult content save for some mild cursing. A really great book!