Chosen: Chosen #1 (The Chosen)

I tend to read the free books, but I am so happy I chose this book to read! Emma, Jake and Will go on a crazy roller coaster ride running from the "Bad Men" and your heart aches for Emma the whole time. I had to read the first 3 books in 4 days, I could not put the last 2 books down! Its a great series to get wrapped up in!

Like most of you, I purchased this because of the raving reviews. I can guarantee I will probably not be buying the sequels. I found this a frustrating read. The character of the boy is sketchy at best, no development. The mother was annoying. That is the best I can say for her. The hero (the Chosen) was probably the best of the lot....but still not well fleshed out. The story was filled with annoying details that did not make sense....the mother drives like Mario Andretti...I am sure she learned that while getting her CPA....the father of the boy....oh heck what was that all about? The boy who goes from moments of being a typical five year old playing with Matchbox cars to being Yoda....what can I say except I totally agree with the One and Two star reviews....and wonder what the Five Star reviewers saw in this book.

This reads like a YA book even though the characters are certainly not YA. It kind of has that Harry Potter feel to it. It is pretty simplistic writing and I couldn't get invested in the main heroine. There was switching around with POV and that didn't work for me too. So, while it was an okay book to read, I wouldn't reread it and wasn't interested in purchasing the next book.

I had read other book by this author & thought I would try these. I was not sure at first, but once I got started I could not stop reading them. This was different from anything else that I have read. I really enjoyed the characters an their journey. I was sad to see it end. It is worth it to pick up the entire series at once so that you don't have to stop and make multiple purchases.

I could not put this book down. I read it at break, at lunch, after work, every chance I got. I was captured by the characterizations. There was some profanity, but it worked well for the story. I loved the way the author allowed the reader to get into the minds of the three main characters: Jake, Emma, and Will. Being a mother, I totally related to Emma and her fierce protection of her son. As for Jake, I love the kid. And Will, what can I say, he's a tortured hero with a past, and he's hot. By the time I got to the end of the book, I was biting my nails waiting for the revelation of the mystery, and what a great mystery. I can't wait to continue this saga. I hope there's more than one book planned in this series. Congratulations Ms. Swank on an exceptional story!

I thoroughly enjoyed Chosen, Ms Swank's second book that I also enjoyed. She is definitely a gifted writer and one to follow.Her stories are a pleasure to read.
Chosen is one wild ride of a thriller. Lots of great action. I enjoyed the snappy banter between Emma and Will and I absolutely fell in love with Jake. (TomCruise's movie...can't recall title here but "Show me the money" line) Remember how that little kid stole your heart. Well Jake is another who will do the same. And you will cheer, root for and sweat through this book. Don't miss it.

Great first book in the series!! Chase scene, danger, romance, with a little knoledge of the future thrown in for fun :) Emma and Jake have been running for years, and that won't be changing soon. The bad men are comming to get them and their notice is getting shorter and shorter. Will Will help them or is he just one more bad man? The only way to find out is to trust him.

I enjoyed the story of this book - it kept me interested for sure. However, I was not impressed with the writing. It seemed like a high schooler wrote it through the first half, then the second half improved somewhat. It was not much money when I bought it, so I feel it was a good value, just not a really good book.

I could not put this book down. I read it at break, at lunch, after work, every chance I got. I was captured by the characterizations. There was some profanity, but it worked well for the story. I loved the way the author allowed the reader to get into the minds of the three main characters: Jake, Emma, and Will. Being a mother, I totally related to Emma and her fierce protection of her son. As for Jake, I love the kid. And Will, what can I say, he's a tortured hero with a past, and he's hot. By the time I got to the end of the book, I was biting my nails waiting for the revelation of the mystery, and what a great mystery. I can't wait to continue this saga. I hope there's more than one book planned in this series. Congratulations Ms. Swank on an exceptional story!

I thoroughly enjoyed Chosen, Ms Swank's second book that I also enjoyed. She is definitely a gifted writer and one to follow.Her stories are a pleasure to read.
Chosen is one wild ride of a thriller. Lots of great action. I enjoyed the snappy banter between Emma and Will and I absolutely fell in love with Jake. (TomCruise's movie...can't recall title here but "Show me the money" line) Remember how that little kid stole your heart. Well Jake is another who will do the same. And you will cheer, root for and sweat through this book. Don't miss it.

Great first book in the series!! Chase scene, danger, romance, with a little knoledge of the future thrown in for fun :) Emma and Jake have been running for years, and that won't be changing soon. The bad men are comming to get them and their notice is getting shorter and shorter. Will Will help them or is he just one more bad man? The only way to find out is to trust him.

I enjoyed the story of this book - it kept me interested for sure. However, I was not impressed with the writing. It seemed like a high schooler wrote it through the first half, then the second half improved somewhat. It was not much money when I bought it, so I feel it was a good value, just not a really good book.

I have to say that this book had me from hello! Wow I couldn't put it down! Action packed - the author takes you on quite an adventure! The story was a little Terminator-esque with a twist but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This author is definitely one to watch!

I read several good reviews so I bought the book. While the characters were interesting and the romance had sizzle-this author needs to learn how to write a whole book. Did her editor say to her"hey, don't bother finishing the story, just set up the series!" I like a series as well as the next person, but not when the book doesn't deliver the culmination of the plot line. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a WHOLE story followed by two more WHOLE stories. It is a commercial and artistic success. This is a prequel setup for a sequel. I would like to see this author get some ambition or a new editor. There is far too much emphasis on "wait till you see what happens in the next book" instead of just making this one great.
Too bad. The author has talent.

I feel that when a writer doesn't finish a story and you must buy other books to finish then they have no confidence in themselves. I read a lot of books in a series and go on to buy the authors other books but I will not read a soap opera set of books just like I would never watch one on TV. When I finish a book I want to feel like I have not wasted my time. It is to bad because I really enjoyed the first book and would have bought the others and read them at my leisure but not 4 in a row. I try to read a book every 2 days but I like to read all different kinds not the same thing over and over. I hope I have not bought anymore of your books. Thank you for the first book and I will make up my own ending.

This was a great start to what promises to be a very exciting series. There are threads of the supernatural throughout but while the strings are being pulled by prophecies and forces that are definitely not normal, the focus is more on the characters. You are quickly pulled in and given reasons to care about what happens to the characters, above and beyond the need to find out what is going happen next in the general story, which is quite compelling enough to keep you reading. The attachment to the characters just ensures that this will be a book that gets hard to put down. We have the beginnings of what promises to be one very epic storyline, plenty of action, more than a little romance, and a 5 year old that you'll love the whole time you are questioning if you really should like him at all.

I read the reviews on this book prior to purchase. It was as advertised - a story about relationships with a paranormal edge. It was an OK read - I think I rate it OK only because of the very abrupt ending. It's like the author decided this was enough and we have to stop here so that we can sell you another book.

This one starts off fast with Emma Thompson, a single mom, on the run with her 5yr old son. Powerful men are after them, and they won't stop until they are captured. For three years Emma has been on the run from these men, and she can only guess as to why. But it doesn't mater, because the most important thing in her life, is the one thing she is willing to die for. The book starts just as Emma and her son are making yet another quick dash before "The bad Men" can catch up to them. Emma will do anything to protect her son, even when it means accepting the help of a stranger.

Written in 3rd person POV, this book is well edited and super easy to read. The plot turned out a lot more interesting and complicated than I first expected. Prophesies, gifted children, secret societies, evil politicians, and a hunt for those that some think will change it all. The world building towards the end was excellent and I can't wait to learn more and possibly unravel the full mystery of this world. The romance builds quickly, but it's endearing and believable. The male protagonist's easy cocky wit had me liking him right from the start and he kept me smiling throughout. Emma is a bit on the histrionic side, but all considered, she is allowed some caring-on after what she goes through.

I kept on passing on this one due to its unimaginative cover and name. However, after reading the book, the cover and name does make sense and fits quite nicely. The only negative I can come up with is the book's curt ending. It seemed like a good place to stop without a gaping cliffhanger, but it definitely felt like it was cut short. Maybe it's just a good sign that the book left me wanting more. No problem, since the 2nd has already been released.

In summary, this was a damned good read that was so quick and engaging, that I might have read it a little to fast before finding myself at the end. I can't wait to read its followup, and find out what happens next.

Warning: Violence, Sexual Content, & Rape (However nothing is described in explicit detail).

