This book is difficult to review - what I would say is that the audio made this a lot easier to follow. The premise is about three siblings, Meredith, Arthur and Eilidh, who are talented, complex, privileged but failing at life because of the impossible standards they have set for themselves - probably as a result of the relationship they each have with their father. After their father dies, this all comes to a head. The pace of the book is almost tortoise-like; we are not just dealing with each characters' story but their most intimate inner thoughts (the audio here is very helpful because the moments of dripping sarcasm and dark humour and captured perfectly). You really need to sense the tone in this one and I feel without the audio behind it, most of that would be lost in translation if you are just reading the physical book. I know I would have struggled.

Gifted and Talented did require a lot of patience - it is not a book which makes things easy for you and you really have to pay attention if you are going to enjoy the reading experience. None of the characters are likeable, and I do not think they are meant to be. The book is definitely character driven, unravelling the lives of the mighty Wren siblings, powered by privilege, driven by ambition and ruled by deceit. Each character is dealing with its own crises, from corporate fraud, to political downfall to biblical plagues.

Gifted and Talented would do great as a movie adaptation due to the complexity of the dialogue and quirks of the characters. Each chapter jumps from each character and brings them together in scenes - almost like a play, so maybe it would fare well in the West End/Broadway. The writing itself is intellectual with biting humour and sharp wit. It is a 500 page book and every little detail has been fleshed out - often it feels sophisticated and others you are ready to hit pause and pick up a lighter/faster read. I felt once we got towards the last 10% the chapters definitely got shorter and the story moved very quickly.

I have found myself wondering if I would have read this book knowing what I do now, and I am glad I got through it. It is a very intelligent book, delving deep into elements of technology, philosophy, ethics and morality whilst assuming that readers will be sharp enough to keep up and because it is different to the easy breezy books that I enjoy/usually go for, the challenge of this one means I feel rewarded for finishing it and getting through. This one will not be for everyone though so treat it like marmite (you will either love it or hate it).

Arguably, one of Olivie Blake's best works but my favourite remains One For My Enemy, because of that (and maybe I am still confused as to what I made of this book) I have given it a 4 star - I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed the audio. The narrator did a brilliant job in expressing every satiric and dark emotion perfectly and staying consistent with the "voice" of each character, which made this an enjoyable read.

Thank you Netgalley, Macmillan UK Audio and Tor for the advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.

This was my second book by Olivie Blake and since Alone With You In The Ether was one of my favourite reads of last year I had to read this one too.

First of all, Olivie Blake’s writing style is unbelievably unique. I thought AWYITE was a special case in that matter but it wasn't. It was just a different kind of uniqueness but still, this book stands out compared to others, in all the best ways.

There is an unreliable narrator, as unreliable and unconventional as the writing style itself. Haven't had that in a while so it was refreshing and enjoyable.

The story itself was witty and funny. A little sad sometimes and also angry - as far as a story can be angry.

If you liked Olivie Blake before, you'll probably like this book of hers too. If you didn't but the concept speaks to you and you are open for a unique writing style (did I already mention that her writing style is unique?), I'd also say: give it a shot.

Unfortunately the narrator wasn't for me, but that's a me problem and if it's a you-problem as well, just pick up the physical copy (or the ebook).

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have come to the conclusion that Olivie Blake is not for me.

This story is about three rich siblings that have some kind of magic, arguing over who they think should takeover their dead dads company...and that's literally it. Now I listen to audiobooks at 3.5x speed and even then this book was ridiculously long and for no good reason. The characters were so unlikeable and unrelatable that I just wasn't invested in any of them.

On to the magic, it was rarely mentioned and not developed at all. It might as well not have been there for all the good it did for the plot.

Overall disappointed as I was looking forward to this.

A family feud meets corporate chaos in this magic-infused sibling rivalry, where telepathy, tech empires, and questionable life choices collide. Gifted & Talented is sharp, witty, and wildly ambitious—but the experience is a bit of a mixed bag.

✨ Three gifted siblings fighting for their father’s empire 💼 Corporate intrigue meets supernatural abilities 🎙️ A narration that’s doing it's best

The audiobook’s multi-narrator cast brings distinct voices to the Wren siblings, but the delivery can feel uneven. Some performances nail the tension and snark, while others struggle with pacing, making certain sections drag. The dry humour and layered conflicts try to shine but some of the nuance gets lost.

If you love dysfunctional families, morally grey characters, and tech-fuelled magic, this is an entertaining listen—just be prepared for a few bumps along the way!

I listened to this book during a family vacation, and it became a surprising part of our time away. I had it playing while I did things around the Airbnb, and before long, my husband was just as invested in the characters as I was - completely unexpectedly!

This is my second Olivie Blake novel. While the first one left me a bit confused, this book helped me better understand her style. Blake uses a light touch of fantasy, but the heart of her writing lies in the complex dynamics between her characters.

The magical element in this story is minimal, more of a backdrop than a driving force. At its core, the book is about three siblings, their partners, and friends as they navigate relationships, ambitions, and personal growth. It’s a story about striving to live authentically and connect with one another, despite past baggage and present conflicts.

