
‘Ever since I got here, I‘ve been scanning the courtroom, waiting for you. Even after everything, it is still always you, inside my head, inside me. Will it ever be any different?’
Ten years ago, sixteen-year-old Gemma Toombs was kidnapped from Bangkok Airport by an infatuated drifter, Tyler MacFarlane, who took her to a secret den in the Australian desert. Now her name is Kate Stone and it’s her turn to confront Ty and try to find answers to the questions that have obsessed her since her ordeal. What is the legacy of this coercive relationship? Who holds the cards now? In the confusion of past and present, will Kate remain trapped in a deranged dance of desire and revenge? Or will she regain control and find release?
Both a courtroom drama and a road trip in the searing heat of the West Australian desert, Release is the story of two people confronting each other, each intent on destruction and survival.
Chatting about RELEASE
I recently sat down to chat with my wonderful colleague, Dr Danielle Wood, about RELEASE, the outback, and moving on after trauma. Have a watch!
Where to Buy
RELEASE has now been published by the wonderful Text Publishing.
USA:
Audiobook:
Paperback:
Australia / New Zealand:
United Kingdom:
Other Countries:
- Amazon US
- Book Depository (free delivery worldwide)
- Amazon UK
Companion to Stolen
Release is my first book for adults and is a companion to my bestselling YA novel Stolen. It’s a gripping psychological thriller that explores a young woman’s discovery of the complicated truth about a relationship that once seemed alluring.
Hi Lucy!! I loved release!! it gave me a lot of closure to Stolen lol. It was such an exiting book I seriously couldn’t put it down haha. I needed to Finnish it soo badly lol Do you think you will write a 3rd book???
Ive never read anything like Stolen, it stuck with me for years. To my absolute surprise and delight I saw there was a sequel to it only a week ago and I read right away!!!
Just finished it and I am sobbing, the characters feel so real, the writing makes you empathize so much with these characters. Bravo!
I really wanted to have more understanding of Tye’s pov in this one, I really wanted closure and answers as to his insane behavior in Stolen, I genuinely want to know what else he lied about in the first novel.
A prequel to Stolen strictly about Tye’s upbringing, reasoning and obsessing would be a VERY interesting read
i read stolen 5 years ago when i was 14, and it changed me, ever since 2018 i read it at least 3 time per year, im obsessed, i even got the first sentence of the book tattooed on me. and when i saw that there was gonna be a sequel i was shocked, and when i read Released, i felt good, so good, the boon is exactly how i wanted it to be, perfect, thanks to Lucy for changing the way i see literature:)
In one night I read both Stolen and Release. I was hooked and hopeful for a happy ending love story. Instead, I was heartbroken for TY because he got the short end of the stick since childhood. Hoping for a third book with a chance of survival or at the very least for a chance to hear his side of the story.
I fell in love with the twisted love story of Stolen – it’s a story I’ve been wishing an author would dare to write and when I found it in a book store in 2011 I was ecstatic. And also love Australia which helps. So you can imagine my surprise and excitement at this companion book! I had so many ideas on how it would turn out. I almost put the book down when Gemma thought she killed Ty. I actually wanted him to live. And I found myself sad and upset that they didn’t end up together. I am so drawn to this story! I get sad when I read Stolen and now when I re-read Release I will be imagining Ty and where he ended up. Please tell me there’s a chance you write a third form Ty’s perspective to let curious readers know where he ended? I love the suspense but it’s killing me (I mean this respectfullynof course).
I just reread Stolen for probably the 8th time and then found out about Released and bought it immediately! I just finished it in 2 days! You are definitely my favorite author! I would love to see another book, maybe from Ty’s perspective after he leaves Gemma the next morning!
That’s exactly what I said! And exactly how I found this book. I love the twisted love story and how it’s not a physical thing but purely emotional and safely gritty.
LOVED this book.
I’ve obsessed over Stolen since I read it 10 years ago, and I’ve waited so long for this closure. It’s exactly how I wanted it to be!
This book series truly is the best I’ve read and I really hope another book will come out (hopefully in less than 10 years this time)
I’m glad too! But also frustrated not knowing exactly what happened to Ty. In a good way, of course, because then I’m thinking of all the possibilities of what he’s doing.
