Review: Unraveling

Author: Elizabeth Norris

Format: ebook

Print Length: 445

Publisher: Balzer + Bray 

Published: April 24, 2012 

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 Thoughts 

What an amazing ride - one I would gladly sign up for again. I did not guess who the evil master mind behind the countdown clock was- or what was really going on. 

Janelle has not had an easy life, but she deals with it the best way she knows how. She tries to shelter her baby brother from a family secret. Her father loves them, but is an FBI agent- so there are times that he has to be gone investing a case. There is a secret that she is keeping from him as well- well now that she has died there are two secrets that she is keeping from him. One that hurts even more that dying. 

Ben is, well Ben, to be honest. He has been going to the same school as Janelle for seven years. He has liked her from afar for pretty much the entire time. But he has things going on so he kept his distance- he pretty much just hung out with Reid and Elijah. So, when he saves her life she is curious about him. 

But before they can actually become friends or more some really weird stuff begins to happen. Janelle and Ben are both trying to figure it out. Ben is keeping secrets from Janelle though- secrets that may tie into the mystery. 

I liked Janelle- she is smart with just enough sassy to make it not be witchy. A lot happens to her in this book that would have crushed the spirit of another person. Not Janelle though- instead she gets mad, she gets furious and then she gets answers. 

Ben has had one heck of a life- in and out of foster homes. But to make matters worse the reason why he was in a foster home to begin with will shock the socks right off your feet! I adore how he looks out for Janelle- even from a far. I hate that he tries to push her away- but understand the reasoning behind it. 

Unraveling is an outstanding book by a neophyte author. It will leave the reader on the edge of their seats all the way to the end. Speaking of the ending- holy moly I did not except that one coming! I had tears in my eyes.  I cannot wait until April when Unbreakable comes out. It’s a blessing that before then Undone, a novella, will be released in March! 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars (I really liked it!) 

Favorite Quote “I’m tempted to tell him not to befriend any AP students because nobody cheats as much as they do, but I don’t. Because technically that’s me- I’m an AP student.” 

Other Characters 

Elijah- Ben’s friend, from way back when- technically moved to California the same time as Ben- kinda a jerk 

Reid- Ben’s best friend, from way back when- technically moved to California the same time as Ben- kinda a jerk 

Alex- Janelle’s best friend and next door neighbor, he is pretty awesome 

Nick- Janelle’s boyfriend kinda- a little shady- stay away from him Janelle screams out in my brain 

Jared- Janelle’s little brother, she has to protect him from all that is wrong in their life