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Talented Saga #5
Exiled: Kenly's Story
Kenly Baker is on the run. As one of the Created, a new subset of Talents whose powers were exponentially increased with a synthetic substance, she is being hunted by the government.
Kenly travels across the Atlantic Ocean to the slums of London, where she finds tentative acceptance among a group of outcasts. The Talented are second-class citizens outside of America, so her new friends have spent their lives hiding their abilities, dodging shadows and barely staying alive. Kenly must quickly learn their ways if she is to have any hope for survival.
Because the government is not alone in hunting the Created. Kenly thought she knew what horrors haunt the night, but she soon learns of predators far more terrifying than anything she’s ever faced. Suddenly, she is brutally aware of humanity’s dark side.
It is aware of Kenly, as well. And it’s coming for her.
Kenly travels across the Atlantic Ocean to the slums of London, where she finds tentative acceptance among a group of outcasts. The Talented are second-class citizens outside of America, so her new friends have spent their lives hiding their abilities, dodging shadows and barely staying alive. Kenly must quickly learn their ways if she is to have any hope for survival.
Because the government is not alone in hunting the Created. Kenly thought she knew what horrors haunt the night, but she soon learns of predators far more terrifying than anything she’s ever faced. Suddenly, she is brutally aware of humanity’s dark side.
It is aware of Kenly, as well. And it’s coming for her.
430 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2014
312 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Davis
52 books926 followersAuthor of twenty-six books in six series, Sophie Davis is a pseudonym for best friends turned co-authors. The pair met in law school and instantly bonded over their love of great books and bad horror movies. When one longed for the ability to read minds so she wouldn't have to study for the bar exam, they created a dystopian world with superpowers that spans nine books.
While writing in genres of paranormal romance, time travel, urban fantasy, and mystery, their works have been optioned for film and translated for an international audience. You can find them teaching their dogs to enter wormholes in the desert of Southern California.
For more information, visit www.SophieDavisBooks.com
While writing in genres of paranormal romance, time travel, urban fantasy, and mystery, their works have been optioned for film and translated for an international audience. You can find them teaching their dogs to enter wormholes in the desert of Southern California.
For more information, visit www.SophieDavisBooks.com
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September 15, 2019Unrated for now.
September 14, 2014
I LOVED the latest book in this great series by Sophie Davis! And I was terribly dismayed when I completed the last page, I literally yelled out "NO!" upon realizing the book was finished (and scared my husband, LOL!) I don't know how I will be able to wait for the next installment! As usual, this book is full of rich detail and colorful descriptions, the author really pulls you into the story. I wasn't sure I would like it as much as the previous books, as the main character, Kenly, was not my favorite and at times I was frustrated by her attitude/opinions. But, as I got further into the book, both the character and my mind changed a bit and I was won over. I enjoyed that this book was told from a different viewpoint and also that the setting was moved to London. It really added a new twist to this series. I will say that if it has been a while since reading the previous book, it might be beneficial to re-read it, so the story is fresh in your mind, before starting Exiled. It took me a few beats to piece things together, as it had been several months since reading the last book in this series. I hate to make comparisons, but if you have not read Sophie Davis, and are a fan of The Hunger Games, you will love this series! (In no way am I saying this is a knock-off of The Hunger Games, just that it has a similar feel and will likely appeal to many who enjoyed that series.) Be sure to start at the beginning and read all of the books, so you get the full pleasure of this amazing series! I did receive an advance copy of this book, in exchange for posting a review, but this is my HONEST review and I sincerely LOVED this book and highly recommend it to other readers.
September 16, 2014
I received this book to give an honest review.
So when when I was offered this book I knew I had to read it. I have enjoyed all the Talented books. The story line and the characters are just awesome.
I started reading and the first thing that came to my mind was umm who is Kenly? I kept racking my brain as to who this character was. And finally within the story I got my answer. She was the protege of Talia.
With Exiled we follow Kenly and how is she on the run from UNITED. If you remember from before Talia and Erik took down the director and TOXIC went offline. With the previous stories I got the feeling that the talented and the created were only in America. But no it is worldwide! And Kenly is in London where it seems all of it had begun or at least that is my thought on how I read it.
Kenly has been alone for a while and so when she meets up with other talented people which was by mistake everything becomes a whirl wind as soon as Kenly uses her powers.
There are poachers which are people who hunt the talented and the created and Kenly is on their radar.
The other talented people who have taken her under their protection seem pretty cool. You have Jason who of course has had a bad past which makes him a bit of a butt. But what do you expect with someone who has been on his own for a very long time.
Willa who works in the Tug pub with her father and has been keeping an eye on Kenly since she came into the pub.
Riley who is Willa's boyfriend.
Then you have Honora who seems to be a very quiet person.
Now at first the book is kind of dullish. By that I mean you are getting to where Kenly is on the run we hear how she is reliving her past. She doesn't understand why Talia and Erik let her go. But as soon as Kenly uses her powers that is when the action within the story picks up and you start getting into the story.
