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Porter McGavin spends his nights lost in shattered memories of blood, sand, and ammunition, and his days struggling to hold together the tattered shreds of his life. The combat veteran is barely surviving his battle scars when he's offered a chance to once again have a future with purpose, as a member of The Brotherhood of Guardians, an ancient group of warriors sworn to protect the mortal descendants of Muses. No more struggling to get by, no more fighting to fit in, Porter readily accepts a new way of life. But when he's thrust into the role of Claire Montgomery's Watcher, shadows from his past threaten to plunge them both into darkness.

Claire can’t shake the mistrust she holds for the Guardians. Too many were responsible for the years she lived in confinement and forced isolation. When new threats arise, she knows she needs protection, but will she be able to accept any Watcher, let alone one as damaged as Porter?

Forced to confront the secrets haunting them both, can they learn to trust each other before the Guardians fall?

214 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2015

210 people want to read

About the author

Erin McFadden

11 books87 followers

Contemporary fantasy author Erin McFadden lives in Indiana with her two daughters. They love reading and watching movies together, as well as camping and hiking in the great outdoors. Erin dreams of packing up and visiting all the magical, historical spots in Europe she has read about.
An unabashed geek, Erin loves science fiction, all things paranormal, and anything involving a conspiracy theory. She firmly believes that everything is better with chocolate and a healthy dose of caffeine.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm.
1,257 reviews109 followers
January 8, 2016
I am always on the lookout for a unique story, whether it's a YA, Fantasy or Paranormal Romance. I loved being surprised by the characters and getting drawn into a whole new world. When I read Muse by Erin McFadden a year ago, I knew it was a gem. I met interestingly unique characters like Daniel and Anna and had been with them ever since.

A few days ago, I got the chance to read the second book, Talent and like the first one, I was blown away. Porter Mcgavin was a combat veteran who occasionally had dreams about his last mission, the day when all of his comrades died from a surprise attack. Porter was the only one left alive. He always woke up reeling and grasping for straws, never learning how it all happened and why. With no more family and comrades to boot, he decided to accept Daniel Lyoncourt's offer of training and becoming a Watcher for the Brotherhood of Guardians. There, he realized he could do what he was good at, without worrying about his past.

Claire Montgomery was a broken Talent, her mind had been used for monetary reasons by Sebastian Finn. Rescued by Daniel and the Brotherhood, Claire was having trust issues at people, even though she knew they were only looking out for her. Protecting her. But there was this undeniable connection she felt with a certain Watcher and she didn't undersand why her gift of Influence render her weak and bleeding everytime. Could she be an anomaly? Was there a reason behind the headaches she'd been experiencing? Who was the Watcher and what was his connection to her life?

I have nothing but good words for this sequel. Talent is another addition to my new favorites this year. Claire (oh I really love this name, I wonder why LOL) and her tragic life experiences is keeping her from having a normal life. I totally understand her situation, and I couldn't help but feel bad for her. Porter McGavin also stood out for me, his life during the war and how he managed to stay alive even after his entire group was wiped out made me reach out for him. He isn't perfect, he isn't even as ruggedly handsome as his opponent Ryan Calhoun who seemed to have come out of the pages of GQ magazine. But there's something about his battle scars and wounded spirit that drew me in.

Once again, Erin McFadden delivered a unique story, a far cry from other paranormal romances I've read last year. Her writing improves and the peculiar stories she writes continue to baffle and mystify and captivate me. Guardians, Watchers, Talents and Muses. Sounds generic to you? To me, these sound magnificent. And I will keep on reading Descended From Myth series because I know, great things are happening and soon to happen. Erin, when's book 3 coming out? I want to see Ryan Calhoun again!
Profile Image for Frederic.
94 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2016
Each time I am reading one book of Erin McFadden, I know it will be a treat, and this one was no exception!!! It is the Third book that she has written, and the third one that I was unable to put down!! I was graciously offered this book for free by the author in exchange of an honest review.

Let me be honest here, sometimes I am struggling while reading New Adult genre. It is always a matter of love them or hate them. Usually I can tell what will be my overall verdict within the first 3 or 4 chapters. Curious about this one? I will let you guess by reading my review!!!!!!

When I began Talent, I had high expectations because I loved the first book of the series(Muse). I must admit that between Claire and Myself, it was not love at first sight. She came across as spoiled and whining, 2 of the worst traits in a character. I was bracing myself for a ride that will be bumpy, but Porter saved the day! His darkness and his suffering just sent an arrow straight to my heart and I was helplessly sold out. I really loved to get to know how Porter background story is intimately linked to what was and is currently happening to Claire.

