Taken (Quest for Truth) [Paperback]

Brock Eastman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2011 | Series: Quest for Truth (Book 1)

'Five Four Three Two One!'
'We're out of here!'

Suit up! Jump into hyper flight with the four Wikk kids! Forced into a high stakes hunt for their missing parents by the sinister Cpt. Vedrik, the siblings' only hope is their parents' Archeos e-journal. Can Tiffany decipher the clues within it? As time runs out, it's all up to Oliver and his Federation training to fly the Phoenix and protect his crew. But twins Mason and Austin endanger the mission when they unexpectedly meet . . . the blue boy!

The Quest for Truth series unfolds as the four Wikk kids are thrust into a desperate race to find the mysterious planet Ursprung and stop the Uœbel renegades from misusing its long-lost secrets. Ancient cities, treacherous villains, high-tech gadgets, the Phoenix encounter all of these and more on this futuristic, interplanetary adventure!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Don't even touch this book unless you plan to read it at once. Taken wastes no time thrusting its readers headlong into the beginning of what promises to be an epic saga. Exploding with mystery and high-stakes adventure, this book is masterfully crafted to awaken even the most stubborn of imaginations. And yet, perhaps the most impressive feat is Mr. Eastman's ability to punctuate all of it with a deep and powerful message of faith. A job well done." --Christopher Miller, Coauthor of the multi-award-winning CodeBearers series

"Taken is a riveting tale of just how far mankind is willing to go . . . for the ultimate prize." --Wayne Thomas Batson, bestselling author of The Door Within Trilogy

About the Author

Brock D. Eastman is twenty-eight years old and lives at the base of America's Mountain with his wife and two daughters. He has the pleasure of working for Focus on the Family and on the Adventures in Odyssey brand. He loves movie nights with his wife and their stove-popped popcorn, as well as playing pretend or reading with his daughters.

Brock started writing his first series, The Quest for Truth, in 2005 and five years later with his wife's encouragement signed a publishing deal. He's always thinking of his next story and totes a thumb drive full of ideas.

To keep track of what Brock is working on, visit BrockEastman.com. Or connect with Brock at:  
Twitter: @bdeastman
Facebook: facebook.com/eastmanbrock
Blogger: thequestfortruthbooks.blogspot.com/
YouTube: youtube.com/user/FictionforAll/videos  

The Quest for Truth
Taken
Risk
Unleash (2012)
Tangle (2013)
Hope (2013)

The Imagination Station (Adventures in Odyssey)
Showdown with the Shepherd
 
Sages of Darkness
HowlSage
BlizzardSage (2012)
CrimsonSage (2013)

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: P & R Publishing; 1 edition (July 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596382457
• ISBN-13: 978-1596382459
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #532,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brock D. Eastman likes to write, but his main focus is on his family. They reside at the base of America's mountain, and are learning to call Colorado home. However, they sometimes need to visit the comfortable cornfields and hospitality of the Midwest, especially during the harvest.

Brock is Product Marketing Manager at Focus on the Family, where he has the privilege to work on the world renown Adventures in Odyssey brand, a show his dad got him hooked on when he was little boy.

He started writing The Quest for Truth series in 2005 and 5 years later, with his wife's encouragement, signed a publishing deal. In that same year he signed 2 additional contracts, giving him 9 books releasing in 2.5 years. YIKES! He's always thinking of his next story and totes a thumb-drive full of ideas.

ENDORSEMENTS:

The Quest for Truth:

"The Wikks are regular kids given a Galactic size challenge. Readers will follow Oliver, Tiffany, and twins, Mason and Austin as they trek through eerie catacombs, mysterious ruins, and creepy castles that defy imagination. One part Indiana Jones, a handful of Swiss Family Robinson, and some Intergalactic excitement, the Quest for Truth is a riveting tale of just how far mankind will go for the ultimate prize."
- Wayne Thomas Batson, best-selling author of The Door Within Trilogy, The Berinfell Prophecies, and The Dark Sea Annals

"Don't even touch this book unless you plan to read it at once. Taken wastes no time thrusting its readers headlong into the beginning of what promises to be an epic saga. Exploding with mystery and high-stakes adventure, this book is masterfully crafted to awaken even the most stubborn of imaginations. And yet perhaps the most impressive feat is Mr. Eastman's ability to punctuate all of it with a deep and powerful message of faith. A job well done."
- Christopher Miller, coauthor of the multi-awardwinning Codebearers series

