Set in 1840, this beautifully written and atmospheric novel intertwines the lives of four women through an ambitious surgeon. The book offers a captivating historical look at how doctors of the period sought knowledge and investigated anomalies in human physiology.

Though it takes a while to get accustomed to the multiple viewpoints and short chapters, the effort is rewarding.

Each character is vividly portrayed, and their personal strengths shine as they navigate the societal pressures of their era.

The narrative thoughtfully examines the tension between religion and science and serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of ambition.

Overall, it's a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.

There are five point of views in this novel which did make it difficult for me to get absorbed into the story initially. But, I am glad I persevered.

The Gifts is a combination of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy which made for an engaging story overall. The author has beautifully captured 1840s London. The scenes involving the eruption of wings from women’s bodies were surreal, to say the least.

The Gifts is a poignant read as it explores the subservient position of women in the nineteenth-century Britain. It was tough to read for me, but it was a moving tale.

This is a tale of obsession, human greed, and women finding their inner strength. Recommended for lovers of historical fiction combined with magical realism. Just be patient with the beginning.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital copy. It doesn't affect my opinion on the book.

This is a beautiful book. It is a mixture of historical fiction and magic.
The book is well paced with short chapters. The story is told from multiple POVs. This book is very atmospheric.

Shocking, gripping, stunning. Laced with TW so look these up before reading of you don't want to be heartbroken.
Truly a spectacular debut

The Gifts was not at all what I was expecting when I picked it up but the story is so intriguing. It’s not a gripping page turner but a story that sucks you in and you want to know what happens next. There are some really short chapters and there were a number of times I told myself ‘one more chapter’ only to continue reading for several more.

I adored the setting of 1840 London, with references to my old haunts such and Leadenhall and Bermondsey. The references to workhouses etc were stark reminders to how hard life must have been for many and the class divide.

There were some really interesting characters. I was inspired by Natalya’s determination and sadden by Annie’s infertility. I found Edward very odd and Uncle Jos was frustrating. I enjoyed how the characters and there story line were interwoven but I did struggle to keep track of everyone for the first 100 pages.

The Gifts is not like anything I have read before and I’m keen I not to give too much away, very much like the marketing for it, and let readers find out for themselves.

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres. Add in some suspense and a bit of fantasy and I’m definitely in! I really enjoyed how atmospheric this book was and the mystery that surrounded the circumstances of the characters.

I wanted to know more and understand what was going on and I was gutted that you didnt really ‘find out’ the why. The plot was great and the book was well paced, but I would have loved to see more of the fantasy element weaved through as the story unfolded.

All in all, a lovely story and one I enjoyed.

Compelling, magical and eye-opening!
As a fan of historical fiction with unique and strong female leads, this one instantly appealed to me and I was not disappointed!
I do love a hint of magic, I'm no huge fantasy reader but I like it where there whispers are and underlying magical elements and this was the perfect amount of magic and an intriguing historical story, which is so unique and original.
The writing is fabulous, powerful, and engaging and it kept me reading without stopping, and I ended up flying through, I particularly liked the shorter chapters.
Overall a real winner and must read!

I was really drawn to this book and it is not at all my usual genre and for that reason alone it did not fit for me.
I wanted to love it and I definitely didn't dislike it but I just don't find myself engaging with these types of books.
it was well written and the characters were interesting but it did not wow me or hold my attention sadly. more a reflection of me than the book

Liz Hyder’s The Gifts is an absolute delight of a book. Part historical fiction, part fantasy, and littered with beautiful illustrations, it really is a joy. The rich descriptions really brought 1840s London to life, with the sights and sounds experienced by the characters becoming totally absorbing – no mean feat when some of the addresses where the characters lived being more recognisable to me as being choked with traffic and full of office blocks.

The cast of characters are wonderfully varied, some of whom I loved and others I loved to hate. Mary was a particular favourite of mine with her passion for life and refusal to be held back by what society expected of her.

Told from a number of seemingly unconnected viewpoints, I loved seeing each strand twine together and build to the conclusion – one which, I have to say, I found distinctly satisfying. I look forward to reading more of Liz’s writing in the future.

The Gifts takes a slightly different slant on the theme of an arrogant, ambitious male scientist becoming consumed by his work - it's certainly a well explored idea in fiction, going back to Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde etc - but what I liked about The Gifts was that it centres the women that are supporting and being exploited by the scientist in question. Each of the four female leads is very different but strong in their own way. If you're looking for an explanation of why the events of the book actually happened, then you'll be disappointed, but I don't think it matters that the focus isn't on why the women have grown wings, but what happens to them when they do. It's the sort of book you could spend a long time discussing, beautifully written and intelligent, and I really enjoyed it.

I did not finish this…the lack of chapters might have been a conscious decision but for me it didn’t help me with the structure of the novel.

