Book Review: Gifts of the Shavtal (Talisman)

Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth

A magical YA fantasy with a serious undertone that makes it all the more enjoyable

This isn’t just another young adult fantasy with magical powers and fairy fluff. Author Toni Yap has created an intriguing world with a protagonist wrapped in a shocking secret. 

Georgina Trabeck, Gifts of the Shavtal’s 12-year old heroine, endures many challenges. She lives in a mobile home with her pregnant mom, little sister Chrissy, and her stepdad. The story begins with Georgina already wrapped in a scary situation. Her mother has been sent to the hospital thanks to her belligerent stepdad. 

Georgina’s ability to see people’s auras only elevates her circumstances. It’s not anything she can control like a light switch. In most situations, it comes in handy. However, her world steadily changes the more she uses her abilities. Fairy sisters Irra and Rav push themselves into Georgina’s life for a good reason. They reveal she is half fairy. What comes afterwards only puts Georgina and her family into serious trouble.

Yap is a not an author who beats around the bush with her characters. She doesn’t coddle them like a naïve writer would. A character who faces and conquers many challenges makes for an interesting one, somebody worth reading about. Children face bullies, school issues, not-so-pleasant suburban drama, and much more. Yap isn’t afraid to take Georgina to those areas. 

In addition, fantasy has a dark side. It’s common for young characters in some stories to go through a sugar-coated adventure, nothing too scary. They might save a princess from an evil wizard. Maybe slay a dragon, nothing too brutal. Yap is different. Her fantasy world is filled with neutral gray fairies, malevolent banshees, and mischievous creatures. It’s not what any child would wish they would be. Plus, Yap adding the “reality” factor in this novel is a real wake-up. Not only does Georgina have to deal with dark magical creatures, but also problematic real-life issues such as domestic abuse and racism. Fortunately, the drawbacks only make her stronger.

With Georgina as Filipina, it could pique readers interest into Filipino culture and mythology. Fairies do exist in Filipino legends; they simply go by different names. 

Gifts of the Shavtal is well-paced, filled with surprising (and frightening) events, lively characters, and an empowering protagonist. Georgina is a relatable girl with an ever-changing conscience. Her aura abilities put her to the test of using them for good or evil. This is an engaging story young readers will get behind. This author unleashes real potential! Readers will eagerly anticipate more adventures of Georgina Trabeck and her hectic half-fairy life after reading this one.

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