Books matching: extraordinary gifts
11 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Water Witch by Deborah Leblanc is a supernatural tale that follows the protagonist, Dunny, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift of finding lost or hidden things. The story unfolds as Dunny's sister enlists her help to find two missing children who have been abducted by a man invoking ancient Indian spirits for power. With a blend of terror, suspense, and gothic Bayou style, the plot builds tension as Dunny must use her special gifts to combat the madman and save the children.
Dunny, with her unique talent tied to an extra digit on her left hand, navigates through dark themes of ritual murder, abduction, and the perversion of sacred rituals by the antagonist. The book delves into Dunny's struggles with her gift, her family dynamics, and the race against time to rescue the abducted children, all while facing her fears and insecurities to embrace her powers and confront evil forces.
I don’t know which gave me indigestion first, writing a check for twenty-three hundred dollars made payable to the Internal Revenue Service, or the sound of Fritter scratching on the back door. Not th... - #2
In 'The Touch' by F. Paul Wilson, Dr. Alan Bulmer, a compassionate family physician, has his life turned upside down when a touch from a dying man grants him the ability to heal others with just a touch. As word spreads about his miraculous gift, Dr. Bulmer faces skepticism, admiration, and even hostility from those around him, leading to a series of events that challenge his relationships and his own understanding of his newfound power. Set in the same fictional world as Wilson's Repairman Jack series, 'The Touch' weaves elements of horror and science fiction into a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Alan turned back to the mother and studied her as she lay on the gurney in the fluorescent-lit limbo, letting his mind page through what he remembered of Helen Jonas. Not much. Borderline diabetes and...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Adversary Cycle ) "Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance" by Ruth Emmie Lang is a magical realism novel that follows the extraordinary life of Weylyn Grey, a boy with special gifts who is raised by wolves and possesses unique powers that affect the world around him. The story is narrated through the perspectives of those who encounter Weylyn throughout his life, showcasing his adventures, relationships, and the impact he has on others. Lang's writing style is described as enchanting, engaging, and lyrical, with a focus on character development and a seamless blend of magical elements into a character-driven narrative.
It was the morning of my eleventh birthday, and as usual, my dad had failed to notice. It wasn’t that he didn’t care; he had just never been one for party planning or affection in general. That had be...- #4
'Under Heaven' by Guy Gavriel Kay is a historical fantasy novel set in a fictionalized version of Medieval China, specifically the Tang Dynasty. The story follows Shen Tai, a man who buries the bones of soldiers from both sides of a battle, leading to a gift of 250 prized horses that sets off a chain of events involving court intrigue, politics, and personal dilemmas. The writing style is described as beautiful, with intricate world-building, complex characters, and a focus on themes of duty, honor, and the consequences of one's actions.
They would listen to flute or pipa music and declaim poetry, test each other with jibes and quotes, sometimes find a private room with a scented, silken woman, before weaving unsteadily home after the... - #5
The Nobody People by Bob Proehl is a compelling story that follows a group of outcasts with extraordinary abilities coming out of hiding to face a violent society, sparking a revolution or an apocalypse. The book introduces characters like Emmeline, Carrie Norris, and Fahima Deeb, each with unique abilities, but facing discrimination and suspicion due to their powers and identities. The plot delves deep into the humanity and flaws of these characters, creating a timely and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of bigotry, discrimination, and the fight for equality.
The writing style of The Nobody People is described as adult and engaging, providing a refreshing take on the superhero genre by focusing more on character development and human struggles rather than typical superhero tropes. The book offers a well-built world, diverse characters, and a captivating plot that keeps readers hooked, blending elements of superhero stories with real-world issues of discrimination and societal unrest.
- #6
'Mister Sandman' by Barbara Gowdy is a novel that delves into the lives of the Canary family, a highly dysfunctional yet strangely devoted family. The story follows the family members as they navigate through their secrets, deceptions, and unconventional behaviors, all while maintaining a strong sense of love and protection towards each other. The youngest member, Joan, who is mute but musically gifted, serves as the keeper of the family's secrets and ultimately becomes the catalyst for honesty and self-discovery among the family members. Set in the 1950s and 60s, the novel explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the complexities of family relationships. The writing style is described as imaginative, complex, and at times darkly humorous, with a touch of fantasy and strong characterizations that make the story engaging and thought-provoking.
Joan Canary was the Reincarnation Baby. Big news at the time, at least in the Vancouver papers. This is going back, 1956. Joan was that newborn who supposedly screamed, “Oh, no, not again!” at a pitch... - #7
In a world where 1% of the population is born with extraordinary abilities, known as Brilliants, the book 'Brilliance' by Marcus Sakey follows the story of Nick Cooper, a Brilliant working for a federal agency tasked with managing others like him. Caught between two worlds, Nick must navigate trust issues and a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns. The narrative blends spy thriller and sci-fi fantasy elements, creating an alternate reality where gifted individuals spark tensions with normal people, leading to an 'us vs them' mentality.
He’d chased Vasquez for nine days now. Someone had warned the programmer just before Cooper got to the Boston walk-up, a brick rectangle where the only light had been a window onto an airshaft and the... - #8
'The Mind of a Mnemonist' by Alexander R. Luria delves into the extraordinary case study of a man with exceptional memory abilities, known as 'S'. Readers are taken on a journey through the man's life, exploring not only his remarkable memory for numbers but also his unique way of perceiving the world through colors, smells, and images. Dr. Luria's writing style is described as simple, comprehensive, and engaging, making it an essential read for those intrigued by the workings of exceptional minds. offers insights into the complexities of human consciousness and the beauty of the human mind, shedding light on the different ways in which our minds can function.
- #9
'Shiva's Fire' by Suzanne Fisher Staples is a captivating tale set in post-Gandhi India, following the life of Parvati, a young girl with extraordinary dancing abilities who is sent to a school for Devadasi temple dancers. The story intricately weaves together themes of destiny, love, and the complexities of life in a rapidly changing world. Through vivid descriptions and magical elements, the author portrays the intimate journey of adolescence and self-discovery, making it a compelling read for both young teens and adults interested in Indian culture and classical dance.
- #10
Killing Gravity by Corey J. White is a fast-paced space adventure novella following Mariam Xi Mars, a powerful voidwitch on the run from a military research unit. Gifted with extraordinary psychic powers, Mars, along with her genetically engineered creature Seven, navigates a world filled with action, violence, and betrayal. The story is told from Mars's perspective, showcasing her journey to uncover her true identity while evading capture and seeking revenge on those who wronged her.
The writing style of Killing Gravity is characterized by its high-octane pace, unapologetic space adventure theme, and strong character development. Mars is portrayed as a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, challenging traditional gender roles in the genre by embodying the hard-boiled, super-powered antihero archetype typically associated with male characters. The novella features a richly built world, intriguing side characters, and a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Control panels glow in fuchsia panic. Low steady hiss of oxygen. I’m floating in what used to be the cockpit of the battered Oxeneer-class corvette I called home these past few years. Now it’s a coffi...