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The Gifting #1
The Gifting
If science is right, then I am crazy. And crazy is dangerous.
Tess Eckhart has always felt things nobody else can feel. Then the Ouija board incident happens at a high school party. Her complete freak out sends her family across the country--next to a nationally-renowned facility for the mentally ill. Worried Tess suffers from the same illness that tormented her grandmother, her parents insist she see a psychiatrist.
Tess is more concerned about fitting in at her new school, and hiding the fact that she's seeing a therapist at the Edward Brooks Facility. She's used to whispers and stares, but when it comes to Luka Williams, a reluctantly popular boy in her class, she's unused to a stare that intense. Then the headaches start, and the seemingly prophetic dreams that haunt her at night. As Tess tries to hide them, she becomes increasingly convinced that Luka knows something--that he might somehow be responsible.
But what if she's wrong? What if Luka Williams is the only thing separating her from a madness too terrifying to fathom?
Tess Eckhart has always felt things nobody else can feel. Then the Ouija board incident happens at a high school party. Her complete freak out sends her family across the country--next to a nationally-renowned facility for the mentally ill. Worried Tess suffers from the same illness that tormented her grandmother, her parents insist she see a psychiatrist.
Tess is more concerned about fitting in at her new school, and hiding the fact that she's seeing a therapist at the Edward Brooks Facility. She's used to whispers and stares, but when it comes to Luka Williams, a reluctantly popular boy in her class, she's unused to a stare that intense. Then the headaches start, and the seemingly prophetic dreams that haunt her at night. As Tess tries to hide them, she becomes increasingly convinced that Luka knows something--that he might somehow be responsible.
But what if she's wrong? What if Luka Williams is the only thing separating her from a madness too terrifying to fathom?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
1620 people are currently reading
7425 people want to read
About the author
K.E. Ganshert
13 books409 followersK.E. Ganshert writes romantic speculative fiction filled with high stakes, big emotions, and exciting twists. Her stories feature heroines with gifts they don’t fully understand, emotionally guarded heroes who fall hard for the girl, and dangerous worlds that aren't quite what they seem. Perfect for readers who want to escape into supernatural, dystopian, or fantasy tales—where the romance runs deep, but never explicit.
All her books are available in Kindle Unlimited. Learn more at keganshertbooks.com.
All her books are available in Kindle Unlimited. Learn more at keganshertbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
October 12, 2016
I've been meaning to review this one, and hopefully I can come back and review it properly, but for now, I'll just say a few things that I loved. I basically read this in a day and a half; I only put it down to sleep and do other necessities. I even read this while drying my hair and brushing my teeth - basically any spare moment I had, I was reading it!
Katie's first foray into young adult fiction is a hit for this reader. I could not put The Gifting down. While there are some similarities to other young adult books I've read, the pacing and plot flowed so well, and Tess is such an endearing character. The Gifting certainly stands out.
The setting is really intriguing; it's set in the future. Far enough for there to be noticeable differences, but not far enough that you don't recognize it easily. It's similar enough that when the differences are mentioned, it's quite jarring, as it's meant to be to readers. I also wasn't expecting the creepy factor in the story at all. It was both creepy and suspenseful, without going overboard.
Tess and Luka are great characters; they became very real to me while reading and didn't feel cheesy or stereotypical to me at all. Tess has a somewhat sarcastic voice that had me smiling from time to time.
The ending is a cliffhanger, and while I've yet to get to the second book, I am planning on getting to it this month, so that I can start the third book when it releases.
I will always read Katie's books, no matter what genre she is writing in - with The Gifting she has proven that she can hold her own in the young adult world.
Katie's first foray into young adult fiction is a hit for this reader. I could not put The Gifting down. While there are some similarities to other young adult books I've read, the pacing and plot flowed so well, and Tess is such an endearing character. The Gifting certainly stands out.
The setting is really intriguing; it's set in the future. Far enough for there to be noticeable differences, but not far enough that you don't recognize it easily. It's similar enough that when the differences are mentioned, it's quite jarring, as it's meant to be to readers. I also wasn't expecting the creepy factor in the story at all. It was both creepy and suspenseful, without going overboard.
Tess and Luka are great characters; they became very real to me while reading and didn't feel cheesy or stereotypical to me at all. Tess has a somewhat sarcastic voice that had me smiling from time to time.
The ending is a cliffhanger, and while I've yet to get to the second book, I am planning on getting to it this month, so that I can start the third book when it releases.
I will always read Katie's books, no matter what genre she is writing in - with The Gifting she has proven that she can hold her own in the young adult world.
August 11, 2015
The Gifting – A Perceptive, Indie Dystopian Novel
The word dystopian is likely to conjure memories of one particular story, The Hunger Games. In addition to the one that reignited the genre, there are multiple other novels in young adult literature that are well-known and respected, ones that also fall into the dystopian realms. These novels have established big-screen film adaptations and inspired an entire sub-culture. But whether you’re becoming an expert archer through one Katniss Everdeen’s eyes or finding your voice as Divergent, these are all reasons why it’s tough to craft something unique within the larger genre. Chances are, somewhere we’ve seen, heard or experienced “all” of the twists. Reading debut YA author, K. E. Ganshert’s (she publishes inspirational novels under her full name, Katie Ganshert) dystopian novel was something I was thrilled to experience. What I didn’t realize was how very unique her world was going to be.
This story is about 17-year-old Tess. Tess’ life has been a series of cross-country moves. All of which are her fault. Every time she has an “incident,” her parent’s pack up the family and move. This last event involved a séance where Tess saw things, beings that terrified her. Now, there’s a fear she could end up like her mentally unstable grandmother and her parents are prepared to do whatever it takes to combat that. They begin by setting up sessions for her at the Edward Brooks institute. Until then, Tess tries normalcy. Achieving this seems within her grasp when she makes friends with Leela, and the reluctantly popular Luka, a boy who seems intrigued by her.
What separates The Gifting from the pack is its quiet, normal world-building and its relative grasp on realism. This book isn’t about survival in the usual ways. We’re never really certain when this story takes place, only that it’s eerily similar to ours. We do understand this is a dystopian world thanks to mentions of God being eradicated from everything like the Pledge of Allegiance to currency or mention of a war that exceeded 9/11 and Pearl Harbor, both. What the author does with this vision is really, quite amazing! She puts us in a “safe” place full of familiar monikers and pop culture, places and typical teenage rituals only to spark subtle reminders, through the visualization of Tess’ actual reality.
Tess is actually an interesting character because she’s more “afraid” than anything. She hasn’t yet learned how to react to her gift (a gift that is more curse than blessing at this point) and coping with it isn’t her strong suit. She drifts through her terrifying world, a world that, for her is visually insane. What she sees isn’t really there as she envisions things that simply are not there.