Speaking of Claire, she grew on me. I was able to suspend any judgment I had about her and in the end I really liked her. She might seem whining, but in the end she is a force to be reckoned with. I absolutely loved the strength that she had toward the end of the story and how she wanted to help Porter in any ways she could. She is absolutely incredible.

I don’t want to get in too much detail about the story, since I might be tempted to reveal some spoilers. I will tell you this: Erin Mcfadden timing and pace is always spot on story line wise. There is never a dull moment, the overall theme of talents (descending from Muse) is exciting and the Guardian Brotherhood is wonderfully crafted. My favorite part of the story was when Claire and Porter travelled together in Porter past to connect the dots. I won’t tell you how though!!!

What a Joy to have Anna and Daniel back!!! I was so excited to see their relationship grow! Instead of exclusively focusing on Porter and Claire story, the second instalment is expanding the whole talents/guardian realm and now I am very excited about the next books to come in the series!!! There are so many possibilities!!!! In my humble opinion, this book has the ingredients that was missing in the first book : a solid realm and a team of characters that I am excited to follow. Muse, was feeling more as a prequel, now we are getting into the nitty gritty and I love it!!!

I hope that we will have the chance to read some more about Ryan Calhoun in the next book!! I can’t wait to get back in Anna, Claire, Daniel & Porter universe!!!
314 reviews18 followers
December 1, 2015
Are you looking for a new series that is like no other....then look no further...the Descended From Myth series is an awesome and unique series that will immediately pull you into the world of Guardians, Talents and Watchers.

Although the books are in a series they can be read as stand alones.

Talent Book 2 of this series is the story of Porter and Claire.

Porter an emotionally and physically scarred combat veteran seemed to be barely surviving, fighting a losing battle to adjust to civilian life and putting the horrors of serving his country behind him. When he’s offered a chance to join an ancient group of warriors who are sworn to protect descendants of Muses, Porter readily accepts this way of life, no more struggling to get by and fit in.

Claire had been taken and held for years in forced solitary confinement by someone that wanted to use her powers for immoral and malevolent things. She never got to experience the things that most teens growing up do....things like having friends, dating or falling in love. She had a hard time trusting anyone including the Guardians.

It was time for Claire to be assigned a watcher. She was supposed to have a say in who her Guardian would be. But before the decision could be made a new threat arises, Porter is thrust into the temporary role of Claire’s Watcher and they are forced to flee from unknown threats.......

This was one of those books that draw you in from the beginning. I could not put it down! Talent was so well written...everything was so meticulously described that I felt like I was there with the characters seeing and experiencing everything right along with them.

I really liked how the story was told from both Claire and Porter’s POV’s, the secondary characters and the continuing bits of storyline about Anna and Daniel (Muse Book 1).

I’m a huge Erin McFadden fan!! I can’t wait for her next book!!
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
January 14, 2016
Talent (Descended from Myth Book Two) is the first book I’ve read that Erin McFadden wrote and it is an amazing read. This book can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. McFadden has written a well-crafted and unique story that I enjoyed reading. This book drew me in from the beginning and held me captive until the ending. I’m adding this talented author’s books to my Wish and TBR lists.

This book is about Guardians, Watchers, Talents, and Muses and focuses on Porter Mcgavin and Claire Montgomery. Porter is a combat veteran who suffers from dreams about the day when all of his comrades died during a surprise attack. Porter was the only one left alive and is emotionally and physically scarred and having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. He has no family or comrades and decides to accept Daniel Lyoncourt's offer to train him to become Watcher for the Brotherhood of Guardians. He realizes he can do what he’s good at and not worry about his past. Claire is a broken Talent who was held in solitary confinement by Sebastian Finn while he used her powers. After Daniel and the Brotherhood rescue her, she has trouble trusting the people who are looking out for and protecting her but she experiences an undeniable connection with a certain Watcher.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Zamora.
324 reviews9 followers
February 4, 2016
The first chapter or so kinda had me a little worried. But then the book took off and exploded with action, and held my attention. It was a did not put down, not a did not finish! I wish there had been a little more info and tie in to the year of training in the beginning, but I can live without it.
Porter has more than enough fight left in him. If only he had something left to Fight for. But he will have to come up against his own demons, which means he will have to remember.
Claire spent so many years a prisoner, and being imprisoned by the very ones who should have been her protectors, that she cant trust anyone. Then Anna tells her she has to choose a Watcher. Someone who will be with her all day everyday. Isnt that the very thing she escaped? How can she trust someone that much? Does she even want to?
These 2 very unlikely people are thrown together, and will have no choice but to learn to trust others to be able to save themselves.
Profile Image for Shy.
249 reviews19 followers
February 7, 2016
I find this second book to the series a lot more interesting and engaging than the first one. Though Claire's ability was deemed as less powerful than Anna's I find what she could do highly fascinating.

