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Gifted: A Donovan Circus Novel

by Liz Long (Goodreads Author)

4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 · rating details · 91 ratings · 40 reviews

Even in a world of freaks, being a Firestarter is considered a dangerous Gift.

Lucy was born with the ability to create and control fire. She longs to leave the human world for one filled with Earthshakers, Transporters, and Chameleons, to name a few. When she rejoins the circus, it’s everything she hoped it could be—new friends, a potential love interest or two, and a plac...more

ebook, 297 pages

Published April 18th 2012

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Speculative New Adult Fiction

135th out of 146 books — 151 voters

The Wayward Gifted - Broken Point by Donna K. Childree

Best Indie Fantasy Books Worth a Read

176th out of 234 books — 347 voters

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Dec 30, 2012 Thomas Rydder rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me first say I received this book free, in exchange for a fair and honest review:

I'll resist the temptation to repeat the comparisons that some others have made to this book and "X-Men". Not because the similarities aren't there, I'd just rather go down my own path. Many of the main characters in this book do have powers - and they're just as cool as those possessed by the X crew - but there the comparison ends. Wolverine et al seek to rid the world of the bad guys - the folks in "Gifted" a...more Let me first say I received this book free, in exchange for a fair and honest review:

I'll resist the temptation to repeat the comparisons that some others have made to this book and "X-Men". Not because the similarities aren't there, I'd just rather go down my own path. Many of the main characters in this book do have powers - and they're just as cool as those possessed by the X crew - but there the comparison ends. Wolverine et al seek to rid the world of the bad guys - the folks in "Gifted" are just looking to survive. And they do it by keeping their head down, and disguising their powers as illusions in a circus owned and ringmastered by Sheffield Donovan, a man who has pledged his life to protect and provide for his gifted charges.
Of course, when you travel around the States, perform a show a night and are studied by hundreds, word gets out. People get curious. And trouble typically follows. The difficulties this time are brought about by the arrival of Lucy Sullivan, a gifted whose family left the circus, and who has now returned after the death of her parents. Her dad had been one of the circus's premier performers, and now she seeks to follow in his footsteps - even thought she doubts both her ability to control her gift and deal with others socially.
Lucy is, in a word, edgy. She has spunk, is stubborn, and shows incredible talent, while doubting her own talents. In another word, this makes her irresistable as a protagonist. Her difficulties in coming to terms with the different performers and her gift makes it natural to root for her, and as she progresses, fails, triumphs, laughs, and cries, I was drawn to her steadily.
The plot of this book is very well written, with twists and turns, and many little inroads. Just as I thought I had things figured out, along came another little morsel which served to cast doubt on my conclusions. It moves along very nicely, with no dead time, nor boring stretches. The characters are all well-formed and believable (assuming anyone who forms and tosses fireballs around can be). Ms. Long's ability to give her various characters drastically different personalities and have them form friendships and tentative alliances are notable, and she brings the whole interwoven circus existence to life with admirable ease.
All in all, it was a wonderful book, and I'd strongly recommend it to anyone who would enjoy stepping out of our world, and into one where the inhabitants are super-powered, but in the end, only human. (less)

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Jun 19, 2012 Marcy Kennedy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-scifi

I enjoyed the unique premise of a whole community of "gifted" hiding in plain sight as circus performers. The plot pulled me in right away as Lucy Sullivan joins the circus after the deaths of her parents. Although she grew up in this circus, her family left for a "normal" life and her father forbid Lucy from practicing her Firestarter gift. The story's suspense revolves around Lucy learning why her family left and who is causing the accidents and murders at the circus.

After a strong beginning,...more

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Jun 06, 2012 Summer Lane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lucy is a firestarter. What does that mean? It means that she can control fire and manipulate it to do her bidding...whatever that might be. After her parents die, she joins the Donovan Circus, an organization that is full of talented individuals called the 'Gifted.' They're basically people with superpowers who make a living as circus freaks. Mind readers, runners, earthshakers, you got it. But when people start showing up charbroiled to a crisp (AKA dead), all fingers point to Lucy, the newcom...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Courtney Cole rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love (LOVE) finding awesome new authors and Liz Long is certainly one to watch.

