Blurb-

Sixteen-year-old Madeline has been living on the streets, refusing to be part of the foster system. Biding her time until she's eighteen, with little to no money, she takes on a heist in hopes of making ends meet. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything.

Getting caught is just the beginning of Madeline's adventure as she meets Weston and discovers the secret of where she came from. A dark and sinister past begins to emerge, and forces Madeline to come face to face with the unexpected.

Is it possible that she isn't who she thought she was? What happens when she is has to accept the reality of what is actually real?

Recommended: 15+

Book Links-

Amazon / Goodreads / Nook

Excerpt-

I rush back up the dark stairwell, shoving the key into the doorknob. It takes a minute for the lock to click and I push myself inside the apartment, securing every lock and deadbolt. I can’t stay here in Hutchinson, Kansas any longer. Pulling my phone from my purse, I text Weston.

Tatiana is here. It’s not safe for me.

I grab the few belongings that have any value to me, sentimental or otherwise, and shove it into my shoulder bag, including the stolen silver necklace. It has value and if I’m forced on the run, I’ll need money to survive.

I know.

What did Weston mean he knew Tatiana is at the bar? Had he seen her? Is he there?

What do you mean, you know? I type into the phone. If he saw her, why didn’t he warn me? I can’t go down out the front door and it’s only a matter of time until she finds me just a few feet away. I grow restless waiting for an answer.

The phone buzzes and displays an incoming call from Weston. "Wes, tell me you’re here." The only thing to do is hop in his car and drive into the night, far from Kansas.

A female’s voice bubbles with laughter. "Oh he’s coming darling, but you should know he won’t get here in time. Amazing how easy it is to clone a phone number and steal his service. The advancements Stem Tech has made is encouraging."

Stolen Art wasn’t the typical story that I read. I’m not a big YA fan and I rarely pick a science fiction book when I’m looking for my next read. In this case the book was offered to me as an ARC and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

Stolen Art is about Madeline Keen. A young girl with a terrible childhood. She is living on her own as she has done since a young child of seven. The foster system failed her as well as her parents.

The story begins with Madeline stealing art and getting arrested only to find that she was set up.

Along comes Weston the son of a police detective assigned to Madeline’s case. He meets Madeline at the police station. Weston thought she was another young person waiting at the police station for a parent. Unaware of her criminal activity Weston befriends Madeline and their adventures begin.

I like many features of these young characters. They are both good people with big hearts and willing to help others. They are relatable as teens while a little mature for their age. I think their maturity is due to their home life or lack thereof.

It isn’t long after the story begins that these young people find that they can’t easily trust anyone to help them except for a few friends. That limits who they can talk to about their situation as they find more and more questions to answer. For example the mystery of who Madeline is, the cloning business, and living in a small town.

My only complaint is that as much as I like the young characters I don’t really feel that I know them. Also the cloning theme was a little strange to me. I know this is all part of the sci-fi theme but I just couldn’t get my head wrapped around it in this book.

The story is fast paced with a lot of twists and turns. It is a good mystery with lots of suspense. There are many times that I felt my stomach lurch a little. I found myself sitting on the edge of my chair as I worried what was going to happen next. Stolen Art is well written. This is a good book that will appeal to a young reader. It is fun to read.

4 STAMPS

About The Author-

Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing two series: Royal Reaper and Orenda. She also writes The Federal Agent Chronicles, an adult romance series under the name Ravyn Rayne for Blushing Books. Her interests include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.