Reading Addiction Blog Tour (Review/Interview/Giveaway) Talented (Book 1) By: Sophie Davis

Link To The Official Tour Page

Thank you for stopping by my blog today! I'm hosting for Reading Addiction Blog Tours, and today am featuring Talented By: Sophie Davis. You will see a Summary, My Review, Interview, and you have the opportunity to enter in a Giveaway to win a copy of this book, so please check it out and enter, because you just might win! (Giveaway is now closed)

*Here’s the summary: Talia Lyons is Talented.  Born after a nuclear spill, she is part of a new generation possessing special abilities; Talia can read the minds of others and manipulate their thoughts.  Whether Morphers, Light Manipulators or Telekinetics, the Talented are taught to control their abilities under the protective eye of the government- to use their Talents for good. But all Talia wants is revenge.

Talia joins the Hunters, an elite group of government operatives, hoping to one day kill Ian Crane - the man who ordered the execution of her parents.  Ever since she witnessed their brutal deaths, Talia has spent her life honing her abilities, determined to settle the score.  But she still has a lot to learn before she can ease the pain inside. Talia turns to a boy who can mimic her Talents, a boy who truly understands her inner turmoil.  But even he can’t help Talia, when she’s forced to choose between saving herself and avenging the lives of her parents.

Talented is an action-packed adventure, about a group of teenagers who aren't afraid to embrace their fears and fight for what they believe in.

*Review: Honestly I did not know what to expect. I do not read many Dystopian novels, but am for sure glad I read this one. It was purely amazing! From page one, I was sucked in to this futuristic story. The first page is just so compelling as we enter in this new world that seems familiar but at the same time it’s still so mysterious. I liked that in the beginning chapters, we learn the main character’s goals; why Talia wants to become a Hunter, and who she is wanting to specifically hunt. So, there is a good amount of past information to learn about Talia’s current daily life, her current motives. I loved how in between chapters, there is a rich history of civilization after The Great Contamination occurred. I sometimes see books in my head as though it is a film. This one was definitely a film in my head, and those explanation chapters were seen as clear flashbacks with a narration. I just loved it! I think when Talia trains with either Erik and Henri or on her own, those would be some great scenes to see on screen too; they would definitely be filled with a lot of action! :)  

I love that this story was from Talia’s point of view except from one point in the story (not going to say when/where!). But through her POV, we feel her emotions, her sense of betrayal that can connect to readers; I know I felt the sense of shock and numbness, and then a bubble bursts and frustration and anger pours right in. You’ll see when those types of emotions play out. There are also the emotions of seeking revenge, and for really falling for someone that just feels right falling for. Speaking of falling for someone, there are two love interests that are actually pretty different. There’s Donovan and Erik. I loved Erik: his characteristics were just more appealing, and you’ll see why. Other characters are wonderfully presented by Davis including Henri, who felt like a big brother. I really enjoyed how this story flowed. Davis has a wonderful writing style, and I must admit I have attempted to start the second book in the series! This was a delightful and fantastic read, and I hope you have the opportunity to read it for yourself; I’m sure you’ll love it! :) 


My Rating: 5/5
My Audience Rating: PG-13 

*Interview: 

1. I want to say first, your creativity is just incredible. I loved the concept; this is definitely something I have not read before, and am glad I read your story because it was phenomenal! How did you come up with the idea for this story? 

- Thank you!  I am not sure exactly how the concept for Talented developed into the story that it became, but when I was younger my sisters used to tell me that a witch left me on the doorstep – nice siblings, I know.  So I grew up with them always teasing me about being a witch, I started to think of all the cool powers that I would want if I was actually a witch, and somehow that evolved into Talia’s story.

2. How long did this first book take you to write?

- I actually wrote the second book in the series first.  I started writing the story in my head about ten years ago, changing and editing scenes as I went.  But the very first written draft took me about seven months from start to finish.  Talented came about when I realized that Talia had a lot of backstory and I figured that it would be better to write it as a separate book instead of incorporating it in what became Caged.  I think it took me about five months to complete the first draft of Talented.  Of course the editing took another couple of months.

3. Which characters were the hmm... most fun writing? :)

- Penny was definitely the most fun to write in the first book, as the story continues though she has become the most challenging.

4. I admit, I just loved Erik, and without giving too much away by asking, will we see him in the second book? (I’ve so far read the first few chapters)

- Have no fear, Erik will show up in the second book.  Originally he had less page time, but at the suggestion of my helpful editors, I added a couple of scenes .  

...And here are just some random type questions...

5. What writers do you look up to? 

- When I was younger I was a huge fan of Mary Higgins Clark, James Patterson, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz.  I still read almost any book that any of them writes, but now my tastes have changed a little.  I really enjoyed Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy and Succubus series, and after falling in love with Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series, have moved on to her others.

6. What are you’re favorite genres to read?

- Right now paranormal is my genre of choice, but I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers as well.  

7. What are you reading now?

- I am currently reading a couple of different books:  The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern; The Maze Runner; by James Dashner; and White Cat, by Holly Black.

8. And do you have a favorite film, and if yes, what is it?

- Hahaha, I definitely have a favorite film, and I am only a little embarrassed to admit that it’s Independence Day.

Thank you so much Ms. Davis for answering these questions! 

I look forward to the rest of the books in your Saga, as this first one was truly amazing! :)

Author Bio: Sophie Davis 

Sophie moved to Washington, D.C. after graduating from Penn State University to pursue a career in the Sciences.  After deciding to actually write down one of the stories she makes up in her head, Sophie began the long journey towards her first full-length novel, Talented.  Caged is her second novel, and the second in the Talented Saga.  When Sophie isn't hunched over her computer, she can be found shopping in Georgetown, running in Rock Creek Park, or at the local dive bars in her Columbia Heights Neighborhood.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*