Kenly and James end up finding themselves in trouble and you gotta wonder who is going to save them? Will they have a relationship? What is going to happen to the Talented and Created with them becoming the hunted!
You looking for a new series? If so then get your hands on the Talented series. You will not be disappointed at all.
So when when I was offered this book I knew I had to read it. I have enjoyed all the Talented books. The story line and the characters are just awesome.
I started reading and the first thing that came to my mind was umm who is Kenly? I kept racking my brain as to who this character was. And finally within the story I got my answer. She was the protege of Talia.
With Exiled we follow Kenly and how is she on the run from UNITED. If you remember from before Talia and Erik took down the director and TOXIC went offline. With the previous stories I got the feeling that the talented and the created were only in America. But no it is worldwide! And Kenly is in London where it seems all of it had begun or at least that is my thought on how I read it.
Kenly has been alone for a while and so when she meets up with other talented people which was by mistake everything becomes a whirl wind as soon as Kenly uses her powers.
There are poachers which are people who hunt the talented and the created and Kenly is on their radar.
The other talented people who have taken her under their protection seem pretty cool. You have Jason who of course has had a bad past which makes him a bit of a butt. But what do you expect with someone who has been on his own for a very long time.
Willa who works in the Tug pub with her father and has been keeping an eye on Kenly since she came into the pub.
Riley who is Willa's boyfriend.
Then you have Honora who seems to be a very quiet person.
Now at first the book is kind of dullish. By that I mean you are getting to where Kenly is on the run we hear how she is reliving her past. She doesn't understand why Talia and Erik let her go. But as soon as Kenly uses her powers that is when the action within the story picks up and you start getting into the story.
Kenly and James end up finding themselves in trouble and you gotta wonder who is going to save them? Will they have a relationship? What is going to happen to the Talented and Created with them becoming the hunted!
You looking for a new series? If so then get your hands on the Talented series. You will not be disappointed at all.
September 14, 2014
I loved Exiled!! I loved it more than any other in this series, and it's tied for my favorite Sophie Davis book with Pawn (another great read, if you haven't checked it out yet you totally should!).
I reread the first 4 books of the Talented Saga before I read Exiled, just so I would be "caught up" in my head (in case I forgot a few things). Exiled starts pretty soon after Created left off, with Kenly having traveled to London to try to escape from UNITED because they are hunting the Created. Once in London, we meet an entire new set of characters and struggles. Ahhh... but it's worth it. Kenly grows as a person and starts to realize the depth of the pile of crap Mac & TOXIC left the world in. The new characters are charming and loyal, yet feisty and intriguing. Even some of the baddies held my interest and didn't inspire feelings of complete hatred. You understood where they were coming from. I also loved that she tried to incorporate some slang (though it was DEFINITELY hard to get used to at first, since they were literally speaking another language (British English, not American English - hahaha), but once the definitions of words were given it was a lot easier.
I've read all of Sophie Davis's books... she writes some awesome stories, and this one is no different. But it is amazing to see how her story-telling has grown and progressed into the level of work it is now. I can't wait for INESCAPABLE! (or Sacrifice, or the next Blind Barriers segment). :-D
I reread the first 4 books of the Talented Saga before I read Exiled, just so I would be "caught up" in my head (in case I forgot a few things). Exiled starts pretty soon after Created left off, with Kenly having traveled to London to try to escape from UNITED because they are hunting the Created. Once in London, we meet an entire new set of characters and struggles. Ahhh... but it's worth it. Kenly grows as a person and starts to realize the depth of the pile of crap Mac & TOXIC left the world in. The new characters are charming and loyal, yet feisty and intriguing. Even some of the baddies held my interest and didn't inspire feelings of complete hatred. You understood where they were coming from. I also loved that she tried to incorporate some slang (though it was DEFINITELY hard to get used to at first, since they were literally speaking another language (British English, not American English - hahaha), but once the definitions of words were given it was a lot easier.
I've read all of Sophie Davis's books... she writes some awesome stories, and this one is no different. But it is amazing to see how her story-telling has grown and progressed into the level of work it is now. I can't wait for INESCAPABLE! (or Sacrifice, or the next Blind Barriers segment). :-D
July 20, 2018
I have to admit, EVERYTHING these girls write is awesome! Kenly's story was no exception. This was a fabulous tie-in to the talented series. I loved the addition of new characters to the Talented world. Then there was James. Le-sigh . . .(queue swoon) . . . what a fantastic love interest! The end of this book was the perfect way I could have even imagined it to possibly be. This is a must read in the Talented series. Five glittery stars because there aren't ten glittery stars allowed!
September 16, 2014
Sophie has really outdone herself with this incredible addition to this series. Kenly has developed into such a strong character that it amazed me how much she has grown.I loved this story right from the beginning. It is one of those beginnings that is written in a way that captures your attention. Sophie did just that with Exiled. I am looking forward to many more installments to the Talented Saga.
October 11, 2019
This book is from Kenly’s POV.
