Books matching: extraordinary talents
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- #1
Save:A light, entry-level fantasy perfect for readers who enjoy plucky heroines and gradual world-building, but be warned: it starts slow and leans heavily on classic tropes. Stick with it if you like series that grow over time.
The Magicians' Guild follows the story of Sonea, a young girl from the slums who unexpectedly discovers her magical abilities during a yearly purge by the Magician's Guild. This discovery sets off a chain of events where Sonea must hide from the guild who is searching for her, all while struggling to control her newfound powers. The book delves into themes of class divide, power dynamics, and the challenges of self-discovery, all set in a well-crafted fantasy world. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of suspenseful moments and detailed world-building that keeps readers intrigued throughout the plot.
It is said, in Imardin, that the wind has a soul, and that it wails through the narrow city streets because it is grieved by what it finds there. On the day of the Purge it whistled amongst the swayin...2001•492 pages - #2
Save:A fun, fast-moving series kickoff for fans of alternate worlds and economic intrigue, but be ready for an open ending and some rough edges. Worth picking up if you want fantasy that thinks about the bottom line.
In 'The Family Trade,' Miriam Beckstein, a journalist, discovers a locket that transports her to an alternate world where she is part of a powerful family involved in inter-dimensional trade. The book explores the complexities of parallel worlds, family dynamics, and the challenges Miriam faces as she navigates this new reality. The plot is filled with intrigue, politics, and economics, offering a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements. The writing style varies from being engaging and original to at times feeling dated or lacking in depth, providing a mix of opinions on the storytelling approach.
Ten and a half hours before a mounted knight with a machine gun tried to kill her, tech journalist Miriam Beckstein lost her job. Before the day was out, her pink slip would set in train a chain of ev...2004•317 pages - #3
Save:A refreshingly British urban fantasy layered with folklore and history. Well worth picking up if you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven magic with a side of real-world intrigue - just be ready for a steadier pace and a less conventional protagonist.
"Sixty-One Nails" in the series "Courts of the Feyre" by Mike Shevdon follows Niall Petersen, who experiences a suspected heart attack and is saved by a mysterious woman named Blackbird. This event leads Niall into the world of Feyre, a vast otherworldly realm he never knew existed. The novel focuses on the developing relationship between Niall, Rabbit, and Blackbird, as well as Niall's discovery of the Feyre world and its inhabitants. The story intertwines urban fantasy elements with old British legends and traditions, creating a unique and magical setting. The writing style is described as lyrical, charming, and engaging, with a strong focus on world-building and character development.
I was staring into space when it happened, so I didn't really see. I could feel the wind as the tube train buffeted towards the platform and hear the grinding and squealing as the driver applied the b...2009•528 pages - #4Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Childrenby:Book 1 in the series:Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children
Save:A wonderfully weird blend of eerie photos, magical realism, and coming-of-age mystery. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right kind of reader.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a YA fantasy novel that follows Jacob as he uncovers the mysteries of his grandfather's past and discovers a hidden world of peculiar children with unique powers. Set on a remote island off the coast of Wales, the story weaves together elements of mystery, time travel, and adventure. The vintage photographs found throughout the book add an eerie and authentic atmosphere, enhancing the storytelling and immersing the reader in the peculiar world created by Ransom Riggs.
The plot unfolds as Jacob navigates through the time loop of Miss Peregrine's home, encountering fantastical elements and uncovering family secrets. Riggs' writing style is described as engaging, detailed, and atmospheric, with well-developed characters and settings that draw the reader into a world where reality blends seamlessly with the magical and peculiar.
I had just come to accept that my life would be ordinary when extraordinary things began to happen. The first of these came as a terrible shock and, like anything that changes you forever, split my li...January 2011•357 pages - #5
Save:A light, old-school fantasy adventure bursting with charm and comfort, best enjoyed by newer fantasy fans and those craving a nostalgic, heartwarming quest - even if it’s not the most original tale in the genre.
'Pawn of Prophecy' is the first installment in 'The Belgariad' series by David Eddings. It follows the journey of Garion, a seemingly normal farm boy who discovers his true destiny and embarks on an epic adventure with a group of diverse and intriguing characters. The plot revolves around a stolen ancient artifact, the awakening of Garion's hidden powers, and the looming threat of evil forces. The writing style is described as comfortable, with a sense of humor and likable characters that make the story engaging and enjoyable for readers.
THE FIRST THING the boy Garion remebered was the kitchen at Faldor's farm. For all the rest of his life he had a special warm feeling for kitchens and those peculiar sounds and smells that seemed some...1982•291 pages - #6
Save:A creative, fast-paced sci-fi retelling that breathes new life into Cinderella - fun, fierce, and perfect if you want adventure with a futuristic kick. Just be ready for a cliffhanger!
