The Taking

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer meets The Fifth Wave in this chilling and explosive new series from author Kimberly Derting.

The last thing Kyra Agnew remembers is a flash of bright light. She awakes to discover that five whole years have passed. Everyone in her life has moved on—her parents are divorced, her boyfriend is in college and dating her best friend—but Kyra's still the sixteen-year-old she was when she vanished. She finds herself drawn to Tyler, her boyfriend's kid brother, despite her best efforts to ignore this growing attraction. In order to find out the truth, the two of them decide to retrace her steps from that fateful night. They discover that there are others who have been "taken," just like Kyra. But Kyra is the first person to have been returned past the forty-eight-hour taken mark. With a determined secret government agency after her, Kyra desperately tries to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had . . . but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

• Lost Time: Kyra vanished for five years, but for her, it was only overnight. She awakes at sixteen to a world that left her behind, with no memory of where she’s been.
• Boyfriend’s Brother Romance: The only person she can trust is Tyler, her ex’s younger brother. He was just a kid when she left—now he’s the one person who might have answers, and an attraction she can’t ignore.
• Ex-Boyfriend & Best Friend Betrayal: While Kyra was gone, her boyfriend Austin and best friend Cat moved on... together. Coming home means facing the two people who were supposed to wait for her.
• Government Conspiracy: Kyra isn’t just a missing person; she’s a target. A shadowy government agency is hunting her, determined to uncover the secret of her return at any cost.

A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.

A bright light is the last thing sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew remembers before waking up behind the Gas 'n' Sip with a raging headache, a malfunctioning cell phone, and a major case of déjà vu. She trudges home to discover that she's not missing just a few hours—five years have passed . . . yet she hasn't aged a day.

Everything else has changed: her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has gone from a neat-freak to a conspiracy theorist who believes Kyra was abducted by little green men. Confused, Kyra turns to Austin's younger brother, Tyler, who is no longer a kid.

But as Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps, they come across strange phenomena neither of them can explain. Suddenly Kyra's dad doesn't seem all that crazy. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned.

As Kyra struggles to reclaim the life she once had, there's a chance the life she wants back is not her own.

Praise for THE BODY FINDER “You’ll be drawn in by the love story—and kept up all night by the suspense.” - Claudia Gray, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Evernight series

Praise for DESIRES OF THE DEAD: “[T]his absorbing suspense tale…stands out in the sea of supernatural fiction…Imaginative, convincing and successful suspense.” - Kirkus Reviews

“First–time novelist Derting has written a suspenseful mystery and sensual love story that will captivate readers who enjoy authentic high–school settings, snappy dialogue, sweet romance, and heart–stopping drama. A real page–turner, this will have readers checking behind themselves and refusing to go anywhere alone.” - Booklist

“In her debut work, Derting manages to pack a haunting mystery full of plenty of red herrings and creepy encounters, seamlessly interweaving the classic whodunit story with a steamy romance with a drop–dead gorgeous knight in shining armor.…Fans of Lisa McMann’s Wake will find this delectable blend of mystery and romance just to their liking.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Interweaving suspense, steamy romance, supernatural elements, and themes of jealousy, anger, and other deadly sins, this fast–paced, compelling read features a multifaceted protagonist and intriguing supporting characters. Wholly absorbing, this will leave readers hoping for future titles about talented Violet.” - Booklist

Praise for THE LAST ECHO: “As always, this author writes a gripping tale…this intriguing series continues to provide great entertainment for suspense fans.” - Kirkus Reviews

“With pitch–perfect prose, swoon–worthy romance, and edge–of–your–seat suspense, THE TAKING kept me reading late into the night. This is Derting at her best.” - Alyson Nol, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE IMMORTALS

“This series opener provides a promising start that intrigues as well as it entertains.” - Kirkus Reviews

“An original and intriguing premise” - Publishers Weekly

“Readers will be legitimately unable to put the book down. The mystery, romance and action add up to create a roller coaster of a read.” - Romantic Times Magazine

“In spite of providing a tough, likable heroine and a sweet, romantic element, Derting unflinchingly explores the twisted minds of sadistic killers. It’s a combination that keeps her readers clamoring for more.” - Booklist

Praise for DEAD SILENCE: “Another compelling suspense tale with entirely believable adolescent characters who work together to prevent and solve crimes. BFFs, love interests, interfering parents all converge to make this story a great read.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Kimberly Derting is an amazing writer and a master storyteller. THE TAKING will have you hooked from the very first pages.” - Richelle Mead, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of VAMPIRE ACADEMY

“Equal parts romance and suspense, THE TAKING is a sexy blend of conspiracy theory and sci–fi.” - Kami Garcia, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of UNBREAKABLE and co–author of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

“THE TAKING is an action–packed, heart–filled ride. I loved it.” - Melissa Marr, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of WICKED LOVELY

“Kimberly Derting does it again! THE TAKING is an exciting, fast–paced thriller with an eerie and intriguing paranormal mystery at the heart of it. You’ll want to read it as fast as you can and then DEMAND the next book NOW!” - Melissa de la Cruz, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of BLUEBLOODS and WITCHES OF EAST END