Book Review: The Things They’ve Taken by Katie McElhenney

The Things They’ve Taken 

by 

Katie McElhenney

Published by Entangled Teen 

Genre: YA Fantasy / paranormal 

GoodReads 

Summary
All Lo Campbell wants is to be a normal teenager—to go to one high school, live in one place, and have one real friend. Instead, she travels the country with her mother, chasing the unknown, the “what else” that’s out there…

Until one day, the “what else” chases back.

Determined to rescue her mom from whatever supernatural being took her, Lo will need more help than a badly dressed demon obsessed with country music. She’s going to need a Tracker—and lucky for her, she finds one. Shaw is strong, good-looking, possibly available, and utterly infuriating. Sure, he may have secrets, and his help costs more than a brand-new car, but she’ll have to deal with him if she wants to find her mother—and get her home alive.

Purchase Through
Amazon | B&N

Loss and Helplessness Must Not Take Over

This looked like a very interesting read I immediately wanted to know everything about Lo and that cover! What a beauty. Sadly, there was little to no resolution/ story development by the end. I was so upset/ disappointed by this. Based on the way the book ended it seemed as though we were going to get another…Unfortunately since this title came out in 2017, I don’t believe we will. Which is possibly the saddest thing ever. There was so much potential with this story. The paranormal characters were fun to get to know. The various demons/ elementals/ elements/ monsters and magic wielders were grand! I really hope we do get the follow up of this story because I’m curious to know more...

What has Lo’s mom been looking for?

Why did that greater demon want with her?

Why has that greater demon been gone for so long?

Does that greater demon really want LO?!

What makes Lo so special?

What’s this about special tracker blood?

What about those stones…who? Knows? What?

How does everyone know each other? With the exception of Lo we aren’t really given the back story of who and what everyone is after… but they all know one and other? So weird(probably due to the fact it wasn’t explained.)

What does Shaw want? 

What was up with that huge-ish twist at the end? <- This question is probably the most frustrating because it really didn’t feel like it would impact the story. Lo grew to care for Shaw and I’m certain she would do whatever she could to help him.

What’s up with Mange(Shaw’s dog) is it really his sister? 

LOL, I tend to take flights of fancy ha, ha. Seriously, his dog is not normal there is something special about him/her lol. 😉 I would like to know what.

There were moments of adventure and quests completed but soooooo many unanswered questions. As the book stands, I have to give it 2.5 stars I recommend it if you are looking to meet some fun paranormal characters just don’t expect any progression/ resolution. 

About the Author

Katie McElhenney was born in Philadelphia into a big family of curious kids and patient adults. A voracious reader and unapologetic daydreamer, she knew she wanted to become a writer someday. With the support of an amazing family, great friends, and some truly spectacular teachers she has written short stories, poems, and novels. A solar-powered human, she now lives in Los Angeles and uses the great weather for year-round trips to the beach and long runs (where the best inspiration happens). Find out more about her at katiemcelhenney.com

Find her on social media:

Website: katiemcelhenney.com

Facebook: Katie McElhenney

Instagram: katiemcelhenney