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In Orpheus Chanson's world, geniuses and prodigies are no longer born or honed through hard work. Instead, procedures to induce Acquired Savant Abilities (ASAs) are now purchased by the privileged. And Orpheus's father holds the copyright to the ASA procedure.
Zimri Robinson, a natural musical prodigy, is a "plebe"--a worker at the enormous warehouse that supplies an on-line marketplace that has supplanted all commerce. Her grueling schedule and her grandmother's illness can't keep her from making music--even if it is illegal.
Orpheus and Zimri are not supposed to meet. He is meant for greatness; she is not. But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken. Here is a thriller, love story, and social experiment that readers will find gripping--and terrifying.
Zimri Robinson, a natural musical prodigy, is a "plebe"--a worker at the enormous warehouse that supplies an on-line marketplace that has supplanted all commerce. Her grueling schedule and her grandmother's illness can't keep her from making music--even if it is illegal.
Orpheus and Zimri are not supposed to meet. He is meant for greatness; she is not. But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken. Here is a thriller, love story, and social experiment that readers will find gripping--and terrifying.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 14, 2016
49 people are currently reading
2495 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Swain
6 books83 followersHeather Swain lives in a crooked house in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, two children, a barkless dog, and two rescue cats. She is the author of four novels for young adults, two kids craft books, two novels for grown ups, and numerous short stories, personal essays, and non-fiction articles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 22, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Gifted by H.A. Swain
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: June 14, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
In Orpheus Chanson's world, geniuses and prodigies are no longer born or honed through hard work. Instead, procedures to induce Acquired Savant Abilities (ASAs) are now purchased by the privileged. And Orpheus's father holds the copyright to the ASA procedure.
Zimri Robinson, a natural musical prodigy, is a "plebe"--a worker at the enormous warehouse that supplies an on-line marketplace that has supplanted all commerce. Her grueling schedule and her grandmother's illness can't keep her from making music--even if it is illegal.
Orpheus and Zimri are not supposed to meet. He is meant for greatness; she is not. But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken. Here is a thriller, love story, and social experiment that readers will find gripping--and terrifying.
What I Liked:
This book surprised me! I have yet to see any of my blogging and reviewing peers read this book, and when I received it several months ago, I didn't know much about it. I was going into this story with a clean slate, which is sometimes the best way to experience a story. While some general ideas of the story are not unique to this book, the story was very enjoyable and I couldn't put it down, even until the ending.
Zimri is a "plebe", a warehouse worker who lives with her grandmother. Zimri has a great voice, but in this world, no one is legally allowed to sing patented songs. But Zimri is determined to make music, and interrupt LiveStreams of concerts and radio streams is certainly one way to do it. Orpheus Hanson is a "Plute" and the son of Harold Hanson, who created Acquired Savant Abilities. ASA is purchased by the rich, and once the surgery is done, you wake up with a newly acquired ability. Hanson has control over the music industry, as most musicians have a music ASA (and Hanson has control over the profits made by those with ASA). Orpheus hasn't received an ASA, and he's not sure he wants one. But his father wants him to have the surgery so that Orpheus will be ready to take over the company. Orpheus and Zimri are on two ends of the social spectrum (Plute and Plebe), and their lives were never supposed to intersect. But together, they could change society forever.
This is a science fiction thriller, which I don't think I was expecting! Granted, I didn't really read the synopsis (or if I had in the past, it was a long time ago and I forgot about it), and somehow I thought this was a fantasy novel. I love science fiction, and thrillers, and so this novel was right up my alley.
The idea of this story isn't unique; we have this surgery that will make you really good at one thing (music, physics, writing, etc.), or perhaps two things (if you have the money). The Plutes are the elite that can get the ASA surgery, and they are celebrities and frivolous people. The Plutes are the ones that work in warehouses and poor fringes of the city, scraping by. The Plutes can't afford the ASA surgery, and many are not familiar with it. But everyone is familiar with Hanson's monopoly on music, and how singing and recreating music that is patented is totally illegal.
The story is told from both Zimri and Orpheus's POV, first-person, alternating chapter to chapter. I really liked both characters! Zimri is reckless and unafraid of getting caught singing. She isn't a revolutionary, though her actions would make you think so. Orpheus is, at first, naive and frivolous like the other Plutes. When his father tries to force the ASA surgery on him, Orpheus runs away, and starts to work at a warehouse - which is how he meets Zimri. Orpheus develops noticeably, growing from a carefree rich boy to a hard-working man. He's always been kind and charming and magnetic, but as the story goes on, he sees how his Plute lifestyle was ridiculous.
There is a lot of depth to both characters and their backstory. Zimri's story is told incrementally; at first we don't fully learn what happened to her father, and her mother, and what is happening with her grandmother. I like how information is gradually released, in a way that made the story flow better and make sense. The same goes for Orpheus's backstory - we don't learn everything about him in the beginning, and I think the story in general had more depth because of this setup.
While the beginning was excruciatingly slow, the story picks up nicely and really gains steam. The climax was incredibly exciting and also terrifying! The story had been bumping along pretty smoothly and interestingly and then the climax popped up, and I was biting my nails! Well done by Swain there. As you can probably guess, the rising action of this book deals with a revolution that is taking place, one that eventually involves Zimri and Orpheus. This isn't a new concept but I liked its presence in this story.
There is no love triangle. At first, it seems like Zimri and Orpheus won't be a couple, because there are secondary characters who seem to be into each of them (in Zimri's case, Zimri's best friend since childhood; in Orpheus's case, a rising starlet that has just had the ASA surgery, who would help his image). In any case, neither Zimri nor Orpheus like those people back (no feelings reciprocated), and when they (Zimri and Orpheus) meet each other, it's all Zimri & Orpheus from there. So, no love triangle, or anything of the sort. Zimri and Orpheus are super cute together! I like that Orpheus isn't an arrogant a**hole, and Zimri isn't a predictably snarky, feisty girl. Orpheus is kind and sweet and subtly protective, and Zimri is strong and tough but in a quiet way.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book! A weird take on surgically developing abilities, and how one person/entity can control everything. I'm not sure what drew me to this book months ago when I requested it, but I'm glad I decided to give it a shot!
What I Did Not Like:
I think my one complaint, and therefore, my biggest complaint, lies with the beginning of the book. If anyone saw my Goodreads, you'd see that I started this book on a Sunday and finished on a Tuesday night. That's actually a really long time for me to be reading a book - and I was supposed to have the review up on Monday. And I had only managed to read the first twenty pages on Sunday, nothing on Monday. The beginning is sooooo boring. I reread the first two chapters several times, and kept having to put the book down. Mentally, I just wasn't interested in continuing the story. Of course, I wouldn't ever not finish the book, and I certainly am glad that I kept reading (this is why I don't DNF!). But the beginning is very slow and very boring, and I could see others DNFing at that point, because of the slow beginning.
Would I Recommend It:
This book is perfect for those who like a mix of science fiction, thriller, and a cute romance. It's a standalone so all of your feels are taken for a ride within the book. I liked the ending a lot, and the book in general.
Rating:
3.5 stars -> rounded up to 4 stars. This doesn't seem to be particularly well-known or popular in my circles of the book blogosphere, but I really enjoyed the book! It's at least worth the read, if you're interested. I haven't read anything else by this author, but I will keep an eye out in the future!
Gifted by H.A. Swain
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: June 14, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
In Orpheus Chanson's world, geniuses and prodigies are no longer born or honed through hard work. Instead, procedures to induce Acquired Savant Abilities (ASAs) are now purchased by the privileged. And Orpheus's father holds the copyright to the ASA procedure.
Zimri Robinson, a natural musical prodigy, is a "plebe"--a worker at the enormous warehouse that supplies an on-line marketplace that has supplanted all commerce. Her grueling schedule and her grandmother's illness can't keep her from making music--even if it is illegal.
Orpheus and Zimri are not supposed to meet. He is meant for greatness; she is not. But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken. Here is a thriller, love story, and social experiment that readers will find gripping--and terrifying.
What I Liked:
This book surprised me! I have yet to see any of my blogging and reviewing peers read this book, and when I received it several months ago, I didn't know much about it. I was going into this story with a clean slate, which is sometimes the best way to experience a story. While some general ideas of the story are not unique to this book, the story was very enjoyable and I couldn't put it down, even until the ending.
Zimri is a "plebe", a warehouse worker who lives with her grandmother. Zimri has a great voice, but in this world, no one is legally allowed to sing patented songs. But Zimri is determined to make music, and interrupt LiveStreams of concerts and radio streams is certainly one way to do it. Orpheus Hanson is a "Plute" and the son of Harold Hanson, who created Acquired Savant Abilities. ASA is purchased by the rich, and once the surgery is done, you wake up with a newly acquired ability. Hanson has control over the music industry, as most musicians have a music ASA (and Hanson has control over the profits made by those with ASA). Orpheus hasn't received an ASA, and he's not sure he wants one. But his father wants him to have the surgery so that Orpheus will be ready to take over the company. Orpheus and Zimri are on two ends of the social spectrum (Plute and Plebe), and their lives were never supposed to intersect. But together, they could change society forever.