This is the girl that Thalia was training to be a hunter. I thought it was a bit interesting to see from her POV and see what the aftermath is like when TOXIC was taken down. I did find her a bit annoying at times, but that was because she would say she’s very smart with her computer brain but she would make bad decisions. It was interesting to see how different the world is and how it’s different how talented are treated on the UK compared to the U.S. The ending...well let’s just say it’s worth it.
This is the girl that Thalia was training to be a hunter. I thought it was a bit interesting to see from her POV and see what the aftermath is like when TOXIC was taken down. I did find her a bit annoying at times, but that was because she would say she’s very smart with her computer brain but she would make bad decisions. It was interesting to see how different the world is and how it’s different how talented are treated on the UK compared to the U.S. The ending...well let’s just say it’s worth it.
October 24, 2016
3.5 Stars
On the one hand, I liked the book. On the other hand, it wasn't my favorite and the reason for that is Kenly.
Like others who have left reviews have said, make sure you read the books in order and timely. If you're like me and you read the other books before this one came out and it has been months and many other series between those books and this one, you may find yourself working really hard to pull up details from the previous books. Especially since this one is from Kenly's perspective. I actually enjoyed that to a certain extent just to hear what it was like for the other Talented and Created individuals outside Talia's immediate range. However, I'm not as invested in Kenly as I am Talia and Erik, although I did like Riley, James, and Willa. They are great additions to the cast of characters I've come to like reading about in the series.
In this one, we get the perspective of those over the pond. We learn that life was definitely not cushy for the Talented (or Chrome as they are known by overseas), unlike how it was in the US before Toxic fell. Luckily for Kenly, after escaping the US and fleeing overseas, she gets taken in by a good group of Chromes. The majority of the book details how hard life is and exactly how lucky she was and how she took that life for granted. She drove me absolutely bonkers. She wavered between being scared and mediocre to being angry and overconfident/careless. And then she wants to play hero at the end while casting blame and trying to shame others for not jumping on her bandwagon. I could almost forgive that because I understood and could empathize with her disgust of the Poachers, but I'm still waiting for her to have that "aha" moment. I'm not sure she actually learned how wrong she was. I'm guessing the next book will help with that, but definitely hope it isn't all from Kenly's perspective. I do want to see where her and her group go from here, but also want to go back to Talia and her team.
On the one hand, I liked the book. On the other hand, it wasn't my favorite and the reason for that is Kenly.
Like others who have left reviews have said, make sure you read the books in order and timely. If you're like me and you read the other books before this one came out and it has been months and many other series between those books and this one, you may find yourself working really hard to pull up details from the previous books. Especially since this one is from Kenly's perspective. I actually enjoyed that to a certain extent just to hear what it was like for the other Talented and Created individuals outside Talia's immediate range. However, I'm not as invested in Kenly as I am Talia and Erik, although I did like Riley, James, and Willa. They are great additions to the cast of characters I've come to like reading about in the series.
In this one, we get the perspective of those over the pond. We learn that life was definitely not cushy for the Talented (or Chrome as they are known by overseas), unlike how it was in the US before Toxic fell. Luckily for Kenly, after escaping the US and fleeing overseas, she gets taken in by a good group of Chromes. The majority of the book details how hard life is and exactly how lucky she was and how she took that life for granted. She drove me absolutely bonkers. She wavered between being scared and mediocre to being angry and overconfident/careless. And then she wants to play hero at the end while casting blame and trying to shame others for not jumping on her bandwagon. I could almost forgive that because I understood and could empathize with her disgust of the Poachers, but I'm still waiting for her to have that "aha" moment. I'm not sure she actually learned how wrong she was. I'm guessing the next book will help with that, but definitely hope it isn't all from Kenly's perspective. I do want to see where her and her group go from here, but also want to go back to Talia and her team.
September 15, 2014
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Having been hooked on the previous books in this series, I was excited to see this world from a new perspective. I was definitely not disappointed. There’s still the random typos and grammar mistakes scattered throughout, but those are easily ignored once you get pulled into the story. The book’s pacing is great; the author establishes the London setting and gets right into the action and introducing new characters. This is a story that will pull you in quickly. The reader gets subtle hints throughout the book about which characters may be ultimately good or bad, which kept me reading nonstop. Even with this new narrator in the character of Kenly, the author does a great job of showing her personality and morality, so you easily relate to her. She comes off as a more human or realistic Talia, a girl who makes mistakes but ultimately shows her tenacity when it counts. The ending was excellent, without giving much away, as it brought in some familiar faces and set this book into the timeline of the rest of the series. Overall, I highly recommend this series.
Having been hooked on the previous books in this series, I was excited to see this world from a new perspective. I was definitely not disappointed. There’s still the random typos and grammar mistakes scattered throughout, but those are easily ignored once you get pulled into the story. The book’s pacing is great; the author establishes the London setting and gets right into the action and introducing new characters. This is a story that will pull you in quickly. The reader gets subtle hints throughout the book about which characters may be ultimately good or bad, which kept me reading nonstop. Even with this new narrator in the character of Kenly, the author does a great job of showing her personality and morality, so you easily relate to her. She comes off as a more human or realistic Talia, a girl who makes mistakes but ultimately shows her tenacity when it counts. The ending was excellent, without giving much away, as it brought in some familiar faces and set this book into the timeline of the rest of the series. Overall, I highly recommend this series.
September 15, 2014
I have loved all of the Talented Books and this one was no different!!! This is all Kenly, I enjoyed to be able to see her as Talia must have when she took her under wing!!
Kenly’s character at first is adrift and just trying to make it another day free.... ( if you have read the other books in this series, it is after Created-book #4 right). I love that the beginning of the book was spent on Kenly’s thoughts about everything that happened since escaping the events in DC and being the run from UNITED, To see her come to terms on what happen and will continue to happen if she does not make some hard choices! The cast of new friends to help her along the way are an amazing group and just what she needs to help her through.
I cannot wait to see where her story goes!!! I think all are must reads but I think Kenly's story is my new Fav.!!!!
Kenly’s character at first is adrift and just trying to make it another day free.... ( if you have read the other books in this series, it is after Created-book #4 right). I love that the beginning of the book was spent on Kenly’s thoughts about everything that happened since escaping the events in DC and being the run from UNITED, To see her come to terms on what happen and will continue to happen if she does not make some hard choices! The cast of new friends to help her along the way are an amazing group and just what she needs to help her through.
I cannot wait to see where her story goes!!! I think all are must reads but I think Kenly's story is my new Fav.!!!!
September 6, 2014
Exiled was a great read. Kenly is in London trying to lie low and not attract the attention of any united agents. She spends her time in a bar where she met Willa and Tug. Willa has been keeping an eye on Kenley without her realizing it because there’s more to Willa than Kenly knows. Willa, Riley, James and Honora save Kenly from the poachers who capture anyone with talents and sell them to the highest bidder for personal use. They all have special talents so they know how to stay hidden from poachers but soon their luck would run out. I loved how Talia, Penny, Brand and Erik appeared in this book; Talia being even stronger than ever and the fight is still on. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series; it is definitely a series worth reading.
September 14, 2014
Kenly has left The McDonough School for the Talented and is on the run. She is in hiding in London. This is a fast paced and well-written book. I have read two books by Sophie Davis, the original Talented with Talia and Pawn. Talented wasn't my favorite book by Sophie Davis, I gave it three stars and I gave Pawn four. I was liking this book and I feel like Davis' writing style has improved since the original Talented. UNITED is hunting Kenly and others of the Created, who they have labeled terrorists. Kenly meets some other Talents who call themselves Chromes who tell Kenly there are others hunting her as well. A good, exciting read. 4 stars.
September 17, 2014
Kenly's Story (A Talented Novel) written by author Sophie Davis, the lasted part in her Talented series, tells the story of a character named Kenly.
I found myself actually enjoying Kenly's story and it's characters as the story progressed.
Overall I considered this an interesting, unique novel and well worth the five stars I'm rating it. Now it's time to re-read Talented, and begin on the rest of the series.
I found myself actually enjoying Kenly's story and it's characters as the story progressed.
Overall I considered this an interesting, unique novel and well worth the five stars I'm rating it. Now it's time to re-read Talented, and begin on the rest of the series.
July 26, 2017
Annoying main character.
This book is told from a different perspective than the rest of the series thus far. Kenly is supposed to be a "Brain" but this entire book is about her making one idiotic decision after another. Can't stand her!! Also, be aware that this book is filled with grammatical errors. Makes it difficult to read at times.
This book is told from a different perspective than the rest of the series thus far. Kenly is supposed to be a "Brain" but this entire book is about her making one idiotic decision after another. Can't stand her!! Also, be aware that this book is filled with grammatical errors. Makes it difficult to read at times.
September 14, 2014
Awesome
Sophie Davis doesn't disappoint. This Talented saga installment is filled with the same suspense, action, and love that the first four novels are. I highly recommend this book.
Sophie Davis doesn't disappoint. This Talented saga installment is filled with the same suspense, action, and love that the first four novels are. I highly recommend this book.
November 14, 2016
Missing Talia
Kenely's story, while interesting is painful to read. Her inner monologue make me want to hit her. I get that it's part of her but seriously. Gain some freaking confidence. Still love the series and will continue on.
Kenely's story, while interesting is painful to read. Her inner monologue make me want to hit her. I get that it's part of her but seriously. Gain some freaking confidence. Still love the series and will continue on.
December 18, 2017
Interesting divergence from the series
I enjoyed the different perspective this book offers. It does contain several typos though, which is distracting. Overall, an interesting read.
I enjoyed the different perspective this book offers. It does contain several typos though, which is distracting. Overall, an interesting read.
September 17, 2014
Loved it. Can't wait for the next book.
September 22, 2017
Exiled is a really cool "Break Book." The first 4 (and a half) books of the series are a perfect pacing of story, action, and mystery. Before starting the series, I was already curious about this Kenly person, given she had an entire book reserved for "her story." I got excited when I was finally introduced to Kenly, and even more intrigued that Talia just took to her for "some reason" making me feel that Kenly was a different type of "special" than I'd seen in the series so far because of Talia's natural ability to feel other talents. That moment planted the seed that Kenly, in some way, held the key to all of Talia's questions and had even caused Talia's powers to "grow" because she felt "something different" in Kenly that made her just have to adopt her as her mentee.
Kenly's slow start in her training with Talia excited me and added a bit of trepidation in how I was feeling about Kenly for the first half of the series, but that changed after her escape from the War in D.C. across the Atlanta in to London. As scared as she was, I was all the way "Team Kenly" because her survival mode just made her bad ass to me. Then London started "happening" to her.
We find out early in Exiled just how much danger Kenly has been in with this new "threat" that exists in Europe that's quite literally looking to enslave the Talented and newly Created. Luckily for Kenly, she's had these "guardian angels" that have been silently looking out for her and eventually take her in to protect her from everything she is ignorant about in London.
"Created" left me feeling that the future of the series was going to be fighting this group of super powerful Talents, but exiled throws the largest monkey wrench in that theory by making the Created just as in danger as the Talented because the underground human trafficking ring know as the Poachers is looking to "collect" and profit from the sell of both of these groups of powerful people. After realizing just how large the Poachers' organization is, Sophie quickly shows us just how powerless Kenly is through a series of events that leads to her capture. You can't help but feel sympathetic towards Kenly because she never asked for any of what is happening to her, but Everything that happens to her completely unravels the image I'd initially built up of Kenly. Which leads to why, as much as I enjoyed Exiled, I gave 3 stars.
Overall, the story itself is much better than these 3 stars. But we spend a lot of time in Kenly's head in Exiled. Listening to Kenly walk herself through the dangers of her situation, the options she has and calculating steps to remedy the situation. But we never see it happen. After Kenly seemingly being so special that the great Natalia Lyons was drawn to her, we see that Kenly is merely a scared little girl with a handful of Created talents that she can't really control, and her natural cognitive abilities serving only to keep her mind running a thousand miles a minute but producing few results. Kenly turns out to not be the bad ass I thought she was and is constantly finds herself in situation where her friends have to save her.
Even though I was impatient wanting to get back to what was happening with Talia and Erick, Exiled was thrilling enough to keep me engaged and excited about Kenly's story while I tucked everything that was going on on the other side of the Atlantic in the back of my mind for a while. I'm looking forward to seeing just how far reaching the Poachers fingers stretch in the world of Talented and Created in the coming books, and I'm hopeful that we finally see Kenly grow into her own and become the latent bad ass that she seems to be when we first met her because now I can't help but feel that "Mac was right. Kenly Baker is a waste of time" and I don't want to feel that way about her.
Kenly's slow start in her training with Talia excited me and added a bit of trepidation in how I was feeling about Kenly for the first half of the series, but that changed after her escape from the War in D.C. across the Atlanta in to London. As scared as she was, I was all the way "Team Kenly" because her survival mode just made her bad ass to me. Then London started "happening" to her.
We find out early in Exiled just how much danger Kenly has been in with this new "threat" that exists in Europe that's quite literally looking to enslave the Talented and newly Created. Luckily for Kenly, she's had these "guardian angels" that have been silently looking out for her and eventually take her in to protect her from everything she is ignorant about in London.
"Created" left me feeling that the future of the series was going to be fighting this group of super powerful Talents, but exiled throws the largest monkey wrench in that theory by making the Created just as in danger as the Talented because the underground human trafficking ring know as the Poachers is looking to "collect" and profit from the sell of both of these groups of powerful people. After realizing just how large the Poachers' organization is, Sophie quickly shows us just how powerless Kenly is through a series of events that leads to her capture. You can't help but feel sympathetic towards Kenly because she never asked for any of what is happening to her, but Everything that happens to her completely unravels the image I'd initially built up of Kenly. Which leads to why, as much as I enjoyed Exiled, I gave 3 stars.
Overall, the story itself is much better than these 3 stars. But we spend a lot of time in Kenly's head in Exiled. Listening to Kenly walk herself through the dangers of her situation, the options she has and calculating steps to remedy the situation. But we never see it happen. After Kenly seemingly being so special that the great Natalia Lyons was drawn to her, we see that Kenly is merely a scared little girl with a handful of Created talents that she can't really control, and her natural cognitive abilities serving only to keep her mind running a thousand miles a minute but producing few results. Kenly turns out to not be the bad ass I thought she was and is constantly finds herself in situation where her friends have to save her.
Even though I was impatient wanting to get back to what was happening with Talia and Erick, Exiled was thrilling enough to keep me engaged and excited about Kenly's story while I tucked everything that was going on on the other side of the Atlantic in the back of my mind for a while. I'm looking forward to seeing just how far reaching the Poachers fingers stretch in the world of Talented and Created in the coming books, and I'm hopeful that we finally see Kenly grow into her own and become the latent bad ass that she seems to be when we first met her because now I can't help but feel that "Mac was right. Kenly Baker is a waste of time" and I don't want to feel that way about her.