"My buddy Brock Eastman has a winner here! Take fascinating characters, put them on a fantastical adventure, and tell the story at a page-turning pace, and you've got Taken, the first volume of his forthcoming, five-book series titled The Quest for Truth. Oh, and parents, don't forget his solid emphasis on Christian principles. Tell you what: get this book for your kids, and they'll enjoy it so much that I bet you'll end up reading it too! Way to go Brock!"
- Frank Pastore, host of The Frank Pastore Show on KKLA 99.5 FM in Los Angeles, Author of Shattered: Struck Down, But Not Destroyed


"I'm constantly on the lookout for books that are exciting, but not too scary for my school aged children. Eastman consistently delivers action packed page turners that are not only a joy for the whole family to read, but also strengthen our spiritual walks."
-Elissa Peterson, OH, Mom of 4, creator of Don't Let Life Pass You By blog

"Sit back and let Brock take you on an exciting journey to the far reaches of the galaxy that explores the meaning of family and friends"
- Mark Redekop, of the Adventures in Odyssey Wiki

"Taken is awesome! People of any age will enjoy it. I can't wait for the rest of the series!"
- Ruth Santoyo, age 14, MO

"The Wikks' adventures kept me at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book!"
- Cody Lugovskiy, age 13, CA

"The book kept me very interested and I was really excited when I got to read it! It was one of the best books I've ever read. I would definitely recommend it!"
- Nicole Blunier, age 10, IL

"Taken is a fast-paced, fun, easy-to-read book. It allowed my imagination and mind to get lost in the story. I enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next Quest for Truth book!"
- Brooke Harrell, age 13, CO

"Finally, something new, exciting, and original! Brock Eastman has written a page-turner that will definitely make you want to read the sequel."
- Jonathan Maiocco, age 17, GA

"The Quest for Truth is a riveting tale of four young kids who have to learn to help and rely on each other. With lives on the line, courage, wit, companionship, and teamwork are vital for Oliver, Tiffany, Austin, and Mason. This book stole my time away as I continued to turn the pages. Next one, please!"
- Hannah Davis, age 14, TN

"Taken is a fast paced action adventures book that I couldn't put down! It was well written and easy to read and each chapter gets better than the last! I can't wait for the rest in the series."
- Michael Wilmot, age 14, Western Australia.

"I can not wait for risk to come out. I loved taken I read it over and over again when I can."
- Caleb Frey, age 11, IL

"Good, clean, adventures, Christian fiction set in a future time period to reveal truth as to man's origin and over come evil is the bases of this Taken. From the start, this book sends you into adventure and mystery of the Wikk siblings. The sci-fi within the story, like the ships that travel from one planet to another and the mysterious blue people, will remind readers of Star Wars yet the series is set to bring Christian truths into the mix. Wanting to see the characters grow and overcome the obstacles ahead as well as the promise of big adventures while discovering the mysteries of man's origins makes this series one of interest and worth reading. You are left with the hint of many exciting things to happen in the future of this series."
- Rachel Harris, age 21, MN

"It got right to the adventure, which was good in my opinion. It wasn't hard to figure out what was going on, the beginning was easy to understand. I think you should read it. Watch out for the Ubel!"
- Alex Peterson, age 9, OH

 
SAGES OF DARKNESS:

"Taylor is an average boy, with unaverage abilities. Sages of Darkness reveals the evil around us, but uncovers the strength in all of us. With pulse pounding action, the Sages of Darkness trilogy will keep you up all night reading, which is a good thing since you won't want to turn out the lights."
- Wayne Thomas Batson, best-selling author of The Door Within Trilogy, The Berinfell Prophecies, and The Dark Sea Annals

"A highly entertaining read and a unique story, Howlsage is sure to leave a positive impression on discerning young adult Christian readers. This story is not for the faint of heart; it is quite literally the battle between humanity and demons who've taken physical form. Brock Eastman has written a keeper you will dread to read, but can't help finishing! I look forward to the next installment in this series."
-Scott Appleton, author of The Sword of the Dragon series

