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The Gifting #2
The Awakening
"I can't go home. It's not safe. Nowhere is."
Tess Eckhart isn’t crazy. She’s not suffering from psychosis. She and Luka Williams are part of The Gifting. Before they can find out what that means, the man with all the answers turns up dead. The only thing he left behind? A few patient files that lead to the nation’s most lawless city.
With authorities chasing them, Luka and Tess escape into the very heart of peril and against all odds, find an underground community of people just like them. They aren’t gathered together for the sole purpose of survival, either. They have a plan and a purpose—to awaken as many people with The Gifting as possible. It’s dangerous and deadly work. Tess wants to help. Luka is desperate to keep her safe—a task that proves increasingly difficult as Tess’s gifting comes to light.
Could Tess Eckhart be the One they’ve been waiting for? The One who can save them all?
Tess Eckhart isn’t crazy. She’s not suffering from psychosis. She and Luka Williams are part of The Gifting. Before they can find out what that means, the man with all the answers turns up dead. The only thing he left behind? A few patient files that lead to the nation’s most lawless city.
With authorities chasing them, Luka and Tess escape into the very heart of peril and against all odds, find an underground community of people just like them. They aren’t gathered together for the sole purpose of survival, either. They have a plan and a purpose—to awaken as many people with The Gifting as possible. It’s dangerous and deadly work. Tess wants to help. Luka is desperate to keep her safe—a task that proves increasingly difficult as Tess’s gifting comes to light.
Could Tess Eckhart be the One they’ve been waiting for? The One who can save them all?
314 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
475 people are currently reading
1260 people want to read
About the author
K.E. Ganshert
13 books424 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 222 reviews
June 29, 2023
I got really frustrated with Tess in this book because she started keeping secrets and disobeying orders and I HATE that so much. There was also some jealousy/girl drama over a boy which I thought was over after book 1, but unfortunately was not. Also, Tess and Luka were getting a liiiittle too touchy-feely in this book. ALSO, I wish God and faith were a bigger factor in this series. He's mentioned here and there briefly, and The Gifting is attributed to Him, but somehow these unbelieving characters have these abilities to fight demons without having any faith in God or relying on Him for help, which is just not realistic at all and I wish was different.
That being said, I am still really enjoying this series and I look forward to book 3.
That being said, I am still really enjoying this series and I look forward to book 3.
October 13, 2018
The Awakening is even better than the first book! Full review to come.
January 1, 2026
Whew, things certainly pick up in the second book in this excellent trilogy. Tess and Luka are on the run and looking for other gifted people. Their travels take them from their homes in California to Detroit, on a wing and a prayer. Gripping right up to the cliff hangar ending. Will go on to book three quick smart. 4+ stars.
August 30, 2015
2.5 stars
Ooh Tess the first half of the book you were getting on my nerves I even wanted to stop reading. All those I’m not good enough, not strong enough, net beautiful enough man Tess could you please shout up. All those insecurities about Luka, You should try talking use actual words might help with all the questions you have.
The second half does get slightly better.
Tess has a gift now she is on the run with Luka and they have found more people like them.
The second half was typical: new girl that is a prodigy bla bla bla.
The thing is Tess doesn't listen or take orders very well and now her life has turned out into Sh#t, because she’s stubborn.
I didn’t enjoy this book or Tess so much, but I still want to know what happens is book 3.
Ooh Tess the first half of the book you were getting on my nerves I even wanted to stop reading. All those I’m not good enough, not strong enough, net beautiful enough man Tess could you please shout up. All those insecurities about Luka, You should try talking use actual words might help with all the questions you have.
The second half does get slightly better.
Tess has a gift now she is on the run with Luka and they have found more people like them.
The second half was typical: new girl that is a prodigy bla bla bla.
The thing is Tess doesn't listen or take orders very well and now her life has turned out into Sh#t, because she’s stubborn.
