Book Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
(Unraveling, #1)
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray; 445 pages

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, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her reincarnation, 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.

I was originally interested in this book by the cover, it really attracted my attention, but then my friend was telling me how good it was and that I would need to read it. I'll be honest, I didn't read the description at all (which I do a lot, I just read a book based off a friend recommending it to me). I had no idea what to expect and let me tell you, I love reading books this way. Going in to it not knowing at all what's going to happen, it really makes the story extremely exciting.

Even within the first few chapters I was sitting there saying no over and over again; No, this can't be happening'. Yeah, I was having one of those moments. From there on out, I was hooked. I devoured this book and I feel like I want to go back and read it again. I sped through it that I feel I missed a bit of the story, as I do when I usually speed read through something.

The storyline was interesting and had you guessing over and over again who the bad guy was. I have to say, I was completely thrown with the outcome. Like, seriously blown away. I didn't see it coming at all. (I hope I'm not the only one because then I'll be embarrassed lol) A lot of the time, I sit here guessing and usually, I'm correct. Which still makes it fun but meh, sometimes predicitible can be boring. When you swore you had it right and was so horribly wrong, yeah - that makes for a good read. It kept me on my toes.

The characters, oh my goodness, the characters. I get attached to characters all too easily. If you've read any of my reviews, you'd know this already. The story doesn't have to be the best (for me) but if the characters are so loveable, unique and just damn entertaining, you've made me in to a fan (most of the time). Nick, the boyfriend, he's nice enough. Sure, he sounds delicious to stare at but he doesn't seem like the type of guy every girl dreams about dating, you know? Thankfully, Janelle notices this too not too much after she dies. Then there's the mysterious Ben Michaels, who is known throughout the school as a stoner and hangs out with that crowd. He was there, he did something to her to save her life when she got hit by a truck but she has no idea what. Ever since her accident, the only person on her mind is Ben. Soon, the only person on my mind is Ben, as well - and his friends, Elijah and Reid. Not to mention Janelle's best friend and practically brother, Alex. Oh Alex, how I love thee. I always, always, ALWAYS love the best friend character especially when they're boys (OK, so maybe not always but most of the time). Alex is no different. He's such a nerd and oh my gosh, he totally adds to his already adorable charm. He's intelligent, loyal and loving.

I really feel like I don't cry while reading books often but the more I talk about books with people, the more I realize I cry more than I thought. This book is no exception. Two different cases am I fighting back the tears (both times being unuccessful). I swear, authors get a kick out of making their readers cry, and it's cruel I tell you, absolutely cruel. Thankfully it wasn't that unattractive, sobbing crying...but still, it left me heartbroken.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. Hands down, read this. It's got a very sci-fi feel to it though you can also call it an alien book but I really wouldn't. I don't think the characters would either and if you read the book, you'll understand what I mean by that. Read this, I doubt you'll be disappointed. If you are, I'd love to know why!

*highlight to view spoiler* First, her dad is killed. We didn't get to see much of him at this point but just how Janelle handles it, tears my heart out. Second, ALEX IS KILLED! Ah, my world shattered. I was so heartbroken...I was literally begging Ben to save him. Outloud. I'm so glad I was alone reading this book because that could've been embarrassing. *sigh* The end was rough...oh, but on a positive note; I never thought I'd ever fall for the 'stoner' crowd but man oh man, I'm so there! *spoiler*