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The Gifting #3
The Gathering
"Darkness is a tricky thing. Especially when it cloaks itself in light." Luka isn't dead. He's not beyond saving. Tess knows because she saw him with her own eyes. After what she saw, she's sure of one thing: If they don't rescue him soon, Luka won't be Luka anymore. If only she could convince the other members of the hub. They're not sure Tess saw what she claims she saw. And they're preoccupied by the fact that their kind is being systematically eradicated. Answers lie in an ancient prophecy, one that revolves around a seventeen-year-old girl who never asked for any of this. K.E. Ganshert's final installment in The Gifting Series brings readers on an action-packed journey through loss, sacrifice, betrayal, and the impossible choice between what we want most and what we know is right.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2015
326 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
K.E. Ganshert
13 books419 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 278 reviews
August 6, 2015
Thrilled to have the final installment... but lamenting the fact that this AMAZING series is over!
WOW! How do I review this book without giving anything away...?
How can I go back and read it all over again – for the first time!
How do I even begin to tell you what this book meant to me... what this series meant to me?
K.E. Ganshert is an incredibly, amazingly, beautifully gifted author. She writes stories in a way that makes you feel as if you're living them. She writes worlds as if there is no other. She writes characters in such a way that it feels as though you're reading yourself. You slip into the character's skin as easily as you slip into a pool of water. I fully expect to look up and see Rosie sitting across from me with those puppy-dog eyes, begging for the rest of my dinner.
But the best thing about this series... Unlike many YA dystopian, speculative and supernatural novels on the market today - it does not erase hope. It does not give us a bleak outlook of a world where we have to lose almost everything to win, or a world where only by stripping us down to almost nothing - can we survive.
The Gifting series GIVES us hope! It gives us hope for tomorrow... hope for today... hope for forever.
I do not recommend many of the YA series that are so popular today but I feel very strongly that this is a series EVERYONE should read!
And by the way... I receive a lot of books free in exchange for an honest review. Not this one - this was a book I purchased. Actually it was pre-ordered for me by my AWESOME mom, because I was so frantic to read it ASAP – which you can see... I have done!
WOW! How do I review this book without giving anything away...?
How can I go back and read it all over again – for the first time!
How do I even begin to tell you what this book meant to me... what this series meant to me?
K.E. Ganshert is an incredibly, amazingly, beautifully gifted author. She writes stories in a way that makes you feel as if you're living them. She writes worlds as if there is no other. She writes characters in such a way that it feels as though you're reading yourself. You slip into the character's skin as easily as you slip into a pool of water. I fully expect to look up and see Rosie sitting across from me with those puppy-dog eyes, begging for the rest of my dinner.
But the best thing about this series... Unlike many YA dystopian, speculative and supernatural novels on the market today - it does not erase hope. It does not give us a bleak outlook of a world where we have to lose almost everything to win, or a world where only by stripping us down to almost nothing - can we survive.
The Gifting series GIVES us hope! It gives us hope for tomorrow... hope for today... hope for forever.
I do not recommend many of the YA series that are so popular today but I feel very strongly that this is a series EVERYONE should read!
And by the way... I receive a lot of books free in exchange for an honest review. Not this one - this was a book I purchased. Actually it was pre-ordered for me by my AWESOME mom, because I was so frantic to read it ASAP – which you can see... I have done!
February 14, 2016
Enjoyed every moment of this fun trilogy!
October 13, 2018
What a fantastic final installment! 😍❤️
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
June 30, 2023
The relationship drama and arguments were getting on my nerves, and it was mostly Tess just being silly. I really thought God would have a bigger part in this trilogy and the characters would come to know Him eventually, but that never happened. God was barely mentioned at all. The characters never prayed or had to exercise any faith to accomplish anything, they somehow did it all themselves by their own power, which is completely NOT how it works in the real world. I understand this is fiction, which is how I'm able to enjoy it anyway, but spiritual warfare is a very real thing and so it would've been cool if it had been written in a more realistic way.
As far as negative content goes, there's lots of intense kissing and other little stuff like that and the h-word is used once.
As far as negative content goes, there's lots of intense kissing and other little stuff like that and the h-word is used once.