August 1, 2018
While the story in itself was good, and you learned more about Kenly, as well as being introduced to some new characters, I found that this book took me longer to get through. The narration was great, but I wasn't devouring this story as quickly as the others. I found myself impatiently waiting for Talia and Erik to appear in the story. A lot of people love reading / hearing about Kenly's story, but personally, I felt like the book was unnecessary as a main book of the series. I would have labeled this book as 4.5, rather than book 5 of the Talented Saga. Like I said, the narration was great, and the story was good, but I wish this book would have picked up where the cliffhanger of the previous book left off. I absolutely love Sophie Davis and I love the Talented Saga. While the previous books in this series only took me a couple of days to listen, this one took me a little over a week to finish. Love the series, and i can't wait to listen to the next book whenever it is released.
December 15, 2018
When I saw that this book was from the perspective of someone other than Talia or Erik I was super bummed. To be honest, I spent the first half of the book wondering if I could just skip it and go to Marked.
I am not 100% convinced that this book was necessary to the overarching plot of the Talented Saga, but I’m glad I read it in the end. Davis shared new information (we will see how relevant the information is in later books) in a new setting with new characters that was loosely connected to where Created left off with Talia’s story. I’m interested to see how this book ties into the rest of the series.
As a companion book to the series I enjoyed getting new information about life for the Talented in a country other than the US. The characters grew on me the more I read, but still weren’t as compelling as Talia is to me.
I am not 100% convinced that this book was necessary to the overarching plot of the Talented Saga, but I’m glad I read it in the end. Davis shared new information (we will see how relevant the information is in later books) in a new setting with new characters that was loosely connected to where Created left off with Talia’s story. I’m interested to see how this book ties into the rest of the series.
As a companion book to the series I enjoyed getting new information about life for the Talented in a country other than the US. The characters grew on me the more I read, but still weren’t as compelling as Talia is to me.
May 11, 2018
My favorite so far!
This is the second time I am reading the series to get ready for the final book this summer, and I'm angry with myself for skipping this book the first time. Kenly's story is incredible and I loved being in her head. I didn't think I could love anyone as much as Talia but Sophie Davis changed that!
You must read this to witness the disgusting acts committed against the talented outside of the US. We also get a new cast of lovable characters including some that we love to hate as well as fun UK dialogue. I can't wait to continue on to refresh my memory of how Erik and Talia's story overlaps. Do NOT pass this book up, it is an incredible addition to the Talented world. Buy now!!!
This is the second time I am reading the series to get ready for the final book this summer, and I'm angry with myself for skipping this book the first time. Kenly's story is incredible and I loved being in her head. I didn't think I could love anyone as much as Talia but Sophie Davis changed that!
You must read this to witness the disgusting acts committed against the talented outside of the US. We also get a new cast of lovable characters including some that we love to hate as well as fun UK dialogue. I can't wait to continue on to refresh my memory of how Erik and Talia's story overlaps. Do NOT pass this book up, it is an incredible addition to the Talented world. Buy now!!!
June 19, 2018
This entire book is in Kenly's perspective. It took a while to get used to her POV instead of Talia's, and it got pretty exhausting. It all made sense though, that in her POV Talia was the traitor, but it was still infuriating to me since it wasn't true. Kenly was also not the smartest even though she's a Brain -- she doesn't think objectively enough to be considered a Brain in my opinion. She makes lots of stupid mistakes and doesn't know how to use her powers at all. I do appreciate this though, because it shows how much training was required to be as good as Talia was. Kenly wasn't just some OP main character who have everything in the bag. She made mistakes, messed up in fights, and had regrets. Very real. At least the ending was better than expected!
July 31, 2018
My review is based on the audiobook.
Book 5 of the Talented Saga tells Kenly's story after the fall of Toxic. Her journey is an exciting one filled with action, adventure and even a little love. I wasn't a huge Kenly fan but I am now, I am completely invested in her story. As with the other books in this series my attention was held captivated from start to finish. This is the type of series and writing that I can immerse myself into the story and forget about the real word for a little while. I am excited to see where the next book takes the story.
Book 5 of the Talented Saga tells Kenly's story after the fall of Toxic. Her journey is an exciting one filled with action, adventure and even a little love. I wasn't a huge Kenly fan but I am now, I am completely invested in her story. As with the other books in this series my attention was held captivated from start to finish. This is the type of series and writing that I can immerse myself into the story and forget about the real word for a little while. I am excited to see where the next book takes the story.
March 27, 2019
The series is really great, I can't wait to read it all, and also I would be really sad to finish such an amazing series. Anyway this book of the series was less interested for me, it took me a while to finish, since it was talking about another character's story, the whole book was far away from first 4, but towards the middle it got interested since there were new characters, and actually it was fun to read, since the new characters speak with British/English accent and I was trying to read it with the accents, it was fun, can't wait to read the 6th one 💕💕💕💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2014
Overall: Great new storyline intertwining well loved characters with new ones!