"When you meet author Brock Eastman, you are bathed in energy, optimism, enthusiasm, and a genuine reflection of Christ's love for His people. When you read his book, HowlSage, you are immersed in a tale of adventure, drama, action, and matters of eternal consequence. Join Taylor, Jesse, and Ike as they learn how to defeat evil in the form of the wicked sages."
- Donita K. Paul, author of the Dragon Keeper Chronicles

"Our house is jam packed with books, but my nine year old snatched up Howl Sage and disappeared with it. I've never seen her this excited about a book. The book never left her hand until it was done, and she woke up at six in the morning, snuck into the bathroom and read in there until the rest of the family woke up. Now she's pestering me constantly to read Blizzard Sage which, as of right now, isn't out yet! Hurry release the next book! Our family loves the Sages of Darkness series and we can't wait to see what happens next!"
- Matt Mikalatos, author of My Imaginary Jesus and Night of the Living Dead Christian

"BlizzardSage is an action-packed roller coaster of a book. It lived up to and surpassed the expectations I had for it after reading HowlSage--I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Brock Eastman will have to pull out all the gadgets he's got up his sleeves if he hopes to top this one."
-Christian Miles, author of The Scarlet Key

"I'm constantly on the lookout for books that are exciting, but not too scary for my school aged children. Eastman consistently delivers action packed page turners that are not only a joy for the whole family to read, but also strengthen our spiritual walks."
-Elissa Peterson, OH, Mom of 4, creator of Don't Let Life Pass You By blog

"I was totally immersed in the fight between good and evil that unfolded in HowlSage. The spiritual struggles that Tyler endures, makes him an easily identifiable comrade to the reader. You find yourself cheering him on and holding your breath as danger unfolds. The cliff hanging ending of HowlSage left me frantically turning the last few pages, crying out no, no, no... just a little more...Absolutely cannot wait till the next book in the Sages of Darkness series, BlizzardSage, is released so Tyler can continue the good fight!"
- Lisa Wiegand, IL, Teacher

"Work couldn't get over soon enough each day. The book [HowlSage] was waiting."
- Colin Knapp, Age 22, IL

"HowlSage definitely a bit of a hit. My son's not going to bed. Seems this book is head and shoulders above any he's read in a while. Well done!"
- Angela Wilmot, Western Australia, Mom of 7

"I liked all the different locations that the characters traveled to, but the last one was my favorite. It was just as good as HowlSage."
- Alex Peterson, age 9, OH

"BlizzardSage is now one of my favorite books! I love the characters
and the lessons about Christianity."
- Ryan Matlock, age 14, IN

"A clever blend of Percy Jackson and Fablehaven, HowlSage kept me up all night reading. Full of suspense, action, and gadgets--readers will cheer for young Taylor as he hunts down demons and discovers the life he's supposed to lead. Two thumbs up."
- Christian Miles, age 17, WI

"Thrilling chases, advanced technology, solid friendships, and spiritual warfare; Howlsage is absolutely brimming with adventure! It's also told in a way that younger kids can understand and relate to. I have 5 younger siblings and the youngest is only 6. I know how hard it is to find books that grab their interests and hold their attentions, but that also have good Christian values and Biblical principles that they can understand. Not only did I enjoy reading Howlsage as an adult, but I know that my younger brothers and sisters will love this book as well. I can hardly wait to read it to them!"
-Nichole White, age 22, IL

"Thrilling events and vivid descriptions of characters made me feel as if I was right there fighting evil with Taylor and his friends! You won't want to put the book down until you've read the last page."
- Larisa Kolmyk, age 22, CA

"HowlSage was terrifying, in the kind of way that makes your heart leap up into your throat, preventing you from shouting, 'Mommy, SAVE ME!' You'll sweat along with Taylor as he forges through the grey mist, or shiver with Ike, swinging in a cage in the darkness.
It was endearing. Not the HowlSage, (see top,) but the other characters of the book. Taylor was a warrior, willing to fight the good fight. Ike was a student with an open mind, and a child of the Lord. Jesse was smart-mouthed; witty, but keeping a dark secret.
And, in its entirety, HowlSage was gripping, holding my attention as raptly as I held its pages. Flip. Flip. Flip. This soft, papery soundtrack accompanied my reading late into the night, picking up speed as I went. HowlSage was the first in a series that is bound to get better and better with every new book."
- Seth Skogerboe, age 13 Plymouth, MN

"HowlSage is an exciting and thrilling ride; it is a must read for all people my age and older!! HowlSage took me under 24 hours to read and my literally eyes were glued to it! It was brilliantly and amazingly written and I can't explain in words how amazing this book is! I can't wait for the rest in the series!!"
-Michael Wilmot, age 14, Western Australia.

