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Finding You
Taken from home and family, all they have is each other.
Isla is kidnapped from a train platform in broad daylight, and thrust into a nightmare when she is sold to a sadistic aristocrat. Locked in a dungeon with a dozen other girls, Isla's only comfort is a locket and the memory of the boy she loves. But as days pass and more girls disappear, she realizes that help is not coming... If they're going to survive, they'll have to escape on their own.
Swoon Reads is proud to present Lydia Albano's debut novel, a powerful story of a teen girl finding strength and hope in even the worst circumstances.
Isla is kidnapped from a train platform in broad daylight, and thrust into a nightmare when she is sold to a sadistic aristocrat. Locked in a dungeon with a dozen other girls, Isla's only comfort is a locket and the memory of the boy she loves. But as days pass and more girls disappear, she realizes that help is not coming... If they're going to survive, they'll have to escape on their own.
Swoon Reads is proud to present Lydia Albano's debut novel, a powerful story of a teen girl finding strength and hope in even the worst circumstances.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2017
13 people are currently reading
1436 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Albano
1 book63 followersLydia Albano is a (self-proclaimed) Bunburyist living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she promotes Oxford commas, spends her money on musical theater, and demands the Myers-Briggs letters of everyone she meets. Her debut novel, FINDING YOU (SwoonReads/Macmillan) was released in September, 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 11, 2017
*I read Finding You for free online at SwoonReads*
** 4.5 stars **
WOW.
I need to sit on this for a couple of days...
But what I will say is that while this book deals with a darker subject matter there is great character growth and development. I'm really curious to know how Swoon Reads plans on marketing and categorizing this book. This was extremely captivating, I read all 33 chapters in one sitting! I look forward to having a physical copy on my bookshelf.
**Trigger warning, this book deals with violence, death, and traffickers**
** 4.5 stars **
“You want to go on an expedition into the unknown?” Now it’s his turn to tease, affecting astonishment. “Isla Powe, asking for an adventure? I don’t believe it.”
WOW.
I need to sit on this for a couple of days...
But what I will say is that while this book deals with a darker subject matter there is great character growth and development. I'm really curious to know how Swoon Reads plans on marketing and categorizing this book. This was extremely captivating, I read all 33 chapters in one sitting! I look forward to having a physical copy on my bookshelf.
**Trigger warning, this book deals with violence, death, and traffickers**
August 1, 2017
I'm going to get sappy with ya'll for a minute about this book. I read it about five years ago when Lydia and I were both on Figment and fell in love with the characters and Lydia's writing. We became friends through Figment, and have been keeping in contact since. Then, one day, Finding You gets chosen by Swoon Reads to be published. I think to myself, "maybe I should be on Swoon Reads, too!" Long story short, Finding You and Lydia are pretty much the reason The Big F is being published.
Now to what I thought about the story! Not only is there beautiful, lyrical prose throughout, but the characterization is fabulous. Each girl that Isla encounters is uniquely their own and have these delicious and fleshed out backstories that makes me want about a million spinoffs (Valentina and Marion's stories first and foremost). Watching Isla grow into the strong, confident, brave woman who is willing to risk her own life for each girl who might fall into the same fate is truly breathtaking to read. I'm eagerly awaiting the continuation of Isla's story!
Now to what I thought about the story! Not only is there beautiful, lyrical prose throughout, but the characterization is fabulous. Each girl that Isla encounters is uniquely their own and have these delicious and fleshed out backstories that makes me want about a million spinoffs (Valentina and Marion's stories first and foremost). Watching Isla grow into the strong, confident, brave woman who is willing to risk her own life for each girl who might fall into the same fate is truly breathtaking to read. I'm eagerly awaiting the continuation of Isla's story!
September 22, 2017
Isla and Tam are two young people torn apart by circumstance. When Tam leaves to join the army, he gives Isla a heart locket to which he has the matching key. Isla is kidnapped while seeing him off at the train station and ends up in a dungeon, along with several other young girls. During her incarceration and the distressing events that ensue, Isla maintains her sanity by her unwavering faith that Tam will come to her rescue. The heart locket is her symbol of this hope and, when it is taken from her, Isla realizes she must plan her own escape. Will Isla and Tam ever be reunited and, if so, at what cost?