1-Chosen
2-Hunted
3-Sacrifice (Mar 2012)

This book is amazing. From the first page I was caught in the story. It is as if Die Hard meets The Prophecy meets Conspiracy Theory. Will and Emma are both strong and vibrant. No wimpy main characters in this story. It is fast-paced action that will leave you on edge.

I felt like this could have been edited better. Long stretches of inaction (e.g. riding in a truck) could have been tightened up. The characters make many trips to bathrooms, which in general can go unmentioned in fiction in my opinion. Some of the other members of my book club appreciated enough to read the other books in the series, but I'm going to pass.

I got this book because a few friends recommended it. When started I couldn't put it down. I loved the adventure and how things changed. It kept my attention. I am excited to finish the series. The next books in the series get better and better.

Good story; well-developed characters; nicely crafted settings. All good. (Though I have to say that it would have been more believable if the child had been 7 or 8, not 5, even if a precocious child.)

But..first of all, by the middle of Chapter One, shortly after after Emma and Will meet, she is suspicious and angry, he is cavalier and manipulative, neither trusts the other. And so it goes with them, on and on, chapter after chapter, in spite of his saving her life multiple times, sleeping together, mourning together. Nothing earns her trust; nothing builds his confidence.

After a while, I wanted to say to the author, "Enough, already. I get it." And entire book of suspicion and guilt and distrust, page after page of emotion, alternating with gunfire, fights, rescues. Well, there you have it. Even the very last chapter, practically the last page, she felt totally betrayed, didn't totally trust him, questioning his trustworthiness.

Secondly, I really had to laugh (not what the author intended, I'm sure) at some of the risible mistakes. She uses words that are not really what she meant, but close--as though they had been plucked from a thesaurus or the meanings had been gleaned from context, but not the exact meaning. And some truly awkward constructions.

"...wringing the steering wheel..."
"...emotions vacillate in his eyes..."
"...his heart tripped."
"...disappointment clinging to him like the anchor that tethered him to his sins."
"...wringing his hands through his hair."
"...she wouldn't be so sedate with her shoulders hunched over, her elbows on her knees."
"...screams barraging him from the doors..."
"...her stomach too tangled to eat..."
"...pissing of a powerful politician..." {should have been pissing off]

And yet...in spite of everything, it was a good story and a wild ride. I wonder what happens next!

I was searching the store for something new to read when I happened across chosen. I honestly was not expecting much but I was definitely wrong. This was an exceptionally well written book with a terrific story line. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series and will definitely recommend to my friends who are also book junkies. Thank you.

I can't really give a detailed review because I was only into a few pages when the author let loose with the "F" word. I can generally handle a few cuss words here and there, but those a long with the "F" word turns me off to the point where I have no desire to read the rest of the book.

"CHOSEN" was an exciting read. The author did a great job at keeping one interested. At times it was hard to put down desperate to know what was going to happen next. The only problem I have with the book is that I felt it didn't end. It was if the last part was missing. For instance:- did they get away safely? did they find the lost child? Were they to live for ever on the run from their perpetrators? I would love to read a sequel to the book giving me those answers. Thank you for the opportunity to review this interesting book, Priscilla Anstey

Once in awhile comes a book that you can"t put down, this is one of then. I bought this book on the five star review that it received and it was worth every one, I'm looking forward to reading book number two.

I got this book because a few friends recommended it. When started I couldn't put it down. I loved the adventure and how things changed. It kept my attention. I am excited to finish the series. The next books in the series get better and better.

Good story; well-developed characters; nicely crafted settings. All good. (Though I have to say that it would have been more believable if the child had been 7 or 8, not 5, even if a precocious child.)

But..first of all, by the middle of Chapter One, shortly after after Emma and Will meet, she is suspicious and angry, he is cavalier and manipulative, neither trusts the other. And so it goes with them, on and on, chapter after chapter, in spite of his saving her life multiple times, sleeping together, mourning together. Nothing earns her trust; nothing builds his confidence.

After a while, I wanted to say to the author, "Enough, already. I get it." And entire book of suspicion and guilt and distrust, page after page of emotion, alternating with gunfire, fights, rescues. Well, there you have it. Even the very last chapter, practically the last page, she felt totally betrayed, didn't totally trust him, questioning his trustworthiness.

Secondly, I really had to laugh (not what the author intended, I'm sure) at some of the risible mistakes. She uses words that are not really what she meant, but close--as though they had been plucked from a thesaurus or the meanings had been gleaned from context, but not the exact meaning. And some truly awkward constructions.