Patience and artful story building are where this story’s at. There’s a lot of depth to the potential “bigger picture” because of the former and intrigue thanks to the latter. Ganshert slowly builds up to a terrifying cornucopia of possibilities and it’s that capacity that means there might be more scary happenings to come. With all that’s been said, I haven’t even mentioned Luka. A book simply isn’t complete unless it has a cute guy, and Luka is that and then some. He goes against the grain of normal, and I suspect, his role in Tess’ life is only going to grow. His patience, understanding and genuine feelings for Tess are sweet and totally swoon-worthy… even though we don’t get near enough of these moments.
Readers looking for an inventive perspective on the dystopian world should look no further than this indie novel. It’s gotten some respected endorsements and earned every single one. The heroine floats through her life, which for some readers might distract them from “understanding” her, but knowing this is just one part (there are two more books, one of which is already available to own) of the story, I totally sympathized with Tess’ plight, understanding what she was going through felt anything but normal. Engaging elements of Alice in Wonderland (its heroine is on the precipice of falling into madness) and tossing in some puzzling factors, all guarantees to keep us guessing. As the summer dwindles away, The Gifting is worth adding to your list of possible reads.
Have you read The Gifting? What are your favorite Indie reads? Share any thoughts you have down below.
This review originally appeared on Silver Petticoat Review.
The word dystopian is likely to conjure memories of one particular story, The Hunger Games. In addition to the one that reignited the genre, there are multiple other novels in young adult literature that are well-known and respected, ones that also fall into the dystopian realms. These novels have established big-screen film adaptations and inspired an entire sub-culture. But whether you’re becoming an expert archer through one Katniss Everdeen’s eyes or finding your voice as Divergent, these are all reasons why it’s tough to craft something unique within the larger genre. Chances are, somewhere we’ve seen, heard or experienced “all” of the twists. Reading debut YA author, K. E. Ganshert’s (she publishes inspirational novels under her full name, Katie Ganshert) dystopian novel was something I was thrilled to experience. What I didn’t realize was how very unique her world was going to be.
This story is about 17-year-old Tess. Tess’ life has been a series of cross-country moves. All of which are her fault. Every time she has an “incident,” her parent’s pack up the family and move. This last event involved a séance where Tess saw things, beings that terrified her. Now, there’s a fear she could end up like her mentally unstable grandmother and her parents are prepared to do whatever it takes to combat that. They begin by setting up sessions for her at the Edward Brooks institute. Until then, Tess tries normalcy. Achieving this seems within her grasp when she makes friends with Leela, and the reluctantly popular Luka, a boy who seems intrigued by her.
What separates The Gifting from the pack is its quiet, normal world-building and its relative grasp on realism. This book isn’t about survival in the usual ways. We’re never really certain when this story takes place, only that it’s eerily similar to ours. We do understand this is a dystopian world thanks to mentions of God being eradicated from everything like the Pledge of Allegiance to currency or mention of a war that exceeded 9/11 and Pearl Harbor, both. What the author does with this vision is really, quite amazing! She puts us in a “safe” place full of familiar monikers and pop culture, places and typical teenage rituals only to spark subtle reminders, through the visualization of Tess’ actual reality.
Tess is actually an interesting character because she’s more “afraid” than anything. She hasn’t yet learned how to react to her gift (a gift that is more curse than blessing at this point) and coping with it isn’t her strong suit. She drifts through her terrifying world, a world that, for her is visually insane. What she sees isn’t really there as she envisions things that simply are not there.
Patience and artful story building are where this story’s at. There’s a lot of depth to the potential “bigger picture” because of the former and intrigue thanks to the latter. Ganshert slowly builds up to a terrifying cornucopia of possibilities and it’s that capacity that means there might be more scary happenings to come. With all that’s been said, I haven’t even mentioned Luka. A book simply isn’t complete unless it has a cute guy, and Luka is that and then some. He goes against the grain of normal, and I suspect, his role in Tess’ life is only going to grow. His patience, understanding and genuine feelings for Tess are sweet and totally swoon-worthy… even though we don’t get near enough of these moments.
Readers looking for an inventive perspective on the dystopian world should look no further than this indie novel. It’s gotten some respected endorsements and earned every single one. The heroine floats through her life, which for some readers might distract them from “understanding” her, but knowing this is just one part (there are two more books, one of which is already available to own) of the story, I totally sympathized with Tess’ plight, understanding what she was going through felt anything but normal. Engaging elements of Alice in Wonderland (its heroine is on the precipice of falling into madness) and tossing in some puzzling factors, all guarantees to keep us guessing. As the summer dwindles away, The Gifting is worth adding to your list of possible reads.
Have you read The Gifting? What are your favorite Indie reads? Share any thoughts you have down below.
This review originally appeared on Silver Petticoat Review.
February 14, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, since paranormal and young adult categories usually pique my interest. However, after I read 10 chapters, I still had no clue what the book was actually about. The storyline lacked any definitive clarity. I didn't appreciate the intensity of darkness, negativity, and indecisiveness. So I chose not to complete the book. There are too many other choices that I can find to entertain me that will stimulate joy, joviality, and appreciation in my literary adventures.
October 2, 2025
Wow, what a trip. One of the best new series I've read in a while. Another dystopian world where things are a bit off, but close enough to be entirely believable. Tess is our MC where her dreams put her in danger. After moving across country after an incident with a oiji board at a party, things get interesting, especially as she moves in next door to Luca, someone whom also shares her dreams.
This was terrific, can't wait until the follow up. Five stars for me.
I watch her go, cursing my brother. Why can’t he see what an awesome catch Leela would be? Why do guys always go for the pretty face and the lithe body, oblivious to the ugliness inside? (p. 176).
This was terrific, can't wait until the follow up. Five stars for me.
I watch her go, cursing my brother. Why can’t he see what an awesome catch Leela would be? Why do guys always go for the pretty face and the lithe body, oblivious to the ugliness inside? (p. 176).
June 6, 2023
4 ½ 🌟
I need book two ASAP. This book was hard to put down. If you like YA and spiritual warfare, I would definitely recommend this one.
The only negative content is "pissed off" is said a handful of times
I need book two ASAP. This book was hard to put down. If you like YA and spiritual warfare, I would definitely recommend this one.
The only negative content is "pissed off" is said a handful of times
June 11, 2015
I'm not even sure I will be able to articulate how I feel about this book. It was just that good! When people rave about books, like I am about to do, it's kind of unbelievable. You think "Could it really be that fantastic?" I am here to tell you it is! This book is quite new. It's also a new genre for K.E. Ganshert. The fact that it's her first go in this particular category, and independently published, may have you feeling skeptical. Let it go and take the plunge! It is more than worth it. Now I will expound on why, since that's what you're here for.
The Gifting deals with the supernatural, but not in the way you have come to expect. The stage is set in the near future. The book feels just like home, but with a few political adjustments. The result leaves you comfortable enough to really sink into the book. And you do settle in. I was completely engrossed. I am very careful about the type of spooky books I read. I firmly believe they have a huge impact, so I have become picky. I was cautious about this book. Prepared to put it away if it proved too much for me. It never pushed me over that edge. It did, however, hold me at that edge. I was jumpy and skittish. But then when it was time to sleep I had no issues. I call that a perfect blend!
