Review: The Journey by Jan Hahn

From the Publisher:

Danger Shortly after the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth Bennet begins a journey to visit her relations in London with her travelling companions, Mr. Bingley's sisters and the proud, arrogant Mr. Darcy. Suddenly, their carriage is abruptly stopped, and Elizabeth hears the menacing cry, "Stand and deliver!" Abduction The leader of a band of highwaymen, Nate Morgan, a handsome, masked rogue, plans to seize Elizabeth for his amusement, but Darcy steps forward and offers himself as a hostage in her place. When his proposal fails to secure Elizabeth's release, Darcy makes a shocking declaration-Elizabeth is his wife! Romance At a time when a woman's future could be ruined by the slightest hint of scandal, Elizabeth's reputation will depend not only upon the actions of a hero but a villain as well. Filled with danger, excitement, daring and passion, The Journey follows Jane Austen's beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice as they embark on a fateful journey that changes their lives forever.

Pack your valise and don your traveling dress. You are about to embark on an exciting journey full of bumps, unexpected turns, and even a handsome villain, who may play with your sensibilities.

When kidnapped by highwaymen, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves tossed together under alarming circumstances. In order to make it out alive, they must learn to depend on and trust each other. Throughout this journey, time and again, Darcy endeavors to show Elizabeth to what extent he will go in order to ensure her safety and happiness, even if it means putting aside his desires.

Not understanding the reason behind Darcy’s selflessness and protectiveness, Elizabeth is puzzled by his behavior. Even though Elizabeth acknowledges her feelings for Darcy, she knows he could never have feelings for her. Believing that once they rejoin society things will go back to how they were, Elizabeth fails to understand the severity of the ton and the new obstacles facing them.

However, Darcy is not the only one attracted to Elizabeth. Nate Morgan is also enamored with the beauty from Hertfordshire. Even though Nate Morgan may be a highwayman, he is devilishly handsome and quite a lady charmer. (I found myself taken in by his charms). Knowing Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage to be a loveless one, Morgan attempts to show Elizabeth what life could have been like with love.

There were so many elements I enjoyed about this book. Told from Elizabeth’s point-of-view, I found this tale to be engaging. It was as if I was a child listening to my mother recount a past journey. The humor, whether it is Darcy’s snide comments to Caroline, or situations in which the characters find themselves, helps break the tension and severity of their situation.

The rising action was also well developed. I was continually guessing what would happen next. The plot moved along at a steady pace, as all my questions built on each other. It wasn’t until after Darcy and Elizabeth came to an understanding that the plot slowed. I felt that if I skipped these pages, I would not have missed anything. However, the plot picks back up in the last few pages and through the epilogue. I love how Hahn ends the book and ties everything together, bringing the reader closure. It was one of my favorite parts of the book (along with the night of the Bingley’s engagement party, but you will just have to read the book to find out why)!

The Journey is a fascinating tale, sure to appease the adventuresome Austen enthusiast.

Jan Hahn is also the author of An Arranged Marriage.  

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Publisher: Meryton Press