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Gifted World #1
The Gifted Complex
The Gifted Complex is the first book in a series about a young boy who has a special power, or gift. He travels to college where he must decide how he will use this power. However, he also learns that there is more on campus than pretty girls and grumpy professors. In his first year on campus, Gabriel discovers that there are mysteries around every corner, and he is left unsure of who he can trust.
- GenresFantasy
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 19, 2026
The Gifted Complex by L. D. Valencia hooked me almost immediately with its charged premise—young people gifted with extraordinary abilities, thrown into an environment that feels equal parts opportunity and quiet danger. What stood out to me right away was the atmosphere. It doesn’t lean too hard into flashy superhero spectacle; instead, it builds a tense, almost claustrophobic feeling where power comes with pressure, expectation, and something just slightly off beneath the surface. That slow-burn unease kept me locked in more than constant action would have.
From a personal standpoint, the character work is what carried the experience. The protagonist feels grounded enough to relate to, but still carries that edge of unpredictability that makes you question how far things could go. I liked how the relationships weren’t overly polished—there’s friction, awkwardness, and a sense that everyone is still figuring themselves out while dealing with something much bigger than normal life. It made the world feel more believable, and it gave weight to even the quieter moments. The pacing can ebb and flow, but I found that it worked in favor of building tension rather than rushing it.
Overall, I’d describe The Gifted Complex as a controlled simmer that occasionally spikes into intensity, rather than a nonstop thrill ride—and I mean that in a good way. It’s more about the psychological pressure of having power than the power itself, which gives it a slightly darker, more introspective edge than you might expect. As a personal take, it left me intrigued more than anything—I walked away wanting to understand the bigger picture and where things are headed next. If you’re into stories that blend subtle tension with evolving characters and a creeping sense of something larger unfolding, this one absolutely delivers.
From a personal standpoint, the character work is what carried the experience. The protagonist feels grounded enough to relate to, but still carries that edge of unpredictability that makes you question how far things could go. I liked how the relationships weren’t overly polished—there’s friction, awkwardness, and a sense that everyone is still figuring themselves out while dealing with something much bigger than normal life. It made the world feel more believable, and it gave weight to even the quieter moments. The pacing can ebb and flow, but I found that it worked in favor of building tension rather than rushing it.
Overall, I’d describe The Gifted Complex as a controlled simmer that occasionally spikes into intensity, rather than a nonstop thrill ride—and I mean that in a good way. It’s more about the psychological pressure of having power than the power itself, which gives it a slightly darker, more introspective edge than you might expect. As a personal take, it left me intrigued more than anything—I walked away wanting to understand the bigger picture and where things are headed next. If you’re into stories that blend subtle tension with evolving characters and a creeping sense of something larger unfolding, this one absolutely delivers.
July 16, 2025
Super fun
I had a good time with this story reminded me of Sky High but unique enough to feel fresh in the superhero genre. This was a fun and entertaining Young Adult Book
I had a good time with this story reminded me of Sky High but unique enough to feel fresh in the superhero genre. This was a fun and entertaining Young Adult Book
November 30, 2020
If you have a kid that loves to read about super hero’s this is the book for you! An excellent transition for kids that love graphic novels to chapter books. My 12 year old son and I both loved this book. Looking forward to starting the 2nd one!
April 21, 2025
Keep writing
I think the author should keep writing, but a different series. This is probably his first book and it shows. There isn't enough drama. The plot doesn't really start until about 50% through the book. A lot, and I mean a lot, of things are told instead of shown. And, at the same time, things that should be told are shown. There's a whole paragraph about someone parking a car and getting out (paraphrasing: he pushed the brake. The car came to a stop. He put the car in park. He turned the key and took it out of the ignition). It isn't important to the story at all. And yet this is in the first chapter, which should be the best in the book!
I think the author should keep writing, but a different series. This is probably his first book and it shows. There isn't enough drama. The plot doesn't really start until about 50% through the book. A lot, and I mean a lot, of things are told instead of shown. And, at the same time, things that should be told are shown. There's a whole paragraph about someone parking a car and getting out (paraphrasing: he pushed the brake. The car came to a stop. He put the car in park. He turned the key and took it out of the ignition). It isn't important to the story at all. And yet this is in the first chapter, which should be the best in the book!