Characters: Kenly, Willa, James, Honora, Riley
Page Turner: Sometimes
Series Cont.? Yes
Book Boyfriend: James?
Genre: Sci-Paranormal Romance with slight dystopian feel
Sex Scenes: Nope
blog- http://beautysinbreakdown.blogspot.co...
Overall-
This book, like all the others is pretty fast paced with lots of action and twists and turns. I loved having the original team of characters mentioned and involved, (hopefully bringing together a final book in alternate POV's?) I was really impressed with this new world building that the author created. I too, like Kenly, never really considered how other countries saw or treated the Talented, so it was truly eye opening to see it work so differently and the way that people were treated. I was so intrigued by this dark and dangeous world and the characters, they had such a crazy back story, so different than what we had seen in the other Talented books. I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced, action packed with a little bit of romance and a slight cliff hanger (nothing too major though!) If you are a fan of this series, this is a MUST read!
What I didnt like was that it felt too slow at times, I almost felt like there was too much world building by telling than showing and experiencing. Specifically, Kenly's intake of information, which at times felt overloading and annoying (but on point) seemed to serve as explaining the world in which Kenly fell into, rather than showing me the world and having her explore it, basically it felt like Kenly wasnt putting the pieces together properly, and timely. This got better after the first 15-20% of the book, when Kenly really got in to the thick of things. There were scenes that I was confused about, especially towards the end, when it seemed like everything was just thrown together. I didnt understand the ending at all, and found the beginning to lack in entertainment, it was quite dull at first at the world building stage (which is why I docked a star).
Generally though, this is an excellent companion type novel of Talented. Im not sure how the author would get to the next book of Talia without this one though, so it will be interesting to see where we go next, but one thing is certain, I cant wait!
Characters-
Kenly- I'm not really sure how I feel about Kenly, I really liked her in the other Talented books, I found her intriguing and mysterious. And honestly, I am glad she got her own story, her own book, because she was quite prominent at times to Talia. That said, I was more than a little frustrated with her at times. Considering she had been training at the school for years and with Talia/Donovan for a while, I felt like her Higher Reasoning Power should have been more spot on than it was. And granted she was thrown into a VERY different world than she was accustomed to, I didnt understand how she could so easily let her guard down ALL the time! I also got quite annoyed with her "holier than thou" mantra. The idea that she was invincible or better than everyone else was really annoying. On the other hand, I found her nativity matching her new world, and the love interest to be interesting. I loved learning about James and getting to know him. As always the author amazing created such mystery yet mesmerizing scenes of vulnerability and openness. I was in awe at times at her ability to weave such beautiful scenes together, so effortlessly it seems everything fits together. Kenly also seems to have a temper, which I find odd considering she is a higher reasoning mind, so she should know better, but she let it get to her regardless.
I do like Kenly though, I love her spirit, her fight and her endless amount of love and hope. I found her will to help those she cares about endearing, as she was willing to sacrifice quite a bit to save someone she loves on numerous occasions. I liked that her personality really shown throughout the book, I was never confused about how she felt or what she was thinking. She was always honest with herself, in an entertaining way too. I found her relationship with James, while predictable, still touching. She actually spent time getting to know him before truly falling for him, and even admitted that she knew she couldn't quite call it love yet. Overall, Kenly is another great strong female lead character and I look forward to her role in future books. One thing I love about Kenly that really shows off her Higher Reasoning Power is the way her brain works, the constant thinking and analyzing, her brain truly never shuts off. And over the course of the book I think she realizes that not everything is a problem to be solved in her heard but that she needs more.
James- Oh James. Where to start with this one. I couldn't get a good read on him at first (yes i know thats the point!) I wasn't sure if I would like him, and honestly, even though I like him now, I don't love him like I love Erik (he's hard to overcome). I liked James, that he had a tough exterior for a purpose. I like that Kenly had to peel back his layers, he didnt just reveal himself or his past for a pretty new girl. James was caring, and compassionate. He speaks through his action (or sometimes lack thereof). His bond with Kenly really blossoms over time and their relationship is much more than just skin deep.
Characters: Kenly, Willa, James, Honora, Riley
Page Turner: Sometimes
Series Cont.? Yes
Book Boyfriend: James?
Genre: Sci-Paranormal Romance with slight dystopian feel
Sex Scenes: Nope
blog- http://beautysinbreakdown.blogspot.co...
Overall-
This book, like all the others is pretty fast paced with lots of action and twists and turns. I loved having the original team of characters mentioned and involved, (hopefully bringing together a final book in alternate POV's?) I was really impressed with this new world building that the author created. I too, like Kenly, never really considered how other countries saw or treated the Talented, so it was truly eye opening to see it work so differently and the way that people were treated. I was so intrigued by this dark and dangeous world and the characters, they had such a crazy back story, so different than what we had seen in the other Talented books. I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced, action packed with a little bit of romance and a slight cliff hanger (nothing too major though!) If you are a fan of this series, this is a MUST read!
