In an empire carved by war and ruled by fear, a girl who was never meant to survive might be the key to its salvation—or its undoing.
Discover the allure of Gifted
“Because… you’ll become a legend, Legionnaire. You just don’t see it yet. But I do. And the gods do too.”
Over forty years ago, a foreign ruler conquered a fractured kingdom and forged it into one Empire. Then, he purged the gods from history.
Elaine Lyanthian was only twelve when she joined the Imperial Army to escape poverty and starvation. Twelve years later, she’s one of the few women who have survived its brutal ranks. But despite enduring everything the army threw at her, greatness is not in her plans. After a messy affair with her general, she’s stopped believing her luck will ever change.
But there are forces, both ancient and new, that would bend her fate to their will.
When the Emperor himself Gifts her into the prestigious Legion of Barrymore, her world tilts on its axis. The Legion is led by the cold and feared Alexander Courtenay, and so Elaine finds herself not just a soldier among millions, but one of the elite Thirty Barrymore Legionnaires.
Determined and stubborn, Elaine rises to meet her new path. But Barrymore isn’t the end of her road—it’s only the beginning.
There, she will forge the family she never had, experience a forbidden and all-consuming love, and discover the strength to transform from the hollow, hopeless girl she once was.
As Elaine learns the true cost of loyalty, love, sacrifice, and friendship, a strange power begins to stir in her veins. And as the Empire trembles on the edge of rebellion, she’ll come to realize her role in its salvation may be far greater—and far more dangerous—than she ever dared to imagine.
A rebellion rises.
A Legionnaire is challenged.
A family is forged.
Reviews
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Wow. Just… WOW. I almost have no words to express how much i devoured this book. This and the raven scholar have to be my favourite reads so far this year. It has everything, fantastic world building, outstanding character development, found friends and family, the most resilient FMC i have come across, hope, loss, adventure, magic, heartbreak, and romance…
— Niomi K.
Y’all. This book wrecked me in the best way. Gifted is the kind of fantasy romance that makes you laugh, cry, scream into your pillow, and then immediately start begging for book two. Mavi Parolin’s writing is sharp, immersive, and feels way too seasoned for a debut. The worldbuilding is rich, the Legion dynamics are addictive, and the emotional stakes are sky high. This book had me highlighting quotes nonstop…
— Brittney F.
This book was like nothing I have ever read before. World building, plot, slow burn. Let me just say I cried like real tears. I was so wrapped up and emotionally attached to the characters. Also let me say I was SHOCKED! The characters were expertly written. You literally felt like you were battling and fighting along with them.
— Kerin R. – The Reading Room
Gifted has all the things I love in fantasy novels and more !! Unique world building and hierarchy systems, very compelling characters and side characters, a slow burn that’s 🔥 but also didn’t overshadow the plot that was written so beautifully you can tell the author did a lot of research…
— Patricia A.
I’m left devastated, and I know Gifted is going to be one of those books I think about for a long time. You can feel the passion the author poured into this story, and even though the book doesn’t release until next week, I’m already counting down the days for the sequel.
— Nicole
Fair warning: This book will break your heart and stitch it back together a thousand times, so be prepared. I’m still gutted and in tears, and I’m not even mad about it. (Okay, maybe a little) This book was astounding. Phenomenal. BREATHTAKING. I need to go recommend this to every single person I know…
— H
Trigger warnings
This book explores complex themes and may touch on sensitive or potentially triggering subjects. Mavi believes readers deserve to feel informed and supported in their reading choices. To that end, she’s prepared a personal letter outlining the specific triggers present in the story. If you would like to review this letter before diving into the book, simply click Download below to access it.