This is a science fiction thriller, which I don't think I was expecting! Granted, I didn't really read the synopsis (or if I had in the past, it was a long time ago and I forgot about it), and somehow I thought this was a fantasy novel. I love science fiction, and thrillers, and so this novel was right up my alley.
The idea of this story isn't unique; we have this surgery that will make you really good at one thing (music, physics, writing, etc.), or perhaps two things (if you have the money). The Plutes are the elite that can get the ASA surgery, and they are celebrities and frivolous people. The Plutes are the ones that work in warehouses and poor fringes of the city, scraping by. The Plutes can't afford the ASA surgery, and many are not familiar with it. But everyone is familiar with Hanson's monopoly on music, and how singing and recreating music that is patented is totally illegal.
The story is told from both Zimri and Orpheus's POV, first-person, alternating chapter to chapter. I really liked both characters! Zimri is reckless and unafraid of getting caught singing. She isn't a revolutionary, though her actions would make you think so. Orpheus is, at first, naive and frivolous like the other Plutes. When his father tries to force the ASA surgery on him, Orpheus runs away, and starts to work at a warehouse - which is how he meets Zimri. Orpheus develops noticeably, growing from a carefree rich boy to a hard-working man. He's always been kind and charming and magnetic, but as the story goes on, he sees how his Plute lifestyle was ridiculous.
There is a lot of depth to both characters and their backstory. Zimri's story is told incrementally; at first we don't fully learn what happened to her father, and her mother, and what is happening with her grandmother. I like how information is gradually released, in a way that made the story flow better and make sense. The same goes for Orpheus's backstory - we don't learn everything about him in the beginning, and I think the story in general had more depth because of this setup.
While the beginning was excruciatingly slow, the story picks up nicely and really gains steam. The climax was incredibly exciting and also terrifying! The story had been bumping along pretty smoothly and interestingly and then the climax popped up, and I was biting my nails! Well done by Swain there. As you can probably guess, the rising action of this book deals with a revolution that is taking place, one that eventually involves Zimri and Orpheus. This isn't a new concept but I liked its presence in this story.
There is no love triangle. At first, it seems like Zimri and Orpheus won't be a couple, because there are secondary characters who seem to be into each of them (in Zimri's case, Zimri's best friend since childhood; in Orpheus's case, a rising starlet that has just had the ASA surgery, who would help his image). In any case, neither Zimri nor Orpheus like those people back (no feelings reciprocated), and when they (Zimri and Orpheus) meet each other, it's all Zimri & Orpheus from there. So, no love triangle, or anything of the sort. Zimri and Orpheus are super cute together! I like that Orpheus isn't an arrogant a**hole, and Zimri isn't a predictably snarky, feisty girl. Orpheus is kind and sweet and subtly protective, and Zimri is strong and tough but in a quiet way.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book! A weird take on surgically developing abilities, and how one person/entity can control everything. I'm not sure what drew me to this book months ago when I requested it, but I'm glad I decided to give it a shot!
What I Did Not Like:
I think my one complaint, and therefore, my biggest complaint, lies with the beginning of the book. If anyone saw my Goodreads, you'd see that I started this book on a Sunday and finished on a Tuesday night. That's actually a really long time for me to be reading a book - and I was supposed to have the review up on Monday. And I had only managed to read the first twenty pages on Sunday, nothing on Monday. The beginning is sooooo boring. I reread the first two chapters several times, and kept having to put the book down. Mentally, I just wasn't interested in continuing the story. Of course, I wouldn't ever not finish the book, and I certainly am glad that I kept reading (this is why I don't DNF!). But the beginning is very slow and very boring, and I could see others DNFing at that point, because of the slow beginning.
Would I Recommend It:
This book is perfect for those who like a mix of science fiction, thriller, and a cute romance. It's a standalone so all of your feels are taken for a ride within the book. I liked the ending a lot, and the book in general.
Rating:
3.5 stars -> rounded up to 4 stars. This doesn't seem to be particularly well-known or popular in my circles of the book blogosphere, but I really enjoyed the book! It's at least worth the read, if you're interested. I haven't read anything else by this author, but I will keep an eye out in the future!
January 13, 2021
Music and art is not for everyone but only the Plutes and they are the only ones who can make money off it. A cognitive surgery is done for a hefty price and then the person wakes up all talented and gets consumed by whichever field of art they choose and Chanson industries holds the patents and copyrights for those surgeries. It is illegal otherwise especially for the Plebes.
Orpheus Chanson is the heir to Chanson industries and he likes music but doesn't want to have the ASA, the cognitive surgery but his father is pressuring him into it since all his friends have had the surgeries by now and they are all excelling in their chosen fields. Orpheus's fear comes from his sister since the cognitive surgery didn't go right for her and she barely functions and lives in a MediPlex with nurses looking after her. Then one day, he runs away and ends up working at a warehouse like Plebes work.
Zimri Robinson is a Plebe and works at a warehouse and lives with her grandmother. She loves singing and making music and also throws illegal concerts and whatever money she makes, she gives to the needy.
Orpheus and Zimri end up meeting at the warehouse where Orpheus goes by the name of Aimery. There's an instant connection between them where Zimri finds him to the most beautiful boy she's ever seen and Orpheus thinks that she's got her own grace and beauty. I hated this instant infatuation or whatever this was. Up until that moment Zimri was thinking about Dorian and almost kissed him and then walks in Orpheus and a love triangle.
I loved Orpheus from the beginning and I could actually see that he was caring and supportive. He cared for his friends and his sister. I liked Zimri in the beginning up until she was a bitch to Dorian. I found her to irresponsible when she knows that music concerts are illegal why do all that and get everyone in trouble. Yeah, she loves music but doesn't mean she had to get Dorian and others tagging along when it suited her purpose and then be a bitch to Dorian and I didn't even like Dorian all that much mostly because he was barely there in the story except for the love triangle part. And this is supposed to be a thriller, love-story but it takes one week for both the MCs to feel these deep feelings towards each other that I was thinking to myself, what?
The book starts off really slow and I DNFd twice before I decided to continue mainly because I loved the cover but it still didn't make any sense why there was a Dragonfly on the cover though. Yes, dragonflies were mentioned in the book but they weren't important enough for the cover imo.
For the first 80 pages, it was really boring except for Orpheus's chapters even those weren't enough to keep me going at one point but it picks up when Orpheus runs away. It was a predictable story and I could see all the revelations from pretty much the beginning even that DJ HiJax one. Also, what was that about Zimri singing Nobody from Nowhere when auditioning for Piper McLeo? Even an idiot could see that she will steal that song and spin a whole story about it.
It was an interesting concept which was not executed properly and had all the other YA dystopian clichés such as the star crossed lovers, childhood friends turned almost lovers, love triangle, girl being so different and talented, missing or dead parents, mean girls and you get the point. There were times where the author actually interchanged words Plutes and Plebes and I had to re-read just to make sure that I didn't read it wrong.
There were a lot of other characters including Zimri's best friend Brie but not much was said about her and Tati who helps fix technological items but none stood out for me. They were all one-dimensional and extremely forgettable.
Having said all this, I still enjoyed some parts of it and I really did find the concept wonderful and interesting. Also, I like that this is a standalone.
P.S. Can we please have other Indian names beside Rajesh/Raj and Ravi? There are literally millions of other Indian names that can be used.
Leaning towards 3 stars.
Orpheus Chanson is the heir to Chanson industries and he likes music but doesn't want to have the ASA, the cognitive surgery but his father is pressuring him into it since all his friends have had the surgeries by now and they are all excelling in their chosen fields. Orpheus's fear comes from his sister since the cognitive surgery didn't go right for her and she barely functions and lives in a MediPlex with nurses looking after her. Then one day, he runs away and ends up working at a warehouse like Plebes work.
Zimri Robinson is a Plebe and works at a warehouse and lives with her grandmother. She loves singing and making music and also throws illegal concerts and whatever money she makes, she gives to the needy.
Orpheus and Zimri end up meeting at the warehouse where Orpheus goes by the name of Aimery. There's an instant connection between them where Zimri finds him to the most beautiful boy she's ever seen and Orpheus thinks that she's got her own grace and beauty. I hated this instant infatuation or whatever this was. Up until that moment Zimri was thinking about Dorian and almost kissed him and then walks in Orpheus and a love triangle.
I loved Orpheus from the beginning and I could actually see that he was caring and supportive. He cared for his friends and his sister. I liked Zimri in the beginning up until she was a bitch to Dorian. I found her to irresponsible when she knows that music concerts are illegal why do all that and get everyone in trouble. Yeah, she loves music but doesn't mean she had to get Dorian and others tagging along when it suited her purpose and then be a bitch to Dorian and I didn't even like Dorian all that much mostly because he was barely there in the story except for the love triangle part. And this is supposed to be a thriller, love-story but it takes one week for both the MCs to feel these deep feelings towards each other that I was thinking to myself, what?
The book starts off really slow and I DNFd twice before I decided to continue mainly because I loved the cover but it still didn't make any sense why there was a Dragonfly on the cover though. Yes, dragonflies were mentioned in the book but they weren't important enough for the cover imo.
