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itsheyfay 's review for:
Gifted & Talented
by Olivie Blake
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
UPDATE 5/10/25:
I can appreciate a character driven story with morally grey protagonists making questionable choices, but ONLY if the writing hooks me.
This unfortunately…did not.
I had so much trouble understanding what exactly the magic system was underneath the lyrical (and at times repetitive) prose. I wish more attention was put on the world building, or maybe I missed it???
However, I did enjoy the side characters and their motives, so that at least kept me from DNF’ing this.
Overall, a disappointing read. But maybe someone else might enjoy this.
~~~~~
I’m so sorry, Olivie, but this book did NOT make me happy :/
Official review to come soon
I can appreciate a character driven story with morally grey protagonists making questionable choices, but ONLY if the writing hooks me.
This unfortunately…did not.
I had so much trouble understanding what exactly the magic system was underneath the lyrical (and at times repetitive) prose. I wish more attention was put on the world building, or maybe I missed it???
However, I did enjoy the side characters and their motives, so that at least kept me from DNF’ing this.
Overall, a disappointing read. But maybe someone else might enjoy this.
~~~~~
I’m so sorry, Olivie, but this book did NOT make me happy :/
Official review to come soon
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual content, Car accident, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Excrement