"...wringing the steering wheel..."
"...emotions vacillate in his eyes..."
"...his heart tripped."
"...disappointment clinging to him like the anchor that tethered him to his sins."
"...wringing his hands through his hair."
"...she wouldn't be so sedate with her shoulders hunched over, her elbows on her knees."
"...screams barraging him from the doors..."
"...her stomach too tangled to eat..."
"...pissing of a powerful politician..." {should have been pissing off]

And yet...in spite of everything, it was a good story and a wild ride. I wonder what happens next!

I was searching the store for something new to read when I happened across chosen. I honestly was not expecting much but I was definitely wrong. This was an exceptionally well written book with a terrific story line. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series and will definitely recommend to my friends who are also book junkies. Thank you.

I can't really give a detailed review because I was only into a few pages when the author let loose with the "F" word. I can generally handle a few cuss words here and there, but those a long with the "F" word turns me off to the point where I have no desire to read the rest of the book.

"CHOSEN" was an exciting read. The author did a great job at keeping one interested. At times it was hard to put down desperate to know what was going to happen next. The only problem I have with the book is that I felt it didn't end. It was if the last part was missing. For instance:- did they get away safely? did they find the lost child? Were they to live for ever on the run from their perpetrators? I would love to read a sequel to the book giving me those answers. Thank you for the opportunity to review this interesting book, Priscilla Anstey

Once in awhile comes a book that you can"t put down, this is one of then. I bought this book on the five star review that it received and it was worth every one, I'm looking forward to reading book number two.

Chosen is one of those books where you can't wait to finish yet are so disappointed for the book to have ended! I savored each page and am waiting (im)patiently for the next book! Denise Grover Swank has a true talent for description and characterization and I feel as though I know Will and Emma and find myself thinking of them. Don't miss this great read!

Let me start by saying I love paranormal thrillers and being spoiled by the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz the bar is set pretty high. Ms. Swank definitely hit the bar on this book. The interaction between the three main characters is complex and the paranormal aspect doesn't hog the whole story line. The love story isn't overwhelming either, and I found myself cheering Will and Emma on. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it from start to finish in one day, couldn't put it down. Now I am on to reading Hunted (The Chosen 2).I would recommend this book to any of my friends.

If you like paranormal, with prophecies and chosen ones, I know a book for you. It's CHOSEN, and it's one hell of a book. When there isn't physical action going on, there's emotional action--and when you think you have figured out everything, Swank throws you new information. When I finished reading this book, I sat back and thought, "WTF just happened. I need the sequel RIGHT NOW!" CHOSEN is a book you don't want to miss with a very strong heroine and an equally strong (and hot! talk about haaawtnesss) hero.

I didn't know that a child such as Jake could control both Emma and Will to the point of falling in love and to risk everything and go after the political and business leaders in a totally blind situation.

I love Denise Grover Swank's Rose Gardner series, but I found this book difficult to get into. It didn't grab my attention right from the start the way the other series does. A book that can't grab me and pull me in just isn't worth the effort.

The plot is pretty much like the stuff that most teenagers who are into action-fantasy reading. The story could pass for a Walt Disney film with all the twists and turns of events. But of course there's the element of "waiting" for the next book or film (if ever made into one) and the author must be able to make sure that she keeps her readers /movie-watchers wanting to discover more.

I like the book because it isn't too complicated to understand. The characters were well-marked and indeed, the story leaves you wanting to start on the next book at once!

Enjoyed this book so much I immediately bought the second in the serie and continued reading til it was finished. I also plan to purchase the next book in this series. Excellent writing and genuine characters with a story line the Author makes believable!

This was a decent book. As other reviewers have said I really like the premise behind this book, but thought the actual telling of the story fell a little short. The book stars a reluctant protagonist named Will. Hired to deliver a single mom that has been on the lamb for 3 years with her son Jake. The thing that makes Jake special is his ability to see the future. That helpful trait has allowed Emma to stay one step ahead of "The Bad Men" for the past 3 years as they've tried to take Jake and use him for reasons that are unclear. Enter former Army ace Will to save them from "the Bad Men", only to struggle with the decision to turn Emma over to the people that hired him. Lot's of twists and turns keep this book interesting, if not spectacular. I'll read book two eventually, but am not overly eager to "jump right in".

