ARC Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Release Date: April 24/12.

Publisher: Balzar and Bray

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

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:
I can't believe how much I loved this book! It was flippin amazing. The short chapters allow for a consistantly quick pace. I was never bored or weary while reading this book.


Janelle is a very likeable and genuine character. I found myself easily relating to her and her sarcastic wit. She's a strong, independent character with great values- a great role model for young readers (although I wouldn't recommend this read for those under 14 as there is some questionable sexual content in this read). I loved and envied the relationships she shares with the many men in her life; her father, brother, best friend, boyfriend, potential boyfriend. Seriously, was very jealous haha!


My favourite character was Ben by far! Words cannot express how much I loved him, his love and devotion to Janelle will have many readers swooning. His feelings are never in doubt and I truly appreciated this about Unraveling. 


Don't think that this is your typical cookie-cutter YA novel. Norris has thrown many curve balls Janelle and the reader's way. Some had me gasping, others had me balling and going for the tissue box.


The ending left me in tears- good or bad, well you'll just have to read the book to find out :).


One factor that I want to point out, is that I felt there were many similarities between Unraveling and the T.V. show Roswell, especially the beginning. Not that I feel this is a bad thing, I actually happen to be a HUGE Roswell fan and a huge Max fan- I think this is why I was so receptive to Ben. 


I can't recommend this book enough, if you like a YA read with a snarky heroine, a devoted hero and an exceptionally action-driven plot than you MUST read Unraveling.


I'm so relieved that this is the first in a new series, I need book two now. I'll definitely be re-reading this book while I wait for book 2- need my Ben fix :).


Happy Reading!!!