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The ARC #2
Talented
Seventeen-year-old Elle Winters gave up everything for one shot at saving her closest friend. But though she may have escaped the ARC and found her way to the surface, Elle is no closer to finding Sebastian and stranded in a world where she doesn’t belong.
This new society with its extraordinary inhabitants seems perfect, but is it more deadly than the one she left behind? Secrets and lies lurk just below Hope City’s shiny exterior and it’s impossible to tell what is real and who can be trusted. Will Elle be able to uncover the truth and find Sebastian, or has she already made a fatal mistake?
(This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN:B00UGL7DMQ)
This new society with its extraordinary inhabitants seems perfect, but is it more deadly than the one she left behind? Secrets and lies lurk just below Hope City’s shiny exterior and it’s impossible to tell what is real and who can be trusted. Will Elle be able to uncover the truth and find Sebastian, or has she already made a fatal mistake?
(This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN:B00UGL7DMQ)
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2015
310 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Moody
28 books2,667 followersAlexandra Moody is an Australian author who writes romance novels for young adults. She lives in Adelaide with her husband, three children and naughty dog. When she’s not busy writing, you’ll find her reading or spending time with her family. She loves to travel, is addicted to caffeine and has a love/hate relationship with the gym.
For more information, visit: www.alexandramoody.com
or follow Alexandra on Instagram or TikTok: @amoodyauthor
For more information, visit: www.alexandramoody.com
or follow Alexandra on Instagram or TikTok: @amoodyauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 28, 2020
Good
I liked this one better than the first in the series. Lots of plot twists and switches. Also, a lot more to find out in the next book.
I liked this one better than the first in the series. Lots of plot twists and switches. Also, a lot more to find out in the next book.
February 11, 2021
3.5 stars
Talented was a good sequel to Tainted, I quite enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't amazing though, there were some parts I wanted to roll my eyes at. Let's start with the things I liked :)
The new world above ground Elle is thrown into was interesting and well developed. I liked learning about the system and the structures and also getting to know the new characters.
Also, Elle never got distracted from her goal, which is to find her friend Sebastian.
But on the other hand I had some problems with Elle, or more precisely pretty much all the characters, being a bit cliché. Elle is your typical ya MC who gets thrown into a new situation. Hunter is the good looking guy everybody warns her about, but yet she feels drawn to him.
Also some scenes felt like something I've read a hundred times already.
Still I liked the direction this book took, it was nice to read a typical dystopia again with a society divided into several parts/classes and the MC slowly finding out about everything that's going on. I also quite enjoyed the ending, because it answered some questions and the book itself came to an end (meaning the 'problem' of the book was solved), but it ended on an awful cliffhanger that already gave a small hint about what the next book is going to be about.
The writing was easy to follow, the book was fast paced but didn't feel rushed, it managed to keep me interested and entertained and even though it wasn't super original or amazing, I liked it enough to mark the next book in the series as tbr! Recommended if you like ya dystopia and don't expect too much.
Talented was a good sequel to Tainted, I quite enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't amazing though, there were some parts I wanted to roll my eyes at. Let's start with the things I liked :)
The new world above ground Elle is thrown into was interesting and well developed. I liked learning about the system and the structures and also getting to know the new characters.
Also, Elle never got distracted from her goal, which is to find her friend Sebastian.
But on the other hand I had some problems with Elle, or more precisely pretty much all the characters, being a bit cliché. Elle is your typical ya MC who gets thrown into a new situation. Hunter is the good looking guy everybody warns her about, but yet she feels drawn to him.
Also some scenes felt like something I've read a hundred times already.
Still I liked the direction this book took, it was nice to read a typical dystopia again with a society divided into several parts/classes and the MC slowly finding out about everything that's going on. I also quite enjoyed the ending, because it answered some questions and the book itself came to an end (meaning the 'problem' of the book was solved), but it ended on an awful cliffhanger that already gave a small hint about what the next book is going to be about.
The writing was easy to follow, the book was fast paced but didn't feel rushed, it managed to keep me interested and entertained and even though it wasn't super original or amazing, I liked it enough to mark the next book in the series as tbr! Recommended if you like ya dystopia and don't expect too much.