Not sure why I finished this book. At times I felt like I was reading a story written by a high schooler. The plot was good and kept my interest, but I almost couldn't get past the amateurish writing style. The author kept switching from third person to first person, completely throwing off the flow of the book. There's no way I'm suffering through another book in this series. Ms. Swank, please get an editor before you publish any other books!

I feel this book has great potential. It had a great story line, good characters, but the way things unfolded seemed much too easy. The path get book took I'm not sure how it could have unfolded better. All I know is that I feel like I knew almost the whole plot, twist and all, much too early before the characters did. So if you're looking for an easy read with cute but cheesy romance with a hint of supernatural, this is a fine choice. I could almost say it was "chosen" for you. ;)

I purchased this because it was free and loved it so much that I purchased the next 3 books in the series and all 3 short stories! I was instantly pulled into the story and fell in love with the characters. These books are well written and keep you on your toes until the very end.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but based on the reviews thought what the heck. What the heck is right! The action started right away and my heart was racing! A cross between the Bourne Identity and Terminator with a slightly different spin. I came back to the store to get the next book in the series and write this review because I can't wait to see, ur, read what happen next! ....This story would make an awesome movie!!

This is not what I thought I was getting myself into. I of course kept reading but this book went in a direction that was just not what I am in to reading. It got weird so I bought the second one hoping to make sense of what I was reading. After reading book 2 I have completely lost interest.

The book presents an interesting, yet predictable story. Big plot twist, and great concept but the author falls short on development. Worth a read if you can get it free from the local library but didn't hold my attention or garner enough simpathy for the characters that I will want to read the next two of the series. All in all... a waste of a good plot.

This book grabs you right from the beginning and keeps you wondering what will happen next. I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect, without it becoming too much of a sci-fi/fantasy book. The three main characters are interesting and the dynamic between them is great. I finished this and immediately went to the store looking for its sequel (not out yet).

I really enjoyed that the story actually has a plot and it keeps you guessing. The character development is excellent. The author seems to understand that romance consists of more than just sex scenes.

This will be short...... I'm off to buy the next book. Love Denise Grover Swank. Thanks I m now your biggest fan...Laundry and house will wait. Have to find out what happens with Jake, Emma, and her savior. :)

I am an avid reader but this is the first review I have written. I was grabbed from the first chapter and while there are definitely some cheesy moments in this book, overall it was excellent. I just ordered the 2nd book.

Fast-paced and tense, especially for the first half of the book before romance takes the driver's seat. Not a bad book, particularly for those lovers of romance story. I'll read the next one, and I recommend this book, unless you're looking for thriller/mystery all the way through.

Chosen
There wasn't anthing I didn't like about this book. There was non-stop action. The characters were belivable and likable. The kid was sweet and creepy. The romance great. There was an interesting paranormal twist. I am going to buy the sequel right now.

I have read several free/inexpensive books on the store. Almost all of them were to some extent amateurish. Not the case with Chosen. Very well written, well paced, with realistic characters. I can't believe the author is selling it so cheap on Kindle. I will definitely buy the next book.

I have never been one to read a lot. I recently started reading and stumbled across this series on the store. This book is fantastic. I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down. The characters are fresh and exciting. The story is gripping! Love it!

I enjoyed this book, but would have liked a bit more back story.The characters are interesting, but the plot was a bit thin at times.I'd like to read the next book but I think I'll get it from the library.

When I was reading this book, my first thoughts were alright it is cheap and I'll give it a try, but it was really good. The author really knows how guys think and I feel that Wills character by far is my favorite. It is non-stop action through out the entire book almost like reading the arena portion of the Hunger Games. Since the book has so much going on, the author slowly starts building the story in bits and pieces and you just got to keep reading to learn it all. If you like action and like being dragged through a book wondering what is the mystery behind it all then read this.

From the first fast-paced line of the first book, I was hooked on this series. While it is a quick, easy read, I found myself lost in the plot and characters. I definitely recommend this series and author.

