Publishers Weekly
In this complex SF mystery, debut writer Norris conceives of parallel universes that can inadvertently collide and destruct when portals between them are opened, a predicament facing Earth if 17-year-old Janelle Tenner's theory is correct. Janelle's father is a workaholic FBI agent, her bipolar mother is hardly functioning, and Janelle herself was just killed by an out-of-control car and brought back to life by classmate Ben Michaels. Janelle had always dismissed Ben as a stoner, but after he saves her, she is powerfully drawn to him. She also suspects that there might be a connection between recent deaths that her father has been investigating and her accident. When Norris's story works, it's a satisfying puzzle full of novel twists and provocative clues. A protective older sister and defiant FBI agent-in-training, Janelle is a courageous, layered heroine. But the chemistry between Janelle and Ben is faint, relying on familiar paranormal romance devices, and some plot elements are convoluted. A planned sequel will surely offer more challenges for Janelle, Ben, and planet Earth. Ages 13–up. Agent: Janet Reid, FinePrint Literary Management. (May)
From the Publisher
Leav[es] the reader wanting more and begging for a sequel to this multilayered debut.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“Readers will enjoy the nonstop action and romance.” — School Library Journal
“A satisfying puzzle full of novel twists and provocative clues.” — Publishers Weekly
“This high-stakes thriller—complete with mind-bending sci-fi twist—will hook you and never let go.”— — Pittacus Lore, #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Am Number Four
“If Veronica Mars snatched a case from Mulder and Scully, you’d get this fast-paced page-turner. With a heroine full of moxie, wicked surprises around every corner, and non-stop action, UNRAVELING is an irresistible thriller.” — Andrea Cremer, New York Times bestselling author of the Nightshade trilogy
Pittacus Lore
This high-stakes thriller—complete with mind-bending sci-fi twist—will hook you and never let go.”—
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Leav[es] the reader wanting more and begging for a sequel to this multilayered debut.
Andrea Cremer
If Veronica Mars snatched a case from Mulder and Scully, you’d get this fast-paced page-turner. With a heroine full of moxie, wicked surprises around every corner, and non-stop action, UNRAVELING is an irresistible thriller.
Kirkus Reviews
In a refreshing change of pace from the current glut of angel books, when Janelle is killed in a car accident, she doesn't move on to a seraphic afterlife; she's brought back from the dead instead. Her savior is stoner Ben, and even as he is bringing her back to life she notices his "huge brown eyes,… wavy dark hair [and] tortured half smile." Janelle needs to be alive. Her mother has withdrawn into total bipolar uselessness, and though her X-Files–obsessed, FBI-agent father is fabulous, he works insane hours, so Janelle holds the family together. Through some efficient snooping in her dad's office, Janelle learns that people are turning up melted--including the person in the car that hit her. And there's mention of a countdown to an event that could destroy the Earth. Could there be a connection? First-time author Norris surrounds her likable narrator with equally appealing and complex primary and secondary characters, compensating for a relatively slow pace. Plotting is not quite so strong, particularly in the book's science-fiction elements. Ben's healing ability is given a ludicrously vague explanation, and the potential Earth-ending event is made only barely more credible. Still, the writing is smooth, and the love story satisfies despite its predictability. Good for romance fans, if not science-fiction aficionados. (Science fiction/thriller/romance. 14 & up)