I felt like the author tried to fit too much in and wanted too many characters that it took away from the plot and it meant a lot of the characters lacked a backstory and depth.
Another thing I found was that the pace and way that the multiple narratives were blended (the voice of one woman runs into the voice of another within the same paragraph) distracted me from becoming fully immersed in the book. I was constantly having to re-read sections to figure out who was who and I found this frustrating.

It needs a tighter plot, more atmosphere and less characters with the characters that are there need more depth.

I might come back to it again in the future but for now it wasn’t my cup of tea and I was really disappointed as I had such high hopes.

I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this but I was pleasantly surprised. This was a beautifully written read with an engaging plot and I really enjoyed it

My Review: I loved this book, from it’s era to the way its written, I couldn’t put it down. Such strength and wisdom, love and power. The characters are gripping and the language of the time leaps out on some of the pages, the pace changes from slow to steady flowing. You almost believe yourself to be in some of the chapters. If you like mysterious stories, tied in with history, you will lose yourself in the pages of this book.

Victorian London was very different from our world. Sewage running through the streets. Surgery without anesthetic. Women locked into strictly prescribed roles. Wings bursting out from random people. Definitely not the sort of world we live in.

Etta, the daughter of a white father and a black Jamaican former slave, now lives in a small cottage near her father’s English home. Rather, it was her father’s home until he died. Now it is owned by her half-brother, the heir to their father, and he very grudgingly allows Etta to remain in a small rundown cottage as far from the house as is possible while still being on the property. Etta’s only companion is her dog Scout.

Natalya is going to London to join her cousin who has told her a wonderful future is theirs for the taking. She has worked as a nanny for a while to earn money for the trip. Finally it is time to leave.

Mary is a young woman trying to make a living by selling handmade buttons and finishing articles started by her Uncle Jos, who took her in and cared for her after her parents died. Having lost his “bachelor roommate” recently, he has drowned his sorrows in alcohol and cannot keep his focus long enough to finish the articles he is charged with writing. Mary is able to mimic his style of writing and submits the articles as his. After all, there’s no such thing as a female journalist.

Edward Meake is a young ambitious surgeon. He and his wife Annie live in a house that would be ideal for a family. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, no children have been born. Edward is treating a prostitute near the docks (at the request of a wealthy patron rather than through any compassion of his own) when he hears an extraordinary story: a fisherman has pulled a body from the Thames. That itself is not unusual…but this body has wings.

Jumping back and forth between these characters, Liz Hyder pulls her readers into a plot that builds in tension and conflict to the breaking point. The characters mix and match, intersect and separate, each touch adding new wrinkles to the process. This is one of the least predictable stories I have read in some time. By that I mean that many books at least hint toward the direction they are going. Although the details may wait for revelation, I can usually say that by the end of the book x or y and z will happen to the protagonist. Perhaps because of the number of perspectives, perhaps because the direction changes every time one character bounces off another, I was honestly delighted and surprised chapter after chapter.

Hyder also does a wonderful job of keeping Victorian sensibilities with more modern attitudes still in view. Jos and George were “bachelor roommates.” Annie has a medical exam while remaining fully clothed and untouched by the doctor. Characters that fall in love do not kiss until the man has proposed. They certainly do not do more than kiss until they are married. Hyder does not break the fourth wall, but I often felt like the author was looking at us and winking: “bachelor roommates? Right!”

I loved this book and am now a huge fan of this author. I hope to read much more from her.

What an incredible story and a fantastic debut in adult genre’s for Liz Hyder. I love how this historical fiction story has a hint of fantasy, combining two of my favourite genres which meant for me, that I was immediately hooked into a totally immersive storyline; throw into the mix four strong female characters and you are absolutely looking at a best seller here and a perfect read for a cosy winters night!

Set in a time where Science is challenging the traditional religious views the author weaves a story from the perspective of four women, Etta, Natalya, Mary and Annie who is the wife of Edward, a surgeon determined to make a name for himself by using the Angel and the effect it has on his morals is possibly one of the best themes in this story, but at the same time, total villain!!

My only comment with this story as with all point of view stories is that the swapping between characters demands a lot of focus as in this case there are a few to follow, so perhaps this is more a quiet Sunday afternoon read rather than a busy cafe job! That said….it took nothing away from what is truly a stunning debut and I cannot wait to see what’s next!

This story is told from five different perspectives: Edward’s, Annie’s, Etta’s, Mary’s, and Natalya’s.

Edward Meake is a doctor, desperate to make his name known in the world of medicine. It is fair to say he is jealous of Samuel Covell’s success, who is a doctor, but also Edward’s best friend. Samuel is flamboyant, and has the reputation of the fastest surgeon in England.