I didn’t enjoy this book or Tess so much, but I still want to know what happens is book 3.
March 4, 2024
This is just as action packed as the first! Loved it!
February 15, 2019
So, it took me almost 4 years to continue with this series. I liked the first book. I read it because it was free and seemed interesting, but the series didn't go to the top of my priority list because back then, I focused more on my favourite genre and books I already own.
So, when I saw this on audible, I thought I would give it a try and oh, how glad I am I did. This was really interesting to see how Tessa and Luka meets up with others with "The Gifting" and learn about their gifts and how to use it. It was enjoyable to get to know the others gathered at "The Hub" as well.
The ending was quite the cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what will happen next. I already downloaded the audio so will get to this as soon as possible.
The narrator was very entertaining and especially brought Tessa and all her struggles, emotions and insecurities to life.
Recommended to fans of YA and speculative fiction.
So, when I saw this on audible, I thought I would give it a try and oh, how glad I am I did. This was really interesting to see how Tessa and Luka meets up with others with "The Gifting" and learn about their gifts and how to use it. It was enjoyable to get to know the others gathered at "The Hub" as well.
The ending was quite the cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what will happen next. I already downloaded the audio so will get to this as soon as possible.
The narrator was very entertaining and especially brought Tessa and all her struggles, emotions and insecurities to life.
Recommended to fans of YA and speculative fiction.
January 12, 2023
Things really start to pick up in this second of the trilogy! The action and suspense aspect get a boost now that Tess and Luka are on the run. They both learn much more about who they are and what they can do. The story ends in a rather large cliffhanger and I did get annoyed at Tess’ constant “I’m not worthy/good enough” whining that continually screwed up so many other aspects of her life. Even so, the overall story is still engaging and keeps the reader turning those pages!
February 25, 2025
Great series. Really enjoying it and know my teens will also. Can’t wait to read the final book!
December 31, 2017
2.5 STARS
I was disappointed in this follow-up installment. I am tolerant of heroines finding themselves and their strengths, but Tess is the most whiny and insecure heroine I've experienced in recent memory. I adore Luka and still find the premise interesting, despite my annoyance with Tess. I will likely finish the trilogy at some point.
I was disappointed in this follow-up installment. I am tolerant of heroines finding themselves and their strengths, but Tess is the most whiny and insecure heroine I've experienced in recent memory. I adore Luka and still find the premise interesting, despite my annoyance with Tess. I will likely finish the trilogy at some point.
March 1, 2018
This is a perfect continuation of Volume 1, The Gifting. Right after Tess begins to make sense of her unique ability, she and Luka are forced into the life of a criminal, hiding from the authorities, and everyone else that wants to see her dead.
The two teens make several new friends as they continue their search for answers. Their questions are finally being answered, while they go underground. The action, adventure, mystery, and suspense kept my family and me on the edge of our seats.
I strongly recommend The Awakening, as well as the rest of the Gifting Series. Overall, this is another 5-star book. I love Heather Masters’ narration too!
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The two teens make several new friends as they continue their search for answers. Their questions are finally being answered, while they go underground. The action, adventure, mystery, and suspense kept my family and me on the edge of our seats.
I strongly recommend The Awakening, as well as the rest of the Gifting Series. Overall, this is another 5-star book. I love Heather Masters’ narration too!
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October 30, 2025
Plot- Unique dystopian-type YA with supernatural/spiritual elements, like demons and angels, good vs evil. I liked the underlying messages.
The plot thickens in this book when they join the underground resistance: The Gifters. I LOVE plots that involve being part of a resistance, having a team that functions like a family, and coming up with strategic plans. Fave type of plot!
Characters- I liked the FMC, Tess, and the love interest, Luka.
I empathize with Luka a lot. Poor guy!
