3/5
Unfortunately this was a DNF at 40%.
There’s nothing bad about the story or writing, it's just that the writing style doesn't suit me but I can see that story was compelling in its own way.
This book feels a bit like a soap opera but not in a bad way – three siblings wondering who will inherit the family business when their father dies and they all kind of have magical powers – but as of 40% the magic element isn't as big of a thing as I'd expected. I am predominantly a fantasy reader so expected a little more from the magic I suppose – especially after reading the Atlas Six which felt quite magical although science based to me. Having said that I did also DNF Atlas Paradox so I think this will be my last attempt with this author – I just find the writing too much for me. It's almost like reading an academic paper. Which again there isn't anything wrong with, I just like to relax a bit more when I'm reading rather than having to really think about what I'm reading. And when I have so many other books waiting to be read I’d rather use my time for those.

This was a powerful and addictive story, which dealt with a number of complex and important topics such as capitalism, ambition, power, success, technology, morality, sexism, social issues and social media influence. The family politics element to this story felt very much like Succession so I was immediately drawn to the characters. There are flawed and deeply troubled characters who struggle with their life choices and with love.

I was very intrigued with where the plot was going and the audio was really enticing. There was a lot of humour which I loved - very sarcastic at times. And the dialogue was gripping. The side characters were also fantastic - Eve was epic.

However, I did feel like there could have been a bit more at the end - it felt like it was just missing something. There wasn’t a huge amount of actual plot and I wanted a bit more from the magical elements.

Overall, an interesting, complex and thought provoking read.

I think Blake puts it best in her acknowledgements, that this “was a lot of book”! At around 500 pages (depending on your edition, my pre-released one was slightly shorter), it’s not the longest book ever, but goodness me, it took some reading. And weirdly, that is not a criticism.

Somehow this book describes the tiniest aspects of human nature and reality just so perfectly, exaggerating some and getting others bang on the money (literally). It’s so brilliant for its writing and characterisation, done in a way that I just know I could never do, so I just sat back and enjoyed the ride instead.

When the brilliant CEO of Wrenfare Magitech, a huge corporation with amassed successes, dies, siblings Meredith, Arthur and Eilidh come together to hear which of them will inherit the business.

I’ve never read another book like this. The blurb might have you thinking it’s a wealthy, delayed coming of age story, where the grown up rich kids who were once so talented and gifted realise their own flaws and battle with them. And these rich kids also happen to have strange magic that can do everything from flash a few sparks to bring on apocalypses. (The focus is not here though, don’t let the promise of magic sway you too far - the magic of this story lies elsewhere.)

But it’s oh-so-much more than that, and also, so much less. Rather than a gripping plot, this novel thrives as a warped character study of our three main characters, along with a few others strung along for the ride. They are distinctly unlikeable, but also fascinatingly addictive. As is the story as a whole.

The prose is mesmerising. Long, wordy sentences that could only be described as verbose - they put my long sentences to shame! They often need deciphering, read multiple times to extract a double or hidden meaning. I can practically hear my English teachers screaming at me to “read between the lines” here! But the result of all this is oh-so-rewarding. The story feels like it would make an excellent adaptation for TV, but I fear that would miss all the intricacies that are unwritten.

The witty and cutting narration is utterly brilliant; the epitome of a flawed narration. I enjoyed how this reveals the story to the reader in parts, and how it influences our perception of what is going on.

I felt I would identify with parts of this book before reading it - for some background, I come from a family business and was that stereotypical bright young child that now lives on the edge of burnt out. This meant that for me, the book revealed a few uncomfortable truths! But the parts I actually identified with most closely are those of a person whose storyline weaves under the entire book (you’ll know more when you read it!), who describes a very stark reality of life with a difficult small child. Those parts resonated SO strongly with me and could only be written by someone who has experienced them - the final scene especially, the small blue Adirondack chair.

Finally, back to the characters again. How gorgeously and luxuriously they’re written - in equal parts distressing and distressed! The three Wren siblings alone are complex and complicated, and together, even more so. They are flawed and toxic and they hate each other and they love each other. The “side” characters are even so stunningly fleshed out and brilliantly written - Yves, in particular, is a gem.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book - the publishers especially, as they sent me a physical copy of the book when my eBook version was corrupt!

