GIFTED
A Novel (The Digger Books Book 1)
Narrated by Kelly Asay
A coming-of-rage story about art, darkness, and the cost of giftedness.
⭐️ Professional Review
AudiobookReviewer.com:
“The author, Stephen Debonrepos, delivers a well-developed, tightly constructed story populated by richly realized characters who feel authentic and fully formed. The narrative flows smoothly from start to finish, vividly capturing the slow, relentless build of rage in a way that doesn’t invite the listener to ease into the novel but instead grips and holds them captive.“
About Kelly’s narration:
“Kelly Asay delivers a clear, confident performance, speaking with precision while providing distinct and recognizable voices for each character. Subtle tonal shifts effectively emphasize the slow-burning rage at the heart of the story, with well-placed pauses and thoughtful cadence accurately reflecting the character’s inner turmoil. The deliberate delivery heightens the drama and suspense, making the final outcome feel powerful, inevitable, and deeply unsettling.”
Verdict:
“A compelling listen that draws you into the inevitable consequences of a slow-burning rage shaped by an abusive and deeply difficult family life.“
About the Book
Death imitates Art.
Digger can draw. Man! can he draw. He’d be a shoo-in to go to Design Center, the prestigious art school for rich kids, but he hasn’t any money. Design Center is notorious for being tight with scholarships and Digger’s parents are less than willing to co-sign the necessary loans. He lives with his abusive mother and his apathetic sister. His father left them years ago, leaving him with a case of PTSD.
It’s 1985 and Digger meets two women who will change his life. How will he change theirs? What happens when an afflicted young person is constantly told to “be yourself,” despite what they might have gestating in their dark mind? Art forgery, con jobs and murder are the result.
Gifted is a slow-burn, coming-of-rage story.
Themes
- ✦ Trauma and its lasting impact
- ✦ The price of artistic talent
- ✦ 1980s period piece authenticity
- ✦ Dark, psychological thriller
- ✦ Questions of identity and self
Why the Audiobook Format Works
GIFTED is a psychological thriller that comes alive through skilled narration. The audiobook format enhances:
This isn’t just a story to read — it’s an experience to feel. Kelly’s narration delivers the psychological intensity that makes GIFTED unforgettable.
Meet the Narrator
Kelly Asay is a professional audiobook narrator specializing in bringing complex characters and psychological narratives to life. With decades of experience in media production, audio engineering, and storytelling, Kelly delivers performances that capture the emotional depth of every story.
Who This Audiobook Is For
GIFTED is written for:
- Readers who enjoy dark, psychological narratives
- Fans of coming-of-age stories with a dark edge
- Thriller and mystery enthusiasts
- Art and fiction lovers who appreciate authentic period detail
- Listeners who want complex, nuanced storytelling
- Anyone ready for a compelling slow-burn thriller
About The Digger Books Series
GIFTED is the first book in The Digger Books series. Kelly Asay is narrating the entire series, bringing Digger’s dark journey to life across multiple audiobooks.
Book 2 is in production — subscribe to hear when it’s available!
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Start Listening Now
Experience the slow-burn rage. Discover the cost of giftedness.
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