Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Review of Unraveling

Title & Author:
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Publisher:
Balzer + Bray
Publication Date:
April 24, 2012
Pages:
445
Source:
ARC from Publisher

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. – Goodreads

HOLY WHAT. That was kind of my reaction the ENTIRE time I was reading Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris. There are so many freaking twists throughout Unraveling and I was SO TENSE the entire time I was reading it, and I literally could not put it down.

First off – I love Elizabeth Norris and the way she created Janelle. Because Janelle is a snarky badass. She’s not just snarky when she talks to people, everything about her is snark and hilarious, and yet she still has this soft, caring, passionate side and I just LOVED her. What a brilliant and memorable protagonist.

AND BEN. OH BEN.

THE STORY. Unraveling’s story was wacky and insane and intense but oh so freaking good. Because you’re reading Unraveling and you’re like la la la this is great and engaging, and then all of the sudden you’re like HOLY WHAT JUST HAPPENED WHAT IS THIS BOOK. In a really good way, obviously.

I will admit I had a little trouble suspending my disbelief at first because it was SUCH A HUGE CURVEBALL that I’ve never seen before, but once I took a moment to adjust, I was set.

And there were a few scenes where I BAWLED LIKE A BABY.

Guys, if you’re looking for a freaking fantastic debut, look no further – be sure to check out Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris. Unraveling is a very well-written, suspenseful debut that is sure to leave you on your toes. Be sure to grab the tissues and the stress balls, though! And something to bang your hand against when you’re going “WHAT WHAT WHAT JUST HAPPENED!”

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