The book is set in a dystopian future, a world where there is no electricity, no motor vehicles, nor any modern methods of communication. How this world came to be is not explained. But the themes of the story are timeless, and the main theme of sex trafficking is especially timely. The book is slow to begin, but the pace picks up halfway through, when the story switches from Isla's captivity to being on the run. The book is very well-written, with some wonderful lines, but I found the overuse of the words "grating" and "rifling" to be, quite frankly, grating.
From the very first line, there is no doubt that Isla is in love with Tam. However, she is not sure that he reciprocates her feelings. It is this doubt that gives Isla the impetus to grow in confidence and self-reliance throughout the course of the book. She goes from being mild and bookish to being the leader of her ragtag band of new friends. Given this growth, I was disappointed by how she was "rescued" toward the end of the book. Although, as Isla herself says, "Maybe everyone needs saving sometimes."
While this story is complete, the author leaves it open for a sequel.
Warnings: sexual references, graphic violence.
Full blog post (22 September): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
The book is set in a dystopian future, a world where there is no electricity, no motor vehicles, nor any modern methods of communication. How this world came to be is not explained. But the themes of the story are timeless, and the main theme of sex trafficking is especially timely. The book is slow to begin, but the pace picks up halfway through, when the story switches from Isla's captivity to being on the run. The book is very well-written, with some wonderful lines, but I found the overuse of the words "grating" and "rifling" to be, quite frankly, grating.
From the very first line, there is no doubt that Isla is in love with Tam. However, she is not sure that he reciprocates her feelings. It is this doubt that gives Isla the impetus to grow in confidence and self-reliance throughout the course of the book. She goes from being mild and bookish to being the leader of her ragtag band of new friends. Given this growth, I was disappointed by how she was "rescued" toward the end of the book. Although, as Isla herself says, "Maybe everyone needs saving sometimes."
While this story is complete, the author leaves it open for a sequel.
Warnings: sexual references, graphic violence.
Full blog post (22 September): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
September 20, 2017
Wow was this book AMAZING!
(I had a whole lengthy review, which unfortunately got deleted, so sadly this one won't be as long. I LOVED THIS BOOK THOUGH).
This book exceeded my expectations, by a lot. The characters are all vivid, and distinct (considering how many there are, that's amazing in of itself), the plot moved quickly, and didn't drag once (again, considering where it takes place for a good chunk of the book, also amazing), and the romance was done so perfectly, I'm still swooning a bit over it (no pun intended). Albano somehow manages to make us fall in love with Tam, despite the fact, at first, we mostly see him through Isla's memories. And Des? I love him too. And Isla? She's great! And everyone else...I'll stop, or we'll be here all day. Basically, all of the characters were extremely well written.
I think this book also did a great job writing about such a serious issue (unfortunately, flesh trade is real), and managed to express how horrible it is, while keeping the tone of the book YA. I could go on and on (again. So mad this got deleted), but I'll just say that his was hands down one of my favorite books of 2017, and I highly recommend!
(I had a whole lengthy review, which unfortunately got deleted, so sadly this one won't be as long. I LOVED THIS BOOK THOUGH).
This book exceeded my expectations, by a lot. The characters are all vivid, and distinct (considering how many there are, that's amazing in of itself), the plot moved quickly, and didn't drag once (again, considering where it takes place for a good chunk of the book, also amazing), and the romance was done so perfectly, I'm still swooning a bit over it (no pun intended). Albano somehow manages to make us fall in love with Tam, despite the fact, at first, we mostly see him through Isla's memories. And Des? I love him too. And Isla? She's great! And everyone else...I'll stop, or we'll be here all day. Basically, all of the characters were extremely well written.
I think this book also did a great job writing about such a serious issue (unfortunately, flesh trade is real), and managed to express how horrible it is, while keeping the tone of the book YA. I could go on and on (again. So mad this got deleted), but I'll just say that his was hands down one of my favorite books of 2017, and I highly recommend!