[Will edit once I read the physical copy]
I have to submit feedback before having finished the book as I am physically unable to finish reading via the ARC. I don't know if others came across this problem - but when I open the book on my Kindle, no matter the font, the text is distorted. Letters missing and/or mixed up, as well as random symbols throughout the text. I really wished I could read it prior to being published and tried pushing through, but the way it's formatted makes it impossible. I reserved a place in the queue for this book via my local library and will be the first one to read it and will publish the review as soon as I can.

As others have mentioned, a hard document to read. Will update once I have a chance to properly read.

unfortunately the copy i received is making it very difficult to read this cause of some errors. i tried to pull through cause this is an anticipated read but it’s not working for me and impossible to fully process everything going on. it’s a low rating for now cause i only got to read 5% until deciding to put this on hold. will definitely come back for a full review once i’ve read the published book.

thank you netgalley and pan macmillan for the arc <3

Gifted & Talented was a such a unique read. The book is complex and nuanced and it does require a little critical thinking to understand some of the underlying messaging. But even so, Olivie's Olivie's writing style and the way it reads like a dark comedy in a lot of places really elevated the experience for me.

I really liked the magic system in this books, and how it does feel like in a way parts of their magic - for Arthur and Eilidh at least - could also be manifestations of their mental blocks or trauma.

Arthur has a desperation to be loved and will do anything for it, and it feels like he's losing his loved ones and his political campaign he gets the 'yips'. Eilidh has compact physical and mental trauma after a career ending injury, and lots of internal rage at living in her siblings shadow, hence the biblical plagues.

I also really enjoyed Meredith's character on several layers. Yes, in my ways I can see how she is a hated character for the way she acts. How her behaviour can be seen as blunt or cruel or dismissive, when really she has a good heart and she is just terrible at expressing it the way her siblings do. You can see the many sides of her, the ones you like and the ones you don't.

I also really enjoyed how much diverse representation was in this book! We had strong female characters, we had references to metal health and neurodiversity, we had polyamory and queer relationships - we love to see that!

The book is brilliant in its simplicity. The overarching story is simple - rich, asshole patriarch dies and now his kids have to pick up the pieces. It is Olivie's writing style, the complex characters and family drama and nuanced relationships she creates that bring so much depth and life to the story outside of that simple plot. And for that, I loved this book.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 :)”

Gifted & Talented was like the Kardashians on crack - and I absolutely loved it. This book is quite different from Olivie’s other books, which can mean that this book is not your cup of tea (do try though, I say threateningly). The magic system was so unique too, I wish I got to know more about it!

None of these characters are good, they’re flawed and bordering on morally black sometimes. No one writes a flawed character like Olivie does. At the end of the book I was so attached to all of them it made me sob when I reached the end (my fav colour is morally grey I guess).

the vibes™:
- magic ™
- sibling rivalry
- fucked up version of the inheritance games i guess???? lol
- morally grey characters
- unique magic system
- family

Olivie Blake has done it again! Gifted & Talented is a masterclass in messy, character-driven storytelling, packed with dysfunctional family dynamics, corporate chaos, and the suffocating weight of expectations. The Wren siblings (Meredith, Arthur, and Eilidh) are forced to reunite after the death of their father, Thayer Wren, the genius CEO of Wrenfare Magitech. Each carries their own baggage: Meredith, the ruthless perfectionist; Arthur, the charming but desperate-to-please congressman; and Eilidh, the overlooked former ballerina turned corporate strategist. With their father gone, the question looms: Who will inherit his empire, and at what cost?

This book is wildly addictive. The siblings are deeply flawed, often unlikable, and yet—somehow—Blake makes you root for them by the end. Their dynamic is a chaotic mix of biting banter, buried resentment, and unexpected humor, making their relationships the most compelling part of the story. Told through multiple POVs (including a few surprises), the narrative takes some getting used to, but once it clicks, you’re fully immersed in their world.

