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Gifted
Everybody wants superpowers. But what if being super was a bad thing?
Spring City, New Mexico: the days are hot, but they still aren’t as boiling as the tension on the streets. Sixteen-year-old Hartley Beck is one of many resident Hostiles — otherwise normal people with supernatural abilities.
Unfortunately for Hartley, Hostiles aren’t the most well-liked people in the city. In the midst of trying to keep her ability a secret from the people around her, Hartley gets dragged into a life of crime, vigilantism, and danger. Only she and other Hostiles can fix the mess that has been made of Spring City.
Gifted is a story of self-discovery, personal identity, and growth. It’s a tale that will seem familiar to anyone who has struggled to find order in a world of chaos.
Spring City, New Mexico: the days are hot, but they still aren’t as boiling as the tension on the streets. Sixteen-year-old Hartley Beck is one of many resident Hostiles — otherwise normal people with supernatural abilities.
Unfortunately for Hartley, Hostiles aren’t the most well-liked people in the city. In the midst of trying to keep her ability a secret from the people around her, Hartley gets dragged into a life of crime, vigilantism, and danger. Only she and other Hostiles can fix the mess that has been made of Spring City.
Gifted is a story of self-discovery, personal identity, and growth. It’s a tale that will seem familiar to anyone who has struggled to find order in a world of chaos.
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
4 people want to read
About the author
Linette Taylor
4 books7 followers Linette Taylor, author of the Gifted series, is a young author from central Pennsylvania with a love for superheroes, outer space, and her cats Willow.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 23, 2020
4.8 stars
The review can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The review can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 9, 2021
4.5* rounding up.
I promise, there will be a book review eventually; but first, this is the story of how I discovered Gifted because it was really awesome.
I'll never forget the first time I saw this book.
I'd met the author, Linette, and her cat once before. And then I saw her again at the college Entrepreneur Fair. WITH A BOOK. A really cool looking superhero book!
Alas, she was out of copies.
So, at the next available opportunity - another event with student vendors, Harvestival - I picked up a copy.
And then, just hours later, I got stuck in quarantine for a week.
Thankfully, I had a brand spankin' new book to keep me company.
Gifted was the perfect read for that moment; transporting me far away and into a world of undercover heroes. It's a bit far-fetched at times, but the main characters and their struggles felt real and raw. The action was fun, and the noodles sounded delicious. I'm eager for the next installment!
I promise, there will be a book review eventually; but first, this is the story of how I discovered Gifted because it was really awesome.
I'll never forget the first time I saw this book.
I'd met the author, Linette, and her cat once before. And then I saw her again at the college Entrepreneur Fair. WITH A BOOK. A really cool looking superhero book!
Alas, she was out of copies.
So, at the next available opportunity - another event with student vendors, Harvestival - I picked up a copy.
And then, just hours later, I got stuck in quarantine for a week.
Thankfully, I had a brand spankin' new book to keep me company.
Gifted was the perfect read for that moment; transporting me far away and into a world of undercover heroes. It's a bit far-fetched at times, but the main characters and their struggles felt real and raw. The action was fun, and the noodles sounded delicious. I'm eager for the next installment!
April 21, 2021
Check out this review and more on my blog, Maya’s Reviews.
//TW: violence//
Thank you to Linette Taylor for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~Quick Statistics~
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
~Quick Review~
With undertones of X-Men and Legend, Gifted is a fantastic novel following a bright and badass young girl in a world that rejects differences. I haven’t read a book this quick in a while, and the fast-paced action kept me turning the pages til one in the morning. You cannot miss reading this adventurous novel.
~Other Information~
Publisher: Linette Taylor
Page Count: 268 pages
~Book Description (via Goodreads)~
Everybody wants superpowers. But what if being super was a bad thing?
Spring City, New Mexico: the days are hot, but they still aren’t as boiling as the tension on the streets. Sixteen-year-old Hartley Beck is one of many resident Hostiles — otherwise normal people with supernatural abilities.
Unfortunately for Hartley, Hostiles aren’t the most well-liked people in the city. In the midst of trying to keep her ability a secret from the people around her, Hartley gets dragged into a life of crime, vigilantism, and danger. Only she and other Hostiles can fix the mess that has been made of Spring City.
Gifted is a story of self-discovery, personal identity, and growth. It’s a tale that will seem familiar to anyone who has struggled to find order in a world of chaos.
~Characters~
Gifted follows the story of Hartley, a young girl living in Spring City who has the power to make things opaque or transparent as she wishes. Her world is turned upside down when Knockout, one of the most wanted ‘Hostiles’ in Spring City, reaches out to her about becoming a vigilante for those the SCPD won’t protect. Hartley is a lovable, bright, and badass teenager whose life consists of art and reading (that is until Knockout reaches out to her.)
Knockout, Hartley’s eventual best friend, is essentially a superhero. He uses his power to help save those that the police won’t help, even though using his power could land him in jail. Selfless, strong, and helpful, Knockout guides Hartley through the art of being a vigilante.
~Writing and Setting~
Linette Taylor’s writing further adds to the fast paced feel of this novel. There is hardly any downtime or calm in the novel; just as Hartley is thrown into a chaotic world, so are you. However, despite the fast paced feel, everything is described in depth.