Gifted is Liz Long's debut novel and I have to say, what a promising debut!! Gifted is well thought out, has likeable characters (I love Lucy), (<-- No, I am not plugging the old sitcom right there, although I do love 'I love Lucy' too) and the pacing is great.

At the very beginning, I was afraid that it was going to turn into a slow book, which I personally don't like. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the...more

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Apr 20, 2012 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Before I review, you must know something about me. I have a whole collection of books I've started reading and never finished. My attention span is quite short, so if a book doesn't suck me into the story almost immediately, I move on to something else. Life is too short to read bad books.

I was captivated in the first few pages. The story doesn't start off slow and ease you into this supernatural world. It assumes you're an intelligent reader who can figure it out as the story moves along. I lov...more Before I review, you must know something about me. I have a whole collection of books I've started reading and never finished. My attention span is quite short, so if a book doesn't suck me into the story almost immediately, I move on to something else. Life is too short to read bad books.

I was captivated in the first few pages. The story doesn't start off slow and ease you into this supernatural world. It assumes you're an intelligent reader who can figure it out as the story moves along. I love that.

One thing I really like is that the love story/love triangle part of it is really secondary to the main story. While I can already hear the teenage girls battling over Team Gabriel or Team Keegan, it wasn't the main story line at all.

(Okay, even though I said the love story is secondary, I have to say I think I might be Team Gabriel even though Team Keegan makes sense.)

I really like Lucy. She kind of reminds me of a college friend who wasn't, shall we say, very experienced. I think I related more to Delia, Lucy's new bff in the book. I don't want to give too many spoilers as far as the characters' super powers, but I will say that Delia is fun and friendly, and has a really cool "gift."

Another great thing about the book was the balance between the fun, young adult scenes and the dramatic, action-filled supernatural scenes. Like they go to a bar after a show one night to have some fun and you learn a lot about the characters and their relationships with each other. But then, there's a big bar fight with some of the townies that almost reveals them as "gifted." Another example, there's a beer pong party scene where Lucy lightens up and has fun, but soon after the night of partying, one of the circus people is murdered and because Lucy is the new girl with fire power, she has to clear her name and learns a lot about herself and her family history along the way.

The last few chapters were my favorite part - Lucy becomes stronger and learns more about her powers, and thus defeats the bad guy. But I really liked that she didn't do it easily and without help... She still has a lot to learn. It makes her more real (well, as real as a firestarter can be) and gives us something else to look forward to in the next book.

While the story is complete and this book can stand alone, I want more. I want to know more about the Gifted community, Sheffield Donovan and the Donovan Circus, Lucy's family (specifically her firestarter dad), Lucy's friends and their abilities, and Lucy's super powerful firestarter ability. Oh and the love story, of course.

This is an excellent first book by a new author and I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.(less)

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May 05, 2012 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

What it's about:

Gifted is the story of Lucy Sullivan, a young woman grieving the semi-recent loss of both her parents. The book opens as she contacts Sheffield Donovan, owner and Ringmaster of the Donovan Circus, to ask if she can join up. Lucy was raised in the circus until her parents left to have a normal life. Now that her parents are gone, Lucy is anxious to re-enter a world where she can feel comfortable, accepted, and understood. She's never felt truly at home in the world outside the cir...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Becca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, indies-that-are-drool-worthy-good

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG READ THIS READ THIS RIGHT NOW! DOOOO IT! IF YOU AREN'T READING THIS BOOK YOU ARE MISSING OUT! .... so now that i had ...wait no i got a little more in me.. REEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD IIIIIIITTTTTTTT! okay so now that i am done gushing and having my little freak out on how awesome this book was i will tell you alllll the many many many many many many many many many many reasons why it was so AWESOME!

Okay so first and for most the plot! oh how i lo...more OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG READ THIS READ THIS RIGHT NOW! DOOOO IT! IF YOU AREN'T READING THIS BOOK YOU ARE MISSING OUT! .... so now that i had ...wait no i got a little more in me.. REEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD IIIIIIITTTTTTTT! okay so now that i am done gushing and having my little freak out on how awesome this book was i will tell you alllll the many many many many many many many many many many reasons why it was so AWESOME!