At first I had questions with regards to Porter being a guardian but the author managed to answer those questions very well. There are also revelations from this book that had me hooked and couldn't stop reading until I find out more.

What I enjoyed the most in this book was how the characters' relationship evolved throughout the story. I also loved that there was growth and development not only to the story itself but also to the character's personalities.

There was one teeny tiny bit of information though that was left hanging in my head that wasn't really answered and since each book involves different sets of main characters, I'm not sure if it'll get answered in the next book but I am hoping it will.

It's with that scene with Porter trying to say something before they blew up. This will probably sound like an spoiler for those who haven't read it yet but I can't shake if off my mind. I felt like it was important and was essential to the story so I was sort of waiting for that to be revealed but it was not.

Still, even with that tiny bit, I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the story. It was a good read that involves a little of fantasy, myth, suspense and a hint of romance. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Julie McCleary.
111 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2016
Havr you ever a read a book where from the very first word you are completely hooked?
Erin McFadden's book Talent claimed my attention and more.
Talent is the story of Porter and Claire two broken and damaged people, one through war and loss and the other by abuse and captivity,
Coming together to resolve the mystery surrounding their connection.
I found the book easy to read, the words flowed smoothly and the characters where fascinating.
It is obvious that Ms McFadden has poured her heart and soul into this masterpiece the book is absolutely magnificent.
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,559 reviews39 followers
January 28, 2016
This is the first book of Erin McFadden's that I have read. Talk about being hooked from the get go. Absolutely love how she grabs your attention and takes you for a ride. I love when an author "makes" me not put their book down!
Such unique characters, Guardians, Talents and Watchers!
I am definitely a fan and already have the other books on my wish list! I will be getting my paws on these somehow!
If you are looking for something unique and extraordinary this series is for you!
Profile Image for Bob Platypire.
240 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2016
* I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review*

I love this series. I know I've only read the first two, but I really love them. I like hearing about the different people and their gifts, and I enjoy the interactions between the Talents and their Guardians. The danger and thrill, the romance, and how well defined the characters are all add up to a big win with me. I look forward to reading more of the Descended from Myth series!

Bob says: 4 Platypires
Profile Image for Amanda Jane  Williams.
96 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2016
It has been a long time since I have read a book in 24 hours but this one was so good that I could not put it down. We follow Claire (a descendant of a muse) and Porter on a wild ride. It is well worth it though. Porter is damaged goods but then again so is Claire maybe that is why they are so good together. Do not start reading this if you have to be up early the next day.
Profile Image for Angie.
603 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2016
I've been blown away by Erin's amazing writing ability. Talent has me even more impressed. If your looking for a series with an amazing story line and characters that keep you on your toes. Look no further. Book 2 in this series is absolutely amazing. The whole Talent and Guardian has swept me away. I can only hope that there will be a third book and the sooner the better!
Profile Image for Ari.
51 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2016
I loved this YA book despite the fact I have not read book one. I recommend this for those who are looking for a unique YA book.
Profile Image for Emma.
25 reviews
January 20, 2019
The Author Continues to Develop

I liked this story even more than the first one. The characters all gained some depth and there were even more storylines introduced. I still love hearing the tale from multiple perspectives and appreciated the fact that people were doing their best to help and care for others. Very easy light reading and a great way to spend a couple hours. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
39 reviews
August 7, 2018
Talent

Erin McFadden is a good author. Her characters in Descended from Myth books are lively and will keep you interested from start to finish. I found it well worth the money!!!
Jan
243 reviews15 followers
April 5, 2016
Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.

*I was provided a copy of Talent by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*

Claire Montgomery is a Talent who doesn’t trust the very organization charged with protecting her. She is able to see into people’s minds and help correct things that are wrong, this Talent descended from the original nine muses. But when using her Talent, Claire develops headaches and other problems, and those around her are at a loss as to why. Now she’s about to be assigned her own Watcher from the Guardians, and she’ll have to figure out who she can really trust to keep her safe.

Porter McGavin has PTSD from serving in the military. He suffers alone, until he’s offered a position with the Guardians and he finally finds a place he fits in. When temporarily assigned to watch Claire, the two find an unexplained connection, but with Claire’s trust issues and Porter’s past coming back to haunt him, it will be a race against the clock to save both their lives.

Talent is book two of the Descended from Myth series and is a paranormal romance. Although a standalone book, there were some issues that were not fully discussed in this book, which may have been more thoroughly delved into in book one. Claire’s past was alluded to many times, and I had a general idea of what had happened to her, but there were missing pieces of information that might have rounded out my understanding of her character.