My husband, from the snippets he caught, said it reminded him of Succession. I haven’t seen the show myself, but I’ve noticed others making that same comparison online—which makes sense, given the familial tension and power plays in the book.

The story was truly entertaining. I found myself rooting for the siblings, hoping they’d overcome their differences and find happiness. The narrative unfolds over just a few days, but thanks to well-placed flashbacks, you get a real sense of their history and emotional depth.

I do wish the magical abilities had been explored more, it felt like a missed opportunity. But perhaps that’s the point: even with special gifts, these characters still struggle to find meaning, connection, and happiness, something they only begin to confront through the events of the story.

The narrator was excellent, especially in bringing Meredith’s voice to life. She really captured the character’s tone and nuance.

Overall, this was an easy, engaging listen, exactly the kind of story you sometimes need to unwind and escape into.

This was a great read/listen! I really enjoyed the mix of family dysfunction and sci-fi elements. It felt like a mix of the The Umbrella Academy and Succession. The story centres on three siblings; Meredith, Arthur, and Eilidh. They are brought back together after the death of their billionaire father and now have to face off to determine which of them, will inherit the family empire.

The sci-fi angle is handled in a really cool way, each sibling possesses telepathic and electrokinetic abilities, which adds another layer of tension and complexity to their already fraught relationships. The sibling dynamics are sharp, dramatic, and emotionally charged. So full of rivalries, betrayals!
The audiobook was a great listen.

Gifted and Talented is precisely what you’d expect from Olivie Blake: sharp, unconventional, and infused with her signature blend of wit, existential dread, and deep emotional undercurrents.

Told through layered perspectives and inner monologues that teeter between brilliant and unhinged, the story peels back the glossy veneer of “gifted” education to reveal something far more human and messy underneath. It’s a biting, self-aware, and oddly addictive satire wrapped in angst, delivered with Blake’s usual flair for capturing the absurdities of intellect and identity.

Though brief, the story is densely packed with clever observations and emotional gut punches. It’s not plot-heavy, but it doesn’t need to be. The real power lies in the voice, the tone, and the characters’ slow unravelling.

If you enjoyed The Atlas Six or just love fiction that dissects the human condition with both elegance and edge, Gifted and Talented is a smart, incisive read.

I love Olivie Blakes writing. It is always so compelling and just sucks me into the Story immediatly.

I had such high hopes for this and while it was enjoyable enough, it sadly didn’t reach my expectations. This very much felt like a vibe driven book and although the vibes were great and I liked the characters, overall it unfortunately just didn’t do enough for me to feel entirely invested. I think I just wanted more from the relationships and plot, especially when it came to the powers the siblings had. I have a feeling a lot of people will love this book and I can totally see its merit but unfortunately it was a middle ground read for me. Enjoyable enough but not particularly outstanding.

Gifted & Talented as an audiobook was such a fun and engaging experience! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the witty, sharp characters to life, adding another layer of charm to Blake’s already captivating writing. Their tone and pacing kept me hooked from the very beginning, perfectly capturing the quirky, unpredictable nature of the story.

The plot itself is fast-paced and full of twists, with characters who are messy, complex, and impossible not to root for. Even though I gave it 4 stars, I felt there were a few moments where the pacing slowed down, making me wish for just a bit more depth in certain areas. But overall, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, laughs, and drama that kept me intrigued throughout.

The audiobook format added so much to the experience—it felt like I was right there with the characters, navigating their world of chaos and brilliance. If you love a story full of sharp dialogue and morally grey characters, this audiobook is definitely worth a listen. It's a wild ride that won’t leave you disappointed.

Gifted and Talented is such a fun, strange little read. Olivie Blake nails that mix of dark humor and academic chaos, with characters who are kind of a mess—in the best way. It’s smart, a little surreal, and packed with sharp one-liners that make you stop and think (or laugh).

It doesn’t spoon-feed you, so you’ve got to be in the mood for something a bit offbeat and clever. But if you like books that are a little weird and very self-aware, this is a great pick.

I loved Gifted & Talented. It’s messy, smart, and full of that chaotic energy. The characters are flawed in the best way and i enjoyed the audiobook narration it really pulled me into their world. If you like dark stories with a sharp, emotional edge, this one’s for you.

Gifted & Talented is a story filled with complex morally grey characters you’ll absolutely hate, but root for anyway!

I struggled initially to get into this one, likely just because there was so much depth and backstory to be built up, once I felt like I understood everything I absolutely flew through the rest!

Gifted & Talented holds Olivie’s classic speculative writing style, and a cast of characters that are undoubtedly untrustworthy. Even down the narrator who’s very omnipresent in their storytelling, whilst not being around for large parts of the actual story. It’s very clever in its ability to coax you in and make you root for these characters and ultimately, I was absolutely desperate to find out what would happen!

It’s honestly impressive how Olivie can take a really unlikeable character and make you support them regardless of the fact you don’t really like them much!

This is a classic Olivie Blake book. The way she writes so much to cover such a short space of time always amazes me, and she’s delivered again on a character based book where every person feels 3D.

This story is very much Succession with magic. Thayer Wren passed away, and we follow his three children as they come together to hear about his will.