Stolen is my favorite book
I read Stolen and immediately sought out a sequel and was pleasantly surprised to find Release! Very hopeful to see a 3rd book one day!
I need a third but from Ty’s perspective! I found Release just after rereading Stolen a month ago and was shocked that I didn’t find out sooner.
I like stolen lol
Stolen was and has been my favorite book that I have ever read. I read it at the age of 16 and was able to sympathize with Gemma. I have been waiting for the companion book to come out and was able to get it. This book was everything that I have been looking for, especially the way the the book unfolds. I truly could not have asked for a different version of it. It is so beautiful! I know that these books will forever have a hold on me and stay my favorites, but it is so nice to know that I can have a resolution from them. Truly an amazing journey and finding.
I did NOT know that there was a sequal!!! This is so exiting!
This book has my heart ACHING! I loved it so much and I feel like I need more for more closure!! God. Stolen is my favorite book of all time and I remember first getting it for a school project and thinking I’m going to struggle writing about it, but stolen made me fall in love with it and it felt as if I was there. Ever since I’ve wait for a sequel and release did it PERFECTLY. I loved the slow burning, trembling twist that happens..I will forever love this series! I want to re read it all over again!!
I have literally waited for this moment for years I’m so excited! Stolen was my favorite book when I was in middle/high schools and ever since I read it I’ve been always hoping for a movie or sequel. This is so exciting
I remember reading Stolen in my teen years and loved every second of it! I cant believe there is a sequel to it. I hope there is kindle and/or iBooks option soon. Your writing is amazing!
I absolutely looooovvveeeedd stolen and I was never able to get over it and I found of release was coming out soon so I order it and finished it in like 3 days. Stolen started my addiction to reading and I’m wondering if there will be a sequel to release. I’m obsessed with your books.
Hi! Lucy can’t wait for your uk book launch! please can you tell us how we can order signed copies of your new book! (specially for those of us who are too far to visit you when you come down to bath), many thanks and much appreciated!!
Hi Lucy,
I read Stolen more than 10 years ago when I was 15 and it has stayed with me ever since. Every once in a while I would think back to certain parts of the book and re-read my now well-worn copy. I have been eagerly following your updates on Release and am very excited to receive my copy (hopefully) soon in Canada!
Happy Release Day!
Hey Lucy! Will I be able to read the ebook if I purchase it on May 31, the Australian publication date, despite not residing in Australia?
Hi Misa, glad you’re thinking of purchasing the book, thank you! I imagine if you are able to make the purchase then you can listen to it. But usually they restrict it to the location. So you might need to create an Australian audible account for example. That bit might be tricky!
I read Stolen probably 10 years ago when I picked it up at a school book fair. I was in middle school and my family life was falling apart. I turned to books to soothe me, to escape. But no book ever made me feel the way Stolen did. I never forgot that book, and for years I wondered why it stayed in my mind. I read it twice when I first bought it and then didn’t pick it up again until yesterday. Now at age 23, it sat on my bookshelf for a decade, and I was desperate to love reading again, I now read books that were informative, educational blah blah. So I started to hate reading. I thought, what is something I can read that will make me love reading again? I immediately thought of Stolen. I was scared to reread it because I held its memory so close to my childhood heart I thought “What if it isn’t as good as I remember it? What if it makes me cringe?” And then I read for 5 and a half hours straight until my eyes couldn’t hold open any longer. The minute I woke up I reached for the book to finish what was left. It was even better than I remembered, and I credited my 13-year-old self for her taste. It was the first book I remember being unable to put down, and 10 years later I feel the same way. No book, movie, or TV show has ever captivated me and made me feel the way Stolen has. The writing, the story, the characters, the imagery, everything was perfect. It felt as if it was almost fate when I instantly ran to the internet thinking “Surely, there are discussion pages out there somewhere.” And when I saw that Christopher was coming out with a sequel in just a month, I almost cried. Thank you, Lucy, for making me love reading again. I read somewhere that you wrote this book to make young girls question the health of their own relationships and even today that is exactly what it did.