August 27, 2015
I loved this series so much I did something I've actually never done before... Immediately reread the first book. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye. The Gathering brought a perfect end to the Gifting series, and yet I found that I was still very attached to the story and characters after it was over. I was emotional just knowing that a friend was reading "that part". Well done, I can't wait to see what's next!!
February 2, 2016
Eloquent and driven teen supernatural that sadly lost its go-juice in this final instalment.
After blazing through the first two books and being hopelessly suckered by those gripping cliffhangers, I was more than a little disappointed by the loss of pace halfway through, 'The Gathering'. Perhaps it held its appeal for a younger audience, however, the midway point sadly seemed to lack in the same fluidity and creative energy as the two previous novels. Overall, it left a feeling of, 'empty space', at times desperately clamouring at ideas that in places, ignited a glimmer of hope that things would return to the action-packed storyline readers had come to expect from Ganshert's writing. That glimmer, sadly was more often that not quickly extinguished.
Additionally, descriptions of protagonist Tess' feelings towards Luka also seemed tired and repetitive, without any notably substantial development of the characters' relationship.
All the same, a fascinating concept and overall, The Gifting is a refreshingly well-constructed series for YA fiction.
After blazing through the first two books and being hopelessly suckered by those gripping cliffhangers, I was more than a little disappointed by the loss of pace halfway through, 'The Gathering'. Perhaps it held its appeal for a younger audience, however, the midway point sadly seemed to lack in the same fluidity and creative energy as the two previous novels. Overall, it left a feeling of, 'empty space', at times desperately clamouring at ideas that in places, ignited a glimmer of hope that things would return to the action-packed storyline readers had come to expect from Ganshert's writing. That glimmer, sadly was more often that not quickly extinguished.
Additionally, descriptions of protagonist Tess' feelings towards Luka also seemed tired and repetitive, without any notably substantial development of the characters' relationship.
All the same, a fascinating concept and overall, The Gifting is a refreshingly well-constructed series for YA fiction.
January 24, 2016
I loved this whole series
I don't write reviews ever and I should do but you know, a busy life, my quiet reading time, then after a book you just move to the next one. Its no excuse and I apologise to all the amazing authors out there who i have taken their stories and not thanked.
I found the first book free I'm not YA I'm a British 45 year old and I was hooked. The writing is amazing, sometimes a book can be over long or over described but this was perfect. I want to care about the characters and boy did I. I bought the next 2 books and read the whole lot over a week.
I love the idea that these normal people can save the world but very human doubts and fears can stop that. I also found the idea of using a sometimes taboo of mental illness in the book very refreshing.
This last book didn't disappoint. I can't believe that so much was in one book. If you like this genre try it and love it
I don't write reviews ever and I should do but you know, a busy life, my quiet reading time, then after a book you just move to the next one. Its no excuse and I apologise to all the amazing authors out there who i have taken their stories and not thanked.
I found the first book free I'm not YA I'm a British 45 year old and I was hooked. The writing is amazing, sometimes a book can be over long or over described but this was perfect. I want to care about the characters and boy did I. I bought the next 2 books and read the whole lot over a week.
I love the idea that these normal people can save the world but very human doubts and fears can stop that. I also found the idea of using a sometimes taboo of mental illness in the book very refreshing.
This last book didn't disappoint. I can't believe that so much was in one book. If you like this genre try it and love it
May 24, 2016
Mild to moderate spoilers ahead but I'm not going to give away the ending.
This review is really kind of a commentary on this entire series. I started reading The Gifting Book 1 because it was free and I was trying not spend a million dollars a week on ebooks. It sucked me in even though it's a young adult book and there's a romance element. The Twilight/Hunger Games type of love triangles have really started to wear on me. I'm sick of it.
But I liked the premise. I like the idea of a dystopian world that's still very similar to our own. At first the idea of "fetal modification" to "cure" women of their defective fetuses and the society's plan to do away with the mentally ill by making mental illness illegal was very interesting. I also liked the idea of a society that essentially worships science and has made the supernatural taboo. The special abilities of the protagonists were also captivating. I liked the idea of not only having people who have the ability to see the supernatural but people who have specific ways of interacting with the supernatural through dreams or otherwise. They can use these abilities to save others. All of that sounded great except for two problems.
There are two issues with this book series in my opinion.
1. The writer borrows from other stories. A LOT. There are characters in this series that I can clearly make out who they are in the Hunger Games. Rosie is Rue. Link is Finnick. Luka is Peeta and Tess is Katniss (duh). Cap is Boggs. There's even a character named Cressida in this series. And there's one in the Hunger Games. Come on...Cressida?! Really? I mean, that's not exactly a common name. Not to mention to the fact that there's also a Joanna who happens to be Tess's roommate much like how Joanna later became Katniss's roommate in the Hunger Games. I also found a little Harry Potter nod in here when the name on Tess's fake ID is Lily Evans, Harry's mother's name. Maybe that's a coincidence but there's more to the argument that this story is derivative AF. I really thought that the man with the scars on his face whom she refers to as Scarface seemed extraordinarily like the villains in Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. There were just so many parallels to other works by more established authors.
The story follows the same general arc as The Hunger Games with the first book building a world and revealing the evils of it. The second book is a rallying cry to get others to join the fight. The third book is the big battle. There's even a District 13 in the Gifting Series. It's called Newport RI and it's, just like The Hunger Games, a city that has been destroyed but the media is not reporting the truth about it. It becomes the homebase for their army, again, just like in The Hunger Games.
At the point when Luka (which even rhymes with Peeta) becomes injured and there are going to be "ramifications" to that, I wondered for a minute if he was going to be brainwashed or "hijacked" as Peeta was but he wasn't. It's still essentially the same thing though. Luka becomes unable to protect Tess for a period of time due to his injuries, same as Peeta. The word "hijacked" means something different in the Gifting Series but it also becomes a big part of the narrative. The writer couldn't even come up with a new word.
But I think I've proven my case that these books are a Hunger Games knock off which sucks because I honestly thought they are fairly well written if you can get past all of Tess's mooning over the "perfection" of "the boy". It's constant. You also have to get over her constant self deprecating inner monologue where she doubts her beauty, her coolness, her strength, everything. She just can't believe that this "perfect" boy has any interest in her.
Here's the second problem with the series.
2. It's religious/conservative propaganda. I suspected it when the element of fetal modification was brought in. It sounded sorta like this author was saying that abortion is a sign of the end times. Then when she said that the second amendment had been revoked and now all the guns were only had by the military, police and criminals, I knew there was some right wing propaganda in here. Looking at the fact that this entire story is essentially an argument that when you take God out of the picture, bad things happen, you can easily see it for what it is. I was able to disregard this conservative agenda pushing in the same way that I can with CS Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia which is one of the most blatantly religious stories of all time. However, some may not find that so easy.
Just to be clear, I'm not making this leap about this being religious propaganda without doing a bit of research into it. The author thanks her "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" in the author's notes and also her books are available through Christian book websites.
This is not necessarily a problem for everyone. People who are religious and/or conservative would probably appreciate that element. I am a agnostic super liberal feminist so that part is never going to appeal to me but I do appreciate a good story.
And, in closing, this IS a good story. The problem is that it's a story that's been done before. I liked the characters. It was a compelling and quick read. Well written and interesting. I just wish it had been more original and less obvious that so many elements were borrowed.
This review is really kind of a commentary on this entire series. I started reading The Gifting Book 1 because it was free and I was trying not spend a million dollars a week on ebooks. It sucked me in even though it's a young adult book and there's a romance element. The Twilight/Hunger Games type of love triangles have really started to wear on me. I'm sick of it.
But I liked the premise. I like the idea of a dystopian world that's still very similar to our own. At first the idea of "fetal modification" to "cure" women of their defective fetuses and the society's plan to do away with the mentally ill by making mental illness illegal was very interesting. I also liked the idea of a society that essentially worships science and has made the supernatural taboo. The special abilities of the protagonists were also captivating. I liked the idea of not only having people who have the ability to see the supernatural but people who have specific ways of interacting with the supernatural through dreams or otherwise. They can use these abilities to save others. All of that sounded great except for two problems.
There are two issues with this book series in my opinion.