1.) Now you guys know how much I hate having to read about sex (unless it's an LA Banks book). Swank apparently knew I was coming for this because the sex in the book was more of a 'hand on breast, pants gone, a joining' and then I'm happy because the D and P words are not thrown around willy nilly. 2.) I really liked the connection Jake had with Will until ...... 3.) It was a non-stop rollercoaster ride. Really, it was. You never stop moving. And just as you get comfortable, you're on the run again! Non-stop action, blood and death via bullet (I'm more of a rip the neck out kind of girl but this will do). 4.) It wasn't paranormal enough for me (along the lines of Tornado Siren and Disillusionist Trilogy). If I'm reading something that's out there, I want it to be really far out.

--- Deva
Full Review at the Urban Paranormal Book Blog

It was like watching an action packed movie, only reading it!!! If you want something that you can't put down then this is defiantly up your ally. I work nights and I started to read this book I ended up staying up and finishing it because it was so good, couldn't put it down.

torn between the destiny of Emma's son and the "bad men" and the men in her life that are trying to help her, choices choices ;). Coming to realize they were chasing her! Pretty powerful stuff and so much to figure out. Loved the book can't wait for the next book.

This is one of the most profound book i have read in a while. It takes you an emotional ride and leaves you witing with bated breath fro the next book. Be prepared to have tissue handy as well other emotions that this book envokes.I can't wait for the next book to come out.

I rarely write reviews. Loved Chosen! So much so, I read it entirely in 1 day. Could not put the book down. Just picked up Hunted, because I have to see what happens next. Great mix of fantasy with a dash of romance. One of my favorite trilogy writers is Nora Roberts and now Denise Grover Swank. Keep writing Denise and I for one, will keep reading.

I purchased this book because I wanted to read a good series. However, the story tried to stretch a 20 page book to a book that was much too long.... there was no great advance in plot or characters... very average... I could basically write the whole summary of the book in three sentences. A good series that is far more intriguing than this would be the emperor's edge...

I loved, loved, loved this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish - but is it finished??? Is there is a second book to come?? The ending (if it was the ending) was a little bit disappointing as it left questions, but other than that - brilliant. Can't wait for more.

I usually don't write reviews, but this book was so hard to get through- I felt it was necessary to warn the next reader.
-Weak character development, stereotypical characters.
-Most if the dialog seemed very expected.
-Forced "love connection" for the two main characters, not believable emotions.
And yes I made myself finish the book. I had to give it a fighting chance. It still went down in flames.
I've read a lot in this genre- trust me skip this book.

Chosen was one of those books that will pull you in from chapter one and keep you there until you read the last words written, then make you sign on to your the store account to download the sequel. The book was packed with action, drama and suspense. Denise Grover Swank has a talent, and I'm glad she has discovered it so she can continue to entertain the rest of the world!

Kay Bratt

This is a great piece of work. It's amazing how I've started discovering new authors. The story is solid, with great suspense. And it doesn't let up on its intensity, except for a few places past the middle of the book. Good story. I'll move on to read the next book.

After reading the reviews, and the 99 cents price, I got this book. The beginning 1/4 of the book was decent. The thriller and the mystery aspect of who is chasing Emma and Jake, and why, kept my interest, but when the character Will was introduced, the book started downhill. From that 1/4 of the book to 1/2 of the book, the story started focusing on the budding romance between Emma and Will and with that, the arguing and sniping that they weren't attracted to each other, yet were attracted, then the obligatory sex scene, took up almost all the story to the 1/2 of the book point.

At half way through the book, I just can't read more. However, I can say that for romance readers that want to have the damsel in distress, and the big good looking protector come to her aid, this book will interest them. For thriller/mystery afficionos, this book will definitely disappoint.

I purchased this book because I wanted to read a good series. However, the story tried to stretch a 20 page book to a book that was much too long.... there was no great advance in plot or characters... very average... I could basically write the whole summary of the book in three sentences. A good series that is far more intriguing than this would be the emperor's edge...

I loved, loved, loved this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish - but is it finished??? Is there is a second book to come?? The ending (if it was the ending) was a little bit disappointing as it left questions, but other than that - brilliant. Can't wait for more.

I usually don't write reviews, but this book was so hard to get through- I felt it was necessary to warn the next reader.
-Weak character development, stereotypical characters.
-Most if the dialog seemed very expected.
-Forced "love connection" for the two main characters, not believable emotions.
And yes I made myself finish the book. I had to give it a fighting chance. It still went down in flames.
I've read a lot in this genre- trust me skip this book.

