Release Date: 03/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
Everyone in the Gifted class has a secret, but Carter Street is the most mysterious student of all. He never speaks, and no one knows who he is or where he came from; they just know that like them, he's special. But there's something going on behind Carter's blank stare - something dangerous.
REVIEW:
Each Gifted title follows a separate hero and brings their story to the fore, but what Marilyn does is keep them cohesive by placing all the characters in the same class at school. This allows each character to step up when their time comes but also allows them to play a role in each other’s tales.
What makes this series is not so much the superhero aspect but that the author passes the underlying message onto the reader. The message that no matter how different you are everything is within your power to make a difference and that everyone is special. It’s a journey of discovery, it’s a journey that each must take and it’s a journey where personal enlightenment is often the goal at the end. Beautifully written, great pace and encouraging for all, this series is one that really should be enjoyed by readers.
BOOK BLURB:
Dead people don't make great companions, something cute, athletic Ken finds out the hard way when, following an accident on the football field, he starts hearing ghostly voices. It's not the kind of gift he would have asked for - especially when it gets him involved in a love triangle with his dead best friend's girlfriend - but there's nothing he can do about it, until an anonymous note invites him to a seance. Completely convinced by the medium he meets, Ken tries to tell her about his secret. Only his gifted classmates can save him from revealing the truth - and finding himself in terrible danger...
REVIEW:
Having started Marilyn’s writing after a couple of these titles had been out for a bit I did wonder if it would be just a tale for the younger female audience. What unfurls within will win readers of both genders as the author has a good grasp of creating realistic characters that whilst struggling with their own unique gifts find ways to help others alongside forging friendships. This offering is perhaps the strangest and perhaps best to date as we follow the tale of a boy who can speak with the dead.
Add a descent story arc, a selfish character or two and you know that theres something for every young reader to get from this offering as the author promotes self sacrifice, friendship and other positive attributes. A great thing to do in this modern age and one that will definitely appeal to many as we’re all pretty unique in this world.
Release Date: 03/09/10