1. The writer borrows from other stories. A LOT. There are characters in this series that I can clearly make out who they are in the Hunger Games. Rosie is Rue. Link is Finnick. Luka is Peeta and Tess is Katniss (duh). Cap is Boggs. There's even a character named Cressida in this series. And there's one in the Hunger Games. Come on...Cressida?! Really? I mean, that's not exactly a common name. Not to mention to the fact that there's also a Joanna who happens to be Tess's roommate much like how Joanna later became Katniss's roommate in the Hunger Games. I also found a little Harry Potter nod in here when the name on Tess's fake ID is Lily Evans, Harry's mother's name. Maybe that's a coincidence but there's more to the argument that this story is derivative AF. I really thought that the man with the scars on his face whom she refers to as Scarface seemed extraordinarily like the villains in Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. There were just so many parallels to other works by more established authors.
The story follows the same general arc as The Hunger Games with the first book building a world and revealing the evils of it. The second book is a rallying cry to get others to join the fight. The third book is the big battle. There's even a District 13 in the Gifting Series. It's called Newport RI and it's, just like The Hunger Games, a city that has been destroyed but the media is not reporting the truth about it. It becomes the homebase for their army, again, just like in The Hunger Games.
At the point when Luka (which even rhymes with Peeta) becomes injured and there are going to be "ramifications" to that, I wondered for a minute if he was going to be brainwashed or "hijacked" as Peeta was but he wasn't. It's still essentially the same thing though. Luka becomes unable to protect Tess for a period of time due to his injuries, same as Peeta. The word "hijacked" means something different in the Gifting Series but it also becomes a big part of the narrative. The writer couldn't even come up with a new word.
But I think I've proven my case that these books are a Hunger Games knock off which sucks because I honestly thought they are fairly well written if you can get past all of Tess's mooning over the "perfection" of "the boy". It's constant. You also have to get over her constant self deprecating inner monologue where she doubts her beauty, her coolness, her strength, everything. She just can't believe that this "perfect" boy has any interest in her.
Here's the second problem with the series.
2. It's religious/conservative propaganda. I suspected it when the element of fetal modification was brought in. It sounded sorta like this author was saying that abortion is a sign of the end times. Then when she said that the second amendment had been revoked and now all the guns were only had by the military, police and criminals, I knew there was some right wing propaganda in here. Looking at the fact that this entire story is essentially an argument that when you take God out of the picture, bad things happen, you can easily see it for what it is. I was able to disregard this conservative agenda pushing in the same way that I can with CS Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia which is one of the most blatantly religious stories of all time. However, some may not find that so easy.
Just to be clear, I'm not making this leap about this being religious propaganda without doing a bit of research into it. The author thanks her "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" in the author's notes and also her books are available through Christian book websites.
This is not necessarily a problem for everyone. People who are religious and/or conservative would probably appreciate that element. I am a agnostic super liberal feminist so that part is never going to appeal to me but I do appreciate a good story.
And, in closing, this IS a good story. The problem is that it's a story that's been done before. I liked the characters. It was a compelling and quick read. Well written and interesting. I just wish it had been more original and less obvious that so many elements were borrowed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
Only bad thing is that the ending seemed rushed. But the whole series was still fantastic.
March 20, 2017
An exciting thrilling young adult novel. Filled with cryptic messages, twists and turns!!
June 6, 2017
The final book in The Gifting Series is super good! A bit to much kissing for me but the overall story was very intriguing.
Tess Eckhart is finally realizing that she is the prophecy and she doesn't like it nor does Luka Williams her Keeper.
After everybody at the hub puts their lives on the line in rescuing Luka from the evil side and losing one of their own in the process cause them to scatter to find answers. Meeting up in Newport proves to be a challenge for the gifting and somehow the cops seem to know where they are. Is one of their own giving them away and how come Luka can't protect Tess anymore? Will the Gifting be stopped by Scarface and his goons or will Tess figure the prophecy out in time?
Tess Eckhart is finally realizing that she is the prophecy and she doesn't like it nor does Luka Williams her Keeper.
After everybody at the hub puts their lives on the line in rescuing Luka from the evil side and losing one of their own in the process cause them to scatter to find answers. Meeting up in Newport proves to be a challenge for the gifting and somehow the cops seem to know where they are. Is one of their own giving them away and how come Luka can't protect Tess anymore? Will the Gifting be stopped by Scarface and his goons or will Tess figure the prophecy out in time?
June 13, 2018
The world building was original enough and the story is not bad.
I quite liked it. No book is perfect but the biggest hardship for me
in finishing this series is that the heroine is so----------unlikable.