Not only was her plot perfectly blended and engaging, her characters were as well. I found them intriguing, frustrating, enjoyable and most of all believable. I could see them easily and I was absorbed by them. I became them. And really that's the whole point of reading, isn't it? So, another point for being spot on! I found myself with a big ol' stupid grin when the two main characters interact. I loved the inner monologue of Tess. She was quite humorous.
I really could go on and on, raving over this book, but I don't want to spoil anything! I will say when I finished I was ready to pick up the second book! There's a cliffhanger -isn't there always? Again, perfectly done. Enough of a cliff to keep you in the world, but enough closure to allow you to live productively during the break. I know we all love a good book hangover. Some hit harder than others, and this one leaves a sting for sure. It will be a short-lived burn, as The Awakening comes out July first! Don't hesitate, there's no reason to. The Gifting is 3.99 on Kindle and Nook, The Awakening is 3.99 on Kindle. I bought mine on paperback and I am glad I did. I will be sharing with everyone I know. Come back and let me know what you thought!
The Gifting deals with the supernatural, but not in the way you have come to expect. The stage is set in the near future. The book feels just like home, but with a few political adjustments. The result leaves you comfortable enough to really sink into the book. And you do settle in. I was completely engrossed. I am very careful about the type of spooky books I read. I firmly believe they have a huge impact, so I have become picky. I was cautious about this book. Prepared to put it away if it proved too much for me. It never pushed me over that edge. It did, however, hold me at that edge. I was jumpy and skittish. But then when it was time to sleep I had no issues. I call that a perfect blend!
Not only was her plot perfectly blended and engaging, her characters were as well. I found them intriguing, frustrating, enjoyable and most of all believable. I could see them easily and I was absorbed by them. I became them. And really that's the whole point of reading, isn't it? So, another point for being spot on! I found myself with a big ol' stupid grin when the two main characters interact. I loved the inner monologue of Tess. She was quite humorous.
I really could go on and on, raving over this book, but I don't want to spoil anything! I will say when I finished I was ready to pick up the second book! There's a cliffhanger -isn't there always? Again, perfectly done. Enough of a cliff to keep you in the world, but enough closure to allow you to live productively during the break. I know we all love a good book hangover. Some hit harder than others, and this one leaves a sting for sure. It will be a short-lived burn, as The Awakening comes out July first! Don't hesitate, there's no reason to. The Gifting is 3.99 on Kindle and Nook, The Awakening is 3.99 on Kindle. I bought mine on paperback and I am glad I did. I will be sharing with everyone I know. Come back and let me know what you thought!
January 13, 2023
As an adult who enjoys YA fiction, I’ve come to realize this genre incorporates three types. 1. YA that is written in a very simplistic, basic form and focuses almost wholly on the story only (and for which few but adolescents tend to enjoy). 2. YA that is written with more depth and intricacies while still allowing for the mindset of a younger audience. 3. A completely adult book with only the character’s ages falling into this category.
This book is in that sweet second category. It is written in a style that adults can thoroughly enjoy, yet still focuses in POV, dialogue and actions on the YA audience. I was delighted at how perfectly, yet intelligently Ms. Ganshert portrayed Tess (MC). Her voice was decidedly intelligent yet so perfectly teenage that both young and old alike can relate, understand and enjoy her. Since the story is written from her POV, the other characters didn’t quite match that level of nuance, but did work well within the same parameters (and, hopefully will develop more as the trilogy continues). The story slowed a bit in the middle as Tess repeatedly and repeatedly denied what was staring her right in the face, but even that was understandable given the circumstances the author so deftly created.
The plot and world that it is set in is interesting, as well. It is futuristic, yet not terribly so. At the rate reality is going - maybe 50 years in the future or there-about I’m guessing? Long enough that all religion and any religious references have been cleansed in the government - and society for the most part. Women with questionable pregnancies are “cleansed” and those with disabilities or mental illness are slowly being eradicated. And that is what draws the crux of the story…. Because Tess “sees” people who aren’t there and suffers from prophetic dreams. You see the problem? It is an incredibly interesting world to consider and to delve into the repercussions from the personal view of one teenage girl who doesn’t fit the dialogue. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in the two books to come!
This book is in that sweet second category. It is written in a style that adults can thoroughly enjoy, yet still focuses in POV, dialogue and actions on the YA audience. I was delighted at how perfectly, yet intelligently Ms. Ganshert portrayed Tess (MC). Her voice was decidedly intelligent yet so perfectly teenage that both young and old alike can relate, understand and enjoy her. Since the story is written from her POV, the other characters didn’t quite match that level of nuance, but did work well within the same parameters (and, hopefully will develop more as the trilogy continues). The story slowed a bit in the middle as Tess repeatedly and repeatedly denied what was staring her right in the face, but even that was understandable given the circumstances the author so deftly created.
The plot and world that it is set in is interesting, as well. It is futuristic, yet not terribly so. At the rate reality is going - maybe 50 years in the future or there-about I’m guessing? Long enough that all religion and any religious references have been cleansed in the government - and society for the most part. Women with questionable pregnancies are “cleansed” and those with disabilities or mental illness are slowly being eradicated. And that is what draws the crux of the story…. Because Tess “sees” people who aren’t there and suffers from prophetic dreams. You see the problem? It is an incredibly interesting world to consider and to delve into the repercussions from the personal view of one teenage girl who doesn’t fit the dialogue. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in the two books to come!
October 3, 2015
Well written, intriguing, a good grasp of the supernatural and as well as the life of a teen. Loved the premise of a teen seer. Aspects of family life, teen life and romance make the book realistic as well as fun. A good YA but adults will thoroughly enjoy!
I highly recommend.
I highly recommend.
October 13, 2018
This book was amazing! I don't know how it isn't more popular. The author has a pretty unique take on angels and demons and the spiritual realm.
Full review to come. 🤨
Full review to come. 🤨
January 16, 2016
My 15 year old daughter's review.....
When Mom first handed me The Gifting by K. E. Ganshert, I was a little conflicted. Not that I don't love a good read, it was just that I usually don't read books like this, and by this I mean it looked like it would be scary! When I see the words 'Ouija board' I usually run fast and run far.
I made it past the first couple chapters with no problem, but once I made it to the spooky scene I skimmed it as much as I could. I didn't need vivid descriptions and images of demons and ghouls floating around in my head! (although looking back at it now, I was totally overreacting.)
After oh so bravely continuing to read, I slowly began becoming more and more interested. Supplied with a very complex plot and even more complex backstory, it definitely fits in the thriller/suspense category!
