The Torn

Holding Kate, Book 1

By: LaDonna D. Cole

Narrated by: Amanda C. Marier

Abducted to exotic worlds in quantum spheres, a 16-year-old, beauty Kate Wilson, and a team of teen misfits confront inner monsters and demons brought to life by quantum science. Dragons, aliens, sentient tornadoes, and tree-dwelling natives terrorize them as they fight for survival on strange planets and other worlds, and struggle to overcome emotional turmoil and mental illness. Kate is torn between sizzling passion and loyal stability, when two very different boys vie for her attentions. Trapped between self-loathing and independence, Kate must choose to live with horrifying consequences or kill the monster who loves her. A romantic thriller with action packed adventure, passion, science fiction, and fantasy overtones for young adult listeners of all ages.

©2013 LaDonna Cole (P)2014 LaDonna Cole

Intense. Whoa.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Torn to be better than the print version?

Not necessarily. I read the book, and then won the audiobook in a giveaway. In fact, the audiobook is pretty intense because of the emotion that Marler brings to the dialogue and writing.

What other book might you compare The Torn to and why?

I can't think of an equivalent, actually.

What does Amanda C. Marier bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Marler seems really talented and I was pretty impressed with her overall, but I would say that her voice is REALLY intense in some parts. The kissing scenes were fine in the book (not inappropriate for the age group) but when she put a lot of emotion into it, I found myself blushing! Trust me, when the book says wailing, she wails!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Mostly just the intense narration. There were several parts of the book that I laughed at though, and there are some gut wrenching parts that really had me in shock.

Any additional comments?

I listen to audiobooks during my daily walks/hikes, and knowing I was going to listen to this particular audiobook got me out the door faster because I enjoyed it.