For the first 80 pages, it was really boring except for Orpheus's chapters even those weren't enough to keep me going at one point but it picks up when Orpheus runs away. It was a predictable story and I could see all the revelations from pretty much the beginning even that DJ HiJax one. Also, what was that about Zimri singing Nobody from Nowhere when auditioning for Piper McLeo? Even an idiot could see that she will steal that song and spin a whole story about it.
It was an interesting concept which was not executed properly and had all the other YA dystopian clichés such as the star crossed lovers, childhood friends turned almost lovers, love triangle, girl being so different and talented, missing or dead parents, mean girls and you get the point. There were times where the author actually interchanged words Plutes and Plebes and I had to re-read just to make sure that I didn't read it wrong.
There were a lot of other characters including Zimri's best friend Brie but not much was said about her and Tati who helps fix technological items but none stood out for me. They were all one-dimensional and extremely forgettable.
Having said all this, I still enjoyed some parts of it and I really did find the concept wonderful and interesting. Also, I like that this is a standalone.
P.S. Can we please have other Indian names beside Rajesh/Raj and Ravi? There are literally millions of other Indian names that can be used.
Leaning towards 3 stars.
January 19, 2017
Find this and other Reviews at In Tori Lex
Actual Rating 4.5
Orpheus and Zimri describe the well known tale of boy meets girl across town and discovers the humanity in us all. But the setting is a Dystopian world where Artists' are made for the wealthy through a surgery that gives them a Acquired Savant Ability. In this world music is not owned, it is broadcast for a fee and anyone who recreates it is guilty of copyright theft. Orpheus and Zimri have natural ability's for music, when they meet begin to explore how to use it outside of the system. The writing and characters were very well done. Although some of the dialogue was cheesy at times.
This world is clearly an allegory for how our society treats celebrity's as demi-gods and celebrates art like everything else, according to it's market value. The most interesting feature of the poor side of town occupied by Plebe's is that they can only shop once a week at a store called Black Friday. In this store, shoppers risk being trampled and grab what they can. In this world Zimri and Orpheus have to confront the real injustices around them motivated by greed, with little to no resources. Zimri with her original music reaches out to the masses who are searching for something more authentic, while Orpheus struggles to go against his father's wishes.
The chapters were formatted as if the book was one long song, chapters were verses and included chapters called Chorus and Bridge. The book changes perspective between Zimri, Orpheus, and a omnipresent narrator who speaks during the chapters titled Chorus. There is some romance, but it wasn't forced or out of place. The ending is the only thing I struggled to suspend my belief with, but it does wrap up the narrative well. I would recommend this for fans of Young Adult, sci-fi drama's with some surprises and characters that don't disappoint.
Actual Rating 4.5
Orpheus and Zimri describe the well known tale of boy meets girl across town and discovers the humanity in us all. But the setting is a Dystopian world where Artists' are made for the wealthy through a surgery that gives them a Acquired Savant Ability. In this world music is not owned, it is broadcast for a fee and anyone who recreates it is guilty of copyright theft. Orpheus and Zimri have natural ability's for music, when they meet begin to explore how to use it outside of the system. The writing and characters were very well done. Although some of the dialogue was cheesy at times.
"Just a little brain surgery and POOF you wake up a genius. The hilarious part being, Plute parents pay for their kids to have the surgeries, then people like my father make a fortune off their talents, and we call this Art."
This world is clearly an allegory for how our society treats celebrity's as demi-gods and celebrates art like everything else, according to it's market value. The most interesting feature of the poor side of town occupied by Plebe's is that they can only shop once a week at a store called Black Friday. In this store, shoppers risk being trampled and grab what they can. In this world Zimri and Orpheus have to confront the real injustices around them motivated by greed, with little to no resources. Zimri with her original music reaches out to the masses who are searching for something more authentic, while Orpheus struggles to go against his father's wishes.
"She underestimates the greed in the world. How much money feeds the beast. And the bigger it gets, the more money it takes to keep it going. It's viscous."
The chapters were formatted as if the book was one long song, chapters were verses and included chapters called Chorus and Bridge. The book changes perspective between Zimri, Orpheus, and a omnipresent narrator who speaks during the chapters titled Chorus. There is some romance, but it wasn't forced or out of place. The ending is the only thing I struggled to suspend my belief with, but it does wrap up the narrative well. I would recommend this for fans of Young Adult, sci-fi drama's with some surprises and characters that don't disappoint.
October 25, 2016
You can find this review on One Way Or An Author
What if you were born into a world where it was illegal to do the thing that you love the most? That’s exactly what happens to Zimri in Gifted, a stand-alone told through alternating first person POV’s set in the near future. We follow Zimri and Orpheus’s adventure in the music industry and see them battle the blatant social stratification in their society, as well as discover who really deserves the music that is so preciously guarded by the leaders of the showbiz industry.
When we first get introduced to the world, the author gives us parallels with the technological-based insects who have cameras that roam the land to the actual, living insects that buzz their way in the sky. It took a while for me to get in with the new lingo and futuristic version of the world, but once that was established and the pace started picking up, I was fully engrossed in the story. We get to read between alternating POV’s of Zimri and Orpheus. They both were unique characters that went against what their place in society set for them, and defied the ways of the norm to defend what they thought was right.
Zimri was awesome. She’s called a plebe, and her and other people work in a huge warehouse that manufactures products to be distributed around the area. It’s some serious factory line stuff over there. Despite her limitations, she continues to make the music that she so dearly loves. Zimri is wholly passionate, unyielding, and fierce. The music can’t be contained within her, and you can really tell how much she needed to let it out.
“The girl has it bad. Music is inside her and Nonda always knew it would eventually find a way out.”
I mean, I know I couldn’t survive without being able to make music. Where creating these sounds had a potential for being arrested. But that’s the world Zimri lives in. On the other hand we have Orpheus, who was born and raised under a sheltered life – an industry baby, if you will. He’s grown up with all the rich kids who become famous and get an implant in their brain to make them “gifted.” After all, it’s his father who is developing the device in the first place. But in the book, you get him wanting a sense of… more. Or at least, he certainly doesn’t want something implanted in his brain that’ll change who he is.
With that in mind, a series of circumstances and accidents lead Zimri and Orpheus together. Orpheus’s eyes get opened to how the plebes live and work, while Zimri is stunned by Orpheus’s charisma and charming attitude. They both begin learning things from each other, and Orpheus sees an opportunity with Zimri’s spontaneous personality and passion for music. He wants to produce her album because he knows that she could be successful in the industry. But that isn’t exactly how these corporations work…
“‘The truth is,’ I declare aloud to the peepers and crickets who’ve begun to sing their evening song, ‘if she’d been born in the City, into a different family, or at a different time, she would never stay a Plebe. She’s the kind of person who would rise above the system like my mother did when that was still possible.’”
And so Zimri and Orpheus find themselves fighting against the system. Gifted is a novel that sends us with a message of never giving up on what you think is right, and taking action on it. Zimri and Orpheus stimulate a reaction in the media that creates a positive, hopeful outcome for the possibilities of the future rather than the restrictive social dominance that we came into the book reading. Because in the end, who really decides whether you’re gifted or not? Sometimes it boils down to being in the right place in the right time, and sometimes it’s the tenacity and will to keep going that get people to where they are in the world.
“‘Making music makes me happier than anything else in life,’ I say, my dreams clouding up my voice. ‘You can’t touch it or live inside of it. Music can’t protect you from the wind or rain. It’s not like we can eat it or drink it. But if I suddenly had no music in my life, I think that I might die.’”
There is also a slight romance that develops between the two characters at a very sedate and comfortable pace. I as a reader enjoyed it because you can definitely tell that the characters were drawn to each other and their abilities. It wasn’t forceful at all and was quite cute, nor did it overcome the main plotline in the story. Orpheus and Zimri both had such brilliant personalities that they leaped off the pages. And bonus points for their names too! We should all know the legend of Orpheus, and Zimri means “my praise” or “my music” in Hebrew. Both names are so lovely and fitting.
My only complaint was how abrupt the ending was – it left me a little discombobulated for a second because everything was happening at once. The resolution was satisfying though, so in general it left a really great message in my heart. If you’re looking for a book that’ll transport you to a time where music is hoarded by the wealthy, then you’ve landed in the right spot. There are creative technological devices that make it a fun sci-fi, and a hopeful message that’ll get you thinking, no matter what kind of reader you are. And finally, music lovers can’t miss out on this one. After all, we know what it’s like to pursue a passion that many people would think we’re “wasting” time on.
-------------------------------
5/24/16:
This one was so enjoyable! Nothing like a class rivalry in a sci fi setting to raise my excitement. The characters were awesome and tenacious, and the fact that it revolved around music (my life) was wonderful.
What if you were born into a world where it was illegal to do the thing that you love the most? That’s exactly what happens to Zimri in Gifted, a stand-alone told through alternating first person POV’s set in the near future. We follow Zimri and Orpheus’s adventure in the music industry and see them battle the blatant social stratification in their society, as well as discover who really deserves the music that is so preciously guarded by the leaders of the showbiz industry.
