"Ransom" by Lois Duncan is an incredibly suspenseful and thrilling young adult novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The story revolves around a group of high school students who are kidnapped and held for ransom during a school bus trip. This terrifying ordeal brings tension and reveals secrets, creating an intense and captivating read.
One of the strengths of this novel is Duncan's ability to develop her characters with depth and realism. Each character has their own distinct personality and struggles, making them relatable and believable. The main protagonist, Glen, is courageous and resourceful, while the leader of the kidnappers remains mysterious and enigmatic. These well-rounded characters add an intriguing layer to the story.
The pacing of "Ransom" is excellent, with Duncan skillfully balancing moments of suspense with quieter, introspective scenes. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing and engrossed. Duncan's writing style is engaging and easy to read, making it difficult to put the book down.
Available on Audible
One of the most impressive aspects of "Ransom" is the exploration of moral dilemmas faced by the characters. As they are forced to make difficult choices in order to survive, the book raises thought-provoking questions about the value of life and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones. This adds a compelling layer of depth to the story.
Overall, "Ransom" is a captivating and thrilling young adult novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. Its well-developed characters, suspenseful plot, and exploration of moral dilemmas make it stand out in the genre. Lois Duncan's masterful storytelling will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
What are readers saying?
Lois Duncan's novel "Ransom" has garnered a variety of reviews, with readers expressing a range of opinions on the book. The story focuses on a group of five teenagers who find themselves entangled in a terrifying kidnapping plot. Here is a summary of the feedback for this suspenseful novel:
1. Many readers praised the gripping plot, finding themselves captivated from beginning to end. They commended Duncan's knack for keeping them on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. The fast-paced nature of the narrative was widely appreciated, as it kept readers engrossed and eager to discover the outcome.
2. The characterization in "Ransom" also garnered positive feedback. Reviewers mentioned the strong connection they felt with the main characters and appreciated the depth and growth each character experienced throughout the book. Duncan's portrayal of the emotions and struggles of the protagonists was deemed convincing and relatable.
3. Several reviewers expressed admiration for the author's writing style, describing it as clear, concise, and engaging. Duncan's prose made for an easy and enjoyable read, and the descriptive language effectively painted vivid pictures in readers' minds.
4. Some readers commended "Ransom" for tackling serious subject matters such as grief, guilt, and fear in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner. The themes explored in the book resonated with them, and they appreciated Duncan's ability to bring depth and complexity to these topics.
RansomBook Kidnapped ThrillerNovel