Unravelling [Paperback]

This is one of those books that I get completely sucked into. I get sucked in so much that I start fangirling about it all over the place. Unravelling was FLAWLESS. Well, not completely flawless, but almost.

The plot was well paced and kept me hooked. I mentioned in one of my previous reviews that I didn't feel a sense of urgency even though the world was/could be coming to an end. In Unravelling I definitely felt that! The climax had me holding my breath for so long, there was a legitimate chance of me fainting.

I was wondering how this was going to lean towards science fiction rather than paranormal, and can I just say it was NOT what I was expecting! At all!

The big reveal/plot twist came about half way through, and it blew me away. Did anybody actually see that coming?!

There were a couple of things that I did find unbelievable (I know, in a sci-fi novel!), particularly the amount of times Janelle went through her father's FBI files without proper consequences. She seemed to get away with too much. I don't understand why she was allowed to solve these cases for the FBI.

I also had a problem with the way Janelle - the main character - used the word 'literally'. Your heart didn't literally jump into your throat and choke you, mate.

I didn't think I cared for the relationship between Ben and Janelle, but the ending changed my mind. I also really like her with another guy, and if there was a love triangle then I'd definitely root for those two! That would be one love triangle that I would enjoy.

The ending made me cry. A lot. Elizabeth Norris makes some bold moves there, and I adore her for it. I always love it when an author makes a decision to kill/maim/torture/destroy important characters!

Unravelling is a great novel with amazing twists, writing and world building. I adored it, and I think there is going to be a sequel. The set up for a second book was fantastic!

I finished Unravelling just over two weeks ago and I'm still struggling to write this review because, honestly, I don't think I can give it the justice it deserves. It's such a unique read that pulls you in from the very first page and it keeps you enthralled until the very last, making you want more and more.

Janelle Tenner is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until one day she is hit by a truck and is killed. But the next thing she see's is Ben Michaels kneeling over her and she knows that he had something to do with bringing her back to life. Janelle tries to get closer to Ben to find out what really happened but Ben's hiding's bigger secrets and he's somehow involved in her Dad's new FBI case where unidentified people are turning up - dead and somehow the world only 23 days left resulting to the end of the world.

Unravelling is absolutely EPIC read and I'm still trying to get over how awesome it really is. I've heard mixed reviews about this book and I personally think it's going to be one of them that you're either going to love it or hate it, and of course, I loved it. Elizabeth Norris introduces you to something fresh, imaginative and beautifully written, with intense and action packed scenes and a storyline that is exciting and unique. The story continued to surprise me all the way through and there were so many twists and turns that left me utterly stunned. It's impossible to predict this book and it was definitely one of my favourite reads of 2012.

Janelle is a great heroine. She's smart, feisty and witty. She never backs down from a challenge and will always stand up for what she believes is right. The way her mind works really is captivating too. With her Dad being a FBI agent, she's picks up a lot of insight from him, like how to figure out which hand someone will use to fire a gun or she thinks fast to get herself out of dangerous situations and I really see her as a FBI agent in training. She's definitely the hero in this book.
Ben was a great love interest for Janelle. He isn't what he appears to be, he's been labelled as a stoner kid at school and he's anything but. He's just as smart as Janelle, he's funny, loving and he really cares for her. They have a connection that knows-one can break and it's really sweet. The secondary characters were fantastic too. I love Elijah, Reid and Alex especially Elijah. His relationship with Janelle is a pure hate relationship but it's so funny at times that it gives the story the humour it needs.

Now the ending of the book is utterly heart-breaking but so, so good. Be warned, it's a tear jerker! I knew it was coming but I still wasn't prepared for it and Elizabeth Norris ended things so fantastically that I'm dying for the next book. The last words that Ben spoke to Janelle are still with me now and I have no doubt that Ben will keep his promise. I cannot wait to see how things turn out.

All in all, Unravelling is a remarkable debut novel by Elizabeth Norris and I will be eagerly anticipating the release of her next book. This not a book you want to miss out on in 2012, so go and pick up a copy today - you won't regret it!

Unravelling was so nearly brilliant, there was so much to enjoy and admire about it. It is such an ambitious book and that ambition really paid off but in the end this book fell at the most important hurdle, characters.

I will start my break down of Unravelling on a positive note. The story itself is incredible and exactly the type of story I love. It kept me interested from the first page until the end. I thought it was exciting and full of action but it was also complex and clever. There was maybe, at times, a little too much going on and a few too many sub plots but it was still extremely impressive.

The writing was also of a very high standard. Norris' world building was impeccable and I got lost in the world she created. I really liked the short chapters and the way they were presented as a countdown like in the TV series 24. There were a couple of times where I felt corners were cut. Several conversations that explained major components of the plot were skipped and instead Janelle (the main character) explained them to the reader after. I would have much preferred to have the conversation played out.

As I have mentioned my main problem with this book was characters. Most of them I liked, Ben (the love interest) and Alex (the best friend) were my favourites and I thought they were both full rounded. I also liked all the supporting characters especially Janelle's dad and his FBI buddies. There are a lot of characters in this book and Norris did a great job at making them all different and making them all fit.

My issue and unfortunately it was a big issue was Janelle. I really, really found her unlikeable. In fact I would go as far to say she was horrible. I had the overwhelming feeling that Janelle thought she was better than everyone else. The world appears to revolve around her and it irritated me. I hated the way she treated Alex, it was disgusting. She used him as a verbal punching bag and taxi service. She also puts her romance with Ben above everything else. She finds out that the world is going to end and people are dying, yet despite being told by everyone she refuses to inform the FBI or authorities. I just found her annoying and selfish.

The romance also failed to impress probably due to my feeling about Janelle. I didn't quite feel the chemistry between her and Ben so the romance fell a little flat for me.
Unravelling is an amazing book about a horrible character. Despite that it was extremely readable and impressive. I look forward to reading more from Norris.