I cannot wait for the second part of this amazing story.
I came across this book at Barnes and Nobles like I think 6 or 8 years ago…? Anyways once a year or two I pick this book back up and reread it …loving it more and more each time and hoping there will be a sequel! Well it is FINALLY happening and I can’t be more ECSTATIC!!! Thank you Lucy!! I can’t wait from the US!!! ☺️
I literally can’t wait for the second book OMG!!!!!. I’ve been praying for 6 years for this book to have a sequel. THANK YOUUUUU
Hi Lucy ! do you know when the US publication date is ? I cant Wait !!!!! Im so Exited !!!
I am also wondering when it will be available here in the US! I cannot wait!!
I could CRY. I read Stolen years ago and have felt like I’ve constantly hunted for a book to make me feel the same way! Please please please let this be available in the US! My first copy of stole is in shambles from the years upon years of re-reading this book and I will have to re-order a newer copy. I LOVE THIS
Just read stolen for the first time in class and LOVED IT!!!!! I was looking it up to buy my own copy and found out that there would be a sequel. I was so excited I even told my teacher because she also read Stolen and she will be reading Release as well. Im soooooo excited for this book
I remember falling in love with Stolen when I was in middle school, now almost 10 years later, I was reminded of my love for this book when I had to do an essay on a class for college, and Stolen what was what came to mind instantly!! As I am 22 now, I genuinely feel like I have a different perception of this book through “older” eyes. I rebought Stolen, finished it the same day it came in the mail, looked for more writing by our beloved Lucy, and SAW THIS?!?!?! I live in the United States, but I asked my friend to preorder for me who lives in the UK, and hopefully get my hands on this baby soon!!! So excited and absolutely love Lucy Christopher’s writing. <3
Your book inspired mine A LOT. It’s different, but it’s also about kidnapping, but not… typical kidnapping. I’ll release it soon – in Poland – so you probably won’t hear about it. I just wanted you to know, that “Stolen” is one of my favourite books ever, and thanks to you I created mine. You gave me courage. I’ll never forget the atmosphere that you created. Thank you.
Ooo i would love to check it out
What’s the name?
I read this book when I was in middle school. I was searching for my next book read & I asked my friend any recommendations. She DID NOT disappoint. Oh my the way Lucy Christopher describe the scenery & Australia blew my imagination. This woman can write I felt like I was watching a movie when reading Stolen. It holds a special place in my heart no kidding. Finally my dreams are coming true. I knew in my gut that no way this book is leaving its mark it had to be a sequel. I’m looking any update for the U.S. release. I’m most definitely purchasing this book for my friend & I. Super EXCITED!!!!!
I love your book Stolen i’ve been dying to see if there is a part 2. And there is! A bit bummed that we don’t any shipping for here in the usa. But i’m still excited both ways!!
Cannot wait for this. I am in the U.S. and I’m bummed there’s no release date yet. Any way you can release an excerpt or sample? 🤞
I’ve loved Stolen as long as I can remember. I still think about this book after so many years. Soooo beyond excited for the sequel!!!!!
What can I do to have an ARC? I just re-read Stolen again and I’m sitting here staring at my laptop and wondering how the hell I am going to wait until June to read this. Thanks for creating such magic in our lives with your work, Lucy!
This is the best news ever! This book was definitely one of the most interesting and facsinating books I have ever read! I think about the story so often, I don’t know why it had such an effect on me. I was 17 when I read it and still after 10 years I think about it and have goosebumps. I read it in German (twice) and I was just checking what the name is in English (to read it again, but only in English) and find out that there is going to be another book. I am SO EXCITED and looking forward to it!
I will literally pass away. Stolen has been my favorite book since i first read it, i cannot buy it in Brazil right now and i don’t think i will be able to buy Release but i wish more people new about the absolute masterpiece Stolen is and Release won’t fall behind.
i just finished stolen last night and i can’t get it out of my head!! it’s absolutely crazy and i just wanna thank Lucy Christopher for closing the story and writing another book to finish it! i had so many questions left. I hope Ty and Gemma both end up happy TOGETHER, though (probably not gonna happen but a girl can dream!) Cant wait to find out the US release date
Aaaah, can’t wait! Can May come sooner? :*
I really hope Ty and Gemma end up together!! I wonder why she changed her name
I am so excited! Stolen was one of the first books to ever get me into reading and it has a special place in my heart. Any news on whether there will be any signed editions or how to get hold of an ARC? I can’t wait ☺️
Finished reading Stolen but I keep rereading it. Love it so much!! I can’t get over it, so excited!!