Blake’s writing is sharp, poetic, and darkly funny, laced with brutal truths about ambition, trauma, and the desperate need for validation. The Wrens aren’t just fighting for control of their father’s company they’re wrestling with the scars of childhood, the pressure to succeed, and the fear of failure. And then there’s the magic-subtle, strange, and woven seamlessly into their lives.
If you love complex characters, messy relationships, and writing that makes you laugh before it stabs you in the heart, this is your next obsession.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 rounded to 4.

Siblings Meredith, Arthur and Eilidh are insufferable and unlikeable. I think that's meant to be the point of the book, but I really found it difficult to care enough about them to really enjoy the read. While the world this is set in - a mirror to our own where the marriage of magic and tech is as mainstream as Apple products and Uber - is compelling and interesting, I couldn't engage fully with the characters so it made it a struggle to get through. I think Blake is an incredibly talented writer - I've said this many times before, but I find myself enjoying their short stories much more than their full novels. The vibes are always immaculate in their full-length books, but sometimes the substance is missing for me.

This gets 3.5 stars as I can't fault the sometimes beautiful writing, and though the plot meandered around a lot, it was still a coherent read.

Disappointing “fantasy” novel

I chose this book to review, having read and enjoyed one of the author’s previous books, and because I enjoy fantasy fiction. It should be said, straight off, that the fantasy element is relatively negligible and incidental and the novel is much more about the relationships between the main characters, about happiness and love. Thayer Wren’s three children get together with an assortment of “partners” after their father’s death. Revelations and changes in attitude and in relationships ensue. The author loves comparisons: there’s barely a page without a “like ….” which certainly lengthens the text and is presumably there to show the writer’s love of language. As the novel is character-driven, these are well-developed. So I found the experience disappointing, the fault perhaps being mine as I expected more fantasy and less soap opera. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Gifted & Talented is a tale of family, love and chaos. Whilst it is an urban fantasy in that there are very real magical moments, the core of the book is a contemporary family saga with a bit of magic sprinkled in. It follows the three Wren siblings who make up a most dysfunctional family. All are very different from one another, but they each have complicated lives and some quite urgent problems reaching a peak at the same time as the death of their father.

It is at times fairly slow-paced which allows us to dive deep into each sibling's situation and what led them to that point. Despite being slower paced, there is still so much going on in this book. It explores legal complications, betrayals, childhood trauma, attempting to live up to expectations as a 'gifted' child, and of course, relationships. Familial, parental, romantic and more, relationships are the focus of the story. The protagonists aren't always likeable, but they are always fascinating.

Recommended to fans of character-driven fiction, and definitely fans of Olivie Blake's other work. Whilst it is very different to the Atlas series, it still has the same feel to it.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this eCopy to review

I recently finished reading Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake, and I must say, it was quite an intriguing journey.

The story revolves around three siblings, Meredith, Arthur, and Eilidh Wren, who possess extraordinary telepathic and electrokinetic abilities. Their father, Thayer Wren, the brilliant CEO of Wrenfare Magitech, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy and a fortune that any of his gifted children could inherit.

Meredith, the eldest, is a textbook overachiever who heads her own biotech company and has recently cured mental illness. However, she's hiding a secret that could ruin her reputation. Arthur, the second-youngest congressman in history, is struggling with his personal and professional life, hoping that inheriting his father's throne might turn things around. Eilidh, once a famous ballerina, now works as a marketing executive at her father's company after a life-altering injury.

The plot thickens as the siblings navigate their rivalries, dangerous abilities, and the weight of their unrealized potential. The story is a fascinating blend of family drama, fantasy, and speculative fiction, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and the complexities of sibling relationships.

Blake's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making it easy to get lost in the world she has created. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. The pacing is steady, with enough twists and turns to keep me hooked until the very end.

Overall, Gifted & Talented is a compelling read that I would highly recommend to fans of fantasy fiction. It offers a fresh perspective on the gifted child trope, delving into the darker aspects of their lives and the pressures they face.