February 7, 2019
AHHHHH y y y would they do that?!? What happens next?!?! Ack
October 29, 2017
This was a chilling YA debut novel! When young Isla is kidnapped from the train platform as she is attempting to say goodbye to her army-bound boyfriend, she has no idea what is in store for her. As a hostage with 3o other girls, she realizes they have been taken by a sadistic madman and have been sold into sex-slavery. At times brutal and disturbing, it is also a novel filled with hope as Isla realizes she must take matters into her own hands if she desires freedom from this hell. And while several scenes were uncomfortable, the author writes with unflinching honesty about the nature of humans to struggle to survive and find love.
September 28, 2017
Right when you read the blurb, you think, “I. Want. To. Read. This. Book.” Set in a fictional land in a different time, Finding You is surprisingly similar to nowaday events. Young girls being kidnapped right off the streets? Doesn’t that pop on the news at least once per week?
The main character, Isla, actually seems rather realistic. She isn’t competent enough to save herself, so she waits for her boyfriend to come. The story continues as Isla starts to develop herself as a person. In the end, she carries the scars of her past to advance to a new beginning.
If you love books with action, mystery, and emotion, Finding You is for you.
The main character, Isla, actually seems rather realistic. She isn’t competent enough to save herself, so she waits for her boyfriend to come. The story continues as Isla starts to develop herself as a person. In the end, she carries the scars of her past to advance to a new beginning.
If you love books with action, mystery, and emotion, Finding You is for you.
September 17, 2017
I've been dying to read Lydia Albano's Finding You ever since I first heard about it. The premise sounded fascinating, and the cover is stunning.
The result? Finding You is an incredibly strong debut.
Daring, adventurous, poignant, Finding You is the story of one girl's fight to free herself and others from one nefarious man's strong grasp.
Trust me when I say it's incredibly easy to get caught up in Isla's journey. You feel her pain - her utter & complete despair - but you also feel her hope and strength - the want, no the NEED, to be the one who saves not only herself but every single girl who's been put into the same predicament.
Finding You begins just as Isla's heart is breaking. Tam, her best friend, her confidant, the boy she loves more than she can possibly express out loud, is leaving for the army. Isla doesn't know how she'll possibly survive without him, especially now that he's kissed her and ran. Did the kiss mean something? Or was it a simple goodbye between two good friends? Isla needs to know, which is how she ends on the train platform that fateful afternoon. Isla hopes she can catch his eye one last time, to get a better feeling of his thoughts and to wave goodbye. Isla, however, experiences something she couldn't have possible anticipated: she's kidnapped out the crowd and thrown into a train car to be sold with a handful of other young women. Isla is scared and shocked. How has this happened to her? How is she possibly going to survive, let alone escape? Her only solace is the hope that Tam saw her, that he will find her and save her...but as the days stretch on and the conditions become more treacherous, Isla begins to see that her only hope may be the strength and power inside she holds within.
Isla is a character I couldn't help but to love from the start. When we're first introduced to her, she's shy, studious, and quiet, the sort of girl who lives vicariously through other's tales of daring adventure. She's content with ordinary life, however, especially knowing that she'll always have her father and best friend by her side. So when she's becomes the possession of a aristocrat, she's sad rather than angry, placing hope in other's help rather than in her own hands. However, over the course of the book, we see this amazing change occur...she goes from being the girl who blends into the background to being the girl who completely stands out. She becomes fearless, conniving, and strong. She becomes a girl who goes on adventures rather than reads about them, a girl who doesn't need to rely on a man or really anyone - she goes out and risks her own live to save others. I loved this transition - I loved kick a$$ Isla, the girl who takes names and knocks down doors. She was an inspiration.
The premise and its execution was part of Finding You that I enjoyed. While Finding You is told in fictional town and empire, its story - what happens to these young girls - is something that is incredibly prevalent in today's society. I admired Lydia for taking on such a hard hitting topic, and giving these girls voices, showing that no matter the circumstance, they still have the power and ability to be brave and powerful. I thought Lydia did a great job of making these story realistic based on what happened to the girls, and while some parts of me was surprised at the type of ending we were given (it fit together almost too nicely), I still had to remember that no matter what ending they were given, these girls would carry on emotional and physical scars for the rest of their lives, and that quite simply, broke my heart into a million little pieces.