Okay so first and for most the plot! oh how i loved the plot! I am pretty hard to trick, and i don't mean that as to boast myself or anything but a lot times i am like psst i got this too easy, and i know a lot of readers out there can say the same thing, well maybe you would catch somethings that i didnt but man oh man did Liz Long trick me and do i love her for it? Why yes, yes i do! Okay so aside from the fact that this book will keep you guessing its more than just a murder mystery with gifted people that are in a circus and really if that isn't enough to get you interested then i don't know what will....well i do and i will tell you why! It is easy to fall into the same mundane... well not really mundane but similar plot when dealing with "gifted" indivdiuals, like x-men, push (the movie), etc, etc. but this book breaks apart and oh man it was goooooood! I loved, absolutely loved the circus thing, and this is a series... i think and HOPE WITH ALL MY HEART but it seems that way to me, and i think this was a perfect beginning! It walked you through this new world and explains while keeping you entertained. In the summary there isn't much noted about the romance of the book and if you are like me and a bit of a sucker for all types of romance, even if there just a little it makes a little more spicy and an interesting read...well when i get to the characters i will tell you a bit more about the romance but there is some! So YAY! for those hopeless romantics like me and those who are like ewwww romance! which i don't know anyone particular like that its not overwhelming that it becomes all that the book is about. So best of both worlds!

So moving on to the characters...

Our lead lady Lucy: She has lost both her parents and wants to return the only family she has left, which is her gifted family from the circus. Lucy is an interesting and sort of off-beat heroine that honestly kept me guessing. Sometimes i was expecting her to be this not helpless but sort of helpless heroine but man did she prove me wrong. One can be sort of shy and still be a total badass. And she is the BEST KIND OF BADASS! What do i mean by that you ask? Well she is logical, she thinks things through and tries to see all possible views but when it comes down to it sometimes her choices go a little more to the heart...i guess that is one thing i wish i could have had a little more of which was heart but i think that we will crack her throughout the series and she will become super emotional and i will love it. I am not saying she is like a robot because she isn't she is caring, loyal, a smartass which i love! She really can handle her own, and she is modest too which is another thing that i totally love about her. A lot of times it seems to be if you get a badass heroine she is always full of herself, and isn't afraid to be like fuck yeah, but its nice to have a heroine that is more human. I mean we all have insecurities, i know i do, and i pretty sure you do to even if you don't want to admit it, and you know what so does Lucy which makes me love her as a character. Its because she can be logical, she can be a badass but still have heart and still be modest and like a normal person....is so easy to connect to.

Gabriel: One of our main men...he is...well he is...hmm...an asshole? so therefore by default for some horribly odd reason i love him? i don't know why i always fall for the asshole in books but i do. He is annoying, and full of himself, he is just UGH! and he pushes the mystery thing hard at first which is frustrating which all these things make me love him more and more. Even better yet you can see even though he is a "loner" he starts to open up around Lucy and i don't want to reveal to much about anything, but honestly she helps him grow as a character and i was finding myself as much as i wanted to keep him at arm's length because of a different character i will get to in a moment. Anyways he was a well rounded character and just full of surprises this one.

Keegan: our other main man he is also a firestarter like Lucy. He is sweet and adorable. He really is a caring guy that is a little on the shy side which is nice to see from a male main character because you don't get a whole lot of those... or maybe its just the books i read which is probably the case...i don't know...anyways...moving on. He i don't think is as well developed as Gabe but honestly he had his only personality so i am not upset by it at all, and like i said first in a series so we have time.

Side characters and there were a lot: We have: Delia (new best friend and roommate - Runner), Bianca and Brooklyn (a couple), Nickolas (another firestarter), Fin, Sheffield (bossman), and there were a few others that you don't really need to worry about, but these cats were the most used and i really liked that they had there own personalities and features, though the couple Bianca and Brooklyn they were different i got a little confused sometimes on who was who just i think it was the B names....when couples have the same first letter names it always just messes with me... anyways i they were a good support and they are loyal. I really think that they add more to the story verses taking away from it, or anything like that.

So the ending which i know everyone wants to know is it a cliffhanger? NOPE. Thank you Liz Long for that but curse you for making me want the second one right now!!! seriously i wants it! now! please? ahhh welll anyways... its super good to the point that i want the next one!

Okay so my last piece of advice: SERIOUSLY GO BUY THIS BOOK AND READ IT, READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT.... OKAY thats alll....well not quite....

Hi there! i am that super annoying person that is going to push there blog at you! hey now! calm down at least i am doing it at the end of my review... so if you enjoyed my so very interesting review on this AMAZING book! you can check out other books that i loved, liked, hated... and loved to hate... here's the link...i hope you enjoy! http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...

Soo....go read the damn book already!(less)

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Jul 20, 2012 Mandy (I read Indie) Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lucy has now lost both her mother and her father so she is running away to the circus. The Donovan Circus is full of Gifted people and Lucy feels that may be the only place she will truly belong. With the gift of being a Firestarter, it may be a little harder fitting in, especially being a female Firestarter, which is rare. Returning to the circus life is anything but easy though. She must earn the trust of the other members and work her way up. Thankfully she is not the only new person starting...more Lucy has now lost both her mother and her father so she is running away to the circus. The Donovan Circus is full of Gifted people and Lucy feels that may be the only place she will truly belong. With the gift of being a Firestarter, it may be a little harder fitting in, especially being a female Firestarter, which is rare. Returning to the circus life is anything but easy though. She must earn the trust of the other members and work her way up. Thankfully she is not the only new person starting. Gabriel is the new guy, but he isn’t keen on sharing his life’s history or his Gift. In fact he is kind of a jackass.

Not long after arriving there is a murder within the troupe. Of course suspicion is zeroed in on Lucy due to her talent and the lack of trust others have in her. Now Lucy has to do all that she can to clear her name and find the killer. Why is the killer setting her up? And could it really be one of the circus’ own doing the killing? Gabriel and Lucy will work together to end the mystery and find out who is behind the murders.

I loved the whole idea of the circus being run by a bunch of Gifted people. People with talents such as starting fire out of thin air and becoming engulfed in it. Talents that may include being able to transport from one area to another. Even a talent of being unbreakable. How cool is that? Haven't you always wondered how that Magician could make his assistant disappear and reappear somewhere else? Well Liz gives us a totally different take on circus life and the people who run the show.

Gifted had me intrigued from the beginning and I found it hard putting it down. Finding time to read while tile work is being done in the house? That is not so easy. So I didn’t get to invest the amount of time I wanted to while reading it. But it was still so good and very entertaining. The mystery had me guessing the entire time; who was the killer? Was it someone I already encountered in the book? *Cue music* Dun Dun Dunnnnn!

I enjoyed all the characters…especially Delia. I could just picture her talking and trying to get all her American words right with a hint of her Greek accent. I did find there were quite a few characters to keep up with though. And that became a little confusing at times trying to sort them all out. Now let’s talk about Gabriel and Keegan. Hello cuties! I despised Gabriel and had my heart set on Keegan. But after some time, I gradually began leaning more towards Gabriel.

Liz did not only a fabulous job writing a story that keeps you on your toes…but with some great characters added in…she has herself one heck of a read! Love a suspenseful, mysterious read? Gifted is just the book for you.(less)

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May 08, 2012 Heather ShoeGirl rated it 4 of 5 stars

**WIN a kindle copy of Gifted!**

Hmmmm, where to begin? I received an email from Liz Long, wondering if I would want to review her book, Gifted. After checking it out, I said sure! Looked like it could be good. While I'm NOT a fan of circuses (my mom said I FREAKED at the circus as a kid when I saw the clowns...maybe that's why I'm not a fan), the different atmosphere was a very nice change from the dark/woodsy type settings in a lot of YA novels lately.

After her parents pass away, Lucy goes bac...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Jennifer Bielman (Reading and Writing UF and PNR) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, self-published, young-adult, fantasy, reviewed

From http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....

At a Glance
I had so much fun reading this book. It got better and better with each page. Gifted has an original concept that makes you sit up and take notice.