When we first get introduced to the world, the author gives us parallels with the technological-based insects who have cameras that roam the land to the actual, living insects that buzz their way in the sky. It took a while for me to get in with the new lingo and futuristic version of the world, but once that was established and the pace started picking up, I was fully engrossed in the story. We get to read between alternating POV’s of Zimri and Orpheus. They both were unique characters that went against what their place in society set for them, and defied the ways of the norm to defend what they thought was right.
Zimri was awesome. She’s called a plebe, and her and other people work in a huge warehouse that manufactures products to be distributed around the area. It’s some serious factory line stuff over there. Despite her limitations, she continues to make the music that she so dearly loves. Zimri is wholly passionate, unyielding, and fierce. The music can’t be contained within her, and you can really tell how much she needed to let it out.
“The girl has it bad. Music is inside her and Nonda always knew it would eventually find a way out.”
I mean, I know I couldn’t survive without being able to make music. Where creating these sounds had a potential for being arrested. But that’s the world Zimri lives in. On the other hand we have Orpheus, who was born and raised under a sheltered life – an industry baby, if you will. He’s grown up with all the rich kids who become famous and get an implant in their brain to make them “gifted.” After all, it’s his father who is developing the device in the first place. But in the book, you get him wanting a sense of… more. Or at least, he certainly doesn’t want something implanted in his brain that’ll change who he is.
With that in mind, a series of circumstances and accidents lead Zimri and Orpheus together. Orpheus’s eyes get opened to how the plebes live and work, while Zimri is stunned by Orpheus’s charisma and charming attitude. They both begin learning things from each other, and Orpheus sees an opportunity with Zimri’s spontaneous personality and passion for music. He wants to produce her album because he knows that she could be successful in the industry. But that isn’t exactly how these corporations work…
“‘The truth is,’ I declare aloud to the peepers and crickets who’ve begun to sing their evening song, ‘if she’d been born in the City, into a different family, or at a different time, she would never stay a Plebe. She’s the kind of person who would rise above the system like my mother did when that was still possible.’”
And so Zimri and Orpheus find themselves fighting against the system. Gifted is a novel that sends us with a message of never giving up on what you think is right, and taking action on it. Zimri and Orpheus stimulate a reaction in the media that creates a positive, hopeful outcome for the possibilities of the future rather than the restrictive social dominance that we came into the book reading. Because in the end, who really decides whether you’re gifted or not? Sometimes it boils down to being in the right place in the right time, and sometimes it’s the tenacity and will to keep going that get people to where they are in the world.
“‘Making music makes me happier than anything else in life,’ I say, my dreams clouding up my voice. ‘You can’t touch it or live inside of it. Music can’t protect you from the wind or rain. It’s not like we can eat it or drink it. But if I suddenly had no music in my life, I think that I might die.’”
There is also a slight romance that develops between the two characters at a very sedate and comfortable pace. I as a reader enjoyed it because you can definitely tell that the characters were drawn to each other and their abilities. It wasn’t forceful at all and was quite cute, nor did it overcome the main plotline in the story. Orpheus and Zimri both had such brilliant personalities that they leaped off the pages. And bonus points for their names too! We should all know the legend of Orpheus, and Zimri means “my praise” or “my music” in Hebrew. Both names are so lovely and fitting.
My only complaint was how abrupt the ending was – it left me a little discombobulated for a second because everything was happening at once. The resolution was satisfying though, so in general it left a really great message in my heart. If you’re looking for a book that’ll transport you to a time where music is hoarded by the wealthy, then you’ve landed in the right spot. There are creative technological devices that make it a fun sci-fi, and a hopeful message that’ll get you thinking, no matter what kind of reader you are. And finally, music lovers can’t miss out on this one. After all, we know what it’s like to pursue a passion that many people would think we’re “wasting” time on.
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5/24/16:
This one was so enjoyable! Nothing like a class rivalry in a sci fi setting to raise my excitement. The characters were awesome and tenacious, and the fact that it revolved around music (my life) was wonderful.
June 22, 2016
An adequate but not outstanding story that I probably won't remember anything about by tomorrow.
June 21, 2016
3.5 stars
July 13, 2016
Actual Rating: 3.5*
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to come as part of the blog tour.
Books and Ladders | Books Are My Fandom | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to come as part of the blog tour.
Books and Ladders | Books Are My Fandom | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'
September 8, 2016
What upsets me about the lower ratings of this book is because I know it is rooted in how intelligent the book is. It has a solid plot, it has interesting twists and characters and real tension, and it really takes on music as something to be made into a commodity and something to be used as a formatting tool. I love this book. I will shout my recommendation of it from rooftops and lawns, in grocery stores and streets.
Please read it. I would love, love, love to discuss it!
Please read it. I would love, love, love to discuss it!
July 25, 2016
A dystopian with music, romance, and two characters who were never suppose to be meet. GIFTED has a dual narrative that gives readers a clearer understanding of the different worlds both Zimri and Orpheus come from. These two characters couldn't be any more different. Yet, there's something that draws the two of them together. In world where people can be created to fit into their place in society, two teens are about to break all of their society's rules to follow their own dreams and aspirations. In the process they both end up falling for each other.
Read my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2016/0...
3.5 stars
Read my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2016/0...
3.5 stars
June 12, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5. I’ve read so many dystopian novels that I tend to be hypercritical of them. The author MUST bring something new to the genre or I’m not interested in it. Thankfully, Swain does that, but in the big ways, Gifted is just like any other dystopia I have read. In the future, the world belongs to those that HAVE (the Plutes). Those that HAVE NOT (the Plebes) live in squalor with barely enough food to eat and their entire reason for existence is to serve the Plutes. Gifted is a love story between a Plebe girl and a Plute boy. That’s all pretty standard YA dystopia. Here’s the original twist. The conflict centers around art, specifically music - who owns it and who has a right to produce it. Orpheus Chanson’s father is the world’s music mogul. He’s the one that ended music downloading and free music on the internet and radio waves. He’s the one that invented a surgery that alters a person’s brain so that person can become an artistic genius (hence the title, Gifted). He’s the one that ensured that only those that have undergone this surgery are the ones that can successfully record and perform music. This leaves people like Zimri (a Plebe), a natural musical genius, forced to perform her music in secret at masked concerts. Anyone caught performing or attending a forbidden concert would be arrested - or worse. When Orpheus’ father makes the decision that Orpheus will undergo the surgery, Orpheus runs away. He wants no part of that surgery. He’s seen what it’s done to his friends. When his car breaks down on the wrong side of the tracks, he ends up meeting Zimri. As he gets to know her and fall in love with her, he learns about what it’s like to be a Plebe and how much he has taken for granted in his Plute life. Orpheus is convinced that he can find a way to help Zimri with her music and maybe even change society if the two of them join forces.
Aside from all the standard scenarios that I’ve read one hundred or more times, my biggest problem with this book is the way the author revealed the ways this society was created and what the rules of this society are. It’s basically done through Q&A between the main character and his parents. Huh??? Orpheus grew up in this society. How did he not know the answers to all of these really basic questions? It totally did not work. Another problem I had was the setting was too near to our current day. How do I know? They are grieving the death of Taylor Swift who died at age 100. That’s in 73 years. I seriously doubt this many changes could happen in the world in 73 years. Of course, 73 years ago people couldn’t have envisioned the internet and iPhones so what do I know. Final complaint: the boring title and cover - neither tell me anything about the story or make me want to pick up this book. On a positive note, I really liked Orpheus and Zimri and enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and fall in love. A detail in the story I found very interesting was the work of the Plebes. Almost all of them work at an enormous warehouse where anything in the world can be bought. So it’s totally Amazon, right? It’s the Plebes’ job to basically fly and climb all over the warehouse to fulfill orders as soon as they are submitted by the Plutes and immediately put them on a drone so the items can be delivered through the chute in the Plute’s home. We’re talking delivery within an hour. Frighteningly, I could see this scenario happening in the very near future.
Aside from all the standard scenarios that I’ve read one hundred or more times, my biggest problem with this book is the way the author revealed the ways this society was created and what the rules of this society are. It’s basically done through Q&A between the main character and his parents. Huh??? Orpheus grew up in this society. How did he not know the answers to all of these really basic questions? It totally did not work. Another problem I had was the setting was too near to our current day. How do I know? They are grieving the death of Taylor Swift who died at age 100. That’s in 73 years. I seriously doubt this many changes could happen in the world in 73 years. Of course, 73 years ago people couldn’t have envisioned the internet and iPhones so what do I know. Final complaint: the boring title and cover - neither tell me anything about the story or make me want to pick up this book. On a positive note, I really liked Orpheus and Zimri and enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and fall in love. A detail in the story I found very interesting was the work of the Plebes. Almost all of them work at an enormous warehouse where anything in the world can be bought. So it’s totally Amazon, right? It’s the Plebes’ job to basically fly and climb all over the warehouse to fulfill orders as soon as they are submitted by the Plutes and immediately put them on a drone so the items can be delivered through the chute in the Plute’s home. We’re talking delivery within an hour. Frighteningly, I could see this scenario happening in the very near future.
