Karen L West
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Karen L West
Rise of the Taken
by Karen L West
Can one young man, armed with courage and an unyielding spirit, spark a rebellion that reclaims humanity's future, or will he become just another pawn in an interstellar game?
Hawken Wolf was raised to disappear.
Hidden deep in the Montana mountains, his family prepared for disaster with weapons, buried supplies, escape routes, and one rule: survive what others never see coming. But nothing could have prepared Hawken for the night the sky broke open.
When alien ships strike, Hawken loses almost everything. His home is destroyed. His family is taken. His dog, Tex, is the only thing left beside him when the enemy drags him into a world of cages, tests, and brutal alien arenas.
The Overseer calls it selection.
Hawken calls it war.
Forced to fight beside captives from Earth and beyond, Hawken must learn who can be trusted and what the aliens truly want. And why his mother’s strange radio signal may be the key to freeing them all. With Tex at his side and rebellion growing in the shadows, Hawken discovers the Empire is not just building soldiers.
It is breeding weapons.
And Hawken was never meant to be another prisoner.
He was meant to be the spark.
Hawken Wolf: Rise of the Taken is a fast-paced alien invasion survival adventure filled with military sci-fi action, alien arenas, found allies, rebellion, and one loyal dog who refuses to leave his human behind.
“Hawken Wolf: Rise of the Taken is a fast-paced sci fi fantasy novel that blends survival, identity, and rebellion into a gripping narrative. The story follows Hawken, a young man thrust out of his normal life and into a brutal off-world system where humans—referred to as “the Taken”—are forced to fight, train, and adapt under alien control. The book shines most in its World building. The concept of the “Taken”—humans ripped from Earth and repurposed as expendable soldiers—creates a dark, high-stakes universe. The environments are vividly described, ranging from hostile alien landscapes to militarized training zones, giving the story a constant sense of tension and danger. The plot centers on Hawken’s transformation. At the beginning, he is reactive and overwhelmed, but as the story progresses, he becomes more strategic and determined, eventually challenging the system that enslaves him. The “rise” mentioned in the title reflects both his personal growth and the beginnings of organized resistance. Hawken is a solid protagonist, especially for readers who enjoy character-driven action. His development—from confused survivor to emerging leader—is believable and engaging. Supporting characters, particularly fellow Taken, provide emotional depth and highlight different responses to captivity: fear, anger, loyalty, and rebellion. Hawken Wolf: Rise of the Taken is an entertaining and thought-provoking sci fi adventure that will appeal to fans of survival stories and alien-world settings. While it doesn’t break entirely new ground, it delivers a compelling hero’s journey with enough emotional weight and action to keep readers engaged. Rating: 4.7/5 stars”
Darren P.
Writer of Fantasy, Shifters, Apocalyptic, Space Fiction
I write stories for readers who love adventure, survival, transformation, and hope — no matter the world the story takes place in. My books span fantasy, science fiction, apocalyptic and end‑of‑the‑world stories, shifter tales, and young adult adventures. What connects them all is a focus on characters pushed to their limits, unexpected bonds, and the choices people make when the rules of their world change — or disappear entirely. Whatever the genre my stories fall into, my goal is always the same: to tell immersive, emotionally grounded stories where courage, loyalty, and resilience matter. Living in the Southwest, I continue to write stories that blend imagination with realism, danger with hope, and adventure with heart.
Gets Lost in a Snowstorm
Meet Tommy the Squirrel
A heartwarming children’s book series about curiosity, courage, and being yourself
Goes to Michigan
A heartwarming children’s book series about curiosity, courage, and being yourself
A sweeping tale of survival found family, and the wild magic of Yellowstone, The Wolves of Yellowstone is a heart-pounding adventure where the greatest transformation is discovering who you truly are.
Mysterious Howloifrea Unveiled
Friendship, courage, and ancient secrets await beyond the snow.
In the year 3201, Earth is a world unraveled—where magic has invaded technology
In a world shattered by storms and ruled by fear, hope is a rare and precious thing.
Step into a landscape where storms crack the sky and every shadow hides a secret—Tali’s quest to save the children will grip your heart and ignite your imagination.
Wants to be human
A cozy kids’ story about imagination, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Perfect for readers who love cozy magical realism, family secrets, small-town mystery, and heartwarming fiction with a supernatural twist. Crocus Kitchen is an enchanting novel about grief, legacy, and the kind of magic that begins at home.
A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller
The Girl in the Redwoods
A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller
Rose Clarke and her search-and-rescue dog, Clive, came to Crescent City for quiet.
After the trauma they survived in Minnesota, four days among the redwoods should have meant fog, ocean air, long trails, and rest. But Clive refuses to stay on the path.