RELEASE DAY: Talen by Shay Savage

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In a world plagued by constant earthquakes and volcanic debris, people in the valley struggle to survive while those on top of the hill want for nothing.

This is where I come in.

I spend my nights plundering supplies in the walled city of Hilltop, and I trade them to the valley people below. I’m not a thief.  I prefer to be known as the head of Lost and Found.

When I discover a beautiful but dangerous competitor in my territory, I also learn she knows more about me than she should. Is she a spy sent by my father, or is she a rebel like me? I don’t trust her, but together we’ll discover secrets that may destroy what’s left of our world.

There have always been those with wealth and those without.

My name is Talen, and I’m here to even the score.

 

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Shay Savage is one of those authors that can write in any genre and completely own it! There was several times where reading Talen that I felt like it could fit in several genres. We definitely have the romance, but there’s also a ton of action, Dystopian/end of the world, even a bit of fantasy, and even a kind of dark feel occasionally. Shay bounces a bit all over. You’d think Talon would feel a bit scattered, it doesn’t, it feels insanely-well put together. This story is layered-upon-layered. It’s one of the most unique books I’ve read in years.

I really loved Talon. This story is told completely from his POV too. I would have enjoyed getting Aerin’s POV as well but I can’t even imagine how long and deep the story/plot would have been with both their thoughts. I do think this was a bit long, or at least longer than I would have liked. It’s really interesting though because while it’s long and you know it is, it doesn’t feel too long. It feels thoroughly put together and very heavy in the details and plot. I’m not huge into books that tie into politics or dystopian type books. It totally makes sense though since we’ve got a bit of a Robin Hood vibe going on.

Savage’s writing was fanciful and entertaining. The romance between Talon and Aerin was unequivocal. They really complimented each other. Their fun and banter had me fully laughing out loud. I was so impressed with Savage’s writing, the world she built. The symbolism and mental images she painted with just her words was really what kept me entranced in the story!

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

 

 

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Shay Savage is an independent author from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lives with her family and a variety of household pets.  She is an accomplished public speaker and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. Her hobbies include off-roading in her big, yellow Jeep, science fiction in all forms, and soccer.  Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL.  That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”

Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters.  From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!

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