If you love gritty, hard-hitting books with a flair of fantasy, Finding You is for you. I simply can't wait to see what Lydia Albano comes up with next.
Grade: A-
The result? Finding You is an incredibly strong debut.
Daring, adventurous, poignant, Finding You is the story of one girl's fight to free herself and others from one nefarious man's strong grasp.
Trust me when I say it's incredibly easy to get caught up in Isla's journey. You feel her pain - her utter & complete despair - but you also feel her hope and strength - the want, no the NEED, to be the one who saves not only herself but every single girl who's been put into the same predicament.
He's the boy who breaks the rules, the boy who stands up for the weak, the boy won wouldn't see me and attacked and not find a way to save me. He's the boy who kissed me, the boy who loves me, I hope. He'll find me. He'll save me. - ARC, location 474
Finding You begins just as Isla's heart is breaking. Tam, her best friend, her confidant, the boy she loves more than she can possibly express out loud, is leaving for the army. Isla doesn't know how she'll possibly survive without him, especially now that he's kissed her and ran. Did the kiss mean something? Or was it a simple goodbye between two good friends? Isla needs to know, which is how she ends on the train platform that fateful afternoon. Isla hopes she can catch his eye one last time, to get a better feeling of his thoughts and to wave goodbye. Isla, however, experiences something she couldn't have possible anticipated: she's kidnapped out the crowd and thrown into a train car to be sold with a handful of other young women. Isla is scared and shocked. How has this happened to her? How is she possibly going to survive, let alone escape? Her only solace is the hope that Tam saw her, that he will find her and save her...but as the days stretch on and the conditions become more treacherous, Isla begins to see that her only hope may be the strength and power inside she holds within.
Isla is a character I couldn't help but to love from the start. When we're first introduced to her, she's shy, studious, and quiet, the sort of girl who lives vicariously through other's tales of daring adventure. She's content with ordinary life, however, especially knowing that she'll always have her father and best friend by her side. So when she's becomes the possession of a aristocrat, she's sad rather than angry, placing hope in other's help rather than in her own hands. However, over the course of the book, we see this amazing change occur...she goes from being the girl who blends into the background to being the girl who completely stands out. She becomes fearless, conniving, and strong. She becomes a girl who goes on adventures rather than reads about them, a girl who doesn't need to rely on a man or really anyone - she goes out and risks her own live to save others. I loved this transition - I loved kick a$$ Isla, the girl who takes names and knocks down doors. She was an inspiration.
"Bravery, selflessness, cunning, I may not be quite as brave as Tam, or as kind as Valentina, or as clever as Des. But I have hope flooding my veins, and love pumping my heart with promise and strength. So if I am to be a heroine, to save the lives of these girls around me, perhaps I can bear what has happened." - ARC, location 1359
The premise and its execution was part of Finding You that I enjoyed. While Finding You is told in fictional town and empire, its story - what happens to these young girls - is something that is incredibly prevalent in today's society. I admired Lydia for taking on such a hard hitting topic, and giving these girls voices, showing that no matter the circumstance, they still have the power and ability to be brave and powerful. I thought Lydia did a great job of making these story realistic based on what happened to the girls, and while some parts of me was surprised at the type of ending we were given (it fit together almost too nicely), I still had to remember that no matter what ending they were given, these girls would carry on emotional and physical scars for the rest of their lives, and that quite simply, broke my heart into a million little pieces.
If you love gritty, hard-hitting books with a flair of fantasy, Finding You is for you. I simply can't wait to see what Lydia Albano comes up with next.
Grade: A-
September 20, 2017
Could not put this book down! It's amazing to see a YA book address a serious topic with such amazing storytelling. I was taken right into this fictional world.
It's amazing the intricacy Lydia includes in the details - along with the main storyline she weaves in stories about the rise of the dictatorship. You would miss it if you don't pay attention.
It's amazing the intricacy Lydia includes in the details - along with the main storyline she weaves in stories about the rise of the dictatorship. You would miss it if you don't pay attention.