The Good
Here's the Story...
Lucy is finally home. Going back to the circus after the death of both her parents seems like the perfect idea. It's a place where she can be herself once again. No more hiding her fiery gift. She will finally fit in among people like her, the gifted. Just as her life...more

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May 13, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Overview:
Lucy Sullivan was special. "Gifted". She possessed the supernatural ability to create and control fire. She spent the first several years of her life as part of The Donovon Circus, alongside her parents. Lucy's father was delighted that his daughter had inherited had inherited his gift of of being a Firestarter. He even said that his proudest moment was when Lucy, as a toddler, first discovered her gift by burning up the sofa. When Lucy was 12, however, her parents decided to retire fro...more Overview:
Lucy Sullivan was special. "Gifted". She possessed the supernatural ability to create and control fire. She spent the first several years of her life as part of The Donovon Circus, alongside her parents. Lucy's father was delighted that his daughter had inherited had inherited his gift of of being a Firestarter. He even said that his proudest moment was when Lucy, as a toddler, first discovered her gift by burning up the sofa. When Lucy was 12, however, her parents decided to retire from the circus, mainly due to her mother's desire to live a normal life among regular humans. Wanting to have a normal life was understandable, though at times quite challenging for an exceptional girl to be "normal". But what came as strange was that it wasn't long after leaving the circus that Lucy's father forbade her from ever practicing her gift, even in private, or ever having anything to do with the circus.
After the deaths of both her father and then her mother, Lucy decides to rejoin the circus, to both embark on something new on her own, and for a taste of the home she once knew and longed for. A place where she could be herself.
Rejoining the circus kicked off with a flurry of activity -- much had changed since she was a child, and the days seemed to go nonstop. But Lucy quickly relearned the ropes and fell in with a group of friends, each with their own unique abilities. From her speedster roommate, to telepaths, shape-shifters, and and fellow firestarters, and a few with more mysterious gifts, Lucy began to feel at home with her new family.
But things soon begin to change as several unexpected events shake the circus. When a fellow circus member turns up dead, the prime suspect is Lucy. Desperate to clear her name and return things to how they were, Lucy starts to dig deep into the past and secrets of the circus. The lines between friend and foe begin to blur, and the things she uncovers could change everything....

My thoughts on "Gifted":

This book was an absolutely enjoyable read. It had intriguing characters that were well developed, It moved at a great pace, kept me in suspense, and made me want to keep reading long past my bedtime.

It had the three main things I look for in picking a good book:
1) Good cover. Lets be honest, if I am not already familiar with a book, it is the cover that makes me pick it up off the shelf and read the back. Yes, I judge a book by it's cover! This one really drew me in and made me want to know more about it.
2) Interesting from page one. Ugh! I can't stand it when people say "Oh, the first few chapters of such-and-such book are pretty slow, but it will pick up about half way through." Seriously? If I'm bored in your first chapter i'm not going to move on to chapter 2. Gifted was great. From the first pages I was instantly pulled in, I knew who the main characters were, and had a general idea of where the book would go. Simple, but it seems like more authors need to be taking notes on this from Ms. Long!
3) Well developed plot. Again, seems like a no-brainer, but I've been disappointed on this too many times. Not with Gifted! This story was thought through from start to finish and progressed extremely well. No needless filler. No excruciatingly long stretches of describing scenery that we don't care about, No pointless rabbit-trails.
4) Well developed characters. I really felt like I knew the characters! They were deep, and complex. I could laugh with them and cry with them. Whether or not I was crazy about the characters themselves, I felt that I could like or dislike them because I knew them well and could judge accordingly. If I lived in the world of Donovon Circus I would probably be good friends with Delia, I would avoid Angel and Gabriel because they would creep me out, and would most likely have a crush on Keegan if I weren't married :)
At bit on the main character.... I loved Lucy. Unless I hated her. Let me explain: She was Smart, witty, and fun, with a seriously cool gift and fiery red hair to boot. She worked hard and excelled highly in her gift. I wanted to be her BFF. But she also couldn't make a firm decision on her own and was totally fickle as she played with boys hearts while they played equally with hers. She was oblivious. I wanted to punch her. But she also kicked butt, which pretty much rocked.

For me, this book was all my favorites wrapped up into one. A little bit of The Night Circus, Water for Elephants, X-Men, and a whole lot of the TV series Heroes. Similarities can be a good or bad thing. You want it to have enough familiarity to have a frame of reference to put it into. But you want to be able to look at a piece of literature for itself, not be comparing it to something else, thinking things like "oh, so that person is just like Peter Petrelli, and this other one is just like Syler".

All in all, I really enjoyed reading Gifted and will definitely recommend it to my friends :) Any plans for a sequel? I'd read it.
(less)

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Jul 30, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my first time picking up a book centered around a circus theme. They say there’s a first time for everything and this book definitely started things off on the right note! Could there be more circus themed books in this book readers future? Most likely!

I really enjoyed the read. The Donovan Circus and the ever so intriguing group of gifted characters within it definitely made for an interesting read. The book starts off quick. It puts the reader right into the action head on, and throws...more

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May 12, 2013 Anita rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books-i-own, young-adult-paranormal, young-adult, didn-t-like-much

This is a YA paranormal mystery/romance. The reason this book didn't get a better rating was the heroine's voice. I felt I was listening to the author telling me how to behave properly in stressful situations, rather than hearing the heroine's own voice in those stressful situations. The book's premise was great, but I just never felt connected to the characters. It also didn't help that one character who reasonably should have died somehow was all better all the sudden right at the end of the b...more

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May 21, 2012 Monica rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for my promise to write a review or it, so here goes!
I enjoyed this story and the setting in the circus world, but with superpowers. It's a world I would go back to and read more about. Overall the characters were nice, the only thing that bothered me was the sensation that I kept waiting for the main character to FEEL about something. We go into the story with her mom being dead only two weeks, and it's like it never bothers her....more

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May 22, 2012 Allie Brennan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: summer-of-indie

Lucy Sullivan is gifted, and after the death of her parents she returns to the Donovan Circus. There she hopes to find a new home and have a safe place to showcase her talent as a Firestarter, but trouble follows Lucy to the circus when a troupe member turns up dead and all eye’s are on the ‘new girl’. Lucy must learn to trust herself and her new friends in order to clear her name. As she struggles to learn the truth, she ends up uncovering secrets from her own past.

I originally gave this debut...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Deana rated it 4 of 5 stars

After losing both of her parents Lucy seeks refuge in the Donovan Family Circus, surrounded by people who are gifted like she is. The story includes telepaths, transporters, runners, shapeshifters, empaths and like Lucy, fire starters and a peppering of nerdy references which I totally loved. As Lucy begins her new life in the circus, tragedy strikes. One of the gifted is murdered and all eyes turn to her. Lucy sets out to clear her name and in doing so she discovers how amazing her gift truly i...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Red rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I started Gifted, I struggled to get hooked. There wasn't that attention grabber in the first few pages that I usually look for--but I kept reading. Some of the dialogue was a tad stiff and seemed awkward and I wondered if I would leave the book unfinished. I was about a third of the way through the book when it all came together for me.

The characters were very well developed throughout the novel and there weren't huge info-dumps. Instead, I learned something new about each of the character...more

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May 03, 2013 Tara rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 10, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, new-adult, kindle, for-review

I've realized something as I look at my Goodreads stats for the year so far. I'm getting pickier and pickier in my reviews. My good 'ole favorite authors are only scoring 3 star reviews from me. I've only handed out a few 5 star reviews. But I've gotten very lucky with the self-pub books I've read so far this year. And it's not that I'm necessarily easier on these new authors. It's just that they've done a fantastic job using their original ideas to build their worlds and characters. No longer a...more I've realized something as I look at my Goodreads stats for the year so far. I'm getting pickier and pickier in my reviews. My good 'ole favorite authors are only scoring 3 star reviews from me. I've only handed out a few 5 star reviews. But I've gotten very lucky with the self-pub books I've read so far this year. And it's not that I'm necessarily easier on these new authors. It's just that they've done a fantastic job using their original ideas to build their worlds and characters. No longer am I tripping over typos and grammar errors!

Liz Long's Gifted was a complete surprise for me! I received this book in return for my honest review. As a self-pub, I wasn't really expecting much.

I'm not a fan of the circus... there I said it!

They creep me out. But Ms. Long's book was so easy for me to get into and stay engaged in, I found it extremely hard to put down! I kept wondering what was going to happen next. I can remember only two times there were actual spots where I felt like I could comfortably put the book down and stop reading.

Lucy has just lost her mother and she goes to re-join the circus. When she arrives, she's very nervous because she was last there as a child with her family but they left the circus to have a normal, "human" life. A lot has changed since then. The owner of the circus, Mr. Sheffield Donovan, pairs Lucy up with a girl named Delia who introduces Lucy (and the reader) to the circus. The circus has become the place where the "gifted" can come, live and be themselves; not have to hide their gifts.

MANY reviewers have said this book is like the X-Men meets the circus ~ that is so true! It's that kind of fun. And I never knew how much I loved murder mysteries! I mean, I've read J.D. Robb but it's been a while. Gifted had a great murder mystery plot that had me guessing players all the way until the near end.

And, yup, there's a love triangle. I personally LOVE Gabriel for his incessant pushing of Lucy to loosen up and to let go of her feelings. These two have some fun dialogue and I love the way Lucy can hold her own and doesn't act the way you expect her to. All I'll say is that there's a reason for Lucy's reactions. If you want the answer to that after you read the book (and you SHOULD read this book if you're looking for a fun urban fantasy that geared towards the older young adults), then go over to Liz Long's blog post about it and read her answer why. (less)

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Dec 01, 2012 Liz at Fictional Candy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: circus, paranormal, power

I’ve only read a few circus themed books, and I am really digging the circus theme in general. Inside lies so much potential for an exciting and unique story. Gifted by Liz Long definitely hits the mark. Gifted is the story of Lucy, a firestarter. She is much more talented than her peers, having developed the ability as a toddler rather than a teen. She is able to do things they can’t even dream of doing, and that makes her a target. And now it seems, someone wants her to be the accused. People...more I’ve only read a few circus themed books, and I am really digging the circus theme in general. Inside lies so much potential for an exciting and unique story. Gifted by Liz Long definitely hits the mark. Gifted is the story of Lucy, a firestarter. She is much more talented than her peers, having developed the ability as a toddler rather than a teen. She is able to do things they can’t even dream of doing, and that makes her a target. And now it seems, someone wants her to be the accused. People are dying in horrific ways, and all signs point to Lucy.

This story really grabbed me right from the beginning and held on tight the whole way through. It was so interesting to learn about all the differently gifted people working at the Donovan Circus, and how they interacted with each other. Lucy has just rejoined the circus after a death in the family has left her pretty much alone, so she returns to the only home she really knows.

Knowing there were going to be murders in this story, every new character I met was put under my microscope. Could they be the suspect? What is their motive? How would/did they do it? That was a lot of fun for me, because once I thought I had it figured out I would read something that would lead me in a different direction.

Just like any circus, things aren’t always what they seem. And some secrets go back very far. And I kept hoping that it wouldn’t be Lucy’s love interest, Keegan. Keegan is a firestarter too, and I just really liked him. So the whole way through I was rooting for him to be a good guy. Same with one of the other firestarters, Nikolas. I just really liked the both of them.

Honestly, I liked almost all of the characters. Brooklyn was another who made it to the top of my list, I’d love to read more about her. And lets not forget Sheffield, Delia, and Gabriel. All of them were just a real treat to learn about and get to know.

This book had a lot of dialogue driven chapters. There is definitely a lot of discussion. You learn a lot about the characters, the circus and its past, and what is going on now with the murders. After all was said and done, I couldn’t decide which gift I wanted more, and I was ready to run away to join the circus myself. (less)

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Jun 06, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

What immediately struck me about this book was the way the author, Liz Long, appears to know the world and characters she's writing inside and out. Reading about this circus of "gifted" folks - their struggles and triumphs, their basic mythology - I had the sense of a complete world, and when it comes to fantasy, I feel a lack of fuzzy logic is important. I need to understand the universe I'm reading, and I definitely did with the Donovan Circus.

