Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Title: Unraveling
Author: Elizabeth Norris
Series: Unraveling, #1
Genres: Sci-Fi, Young Adult
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Imprint of HarperCollins)
Date Published: April 24th, 2012
Edition: Paperback
Source: ARC (Provided by Publisher)
Rating:

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl’s fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.

My Review:

Unraveling totally blew me away. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a total page-turner packed full of action, mystery, intrigue, incredible surprises, hot boys, and the sarcastic and lovely Janelle. While reading I would say it reminded me most of a combination between the X-Files and Fringe. So if you like either of those TV shows, then you’ll probably love this.

Let’s talk about the characters first though. Janelle is just a wonderful character. I seriously loved her. She’s sarcastic and fun, she cares about those she loves a lot and she loves with everything she’s got. She’s strong and confident, and really I just loved everything about her. She’s a teen that has had to grow up very quickly because of one busy and one broken parent, and you can see her maturity in the actions and choices she makes along the way.

Oh, and you know what else I love about Janelle? She swears! Yes, there is swearing in this novel. But let me tell you why I think it added to the story. People swear. It’s a reality. We’re not perfect, we have potty-mouths sometimes and when we get goodie-goodie characters without a cuss word in their vocabulary it makes them feel a little bit fake. I actually didn’t even realize this until after reading this book. But the swearing seriously adds to the character development. It makes them feel like real people and I loved that. But, if you’re turned off by that sort of thing then it will probably bug you.

Aside from Janelle, we have Ben. Oh my Ben, he’s such a smexy face. He’s got that whole dark and broody thing going on, but he’s also so much more once his layers are gradually peeled away. He’s smart and funny and him and Janelle together just made so much sense. I love it when I can actually feel what makes a couple attracted to each other, and I definitely could for these two.

Onto the story, and oh what a ride it was. So. Much. Cool. I can hardly contain myself. Awesome story with incredible plot twists that I didn’t see coming from a mile away. But that’s what made the twists so much fun, that they were a surprise. So I’m not going to share what they are so you can discover them on your own. This is one of those books I recommend going into a little blindly because it’s one that’s really fun to discover the main punch line on your own, and I think if you know it ahead of time it would greatly take away from the story.

Overall, seriously an awesome book. One of my favorites of 2012 easily. I went into it expecting a dystopian of sorts, but it’s definitely more of a sci-fi, and that was such a pleasant surprise and a nice change from my usual! I was actually a little sad when it ended because I wasn’t sure if there was more. The ending was sort of the type where it could have gone either way and been a standalone or have a sequel. I’m glad to tell you though that according to Elizabeth Norris’ FAQ page on her website, there will indeed be a second book. So pick this one up as soon as it’s out, because you will not be disappointed.

5 Hearts Read more reviews & Buy it up! Goodreads LibraryThing Shelfari Amazon Barnes & Noble Book Depository Half.com Abebooks Alibris Better World Books Paperback Swap

  • woman sitting on window reading book

    131 Most popular YA books of the last decade (according to Reddit)

    There are so many great YA novels to choose from, but sometimes it’s hard to pick favorites or figure out what ...
  • woman in black tank top and denim jeans reading a book

    Young adult literature: top 100 YA books of all time

    Young Adult Literature: The Best of the Best Hey fellow book nerds, if you’re looking for the best of the best ...
  • You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

    Aisling Grey is a courier enjoying a free, work-related trip to Paris when she learns she's a Guardian. That's a keeper of the Gates of Hell, for those who don't know. She finds this out from Drake Vireo, who's scrumptiously sexy-at least in his human form. Now Drake has stolen the package Aisling was sent to deliver, and she must track him down, get the package, and try to resist the passion boiling inside her.
Load More Related Articles
  • You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

    Aisling Grey is a courier enjoying a free, work-related trip to Paris when she learns she's a Guardian. That's a keeper of the Gates of Hell, for those who don't know. She finds this out from Drake Vireo, who's scrumptiously sexy-at least in his human form. Now Drake has stolen the package Aisling was sent to deliver, and she must track him down, get the package, and try to resist the passion boiling inside her.
  • Written in Red by Anne Bishop

    As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others. Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
  • Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

    When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.
Load More By Sarah
  • Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night by Kresley Cole

    Her breathless kiss haunts him... Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -- until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive. His slow, hot touch is irresistible... Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go. No deed is too wicked for her seduction... If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul -- or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
  • Written in Red by Anne Bishop

    As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others. Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
  • Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

    Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene-and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission. Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals-not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries-old master vampire.
Load More In 5 Hearts

Leave a Reply

Check Also

You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

Aisling Grey is a courier enjoying a free, work-related trip to Paris when she learns she's a Guardian. That's a keeper of the Gates of Hell, for those who don't know. She finds this out from Drake Vireo, who's scrumptiously sexy-at least in his human form. Now Drake has stolen the package Aisling was sent to deliver, and she must track him down, get the package, and try to resist the passion boiling inside her.

Welcome to The YA Shelf

Helping you find the BEST young adult literature online! We're YA authors, readers and bibliophiles, who read everything and sometimes post book reviews and fandom summaries. Check out our "best books for teens" lists to see our favorites, or browse nearly 300+ book reviews!

Check out today's deals or See what's hot! Today's FREE books
Today's BestSellers


imlovingbooks

Top Posts & Pages

The YA shelf (young adult literature reviews)
50 YA fiction tropes and cliches we can't get enough of!
The Best Victorian YA Novels
Sarah J Maas and YA cancel culture (what's up?)
The Best YA/Teen Fiction Books With Zombies
The Best Angel and Fallen Angel Romances for Teens
The Best YA Fae Fantasy Books
17 thrilling dystopian books for teens who loved the Hunger Games and Divergent

Search

Category Posts

True Blue by Luanne Rice | I’m Loving ♥ Books

The Devil to Pay by Maria Zannini | I’m Loving ♥ Books

Divergent

Fever

House of Night