When a book is in a first person narrative, it is hard not to identify with the character
and is pretty easy to like them but Tess...just simply impossible.
I am all about making mistakes and growing but...it just does not happen in this book.
She is not bad-ass, feisty, or smart. She makes mistake after mistake and being selfish, impulsive, and stupid.
I did finish the series because it did manage to sustain my sense of curiosity.
I quite liked it. No book is perfect but the biggest hardship for me
in finishing this series is that the heroine is so----------unlikable.
When a book is in a first person narrative, it is hard not to identify with the character
and is pretty easy to like them but Tess...just simply impossible.
I am all about making mistakes and growing but...it just does not happen in this book.
She is not bad-ass, feisty, or smart. She makes mistake after mistake and being selfish, impulsive, and stupid.
I did finish the series because it did manage to sustain my sense of curiosity.
October 17, 2015
What an awesome story. You know those books that leave you feeling empty after you finish reading them? For some reason that was this book for me. It's like I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet...I don't want this series to be over. It makes me sound like I'm crazy. I absolutely loved the characters. I felt as thought I was part of the story. And I'm not going to lie. It even made me cry at one point!!!! I can't even remember the last book that has done that to me.
Would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA dystopian novels.
Would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA dystopian novels.
January 13, 2017
This series started off with a confused, yet strong heroine which kept me interested and engaged in the plight of the story. However, book 3 was a serious let down for me. I now no longer care if there is another book, because I don't care what happens to the characters. There is a particular part that I should have cried, my heart should have broken, but it didn't. I just wanted to finish to get it over with.
Wimpy, winey, dumb heroine. Disappointing!!!!!!
Wimpy, winey, dumb heroine. Disappointing!!!!!!
November 18, 2015
I just absolutely loved this series. I am so sorry to see it end. I fell in love with the characters, the storyline was so interesting I loved it. I wish it was made into a movie, and I want more people to read this series, so good. I don't think you would be disappointed!
March 5, 2024
A riveting conclusion! I want to know what happens next. Like the others it was action packed.
October 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Plot- Good finale of this dystopian-type YA with supernatural/spiritual elements, like demons and angels, good vs evil.
Characters- The FMC, Tess, was more or less likable. Not my fave characterization, but I liked her well enough.
Luka was cool. I didn’t feel like I knew him as well in this installment.
I liked Links a lot. He was probably my favorite character.
Romance- I felt more chemistry between Links and Tess, tbh. He was the 3rd in their almost-but-not-really love triangle.
Luka and Tess didn’t have much chemistry together. Idk. This author just didn’t know how to write scenes that increase sexual tension and chemistry, I guess. Even when they kissed, I didn’t feel anything. Their relationship kind of bored me, tbh.
Writing - Fine. Very unique storyline, and that was a lot of fun. I was confused by the logistics on how they accomplished the final showdown, but that’s the only time I’ve been confused by the magic/spiritual system in 3 books. So that’s not too shabby.
I feel like we were stuck in the FMC’s angsty/confused head too much, tho.
Also, why bring up the penny trick to decipher if you’re projecting in a dream if you’re never going to bring it up in the story again? That seemed like a missed opportunity/ a dropped thread.
Content-
Language- No swears.
Spice- No sexual content. They kiss a couple times. Very clean.
Violence- someone gets shot, someone is found dead, but the violence on-page is very low.
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- fine
POV- single POV, first person
Cliffhanger- No, this is the conclusion.
Format- audiobook via Audible ($5)
Narration- awesome.
How I rated the series-
Book 1 - The Gifting - 4 stars
Book 2 - The Awakening - 5 stars
Book 3 - The Gathering - 3.5 stars
Plot- Good finale of this dystopian-type YA with supernatural/spiritual elements, like demons and angels, good vs evil.
Characters- The FMC, Tess, was more or less likable. Not my fave characterization, but I liked her well enough.
Luka was cool. I didn’t feel like I knew him as well in this installment.
I liked Links a lot. He was probably my favorite character.
Romance- I felt more chemistry between Links and Tess, tbh. He was the 3rd in their almost-but-not-really love triangle.
Luka and Tess didn’t have much chemistry together. Idk. This author just didn’t know how to write scenes that increase sexual tension and chemistry, I guess. Even when they kissed, I didn’t feel anything. Their relationship kind of bored me, tbh.
