Last of the Gifted (omnibus edition) - Last of the Gifted 1&2
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback, Hardback
Ages: 12-15, 16-18, 18+
“An evocative epic laced with myth and fact... The Last of the Gifted is a classic.”
Ottawa Review of Books
Warrior-in-training Hyw can control the mind of any bird or animal. Catrin can see the future in a drop of water. When the last true Prince of Wales is murdered, Hyw's gift allows him to meld with the prince's spirit. Now they must unite their abilities to help the prince’s traitorous brother escape Longshanks' ruthless army.
Special Omnibus Edition: Award-winning medieval fantasy, combining magic, mythology, and historical legends with the realities of 13th Century Wales.
“Filled with adventure and romance and a touch of fantasy… Highly Recommended.”
CM Reviews
“Powell’s prose has a lyrical quality... a meticulously researched young adult medieval fantasy with compelling characters and high-stakes action.”
Historical Novels Review
“Elegant yet immediately accessible to the reader... a solid novel worthy of the attention of a very broad audience. Highly recommended.”
Top Shelf Magazine
Reviews
"An evocative epic laced with myth and fact... Powerful phrasing, sensory descriptions, and mythical references abound... This is a series for young adults and I recommend it to teachers and librarians. The characters face contemporary struggles in a historic setting. The mingling of myth, magic, and adventure will appeal to middle grade and high school students, but also their parents. The Last of the Gifted is a classic." - Wendy Hawkin, Ottawa Review of Books
Review By J. Lynn Else: "Overall, a meticulously researched young adult medieval fantasy with compelling characters and high-stakes action. Recommended." Full text: Wales, 1282: Hyw and his sister, Catrin, are gifted. Hyw can control animals, and Catrin is a seer. But neither is prepared for the ambush on the Prince of Wales. Hyw touches the prince’s mind at the moment of his death and ends up drawing the prince’s soul into his own. With the guidance of Hyw’s uncle, he will learn to control this internal duology while gathering information on the English forces. But these gifts are dangerous and often feared. Without drawing suspicion, can Catrin convince the Welsh Princess of the death she’s foreseen before it’s too late for her people? Powell does a great job mixing elements of fantasy, mythology, and historical conflict. The plot develops through unexpected twists and turns. Hyw is particularly well developed. He has to contend with the Prince of Wales in his head, the loyalty to his people, in addition to loyalty for his best friend and the family he fostered under, who march with the English invaders. Through Hyw, readers are treated to both the English and Welsh sides of the war. Some of the names get a bit confusing, and I found myself flipping back and forth to clarify who was who. However, Powell makes an effort to clarify names and even includes a helpful pronunciation guide and glossary. I’m impressed with her research and ability to keep the different storylines flowing. The landscape and the castles, especially, are delightful to explore. Powell’s prose has a lyrical quality, and dialogue construction enriches the cultural flavor. Overall, a meticulously researched young adult medieval fantasy with compelling characters and high-stakes action. Recommended.