October 26, 2017
wow i loved this and also need at least a week to process all my feelings
December 1, 2017
Completely shocked at how much I LOVED this book. Went out of my comfort zone, as it was one of my goals for reading this year. I wanted to read more books that I’d typically not pick up. I do feel like it had elements of some of the books I do generally enjoy. However, it was set in a more historic time period rather than a futuristic one. I enjoyed the amount of strong female characters throughout the book. Isla was very strongly built, I have to say she is on my top ten list of favorite characters now. I read this book very quickly and was very sad to read the last pages. Lydia created a very visual world and you could very easily place yourself there. It was very easy to imagine all of the characters and the setting they are in. My only complaint is, can there be a second book? I know it had a great ending, but I can totally see this world being explored more.
September 20, 2017
Finding You is set in a world similar, yet different, to our own, with a possible historical/steampunk type setting. Isla and Tam have been best friends for years, yet Isla can't help but hope for more. Those hopes are dashed when Tam announces that he is signing on to the army, as it means his family will have food for the coming winter. She goes to the station to say goodbye to him, and is literally snatched off the streets. Horror and degradation follow, with her constantly hoping that Tam will rescue her. Once she realises that she has to do this own her own, the pace picks up slightly and the story quickly evolves.
This is a very good debut, with action and story aplenty. Isla is forced to do things that she would never have dreamed possible; that she never thought she would be strong enough for; simply because of the circumstances she found herself in.
With plenty of characters to keep your attention, this is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. The pace was smooth, and the scenes flowed from one to the next.
A thoroughly entertaining read (some of it quite dark) that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a very good debut, with action and story aplenty. Isla is forced to do things that she would never have dreamed possible; that she never thought she would be strong enough for; simply because of the circumstances she found herself in.
With plenty of characters to keep your attention, this is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. The pace was smooth, and the scenes flowed from one to the next.
A thoroughly entertaining read (some of it quite dark) that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
October 22, 2017
I highly recommend Finding You by Lydia Albano!
I found this novel riveting; the stakes are high and never waver, and the plot kept me guessing until the very end.
This book deals with a really heavy subject matter (sex trafficking) and Albano tells the story thoughtfully and honestly, giving voice to a story that is not often told.
I also think Albano is a master of characterization! The main character, Isla, felt real to me the entire way through, and very relatable. She has a complex and nuanced character arc that Albano weaves expertly through the story. Isla is a new and stronger person by the end of the book, but still has all the roots of who she used to be. A beautifully told story.
Favorite quote: "Maybe everyone needs saving sometimes." (Page 169)
Can't wait to read more books by this author!!
I found this novel riveting; the stakes are high and never waver, and the plot kept me guessing until the very end.
This book deals with a really heavy subject matter (sex trafficking) and Albano tells the story thoughtfully and honestly, giving voice to a story that is not often told.
I also think Albano is a master of characterization! The main character, Isla, felt real to me the entire way through, and very relatable. She has a complex and nuanced character arc that Albano weaves expertly through the story. Isla is a new and stronger person by the end of the book, but still has all the roots of who she used to be. A beautifully told story.
Favorite quote: "Maybe everyone needs saving sometimes." (Page 169)
Can't wait to read more books by this author!!
October 13, 2017
Finding You was an experience that could make you cry but also leave you feeling empowered. About a girl kidnapped and forced into a sordid world of sex trafficking and murders, Finding You is a book with a message. Not only does it reveal and talk about a dark world that still exists in the world, but it also teaches girls that they can find their own kind of strength. I think that is perhaps one of my favorite things about Finding You, which is that the heroine Isla must find her strength. She is shy and a bookworm, and at the beginning of her ordeals she's even a bit selfish and weak. But as she is forced to look in on herself, she realizes that even though she's always thought of herself as a follower, she can become a leader. She learns to work with her quiet nature and isn't changed into some violent super-heroine. She is simply a shy girl who must become strong to help others and herself, and must come to terms with what happens to her and become stronger for it. She becomes a role model for all the quiet girls who read books about warrior women and feel less about themselves because they know THEY could never lead an army or fight ten men at once. Isla teaches those girls that anyone can be strong no matter if they are quiet and kind or brash and daring. In a current climate of books and movies saturated with countless examples of kick-butt heroines that take charge and don't take crap from anyone, it sometimes feel like the message is that you are only strong if you are like Wonder Woman or Celaena Sardothien. But in Finding You, Isla shows that girls can have a quiet strength and still be worthy and a leader. You don't have to lead an army to be a heroine of worth, and I think that is such an important statement that all the shy and quiet girls who read this book should hear.