My only concern/critic was that I didn't like the character of Luka. He just seemed so boring! So dull! I'm pretty sure he never smiled in the whole book. If he did, I don't remember it. I sort of feel like his whole character was based off his good looks, not his personality. All the other characters had at least two significant traits about themselves, but not him. He was just...serious.
Other than that, I loved the book! Especially that twist ending. I feel obligated to read book two. Smart move K. E. Ganshert. Smart move.
I won a copy of this book at a blog giveaway. This did not influence my review of the book.
When Mom first handed me The Gifting by K. E. Ganshert, I was a little conflicted. Not that I don't love a good read, it was just that I usually don't read books like this, and by this I mean it looked like it would be scary! When I see the words 'Ouija board' I usually run fast and run far.
I made it past the first couple chapters with no problem, but once I made it to the spooky scene I skimmed it as much as I could. I didn't need vivid descriptions and images of demons and ghouls floating around in my head! (although looking back at it now, I was totally overreacting.)
After oh so bravely continuing to read, I slowly began becoming more and more interested. Supplied with a very complex plot and even more complex backstory, it definitely fits in the thriller/suspense category!
My only concern/critic was that I didn't like the character of Luka. He just seemed so boring! So dull! I'm pretty sure he never smiled in the whole book. If he did, I don't remember it. I sort of feel like his whole character was based off his good looks, not his personality. All the other characters had at least two significant traits about themselves, but not him. He was just...serious.
Other than that, I loved the book! Especially that twist ending. I feel obligated to read book two. Smart move K. E. Ganshert. Smart move.
I won a copy of this book at a blog giveaway. This did not influence my review of the book.
September 15, 2022
{Welcome to Teen Week! Every quarter we're going to try and do a Teen Week! A week where every weekday has a new review of a Christian book written just for teens! You’re reading the day three of this quarter's! :) } {Day One Here!} {Day Two Here!}
About this book:
“ “If science is right, then I am crazy. And crazy is dangerous.”
In a world where nothing supernatural exists, Tess Eckhart is positive she’s going crazy. After her complete freakout at a high school party, her parents worry she might be right. So much that they pack their bags and move across the country, next to a nationally-renowned facility for the mentally ill.
Tess is determined to fit in at her new school, despite the whispers and stares. But when it comes to Luka Williams, a reluctantly popular boy in her class, she’s unused to a stare that intense. Then the headaches start, and the seemingly prophetic dreams that haunt her at night. As Tess tries harder to hide them, she becomes increasingly convinced that Luka knows something—that he might somehow be responsible.
But what if she’s wrong? What if Luka Williams is the only thing separating her from a madness too terrifying to fathom?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Gifting” series.
Spiritual Content- All about supernatural, angels, demons, evil spirits & prophetic dreams; A few talks about God & a spiritual realm; A ‘H’ is not capital when referring to God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of church; Mentions of the end times; Mentions of religions & rituals; A mention of being a Believer; The government has removed God from everything, saying that humans have no souls and there is no life after death (many mentions & talks about that. Tess isn’t sure she believes that.);
*Note: Seeing demons & spirits (semi-detailed); A séance & an Ouija board (semi-detailed); Mentions of ghosts & talking to evil spirits; Mentions of dark magic; Mentions of atheists; A few mentions of the Salem Witch Trial, being burned at the stake, talking to a spirit in the night & then barking at someone; A mention of reincarnation; “your life will become a living hell.” is said.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘freaking’, a ‘holy cow’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘shut up’, two ‘jeez’s, three ‘oh my gosh’s, three forms of ‘pissed off’, four ‘stupid’s, six ‘dumb’s, and six ‘idiot’s; Mentions of a teacher who cusses; Sarcasm; All about nightmares, darkness, corpses, skeletons, & deaths (up to detailed); Many mentions of bombings, suicides, the Holocaust, genocides, guns, murder, carbon monoxide poisoning, kidnapping & car accidents (up to detailed); Fighting & Blood (semi-detailed); Evil presences (semi-detailed); A party with vodka; Mentions of drugs, marijuana, stoners & alcohol; Mentions of tattoos; A snake (up to semi-detail); A mention of bleeding from the head or a severed limb; A mention of peeing on a pair of pants; A mention of a tongue being forked; A couple mentions of vampire teeth; A few mentions of goths;
*Note: A mention of Calvin Klein.
Sexual Content- an almost semi-detailed kiss and an almost border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; two border-line semi-detailed // detailed kisses; Touches & Nearness (semi-detailed to detailed); Hand holding & mentions of it; Lots & lots of Noticing, Staring & Smelling (semi-detailed); Butterflies & Blushes; a ‘slutty’, two ‘hotties’, and five ‘sexy’s; Many mentions & talks about pregnancy screenings, fetal modification & aborting; Mentions of weight; Many mentions of flirting & cute boys; A mention of a seductive wave; Many mentions of dating, boyfriends & girlfriends; Mentions of puppy love; Mentions of kisses, kissing & good kissers; Mentions of teenage hormones; Mentions of girls in guys’ rooms; Tess’s mom lets her brother (15yo) be alone with an older girl in his room; Watching a couple make-out (barely-above-not-detailed);
*Note: Mentions of a lime green bra & legs that “go on for eternity”; Mentions of costumes that are skimpy or show a girl’s figure; A mention of “wiping their butts”, “I fall with a sharp thud on my butt” and guy who’s skinny jeans that “sag halfway down his butt.”.
-Tess Eckhart, age 17
1st person P.O.V. of Tess
Fantasy
322 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Spiritual realms and battles are major parts of this book, ratings reflect content.}
As y'all probably know, I'm pretty sensitive to the whole spiritual world thing. I have very mixed feelings on it all. Therefore, I have very mixed feelings on this book. I wouldn't call “The Gifting” a dystopia, more of a book-that-could-happen-in-less-than-fifty-years future-y kind of plot. I was really reminded of Melody Carlson's “The Secret Life of Samantha McGregory” series with the angels vs demons plot, supernatural, almost paranormal, prophetic dreams. I've been meaning to reread that series, due to having remember really liking it and it's been over three years since I first read it.
With “The Gifting”, I really have mixed feelings. I feel like this might have been boarder line—if not crossing—my comfort zone of these topics. I'm really not sure what to think. I did not like that those parts were pretty detailed, with all the skeletons and creeps-with-no-eyes. (Probably not the best thing to read about at night.) I'm really disappointed in the language, I was more than a bit shocked and not thrilled at all when it was repeated again and again, as you can probably imagine. There also were those kisses at the end, that made me uncomfortable due to the ages of the characters being near mine, but that's just me.
All that said, the plot and Tess really interest me and I plan to continue the series. I'm just hoping it will be cleaner.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“ “If science is right, then I am crazy. And crazy is dangerous.”
In a world where nothing supernatural exists, Tess Eckhart is positive she’s going crazy. After her complete freakout at a high school party, her parents worry she might be right. So much that they pack their bags and move across the country, next to a nationally-renowned facility for the mentally ill.
Tess is determined to fit in at her new school, despite the whispers and stares. But when it comes to Luka Williams, a reluctantly popular boy in her class, she’s unused to a stare that intense. Then the headaches start, and the seemingly prophetic dreams that haunt her at night. As Tess tries harder to hide them, she becomes increasingly convinced that Luka knows something—that he might somehow be responsible.
But what if she’s wrong? What if Luka Williams is the only thing separating her from a madness too terrifying to fathom?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Gifting” series.
Spiritual Content- All about supernatural, angels, demons, evil spirits & prophetic dreams; A few talks about God & a spiritual realm; A ‘H’ is not capital when referring to God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of church; Mentions of the end times; Mentions of religions & rituals; A mention of being a Believer; The government has removed God from everything, saying that humans have no souls and there is no life after death (many mentions & talks about that. Tess isn’t sure she believes that.);
*Note: Seeing demons & spirits (semi-detailed); A séance & an Ouija board (semi-detailed); Mentions of ghosts & talking to evil spirits; Mentions of dark magic; Mentions of atheists; A few mentions of the Salem Witch Trial, being burned at the stake, talking to a spirit in the night & then barking at someone; A mention of reincarnation; “your life will become a living hell.” is said.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘freaking’, a ‘holy cow’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘shut up’, two ‘jeez’s, three ‘oh my gosh’s, three forms of ‘pissed off’, four ‘stupid’s, six ‘dumb’s, and six ‘idiot’s; Mentions of a teacher who cusses; Sarcasm; All about nightmares, darkness, corpses, skeletons, & deaths (up to detailed); Many mentions of bombings, suicides, the Holocaust, genocides, guns, murder, carbon monoxide poisoning, kidnapping & car accidents (up to detailed); Fighting & Blood (semi-detailed); Evil presences (semi-detailed); A party with vodka; Mentions of drugs, marijuana, stoners & alcohol; Mentions of tattoos; A snake (up to semi-detail); A mention of bleeding from the head or a severed limb; A mention of peeing on a pair of pants; A mention of a tongue being forked; A couple mentions of vampire teeth; A few mentions of goths;
*Note: A mention of Calvin Klein.
Sexual Content- an almost semi-detailed kiss and an almost border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; two border-line semi-detailed // detailed kisses; Touches & Nearness (semi-detailed to detailed); Hand holding & mentions of it; Lots & lots of Noticing, Staring & Smelling (semi-detailed); Butterflies & Blushes; a ‘slutty’, two ‘hotties’, and five ‘sexy’s; Many mentions & talks about pregnancy screenings, fetal modification & aborting; Mentions of weight; Many mentions of flirting & cute boys; A mention of a seductive wave; Many mentions of dating, boyfriends & girlfriends; Mentions of puppy love; Mentions of kisses, kissing & good kissers; Mentions of teenage hormones; Mentions of girls in guys’ rooms; Tess’s mom lets her brother (15yo) be alone with an older girl in his room; Watching a couple make-out (barely-above-not-detailed);
*Note: Mentions of a lime green bra & legs that “go on for eternity”; Mentions of costumes that are skimpy or show a girl’s figure; A mention of “wiping their butts”, “I fall with a sharp thud on my butt” and guy who’s skinny jeans that “sag halfway down his butt.”.
-Tess Eckhart, age 17
1st person P.O.V. of Tess
Fantasy
322 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Spiritual realms and battles are major parts of this book, ratings reflect content.}
As y'all probably know, I'm pretty sensitive to the whole spiritual world thing. I have very mixed feelings on it all. Therefore, I have very mixed feelings on this book. I wouldn't call “The Gifting” a dystopia, more of a book-that-could-happen-in-less-than-fifty-years future-y kind of plot. I was really reminded of Melody Carlson's “The Secret Life of Samantha McGregory” series with the angels vs demons plot, supernatural, almost paranormal, prophetic dreams. I've been meaning to reread that series, due to having remember really liking it and it's been over three years since I first read it.
With “The Gifting”, I really have mixed feelings. I feel like this might have been boarder line—if not crossing—my comfort zone of these topics. I'm really not sure what to think. I did not like that those parts were pretty detailed, with all the skeletons and creeps-with-no-eyes. (Probably not the best thing to read about at night.) I'm really disappointed in the language, I was more than a bit shocked and not thrilled at all when it was repeated again and again, as you can probably imagine. There also were those kisses at the end, that made me uncomfortable due to the ages of the characters being near mine, but that's just me.
All that said, the plot and Tess really interest me and I plan to continue the series. I'm just hoping it will be cleaner.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
January 20, 2023
Different from any book I’ve read yet.
Set in a futuristic America where Spirituality of any sort is banned and “Science and logic” rule. Seventeen year old Tessa Eckheart struggles with hallucinations in a society where the mentally ill are considered burdens to society to be hidden or rid of.
But are these things she sees really hallucinations? Is it possible that these spiritual beings she sees and the dreams she has that come to pass are actually real? When her family moved to a new town to get away from an incident and she meets a boy who can see and dream the way she does the world she knew turns upside down.
Characters. The characters in this book are splendid. Well rounded. Realistic. It felt real. I can feel their emotions right there with them.
Plot. The plot is intriguing and gripping with many unexpected twists and turns. A definite page turner.
Writing. The writing style was engaging, cohesive, not too slow, not too fast.
Themes. There are themes of seeking the truth, loyalty, and standing up for what’s right. As well as strong pro-life themes. In this future American society where every pregnancy has a screening and if the child doesn’t pass the healthy requirements and is deemed to be a future burden to society they are to be rid of or the parents face the consequences.
Content warning. Language: mostly clean. There’s an instance of p*ssed off, p*ssed, and I believe dang or darn (I believe that’s all if there was something else I missed it.
Romance: the two mains charries (unmarried) spend the night alone in the same room (nothing goes on though), there’s holding of hands, and two brief kisses.
Other: there’s appearances of evil spirits (demons?). Several gruesome deaths and suicide none of which are described in graphic detail (just enough to evoke the sympathy of the reader). The topic of mental illness and depression is spoken of throughout the book.
I wasn’t sure what to make of the spiritual realm that was starting to formulate. One of the charries’ family used to go to church and thinks God may be real. Another’s family has a Catholic background but didn’t do any more than pray prayers before ever when their parent required it in childhood. There’s prophetic dreams that one of the characters has in which they are able to interact with the spiritual forces and stop enemy attacks. The book ends on a real cliffhanger and with the book being written in the main character’s POV and she has not yet fully sought the truth. I don’t have enough information to know where exactly the author is going with it. I can’t tell if it’s going to go and be an –albeit very odd– Christian fantasy with a bunch of artistic license. Or if it’s to be more of a spiritual realm that exists with nothing to do with Christianity. Thus, I’m left not knowing whether to recommend this book or not.
Set in a futuristic America where Spirituality of any sort is banned and “Science and logic” rule. Seventeen year old Tessa Eckheart struggles with hallucinations in a society where the mentally ill are considered burdens to society to be hidden or rid of.
But are these things she sees really hallucinations? Is it possible that these spiritual beings she sees and the dreams she has that come to pass are actually real? When her family moved to a new town to get away from an incident and she meets a boy who can see and dream the way she does the world she knew turns upside down.
Characters. The characters in this book are splendid. Well rounded. Realistic. It felt real. I can feel their emotions right there with them.
Plot. The plot is intriguing and gripping with many unexpected twists and turns. A definite page turner.
Writing. The writing style was engaging, cohesive, not too slow, not too fast.
Themes. There are themes of seeking the truth, loyalty, and standing up for what’s right. As well as strong pro-life themes. In this future American society where every pregnancy has a screening and if the child doesn’t pass the healthy requirements and is deemed to be a future burden to society they are to be rid of or the parents face the consequences.
Content warning. Language: mostly clean. There’s an instance of p*ssed off, p*ssed, and I believe dang or darn (I believe that’s all if there was something else I missed it.
Romance: the two mains charries (unmarried) spend the night alone in the same room (nothing goes on though), there’s holding of hands, and two brief kisses.
Other: there’s appearances of evil spirits (demons?). Several gruesome deaths and suicide none of which are described in graphic detail (just enough to evoke the sympathy of the reader). The topic of mental illness and depression is spoken of throughout the book.
I wasn’t sure what to make of the spiritual realm that was starting to formulate. One of the charries’ family used to go to church and thinks God may be real. Another’s family has a Catholic background but didn’t do any more than pray prayers before ever when their parent required it in childhood. There’s prophetic dreams that one of the characters has in which they are able to interact with the spiritual forces and stop enemy attacks. The book ends on a real cliffhanger and with the book being written in the main character’s POV and she has not yet fully sought the truth. I don’t have enough information to know where exactly the author is going with it. I can’t tell if it’s going to go and be an –albeit very odd– Christian fantasy with a bunch of artistic license. Or if it’s to be more of a spiritual realm that exists with nothing to do with Christianity. Thus, I’m left not knowing whether to recommend this book or not.
December 14, 2016
I was going to give this book 3 stars. But then the ending happened. I am SO pissed off by the ending. I mean, I pushed through 300 pages of a book that wasn't bad, but it wasn't very good either. Not much happened and I really hate the whole weird-new-kid-in-school-meets-super-popular-hottie thing as a general rule. But I kept reading because I was intrigued, because I wanted to know what happens, what exactly are those things Tess sees, how does it work? And then, right when it's about to be revealed... it ends. Very abruptly. It's not fair to end a book in which hardly anything happens on a cliffhanger.
I am so angry about it. It honestly feels like some ploy to get people to buy the next one and that pisses me off. Because 1. this wasn't such a phenomenal book and 2. a couple more pages would have given enough information to make me want to buy the next one, but not enough to give it all away. But now I find myself not wanting to buy the next one on principle. Maybe I'm overreacting, but that's just how I feel upon finishing the book.
Full review
https://abooknerd13.wordpress.com/201...
I am so angry about it. It honestly feels like some ploy to get people to buy the next one and that pisses me off. Because 1. this wasn't such a phenomenal book and 2. a couple more pages would have given enough information to make me want to buy the next one, but not enough to give it all away. But now I find myself not wanting to buy the next one on principle. Maybe I'm overreacting, but that's just how I feel upon finishing the book.
Full review
https://abooknerd13.wordpress.com/201...
October 7, 2020
Ganshert has written a fast-paced, engaging novel, beginning a trilogy that will appeal to teens and adults alike. The interplay between the futuristic world where believing in the supernatural means you’re crazy and a teen who sees strange things is gripping. Tess is a down-to-earth character, and her relationship with Luka is a good balance to the action and suspense of the rest of the story.
Tess Eckhart thinks she is going crazy. After an incident with a Ouija board, she sees strange men and creatures that no one else sees. Her family moves across the country to give her a fresh start, but also so she can receive treatment from a private facility and not have her experiences reported to the government. When she meets Luka and discovers that he too can see what she sees, they set out on a course to find out the truth — even if that puts their lives in danger
Tess Eckhart thinks she is going crazy. After an incident with a Ouija board, she sees strange men and creatures that no one else sees. Her family moves across the country to give her a fresh start, but also so she can receive treatment from a private facility and not have her experiences reported to the government. When she meets Luka and discovers that he too can see what she sees, they set out on a course to find out the truth — even if that puts their lives in danger
March 12, 2016
This YA futuristic and dystopian novel was more miss than hit for me.
I enjoyed the details about society in the future such as the governmental process of giving fetuses approval to be born or not and getting rid of the second amendment. All very frightening and perhaps not so far fetched in a generation or two. The visualization of the scenery and buildings was well done.
The pacing of the book was slow for me and while it picked up towards the end, I was never engrossed with the story. I am not compelled to continue reading the series.
While I very much enjoy Katie Ganshert's contemporary novels for adults, this series in a different genre were a miss for me.
I enjoyed the details about society in the future such as the governmental process of giving fetuses approval to be born or not and getting rid of the second amendment. All very frightening and perhaps not so far fetched in a generation or two. The visualization of the scenery and buildings was well done.
The pacing of the book was slow for me and while it picked up towards the end, I was never engrossed with the story. I am not compelled to continue reading the series.
While I very much enjoy Katie Ganshert's contemporary novels for adults, this series in a different genre were a miss for me.
September 16, 2015
Update: SO amazing. This is YA at its finest. Action-packed, spirit-realm battling, dystopian-ish, teenage-angst-y, romantic, and empowering all rolled into an incredible story I could not put down. Seriously could not put it down. Read all 3 books in five days. My family is starving - okay, maybe not - but they wondered what happened to me...Reminded me of The Selection series (which I loved), but it's so much deeper, more creative, more intense. READ this book, and you won't be able to resist books 2 and 3. (see my reviews on The Awakening and The Gathering).
written at end of 1st book: I cannot. even. Seriously - I'm so obsessed with the series, I cannot write a review today (almost done with book 2, can't wait for book 3!). Suffice it to say: Way Better than Hunger Games. That is all for now.
written at end of 1st book: I cannot. even. Seriously - I'm so obsessed with the series, I cannot write a review today (almost done with book 2, can't wait for book 3!). Suffice it to say: Way Better than Hunger Games. That is all for now.
May 4, 2016
This was cute but maybe a little young for me. I thought the characters were interesting and so were the dreams
I found many parts to be silly and unrealistic but, with a younger reader, I think the adventure would spark their interest and they will love it! I just wish we'd gotten more answers in the first book instead of a cliffhanger and JUST getting the title of the book.
I found many parts to be silly and unrealistic but, with a younger reader, I think the adventure would spark their interest and they will love it! I just wish we'd gotten more answers in the first book instead of a cliffhanger and JUST getting the title of the book.