'Cinder' in the series 'The Lunar Chronicles' by Marissa Meyer is a futuristic retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a unique twist. The protagonist, Cinder, is a cyborg mechanic living in New Beijing where she is treated as an outcast. As she navigates her life repairing androids and hiding her true identity, she gets entangled in intergalactic politics involving a deadly plague, an evil queen, and a charming prince. The story combines elements of science fiction, political intrigue, and romance, creating a complex and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from the very beginning.
'Cinder' stands out for its originality and creativity in blending the traditional Cinderella tale with futuristic technology, cyborgs, and extraterrestrial threats. The writing style is praised for its immersive world-building, strong character development, and a compelling storyline that offers unexpected twists and turns. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, particularly Cinder, who is portrayed as a strong and resourceful heroine with a mysterious past, making the book a refreshing take on a familiar fairy tale.
THE SCREW THROUGH CINDER’S ANKLE HAD RUSTED, THE engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle. Her knuckles ached from forcing the screwdriver into the joint as she struggled to loosen the screw one...2011•459 pages - #7
Save:A fast, quirky supernatural mystery with heart - great for fans of Charlaine Harris and readers who enjoy paranormal whodunits, but some elements may not be for everyone.
In "Grave Surprise," Harper Connelly, a woman with the ability to sense the dead after being struck by lightning, is hired to demonstrate her psychic talents to a college class. Despite initial skepticism, Harper impresses by accurately identifying the occupants and causes of death in a local graveyard, including a newly discovered grave of a girl she was hired to find a year prior. As Harper and her stepbrother, Tolliver, become entangled in the mystery surrounding the cemetery, they uncover dark secrets and face suspicion from local law enforcement.
The book delves into Harper's troubled past, her evolving relationship with Tolliver, and her unique psychic abilities. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, blending elements of mystery, paranormal suspense, and character-driven storytelling. As Harper navigates the complexities of her past trauma and present investigations, readers are drawn into a world where the supernatural meets the mundane, creating a compelling narrative that keeps them engaged till the end.
I didn’t like Clyde Nunley the first time I met him face-to-face in the old cemetery. There was nothing wrong with the exterior of the man: he was dressed like a regular person would dress for the mil...September 2006•322 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harper Connelly ) - #8
Save:A satisfying, if slightly hurried, wrap-up to a compelling paranormal mystery series - great for fans of character-driven stories with a dark edge. Be sure to start with book one for the full effect!
"Grave Secret" by Charlaine Harris is the fourth installment in the Harper Connelly series, following the story of Harper, a young woman who can sense the dead and determine the cause of death. The plot revolves around Harper and her stepbrother, Tolliver, as they navigate their difficult past, travel to Texas to uncover family secrets, and solve mysteries related to missing persons and deaths. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of paranormal elements, family drama, and intriguing characters that keep readers invested in the story.
“ALLright,” said the straw-haired woman in the denim jacket. “Do your thing.” Her accent made the words sound more like “Dew yore thang.” Her hawklike face was eager, the anticipatory look of someone...September 2009•329 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harper Connelly ) - #9An Ice Cold GraveBook 3 in the series:Harper Connelly
Save:A dark, chilling paranormal mystery with emotional depth and some controversial romance - unputdownable for the brave, but not for the squeamish.
In "An Ice Cold Grave," Harper Connelly, a woman with the ability to find dead bodies and determine their cause of death, is hired to locate the bodies of missing teenagers in a small town. As she delves into the mystery, she uncovers a serial killer's gruesome acts and becomes a target herself. The book weaves a complex plot with twists and turns, showcasing Harper's unique talent and her evolving relationship with her stepbrother Tolliver. The writing style captures the dark and chilling atmosphere of the story, while also delving into the emotional toll of Harper's abilities and her outsider status in the town.
THE eastern seaboard is crammed with dead people. When work brings me to that part of America, the whole time I’m there it’s like wings of a huge flock of birds are fluttering inside my brain, never c...September 2007•295 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harper Connelly ) - #10
Save:An atmospheric and richly crafted fantasy with deep lore, complex characters, and high stakes. It takes patience, but rewards readers who love immersive worlds and nuanced, unpredictable stories.
The City of Brass is a fantasy novel set in a world of Devas and Djinn, following the journey of Nahri, a young girl with mysterious powers, as she navigates through complex politics, magic, and society. The plot unfolds in a Middle Eastern-inspired setting, where Nahri discovers her heritage and connection to the magical beings, while facing challenges of power, intrigue, and romance in a richly detailed world filled with historical and supernatural elements.
Nahri smiled behind her veil, watching the two men bicker as they approached her stall. The younger one glanced anxiously down the alley while the older man—her client—sweated in the cool dawn air. Sa...November 2017•562 pages