June 25, 2018
Finding You was an incredibly powerful and beautifully written story. I found my pulse quickening during most of it because of the intensity of the situation. I admired the hell out of Isla for keeping it together (mostly) while enduring some truly horrific experiences. Though this novel is considered historical, human trafficking is a very modern crisis. Still. And it needs to stop. We need to do something about it now, not later. Lydia did a remarkable job of being sensitive to the issue, while not shying away from the reality of it. I truly appreciate this story and what it stands for and hope it gives a voice to those who have suffered or are still suffering in this world at the hands of others. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2017
This book is probably not what you think it is, but that might be the best part about it. It's equally a sweet romance and an intense, dark journey. I loved every minute of it. But we shouldn't forget that not every girl who's taken gets a happy ending like Isla. ONLY 1% OF PEOPLE SOLD INTO TRAFFICKING ARE EVER SAVED. This book is a reminder of the horrors that exist in the world, but also the hope.
December 27, 2017
Whew, this book is intense! At the start of the book, we see Isla saying goodbye to her best friend Tam, the boy she loves, as he enters the army. At the train station, she is kidnapped from her hometown and sold. This is just the beginning of her nightmare. At first she keeps thinking that Tam is going to save her. After a few days, she realizes that she needs to save herself. I was glad when she decided to find a way to save herself. I didn't want her to sit around and wait for someone else to try and save her. There were other girls that were also sold with Isla and they worked together along with Des (another prisoner) to plan an escape. The relationships she had with the other girls was really well done. They were all strong in there own way especially because of what they were facing. There are also lots of flashbacks to her relationship with Tam which helped keep me invested in their story, otherwise, I'm not sure I would have cared. This book was at times difficult to read due to the subject matter, but Isla was a strong character that made you root for her win.
******Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a honest review from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via Netgalley.
******Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a honest review from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via Netgalley.
August 7, 2020
At the beginning, it was a little slow, but then it takes off. This story was filled with twists and turns to where you never want to put it down for you want to find out what happens next.
May 28, 2021
i really enjoyed the read. found it at Dollar Tree. for a dollar ... lucky me!! so cool. great cover. i enjoyed the characters. well written. i wanna read more from Lydia ... got read. laters.
September 29, 2017
1. Incredible character arcs. Protagonist Isla begins the book a naive and admittedly weak girl. By the story’s end, she’s retained her compassion and her huge heart, but she’s otherwise unrecognizable — in the most impressive way.
2. Relevant subject matter. Finding You is an intense (possibly triggering) read about human trafficking. Though it’s set in a vaguely dystopian world void of most modern technology, its issues and themes are timely and very important.
3. Girl friendships. There’s a sweet romance in this book and while I loved Isla and Tam, I found myself even more invested in the relationships she formed with her fellow captives. I'm so impressed by how these girls came to lean on and support one another.
2. Relevant subject matter. Finding You is an intense (possibly triggering) read about human trafficking. Though it’s set in a vaguely dystopian world void of most modern technology, its issues and themes are timely and very important.
3. Girl friendships. There’s a sweet romance in this book and while I loved Isla and Tam, I found myself even more invested in the relationships she formed with her fellow captives. I'm so impressed by how these girls came to lean on and support one another.
July 10, 2021
Book was okay. Very dark in spots, slightly graphic. Was a little predictable. Worth the read.