I won’t include any spoilers! But there are a few plot twists in here that I loved. One I didn’t expect (hello God?), and the others I did - but even in that, it’s a twist that’s so well done you want it to happen.

4 stars because it’s not the best Olivie Blake I’ve read, and it is a long old audio book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC - this is an honest and freely given review.

The story brings together a dysfunctional family — a group of siblings summoned for their father’s funeral — and at first glance, it seems like a recipe for rich, tangled drama. Think Succession meets The Umbrella Academy with a dash of New Yorker short story seriousness. And that’s part of the problem: the book struggles with its identity. It can’t decide if it wants to be a darkly comic family saga, a quirky fantasy, or a polished literary piece — and it ends up being none of the above.

The prose, while technically impressive, leans hard into intellectual showmanship. It’s clear the author is trying to evoke the elite, hyper-educated world these characters inhabit, but after a while, it feels more like a performance than a natural voice. Almost as if she’s trying to signal, “Look, I’m not just a fantasy writer.”

And speaking of fantasy: the “magic” elements? I’m still scratching my head. Sixty percent in, and they felt bolted on — almost like an afterthought. As if someone suggested sprinkling a bit of magic dust to make the book stand out in an oversaturated New York/Hamptons market. But it doesn’t weave meaningfully into the story. Frankly, you could swap it out for AI, biotech, or any other buzzword, and it would make no difference.

In the end, I couldn’t finish it. A great premise drowned in confusion.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan UK Audio for the ARC.

This is a 4.5 stars for me.

Gifted & Talented focuses on three siblings, Meredith, Arthur, and Eilidh, as they wait to hear who is taking over their fathers company after his sudden death. These three characters start off so self-centred and unlikeable and the book also follows stories in each of their lives. There is a cast of 'side' characters that will become a readers favourite such as Gillian and Yves.

I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book as I have only read one Olivia Blake book before. This book, similar to The Atlas Six is very character driven, however, whilst reading gifted & talented I found I did not care about the overall plot of the story (who is taking over the magical company) and instead cared more about each individuals journey.

This is not the sort of book you can rush through and listening to the audiobook really helped me engage with the story.

I will continue to read Olivie Blake and am excited to read the remainder of the Atlas Six series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan UK Audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Gifted & Talented follows three siblings and the tension between them following their father’s death as they wait to discover who will inherit the multimillion-dollar tech company. While the will is being sorted out, they will have to deal with their personal and professional lives... as well as the issues surrounding their supernatural abilities. Meredith must try to convince her ex-partner not to publish an article that will expose her as a fraud. Arthur is about to lose reelection and maybe his wife, but he may start a family with the other two people with whom he is in a polyamorous relationship. And Eilidh, a former dancer and her father’s favorite child, begins to debate whether her father has spent his entire life overprotecting or undervaluing her.

Reading Olivie Blake always feels like listening to someone who loves the sound of her own voice and who not only thinks she’s the smartest person in the room, but wants everyone to think so. And while, as I always say, that style works in some of his novels, especially in genres like dark academia (The Atlas Six), it can make reading some of her books quite tedious. In this particular case, the sharp and pretentious style kind of makes sense, as we follow a narcissistic wealthy family, but at the same time, Blake overuses the redundancy of internal monologues in which the characters enter a vortex of disjointed thoughts during lines in which they don’t really say anything.

Honestly, I think that if I had read it physically, I would have ended up DNFing this book. The audiobook was the perfect format to keep me reading the story, especially because Eunice Wong does a wonderful job giving voice to the spoiled, millionaire Wren siblings. But what really kept me going were a couple of relationships, more than who would inherit the company and the fortune. But overall, this story wasn’t for me.

Originally could not review due to formatting of Ebook but, since I have read the book and listened I am providing a review.
4 ⭐️

After the death of their father, Meredith, Arthur and Eilidh come together and have to figure out who inherits the Wren estate. They each have their own struggles but only one of them will inherit the estate. There were three povs, I really enjoyed this and the story was easy to follow. It took a while to get into the book but as soon as i was into the book, I was hooked!! I really enjoyed that there was magic in this book but the fact that there was not a lot of magic and it wasn't the key focus really helped me enjoy this book even more. The Audio made this story that much more gripping.

Now, Olivie Blake can be a bit hit and miss for me but surprisingly this was a bit hit. If Olivie Blake books stay like this one than I am going to reading more and more of her books.

I received an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest opinion and did not affect my rating.

This is unfortunate because I have previously enjoyed Olivie Blake in the past. However, I found this book to be incredibly slow placed and long, to the point where regardless of the fact I was interested in the characters, I didn't care about the plot (i.e. who was going to take over the magical company). I may pick this up in the future, but for now it's a DNF. Thank you obviously to the publisher for approving me for the audiobook, I just wish I had liked it more.

Olivie Blake is a master at crafted flawed and often unlikable characters and making you care about them desperately. This novel is no exception. I particularly enjoyed her blunt take on parenthood and how it can define you and shape your life in ways you don’t intend or despite your best (or worst) intentions. Loved the shades of magic layered throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.