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E.L. Aldryc
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My Friend, The Gifted: A Sci-Fantasy (Universe of Infinite Wonder Book 1) Kindle Edition

by E.L. Aldryc (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 14 ratings
What would you sacrifice to become extraordinary? 
 
 Elodie Marchand struggles to stand out at the Sight Institute. With so many brilliant minds pushing the limits of AI, alchemy, and nanotechnology, it feels impossible to compete.

A stark contrast to her best friend, and the Institute’s unrivalled favourite - Soraya Gourrami. 
 Soraya’s firm encouragement curbs Elodie’s impatience, and in turn, she helps keep Soraya’s temper in check. A perfect symbiosis. 
 But all that is about to change with one simple meeting. 
 When the Institute’s psychic organisation mandates a thorough search for new gifted blood, Elodie jumps at the opportunity to finally reach for greatness. 


Even if she may not survive the test, or the process that follows. 
 Elodie will need all the help she can get to keep her life and sanity through the test that will establish her suitability for a life of duty and prestige. But Soraya’s friendship suddenly comes with a single new rule. 
 Elodie can never look into her past or future. 
 But accidents happen. And some secrets are too big and dangerous to keep. 
 It’s time to choose. Friendship or a chance to claim her true self at any cost?

_____________________________

My Friend, The Gifted is the first of four written accounts that chronicle the rather explosive events that made 2363 a year to remember. 
 As you dive into the often secretive lives of four friends, you’ll find out how much damage a single person can do to humanity’s future.
Did we say damage? No, no damage. Only wonderful, beautiful things. Come along for the ride. But remember, whatever happens, never take your eyes off the Universe of Infinite Wonder.
_____________________________
FRIENDLY FACTS ABOUT THIS VOLUME:
* Language: UK English
* Naughty word count: 5 (a rather well-behaved narrative if you ask us)
* Series completion stats: 2 books out, slow & steady
* Trigger warnings: physical and verbal violence, substance abuse
* You will love this book if: you liked The Magicians or Vicious, and want to take the spirit of rivalry into the 24th Century
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Universe of Infinite Wonder
  2. Print length
    276 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 23, 2020
  6. File size
    4.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B086WGHMDB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Infinite Library
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 23, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 276 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Universe of Infinite Wonder
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

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E.L. Aldryc

E.L. Aldryc

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
14 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Ray Chou
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Wild, Transcendentalist Science Fantasy that Ponders Free Choice and Fate
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Ever wonder if there's more to life? Elodie Marchand does. At least, more than Soraya Gourrami, a live-in-the-moment AI genius and Elodie's best friend. Soraya can't understand why Elodie wants to become a Gifted, psychic bureaucrats with missing gray matter and superior sense of self. Neither can see the future.

    At least, not yet...

    My Friend, the Gifted is a wild transcendentalist science fantasy that ponders free choice and fate through the relationship of its main character and best friend. Filled with digressions and divinations and written in a style reminiscent of the satirical greats like Adams, Pratchett, and Toole, the book scaffolds on a fantastical world that seems familiar yet utterly bizarre to our own.

    A rollicking ride and a fantastic debut novel. Looking forward to more from the Universe of Infinite Wonder!
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  • Miguel Rodriguez
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sci-fi Dystopian!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2025
    This was very interesting! A pretty good sci-fi dystopian read that was fun and fairly easy to read. But I feel you have to give it time, at first I was a little confused trying to understand the way the world worked, but it also immediately intrigued me to figure it out. And things slowly unravel in the story as you learn more right along side the MC.

    The plot is very character driven, focusing mostly on Elodie's(the MC) trials and growth and she goes through the process of becoming gifted. And in this world the gifted are special and can see the future, have lots of knowledge or are telepaths. and Elodie is rare even among them, and she struggles with the process and in her friendship with Soraya, who hates the gifted.

    The world isn't described a whole lot but the way it all works, having AI, and the different technology, and the gifted, the power/leadership in the world, and all of it is very thought out and detailed, it's a pretty cool setting.

    There were some repetitive spots in the middle but the last like 100 pages it gets pretty crazy and interesting! Things are happening left and right, and plot twists and honestly I didn't know what to believe anymore 😂 A fun ride for sure!

    There's hurt, there's betrayal, there is trying to find the truth, there's a struggle with feeling worthless and useless, power struggles, hope, discovery of new things and a cliffhanger!

    Content: Infrequent swearing, achocol consumption, a couple suggestive comments, a substance which is referred to as a drug for the gifted, and death.
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  • Derek Murphy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and fresh YA dystopian fantasy
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A lot of books don't hold my interest past the first few chapters, this one definitely kept me reading - tech and sciency stuff, mixed with psychic powers and some really cool worldbuilding, can't wait for the next book in this series!
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  • Courtney Strong
    5.0 out of 5 stars 4.75 ⭐️
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
    I am still wrapping my head around this book but I completely devoured this in one day and cannot wait to dive into book 2!

    I love a good sci fi book and honestly don’t read enough of them. This felt a lot more sci fi than fantasy (labeled as sci-fantasy) but I really enjoyed it!

    The setting was on earth but hundreds of years in the future (24th century). “The gifted” are people who have natural psychic abilities which are “augmented” to become stronger and then trained to see things in the past, present, and future. AI has developed immensely. When Elodie gets tired of being normal while her best friend Soraya is making huge technological improvements at The Institute, Elodie decides to get tested to see if she might be one of <i> the gifted </> so she can become great too. The results of the test are life changing and strongly impact their friendship as Soraya has a very outward dislike for the gifted.

    The language and ideas were complex enough to intrigue you while also being simple enough to follow. I was hooked the entire story and even now I’m not sure who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. I’m left with so many questions! Was Elodie being misled by visions that were tampered with? Was Soraya truly the villain and an impeccable liar? Why does Tammy feel off - almost too nice, to a point of hiding something?

    This book needs more recognition - I had a really good time reading it and definitely want to hear the other 3 stories in this series!
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  • kmart
    3.0 out of 5 stars Quirky, but fun
    Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
    Elodie grapples with the desire to stand out in the competitive environment of the Sight Institute. She is grateful to have a best friend in Soraya, but she does not understand Elodie's struggle for recognition while already having recognition of her own. Seeking that, Elodie is tested by the Institute to see if she is gifted with psychic powers and precognition - offering Elodie the chance to transcend her limitations and to become something important. The friendship between Elodie and Soraya serves as the emotional core of the narrative, showcasing a friendship that faces challenges and complexities.

    The writing style is notably different and somewhat quirky, adding a unique flavor to the storytelling. The exploration of AI, alchemy, and nanotechnology within a futuristic society presents an interesting backdrop, with the world-building offering an inventive take on corporate culture and societal structures.

    The plot, filled with unexpected turns, kept me engaged, and the thought-provoking nature of the narrative lingered in my mind even when not reading. The author's playful approach to the craft contributes to the overall charm of the story.

    However, there are instances where the writing style and dialogue come across as quite wooden. There are certain leaps of logic that are required to make sense of things. And I really wish that there had been more in-depth world-building and explanation, as some aspects assume the reader's ability to follow along without extensive explanation. TL;DR: This can be confusing.

    Still, this stands out as a unique read, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

    Thanks to R&R Booktours for the copy. This is an honest review.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • JC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic world building, great story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this so much, picked it up on a whim and then read it in two days, totally absorbed. The writing is great, the story is original and clever, interesting take on AI. I loved the characters and the portrayal of a complicated friendship and institution. Very wonderful worldbuilding, original and convincing, delivered with a light touch. Flavours of Dune buried in here I felt. In a good way. Highly recommend.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect blend of sci-fi and fantasy!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book is what I have been secretly wishing for. The worldbuidling is futuristic but real and so believable, characterization superbs with intriguing friend-enemy dynamic that adds to the unfolding mystery of the Sight Institute, which aims at bringing forward the Universe of Infinite wonder - a state that more resembles the magical universes. Love the depiction of the paragnostic abilities that Elodie strugless to master, as well as the re-introduction and empoweremnt of the ‘old’ disciplines such as alchemy. But what I really loved is how well the author managed to tackle the science part, such as the nano-technology and the AI and made it feel so ethereal and organic (more like magic) I enjoyed how well the worldbuidling is woven into the action, and the dialogue doesn’t dissapoint at creating suspense, making this book a real page-turner. Great mix of science and fantasy. Can’t wait for the second book!
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  • Ethan Barrett
    5.0 out of 5 stars solid first book from a new name in sci-fanasy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    enjoyed and looking forward to what comes next.
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