As an extension of that solidity, I felt I knew Lu...more

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May 15, 2013 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I liked the idea of this book a lot. The execution though...I got really frustrated with Lucy and wanted to scream at her numerous times. She is supposed to be so strong, yet she is incredibly weak in a lot of ways. She cannot show emotions or handle them and sees being emotional at all as a weakness when really...it is not. (view spoiler)...more

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Nov 01, 2012 Judy Goodwin rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable read. Liz Long has created a very likeable character in Lucy, a firestarter trying to reconnect with own kind those Gifted with special abilities. The book was fast-paced and fun with just enough romance to keep things interesting. Though the setting is in a circus, we actually don't get to see a lot of acts, which hopefully will be featured more in future books. This was more like an introduction to the world and characters. I particularly liked the characters and the...more

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Aug 23, 2012 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Liz Long’s Gifted: A Donovan Circus Novel is the story of Lucy Sullivan, who is coping with the recent loss of her parents. Before their deaths, they left the circus to live a normal life. With no one to turn to, Lucy is feeling alone and distant from the outside walls of the circus. She decides to contact the Ringmaster to join the circus and return to a place where she feels comfortable, accepted, and understood.

The story pulls a twists on the whole circus scene as the performers in the Donova...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Veronica Morfi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

Lucy is gifted, like so many others in the world with a special power, hers is fire. Lucy is a firestarter, someone who can create and control fire. Soon after the death of both her parents she decides it's time to return to the place she spent part of her childhood, the Donovan Circus. There gifted people, mixed with a few actual humans, put on an amazing show to entertain the masses. Lucy will make new friends and start to feel like she belongs again, but before the good feeling can sink in so...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-lending, kindle-books

This is the third book I have read that involved a circus of some form or another and really, I don't know why I don't read more of them. I have loved every single one of them.

And while they have all been different reads, they have all been just as fabulous and unique as this one was.

I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect in this novel. The characters, the family feel of the circus, the mystery behind the deaths, the details. Everything was just very well done.

I am so sorry it has taken me so l...more

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May 29, 2012 Bookish♥Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-read, read-in-2012

♥ Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah

- - -

Gifted is the story of 23-year-old Lucy Sullivan. After the death of both of her parents, Lucy makes her way back to the only family she has left - the Gifted folks of Donovan Circus. Lucy was raised in the circus until her parents decided to leave so that Lucy could live a “normal” life.

As a Firestarter, someone who can create and control fire, Lucy has never felt like she could be her true self outside of the circus. It's a constant...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-adult

Before I get into my review of GIFTED, I have to mention the cover. What a gorgeous piece of art. The colors, the representation of fire...it's perfect and absolutely played a hand in my accepting this book for review.

So what did I think about GIFTED? I found it to be a well-written, funny, and tense story with a killer cast of characters. The story begins with Lucy Sullivan rejoining the circus she lived with as a child. Lucy wants to rejoin the Donovan Circus with as little attention as possi...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Clover rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lucy is a Firestarter. She can create, manipulate and direct fire. When her parents die, she joins the Donovan Circus in the hopes of finding a surrogate family. Everybody in the circus is Gifted – there are other Firestarters, Telepaths, Shapeshifters, Earthshakers, Levitators, etc. They perform for human audiences, passing off their abilities as illusions.
Lucy quickly attracts the attention of total sweetheart Keegan and charismatic jerk Gabriel.
The sharp-edged banter between Lucy and Gabrie...more

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May 22, 2013 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

I have such a weakness for YA novels. This one is a particularly interesting concept (who doesn't want to be "gifted"?) but is poorly written and ultimately very unbelievable. Trying too hard to tie in with existing supernatural comics and stories, and highly emotional (oh I'm such a girl, I'm so hormonal and transparent but so, so, so closed off) it was a quick read, but ultimately disappointing.

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About Liz Long

Liz Long is lucky enough to have a dream career in magazine publishing as an editor and writer, yet still have time to create adventures on the side. If you catch her staring off into space or talking to herself, don’t worry – it’s just her imagination at work.

Liz graduated from Longwood University with a BA in English, though her professors might be disappointed to hear she reads more fantasy fic...more

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