imzadirose's review against another edition
1.0
The storyline would have been fine, but I HATED Kick, Hated Bishop, hated everyone in the book. They were annoying liars, and none of them had redeeming characteristics. 1.5 stars
appalonia's review against another edition
5.0
Kidnapped at age 6 by a child pornographer, Kick is brainwashed before being recovered by chance at age 11. She became an emancipated minor after her birth mother turned 'mother of an abducted child' into a career with books and TV spots. By age 21 Kick has learned just about every self-defense technique there is. She is approached by a man who appears to be a soldier of fortune who wants her assistance in recovering an abducted child. I really enjoyed this book and read it almost within 24 hours, which is unusual for me. The main character Kick is intriguing, complex and sympathetic. I was a little less impressed with the character of John Bishop, who frequently came across as somewhat of a dick. But overall I really enjoyed it and am excited to read the next book in the series. 4.5 stars
shelleyrae's review against another edition
4.0
One Kick is the start of a new action packed series for suspense/thriller writer Chelsea Cain who is best known for her popular Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell series.
When the FBI raided an isolated farmhouse they were shocked to discover twelve year old Kathleen Lannigan, abducted six years earlier from outside her home, who destroyed their case against her abusers with a push of a button. Ten years later, 'Kick' as she insists she be called, is still struggling with the legacy of fear, shame and emotional trauma inflicted by her captors, and is desperate to find a way to redeem herself. Despite mastering skills in martial arts and marksmanship, amongst other things, to ensure she will never again be a victim, Kick feels useless, until a stranger breaks into her apartment and asks for her help. Bishop is hunting the pedophiles behind the recent abduction of two children and believes she is his best chance at finding them. Kick can't refuse, but saving them may cost her everything.
With plenty of tension, convincing emotion and harrowing scenes, One Kick is a page turning thriller from the first page. The plot is fairly simple, but holds together well, anchored by Cain's strong protagonist, Kick.
Kick is a survivor, and to be admired for all she has endured and battled to overcome, but she is damaged. She is all but estranged from her family, resists authority and is obsessed with abduction cases, though at a loss as to how to make a difference. She has never fully resolved her relationship with her abductor, Mel, and is overly attached to her aging dog, Monster. The story places Kick in circumstances that challenge her psychologically, forcing her to confront her dark past and it is impossible not to feel for her and hope that she will triumph. My only niggle with her character is that much emphasis is placed on her finely honed physical skills but when she needs to use them, they all but fail her.
Bishop is a fairly stereotypical character for the thriller genre - tough, enigmatic and ruggedly handsome, though not entirely infallible. His motivations for the hunt are revealed gradually, though his benefactor, who provides the money and resources needed to follow the clues from Seattle to San Diego, remains a shadowy figure.
Kick's experiences as 'Beth' are never really articulated but what is implied is horribly confronting, and may be a trigger for some readers. Cain also exposes some of the sickening details of pedophile rings who rely on a network of safe houses, false identification and anonymous computer networks to procure and trade children while protecting their dirty secret. It makes for disturbing reading.
One Kick is a solid thriller with a strong protagonist and a storyline that is both confronting and exciting. I'm eager to see how the series and its characters will develop.
ant0in's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
couchnest's review against another edition
4.0
Not bad, but not nearly as gripping as Cain's Gretchen Lowell series. This series features Kick/Kit/Beth/Kathleen Lannigan, a sexually abused kidnapping survivor. Kick proves to be a stronge female character, yet has her vulnerable moments.
There are a few men in Kick's life. Frank, who rescued her. Mel, who abducted her. Bishop, who helps her. James, her "brother." Even I am impressed that I was able to remember the names of all the characters and their relationship to her. In addition to these, there is the *other* villain, Dennis, who holds the key to the location of two other missing children, or does he?
While Kick is supposed to be this super awesome, super bad, kick-ass female, she comes off as less than when she is faced with various situations. She is frequently breaking down, getting hurt, and needing rescued. She wakes up in hospital beds, or at Bishop's house under the care of a nurse/EMT frequently. The real answer to where the kids are is. In the end, we discover she is 30 mil some richer thanks to some off-shore account Mel had set up, but she refuses to touch it. I feel like in future stories this money will be used to set up some kind of agency to help recover lost/stolen kids and she will be a part of that agency.
Because this was written for a younger audience, I think Cain may have watered it down some. While the story was fast-paced and good, I was wanting a little bit more from it. I'm interested in seeing what happens between Kick and Mel in the second book... plus, I think it's inevitable that Kick and Bishop will end up an on again off again couple. I'll definitely follow this one up, but it won't replace the Gretchen Lowell series.
There are a few men in Kick's life. Frank, who rescued her. Mel, who abducted her. Bishop, who helps her. James, her "brother." Even I am impressed that I was able to remember the names of all the characters and their relationship to her. In addition to these, there is the *other* villain, Dennis, who holds the key to the location of two other missing children, or does he?
While Kick is supposed to be this super awesome, super bad, kick-ass female, she comes off as less than when she is faced with various situations. She is frequently breaking down, getting hurt, and needing rescued. She wakes up in hospital beds, or at Bishop's house under the care of a nurse/EMT frequently. The real answer to where the kids are is
Spoiler
locked inside her headBecause this was written for a younger audience, I think Cain may have watered it down some. While the story was fast-paced and good, I was wanting a little bit more from it. I'm interested in seeing what happens between Kick and Mel in the second book... plus, I think it's inevitable that Kick and Bishop will end up an on again off again couple. I'll definitely follow this one up, but it won't replace the Gretchen Lowell series.
jenndmitis's review against another edition
3.0
Kick Lannigan is an interesting woman. I have to say that when I read Chelsea Cain I know I'm going to read about a strong women with lots of traumas. And you get that with Kick, and man are they traumas. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading its sequel.
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