Children with Gifts

by Dami Salako

Two years ago, Anthony Velazquez, a teenager with the Gift of cryokinesis, was kidnapped and imprisoned within an expansive network of illegal gladiator-style fight clubs called “The Arenas.” Just as he begins to lose all hope of ever being found, Anthony wakes up to find his Arena destroyed, his captors dead, and a trio of dysfunctional mercenaries pulling him out of the rubble.

But Anthony’s knights in shining armor are unwilling pawns in a powerful organization led by the ruthless Min Liu. Min needs Anthony and her guns-for-hire to eliminate a security threat - by any means necessary. Anthony is in no position to refuse. Soon, the four come across a massive conspiracy that could plunge their world — and other worlds — into chaos and panic. Loyalties are tested and the crew must decide if Min Liu's secrets are really hers to keep. If they double-cross Min and expose her heinous schemes, they risk the wrath of a powerful woman with the means to destroy everyone they’ve ever loved.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

364 pages, Paperback

First published November 11, 2025

About the author

Dami Salako is a first-generation Nigerian American who spent the first half of her childhood in England and the second half in Texas. She is a practicing psychiatrist and lives in Dallas with her husband, two dogs, and two cats.

When she’s not working or writing, Dami is cosplaying, playing Stardew Valley or Baldur’s Gate, or attending EDM festivals (her favorite artist is Rezz).

Reviews

[mysteriousfaith]

found this book from the author’s youtube channel and looking forward to reading this book next year as it sounds pretty interesting

:)

[Natalie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists and turns! Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, another plot twist enters the chat!! An engaging, fast-paced story with excellent characters that you love and hate in equal measure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review!

[Ria Parisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children with Gifts is an electric debut that I couldn’t put down! Salako weaves the multiple POVs together seamlessly and draws you in with intrigue from the get go. She manages to keep the superhero genre feeling fresh, all while unfolding mysteries and masterfully tackling hard and real life issues, the kind of skill only displayed in the very best comics. For fans of Heroes, Push or X-men, this one is for you!

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for the ARC of Children with Gifts in exchange for an honest review!

Anthony has been kidnapped from his home and is forced to fight other children in an arena, thinking he will never see life outside of The Arenas again. Though, when Anthony is saved by strangers, he has to navigate working with his liberators on a mission for a famous businesswoman. As Anthony is pulled on this mission, his real question isn't how the mission is going to be accomplished, but who he can put his trust in.

Just wow! If you want a fast paced book with plot twists around every corner, this book is for you! Every time I thought that I had figured out what was going to happen, a major plot twist was thrown at me. Going into this book, I really didn't have any expectations, but after reading it, this book raised my standards. All in all, I loved the intricacies of the plot and the depth of the character's personalities. I have nothing but praise for this book!

[Jerry Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book to read just when you have time. It grabbed me in the first few pages and kept me awake far too long. Fascinated with the plot, the twist, and the skill it took to create this story. There is an undercurrent that says, more than fantasy, these characters mimic real life, Absolutely one of the best books I've read.

[Catherine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I was completely drawn into the world and the unique gifts each character possessed. The pacing, the action scenes, I did not want to put this book down!!!

I would LOVE to see this turned into a movie or Netflix-style series. It has that perfect mix of action, heart, and suspense that would translate so well visually.

Please tell me there’s a sequel coming - because I’m not ready to leave this world yet! Highly recommend giving it a read!