April 24, 2018
Although it took me a while to get into this book because I wasn't sure what was happening with the mechanical dragonflies and other drones that were zipping through the skies at its start, but after I started learning more about this particular world, I ended up enjoying it. The story focuses on Zimri Robinson, a musical prodigy who isn't allowed to sing because of her social class, and Orpheus Chanson, who recognizes her talent. Theirs is a world where anyone with the right connections and enough cash can acquire and purchase intelligence and talent through what is known as Acquired Savant Abilities. Naturally, this leads to some distinctly untalented individuals being given great notice because of their new talents, but it also leads to laziness and fascination with overnight celebrities. Although this science fiction book explores some previously uncharted territory, it also pokes sly fun at today's relentless obsession with fame, reality television programs, and taking the easy way out to success. Although Zimri and Orpheus might seem to have nothing in common, clearly that is not the case, and their musical connections nurture a romantic link as well. I liked the way the main sections were organized as verses, a chorus, and a coda. This book will leave readers thinking and wondering about what may lie in their future if something doesn't change.
Read
November 1, 2017Imagine your parents to have to buy some type of procedure for you to be smarter than the rest of the kids. Orpheus Chanson is the main character. He has been raised in a privileged family, with lots of money. His parents buy a procedure for him which will make him a genius. When Orpheus meets Zimri, a natural music prodigy, they become friends and maybe even more. Although it is illegal for them to meet because Orpheus has gotten the procedure, and she comes from a non-wealthy family. I would compare this book to some of the hunger games books because the setting is in a world where the government controls everything. I would recommend this book to people who like romance and science fiction.
January 7, 2018
The girl has it bad. Music is inside her and Nonda always knew it would eventually find a way out.
For Orpheus Chanson, genius is an everyday occurrence. In his world, the human brain has been fully mapped, and the elite are able to afford pricey Acquired Savant Abilities (ASAs), which are surgeries that rewire the brain into becoming genius in one or two areas. Even though he's a little on the fence about getting an ASA himself, his father owns the patent for the musical ASA as well as a copyright on every song ever released.
Zimri Robinson is a "Plebe" who works in a warehouse for the rich "Plutes," struggling to earn enough money just to get by. She's a natural music genius, finding the beat in everything and humming to herself. And even with her work schedule and her grandmother's failing health, Zimri loves making music, even though she fears being arrested for illegally producing it, like her mother long ago. When Zimri and Orpheus cross paths, romance blooms between them. But what future could they possibly have?
I've had this book on my bookshelf for at least a year, and I'm just now getting around to reading it. While I don't think it was a terrible book, I just have this unrelenting feeling that I barely scratched the surface. I felt distanced while reading this, an outsider looking in, and because of that I never really got into the story. I'm giving Gifted 2 stars.
The story is mostly told in the alternating first-person viewpoints of Orpheus and Zimri. Orpheus is an incredibly immature character, and I found him more annoying than anything. He acts like a thirteen-year-old boy, running away from his father after a disagreement (though I do agree that his father is a huge jerk), but Orpheus also is terrible at logical thinking in general. He wants to keep the fact that he's a Plute secret, but he's as inconspicuous as a herd of elephants. The way he acts and the things he says make it painfully obvious that he's not a Plebe. He's also clueless and idyllic for a boy who claims his life has taught him to never expect the best out of people.
But no, it's stupid. She's the wrong girl. The wrong kind. A Plebe girl. A beautiful, interesting, funny, fascinating Plebe girl who I can't stop thinking about when the workday's done.
Of course, he's not without the arrogance and elitism known of Plutes. He has no idea what size clothes he wears, he has never made a bed in his life and doesn't know how one would even do that, and exclaims about how two people could live in such a small space.
Zimri is as bland as whole grain rice (boring, beige, and kinda tasteless.) Her only real personality trait is her love of music - she does it because she loves it, not because she wants to make money or fame off of it. She worries about her grandmother. She doesn't want to be caught for making music illegally. She just wants to enjoy what she has.
All of the other characters are flat and one-dimensional, from Zimri's grandmother and her best friends to Orpheus's acquaintances.
Which is why the major plot, which is focused primarily on the romance is a bit of a failure. Orpheus and Zimri meet and, within a week, they have life-changing feelings for each other. They're attracted to each other from the start, despite the fact that they both have new relationships with other people.
I almost laugh as we shake. Who talks like that? But then I look at him and color rides into my cheeks because I'm stupefied by the most beautiful boy I've ever seen.
I didn't think that the romance between them was that great; I didn't even see what drew them to each other, much less the way they supposedly felt about each other. It's just... dull.
There is a bit of an attempt to talk about how this dystopian world is run, as a one girl is currently suing Orpheus's father over her music contract and the ASA and reversal ASA that she says ruined her life.
"Genius is a thing that should happen only once in a very great while. Not every day on an operating table."
Of course, it's quickly overshadowed by Orpheus and Zimri's "love," and Orpheus's need to prove his father wrong.
And lastly, sometimes the writing was odd. The first part of the book is really slow. Like, extremely. It starts off with one of few third-person chapters, and it throws in a lot of vocabulary for this world that doesn't make sense to the reader and leaves it virtually unexplained. (There is a lot of talk about frozards, and it took me a while to figure out what in the heck she was talking about.) If anything, it felt like it alienated the reader, and that's not good for anyone.
Plus, a lot of the action is written in these odd third-person paragraphs. These chapters felt different from the others. They had a different sort of cadence, an uneasy, stilted rhythm that I didn't like. A huge ending scene happens when it's written like this, and I'm 95% sure I have no idea what happened.
And, obviously from the cover, there's also an intense focus on the symbolism of dragonflies. I still don't know why.
I didn't connect with Gifted the way I had hoped to. The story itself was focused on a dull, illogical romance with boring characters, and I honestly started to count down the pages until I was finished. I might've even given up on this book, if I hadn't already bought it.
April 4, 2020
Gifted by H.A. Swain takes place in a society where actual genius is not randomly bestowed upon people, but rather a surgery that you pay for, and then rapidly move to the top of social ladders. When you are actually born with innate genius, it does not matter, because you are poor. When two worlds collide (a la Romeo and Juliet), we find Orpheus trying to escape his rich ways and his overbearing mother and father, and we find Zimri trying to do the one thing she knows - make music, which is not necessarily legal for someone of her status. This book had so much potential, but got caught up in the small things, like trying to make the book sound more dystopian and futuristic than it was, and the names.. by God, the names... Overall, the story was fine, and the characters were okay, and the ending was a little bit predictable. It wasn't a bad book by any means, but it was not really my favorite either.
August 10, 2017
I feel like this book had a lot of interesting ideas, concepts, and characters, but I almost wonder if it should've been longer. I think more time needed to be given to those characters, the unfamiliar world, the relationships, and the ending. At the same time, this was not an action-filled book, so making it longer and keeping it engaging could be hard. It was an enjoyable and unique book with cool characters, however, and I'm glad I read it. :)
June 16, 2016
I struggled with whether to give this book four stars or five stars. Ultimately, I believe that five stars is truer to the book's worth in my eyes. The one problem I had with the book was a few of the dragonfly passages. Some of them seemed forced/contrived and pulled me out of the story. I understand the symbolism and juxtaposition with the drones but felt that it didn't work smoothly. Otherwise, the book was wonderful. This is a dystopian novel set in the near future though Taylor Swift is mentioned in the book as being age 100 so it's about 80 years in the future. There are new words and phrases current for the future in the book, but you'll catch on easily. For me, the author did an excellent job of taking some major issues today and pushing them in the future to see what happens. What happens as technology moved forward? As drones become commonplace and deliver our packages? What happens with the current state of music where a lot of people don't buy records or CDs? What happens in the future if we can't own any song but must pay to hear it or sing it? Even YOU AREMY SUNSHINE? What happens as the middle class disappears? This book will make you think. You'll want to talk things out with friends. You'll be thinking of the characters still after you've read the last page. The story lingers.
June 8, 2016
Who owns music? That's the question in H.A. Swain's Gifted. In a world where the music industry has been taken over by brain surgeries and a Simon Cowell-eque overlord of music mogul, society has been divided into the haves and the have-nots, the Plutes and the Plebes.
If you're a Plute, you have everything at your disposal and you can have an ASA, Acquired Savant Abilities, surgery done to make you into music's next star. However, if you're a Plebe, you do not know that world because everything has been taken from you. Your life is difficult at best, deadly at worst.
Zimri is a Plebe who is blessed with natural musical genius (no ASA necessary!) Her desire to bring her music to the masses is hindered by the system, but all of a sudden a mysterious Plute visitor appears and turns her understanding of the universe on its head. Will Zimri be able to share her gift?
Swain presents a scary, yet totally believable potential future for the entertainment industry in this fast paced book of ethical, moral, and socio-economic questions! I really enjoyed this novel from the author of Hungry.
If you're a Plute, you have everything at your disposal and you can have an ASA, Acquired Savant Abilities, surgery done to make you into music's next star. However, if you're a Plebe, you do not know that world because everything has been taken from you. Your life is difficult at best, deadly at worst.
Zimri is a Plebe who is blessed with natural musical genius (no ASA necessary!) Her desire to bring her music to the masses is hindered by the system, but all of a sudden a mysterious Plute visitor appears and turns her understanding of the universe on its head. Will Zimri be able to share her gift?
Swain presents a scary, yet totally believable potential future for the entertainment industry in this fast paced book of ethical, moral, and socio-economic questions! I really enjoyed this novel from the author of Hungry.
March 19, 2017
This was one of those books that you start reading, get a few chapters in and stop. I however, finally forced myself to read it and after 2 days I've already completed the book. I found the written to be very poetical and loving music myself thought this book was very captivating. It is considered a romance novel, a genre which I generally don't like but I absolutely enjoyed this book!
August 11, 2016
So I’m looking at the very few other reviews on Gifted and not a lot of them are in depth as to how the reader felt about the book. Huh . . .
It’s my time to shine. *cracks knuckles*
I have one thing to say before anything else.
KEEP READING. The beginning is slow, I know, but don’t stop. IT GETS BETTER.
Now then.
Since this book just came out this year, 2016, I’ll give a basic summary to keep us all on track ( because Lord knows if you want to figure out anything in this book you have to pay the fuck attention ).
In Orpheus Chanson’s world the human brain has been mapped and patented. Geniuses and prodigies like him are no longer born or honed through hard work. Instead, procedures to induce Acquired Savant Abilities (ASA’s) are now purchased and utilized by the most privileged sector of society.
Zimri Robinson--a natural musical prodigy--is a lowly “plebe”, a worker at a warehouse. Her grueling schedule and her grandmother’s illness won’t keep her from using her gifts--even if making music is illegal.
The paths of Orpheus and Zimri were never meant to cross. He is destined for great, she is not. But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken.
I apparently didn’t read the summary for this book very well when I picked it up. I completely glossed over the fact that it was Zimri that loved music. I had it backwards in my head when I first started reading Gifted. I expected Orpheus to be the one that loved music seeing as he’s from a gifted world. I expected Zimri to be a low level worker within the same world as Orpheus but not necessarily a part of it.
Basically, romance abound! The lowly girl and the high class boy fall in love even though it should be forbidden in their day and age!
I sort of got it right . . .
I liked the main concept of this book, that music is completely illegal unless you have a contract with a dealer. You cannot sing copyright music, cannot hold concerts with said music, you cannot even have that copyright music on an IPod or do anything else with it.
What threw me completely off was when the science fiction part of the book came into play. I knew there was going to be some considering people get their brains altered but holy shit.
Who are these people?
What the hell is a fozard?
What does COYN mean?
Are they on the Red Carpet or at some party?
What the hell is a DespotRati, an ExoScreen glove, Buzz and ‘razzi?
Whoa--back off!
Yes, the beginning, I’ll plainly say, sucked. There was so much about the world in Gifted that got crammed together in the beginning with very little explanation as to what anything was that I wanted to slam the book against a wall. I feel like if the book was written a little differently than the first 110 pages would not have felt so boring.
That’s right.
110 pages.
That’s how long it took me to get invested in this book. That is NOT good.
It wasn’t until our two MC’s started interacting that I really enjoyed Gifted. Their roles in life were interesting but, let's face it, nothing new. The hard working girl with passion and the upper class boy who feels the need for more in life have been done before. I suppose that’s another reason the beginning is slow. Not only is there so much info dumping in all the wrong places but because there isn’t nothing new brought to the table. Not even the mind altering aspect to gain some sort of intellectual power is new.
I feel like this book should have stayed in 3rd person the entire time, at least then you could rationally go back and forth between the POV’s of Zimri and Orpheus. In Gifted the POV switches back and forth from Zimri to Orpheus, which is good to do, having more than one character as the MC. But when you stick in random parts of the story that are in 3rd person when they don’t seem needed then why make the book 1st person--or have those 3rd person POV’s--at all?
Okay, on to the good parts of the book because there is actually a lot beyond that beginning!
The middle and ending were done excellently. By the time the climax came around I was invested in every character. It was so suspenseful and went in a way I wasn’t expecting. I’m so happy it ended the way it did because I almost thought something devastating was going to happen. And the summarization on what happened at the end of the book felt very nice, wrapping things up smoothly.
On to the characters, I want to talk about Zimri, firstly.
I liked her. I really did! I had no problem with her. She’s tough, knowing what needs to be done to survive in her world, even risking her life to sing because it’s what she’s so passionate about. She’s kind, playful and cares deeply for people.
We don’t fully figure out her family situation right away--the info dumping stopped to create some great characterization!--and throughout the book we learn little by little what happened to her father and mother.
Zimri did get a little annoying whenever she would try and find a beat in everyday sounds, but luckily she didn’t do that often.
I found it hilarious that Zimri, being a plebe, basically works for Amazon. A diry, low pay, shit-hole Amazon but still.
Wow, I had no major problem with her and that’s rare as hell. Normally in female MC’s there is something that stands out like sore thumb that annoys the hell out me.
They say their tough then back down when a hunky guy comes along.
They make all these great decisions then do something so stupid I lose all respect for them.
Zimri, though, never had that issue. The stars aligned for this girl--God I love it!
Orpheus Chanson comes into play next and I liked him too.
As to be expected, he’s arrogant and full of himself in the beginning considering the environment he grew up in. His family is broken apart with a tyrant for a father and a mother that is pretty much never there for him. Its only after he runs away--so that he doesn’t get his mind altered--did I really start to enjoy his character.
He shows his true self. That he’s kind, caring and a bit of a dork. It’s funny how he didn’t know how anything worked in Zimri’s plebe world. His motivations are easily understood and the way he’s characterized is done over time is wonderful.
The only thing done wrong is his instant love for Zimri.
He’s never seen a girl like her, she’s unique, special! Love abound! BUT that’s not a good reason to fall for someone. So his love was forced but once they bonded I liked them together
We pretty much have a win / win situation with our MC’s! That is a miracle!
Then that possible love triangle ( could have been a square ) never happened. Dorian, Zimri’s long time male friend, had feelings for Zimri at the start but they didn't get together. Zimri wondered to herself if it could happen but she ultimately didn’t see herself being like that with Dorian. Then there’s Orpheus and Arabella who have been in an on and off relationship for the past while but they don’t ever seem to get things lined up right. There is no argument over who is getting with who, it's straight up Zimri and Orpheus. Just the way I like it!
When I realized that Gifted was a stand alone book--no foreseeable sequel in the making--I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t want another oversaturated book franchise and I didn’t get it. This stand alone book does find on it’s own. Hurray!
Overall, the beginning was what gives Gifted that flat 3 star rating. It was a VERY slow start and that 110 pages of boringness held back the rest of this book, no matter how good it got as the reading went on. I’m still seething over that beginning actually. Such a good middle and end with such a bad beginning. It makes such a sad realization that probably a lot of people are going to drop Gifted before any of the good comes along because of that.
Beyond that horrid beginning, it's a worthwhile read. Good chemistry, interesting concept, great MC’s and a great romance.
It’s my time to shine. *cracks knuckles*
I have one thing to say before anything else.
KEEP READING. The beginning is slow, I know, but don’t stop. IT GETS BETTER.
Now then.
Since this book just came out this year, 2016, I’ll give a basic summary to keep us all on track ( because Lord knows if you want to figure out anything in this book you have to pay the fuck attention ).
In Orpheus Chanson’s world the human brain has been mapped and patented. Geniuses and prodigies like him are no longer born or honed through hard work. Instead, procedures to induce Acquired Savant Abilities (ASA’s) are now purchased and utilized by the most privileged sector of society.
Zimri Robinson--a natural musical prodigy--is a lowly “plebe”, a worker at a warehouse. Her grueling schedule and her grandmother’s illness won’t keep her from using her gifts--even if making music is illegal.
The paths of Orpheus and Zimri were never meant to cross. He is destined for great, she is not. But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken.
I apparently didn’t read the summary for this book very well when I picked it up. I completely glossed over the fact that it was Zimri that loved music. I had it backwards in my head when I first started reading Gifted. I expected Orpheus to be the one that loved music seeing as he’s from a gifted world. I expected Zimri to be a low level worker within the same world as Orpheus but not necessarily a part of it.
Basically, romance abound! The lowly girl and the high class boy fall in love even though it should be forbidden in their day and age!
I sort of got it right . . .
I liked the main concept of this book, that music is completely illegal unless you have a contract with a dealer. You cannot sing copyright music, cannot hold concerts with said music, you cannot even have that copyright music on an IPod or do anything else with it.
What threw me completely off was when the science fiction part of the book came into play. I knew there was going to be some considering people get their brains altered but holy shit.
Who are these people?
What the hell is a fozard?
What does COYN mean?
Are they on the Red Carpet or at some party?
What the hell is a DespotRati, an ExoScreen glove, Buzz and ‘razzi?
Whoa--back off!
Yes, the beginning, I’ll plainly say, sucked. There was so much about the world in Gifted that got crammed together in the beginning with very little explanation as to what anything was that I wanted to slam the book against a wall. I feel like if the book was written a little differently than the first 110 pages would not have felt so boring.
That’s right.
110 pages.