September 30, 2017
Finding You by Lydia Albano is a wonderful YA book. The book introduces us to two characters Isla, the main character and Tam, her best friend. As the first pages unfold, the realization that the book is about a time of war, perhaps in the past or in another world. The atmosphere of grit and dismal add an interesting tone to the novel. Tam leaves for war and Isla goes to say goodby at the train station, only to be kidnapped. While Isla’s life was not easy, she was safe and love. Her new reality is one of fear and horror. Trapped in a cell in a dungeon waiting for the unknown jailors to come and take them away. Isla discovers how she does have strength that she did not realize. Isla realizes that she has to save herself and the other girls and find a way to end the terror, but how when all the odds are stacked against her.
Lydia Albano’s debut novel was well written. The beginning drew you in totally with the introduction of Isla’s world. The new world was well drawn with Isla finding her own strength as the story continues. The novel is set up to have sequels, perhaps many to follow the storyline, even though the conclusion was quite satisfying. Finding You by Lydia Albano was a really good read!
Lydia Albano’s debut novel was well written. The beginning drew you in totally with the introduction of Isla’s world. The new world was well drawn with Isla finding her own strength as the story continues. The novel is set up to have sequels, perhaps many to follow the storyline, even though the conclusion was quite satisfying. Finding You by Lydia Albano was a really good read!
September 22, 2017
So the genre description for Finding You is Young Adult. I have some issues with this as I think the book is too violent and tackles some very upsetting topics and for a less mature young adult, it could cause great distress. So I think it should have some sort of pre-emptive message at the beginning of it.
As I started the book it shocked me with its raw and realistic descriptions of totally heinous events. I almost never continued to read but then I thought how shocked I was when I read The Hunger Games for example and I decided to read on. I’m glad I did, the overall takeaway message from the book is to believe in your self and your inner strength.
Incredibly well written, Lydia Albano has a unique and gifted style. Ms Albano writes for all the senses. I feel I was so chilled by the gritty and horrific events more so because of the enigmatic writing ability that Ms Albano has to set the scene.
Isla is our honest everyday main character and she is just an ordinary girl, her only true superpower is her inner strength. I enjoyed learning about her and going on this memorable and at times terrifying journey with her.
I thoroughly recommend Finding You to older mature young adults. It tackles many subjects such as kidnapping, rape and graphic violence.
As I started the book it shocked me with its raw and realistic descriptions of totally heinous events. I almost never continued to read but then I thought how shocked I was when I read The Hunger Games for example and I decided to read on. I’m glad I did, the overall takeaway message from the book is to believe in your self and your inner strength.
Incredibly well written, Lydia Albano has a unique and gifted style. Ms Albano writes for all the senses. I feel I was so chilled by the gritty and horrific events more so because of the enigmatic writing ability that Ms Albano has to set the scene.
Isla is our honest everyday main character and she is just an ordinary girl, her only true superpower is her inner strength. I enjoyed learning about her and going on this memorable and at times terrifying journey with her.
I thoroughly recommend Finding You to older mature young adults. It tackles many subjects such as kidnapping, rape and graphic violence.
June 7, 2018
Disappointing.
January 7, 2018
I tried my hardest to like Finding You, but I just couldn't do it. I only managed to make it about 20% of the way through before I couldn't take it anymore.
There were no connections with the characters. There were people dying and/or being sexually assaulted, and while this is terrible, I was never given a reason as to why I should care about this - especially considering that it meant that the MC was spared from these things.
Isla is all gung-ho to break out and escape her captors, which is what you want from an MC. But. She doesn't have any skill set to do this. Or much of a plan. She's basically relying on everyone around her for her to get out then making out that she like, 'I'm getting us out of here,' and I'm thinking, "Sorry, hun. but what I think you mean to say is I'm getting out of here by using everyone around me and taking all the credit."
Then there is Tam. Isla is sure that he is looking for her. I mean, it's a good lie to tell yourself to keep your morale up while captured - but its a lie. No one saw her get kidnapped. Tam has been deployed to who knows where with the military, so won't be around to notice her missing.
Also, I wasn't given much of a reason as to have faith in the power of Isla and Tam's relationship. Sure, they're childhood friends, and Isla is supposedly in love with him. We're shown that he does care for Isla, though it is unclear if they are of the romantic nature. I just don't see how this is anything to write home about, so to speak.
