4/5 stars
Balzer + Bray, 2013
479 pages
YA Paranormal
Source: Library
After being surprised by the very enjoyable Unraveling, I knew I would be returning to the series for the further adventures of Janelle and co as they race against a five day countdown.
In case you don't remember, the situation got bad at the end of Unraveling and though they seem to be rebuilding in Unbreakable that situation also turns ominous with Janelle racing against a five day countdown to prevent something truly awful happening. This book further explores the science-fiction aspects while also ramping up the tension and not hesitating to put all the characters through the wringer (how's that for vague? I don't want to spoil anything if I can avoid it although I do have one point that is a spoiler marked at the end of the review.)
For me, the writing style is what really propels this story. The chapters are short and each opens with the ticking down of the clock, pushing me always forward. I might have opened the book intending to just read one chapter but when that chapter is only two pages, it is easy to decide to read just one more until, lo and behold, the book is finished. I'm not usually good at predicting what is to come and the breakneck pace didn't leave me much chance to speculate, which is actually how I like it.
Janelle continues to be kickass: facing impossible odds, working with someone she's not sure she can trust, providing valuable advice (if ever attacked, I'm hoping to be able to utilize her advice to try to gouge the attacker's eyes out), and never giving up. I like her a lot. The other characters maybe don't get as much development but do their fair share of fighting and trying to save the world(s).
Overall: Though not as unique and exciting as I found book one to be, I'm really enjoying this series and look forward to a third.
Cover: I really don't like this cover. It does match with Unraveling but this may have been an instance where I'd prefer a redesign. I just hate them standing there and staring out at me. Plus her hair looks so awkward.
SPOILER:
I didn't think I had anything relating to a spoiler to discuss but I do actually. In the beginning Janelle sees Ben's double and almost instantly knows it isn't him, which is great foreshadowing for how Ben does not realize that Janelle's double isn't her. So heartbreaking and I was afraid it would prove to be an insurmountable obstacle for the couple, who I am supporting. In his defense, he was already in a vulnerable scared position with his family also in captivity and this Janelle was pretty beaten up. But still, how do you not know? Thoughts on how this affected your perception of the couple?
END SPOILER
Other Opinions:
Forever YA
Katie's Book Blog
Ruby's Reads
The Reader Lines
The writing style and kick ass janelle sound great
ReplyDeleteIt was so absorbing-a great way to start the reading week for me!
DeleteI was also really positively excited about Unraveling, so I'm definitely excited to read this book. I love the countdown aspect too, so I'm glad to see that continue. Also, love the fast plots that barely give you any time to think.
ReplyDelete-P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex
I was glad the countdown continued. I wasn't sure what would prompt it but it was one of my favorite elements in both books.
DeleteI took this out of the library and then never got to it. If you liked it less than book two, I may take a pass.
ReplyDeleteAnd LOL, her hair does look really strange. Like she put a ton of hairspray on it and then went out into the wind….
Her hair is ridiculous! I thought it was still a fun read-more library than buy worthy though.
DeleteI need to hurry up and read book 1 it sounds like, I have it on my kindle, just need to make the time. I didn't read your review of this book. But I'm happy you rated it 4/5
ReplyDeleteDefinitely give book 1 a read-if you like it, then book 2 will give you more of the same feeling.
DeleteI haven't even read the first one. Sigh! Always so behind.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many books released every week-you can't get to them all! These are fun action-packed reads when you want something like that :)
DeleteI want to try this series now! I think the first book is on my TBR list on Goodreads. Always great to find another strong female protagonist and a suspenseful plot.
ReplyDeleteI really admire Janelle-she is in such a tough situation and she keeps her composure and keeps going!
DeleteI picked up the first book, but never got a chance to read it, I need to that apparently. I think this sounds good. Wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend it! Fun time ahead if you do :)
DeleteTotally love these books!! I still ship Janelle/Ben, but I feel like we missed out on the good parts of their relationship, like them finding a good place together... it's curious about how Ben didn't know the difference, like from our perspective it should have seemed obvious. But from reading the novella and seeing his mental state, how crappy everything was, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought: I adoreddd Barclay, but I don't think I really shipped him with Janelle? Were they a better fit? I don't know...
I still ship them too-I am curious about the novella as I think that would shed a lot of light on his mental state in this book.
DeleteIsn't Barclay kind of old? I pictured him as way too old to be a suitable match for Janelle.
This is one of my favorite books of all the time!!! I loved it!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, in the Janelle/Ben part I was a little scared because I thought it will be happen something more terrible! Yes, that Ben didn't recognize her was ugly, but at least he tried to fix it after that!
I totally agree Ashley! I adored Barclay as well, I even thought in the end it'll be him and Janelle, whoever, I'm really glad about how the things turn out!
-Lis @ The reader lines
I was glad she and Ben are trying to patch things up and I feel like they will end together but I'm enjoying the ride no matter what.
DeleteIt was more than Ben not realizing about Janelle's double that ruined the romance for me. I liked Ben in the first book, but Unbreakable made him downright disappointing. For that reason, the book wasn't ultimately a hit for me. And I think it's the end of the series. From what I've read, there won't be any more. It's a shame, but since Norris killed off my favorite character, I'm just as happy to see it end.
ReplyDeleteThis is the end? Wow, it didn't feel conclusive to me as I was definitely expecting it to be a trilogy.
Delete