Talented

by Debbie Civil

We are talented, and our duty is to protect the town of Westgrove from a destructive enemy. For two years we have been hunting THEM. That’s right, we don’t know the name of our enemy. All we know is that human energy makes THEM stronger. So, we’ve spent our time patrolling heavily populated areas, to ensure the safety of our town. During a party in a secluded Cabin, everything changes. A human is murdered, and our friends are dragged into the war to protect our territory. More complications arise when a keeper visits Westgrove and informs us of the council’s expectations. Will we obey or go rogue?

Genres: Fantasy

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2018

About the author

I was born and raised in a small town in Boston, Massachusetts. My love of romance movies greatly influences my work in writing paranormal, science-fiction, dystopian and contemporary romances filled with action and adventure. In my free time I enjoy singing karaoke, watching movies, and playing with my cat Charlie.

Reviews

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is the first in a series called the Talented! Like most novellas, it is a rip-roaring journey in the book and things escalate quickly!

There is a lot going on in the story, I had to read a couple of passages more than once at times because I got a bit confused with all the characters and who knew what. The talents that the team have and how the powers work among other things took a bit of time for me to catch up with the book.

What we do learn though is Reginald and his trio of friends are still grieving from a friends’ death at the hands of “Them”. But who is Them? This foursome is known as the Talented to fight “Them”. What makes them special is they are blind. However, they have “talents” to help them in the war that seems to be brewing.

The story is told from alternating chapters by Reginald and Sophia with the sense of a new romance brewing. However, with that sudden ending, it leaves the reader want to pick up the next book in the series.

After only 72 pages I am invested in finding out what is going to happen. To learn more about the mysterious council and about the battle with “Them” so much so I have the next book already in my Kindle Unlimited library!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talented is the first in a series and it’s a quick novella, which means it jumps right into the action quickly. There are a lot of characters, and honestly, it took me a little bit to understand everything that was going on.

I liked the alternating chapters of Reginald and Sophia. There’s some romance brewing, but since this is a novella, you know the book doesn’t get into everything. It definitely makes you want to pick up the next book.

I’m invested in the story now and am looking forward to finding out what happens next. I think this is a great introduction to the world, and worth taking a look at!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[Carlton Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another YA book made it to my list. A fun little book though.
You all of the things you need in a book. Mystery, young love, and great fights between good and evil.
I don't feel writing a review of the book by me would do this book the justice it deserves. A younger person, who has a higher knowledge of evil beings trying to take over and the talented ones who defend the rest of us from them.

[Rachel Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 3.75 stars if I could. It's definitely not a 3, but not QUITE a 4 for me...but it's close enough for what it is - a REALLY quick and fun read. Just FYI, however, I'm definitely interested in continuing to read the series - so don't let the cons get you down!

Pros -
1. a quick and fun read! It's a fun introduction to a different world of "superhero"-types
2. interesting premise - characters who, normally blind, are able to tap into abilities (talents) to fight incoming dangers to the world around them...being able to see things others cannot, move faster, and generally enhance their other qualities.
3. The action is quick, but it makes you feel like getting into the story deeper - and want to keep reading!
4. Alternating character perspectives as events unfold - love it!

Con -
1. I was confused at the start - Ms. Civil introduces terms without explanation commonly known to RPGs, which I don't follow or play! Perhaps this is due to the short nature of the book... but as you move through, you gain the understanding you need.
2. I wish it were longer. :-)

** I did get this book free in hopes of receiving a review - but if I didn't like it, you'd know!**

[Trina · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the what

This feels like it should be a novella for a series not a book all on its own. There's clearly a backstory that is hinted at but not clear. Who are these kids? Why do they have talents? How did they find out they had talents? Why are all the talented blind? The story feels incomplete to say the least. There are many places where words are wrong not mention the place where Marissa should have been the one speaking but it was Sophia instead which makes zero sense. It's an interesting world created but it's not fully developed I wish there was more and that it was a complete story with an ending.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great choice if you're looking for a quick read that's going to hold your interest. In 72 pages Debbie Civil manages to weave an intriguing science fiction/fantasy tale that keeps you on your toes and makes you wish it was a lot longer.