The first half of the book moved too slowly to hold my attention. The narrative was very telling, trying to catch the reader up on events that had already happened, and we learned about the characters through narrative rather than through actions.

Although the book got off to a very slow start, the second half was much more action packed and held my interest more. The plot was interesting, and I appreciated the connection between Claire and Porter and how their lives were intertwined once things got moving. The way all the pieces of the puzzle came together was satisfying and entertaining.

There were a lot of tense changes, which drew me out of the story, among other editing errors. Long paragraphs where one person’s dialogue was mixed with another person’s thoughts were also distracting. I had a difficult time visualizing Porter because the picture on the cover didn’t match his description in the book. My attention to the plot would have been stronger without these disruptions.

Three stars for this interesting paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Jessica Del Fuoco.
115 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2016
Highly recommended YA Fantasy sequel we’ve been waiting for…

If you liked Muse, you will LOVE Talent, the second book in the Descended from Myth series.

****THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. PLEASE READ MUSE FIRST BEFORE READING MY REVIEW***

In Muse, we met main characters Anna Saint-James and her Watcher, Daniel Lyoncourt. We were introduced to some characters whose story continues in Talent, specifically that of Claire Montgomery.

Claire was being held in solitary confinement by a former Guardian, Sebastian Finn, and was rescued along with Anna. Talent picks up where Anna is working to help people as a psychologist. She has Claire assist her at times as well as helps Claire hone her Talent Influence. Claire is in need of her own Watcher and because of her past, she is very weary of Guardians. Daniel and Anna escort Claire to Washington, where the headquarters for Brotherhood of the Guardians is located to meet her potential new Watcher. There, Claire meets the three candidates that are up for the position of being her Watcher: he cocky Kevin Dorritey, the beyond perfect Ryan Calhoun, and the broken Porter McGavin. Events happen that throw Claire with Porter and he is unofficially assigned as Claire’s temporary Watcher.

Porter McGavin, a troubled army veteran, who seems to have a very intense connection to her. Like Claire, Porter has issues with trust and has scars from his past that he battles with. He doesn’t want to open himself up and neither does she. How will the Talent/Watcher relationship work if Porter and Claire have trust issues?
Read the book to find out about this and more.

I love Erin McFadden’s work. She is a wonderful imagination and is a talented writer. I’ve read Muse, Whimper and now Talent. Her stories are action packed, funny, and have nice romance elements that aren’t over the top. I can’t wait to see what Erin has in store for us next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,214 reviews119 followers
May 31, 2023
Okay, so I'm fickle. Hands up, I admit it. I didn't think that anyone could knock Daniel of his Hottie Spot, but it appears that Porter has just gone and done it!

Claire is a Talent, but she feels that she isn't really worth much as all she can do is "fix brains." Personally, I think that's brilliant, but that's her lesson to learn. Porter is brought on board by Anna and Daniel, and works hard to prove himself. Three Guardians are chosen to 'fight' for the position of Claire's Guardian, but circumstances throw Porter and Claire together.

The best bit about this is I simply couldn't imagine Claire with anyone else. In fact, there is a point when she is with someone else, and I hated it! I needed her to be back with Porter, like right now! I'm sure he's a good guy (even if he is a tad self-obsessed) but I didn't like him, simply because he wasn't Porter.

Once again, fast-paced but not in a rushed way, this story moves along, full of action and mayhem. Well written and with no editorial or grammatical errors that I found, I can highly recommend this series. Loved book one and book two.

So my question is - when can I get my grubby mitts on book three?!?!

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books572 followers
October 2, 2016
I enjoyed Muse, book one of the series which I picked up free on Amazon. A really interesting concept, but it's the character development and sub-plotting that make this a stand out from a lot of the YA urban fantasy stories. Excellent overall story line and fast action will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Kat.
21 reviews
January 20, 2017
Oh mi Muse! I was so excited to catch back up to Anna and Daniel that I dove head first into this mesmerizing story. In this book Anna and Daniel were a bit more of background characters. Allowing Claire and our new literary Hunk to takeover the center stage. There are still glimpses of Anna and Daniel so you get to keep track of what they are doing. Claire thinks she is broken and that her gift is nowhere near as helpful as Anna's. Being over playing the third wheel, they begin the process to find her, her own Watcher. Porter has amnesia and feels broken himself suffering from PTSD. I loved how Mrs. McFadden was able to catch the struggle people with invisible illnesses endure on their road to recovery. After an attack on the Sanctum the two are paired up unexpectedly. Claire isn't sure how she can deal with him after their gruff introduction. Porter is a soldier through and through, committed to the mission. Can these two help fix each other? Or will they find out they are toxic to the other? Get your copy and find out NOW!! =^~.~^=
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