What I didnt like was that it felt too slow at times, I almost felt like there was too much world building by telling than showing and experiencing. Specifically, Kenly's intake of information, which at times felt overloading and annoying (but on point) seemed to serve as explaining the world in which Kenly fell into, rather than showing me the world and having her explore it, basically it felt like Kenly wasnt putting the pieces together properly, and timely. This got better after the first 15-20% of the book, when Kenly really got in to the thick of things. There were scenes that I was confused about, especially towards the end, when it seemed like everything was just thrown together. I didnt understand the ending at all, and found the beginning to lack in entertainment, it was quite dull at first at the world building stage (which is why I docked a star).
Generally though, this is an excellent companion type novel of Talented. Im not sure how the author would get to the next book of Talia without this one though, so it will be interesting to see where we go next, but one thing is certain, I cant wait!
Characters-
Kenly- I'm not really sure how I feel about Kenly, I really liked her in the other Talented books, I found her intriguing and mysterious. And honestly, I am glad she got her own story, her own book, because she was quite prominent at times to Talia. That said, I was more than a little frustrated with her at times. Considering she had been training at the school for years and with Talia/Donovan for a while, I felt like her Higher Reasoning Power should have been more spot on than it was. And granted she was thrown into a VERY different world than she was accustomed to, I didnt understand how she could so easily let her guard down ALL the time! I also got quite annoyed with her "holier than thou" mantra. The idea that she was invincible or better than everyone else was really annoying. On the other hand, I found her nativity matching her new world, and the love interest to be interesting. I loved learning about James and getting to know him. As always the author amazing created such mystery yet mesmerizing scenes of vulnerability and openness. I was in awe at times at her ability to weave such beautiful scenes together, so effortlessly it seems everything fits together. Kenly also seems to have a temper, which I find odd considering she is a higher reasoning mind, so she should know better, but she let it get to her regardless.
I do like Kenly though, I love her spirit, her fight and her endless amount of love and hope. I found her will to help those she cares about endearing, as she was willing to sacrifice quite a bit to save someone she loves on numerous occasions. I liked that her personality really shown throughout the book, I was never confused about how she felt or what she was thinking. She was always honest with herself, in an entertaining way too. I found her relationship with James, while predictable, still touching. She actually spent time getting to know him before truly falling for him, and even admitted that she knew she couldn't quite call it love yet. Overall, Kenly is another great strong female lead character and I look forward to her role in future books. One thing I love about Kenly that really shows off her Higher Reasoning Power is the way her brain works, the constant thinking and analyzing, her brain truly never shuts off. And over the course of the book I think she realizes that not everything is a problem to be solved in her heard but that she needs more.
James- Oh James. Where to start with this one. I couldn't get a good read on him at first (yes i know thats the point!) I wasn't sure if I would like him, and honestly, even though I like him now, I don't love him like I love Erik (he's hard to overcome). I liked James, that he had a tough exterior for a purpose. I like that Kenly had to peel back his layers, he didnt just reveal himself or his past for a pretty new girl. James was caring, and compassionate. He speaks through his action (or sometimes lack thereof). His bond with Kenly really blossoms over time and their relationship is much more than just skin deep.
August 19, 2018
Different storyline, but powerful and emotional
This book told the story of how other talented have had to live in the world, and how they were treated, mistreated, abused, sold, killed, etc. Definitely off the path from the previous storyline, but still really good, and the storylines cross paths back together in the end. In to the next one to see what's next ! 👍
This book told the story of how other talented have had to live in the world, and how they were treated, mistreated, abused, sold, killed, etc. Definitely off the path from the previous storyline, but still really good, and the storylines cross paths back together in the end. In to the next one to see what's next ! 👍
September 25, 2024
Great series!
Exciled by Sophie Davis: 4 stars
I’ve been enjoying this series so much! The characters, storyline, pace.. the twists and turns. While this story did not pull me in as much (because I just couldn’t connect with Kenly) it kept me on edge, and was overall a good read.
—PTators
Exciled by Sophie Davis: 4 stars
I’ve been enjoying this series so much! The characters, storyline, pace.. the twists and turns. While this story did not pull me in as much (because I just couldn’t connect with Kenly) it kept me on edge, and was overall a good read.
—PTators
August 18, 2018
Good story.
This was a great story and definitely got really interesting at the end but the sudden departure from the main story line was a little perplexing. I'm really glad that I stuck with it though.
This was a great story and definitely got really interesting at the end but the sudden departure from the main story line was a little perplexing. I'm really glad that I stuck with it though.
April 26, 2020
Excellent reading
Another great opportunity to ride the emotional highs and lows in the continued struggle against an unimaginable evil. Following a story through another character's perspective was very well done.
Another great opportunity to ride the emotional highs and lows in the continued struggle against an unimaginable evil. Following a story through another character's perspective was very well done.
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