In the lead up to the climactic scene, Tessa was a bit self-centered to not comprehend how her demise would affect Luka. In a way, she has a responsibility to keep herself safe because her death is essentially his death. To be fair to him, she needs to make decisions in tandem with him bc her life so deeply affects his well being, but she doesn’t. Completely disregarding his premonition and admonition to not go on the mission was selfish of her. At least give him the courtesy of having a conversation about it; just humor him at the very least. Show him that you value his input and take him seriously.
Besides this one instance, I really liked Tess and the book as a whole. Thankfully, this gripe didn’t ruin the book for me. Far from it. I really enjoyed it!
Romance- Medium chemistry. The wanting and anticipation is there but it’s not progressing in a way that builds the chemistry more than where it’s already at. It’s plateaued. Still enjoyable!
Writing - Great!
Content-
Language- No swears.
Spice- No sexual content. A sweet kiss near the end.
Violence- they walk in a room and find a friend hanging from a noose
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- fine
POV- single POV, first person
Cliffhanger- YES. I’m super excited to read book 3.
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
The plot thickens in this book when they join the underground resistance: The Gifters. I LOVE plots that involve being part of a resistance, having a team that functions like a family, and coming up with strategic plans. Fave type of plot!
Characters- I liked the FMC, Tess, and the love interest, Luka.
I empathize with Luka a lot. Poor guy!
In the lead up to the climactic scene, Tessa was a bit self-centered to not comprehend how her demise would affect Luka. In a way, she has a responsibility to keep herself safe because her death is essentially his death. To be fair to him, she needs to make decisions in tandem with him bc her life so deeply affects his well being, but she doesn’t. Completely disregarding his premonition and admonition to not go on the mission was selfish of her. At least give him the courtesy of having a conversation about it; just humor him at the very least. Show him that you value his input and take him seriously.
Besides this one instance, I really liked Tess and the book as a whole. Thankfully, this gripe didn’t ruin the book for me. Far from it. I really enjoyed it!
Romance- Medium chemistry. The wanting and anticipation is there but it’s not progressing in a way that builds the chemistry more than where it’s already at. It’s plateaued. Still enjoyable!
Writing - Great!
Content-
Language- No swears.
Spice- No sexual content. A sweet kiss near the end.
Violence- they walk in a room and find a friend hanging from a noose
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- fine
POV- single POV, first person
Cliffhanger- YES. I’m super excited to read book 3.
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
May 10, 2020
It just gets better! A fast read, more intense than the first book. A little too steamy for me at times, but I was quite pleased with the plot, style, climax, everything. Although a few of the characters in the 'Gifting' group seem to be repeats of characters back at her high school.
Be aware of the fact that it does not have much resolution at the end... Gotta jump right into the next book, which is exactly what I'm going to do!
Be aware of the fact that it does not have much resolution at the end... Gotta jump right into the next book, which is exactly what I'm going to do!
July 7, 2015
This second book in The Gifting series was even more amazing than the first. This book is packed with action and leaves you wishing you had the third book right away. You definitely must read the first book in the series and after reading the first two I can guarantee you will be dying to read the last one!
K. E. Ganshert breathes so much life into these characters that you feel invested in them and their survival. You find yourself gripping your book and turning the pages as fast as you can. I was conflicted as I read because I wanted to read faster and faster, yet I knew that I'd have to wait for the third book, so I tried to read slower, but I couldn't! It is that good. Once you begin reading you won't want to put it down!
As I think back on the book I am blown-away by the depth of the character development, especially with Tess and Luka. Of course we know them from the first book, but in The Awakening there is so much more. I don't want to give too much away but there are times where Tess has to focus on other characters in the book and as she thinks about the details of the different people it really highlights their characters and how Tess feels about them. It is an ingenious way of "show and not tell" for writing. Ganshert shows us the relationships through Tess's experience.
This series could easily be made into a movie that everyone would want to see. In this book there is friendship, family, love, sacrifice, suspense, and things that will give you chills. After reading this book I wondered what my dreams would be like. :)
It is the type of book that permeates your thinking so you find yourself going back to the story in your mind over and over again. To me that is a sign of a great book.
I can't wait for the third one!
I highly recommend this book to others.
K. E. Ganshert breathes so much life into these characters that you feel invested in them and their survival. You find yourself gripping your book and turning the pages as fast as you can. I was conflicted as I read because I wanted to read faster and faster, yet I knew that I'd have to wait for the third book, so I tried to read slower, but I couldn't! It is that good. Once you begin reading you won't want to put it down!
As I think back on the book I am blown-away by the depth of the character development, especially with Tess and Luka. Of course we know them from the first book, but in The Awakening there is so much more. I don't want to give too much away but there are times where Tess has to focus on other characters in the book and as she thinks about the details of the different people it really highlights their characters and how Tess feels about them. It is an ingenious way of "show and not tell" for writing. Ganshert shows us the relationships through Tess's experience.
This series could easily be made into a movie that everyone would want to see. In this book there is friendship, family, love, sacrifice, suspense, and things that will give you chills. After reading this book I wondered what my dreams would be like. :)
It is the type of book that permeates your thinking so you find yourself going back to the story in your mind over and over again. To me that is a sign of a great book.
I can't wait for the third one!
I highly recommend this book to others.
June 29, 2016
I very much enjoyed The Gifting, which introduces readers to Tess and Luka, part of "The Gifting," people who have special powers. So I don't mean this as a knock on that book, which I gave 4-1/2 out of 5 stars to, when I say that The Awakening is so much better! Basically, Ganshert took the solid base that she'd established in The Gifting and kicked it up a notch. The Awakening is full of action, danger, and romance, and it moves at breakneck speed.
Tess and Luka find themselves in Detroit with a group of others who are like them. There, they can hone their abilities and hopefully save others (like Tess' grandma). Most of this book takes place within the walls of their underground sanctuary, where many intriguing characters are introduced. The book careens toward its conclusion ... which is a gigantic cliffhanger. I listened to this on audiobook while mowing my lawn (which made mowing much less terrible), and when it ended, I literally yelled, "You're kidding me!" And then I looked around sheepishly to make sure none of my neighbors had heard me.
The only thing I didn't completely love about the novel was Tess. Her impatience and self-reliance grated on me, and I hated how she began to exclude Luka when she knew he wouldn't approve of her actions. I had to remind myself that she was a teenager, acting as teens tend to act! At the end of the book, she finally "came to her senses," so to speak, and I anticipate we'll be seeing a more mature Tess in the final book.
Note: This is one series that you definitely need to read in order! Start with The Gifting (which seems to be perpetually free for Kindle) and go from there.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Tess and Luka find themselves in Detroit with a group of others who are like them. There, they can hone their abilities and hopefully save others (like Tess' grandma). Most of this book takes place within the walls of their underground sanctuary, where many intriguing characters are introduced. The book careens toward its conclusion ... which is a gigantic cliffhanger. I listened to this on audiobook while mowing my lawn (which made mowing much less terrible), and when it ended, I literally yelled, "You're kidding me!" And then I looked around sheepishly to make sure none of my neighbors had heard me.
The only thing I didn't completely love about the novel was Tess. Her impatience and self-reliance grated on me, and I hated how she began to exclude Luka when she knew he wouldn't approve of her actions. I had to remind myself that she was a teenager, acting as teens tend to act! At the end of the book, she finally "came to her senses," so to speak, and I anticipate we'll be seeing a more mature Tess in the final book.
Note: This is one series that you definitely need to read in order! Start with The Gifting (which seems to be perpetually free for Kindle) and go from there.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 4, 2017
So this book is nearly the same exact story as The Matrix, plus teenage angst. ( I mean all the same elements: how they trained, the dental chairs, the Morpheus character, the computer hacker, their doorways and escapes, waking people up to reality, a prophecy "the one," all the "agents" on the "other side..." and even the great "Cypher move" one of the characters makes near the end, as well as the ending itself). With that being said, I still couldn't put it down... probably because I loved The Matrix so much.
This is a fun, action-packed series. I could do without a lot of the self-loathing and mowing down of Luca's character that makes him borderline unlikeable for most of the book, but the ending was great and I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a fun, action-packed series. I could do without a lot of the self-loathing and mowing down of Luca's character that makes him borderline unlikeable for most of the book, but the ending was great and I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 8, 2015
I LOVED this book and this series. I ordered the next book minutes after finishing this one, since yes, its a cliff hanger! You cannot read these out of order. Awesome, awesome series. Katie is such a gifted writer, I have LOVED every book she has written and she always leaves me yearning for more. I can't wait to read the next one and what more she has in store for us in the future. I really really want for her to succeed in this new genre of books she is writing because they are just so worth it!
March 29, 2016
The tension only rises here in book two. I continued to be impressed with this world that Tess lives in. For the record, I loved Tess, even if she tends to be quite frustrating at times. But Luka? *swoon* And that ending?! Not nice, Ms. Ganshert. Not nice at all.
November 29, 2017
This series so far is easily my favorite dystopian/awkward girl falls In love with popular guy/Chosen One YA fantasy Trilogy. And I have read a lot of those! I devoured this book and I really hope the next book is just as good. How have I not been hearing about this series?!
April 28, 2016
Incredible!!
June 8, 2024
UGGHHH!!!
The second book is even better than the first! But, THAT ENDING!!! I'm in agony over here!
The second book is even better than the first! But, THAT ENDING!!! I'm in agony over here!
April 30, 2025
Fun! Love these characters.
April 22, 2024
This second book in The Gifting series was even more amazing than the first. This book is packed with action and leaves you wishing you had the third book right away. You definitely must read the first book in the series and after reading the first two I can guarantee you will be dying to read the last one!
K. E. Ganshert breathes so much life into these characters that you feel invested in them and their survival. You find yourself gripping your book and turning the pages as fast as you can. I was conflicted as I read because I wanted to read faster and faster, yet I knew that I'd have to wait for the third book, so I tried to read slower, but I couldn't! It is that good. Once you begin reading you won't want to put it down!
As I think back on the book I am blown-away by the depth of the character development, especially with Tess and Luka. Of course we know them from the first book, but in The Awakening there is so much more. I don't want to give too much away but there are times where Tess has to focus on other characters in the book and as she thinks about the details of the different people it really highlights their characters and how Tess feels about them. It is an ingenious way of "show and not tell" for writing. Ganshert shows us the relationships through Tess's experience.
This series could easily be made into a movie that everyone would want to see. In this book there is friendship, family, love, sacrifice, suspense, and things that will give you chills. After reading this book I wondered what my dreams would be like. :)
It is the type of book that permeates your thinking so you find yourself going back to the story in your mind over and over again. To me that is a sign of a great book.
I can't wait for the third one!
I highly recommend this book to others.
K. E. Ganshert breathes so much life into these characters that you feel invested in them and their survival. You find yourself gripping your book and turning the pages as fast as you can. I was conflicted as I read because I wanted to read faster and faster, yet I knew that I'd have to wait for the third book, so I tried to read slower, but I couldn't! It is that good. Once you begin reading you won't want to put it down!
As I think back on the book I am blown-away by the depth of the character development, especially with Tess and Luka. Of course we know them from the first book, but in The Awakening there is so much more. I don't want to give too much away but there are times where Tess has to focus on other characters in the book and as she thinks about the details of the different people it really highlights their characters and how Tess feels about them. It is an ingenious way of "show and not tell" for writing. Ganshert shows us the relationships through Tess's experience.
This series could easily be made into a movie that everyone would want to see. In this book there is friendship, family, love, sacrifice, suspense, and things that will give you chills. After reading this book I wondered what my dreams would be like. :)
It is the type of book that permeates your thinking so you find yourself going back to the story in your mind over and over again. To me that is a sign of a great book.
I can't wait for the third one!
I highly recommend this book to others.
July 10, 2023
“I should be afraid, maybe even terrified. But all I feel is humiliation.”
If you could see the demons seeking to ruin—even kill—people, would you be terrified? What if no one else saw them? What if your family and peers think you’re crazy?
For some in our world, following God can feel that way. Our awareness of God and His Spirit’s promptings can be mocked or even viewed as looney by those who simply don’t believe He exists. Concern for the murder of unborn babies is often viewed as selfish and bad for society at large. Welcome to Tess’s world.
What really matters? In her high school, it’s all about an external identity that’s donned like a mask. However, in Christ believers are invited to throw away masks and walk in genuine care for others. That’s hard to do at seventeen, especially when the partner in one’s experience is the most sought-after boy in the school.
Some of the interactions become trite as high school characters enact commonly presented behaviors and roles. Nonetheless, Tess’s experiences in a world where the government controls who lives and dies makes this a suspense-filled tale that will keep you reading into the night.
If you could see the demons seeking to ruin—even kill—people, would you be terrified? What if no one else saw them? What if your family and peers think you’re crazy?
For some in our world, following God can feel that way. Our awareness of God and His Spirit’s promptings can be mocked or even viewed as looney by those who simply don’t believe He exists. Concern for the murder of unborn babies is often viewed as selfish and bad for society at large. Welcome to Tess’s world.
What really matters? In her high school, it’s all about an external identity that’s donned like a mask. However, in Christ believers are invited to throw away masks and walk in genuine care for others. That’s hard to do at seventeen, especially when the partner in one’s experience is the most sought-after boy in the school.
Some of the interactions become trite as high school characters enact commonly presented behaviors and roles. Nonetheless, Tess’s experiences in a world where the government controls who lives and dies makes this a suspense-filled tale that will keep you reading into the night.
September 3, 2025
Tess is still Annoying AF
**SPOILERS**
At go Tessa is still an insecure annoying idiot. It's hard to see how she's supposed to be so important when she's such a GD liability because she can't keep her mouth shut, ignores orders, and is so damn jumpy. The set up that gets Luka captured could be seen a mile away; I've been wondering when Claire's jealousy was going to cause more substantial trouble for a while. Anyone who has ever been around teenage girls could this cooking but I suppose if everyone saw and acted perfectly it'd be a boring story.
Tess is still a GD idiot. She's I her own way with her self-doubt as well as her impulsiveness. Even when warned about the consequences of impulsivity she still goes against orders and because of that Luka gets captured. I'm interested, barely, enough to see how it all turns out but so far, I really Theresa/Tess/Tessa's character. At this point in the story I'd think the world is f***ed if she was the one we'd been waiting for.
**SPOILERS**
At go Tessa is still an insecure annoying idiot. It's hard to see how she's supposed to be so important when she's such a GD liability because she can't keep her mouth shut, ignores orders, and is so damn jumpy. The set up that gets Luka captured could be seen a mile away; I've been wondering when Claire's jealousy was going to cause more substantial trouble for a while. Anyone who has ever been around teenage girls could this cooking but I suppose if everyone saw and acted perfectly it'd be a boring story.
Tess is still a GD idiot. She's I her own way with her self-doubt as well as her impulsiveness. Even when warned about the consequences of impulsivity she still goes against orders and because of that Luka gets captured. I'm interested, barely, enough to see how it all turns out but so far, I really Theresa/Tess/Tessa's character. At this point in the story I'd think the world is f***ed if she was the one we'd been waiting for.
November 15, 2019
This one reminded me at lot of the matrix. Especially with them sitting in dentist chairs, attached to a computer that has code that makes no sense to the average person except for the quirky, light hearted programmer. And them practicing their fighting skills in a simulated dojo. Also they are able to defy gravity and do crazy fighting moves, which they can’t to in the “real world.” A demon who reminds me a lot of Mr. Smith from the matrix chases after Tess, and he keeps calling Luca, Mr. Williams during his interrogation. And last but not least, there is a prophecy which says “the one” will defeat evil.
With all that being said, the book was still very good. And I do recommend it. I love the matrix, but I just kept getting reminded of it so much, I lowered my rating from a 5 star to a 4 star.
With all that being said, the book was still very good. And I do recommend it. I love the matrix, but I just kept getting reminded of it so much, I lowered my rating from a 5 star to a 4 star.
January 28, 2022
Land sakes alive, I DEVOURED this book. I haven't had such emotional involvement in a book in some time. I yelled both out of happiness AND frustration at different times.
This was an EXCELLENT continuation of a series. While it was different from the first book, it still had the exact same feel to it. I thought I would have trouble with a new setting and new characters, but I loved every bit of it. The conflict was frustrating as all conflict should be, but not at all in a contrived way. It was perfect and understandable. I spent several nights reading until much later than I should have as a responsible adult because I couldn't stop at just one more chapter!
This was an EXCELLENT continuation of a series. While it was different from the first book, it still had the exact same feel to it. I thought I would have trouble with a new setting and new characters, but I loved every bit of it. The conflict was frustrating as all conflict should be, but not at all in a contrived way. It was perfect and understandable. I spent several nights reading until much later than I should have as a responsible adult because I couldn't stop at just one more chapter!
November 19, 2025
I started reading this book at 5pm on Tuesday and finished it at 2am on Wednesday. When I read this book for the first time at 15 I was in loveee with Luka. Now at age 24, I find him almost too perfect to be believable. I found myself resenting that at times, rolling my eyes at some of the things he said and did. Am I jaded? Maybe. I don’t know, I guess I find myself longing for more realistic, more flawed romantic interests in books now. But that’s a personal preference and not necessarily a narrative failing. Tess is an incredibly frustrating heroine. Insecure, impulsive, ever the martyr. Classic YA stuff. Storyline was still captivating enough to keep me reading.
August 14, 2017
The Awakening is the second book in The Gifting trilogy, a dystopian and supernatural read. The story stays strong in this installment. I like the Bourne Identity movie feel at the beginning and the development of the characters abilities as the story progresses. Sometimes Tess could believe in herself a bit more than she does, but maybe she will get better at that in the third book. Overall a clean read--no language or overt sexuality. There is some closeness between the main characters, even a time when they share a bed, but nothing inappropriate occurs.
October 14, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this novel! It’s even better than the first. It’s so hard to find a good YA read that keeps me turning the pages, but this one did. My only frustration was the lack of romance. Tess and Luka are infuriating to say the least. Always at odds. Even though this was a novel where the character was learning how to use her abilities, it didn’t feel like a boring training novel. (I hate those.) Every time Tess learned something new, it seemed to unfold in such a timely fashion, that it left no room for me to become impatient or bored. Will read book 3 for sure!
I really enjoyed this novel! It’s even better than the first. It’s so hard to find a good YA read that keeps me turning the pages, but this one did. My only frustration was the lack of romance. Tess and Luka are infuriating to say the least. Always at odds. Even though this was a novel where the character was learning how to use her abilities, it didn’t feel like a boring training novel. (I hate those.) Every time Tess learned something new, it seemed to unfold in such a timely fashion, that it left no room for me to become impatient or bored. Will read book 3 for sure!
May 16, 2021
I ended up reading this out of sequence... read 1 and 3 before I could find the 2nd in the series. Then, I had a couple interruptions in getting through the book as other library books had due dates. When I came back to The Awakening to finish it, I was just as enthralled with the characters, and the concept of dream hopping that it was like I didn't have a major gap in my reading. To me, this is a sign of a great author who can be so engaging that even after a long absence, one can pick up the book and keep going without missing a beat.
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