Book Review: The Gifted Society

Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth

A wonderfully crafted dark academia novel

Being a Varien isn’t so fun when you are accused of murder. Alexia, a politician’s daughter lives in a world where outcast Variens are known for their disruptive abilities. And Alexia’s best friend Sarai has been accused of a murder due to her strange powers. 

And yet, Alexia doesn’t buy it. She plans to help Sarai as much as she can, but as soon as she gets her chance, a Revenir kidnaps Sarai. And Alexia finds out she is Varien too. Does that mean she’s next to be kidnapped?

A mysterious woman named Greta offers Alexia sanctuary at a secret school in The Grove, an entirely new world separate from the normal mortal dimension. Alexia takes the opportunity to enroll to learn more about herself, the Revenir cult, and the whereabouts of Sarai. 

One problem: the Revenirs are merely fairy tales in the Grove. Nobody believes they’re real. It is up to Alexia to bring the truth to light or both worlds, her old world and the Grove, will fall into total darkness. 

Dark academia themes, mysterious cults, strange monsters, epic new worlds, and POC protagonists—The Gifted Society appeals to so many. The author tackles topics such as loneliness, confidence, and trust with ease. 

As readers will witness, Alexia has a rough start building herself anew in The Grove. She has had to leave her loving family without any closure of her missing best friend’s whereabouts. Her father’s deadly close encounter with one of the Revenirs only adds to the long list of her problems. She has a heavy burden on her shoulders until her new friends arrive: Kyle, Nate, Lucie, and Alani. They are the supportive (and well-written) friends Alexia deserves.

The Gifted Society is a story about resilience. No matter what happens, the only way to push through any situation is to go through it. White has written a protagonist who grows on the page, fighting to overcome so many of the challenges that come her way. 

White has done a fantastic job writing within the dark academia space, jostling for space among some of the best in X-Men and Harry Potter. Instead of Hogwarts, there is Malveaux Prep and Sanctuary Academy. Here is a Varien school with a rich history dating back centuries. The lore of the school and world will keep fans of this genre & subgenre intrigued by its wrinkles and twists.

Teens, teenagers, and adults will enjoy this one in equal measure. The author has whipped up a special blend of magic with this one. Be ready for whichever spell she might cast next.

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