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series Reading Order

Taken! Books in Order

21 Books
2012 – 2017 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start the Taken! Series

For readers looking to dive into the dark, suspenseful, and twist-filled world of Remington Kane's Taken!, the best place to begin is at the very beginning with the first novel, Love Conquers All. Starting here introduces you to the core themes of the series: obsession, survival, and the psychological toll of trauma. It also establishes the character of Karen, whose struggle against a relentless stalker sets the tone for the books that follow.

While many of the books in the Taken! series are written as self-contained thrillers focusing on different individuals in high-stakes scenarios, reading them in order is highly recommended. The series builds a shared universe with recurring characters, and later books frequently reference earlier events. Furthermore, starting from the beginning allows you to experience the evolution of Remington Kane’s writing and the escalating stakes of his world.

Taken! Publication Order

Following the publication order is the most straightforward way to read the series. This list represents the core 21 books as they were released, allowing you to follow the development of the overarching narrative and recurring characters:

  1. Love Conquers All (2012)
  2. Secrets & Lies (2013)
  3. Stalker (2013)
  4. Breakout! (2013)
  5. The Thirty Nine (2013)
  6. Kidnapping The Devil (2013)
  7. Hit Squad (2013)
  8. Prelude! (2013)
  9. Masquerade (2013)
  10. Serious Business (2013)
  11. The Couple That Slays Together (2013)
  12. Put Asunder (2014)
  13. Like Bond, Only Better (2014)
  14. Medieval (2014)
  15. Risen! (2014)
  16. Vacation (2015)
  17. Michael (2015)
  18. Bedeviled (2016)
  19. Intentional Acts of Violence (2016)
  20. The King of Killers (2017)
  21. No More Mr. Nice Guy (2017)

The Tanner Universe Crossovers

One of the most exciting aspects of Remington Kane's work is his interconnected bibliography. The Taken! series exists in the same universe as his popular Tanner series, which follows a deadly assassin. Over the years, Kane has written official crossover novels that bring the characters from both worlds together. For the complete story experience, these crossovers should be read at specific chronological points:

  • The Contract: Kill Jessica White (Taken!/Tanner #1): Read this between Taken! #16 (Michael) and Taken! #17 (Bedeviled). In the Tanner series, it fits between Tanner #11 (Tanner Times Two) and Tanner #12 (Occupation: Death).
  • Unfinished Business (Taken!/Tanner #2): Read this between Taken! #19 (The King of Killers) and Taken! #20 (No More Mr. Nice Guy). In the Tanner series, it fits between Tanner #18 (Manhattan Hit Man) and Tanner #19 (One Hundred Years of Tanner).
  • The Abduction of Thomas Lawson (Taken!/Tanner #3): Read this directly after Taken! #20 (No More Mr. Nice Guy) and between Tanner #20 (Revelations) and Tanner #21 (The Spy Game).
  • Predator (Taken!/Tanner #4): Read this after Tanner #43 (Soulless) and after the first book in the Mr. White series.

Key Themes and Characters to Follow

As you progress through the Taken! series, you will meet a recurring cast of characters facing extreme psychological pressure. Karen and Jessica White are two central figures whose resilience and strategic thinking are tested by obsessions, dark secrets, and stalkers. Remington Kane uses these scenarios to explore the moral ambiguity of human behavior. The line between love and control is frequently blurred, and characters are forced to make desperate choices to survive.

The settings also play a crucial role in creating the atmosphere. From isolated farmhouses and remote cabins to busy city streets, the locations reflect the psychological isolation and panic of the characters. Kane’s use of fast-paced storytelling and unreliable narrators keeps readers guessing until the final pages of each book.

What to Know Before You Start

Before starting your journey, it is helpful to keep a few tips in mind. First, be prepared for high-intensity thriller elements; the series deals with dark themes including kidnapping, stalking, and psychological manipulation. Second, while the main Taken! series has 21 core books, the broader Remington Kane universe includes spin-offs like the Mr. White series that expand the lore. Finally, because the books were released rapidly, keeping a reading checklist is highly recommended to avoid missing crossovers.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Taken! series?

The best starting point is Love Conquers All, the first book in the series. It establishes the tone, style, and themes that define the rest of the books.

QAre the Taken! books standalones?

Many of the books feature standalone plots, but they are set in a shared universe with recurring characters and running subplots. Reading them in publication order is highly recommended.

QHow do the Tanner crossover books fit into the reading order?

There are four official crossover books. For example, The Contract: Kill Jessica White should be read between Taken! book 16 (Michael) and book 17 (Bedeviled). Check the official Remington Kane website for full details.

QWho is the author of the Taken! series?

The series is written by Remington Kane, which is a pen name for the author Donald Wells.

QWhen was the first Taken! book published?

The first book, Love Conquers All, was originally published on October 9, 2012, though some digital re-releases list dates as late as 2015 or 2018.

QWhat genres do the Taken! books fall under?

They are fast-paced psychological thrillers focusing on crime, suspense, obsession, and survival.