I had never read Olivie Blake before but was tempted in by the pitch. I'd argue it's too long - and takes too long to get to where it needs to go - but the ending was great and very satisfying. The characters really grow on you, in spite of their initial unlikeability. Grateful for the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. 3.5*

Unfortunately this author is not for me. I did not like the writing style at all. I really wanted to love this book but I couldn’t. Also didn’t like any of the characters

4.25⭐️

I’m sad this is the first book I haven’t given 5 stars from Olivie Blake, but 4.25 is still an amazing review!

This is a complex and messy tale about 3 siblings from a rich family, none of which are particularly likeable, but by the end of the book I found myself oddly attached to them.

This story won’t be for everyone, it’s very vibes over plot, and largely character driven. The pacing doesn’t always stay consistent and may be off putting for some, but it kind of kept me on my toes.

The dynamic between the siblings was my favourite part, on the face of it you feel as if they hate each other, but as you read on you realise that they do have deep love for each other, but it’s just not conventional in how they show it. They are all damaged from generational trauma and the pressure to be the best at what they do. They carry the wait of the dead father’s judgement and it puts a strain on each of them in very different ways.

I weirdly identified a lot with Meredith as the oldest daughter- while her role is exaggerated, the pressures she feels are very relatable to anyone that is also the oldest daughter 😂

The magical realism added to the whimsy of the story and felt so plausible when input into the narrative- if that isn’t you usual thing I wouldn’t let it put you off.

Overall, this was so very Olivie Blake in the best way- the only reason it’s not 5⭐️ is because I just didn’t get that 5⭐️ feeling when reading it (I can’t explain 😂) but I still highly recommend this one- especially if you loved Masters of Death- feel like the story telling style was most similar to that

She does it again!

I have loved Olivie Blake's writing ever since "One for my Enemy" fell into my hands.
Now, this story is definitely far from a tragic Romeo & Juliet retelling, but it is just as fantastic, nerve wrecking and brilliantly done.

As the story of the three siblings unfolds, I couldn't help but form a connection with them. Even though they are definitely not the most likable characters with a questionable moral compass at best, the author made me root for them and question my OWN moral compass at times with her spectacular storytelling and perfectly executed character development.

She combines fantasy, family drama and the ruthless corporate world like it's the most natural thing in the world - blending these themes together almost seamlessly and creating a story that will have you gripping the edge of your seat the entire time.

This book is a breath of fresh air in my collection. It is a deeply vulnerable, honest and messy exploration of childhood trauma, the exhaustion of other people's expectations for you and how it affects you as an adult. Olivie Blake created characters that will hook their claws into the darkest corners of your heart and never let go.

This is my first book by Olivie Blake, and while I've wanted to read more of her work, I'm not sure this one is for me. I have no idea what was going on, despite the fact that the concept is really intriguing.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This is a classic Olivie Blake story; it is kind of weird and off kilter, the world building isn’t really the point, the magic isn’t really the point. It’s about happiness, it’s about people lying to each other, about people being assholes but still loving each other.

If you enjoyed other Olivie Blake projects like Masters of Death or One for your Enemy, you would like this! I very much did!

4.5⭐

This was my first Olivie Blake book and now I can't believe I've waited this long. What wonderful insight on the messy nature of families, sibling rivalry and how the pressure of growing up as a "gifted" kid can totally mess with your sense of self worth and achievement as an adult. Pretty much all of the characters in this were terrible people - or at least they were imperfect people trying to achieve happiness through all the wrong methods.

Olivie is a master of character. Meredith, Arthur and Eilidh felt so real and each of their voices was distinct in its own unique way. Meridith is such a MEAN person but I loved her POV, her unabashed pragmatism and avoidance of emotion. Arthur is a clingy kitten at heart, and Eilidh was one of those people that pretends to be sweet and innocent so much they genuinely believe it themselves. Some of the thoughts these characters articualted such specific feelings that it had me saying "omg, yes!" Meredith and Lou in particular had me laughing a lot. This book is FUNNY

The magical was almost incidental as magic. It was useful to move along the character development and the plot (incentive to find Lou, and of course Meredith's company) but it could easily have been replaced with something non-magical and I don't think it would have made much of a difference. It was fun though so I'm not complaining.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor/Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.