Chosen was one of those books that will pull you in from chapter one and keep you there until you read the last words written, then make you sign on to your the store account to download the sequel. The book was packed with action, drama and suspense. Denise Grover Swank has a talent, and I'm glad she has discovered it so she can continue to entertain the rest of the world!

Kay Bratt

This is a great piece of work. It's amazing how I've started discovering new authors. The story is solid, with great suspense. And it doesn't let up on its intensity, except for a few places past the middle of the book. Good story. I'll move on to read the next book.

After reading the reviews, and the 99 cents price, I got this book. The beginning 1/4 of the book was decent. The thriller and the mystery aspect of who is chasing Emma and Jake, and why, kept my interest, but when the character Will was introduced, the book started downhill. From that 1/4 of the book to 1/2 of the book, the story started focusing on the budding romance between Emma and Will and with that, the arguing and sniping that they weren't attracted to each other, yet were attracted, then the obligatory sex scene, took up almost all the story to the 1/2 of the book point.

At half way through the book, I just can't read more. However, I can say that for romance readers that want to have the damsel in distress, and the big good looking protector come to her aid, this book will interest them. For thriller/mystery afficionos, this book will definitely disappoint.

There was some major problems with this books plot.

The start of the book was a single mother with a psychic son on the run from "Bad Men". The come across an ex-soldier who they end up teaming up with in order to get away. Why have they been on the run for 3 yrs without knowing who the "Bad Men" are and what harm they intend? This gritty reality suddenly takes a hard left into fantasy with a prophecy that everybody believes much too easily. Why is the "chosen one" the relativly normal ex-soldier instead of the kid who can see the future? Also, what good is seing the future if you can't make changes for the better? The ending is just cut off instead of a conclusion of the story.

There were too many problems with this book, from an inconsistant world, to flat Bad Men, to odd behavior from the main characters. I was surprised that so many people gave this story such high reviews.

The book had a very slow start and I couldn't get past the first 50 pages.Since it was so slow to start, I couldn't invest the time in making myself keep reading especially when there are other books in the series. Had I completed this book, I would have felt the obligation to read the other books in the series and I think it would have been a struggle with those as well.

Sorry folks, but I couldn't even manage to finish the third chapter. The writer's axiom, "write what you know" was completely ignored here, and even though it was a free book, I didn't want to spend any more of my time on it than is needed for a quick review. The author shows a profound lack of knowledge in firearms, automobile tires, basic physics, the armed forces and Texas itself... which is sad because Google is incredible free, as well.

Brief synopsis: An ex-soldier of the legendary US Army-Marines (chuckle) is a professional kidnapper (a rare form of hitman??) who inexplicable is unable to put human being to sleep with any one of a hundred readily-available chemicals/medications. He locates his "mark" through brilliant inconspicuous undercover work (i.e., rents the room right next door, while driving the only new vehicle within 100 miles), then is able to jump right into her car and make himself indispensable; his plan being to trick her into volunteering to cross the country with him through casual conversation (and they say professional kidnapping is a dying art...). Then there is lots of vague talk of "guns" this and "guns" that... save for a brief `rifle cocking' incident; apparently our kidnapper somehow carries a Winchester repeater in a duffle bag wherever he goes. Later they manage to hit Interstate 30 travelling from Houston to Dallas (have a map, anyone?)... and that's where I decided to look for something better to read.

Mild spoiler alert, I've generalized the characters so that you should still be able to read it after.
Based on the reviews I was really looking forward to reading this book. I've read it and here is my succinct review:
Good: It only cost $.99, and was for the most part a page turner
Bad: It's very short, but I guess that's what I get for $.99 right? I just didn't get into the characters at all. The relationship between the male and female leads seemed forced, and I didn't buy the male as a womanizer. I did feel that he was a tortured soul and I think the author should have developed that almost exclusively as his main character trait. The boy, who should have sent chills up my spine, didn't. And why is the mother constantly swearing in front of her young son? Unrealistic. Did I mention that it's short? It seems to stop right in the middle of the story. Yes I know that many novels are designed this way so that multiple books can be published in sequence, but there is a right way to do it and a wrong way. Read "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz if you want to know the right way to develop a storyline, create rich characters, plus send chills up your spine. This book did none of those things.
So like I said earlier, the book is not a complete dud, but it could have been so much better. I would spend your money on another story.