I just don't know, guys. Maybe if I kept reading some of my questions would've been answered, or reasonings would've been explained, but Finding You just couldn't hold my interest long enough for me to find out.
There were no connections with the characters. There were people dying and/or being sexually assaulted, and while this is terrible, I was never given a reason as to why I should care about this - especially considering that it meant that the MC was spared from these things.
Isla is all gung-ho to break out and escape her captors, which is what you want from an MC. But. She doesn't have any skill set to do this. Or much of a plan. She's basically relying on everyone around her for her to get out then making out that she like, 'I'm getting us out of here,' and I'm thinking, "Sorry, hun. but what I think you mean to say is I'm getting out of here by using everyone around me and taking all the credit."
Then there is Tam. Isla is sure that he is looking for her. I mean, it's a good lie to tell yourself to keep your morale up while captured - but its a lie. No one saw her get kidnapped. Tam has been deployed to who knows where with the military, so won't be around to notice her missing.
Also, I wasn't given much of a reason as to have faith in the power of Isla and Tam's relationship. Sure, they're childhood friends, and Isla is supposedly in love with him. We're shown that he does care for Isla, though it is unclear if they are of the romantic nature. I just don't see how this is anything to write home about, so to speak.
I just don't know, guys. Maybe if I kept reading some of my questions would've been answered, or reasonings would've been explained, but Finding You just couldn't hold my interest long enough for me to find out.
November 18, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So theres no wrong or right with a book like this... No matter how you write a book like this about slaves someone will complain. On that note, I hadn't read the syllabus if you keep up with my reviews then you know I play the game of book roulette and I prefer it that way however I believe I might have liked this particular book better if I had read the summary only because what its about...
I made the mistake of picking this book up during my vacation while I was vacationing alone... yea, that wasn't a smart idea on my part. I'm not sure if it was the idea of the book or me reading it on vacation that is the reason I rated it 3 stars. I was genuinely paranoid after I got through the first five chapters on my vacation so I sat it down and only picked it up once or twice a week after I got home.
The beginning of the book really frustrated me with Isla's character, I'm known for suggesting books with bad ass female characters and the whole beginning half was her being a damsel which to a strong woman really just got on my nerves but it was worth watching her character evolve.
The book shows something that actually happens to young woman in the real world and how it can change them if they manage to survive the odds. Its a good story in general, a very good way to get the message of be careful and don't rely on a man to save you.
Im glad I stuck with the book because it was interesting, I just think I was too freaked out to actually enjoy it.
So theres no wrong or right with a book like this... No matter how you write a book like this about slaves someone will complain. On that note, I hadn't read the syllabus if you keep up with my reviews then you know I play the game of book roulette and I prefer it that way however I believe I might have liked this particular book better if I had read the summary only because what its about...
I made the mistake of picking this book up during my vacation while I was vacationing alone... yea, that wasn't a smart idea on my part. I'm not sure if it was the idea of the book or me reading it on vacation that is the reason I rated it 3 stars. I was genuinely paranoid after I got through the first five chapters on my vacation so I sat it down and only picked it up once or twice a week after I got home.
The beginning of the book really frustrated me with Isla's character, I'm known for suggesting books with bad ass female characters and the whole beginning half was her being a damsel which to a strong woman really just got on my nerves but it was worth watching her character evolve.
The book shows something that actually happens to young woman in the real world and how it can change them if they manage to survive the odds. Its a good story in general, a very good way to get the message of be careful and don't rely on a man to save you.
Im glad I stuck with the book because it was interesting, I just think I was too freaked out to actually enjoy it.
January 20, 2018
Finding You by Lydia Albano is one of those books that is kind of hard to categorize into a genre but it kept me interested from beginning to end. Read my full review here
July 19, 2017
Review to come soon....
April 18, 2018
So. Perfect. Full review will be up on the blog soon.
May 14, 2018
Wow, it's such a good book! I wish it was longer...
I got this book for free at a reader's convention in Atlanta last year and I'm really happy I found it
I got this book for free at a reader's convention in Atlanta last year and I'm really happy I found it
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