That’s how long it took me to get invested in this book. That is NOT good.
It wasn’t until our two MC’s started interacting that I really enjoyed Gifted. Their roles in life were interesting but, let's face it, nothing new. The hard working girl with passion and the upper class boy who feels the need for more in life have been done before. I suppose that’s another reason the beginning is slow. Not only is there so much info dumping in all the wrong places but because there isn’t nothing new brought to the table. Not even the mind altering aspect to gain some sort of intellectual power is new.
I feel like this book should have stayed in 3rd person the entire time, at least then you could rationally go back and forth between the POV’s of Zimri and Orpheus. In Gifted the POV switches back and forth from Zimri to Orpheus, which is good to do, having more than one character as the MC. But when you stick in random parts of the story that are in 3rd person when they don’t seem needed then why make the book 1st person--or have those 3rd person POV’s--at all?
Okay, on to the good parts of the book because there is actually a lot beyond that beginning!
The middle and ending were done excellently. By the time the climax came around I was invested in every character. It was so suspenseful and went in a way I wasn’t expecting. I’m so happy it ended the way it did because I almost thought something devastating was going to happen. And the summarization on what happened at the end of the book felt very nice, wrapping things up smoothly.
On to the characters, I want to talk about Zimri, firstly.
I liked her. I really did! I had no problem with her. She’s tough, knowing what needs to be done to survive in her world, even risking her life to sing because it’s what she’s so passionate about. She’s kind, playful and cares deeply for people.
We don’t fully figure out her family situation right away--the info dumping stopped to create some great characterization!--and throughout the book we learn little by little what happened to her father and mother.
Zimri did get a little annoying whenever she would try and find a beat in everyday sounds, but luckily she didn’t do that often.
I found it hilarious that Zimri, being a plebe, basically works for Amazon. A diry, low pay, shit-hole Amazon but still.
Wow, I had no major problem with her and that’s rare as hell. Normally in female MC’s there is something that stands out like sore thumb that annoys the hell out me.
They say their tough then back down when a hunky guy comes along.
They make all these great decisions then do something so stupid I lose all respect for them.
Zimri, though, never had that issue. The stars aligned for this girl--God I love it!
Orpheus Chanson comes into play next and I liked him too.
As to be expected, he’s arrogant and full of himself in the beginning considering the environment he grew up in. His family is broken apart with a tyrant for a father and a mother that is pretty much never there for him. Its only after he runs away--so that he doesn’t get his mind altered--did I really start to enjoy his character.
He shows his true self. That he’s kind, caring and a bit of a dork. It’s funny how he didn’t know how anything worked in Zimri’s plebe world. His motivations are easily understood and the way he’s characterized is done over time is wonderful.
The only thing done wrong is his instant love for Zimri.
He’s never seen a girl like her, she’s unique, special! Love abound! BUT that’s not a good reason to fall for someone. So his love was forced but once they bonded I liked them together
We pretty much have a win / win situation with our MC’s! That is a miracle!
Then that possible love triangle ( could have been a square ) never happened. Dorian, Zimri’s long time male friend, had feelings for Zimri at the start but they didn't get together. Zimri wondered to herself if it could happen but she ultimately didn’t see herself being like that with Dorian. Then there’s Orpheus and Arabella who have been in an on and off relationship for the past while but they don’t ever seem to get things lined up right. There is no argument over who is getting with who, it's straight up Zimri and Orpheus. Just the way I like it!
When I realized that Gifted was a stand alone book--no foreseeable sequel in the making--I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t want another oversaturated book franchise and I didn’t get it. This stand alone book does find on it’s own. Hurray!
Overall, the beginning was what gives Gifted that flat 3 star rating. It was a VERY slow start and that 110 pages of boringness held back the rest of this book, no matter how good it got as the reading went on. I’m still seething over that beginning actually. Such a good middle and end with such a bad beginning. It makes such a sad realization that probably a lot of people are going to drop Gifted before any of the good comes along because of that.
Beyond that horrid beginning, it's a worthwhile read. Good chemistry, interesting concept, great MC’s and a great romance.
November 18, 2018
I won't bother with writing a synopsis, since what can I tell you without spoiling or repeating what's in the blurb? This is just my opinion.
So first of all, it starts off slow. Like, really, really slow. It took me a day to struggle past the first few chapters, and I'm not sure if I should feel guilty for expecting instant gratification (which I'm trying to get better at) or frustrated and how tedious and confusing it was.
However, it did pick up. And I promise you it's worth it. I wasn't completely sold on the idea at first, me being in a completely, shamefully and unfairly biased mood. At the start, it seemed like a typical dystopia with the (as I've heard other reveiwers call it and now makes a lot of sense to me) Haves and Have-Nots, extreme injustice and cheesy romance (with not one, but TWO love triangles- no, maybe just one, not fully sure on that point).
But as I continued reading, the little things became more original. How the fight was more for the rights of humanity's art rather than surviving or overtaking a dictatorship/evil government/empire/you get my meaning. The incorporation of the dragonfly throughout the plot, which I also found very interesting. I'm sure it has some meanjng, and I heard someone on here say it had symbolic meaning, so if you want to delve into that, here's a link that might help.
Hope it works. https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&...
Overall, it was good. My heart swooped and dipped at the right places, and you know if that happens when you were ready to hate a book to the ends of the Whovian universe (David Tennant all the way! Sorry, can't stop the fangirl), it's a good one.
So first of all, it starts off slow. Like, really, really slow. It took me a day to struggle past the first few chapters, and I'm not sure if I should feel guilty for expecting instant gratification (which I'm trying to get better at) or frustrated and how tedious and confusing it was.
However, it did pick up. And I promise you it's worth it. I wasn't completely sold on the idea at first, me being in a completely, shamefully and unfairly biased mood. At the start, it seemed like a typical dystopia with the (as I've heard other reveiwers call it and now makes a lot of sense to me) Haves and Have-Nots, extreme injustice and cheesy romance (with not one, but TWO love triangles- no, maybe just one, not fully sure on that point).
But as I continued reading, the little things became more original. How the fight was more for the rights of humanity's art rather than surviving or overtaking a dictatorship/evil government/empire/you get my meaning. The incorporation of the dragonfly throughout the plot, which I also found very interesting. I'm sure it has some meanjng, and I heard someone on here say it had symbolic meaning, so if you want to delve into that, here's a link that might help.
Hope it works. https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&...
Overall, it was good. My heart swooped and dipped at the right places, and you know if that happens when you were ready to hate a book to the ends of the Whovian universe (David Tennant all the way! Sorry, can't stop the fangirl), it's a good one.
December 31, 2021
In the near future, a rich bigshot has developed a surgery to rewire your brain for genius (whether artistic, mathematic, musical, etc), leading to art no longer being free because even the surgically savant-ified artists only earn a cut of the profits of their own output, owned by the company. With the artists as basically a company product, promoting them in the media and social media is big (and highly regulated) business--rich people send their kids to basically social-media-school instead of academic school, in preparation for their expected post-surgical career, while the poor go to basically good-labourer-school since they can't afford savant surgery. Arts (especially music) by people with unaltered brains is illegal, and class division is wide.
So, of course, we follow one of these illegal music-makers, a naturally-occurring musical genius who works in what's basically an Amazon warehouse. At some point she's going to meet up with the son of the company bigshot, who is leery of getting his own surgery after his sister's was botched, and we can probably expect revolutionary doings.
I didn't last that long, not because the writing is bad (though it did take a few pages to get into the flow) but because making-it-in-the-music-industry stories are just REALLY not my jam and my TBR pile is just too damn big. I can easily see this novel appealing to dystopia fans who enjoy celeb stories or entertainment-career stories.
So, of course, we follow one of these illegal music-makers, a naturally-occurring musical genius who works in what's basically an Amazon warehouse. At some point she's going to meet up with the son of the company bigshot, who is leery of getting his own surgery after his sister's was botched, and we can probably expect revolutionary doings.
I didn't last that long, not because the writing is bad (though it did take a few pages to get into the flow) but because making-it-in-the-music-industry stories are just REALLY not my jam and my TBR pile is just too damn big. I can easily see this novel appealing to dystopia fans who enjoy celeb stories or entertainment-career stories.
March 28, 2019
In the near future, surgery can turn mediocre people into geniuses. That’s great—isn’t it? It’s what every parent would want for their children.
This novel explores exactly what would happen with runaway consumerism, severe separation between the haves and the have-nots and scientific exploration gone horribly awry. There’s no middle class here; you’re either rich or fighting for goods in a weekly melees that resemble half-off sales combined with NASCAR racing and WWF wrestling matches. While the book touches on climate change and extinction of animal species in a glancing fashion, it does deal heavily with the inhumanity that humans practice on each other.
The point where the book falls down is not telling us HOW the world got to such a state. Given the current state of economics, ecology and scientific endeavor, the author undoubtedly assumes that readers will understand all too well how such a state of affairs can ensue from contemporary Western societal practices. Also, the inclusion of an exploratory dragonfly was a bit of a distraction; I’m thinking the novel could have done without those entomological references.