April 10, 2015
This is a quick and exciting read that left me craving the next instalment in the series for even more reasons than the first book did.
The search for Sebastian continues in Talented and I loved this sequel. It was impossible to predict where the story was going to go at the end of Tainted, book 1, and the new book does not disappoint. It introduces another unique new world and there are plenty of twists and turns on Elle's journey as she tries to adapt to life on the surface.
I also really liked the new characters and can't wait to hear more about their backstories in the next book, and find out what happens to them. Elle is the same character I learned to love in the first book, a reluctant heroine who is just desperate to find her friend despite ever more challenging circumstances being laid before her.
I flew through Talented, just like I did with Tainted, and can't wait to read the next in the series. Keep them coming!
The search for Sebastian continues in Talented and I loved this sequel. It was impossible to predict where the story was going to go at the end of Tainted, book 1, and the new book does not disappoint. It introduces another unique new world and there are plenty of twists and turns on Elle's journey as she tries to adapt to life on the surface.
I also really liked the new characters and can't wait to hear more about their backstories in the next book, and find out what happens to them. Elle is the same character I learned to love in the first book, a reluctant heroine who is just desperate to find her friend despite ever more challenging circumstances being laid before her.
I flew through Talented, just like I did with Tainted, and can't wait to read the next in the series. Keep them coming!
December 28, 2017
Ok...
First I want to say that I'm still intrigued by this series. I'm drawn to dystopia and this is definitely dystopia meets X-Men, which I tend to enjoy. The sheer mystery of this strange world and all of its secrets keeps me interested.
It's the characters that drive me insane. After reading the first book in the ARC series, I had hoped that Elle would show a bit more growth. She was so annoying in the first book that I had been on the fence as to whether I should continue the series. She seemed so whiny and selfish in the first installment, and unfortunately that hasn't changed all that much in the second. It's just very hard for me to connect with her character. For someone like me who is mostly drawn to character-driven stories, this is a huge problem that I'm having a hard time getting past.
In addition to being whiny and selfish, Elle is just plain stupid and a bit of a snob. She has a "whatever" type personality that grates on me. If someone doesn't like her, she's quick to find fault with that person rather than take a moment to consider that it might just be herself that is the problem. You'd think that seeing her best friend April (now Beth) after traumatically having her ripped away and trying to effectively reconnect with her would be a central motivator for Elle. But nope. "Whatever," says Elle.
As for her relationships with other characters, it's pretty much the Elle show. Lara is her first real friend on the surface, and she not only takes her for granted but also doesn't seem all that concerned that her friend--who didn't seem to want to be recruited--would willingly surrender to them in order to keep Elle and Hunter safe. I don't much buy the "she had her reasons" excuse from Hunter. Even so, Elle should show more concern for her friend.
As for Hunter, I personally love him. He seems to be the one character with any depth. He seems to care a lot for Elle, and will do whatever it takes to protect her. And she, of course, takes that for granted as well. "Whatever," says Elle as she continues her quest to find her beloved Sebastian--who honestly isn't all that keen to be rescued when all is said and done.
As for the plot, it's mostly ok except for a few glaring holes that I had hoped would be filled in by the time Book 2 ended--some of which have been widening since Book 1. For instance, Ryan, who appears only briefly in Book 2, and even that is debatable. Why is he there? What is his deal? Is he a double agent? Even if the author doesn't want to give it all away in one fell swoop, there should be more hints scattered throughout the entire story.
The whole issue with her former roommate/guardian is also something that isn't discussed in Book 2. Though she seemed to have so many secrets in the first book, Elle has seemingly forgotten all about them. For instance, why was she so frightened about her testing? What had she been potentially planning? What did she know that Elle and Sebastian didn't?Even a little consideration for this might serve Elle well. Again, "whatever," says Elle.
Still, the mystery of everything kept me turning the pages. I feel that if the author had fleshed things out a bit more and revealed a few more secrets, the book wouldn't have left me as unsatisfied as it did. I'd also like to see some growth where it comes to Elle--deeper thought into her own motivations and her relationships with other characters that doesn't revolve solely around herself. My hope for her is dwindling. I'm more interested in seeing what happened to Lara and Hunter, which is why I will continue despite my dislike of the main character.
First I want to say that I'm still intrigued by this series. I'm drawn to dystopia and this is definitely dystopia meets X-Men, which I tend to enjoy. The sheer mystery of this strange world and all of its secrets keeps me interested.
It's the characters that drive me insane. After reading the first book in the ARC series, I had hoped that Elle would show a bit more growth. She was so annoying in the first book that I had been on the fence as to whether I should continue the series. She seemed so whiny and selfish in the first installment, and unfortunately that hasn't changed all that much in the second. It's just very hard for me to connect with her character. For someone like me who is mostly drawn to character-driven stories, this is a huge problem that I'm having a hard time getting past.
In addition to being whiny and selfish, Elle is just plain stupid and a bit of a snob. She has a "whatever" type personality that grates on me. If someone doesn't like her, she's quick to find fault with that person rather than take a moment to consider that it might just be herself that is the problem. You'd think that seeing her best friend April (now Beth) after traumatically having her ripped away and trying to effectively reconnect with her would be a central motivator for Elle. But nope. "Whatever," says Elle.
As for her relationships with other characters, it's pretty much the Elle show. Lara is her first real friend on the surface, and she not only takes her for granted but also doesn't seem all that concerned that her friend--who didn't seem to want to be recruited--would willingly surrender to them in order to keep Elle and Hunter safe. I don't much buy the "she had her reasons" excuse from Hunter. Even so, Elle should show more concern for her friend.
As for Hunter, I personally love him. He seems to be the one character with any depth. He seems to care a lot for Elle, and will do whatever it takes to protect her. And she, of course, takes that for granted as well. "Whatever," says Elle as she continues her quest to find her beloved Sebastian--who honestly isn't all that keen to be rescued when all is said and done.
As for the plot, it's mostly ok except for a few glaring holes that I had hoped would be filled in by the time Book 2 ended--some of which have been widening since Book 1. For instance, Ryan, who appears only briefly in Book 2, and even that is debatable. Why is he there? What is his deal? Is he a double agent? Even if the author doesn't want to give it all away in one fell swoop, there should be more hints scattered throughout the entire story.
The whole issue with her former roommate/guardian is also something that isn't discussed in Book 2. Though she seemed to have so many secrets in the first book, Elle has seemingly forgotten all about them. For instance, why was she so frightened about her testing? What had she been potentially planning? What did she know that Elle and Sebastian didn't?Even a little consideration for this might serve Elle well. Again, "whatever," says Elle.
Still, the mystery of everything kept me turning the pages. I feel that if the author had fleshed things out a bit more and revealed a few more secrets, the book wouldn't have left me as unsatisfied as it did. I'd also like to see some growth where it comes to Elle--deeper thought into her own motivations and her relationships with other characters that doesn't revolve solely around herself. My hope for her is dwindling. I'm more interested in seeing what happened to Lara and Hunter, which is why I will continue despite my dislike of the main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2015
I really like the story but it is really annoying and frustrating how short these books are and how long will the wait be for the next short book to be released... These are more like novellas than full blown novels.
January 17, 2019
In many ways I liked this sequel more than the first novel. The above-ground world of Hope City is intriguing and a fun world to read about, and Elle seems less scattered and more focused on a single goal (though that does have its annoyances when she becomes a broken record about it). This would have been a four-star read for me, if it wasn't for the fact that there were too many things that had me scratching my head. The dynamics of East Hope were ambiguous and confusing. For example, it was never clear as to the difference between the untalented and talentless. At what point does an untalent get declared 'talentless' and get moved to West Hope?
There are also dozens of other unanswered questions. I.e. Why is there such a lack of adult presence in this book? What's the deal with April/Beth? Why does Elle's foster mother get a super posh, awesome apartment while Hunter lives in squalor? Does she have a talent? If she does have a talent, why don't we ever see it? And if she doesn't have a talent, why isn't she forced to live in West Hope like the others?
Given that there’s still unfinished business from book 1, I’m starting to feel cheated. I feel like I'm watching one of those bad soaps where the writers keep coming up with cool teases to keep viewers interested, but they pretend like those plot lines never existed when they realize later they've written themselves into a corner.
There's a difference between a series leaving one or two unanswered questions in order to leave some cool revelations for the next book, or a series just stringing you along because the author doesn’t know herself where the novel is going. After reading two full books full of ambiguities and loose threads, I'm convinced that Moody’s series falls into the latter. For this reason, I won't be continuing the series. I’ve grown tired of being teased with a big fat carrot that I can never reach. Too bad, because Moody does create a compelling world--both below ground and above.
There are also dozens of other unanswered questions. I.e. Why is there such a lack of adult presence in this book? What's the deal with April/Beth? Why does Elle's foster mother get a super posh, awesome apartment while Hunter lives in squalor? Does she have a talent? If she does have a talent, why don't we ever see it? And if she doesn't have a talent, why isn't she forced to live in West Hope like the others?
Given that there’s still unfinished business from book 1, I’m starting to feel cheated. I feel like I'm watching one of those bad soaps where the writers keep coming up with cool teases to keep viewers interested, but they pretend like those plot lines never existed when they realize later they've written themselves into a corner.
There's a difference between a series leaving one or two unanswered questions in order to leave some cool revelations for the next book, or a series just stringing you along because the author doesn’t know herself where the novel is going. After reading two full books full of ambiguities and loose threads, I'm convinced that Moody’s series falls into the latter. For this reason, I won't be continuing the series. I’ve grown tired of being teased with a big fat carrot that I can never reach. Too bad, because Moody does create a compelling world--both below ground and above.
November 26, 2017
A very good book 2 of the 4 book series
I was pleasantly surprised to find book 2 was just as good as the first book. This series is not your typical cookie cutter redo of a cliche storyline. The writing was well thought out and very well edited.
SPOILER ALERT**
The one part of the book that bothered me a little is when Lara gave herself to the recruiters, then Elle and Sebastian got away and nothing else came from it. I would think the recruiters would've interrogated Lara to find out who the other two people with her were.
I was pleasantly surprised to find book 2 was just as good as the first book. This series is not your typical cookie cutter redo of a cliche storyline. The writing was well thought out and very well edited.
SPOILER ALERT**
The one part of the book that bothered me a little is when Lara gave herself to the recruiters, then Elle and Sebastian got away and nothing else came from it. I would think the recruiters would've interrogated Lara to find out who the other two people with her were.
December 2, 2018
A delicious "us vs them" take on a dystopian future. Elle Winters escapes her ARC only to discover that rules on the outside can be just as stifling as those on the inside. while attempting to locate her friend she encounters blocks and scares at every turn. Segregation is rampant and one person seems to hold control of the amazing new city in which she finds herself. There is more to it, of course, but.....give yourself a treat and check out this and its predecessor "Tainted" . I think you'll be glad you did.
August 12, 2022
Entertaining
My instincts were correct about this series. While the pacing was a bit off for the first book, the author gains quite a bit of traction for this book. Good character development. Although the main character does not think anything through often leading to messes for others to clean up. She's supposed to be intelligent but makes very questionable decisions for her own benefit. Usually the outcome is not favorable. I like the series and will read the third book. I would recommend this book.
My instincts were correct about this series. While the pacing was a bit off for the first book, the author gains quite a bit of traction for this book. Good character development. Although the main character does not think anything through often leading to messes for others to clean up. She's supposed to be intelligent but makes very questionable decisions for her own benefit. Usually the outcome is not favorable. I like the series and will read the third book. I would recommend this book.
July 31, 2019
The book takes off right where book one leaves off and continues to keep me interested in every scene. The author adds excitement and mystery to the second book that kept me interested all the way through to the epic ending that lead to me of course picking up the very next book! another five star book by Aexandra Moody. I will be a fan for life after picking up these first two books. Highly recommended to read the entire four book series.
November 18, 2019
Brilliant read. It was a very unpopular book so I had very low expectations but amazingly it was quite good. The whole thing about the talented is well thought out. Gonna give it a 4.5/5. Tbh this book kept me up till 3 am on a school night and I had a test the next day, but i do not regret sacrificing my sleep for this because honestly i started reading it and completed it in one sitting. It was beautifully written and love the storyline. Can't wait to see what happens next.
August 5, 2020
Talented, the second book in The ARC series, picks right up where the first book left off. You get to learn along with Elle about how things are on the surface and what she thought was tainted but actually is talented really means. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger and left me really wanting to know what happens in the third book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult dystopian.
July 9, 2018
This series is definitely improving on intenseness. I'm really curious about the next book in the series, however, at 61% was an "f" bomb. Just have to add this for my friends who trust my review. I give it three stars because of that only. I'm wondering why it slows in the middle in every book. I personally like the constant action, but that's me.
August 25, 2018
This book, to me, is an in between book of the series. It’s a great book but the story doesn’t stand alone. It leaves you with so many questions unanswered that you have no choice but to pick up book 3. That said, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the series and was happy to pick up book 3 and keep going with it!
February 9, 2019
I love the way the story continues and Elle finally sees that things weren't the way she had expected. And the hunt she goes on to track down her friend is suspenseful while also being kind of fun. And it's crazy how Elle turned out to be "different" because there isn't anything special about her. Such a difference from other books. Love it.
December 18, 2017
Couldn't put it down
Upon reading the book you can't wait to start getting some answers, but as you read only more and more questions arise. Yet again Moody has left me needing to know more! Very well written, excited to read the next book!
Upon reading the book you can't wait to start getting some answers, but as you read only more and more questions arise. Yet again Moody has left me needing to know more! Very well written, excited to read the next book!
January 21, 2018
Omg i cant stop reading..... Even this review is taking to long .....must continue 2 book 3😜
This book iz amazing starts off well and it dose not over explain book 1 . but the end is a cliffhanger, and I'm loosing my grip .. Sorry I gotta c what happens...
This book iz amazing starts off well and it dose not over explain book 1 . but the end is a cliffhanger, and I'm loosing my grip .. Sorry I gotta c what happens...
September 7, 2018
Much better than the first. Still could you some improvement exploring emotions. Also the authors idea of not giving away too much of the story is just to make the main character a total air head. She literally just states the obvious and it’s weird that anyone can stand her. There I said it.
December 6, 2021
It's honestly just an okay book. A lot of stuff isn't explained well, there are typos everywhere, the storytelling is weak. But I like the concept enough to keep reading. Set your expectations low and you'll have a good time.
March 23, 2025
I just can't read anymore
Its so slow and boring. I need action. I love a book that keeps me at the edge of my seat. It's a good story and I really tried to keep reading but I struggled coming back to this book. I even stopped reading. I just had to move on.
Its so slow and boring. I need action. I love a book that keeps me at the edge of my seat. It's a good story and I really tried to keep reading but I struggled coming back to this book. I even stopped reading. I just had to move on.
July 1, 2017
Enjoyed this second book in the series.
July 2, 2017
Unusual story
Well I got more info in this one it still a bit confused. Great characters and this story with keep you questioning what next? Got to see what happens.
Well I got more info in this one it still a bit confused. Great characters and this story with keep you questioning what next? Got to see what happens.
July 25, 2017
4+ Stars
Some mild, occasional language.
Some mild, occasional language.
May 8, 2018
Hard to put down!
So far this year this is one of the best series I’ve read! I love how hard it is to put theses books down!
So far this year this is one of the best series I’ve read! I love how hard it is to put theses books down!
July 9, 2018
Good Read
Pretty typical dystopian novel, good for young adults & adults whose like a good YA novel. Ok ending, but a little predictable.
Pretty typical dystopian novel, good for young adults & adults whose like a good YA novel. Ok ending, but a little predictable.
September 30, 2018
Heartbreaker
Oh man I am liking the new characters but my heart i breaking big time!!!!! A must read. This 2nd book has all my of ups n downs!
Oh man I am liking the new characters but my heart i breaking big time!!!!! A must read. This 2nd book has all my of ups n downs!
November 26, 2018
Really good book! A few inconcistancies but an amazing read.
August 4, 2022
Really good book! Elle faked being tainted in order to try to find Sebastian. But, she finds something totally unexpected. And…I won’t spoil anymore. This is a great read and I recommend it! 🙂
January 19, 2023
Preferred this book over the first one - it starts to really show the characters progression and the introduction of new characters who are relied upon later on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews