Title: Unraveling
Author: Elizabeth Norris
First published April 24, 2012
464 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062103734 (ISBN10: 0062103733)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Janelle Tenner is a typical sixteen-year-old with atypical responsibilities. Between her job as a lifeguard and a rigorous academic schedule, she also has to look out for her younger brother, Jared, and her bipolar mother.
But when Janelle dies and is inexplicably brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a mysterious loner from her high school, her life takes a turn for the bizarre. Janelle’s world is turned upside down when she finds a clock that counts down to the earth’s destruction, giving her only twenty-four days to save the planet.
Can Janelle and Ben work together to stop the clock and prevent the end of the world? Find out in this thrilling novel by Elizabeth Norris.
About the Author
Before moving from sunny southern California to Manhattan’s winter wonderland, Elizabeth Norris spent some time teaching English and history to high schoolers. She has a few guilty pleasures, including guacamole, red velvet cupcakes, sushi, and Argo Tea (but not all at once, thankfully).
Her debut novel, UNRAVELING, published by Balzer+Bray in April 2012, tells the tale of a young girl’s quest to save her family, her world, and the unexpected love interest who enters her life.
Editoral Review
In Unraveling, Elizabeth Norris weaves a thrilling tale of science fiction and romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Published in 2012, the book follows the story of 17-year-old Janelle Tenner, who discovers that the world is about to end and only she can stop it.
Norris’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters that come to life on the page. She melds science fiction elements seamlessly into a plot that is equal parts mystery and romance, resulting in a wholly unique and unforgettable reading experience.
The story is set in a small California town and revolves around Janelle’s quest to save the world while also dealing with her own personal demons. Along the way, she meets and falls in love with the mysterious and enigmatic Ben Michaels, and together they work to unravel a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear.
One of the strengths of the book is its well-drawn characters, particularly Janelle, who is a complex and layered protagonist. She is strong-willed and fiercely independent, but also vulnerable and flawed, making her an incredibly relatable and sympathetic character.
Another strength is the way that Norris seamlessly weaves science fiction elements into the plot without overwhelming the reader with technical jargon. This allows the story to be accessible to a wide range of readers while still maintaining its sense of otherworldly wonder.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the romance between Janelle and Ben to be somewhat predictable, while others may take issue with the way that certain plot points are resolved.
Overall, Unraveling is a thrilling and well-crafted book that will appeal to fans of YA and science fiction. It explores themes of love, loss, and redemption in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
For those looking for a gripping and entertaining read that also manages to be both intelligent and thought-provoking, Unraveling is an excellent choice. It is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