Writing - Fine. Very unique storyline, and that was a lot of fun. I was confused by the logistics on how they accomplished the final showdown, but that’s the only time I’ve been confused by the magic/spiritual system in 3 books. So that’s not too shabby.
I feel like we were stuck in the FMC’s angsty/confused head too much, tho.
Also, why bring up the penny trick to decipher if you’re projecting in a dream if you’re never going to bring it up in the story again? That seemed like a missed opportunity/ a dropped thread.
Content-
Language- No swears.
Spice- No sexual content. They kiss a couple times. Very clean.
Violence- someone gets shot, someone is found dead, but the violence on-page is very low.
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- fine
POV- single POV, first person
Cliffhanger- No, this is the conclusion.
Format- audiobook via Audible ($5)
Narration- awesome.
How I rated the series-
Book 1 - The Gifting - 4 stars
Book 2 - The Awakening - 5 stars
Book 3 - The Gathering - 3.5 stars
January 27, 2022
This book series was amazingly entertaining and interesting. I would definitely recommend it to everyone if you like this genre. I love the introduction of new characters, their roles and the story of forgiveness and second chances as well. Who doesn’t love a book with a bit of love and drama and a strong heroine? That’s what you get with Tess as soon as she realizes her potential. The ending was also great. I could go on and on so, I guess that’s why I gave it 5 stars. 😬
January 19, 2018
It's too hard to review this book without spoilers. Ganshert did a great job of tying everything up without it being too perfectly happy-ever-after. I would definitely recommend this series!
September 22, 2016
I can't let this end. I need more. The Gathering by K.E. Ganshert (aka Katie Ganshert) is the third and last installment of The Gifting series. It brings this wonderful and thought provoking series to a conclusion that is perfect. Having listened to the audiobook version for this review, I was able to savor each bit a little more, since it usually takes me longer to finish an audiobook than a book. So for a month (yes, it took me that long!), I listened to The Gathering bit by bit, chapter by chapter, and was so engrossed through first, Luka's seeming demise, then Tess' nagging and overwrought emotions to try to save him, to the gathering and finally the ultimate "battle." There are so much more in between. At first, I was quite put off by Tess' constant insecurities, especially towards Luka's love for her. The whole choice and free will in play here. It's not the writing, but more so it's written so well, that Tess came alive to me, especially with the splendid narration by Heather Masters.
Speaking of characters, I was a little surprised by what seem like a lack or slow development of Luka or Tess' characters. I think that thought came on too soon, when I realized their development was the strongest throughout the series. And you might not have realized it like me until closer towards the end. That makes for some awesome story telling!
Remember when I said, "I can't let this end. I need more"? Well, when the last note played on my phone through the audible app, I sat there, still sniffling from an event towards the end of the book. With a hand still clutching a tissue, I went straight to the bookcase, and pulled out my print copy of The Gathering and read it. The last two chapters, I probably had gone through it another three times. And then I wanted to go back and reread The Gifting and The Awakening. Yes, they were that good, so good I wasn't ready to let it go. The unsurprising thing is I laughed and teared at the same spots as I was listening to it, even though I knew what was happening.
With charisma, insight and intrigue, The Gifting series jumped its way into my heart and refuse to go. Well-written with great characters that you will love, hate and the in-betweens that makes life interesting. Katie Ganshert have proven that she can write young adult fantasy that captivates and enthrall us. The Gifting Series have now taken a spot in my top ten YA fantasy, and possibly within the whole YA genre. Thank you, Katie for sharing this awesome story with us.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary audio copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
Speaking of characters, I was a little surprised by what seem like a lack or slow development of Luka or Tess' characters. I think that thought came on too soon, when I realized their development was the strongest throughout the series. And you might not have realized it like me until closer towards the end. That makes for some awesome story telling!
Remember when I said, "I can't let this end. I need more"? Well, when the last note played on my phone through the audible app, I sat there, still sniffling from an event towards the end of the book. With a hand still clutching a tissue, I went straight to the bookcase, and pulled out my print copy of The Gathering and read it. The last two chapters, I probably had gone through it another three times. And then I wanted to go back and reread The Gifting and The Awakening. Yes, they were that good, so good I wasn't ready to let it go. The unsurprising thing is I laughed and teared at the same spots as I was listening to it, even though I knew what was happening.
With charisma, insight and intrigue, The Gifting series jumped its way into my heart and refuse to go. Well-written with great characters that you will love, hate and the in-betweens that makes life interesting. Katie Ganshert have proven that she can write young adult fantasy that captivates and enthrall us. The Gifting Series have now taken a spot in my top ten YA fantasy, and possibly within the whole YA genre. Thank you, Katie for sharing this awesome story with us.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary audio copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
March 3, 2025
I do like how the book and series ended but found this the weakest of the three books as far as writing and plotting. I thought the whole thing with Tess’s grandma was unnecessary and much too unrealistic. Also, the bit of romance between Tess and Link was completely unnecessary and annoying. They could have been great friends and that would have been enough of a connection between them. After all of the development of Tess and Luka’s relationship, the thing with Link was confusing and irritating.
This is still a solid option to introduce to a high school book club as a supernatural thriller. I will go on and read the companion novel Luka so I’ve read it all.
I give 3.5-4 stars to the series overall.
This is still a solid option to introduce to a high school book club as a supernatural thriller. I will go on and read the companion novel Luka so I’ve read it all.
I give 3.5-4 stars to the series overall.
March 29, 2016
An epic conclusion! Tess begins this book in a pretty bad place, so I could forgive her for making some hard choices. But there were definite moments, as the story went on, where I just wanted to shake her. Yet she's had to grow up quickly and has this huge responsibility lying on her shoulders. Which I felt like the adults in her life could have helped her handle better, quite frankly! But frustrations aside, I loved every minute of this story. SO glad I was able to read all three books one after another, as each kept me hooked in until the final page. This series truly is fantastic!
March 9, 2018
The Gathering kept with the reputation of the first two books of the Gifting Series and did NOT disappoint readers. It continues with Tess and Luka continuing their quest to free their world of the unique “terrorist.” The adventure, mystery, action, and suspense don’t fade, as the many unexpected twists bring this trilogy to an excellent end. I loved The Gathering and the entire trilogy.
I recommend this to all readers. I call this a HUGE 5 star book.
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I recommend this to all readers. I call this a HUGE 5 star book.
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https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
December 30, 2015
Wow!
This series blew me away with all of the plot twists and turns. I had such a hard time putting this book down. I loved all of the characters, but my favorite thing about this book was the strong bond of love Luka and Tess have for one another. The romance was so sweet and precious. I loved how Luka cherished her and ached with all of his being to keep her safe. They were soul mates. I loved this book (series) and I hope we see them again soon in another book.
This series blew me away with all of the plot twists and turns. I had such a hard time putting this book down. I loved all of the characters, but my favorite thing about this book was the strong bond of love Luka and Tess have for one another. The romance was so sweet and precious. I loved how Luka cherished her and ached with all of his being to keep her safe. They were soul mates. I loved this book (series) and I hope we see them again soon in another book.
August 20, 2017
I didn't care for this last installment of The Gifting trilogy like I did the first two. I'm not sure I can pin-point exactly why either; a combination of things I guess. The story seemed quite slow for about the first third of the book and the main character seemed angry and mean a good portion of the time. The story just seemed to lose it's spark and I found myself skimming a lot toward the end. The premise of the whole trilogy was great though and I really liked #1 and #2.
June 9, 2017
This series ended up being a good page turner!
My one complaint? Tess and Luka seemed to have no chemistry and barely spoke to each other much of the book, but we're supposed to believe that they're soul mates. I just couldn't buy it - she and Link were so much better for each other. It was a big hang up for me, which is why I gave 3 stars instead of 4.
My one complaint? Tess and Luka seemed to have no chemistry and barely spoke to each other much of the book, but we're supposed to believe that they're soul mates. I just couldn't buy it - she and Link were so much better for each other. It was a big hang up for me, which is why I gave 3 stars instead of 4.
July 23, 2021
Amazing!!!
September 3, 2016
Read all 3 in 2-3 days.
November 11, 2016
Okay, okay. Fine. I enjoyed the book. As the story progressed, the issues I saw earlier on resolved themselves. I cried like an absolute baby at the end.
Ugh. What a phenomenal ending.
Ugh. What a phenomenal ending.
September 9, 2024
I liked the series, paranormal seen as mental illness
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