The story takes place in Spring City, a town that was rocked by a horrible attack called the Raid where many people died at the hands of a ‘Hostile’. This attack leads the city to become anti-Hostile, with precautions and hate at its peak, and the SCPD on the trail of anyone with powers.
~Plot~
With non-Hostiles hating upon and looking for reasons to blame Hostiles for anything, Gifted reminds me quite a bit of the original X-Men trilogy, in the best way. I am a huge fan of anything Marvel, so this excited me. As mentioned before, Hartley and Knockout become heroes for those that cannot defend themselves. Despite their heroism, the SCPD doesn’t care and still attempts to arrest (and potentially experiment upon) Hostiles. This leads Hartley and Knockout to depend on each other to survive in the anti-Hostile city that they both call home.
~Overall Review~
Gifted is the absolutely amazing tale of doing what is right despite the dangers of those who oppose you. This action-packed novel is diverse and captivating, and I highly recommend that you read Gifted if you also enjoy X-Men and Legend as much as I do.
Amazon | Author's Website
//TW: violence//
Thank you to Linette Taylor for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~Quick Statistics~
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
~Quick Review~
With undertones of X-Men and Legend, Gifted is a fantastic novel following a bright and badass young girl in a world that rejects differences. I haven’t read a book this quick in a while, and the fast-paced action kept me turning the pages til one in the morning. You cannot miss reading this adventurous novel.
~Other Information~
Publisher: Linette Taylor
Page Count: 268 pages
~Book Description (via Goodreads)~
Everybody wants superpowers. But what if being super was a bad thing?
Spring City, New Mexico: the days are hot, but they still aren’t as boiling as the tension on the streets. Sixteen-year-old Hartley Beck is one of many resident Hostiles — otherwise normal people with supernatural abilities.
Unfortunately for Hartley, Hostiles aren’t the most well-liked people in the city. In the midst of trying to keep her ability a secret from the people around her, Hartley gets dragged into a life of crime, vigilantism, and danger. Only she and other Hostiles can fix the mess that has been made of Spring City.
Gifted is a story of self-discovery, personal identity, and growth. It’s a tale that will seem familiar to anyone who has struggled to find order in a world of chaos.
~Characters~
Gifted follows the story of Hartley, a young girl living in Spring City who has the power to make things opaque or transparent as she wishes. Her world is turned upside down when Knockout, one of the most wanted ‘Hostiles’ in Spring City, reaches out to her about becoming a vigilante for those the SCPD won’t protect. Hartley is a lovable, bright, and badass teenager whose life consists of art and reading (that is until Knockout reaches out to her.)
Knockout, Hartley’s eventual best friend, is essentially a superhero. He uses his power to help save those that the police won’t help, even though using his power could land him in jail. Selfless, strong, and helpful, Knockout guides Hartley through the art of being a vigilante.
~Writing and Setting~
Linette Taylor’s writing further adds to the fast paced feel of this novel. There is hardly any downtime or calm in the novel; just as Hartley is thrown into a chaotic world, so are you. However, despite the fast paced feel, everything is described in depth.
The story takes place in Spring City, a town that was rocked by a horrible attack called the Raid where many people died at the hands of a ‘Hostile’. This attack leads the city to become anti-Hostile, with precautions and hate at its peak, and the SCPD on the trail of anyone with powers.
~Plot~
With non-Hostiles hating upon and looking for reasons to blame Hostiles for anything, Gifted reminds me quite a bit of the original X-Men trilogy, in the best way. I am a huge fan of anything Marvel, so this excited me. As mentioned before, Hartley and Knockout become heroes for those that cannot defend themselves. Despite their heroism, the SCPD doesn’t care and still attempts to arrest (and potentially experiment upon) Hostiles. This leads Hartley and Knockout to depend on each other to survive in the anti-Hostile city that they both call home.
~Overall Review~
Gifted is the absolutely amazing tale of doing what is right despite the dangers of those who oppose you. This action-packed novel is diverse and captivating, and I highly recommend that you read Gifted if you also enjoy X-Men and Legend as much as I do.
Amazon | Author's Website
November 9, 2020
(Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to get to read an advance copy of Gifted -- I'll be re-reading as soon as it's officially out!)
Gifted is a refreshing take on a superhero theme. Hartley, the protagonist, has a notably mediocre power, and is hardly fit (physically or emotionally) for the demands and duties of vigilantism. Yet, her development and creativity make her a powerful character even from early on. The other characters are just as strong, and are relatable enough to feel like real people.
Gifted doesn't take long to get exciting, and action is peppered throughout the whole book. Every scene, from intense combat to dinner at the hole-in-the-wall noodle restaurant, feels animated and expressive. The context of a world averse to superpowers gives another level of depth that, coupled with everything else, makes this more than your average young adult superhero novel. I really enjoyed the read, and I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy and superpowers.
Gifted is a refreshing take on a superhero theme. Hartley, the protagonist, has a notably mediocre power, and is hardly fit (physically or emotionally) for the demands and duties of vigilantism. Yet, her development and creativity make her a powerful character even from early on. The other characters are just as strong, and are relatable enough to feel like real people.
Gifted doesn't take long to get exciting, and action is peppered throughout the whole book. Every scene, from intense combat to dinner at the hole-in-the-wall noodle restaurant, feels animated and expressive. The context of a world averse to superpowers gives another level of depth that, coupled with everything else, makes this more than your average young adult superhero novel. I really enjoyed the read, and I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy and superpowers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews