4,5 stars for this very strong debute! I’m so thankful for getting the chance to read an ARC thanks to Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, of this urban adult fantasy that left me wanting more! It had a perfect ending which I loved but I am hoping so hard that this is the start of a series!

This book releases on the 26th of this month and I really enjoyed reading it.

We follow Cora, a modern day witch who is also a nurse and a runner (someone who takes witches to safe houses). She’s so courageous but we get to see the mental tole everything takes on her too. And yes things go wrong, actions have consequences and people really feel things and support eachother. Which makes this book feel pretty real (but never too heavy).

I love how I got to witness many different kinds of magic and them being used in different ways. That was beyond fascinating! Some of the places this book took me too!

We also follow Theo, a witch hunter who used to be a friend of Cora (maybe a little more ;)) and was ripped out of Cora’s life at a young age to be recruited because he can sense magic.

There’s a great friends to enemies to lovers trope going on but it never overshadows the story. A rollercoaster of a story with a mission impossible and an epic end battle.

Some more things I loved was how Cora named her car, the two super cute sprite companions who played a critical role in the story, which I wasn’t expecting! And that there’s this utopian safe place for witches and last but not least. the description of Alta Ghislaine being so similar to Edna from The Incredibles that I pictured Ghislaine as her the rest of the story!

I’m taking a half star because the book didn’t start well for me. I don’t like it when there are huge emotions and memories shared between characters right at the beginning of a book because it makes me want to feel things and understand but I just can’t because I didn’t get the chance to get to know them yet. And.. how two character’s family relations were described. I had to read that four times cause it was so unnecessarily elaborate and utterly confusing. Also the name of a certain government website feeling inappropriately dumb. But don’t let these small negative points keep you from reading this gem!

I have mixed feelings.

I ended up DNFing about 53% of the way through. There's nothing wrong with the writing or the characters--even the story concept is good! I just struggled finishing it. I'd chalk it up as 80% due to pacing (too slow) and 20% due to not being entirely my cup of tea. Maybe I'll pick it up another time but for now it's going back on the shelf.

I received this title as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah K. West, and Tiny Fox Press for the opportunity to read this treasure!

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

If you were a witch and you knew the government was after witches, what would you do?

Would you just hide away from everyone and everything or would you fight for your fellow witches and do whatever was needed to protect them, even if that meant you could be caught too and taken to gods knows where?

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was like okay this sounds interesting let’s see how it goes but wow I was surprised at how the book was. I enjoyed the fast-paced, well-developed plot. The world building was great, I loved that the author used real places here in the US and that for once a book talked about the wonderful city I was born in in Redondo Beach. I loved the magic system and I think the main reason was because I loved all things witchy I already kind of knew about the magic that the author was talking about but also because she made it so believable. I even loved the sprites so much; I even wish that I had a friend like Pip. He was just so adorable and charming. The characters were great, and I loved that they both had some amazing character development.

Cora is the FMC and I enjoyed watching how she connected with her fellow witches and with the humans. I liked that she was strong but at the same time venerable, it made it easy to connect with her along with the fact that she had an addiction and had to overcome it but you still saw her when times got rough she did have a moment of weakness and I know a lot of people don’t know about addiction or understand it unless you have been there but seeing her go through that really made her more real for me because I understood her pain.

I liked Theo's character as well, the author did not shy away from the pain, and grief that he went through as well. I loved that he was strong but at the same time when it came to having his old friend Cora back, he couldn’t hide who he really was down inside, and who he really wanted to be. I thought the banter between these two was another layer that just added to how real the characters were. His development was done throughout the book because he had to change everything, he was drilled into his head to believe and to live in the world that he was drafted too.

I thought the ending was done well, wrapped up a lot but at the same time, I am hoping that there will be another book that will give me some more answers like, how are they handling being in the new city, how is the government handling the situation that Cora and Theo threw at them?

If you like found family, great plot, great characters, cute sprites, witches, action and a little romance you need to read this book.

I want to thank NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for the opportunity to review this book.

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley!

I really enjoyed The Ones They Took. The character develop and plot hit just the right spot for me. Anyone who is looking for a fun and immersion filled witchy book won’t be disappointed if they pick this up. Happy reading!

Wow! What a great read, just what I needed to draw me back from an oncoming reading slump.

The ones they took is a heart wrenching and heartwarming story about Cora, a witch who has been hunted by the government for years and is determined to help her coven smuggle witches to whitehaven, a magically hidden city where witches can live normal lives, following the abduction of her mother and brother by hunters when she was a teenager. However, her journey sets her on a path and she comes face to face with her old friend Theo, who had disappeared shortly before her family, and is now the witch hunter assigned to bring down the operation she works for.

I Loved this book, It was such a quick and easy read and had elements of dystopia and fantasy that were weaved together really well. I loved the development of Cora and Theo's characters both as individuals and as a couple, I also liked that they didn't immediety trust other and we saw this build throuout the story as they learnt from and saw it from the others perspective, just how i like my 'enemies to lovers'

Special spotlight for some of my favourite side characters, Pip and Nyx, were just adorable to read (My kitten is called Nyx and I may be biased, but all the same) and honestly I love that the author came up with something unique to read --- Hello car keys. My other favourite character from the book was actually Helena who was kind of kick ass, power to her!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for allowing me the privilege of reading The Ones They Took. I was absorbed in this book from the very beginning! The characters were all endearing, faults and all. I grew rather fond of Pip 🥰. I’ve been waiting for a world to fall into for years and I’ve finally done it with this book. I will absolutely be exploring more titles by this author. Her writing style is impressive. Descriptive, not too formal. Great storytelling and a solid, well-developed plot.

Thank you to Sarah K West and Netgalley for letting me read this ARC. I think that the world building was great I loved that it was easily digestible and was not a hug info dump. I think that the magic system was very unique and I loved Cora as a FMC.

This book draws you in with its drama of witches vs witch hunters, rekindling of an old flame, and a heist. The main character, Cora has a ton to overcome with her family being captured, her addiction, and her being part group to get fellow witches out of dodge. She has a very eccentric bestie and aunt that helps her get through some of the trouble they come across. However, things start to heat up when Cora bumps into childhood friend and who turns out to be a witch hunter and also love interest.

I really enjoyed the modern fantasy of it all because it definitely makes one relate to the story more. Also love the fact that Theo always puts Cora first and constantly fights for her.

With that being said I have it rated 3/5 because I personally am not typically a huge fan of 3rd person because I often get confused with all the he said she said when so many different characters are involved.

"The Ones They Took" by Sarah K. West is a haunting and emotionally charged exploration of loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Through her poignant storytelling, West delves into the lives of characters who have endured the unthinkable, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and triumphs.

The novel navigates the aftermath of a traumatic event that rips families apart, leaving them shattered and forever changed. West's prose is both evocative and raw, allowing readers to feel the characters' pain and hope as they navigate their new realities. The emotions conveyed are palpable, making the reading experience deeply moving and immersive.

What truly sets "The Ones They Took" apart is West's ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. The bonds formed in the face of adversity are both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, showcasing the depth of the characters' connections. The resilience and strength exhibited by the protagonists in the face of unimaginable circumstances make their journeys all the more inspiring.

Throughout the novel, West expertly weaves together multiple perspectives, giving readers a multifaceted view of the story's events. This narrative technique enriches the storytelling, allowing readers to understand the characters' motivations, fears, and hopes in a profound way.

"The Ones They Took" is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience. Sarah K. West's exploration of grief, healing, and the enduring power of love makes this book a poignant and memorable read. If you're searching for a novel that delves deep into the complexities of life's challenges while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit, this book should be at the top of your list.

I really enjoyed this story. A unique magic world- the normal world as we know it just add magic and witches. I cared about the characters a lot and enjoyed all of their development. They were all interesting and complex. The magic was easy to understand. I appreciated the explanation of how other countries treat witches compared the US. I felt like this story had so much- familial relationships, friendships, romance, internal struggle, political unrest. All while being wonderfully written and easy to read and follow.

This book is a thrilling, character-driven story about Cora, a modern day witch whose family has been imprisoned due to practicing magic. Interestingly, her childhood friend Theo who was once disappeared has now become a witch hunter. The main romance trope is forbidden love, which is my favourite, and I really enjoyed seeing the banter between the two.

The story is a mirror of our own world, with all of its conflicts and political turbulences. The witches and witches burning is a perfect allegory where people who are different are now being constantly treated badly, how societies can let their fear of the unknown control them and lose their compassion.

It gripped my attention from the start to finish. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a witchy read and urban fantasy.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for giving me ARC in exchange for my review.

It took some time for me to get into the storyline but I'm glad I did because I ended up truly enjoying it! The plot was well placed and overall a good read.

Cora is a nurse, a witch, and someone who smuggles fellow witches to safety from the government agency determined to hunt them down and imprison them. Years ago, this agency took her mother and twin brother. When one rescue attempt goes wrong, she runs into childhood friend Theo who disappeared around age 16 and is now a witch hunter. The two reconnect, old feelings resurface and they realize that as difficult as it might be, they must work together to save Cora’s family and others.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It drew me in from the first few pages and kept me engaged throughout. The characters were well developed and interesting and the trauma and psychological impacts they faced from their experiences were well explained. The storyline kept me wanting to read and offered some twists and surprises. This was a very satisfying read and I would recommend it to everyone interested in this genre.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my review.

I hate to say it, but this was almost a DNF for me because of the beginning–which would have been a shame considering how much I enjoyed this book. However, what it lacked in the beginning, the rest of the book made up for with action and romance and a good story altogether. I was interested in each character from Cora, the main character and witch, to even the ones less dwelt on like the altas. The ending was chaotic with all the fighting from this way and that, but it was still fairly easy to follow, which can sometimes be hard to keep up with when reading similar scenes in other books. I do wish there was more emphasis on the magic and times where it was used in general. While I had my suspicions, I still wasn’t sure how the author would choose to end the book. I’m glad it ended how it did–not rushed, not too cliche, just an ending that “made sense” with everything overall.

The Ones They Took by Sarah K. West.

The Good: Cora is a great character. She’s flawed and complex but still strong. Mindy is another super character—I really liked her relationship with Cora. Characters’ interior thoughts were all well-done; their dilemmas and mental wrestling felt real and deserved.

The So-So: the magic system/world building was just okay: it served its purpose and not much more. When some things were still unclear or vague by the end of the book I just sorta…glossed over it. It could absolutely be better fleshed out and explained but it isn’t the end of the world. Theo was fine. He just wasn’t as interesting as Cora. Cora and Theo’s relationship: individually they were solid characters. Together, they were underwhelming.

The Bad: The pacing. Honestly, this was the biggest flaw in the book. The end of (roughly) Act 2 felt like it should have been the climax of the book…but then I had at least another 100 or so pages to go. So the whole book had to then be re-wrapped up. And it was VERY rushed. The build up was so slow-burn and thoughtful and then the ending and climactic battle… well. It happened.

I don’t know if I would read another if the series continued. While West’s writing itself was good, the pacing and overall structure needs work for me to be a repeat-reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for the opportunity to read the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

I had the incredible privilege of diving into this book's enchanting world; let me tell you, it's an absolute gem deserving of the highest accolades! Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and the writer for allowing me to read this ARC.

The prose within these pages is a delightful symphony of wit, emotion, and sheer power that tugs at your heartstrings. We follow a contemporary witch, Cora, weaving through a landscape fraught with witch hunters while bravely confronting her sobriety journey and a haunting past. Her tale is one of resilience amidst adversity, as her entire family finds themselves locked away in a sinister witch prison. After a whirlwind of trials, including a drug-fueled escapade that led her to rehab, Cora joins a group dedicated to whisking persecuted witches away to safety, far from the clutches of the government's witch prosecution division.

Enter Theo, a childhood friend turned magic-sensitive witch hunter, whose reappearance sets off fireworks of passion and sacrifice. Their magnetic connection draws you in, and as their love story unfolds against impending danger, you're held captive by every poignant moment.

The characters are like fragments of a heart-rending symphony, each with tales of sorrow that immediately seize your empathy. As relationships blossom, you'll find yourself emotionally tethered, experiencing every heartache as if it were your own.

Beyond its captivating narrative, this book dives deep into weighty themes. It's as if the contemporary turmoil we witness today has been ingeniously woven into a tapestry of witches and witch hunters. The story acts as a mirror, reflecting our present societal dynamics and guiding us toward compassion and courage in the face of adversity.

The pacing is a true marvel, offering a rollercoaster ride that keeps boredom at bay while meticulously sculpting a world rich in detail and history. And oh, the delicious enemies-to-lovers/friends trope that sizzles between Theo and Cora! Their chemistry crackles across the pages, accompanied by banter that's as effervescent as champagne bubbles. Kudos to Mrs. West for crafting a captivating duo and a supporting cast equally brimming with uniqueness, intricate backstories, and compelling relationships.

Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this literary treasure trove. It's a journey that will tug at your heart, broaden your perspectives, and leave you with an irresistible craving for more.

I struggled to get through this book. The main character’s name was Cora and she is a witch who’s being hunted. She reunites with Theo who This is a story of opposites falling for each other, witches, hunters, and monsters.

I really loved this story for how well the world building was given, not in one big chunks but in easily processable way, little by little. I loved it started right off without much of a lead up.

The characters were likable, the Cora was a great FMC.

Addiction, trauma, grief were all handled so beautifully by the author.

I absolutely recommend this to all romantasy/dystopia lovers.

Unfortunately I DNF at the 25% mark. Which isn't like me with having received an advanced copy. I just wasn't connecting with the book and kept waiting for more magic to happen. It seemed like a super slow start and I just didn't see myself getting through it as quickly as I normally do. The book description sounded fantastic and the cover is wonderful... I guess I just wasn't really getting what I expected.

Thank you NetGalley and Tiny Fox press for the eARC so that I may share my honest feedback.

A huge thank you to Sarah K. West, Tiny Fox Press LLC, and NetGalley for an ARC of the Novel The One They Took.

This books was so much fun, I was enthralled the entire time! This story follows a modern day witch, Cora, living in a world of witch hunters who also struggles to navigate sobriety and a traumatic past. From the very first page, this story surprised me and dragged me willing into this intriguing world. I am not usually a fan of paranormal books set in modern times but this one blew that setting out of the park. This had a dystopian feel of Divergent and Hunger Games but in a paranormal setting.

I really liked the main character, Cora Somerville. She is a witch whose entire family has been put in witch prison. Following their abduction from the government, Cora went on a drug fueled bender until finally going to rehab and getting clean. Cora works with a group that smuggles witches into safe houses away from the governments witch prosecution division. Theo is a childhood friend of Cora's who left abruptly and now must navigate the world as a magic sensitive, witch hunter. When fate brings these two back together, sparks fly and both of them sacrifice their lives (and love) as they must risk everything to save Cora's family.

I loved the pacing of this book. It was fast enough that I wasn't bored but also built enough of the world and backstory to keep me interested. I loved the enemies to lovers/friends trope. The chemistry between Theo and Cora was very well written, I loved the banter between the two characters. Mrs. West also did a great job developing the side characters. They were unique, interesting characters with their own backstories and relationships.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the "found family" aspect. Cora has a twin brother and mother who are missing the entire first half of the novel and once you find out what happens you are totally rooting for a family reunion at the end. I would also love to see more Sebastian in the next novel, he was a favorite character of mine from his first introduction near the middle to end of the novel.

I loved this novel and I will 100% recommend it to my friends once it is published in November. I can't wait to see if the story continues in a sequel novel. Sarah K West hit it out of the park with this one!