One day, Edward makes a surprising discovery, which leads him down a dark path of greed and obsession…

Annie is Edward’s wife. They’ve been married for three years, and both are desperate for a child. They’ve visited every doctor in London, bar Samuel Covell. Edwards is set against going to his friend and admitting their ‘defeat’. Annie decides to take matters in her own hands…

Etta is a botanist living in rural Shropshire. She lives a solitary life and is dismissed by other men as a ‘hobbyist’. One day after burying her dog, she goes out for a walk to clear her head. She then feels a sharp pain and is amazed to find she had grown a pair of wings…

Natalya leaves her beloved Orkney Islands for London in hope of a better life. She arrives in the city searching for her cousin, but finds out he is dead…

Mary Ward is a young woman living with her Uncle Jos, who is a journalist. Mary aspires to become a journalist herself, however, her ambitions are dismissed by other people.

Soon, the paths of these five people will cross.

With London awash with rumours of females with wings, curious Mary, and her friend Richard, begin their investigation. What will they discover?

I absolutely loved this story. I found the concept very unique and unusual.

I felt that the author perfectly portrayed the treatment of females in those times. They weren’t supposed to have careers, their role was to marry and raise a family.

The stark comparison of Natalya’s ragged London, and Annie and Edward’s privileged life was also wonderfully described.

The women in the story were all strong and resilient. Etta and Natalya showed huge bravery, and I loved Mary’s independence. Annie grew on me as a character, she started off as this meek creature under her husband’s spell, but I am glad she discovered the truth in the end.

Edward was an appalling character, in the end he only cared about himself and his work.

Overall, it is a beautifully written novel. I found myself immersed in the storyline and all the characters.

The Gifts is Hyder's debut adult novel. It has a little something for everyone, historical fiction, magical realism and one of my favourites mystery.

The story is told from five POV, cleverly plotted and very well written. It has some fantastic well developed characters and an amazing storyline.

The settings of London were perfect and descriptions were vivid and easy to visualise. And for me the Victorian period always brings a gothic style feel to a book, making it atmospheric, dark and intriguing.

Magical, compelling and highly immersive, I loved it and am already looking forward to what delights Hyder has up her sleeve for us!

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A beautiful slow burn of a read. An ode to storytellers, magical things and friendships.
I loved the courage of the women portrayed in this story - each so strong in their own way - ignored and belittled just because of their sex - each of them fought for their own rights.
The descriptions in the stories told by Natalya and the passion shown by Etta in her surroundings were magical in themselves and added that hint of magical realism that always gets my vote. I loved how Mary wouldn’t give up on her intuition- her dogged determined nature was wonderful to see in such a backdrop of a patriarchal society.
The science elements of the story were typically very masculine and almost jarred against the vein of the story with characters like Edward and Samuel holding true to the male of the 19th century.

I utterly adored this story about transformation, the strength of friendship, female empowerment, belonging and finding your voice. It has great imagery and is beautifully written weaving an incredible story filled with emotion and hope that completely swept me away.

It’s set in Victorian England and captures the period perfectly. It’s well researched with layers of drama to peel back as we get to know each of our five main characters. Etta, Mary, Annie and Natalya are brave, determined, talented and will not be silenced. With Edward we see the darker side of ambition when it becomes a dangerous obsession. Through their journeys we see the relationship between humanity and the natural world, women’s expected role in society and the shocking things carried out in the name of religion and science that could lead to humanity’s downfall.

I was wholly invested in each character’s story and easily raced through the chapters. I loved the way the stories entwined fitting together and delivering a magical conclusion. I was completely captivated by the characters and the wonderful tale that was unfolding.

The burdens, struggles and sacrifices endured provide a raw and relatable account showing what the women are up against. It’s inspiring to see them breaking through the barriers placed on them and the importance of having the freedom to choose.

I recommend reading it to experience the joy of this book for yourself! It’s a brilliant historical fantasy read that’s superbly entertaining and carries an important message. It opens your eyes to the extraordinary and confidently shows what can happen when you stay true to yourself and reach for the impossible.

With thanks to @Rararesources, @LondonBessie and @ZaffreBooks for a place on the tour.

I’m not usually one for historical fiction but the write up for this sounded so good; a mixture of science and magic, the consequences of ambition, the miracles that can occur when women rebel against repression, all set against the backdrop of 19th century London. And it didn’t disappoint!! It’s told from the perspective of four women, all with very different backgrounds and stories to tell. I initially found it a little confusing to keep track of all the characters in the four storylines, but as the book progressed and the characters’ journeys were strengthened it became much easier.

This book is beautifully written, so descriptive and evocative. The author paints such a vivid picture of London back then and the experiences people within different echelons of society faced. I’m not one for highlighting or making notes when I read, but I did screenshot a LOT of passages and random lines throughout, there were so many haunting and poignant descriptions of female empowerment.

Overall, I unexpectedly loved this and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author 🤍

Thank you @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for my gifted copy to review 💙

⭐️4/5⭐️

#blogtour