Hello
I am from Vanuatu and I have just started reading “Stolen” 2 days ago and finished it today! I bought it at one of our second hand shops here that sells books as well.
I cant believe the different emotions I am having as I read through the book. I ended up crying. So I decided to look you up on social media and found this AAAAHHH I AM VERY EXCITED AND CANT WAIT TO READ THIS!!!
Hey, do you know why the author decided to put Release under “Adult” instead of under YA like Stolen is? Stolen was surprisingly a very clean book, as in there was nothing physical between the characters, that’s why it was YA. So I’m wondering why Release is an “Adult” book. Could be violence, but I’m not sure.
I read Stolen in high school and now that I have graduated from college, I can’t believe the sequal is out!! I have been waiting so long and I’m so happy it’s finally happening.
I read stolen years ago and I’ve never had a book stay with me so much. I cannot wait for Release
I’ve read Stolen about a year ago, and it hasn’t left my mind since. I cannot explain how relieved I am to hear that there’s a continuation to my favorite book. I was left feeling empty & confused. I fell in love with Ty and Gemma, and I needed more. Thank you Lucy Christopher for doing what no other author was able to do for me. Your talent truly has affected my life.
When exactly is it coming out? Really can’t wait!
Hi Daisy, it’s out at the end of May in Australia, beginning of June in the UK and I’m still waiting on a US publication date. I’m glad people seem excited, I am too!
i just finished Stolen earlier today and it’s been on my mind ever since i’m very happy finding out that there’s going to be a sequel can’t wait to see Gemma again she’s one of my comfort book characters
I haven’t stopped thinking about this book since I read it 5+ years ago. I searched online for it and finally found a copy to re-read. It was still just as good as the first time. Knowing there will be a sequel, I’m just so happy to finally hear the end of Gemma and Ty’s story!
I just finished Stolen. Although I think it ended perfectly and just right to make me bawl my eyes out, I couldn’t help but wish for insight on the lives of the characters during and post trial. After getting so attached to the characters, I am ecstatic that you really are providing the opportunity to follow up with these characters. I cannot wait!
I just read Stolen for the first time, having intended to read it for years and years. I finished it yesterday and it hasn’t left my mind since I finished it so I thought I’d check if there was a sequel, not thinking there would be. Seeing that this will be released next year, I actually had a cry. I love that books can get into our souls like that. Can’t wait to devour this when it’s released!
u have no idea how much this makes me happy. im so so excited finally another will to live. im actually gonna bawl my eyes out
So excited for the release of this book! I first read it years ago when I was a freshman in High School and I loved the story. It was one of those books that has always stuck with me, and for some reason I just decided to pull it out of the bookshelf and re-read it. Just finished it and checked this website to see what other books she had. So happy to hear there will be a follow up, I always wanted to know how the story continued!
I cannot wait to read this book, I first read Stolen when it came out, as a young preteen in the corner of the local university library. It left such an impact on me and made for severe inspiration in most of my senior HSC essays. Very excited!!
i just reread the book for the first time in forever and come to check for any updates and OMG ITS ALMOST HERE!!!
I am so excited! I have been obsessed with Stolen for a very long time now, and I loved every second of it. I will never forget how emotional I got when I finished reading it. I am so looking forward for the sequel, and I am very curious to see what is going to happen next. I cannot wait.
I am so excited. I’ve turned this book into a lesson when I was a student aid in high school. It was fascinating seeing all the opinions everyone had on what was to come next. I’m very intrigued to see how the story progresses in this next book.
Getting this as soon as it comes out in the US! Stolen was on of my favorite books in middle school! 😀
Ahhhh! I’ve been waiting so long for this!