March 4, 2024
This was absolutely wonderful. Not at all what I expected, but absolutely wonderful. Full of intrigue, action, and leaving me anxious to begin book 2.
December 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this novel and give it 5-stars because of the story, the plot and the characters. It's a YA book and has all the excitement and coming of age that you'd expect in a good YA, laced with the fantasy and mystery of what is happening to Tess, Luka, Pete, and more. I was reminded of many themes in this book, like mental health, paranormal, religion, romance, the challenges of being a teenager, & family, and the story itself was very good, easy to read, with believable dialogue and a good ending that I won't spoil. Excellent writing style and I think this was a fantastic YA, coming of age, fantasy novel.
June 1, 2015
I'll be honest, as a Christian reader I felt uncomfortable with the Ouija board scene and the man that Tess sees in the beginning of the story. But I think that was the point. I just wasn't far enough in. So I stopped to see if I really wanted to continue reading this book. But I have a lot of faith in this author (her other books are a completely different genre) and so I decided to press on. And I am glad I did. If you pick up this book, and are uncertain, keep reading, I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and spiritual aspects of the book that I wasn't expecting. It shows you that just because you think you know where a book is going, you don't always know. The discomfort I felt, I was supposed to feel as a reader.
The Gifting is a face paced, edge of your seat, kind of story. I was reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next, and there was no way you could guess what twist would happen next. I cannot wait to read the other two books in this series. This could easily become the next biggest thing in YA lit. The story line is a dystopian, romance, that includes the supernatural.
The romance is clean but Luka and Tess will draw you in as K. E. Ganshert writes their stories in such a unique and powerful way that you feel that you could be Tess or Luka experiencing those things. The romance written is a strong force that goes beyond a typical high school romance. It shows what real love can be.
The dystopian aspect will cause you to stop and think. Analyzing our society and how it is similar and yet different to the setting of Tess and Luka. In ways that the Hunger Games or Divergent made you consider society's "norms" and question them, so will The Gifting.
The supernatural or paranormal aspect will give you chills. The further I got into the book and the more I read the more certain I was about the underlining truth that Ganshert was telling. I am eager to read the rest of the series to find out.
Fan of Frank Peretti,and Ted Dekker will definitely want to check these books out.
I received this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
The Gifting is a face paced, edge of your seat, kind of story. I was reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next, and there was no way you could guess what twist would happen next. I cannot wait to read the other two books in this series. This could easily become the next biggest thing in YA lit. The story line is a dystopian, romance, that includes the supernatural.
The romance is clean but Luka and Tess will draw you in as K. E. Ganshert writes their stories in such a unique and powerful way that you feel that you could be Tess or Luka experiencing those things. The romance written is a strong force that goes beyond a typical high school romance. It shows what real love can be.
The dystopian aspect will cause you to stop and think. Analyzing our society and how it is similar and yet different to the setting of Tess and Luka. In ways that the Hunger Games or Divergent made you consider society's "norms" and question them, so will The Gifting.
The supernatural or paranormal aspect will give you chills. The further I got into the book and the more I read the more certain I was about the underlining truth that Ganshert was telling. I am eager to read the rest of the series to find out.
Fan of Frank Peretti,and Ted Dekker will definitely want to check these books out.
I received this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
March 14, 2016
Rating 3.5
This was my first YA dystopian fantasy and left me in two minds. I enjoyed this book, but there were also parts I struggled with. This book reminded me a lot of Ted Dekker's book, Eyes Wide Open, which I read which also had a lot of questions woven through the book which made me keep on reading for answers.
Since this is a dystopian fantasy focused on YA which also focuses on the general market, not on the Christian market, I will try and focus my review on that factor. On that bases this was a great book and I understand the high ratings it received.
Even though the time period is in the future, it seemed real and not far-fetched. It is a world which want perfection and turned their backs on God. The characters, Tess and Luka, were believable and even though I struggled in the beginning to connect to them (since they are still in high school), they grew on me. There were also some twists which I didn't expect.
The book deals with series issues - abortions and the spiritual realm. I enjoyed seeing how Tess comes to accept her gift and how she and Luka steps into fighting evil.
The things I did not enjoy/struggled with is all from my Christian viewpoint. I did not like the hypnotherapy and dream catchers references since I do not agree with that personally. I enjoy spiritual warfare books, but the way the characters did the fighting in this book was a bit weird. I also did not like the few times there were a foul word used.
The theme however I got from the book was good - you cannot turn your back on God and play with the evil side of the spiritual realm without serious devastating consequences.
I want to see what happens, so I will continue the series.
I probably won't recommend this to anyone younger than 18 though.
This was my first YA dystopian fantasy and left me in two minds. I enjoyed this book, but there were also parts I struggled with. This book reminded me a lot of Ted Dekker's book, Eyes Wide Open, which I read which also had a lot of questions woven through the book which made me keep on reading for answers.
Since this is a dystopian fantasy focused on YA which also focuses on the general market, not on the Christian market, I will try and focus my review on that factor. On that bases this was a great book and I understand the high ratings it received.
Even though the time period is in the future, it seemed real and not far-fetched. It is a world which want perfection and turned their backs on God. The characters, Tess and Luka, were believable and even though I struggled in the beginning to connect to them (since they are still in high school), they grew on me. There were also some twists which I didn't expect.
The book deals with series issues - abortions and the spiritual realm. I enjoyed seeing how Tess comes to accept her gift and how she and Luka steps into fighting evil.
The things I did not enjoy/struggled with is all from my Christian viewpoint. I did not like the hypnotherapy and dream catchers references since I do not agree with that personally. I enjoy spiritual warfare books, but the way the characters did the fighting in this book was a bit weird. I also did not like the few times there were a foul word used.
The theme however I got from the book was good - you cannot turn your back on God and play with the evil side of the spiritual realm without serious devastating consequences.
I want to see what happens, so I will continue the series.
I probably won't recommend this to anyone younger than 18 though.
March 29, 2016
A fabulous beginning to this amazing series. Ms. Ganshert kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through and I loved it. :D But I was definitely glad I waited to read this until all three books were out because HELLO cliffhanger!
May 12, 2022
I thought that this book was really good. I loved to see how she described the future of where our nation was headed. I cannot wait to read the next books and look forward to more books by this author.
December 15, 2017
In the beginning, I was somewhat skeptical because there are some YA cliches; girl is an outcast and doesn't know she's special, brooding and reluctant hero could falling for said girl...yada, yada. Despite that, once the storyline began to fully develop, I found the supernatural element to be interesting. I look forward to the next installment.
Audio - Heather Masters is an excellent narrator and actually sounds like a teenaged girl, which seldom happens in YA audio.
Audio - Heather Masters is an excellent narrator and actually sounds like a teenaged girl, which seldom happens in YA audio.
March 16, 2024
Ummmm this is such an underrated gem of a book!!!
I know I would have LOVED this if I had read this in high school; I resonate with the social life of Tess as a high school student very well!
I know I would have LOVED this if I had read this in high school; I resonate with the social life of Tess as a high school student very well!
September 22, 2016
This book is an Evangelical Christian manifesto straight from hyperventilating conspiracy theories found in some Evangelical communities. Told from the perspective of a teenage girl, it is the story of America without God. The villains? Evil, nameless, faceless, immoral atheists who have taken over America, ripped the first and second amendments from the Constitution, and banished any mention of God from the public sphere.
After successfully banishing religion, those evil atheists then unleash their satanic, genocidal agenda. They force pregnant women to undergo fetal testing and weed out any imperfect fetuses through abortions, though we must believe that those tests are so imprecise that the doctors really can't tell which fetuses are normal and which are abnormal. Additionally, anyone with mental issues— including religious experiences—are locked up in concentration camps cleverly disguised as mental hospitals.
Which is quite a problem for the main character, who just happens to be having visions in which she literally fights satanic forces unseen by others She lives in constant fear of being locked up in an insane asylum should her secret be discovered. This fear of discovery and subsequent discovery and pursuit are the central plot devises of this first book.
The rest of the characters are pretty much cardboard cutouts from central casting.There is the younger brother who falls in with the wrong crowd, dabbles in the forbidden mysteries of the occult, and is nearly lost to satanic forces. There are the concerned parents who would do anything to keep their daughter safe. There is the heartthrob who every girl in school drools over and eventually become the main character's boyfriend after revealing that he was nearly aborted as a fetus thanks to those horribly flawed fetal tests and who also sees visions of satanic forces at work. There are the disapproving parents of said heartthrob who want their son to have nothing to do with a "crazy" girl. There are the mean girls from school. And always there loom the evil atheists doing Satan's bidding by literally hunting down in the chosen ones of God who dare defy their godless creed.
All of which leads me to question whether or not the author actually knows any atheists in real life. My gut says that she probably does not. Her entire story relies upon stereotypes of atheists that could have been taken from the 700 Club. And that is the greatest failing of the story.
After successfully banishing religion, those evil atheists then unleash their satanic, genocidal agenda. They force pregnant women to undergo fetal testing and weed out any imperfect fetuses through abortions, though we must believe that those tests are so imprecise that the doctors really can't tell which fetuses are normal and which are abnormal. Additionally, anyone with mental issues— including religious experiences—are locked up in concentration camps cleverly disguised as mental hospitals.
Which is quite a problem for the main character, who just happens to be having visions in which she literally fights satanic forces unseen by others She lives in constant fear of being locked up in an insane asylum should her secret be discovered. This fear of discovery and subsequent discovery and pursuit are the central plot devises of this first book.
The rest of the characters are pretty much cardboard cutouts from central casting.There is the younger brother who falls in with the wrong crowd, dabbles in the forbidden mysteries of the occult, and is nearly lost to satanic forces. There are the concerned parents who would do anything to keep their daughter safe. There is the heartthrob who every girl in school drools over and eventually become the main character's boyfriend after revealing that he was nearly aborted as a fetus thanks to those horribly flawed fetal tests and who also sees visions of satanic forces at work. There are the disapproving parents of said heartthrob who want their son to have nothing to do with a "crazy" girl. There are the mean girls from school. And always there loom the evil atheists doing Satan's bidding by literally hunting down in the chosen ones of God who dare defy their godless creed.
All of which leads me to question whether or not the author actually knows any atheists in real life. My gut says that she probably does not. Her entire story relies upon stereotypes of atheists that could have been taken from the 700 Club. And that is the greatest failing of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2016
I'm DNFing this at about 50% - but not because it's not a good book. It is definitely a good book.
This is a well written YA story about a girl who can see angels and demons. It's a near-future world that regulates mental illness and disability in general. The premise is decent and the characters are moderately likable.
I'm just having some problems with the ideas here. I think they're being handled well - I just don't want to go down the path that this story is taking. The story is clearly addressing the abortion issue, which is fine within the context. The angels and demons thing is ok. But I have a feeling that it's going to have people dying and turning into angels - which I have a problem with, because that's not what happens. People are people and angels are angels, both created beings, and one does not turn into the other. I also wish it would stop trying to dance around the social issues and just confront them outright. We don't need a dystopian world to frame out what is being talked about here.
The book has a strong good and evil element, light and dark forces battling. Like I said, it's a good premise.
I think I'm also just growing weary of kids in high school dealing with angst and self-image and confidence around the opposite sex - so I'm putting this aside and encouraging those who like that kind of thing to read it. It really is good. It's just not for me right now.
This is a well written YA story about a girl who can see angels and demons. It's a near-future world that regulates mental illness and disability in general. The premise is decent and the characters are moderately likable.
I'm just having some problems with the ideas here. I think they're being handled well - I just don't want to go down the path that this story is taking. The story is clearly addressing the abortion issue, which is fine within the context. The angels and demons thing is ok. But I have a feeling that it's going to have people dying and turning into angels - which I have a problem with, because that's not what happens. People are people and angels are angels, both created beings, and one does not turn into the other. I also wish it would stop trying to dance around the social issues and just confront them outright. We don't need a dystopian world to frame out what is being talked about here.
The book has a strong good and evil element, light and dark forces battling. Like I said, it's a good premise.
I think I'm also just growing weary of kids in high school dealing with angst and self-image and confidence around the opposite sex - so I'm putting this aside and encouraging those who like that kind of thing to read it. It really is good. It's just not for me right now.
May 6, 2016
Clear your schedule - as soon as you start this book, you literally can't put it down. This story is so intense and riveting. The Gifting does end as a cliffhanger, so be prepared to read the whole series! I devoured this novel before Book 2 (The Awakening) was released. Oh the agony! I recommend this series to everyone I know. I recommended it to a lady in her 50's and she loved it so much that she made her college aged son read it too! A friend of mine is so busy with her kids that she just doesn't have a lot of time to read. She kept telling me - "Ain't nobody got time for that!" She's read the series 3 times now! KE Ganshert takes you on a wild dystopian ride, so hold onto your seat and enjoy all it has to offer!
September 21, 2017
This was an enjoyable read. I love dystopians, so I really enjoyed learning about this world. The story, the characters and the mystery made me not want to put the book down. I think the reason I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 is because there was a parts where I got confused, especially near the end. I wanted to know more about The Gifting. Also, I wanted to know a bit more about the characters. The ending was great and was a cliffhanger, which makes me think that the second book will continue from where this book will go. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Overall, a great read.
February 2, 2017
I think I got this book for free through Bookbub. What an awesome surprise. I really really liked this book. I loved the characters and the story and just enough mystery that I didn't want to put it down. I did get a few Twilight vibes, just similar scenes or references, but, I'm a huge Twilight fan so I was ok with it because it didn't get too carried away and it could just be me. Going to head on over to Amazon and get the sequels bought, I can't wait to start the next one.
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