October 10, 2026
Keep writing
I think the author should keep writing, but a different series. This is probably his first book and it shows. There isn't enough drama. The plot doesn't really start until about 50% through the book. A lot, and I mean a lot, of things are told instead of shown. And, at the same time, things that should be told are shown. There's a whole paragraph about someone parking a car and getting out (paraphrasing: he pushed the brake. The car came to a stop. He put the car in park. He turned the key and took it out of the ignition). It isn't important to the story at all. And yet this is in the first chapter, which should be the best in the book!
I think the author should keep writing, but a different series. This is probably his first book and it shows. There isn't enough drama. The plot doesn't really start until about 50% through the book. A lot, and I mean a lot, of things are told instead of shown. And, at the same time, things that should be told are shown. There's a whole paragraph about someone parking a car and getting out (paraphrasing: he pushed the brake. The car came to a stop. He put the car in park. He turned the key and took it out of the ignition). It isn't important to the story at all. And yet this is in the first chapter, which should be the best in the book!
July 29, 2023
The Gifted Complex is the first installment of The Gifted World Series written by L. D. Valencia. This first book was a great start to the Gifted World series, it had everything that I was looking for in a superhero novel. The characters were well developed and were written perfectly. I was highly intrigued when reading this and enjoyed the concept as a story progression. It left me wanting more in the series. On to the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2025
THE GIFTED COMPLEX by L D Valencia is the first in a series of books about superhero teens, each gifted with a special power. They are sent to a college to enhance their skills…telekinesis, making fire, connecting with technology…. At the Academy every teen has a different skill. Gabriel, Jake, Serena and Simon have to come together to solve mysterious disappearances and to save the Academy’s students from harm. How LD could envision all these characters, the action, and the surroundings is astounding!
Just a wonderful book for middle grade and YA readers!
Just a wonderful book for middle grade and YA readers!
March 12, 2024
Fast-Paced Hero Action
One thing I appreciate of this book is that it’s doesn’t deal with small details which can make a story a drag. This story gets us through the story in a nice fast pace. The characters were a fun, and the action was explosive. I guess I can say the villain was a bit underwhelming but still fit. Overall looking forward to the next book.
One thing I appreciate of this book is that it’s doesn’t deal with small details which can make a story a drag. This story gets us through the story in a nice fast pace. The characters were a fun, and the action was explosive. I guess I can say the villain was a bit underwhelming but still fit. Overall looking forward to the next book.
June 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️’s- this was a short read. I enjoyed it. Thank you to the author for sending this book my way! I can’t wait to share it with my 10 year old! This sci-fi would be right up his alley! Gabriel finds out he has a special gift and after going to college he must decide how he wants to use his power! This is book #1 out of 10 in the Gifted World Series.
July 23, 2023
L.D. Valencia has risen to the pinnacle with this inaugural book of his Gifted World Series. Valencia has demonstrated his eclectic talent for character and world building with an active imagination to boot.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2024
Not sure why we were reading about the MC. It starts off alluding that he is special, but once you are introduced to the other characters, the MC seems below average in knowledge and skill. Plot armor saves the day.
May 1, 2025
The Gifted Complex kicks off an exciting new series centered around Gabriel, a young man gifted with a mysterious power. As he embarks on his college journey, what begins as a typical coming-of-age story quickly transforms into something far more suspenseful and intriguing.
August 1, 2025
I thought this was a great book! I’d definitely recommend it to any young reader. Loved the character development, coming of age and into their new powers. Can’t wait to read more from this author!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2025
This was a fun read, this is definitely for fans of marvel, DC and Shonen anime. Great pacing and a really cool creative take on super powers. I'm a comic nerd so this was right up my alley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2021
Lots of potential
I’m happy with the basic story line. Some reasonable characterization. Good villain with lots more potential. The world view is building and has some interesting concepts related to the source of powers. Just a little more polish needed.
I’m happy with the basic story line. Some reasonable characterization. Good villain with lots more potential. The world view is building and has some interesting concepts related to the source of powers. Just a little more polish needed.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews