Title: The Gifting
Author: K.E. Ganshert
First published June 1, 2015
322 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781511995375 (ISBN10: 1511995378)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
“The Gifting” by K.E. Ganshert is a thrilling tale of a young girl, Tess Eckhart, who believes she is losing her mind in a world where supernatural occurrences don’t exist. After a traumatic experience at a high school party, Tess’s parents become concerned for her well-being and move the family to a new town close to a mental health facility.
Tess is determined to fit in and make friends at her new school, but her headaches and prophetic dreams make it difficult to hide her struggles. When she meets Luka Williams, an enigmatic boy in her class, she becomes convinced that he holds the key to her mysterious condition.
But as Tess delves deeper into the truth, she realizes that the line between reality and madness is dangerously thin. With pulse-pounding suspense and unexpected twists around every corner, “The Gifting” will leave you questioning what is truly possible in this world.
About the Author
Meet K.E. Ganshert – a talented author of young adult fiction that will take you on an unforgettable journey filled with fantastical elements. Her home is nestled in beautiful eastern Iowa, where she resides with her loving family and their adorable furry friend, Gus.
If you’re curious to discover more about her captivating books, be sure to check out her website or follow her on TikTok @katieganshert.
Editoral Review
In K.E. Ganshert’s debut novel, The Gifting, she introduces readers to a young adult fantasy series that explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of privilege. First published on June 1, 2015, Ganshert sets her story in a post-apocalyptic world where supernatural gifts are the key to survival.
This exciting novel is perfect for fans of the dystopian genre, as well as readers who enjoy the suspense of young adult fantasy. The story takes place in a society that has been devastated by a mysterious virus known as the Delta Virus.
With most of the population wiped out, the remaining survivors have developed an evolutionary advantage – supernatural gifts that help them navigate the dangerous world they are now living in. The book follows the story of sixteen-year-old Tess Eckhart, who has never been particularly gifted until she wakes up from a coma with strange new abilities.
Tess is now targeted by the military, who want to use her gift for their own purposes, and she must decide whether to use her powers for good or fall prey to greed and corruption. Ganshert does an impressive job of creating a well-thought-out world that is both intriguing and dangerous.
She expertly weaves supernatural abilities and a post-apocalyptic setting with themes of power, privilege, and corruption. The plot is full of twists and turns, and readers will be left on the edge of their seats as they navigate Tess’s journey of self-discovery.
The characters are multi-dimensional and nuanced, with each one having their own unique gift, personality, and struggles. Tess is a strong and relatable protagonist who struggles to come to terms with her newfound abilities and the responsibility that comes with it.
The relationship between Tess and her love interest, Luka, is well developed and adds a layer of romance to the story. While Ganshert’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, at times the pacing of the story felt a bit rushed, which may be due to the book’s shorter length.
Additionally, some of the world-building felt incomplete, leaving readers with unanswered questions about the society’s history and how the gift system works. However, these flaws are not significant enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
All in all, The Gifting is an exciting and beautifully crafted debut novel that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next in the series. Ganshert’s book offers a fresh perspective on the dystopian genre and will appeal to fans of the Hunger Games and Divergent series.
I highly recommend this book to young adults and fans of young adult fantasy looking for a fast-paced and engaging read. With its compelling characters, well-developed themes, and thrilling plot, The Gifting is not to be missed.
I give this book a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
