Pivot Point by Kasie West
4.5/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2013
343 pages
YA Paranormal Contemporary
Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
So I had read some really positive reviews of this book but I still didn't pick it up with the highest of expectations. I think that maybe ended up being a really good thing since it led to me able to abandon myself fully to the story.
I know I picked this up after reading how the plot hinged around the main character's unique ability to see multiple futures. The story's catalyst is Addie's parents' divorce where she must choose: remain with her mom on their secret paranormal compound or go with her dad to live in "normal" life?
I had been told that it was always very obvious what future we were reading about and can confirm that is true with the chapter headings cleverly conveying that information although the characters and plot also make it clear. I've never been very good at predicting twists and turns so the fact that this story took me on a wild ride may not mean much to you. Still West always kept me on my toes, trying to see how each little decision Addie made in each future would affect other decisions and trying to follow the parallels between both lives. Addie really does have a tough decision to make especially as she sees the ultimate consequences from those choices. I was so proud of her grace and strength in both futures.
Beyond Addie there is best friend Leila who was a fun and dynamic character too-I loved the combination. Of course there are also boys: paranormal Duke and normal Trevor. I don't want to give spoilers but I vastly preferred the same one that Addie ends up preferring (although I knew it from the start). I also must mention Stephanie, a mean jealous cheerleader, just because we share the same name. She's mean because of a boy and I can tell you that I've never been like her.
The thing I probably like least about this book is that there is currently a sequel listed on goodreads and I'm just not sure there should be one. If it is set in the same world but focuses on someone else, I might be okay with that but if it tries to continue Addie's life, it feels unnecessary to me. However I can't find a synopsis so I'll reserve judgment for now. If you've read this book, what do you think about a sequel?
Other Opinions (my google reader was filled with almost universal praise so here is just a small selection):
Books Live Forever
In Bed With Books
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Once Upon a Prologue
The YA Kitten
This sounds good! And I understand, sometimes I find things easy to figure out and other times I like that the author can keep me guessing!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's a shame that so many authors feel the need to write a sequel/series when 1 book on it's own would be fine!
I know-this book totally worked as a standalone! And so frequently second books are disappointing and I don't want that to spoil my memories of this book.
DeleteI agree with Vega YA Nerds, one book can be enough and just perfect. There are just way too many series published and somethimes it doesn't need another book.
ReplyDeleteI have this book on the tbrlist & I can't wait to read it.
Nina@J'adore Happy Endings
I hope you like it when you pick it up!
DeleteSo happy that you liked this. Often time-travel sort of books just confuse me, but I really enjoyed this one!
ReplyDeleteJen @ YA Romantics
I thought this one was very clear and easy to follow-in addition to being a lot of fun!
DeleteI might be okay with a sequel, I really liked her writing and Addie.
ReplyDeleteBut I am glad that you enjoyed this one as well, it was so neat how her decision effected everything.
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I really need to know more about the story before I render my final opinion on the sequel because I do really like West's writing.
DeleteI've heard so many great things about this book. The concept of seeing multiple futures is fascinating and I like the sound from Leila and Addie. Great review!
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy.
I hope these reviews have convinced you to give this a try and that you love it :)
Deletenice review! I don't think I've heard much about this book yet, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think the concept is pretty interesting and that's good it's easy to follow.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend it-so much fun!
DeleteWe really enjoyed this book and are so glad that you did too! We plan to blog about PIVOT POINT (along with MIND GAMES by Kiersten White) a bit later this week, so we won't blather too long here, but generally we had the same experience as you: uncertain expectations, thus pleasant surprise when we got swept up into the story. It was also cool, in our opinion, how it's a paranormal but for the most part has a very contemporary vibe (normal kids, normal problems). The superpowers kind of enable the plot, but they're not the heart of the story.
ReplyDeleteOh, and we agree with you that a sequel isn't really *necessary*... but we enjoyed PP so much we won't be upset to read more. ;P
DeleteI loved West's writing and the paranormal compound so if the story is going to shift to a different part, I could be interested in that. I just feel like Addie's story is complete and doesn't need more.
DeleteI see your point about the sequel, and I'm not sure what it will be about. However, I can tell you that I am ALL ABOUT IT. I'm just going to put my faith in Kasie West and assume that I will love it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good plan-keep calm and trust in Kasie West!
DeleteGreat review. Glad you enjoyed it. I loved Addie and Leila, their friendship was wonderful. I had a hard time picking between Duke and Trevor. :) I will pick up the sequel, I want to see where West takes us next.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
For a while I was torn but then I made my decision and was glad of it as the other boy was quite deceptive.
DeleteI'm so behind on reading everyone's blogs. So if you don't mind I'll comment just on this post. It sounds like you've had some rather disappointing reads. Sorry about that. This one sounds good, though.
ReplyDeleteThis one was really good and very refreshing after some less than satisfactory reads.
Deletewonderful review!
ReplyDeleteThanks-I had a lot of fun reading this and I hope my words may encourage other people to check it out!
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