"HowlSage is an exceptionally well written book that kept me on my toes the whole time. I can barely contain my excitement to read read BlizzardSage."
- Hannah Frey, age 16, IL

"I loved HowlSage! It was fun and exciting. You never knew what would happen next. If BlizzardSage is half as good, it will be AMAZING! I can hardly wait to read it."
- Aaron Frey, age 14, IL

"Sages of Darkness is the next Ya Series for this generation, better than the epic series Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. It's a must read for all ages!"
- Solomon Stone, age 17, WA

"It was fast paced. I thought the beginning of the book was a little confusing because I didn't know exactly what was going on, but the more I read, the more I understood. This book is not as scary as it looks based on the cover. I thought it was a good book."
- Alex Peterson, age 9, OH

"It's yummerful!"
- Allie Mikalatos, age 9, WA

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An awesome start to an intriguing series! July 19, 2011

By Squirrel

Format:Paperback

I couldn't put Taken down! Brock Eastman creates a very believable world of space scooters, blue people, and four ordinary kids on a planetary quest to rescue their parents. I give six stars to the characters: they are multi-dimensional and very believable, for I feel like I've met before. There's a good balance of the siblings getting along with each other and occasionally getting into squabbles (I love the twins!) The writing is excellent in that the pacing flows very well, leaving aside heavy description and letting your imagination chip in. Six stars on the overall series plot, which is hinted at in the beginning and throughout and has me greatly anticipating the next four books! I've never been more intrigued! NOTE: I'm almost 20 years old, so this book is not just for the under-fifteen crowd. I highly recommend it for all ages!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced and exciting ride! January 28, 2012

By Tina Peterson

Format:Paperback

Taken is a fast moving, action packed adventure for Oliver (age 17), Tiffany (age 15) and twins Mason and Austin (age 11). Their mission? To solve the mystery of WHY their parents were captured and to save them from Aliens from Ubel.

This book opens up with Oliver overhearing and almost walking in on the bad guys (the Aliens from Uber) confronting his parents after they were grabbed. He escapes and runs back to the Phoenix (their family's spaceship) which has already been packed for a year long expedition and where his brothers and sister who are waiting to leave with their parents. From here the story takes off - there is a wild chase through canyons and out a waterfall, a inter-galactic jump into space and when they arrive at their first stop (mentioned in their mothers journal) the kids split up. Oliver & Tiffany head off to find parts for the ship after leaving Mason and Austin strict instructions that they were NOT to leave the ship. Guess what? They leave the ship and head off on an adventure of their own (I would of LOVED to go on this adventure - it's complete with a awesome water park, castles, blue people and more).

I'm not going to tell you any more. This book was wonderful I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I liked all of the kids in the book - they aren't bratty, very whiny or potty mouthed. It was so nice to read a book that is very well written and thoroughly planned with all of the I's dotted and T's crossed. I didn't realize when I started reading it that it was going to be part of a series and it wasn't until I had about 50 pages to go that I figured out they weren't going to solve the mystery and find their parents by the last page. However I left feeling like the story in this book was completely finished.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Taken August 1, 2011

By Harmony F. Hankel

Format:Paperback

I loved reading this book. The thing that made me fall in love the most with the construction of this story is how there is just the right amount of scenery description. I dislike stories that take huge amounts of space to tell you what the scene looks like. This story has the perfect amount of description and my imagination was sparked. I could easily picture the beauty of the village behind the mist and I could not stop reading. It took me a week to read with my schedule. I can't wait to get the rest of the books to read and add to my library. I think that Brock Eastman is an excellent up and coming Author with a bright and long-lasting career in front of him. I strongly suggest you buy the book!