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cragnasty's review against another edition
3.0
The story is narrated by Jenna who has had a heart transplant and start’s experiencing her donors memories. The concept of Cellular Memory was captured really well here outlaid in a thought provoking manner. This was such an intriguing read, with some nice character building. However as the web untangles somewhat placidly it feels like there’s something missing here. A suspense lacking but clinical finish was a little disappointing too resulting in an opportunity missed where a great concept just turned out to be a good book.
livxrose's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
liccarsa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
melaniegreenfield's review against another edition
3.0
This was my third book by Louise Jensen, and although I loved the previous two this one was just.. okay.
In ‘The Gift’, Jenna becomes ill and needs a heart transplant in order to survive. She receives a heart in time, but soon starts experiencing memories that she believes are from the donor. Feeling unsettled, Jenna’s sure that something sinister happened with the donor and sets out to find out what really transpired.
The concept of this book, cellular memory, was very intriguing and made the story feel quite unique. There were twists throughout as well as some tense moments. Having said that, the story didn’t pan out the way I had hoped; by the end I was rolling my eyes at how ridiculous and unbelievable things had become. There were also some unanswered questions that I’m left to wonder about.
Although this book wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t for me. I’m still a huge fan of Louise Jensen though, and I’m really looking forward to reading her most recent novel, ‘The Date’.
In ‘The Gift’, Jenna becomes ill and needs a heart transplant in order to survive. She receives a heart in time, but soon starts experiencing memories that she believes are from the donor. Feeling unsettled, Jenna’s sure that something sinister happened with the donor and sets out to find out what really transpired.
The concept of this book, cellular memory, was very intriguing and made the story feel quite unique. There were twists throughout as well as some tense moments. Having said that, the story didn’t pan out the way I had hoped; by the end I was rolling my eyes at how ridiculous and unbelievable things had become. There were also some unanswered questions that I’m left to wonder about.
Although this book wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t for me. I’m still a huge fan of Louise Jensen though, and I’m really looking forward to reading her most recent novel, ‘The Date’.
noelleishere's review
2.0
I thought The Sister was okay so I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. See my full review (with some spoilers) on my blog! https://alittleadult.com/book-review-the-gift-by-louise-jensen/
wellingtonestatelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Well. That was quite a trip. I started reading The Gift late yesterday afternoon. To be completely honest, at first the writing felt awkward and predictable. I almost decided to put it down around the 50 page mark. Instead, I came online and re-read a few reviews again. Due to the large number of great reviews (the reason I bought it in the first place) I decided to soldier on. I'm glad I did. I became so engrossed in the story that I lost track of time. At 2:00 a.m., with 50 pages to go, I made myself go to sleep, but as soon as I woke up today I grabbed it up and finished the rest in an hour. I haven't even had breakfast yet! The story went places that I never expected. It was far from predictable, as I had first suspected. Yes, the book has a few flaws, and seemed to wrap up a bit too sweetly, but overall this was a surprising and compelling thriller. I will definitely read The Sister in the very near future.
lydialibrary's review against another edition
5.0
Finally a home run. I will admit there were a few things that...irked me. A few connections that just seemed wayyyy too coincidental. But I'm overlooking them because I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
megan_kiwi's review
4.0
The first thriller I've read, really enjoyed it hope to read more of this genre. Any Thriller recommendations?
doglady_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
clairereviews's review
4.0
Review: The Gift by Louise Jensen Publisher: Bookouture (15 Dec. 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1786810977
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Jenna is given another shot at life when she receives a donor heart from a girl called Callie. Eternally grateful to Callie and her family, Jenna gets closer to them, but she soon discovers that Callie’s perfect family is hiding some very dark secrets …
Callie’s parents are grieving, yet Jenna knows they’re only telling her half the story. Where is Callie’s sister Sophie? She’s been ‘abroad’ since her sister’s death but something about her absence doesn’t add up. And when Jenna meets Callie’s boyfriend Nathan, she makes a shocking discovery.
Jenna knows that Callie didn’t die in an accident. But how did she die? Jenna is determined to discover the truth but it could cost her everything; her loved ones, her sanity, even her life.
Review:
Although I initially found this book quite hard to get into, when Jenna began to see snippets of what she perceived to be Callie's memories, I started to get much more interested. I had heard of cellular memory before, but not seen it explored in any detail like this and I found it fascinating.
The story is different from other psychological thrillers as the subject matter starts from a very unusual place, which I liked, but I did find the storytelling somewhat repetitive. At first I really felt for Jenna, she seemed such a strong character. I started to find her a little irritating when she just couldn't resist poking her nose into every aspect of Callie's life, even though I would probably have done the exact same thing!
The last third of the book gets very dramatic and I found it difficult to put down, as unforseen secrets are uncovered and family members are found. I can't reveal whether the ending is a happy one for Jenna, but it's certainly heart-pounding!
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for the ARC in return for my honest review.
ISBN-13: 978-1786810977
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
Jenna is given another shot at life when she receives a donor heart from a girl called Callie. Eternally grateful to Callie and her family, Jenna gets closer to them, but she soon discovers that Callie’s perfect family is hiding some very dark secrets …
Callie’s parents are grieving, yet Jenna knows they’re only telling her half the story. Where is Callie’s sister Sophie? She’s been ‘abroad’ since her sister’s death but something about her absence doesn’t add up. And when Jenna meets Callie’s boyfriend Nathan, she makes a shocking discovery.
Jenna knows that Callie didn’t die in an accident. But how did she die? Jenna is determined to discover the truth but it could cost her everything; her loved ones, her sanity, even her life.
Review:
Although I initially found this book quite hard to get into, when Jenna began to see snippets of what she perceived to be Callie's memories, I started to get much more interested. I had heard of cellular memory before, but not seen it explored in any detail like this and I found it fascinating.
The story is different from other psychological thrillers as the subject matter starts from a very unusual place, which I liked, but I did find the storytelling somewhat repetitive. At first I really felt for Jenna, she seemed such a strong character. I started to find her a little irritating when she just couldn't resist poking her nose into every aspect of Callie's life, even though I would probably have done the exact same thing!
The last third of the book gets very dramatic and I found it difficult to put down, as unforseen secrets are uncovered and family members are found. I can't reveal whether the ending is a happy one for Jenna, but it's certainly heart-pounding!
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for the ARC in return for my honest review.