This is a dystopian novel cloaked in a Romeo-and-Juliet-style story and succeeds in both aspects. Whether you’re a music fan or not, Gifted touches on the unease many people may have today about what the future holds for their offspring.
This novel explores exactly what would happen with runaway consumerism, severe separation between the haves and the have-nots and scientific exploration gone horribly awry. There’s no middle class here; you’re either rich or fighting for goods in a weekly melees that resemble half-off sales combined with NASCAR racing and WWF wrestling matches. While the book touches on climate change and extinction of animal species in a glancing fashion, it does deal heavily with the inhumanity that humans practice on each other.
The point where the book falls down is not telling us HOW the world got to such a state. Given the current state of economics, ecology and scientific endeavor, the author undoubtedly assumes that readers will understand all too well how such a state of affairs can ensue from contemporary Western societal practices. Also, the inclusion of an exploratory dragonfly was a bit of a distraction; I’m thinking the novel could have done without those entomological references.
This is a dystopian novel cloaked in a Romeo-and-Juliet-style story and succeeds in both aspects. Whether you’re a music fan or not, Gifted touches on the unease many people may have today about what the future holds for their offspring.
March 3, 2017
What a very interesting book. This was very different from Hunger, but I like that both books occur in the future. Swain does a very good job describing new technology and the way it works. Although I wasn't too fond of the book when it first began, it got much better as the pages were being flipped. I enjoyed that the book revolved around music and fighting for a good cause. I liked the small love that was between Zimiri and Orpheus, but it wasn't touched much on. Sure the romance was there, but I don't believe that is was as much as Hunger. I am slightly disappointed though because I remember being really excited to read this when I read the excerpt and then received a copy for my birthday. I also don't think that the catchphrase, "In the future Genus may be deadly," really fits the novel. Sure, a lower class person could get their memory wiped, but I wouldn't go as far as to say that death may occur. Nobody dies in the book, nor does anyone come to close to dying. Except Nonda when she almost gets run over. And many of the famous and rich got surgeries to become geniuses, so I wouldn't say that being a genius is deadly at any point or aspect of the book.
Overall, Gifted had a great story line and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys music and dystopian novels.
Overall, Gifted had a great story line and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys music and dystopian novels.
January 8, 2022
This is a dystopian futuristic society novel. In this world, people are split b/w the have and the have-nots (w/ all the accompanying privileges and repression respectively), music is strictly controlled. You can't even listen to a song w/o paying for it and certainly can't sing it or sample it. Also, there is a surgery that makes regular people into a genius in whatever field they choose, i.e. music, science, etc. So Zimri is a regular worker who is a natural musical genius and Orpheus is the son of the man who controls much of the music industry and the surgeries to create geniuses. So the novel is about the 2 characters meeting and challenging the current system and challenging it. It was an interesting concept w/ good characters to work w/. I liked how the author integrated the secondary characters and stories to make a fully more complete story. The plot-line was good but a bit predictable and I never really became fully invested in the central characters. Also, there was an overall 'preachy' tone to the messaging that was a bit heavy-handed for me. I did finish reading this book but because of these things, I can't recommend this to others.
March 21, 2018
Gifted
H. A. Swain
In Zimri Robinson's world, there is no such thing as prodigies or geniuses, naturally born or created with hard work. Instead, there is only the chance for the Priviledged to get a procedure done called an ASA (Acquired Savant Abilities) that allows you to become brilliant in any field you want, though your copyright is then owned by Chanson Headquarters. Zimri Robinson is a natural musical prodigy who lives in the slums. Upon meeting Orpheus Chanson, son of the head of Chanson Headquarters, she embarks upon an adventure with him to try and get the world to see what true talent is.
The book "Gifted" is a "good read" because it is full of relatable ideas and situations while having fun, action packed moments with strong characters. The characters of the book are full of feeling and whenever they think of what is happening around them, you completely understand what they are saying. The part of the book that is the most relatable to me was how the world circulates around the celebraties, how they almost control how the world flows. It reminds me immensely of our world. This is why the book "Gifted" is a "good read".
H. A. Swain
In Zimri Robinson's world, there is no such thing as prodigies or geniuses, naturally born or created with hard work. Instead, there is only the chance for the Priviledged to get a procedure done called an ASA (Acquired Savant Abilities) that allows you to become brilliant in any field you want, though your copyright is then owned by Chanson Headquarters. Zimri Robinson is a natural musical prodigy who lives in the slums. Upon meeting Orpheus Chanson, son of the head of Chanson Headquarters, she embarks upon an adventure with him to try and get the world to see what true talent is.
The book "Gifted" is a "good read" because it is full of relatable ideas and situations while having fun, action packed moments with strong characters. The characters of the book are full of feeling and whenever they think of what is happening around them, you completely understand what they are saying. The part of the book that is the most relatable to me was how the world circulates around the celebraties, how they almost control how the world flows. It reminds me immensely of our world. This is why the book "Gifted" is a "good read".
June 9, 2020
I was attracted to this because of the premise
The idea of where genius or talent comes from is a really interesting concept to me but that's actually only a small part of story though. This is more about music copyright, societal class and corporate greed.
I also didn't realise this was a YA book. I have no problem with that but it meant it wasn't quite as meaty as i'd have liked when dealing with those issues. If I'd realised when I started (my fault) I'd probably have adjusted my expectations accordingly
So, I did enjoy this. It just wasn't as complex as I thought it was going to be
Likely going to recommend it to my daughter though as it'll be right up her street
In Orpheus Chanson's world, geniuses and prodigies are no longer born or honed through hard work. Instead, procedures to induce Acquired Savant Abilities (ASAs) are now purchased by the privileged. And Orpheus's father holds the copyright to the ASA procedure.
The idea of where genius or talent comes from is a really interesting concept to me but that's actually only a small part of story though. This is more about music copyright, societal class and corporate greed.
I also didn't realise this was a YA book. I have no problem with that but it meant it wasn't quite as meaty as i'd have liked when dealing with those issues. If I'd realised when I started (my fault) I'd probably have adjusted my expectations accordingly
So, I did enjoy this. It just wasn't as complex as I thought it was going to be
Likely going to recommend it to my daughter though as it'll be right up her street
January 3, 2022
This book was pretty slow going until the last 30 pages or so. Usually, I love alternating POVs but I didn't feel that it did much for this book in particular. The love story aspect was very drawn out and didn't seem to advance as far as I would have liked to see it. I also found the ending relatively predictable. This book seemed to focus a lot on secondary characters which I don't feel added that much to the main storyline or helped develop the main characters. But it was a fine book to finish reading on this snowy day we've had where I live. I feel like a faster paced sequel could be a great addition to this book. If there were a second, I'd like to see Orpheus and Zimri's relationship flourish and to be able to delve deep into each of them individually rather than as a mostly merged entity like it seemed in this book.
March 30, 2019
I have read a lot of dystopian teen fiction. I found this one enjoyable. The writing style was pretty good. I liked the characters especially Zimri. The obligatory love triangle seemed a little forced and unemotional but I prefer that to the anguish of Team Edward or Team Jacob -ugh. The division of society was interesting and worked for the dystopian genre. The increasing disparity between the haves or have nots in our society makes some of this type of future a possibility. I noticed another reviewer compare the warehouse to Amazon-totally. Overall it was not a bad book. It flowed well and the plot made sense and had good pacing. The only weird thing was saying Zimri had an amazing 2 octave range. Two octaves is not amazing. It is not even average for a singer.
June 15, 2019
In a world where only the rich are allowed to be talented. They gain these talents by having brain surgery. Only the rich are allowed to show their talents all others live small pods and work in warehouses which give the rich everything they need at demand. Zimri Robinson works in one of those warehouses but she loves to sing. The problem is that her singing is illegal and must be kept hidden. Orpheus Chanson is from the rich and famous and he does not want the surgery which will give him his talent. He runs away one night and runs into Zimri's grandmother. He wrecks his automobile and ends up having to work in the warehouse alongside Zimri. This is a really good book and a must read for those who believe in standing up for what they believe.
April 11, 2021
📚📚
✨Gifted by H. A. Swain✨
At first I couldn't get myself interested to read this book. The synopsis got me feeling tired with the thought of troublesome plots before I even read the 1st page.
Well, don't judge a book by the synopsis. The story was actually really interesting and enjoyable. I didn't expect to like the story so much. It's actually a simple story, not to much complication and a sweet wrap up. Spot on description on greediness for power and on how we take everything we have for granted.
A world with two different society, the elite and the slum. With a little bit of Cinderella element thrown into it, it made a rather exciting story.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romance, Mild thriller
Recommendation: Definitely need to try it.
✨Gifted by H. A. Swain✨
At first I couldn't get myself interested to read this book. The synopsis got me feeling tired with the thought of troublesome plots before I even read the 1st page.
Well, don't judge a book by the synopsis. The story was actually really interesting and enjoyable. I didn't expect to like the story so much. It's actually a simple story, not to much complication and a sweet wrap up. Spot on description on greediness for power and on how we take everything we have for granted.
A world with two different society, the elite and the slum. With a little bit of Cinderella element thrown into it, it made a rather exciting story.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romance, Mild thriller
Recommendation: Definitely need to try it.
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