Review of The Girl in the Box Series: Books 1-3 – Alone, Untouched, and Soulless
I stumbled upon The Girl in the Box Series while looking for something new to dive into—something that would pull me into a world filled with suspense, mystery, and just a hint of the supernatural. Written by Robert J. Crane, a million-selling author, this series completely enveloped me from the very beginning. The premise of a young girl, Sienna Nealon, emerging from years of isolation into a world filled with danger and intrigue was just too gripping for me to resist.
The trilogy opens with Alone, where Sienna—a 17-year-old who has spent most of her life locked away—awakens to a terrifying reality. Her mother has vanished, and she finds herself pursued by sinister figures with questionable intentions. I was immediately captivated by Sienna’s journey from confinement to freedom, as she begins to discover not only the outside world but also her own extraordinary powers. It raises compelling themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the struggle to carve out an identity after years of manipulation and control.
In Untouched, Sienna’s journey continues as she grapples with her traumatic past while facing new threats from a powerful foe. The emotional complexity of her character is so well-rendered; I found myself both cheering for her and empathizing with her struggles. Crane has a knack for blending action with introspection. Sienna’s internal conflict—as she wrestles with her identity and fears—felt relatable and real.
By the time I reached Soulless, Sienna has transformed into a more confident young woman, now immersed in a world of metahumans and shadowy organizations. The pacing in this final installment is brisk, filled with heart-pounding moments that kept my heart racing. The camaraderie she develops with her fellow agents adds a wonderful dynamic to the story, showcasing the importance of friendship and trust amid chaos.
Crane’s writing is crisp and engaging, allowing readers to effortlessly shift between moments of intense action and reflective pauses. I appreciated how he avoided unnecessary repetition and kept the narrative lively. This series isn’t flawless—some moments feel rushed and the character names can cause a bit of a mix-up—but those minor hiccups faded away as I became completely absorbed in Sienna’s world.
One of my favorite quotes comes from K.J. Nolan’s review, who said the storyline was "fascinating, heartbreaking, imaginative, and fast-paced." I couldn’t agree more. The emotional depth combined with thrilling action creates an unforgettable reading experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Girl in the Box Series to anyone who enjoys YA fiction, especially those who love a blend of science fiction, suspense, and character-driven narratives. And if you’re looking for a story that explores themes of survival and self-identity against incredible odds, this series will resonate with you on many levels. Personally, it left me eager for more—I’ve already marked my calendar for the next release in the series!
Whether you’re a teen or simply young at heart, prepare for a wild ride through the pages of Sienna’s life as she discovers what it truly means to be free.