Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris [audio]

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Published: April 24th, 2012 (Balzer + Bray)
Narrator: Katie Schorr
Source: bought
Series: Unraveling, #1
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★★☆


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

But her revival, 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'm not entirely sure how I should write my review after reading the awesomeness and agony that was the ending.. Right at the last minute, my heart was stamped on. And now I'm left hanging..

The thing with this book that really stood out to me was the way the world was built and the idea of more than one universe existing. I really liked the way this was incorporated in the story and most of all I liked the surprise elements that Norris managed to fit into the story.

The chemistry between Ben and Jenelle was fantastic. I absolutely loved their interaction, conversations and just in general how they were together. Since I've listened to this book on audiobook, it may not have been as obvious as it was when you read the book, but I think Katie Schorr did an excellent job of narrating this story. She managed to get the story across in a way that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The story is quite fast-paced, with lots of things happening. Everything entwined during the buildup of the plot and I really enjoyed that. I also liked the idea of the countdown that had been incorporated throughout all the chapters -- it really added to the haunted vibe Jenelle must have been feeling while everything was unraveling around her.

The ending led up quite nicely for the sequel, which I will be purchasing in the near future. Because honestly, does she expect me to be able to wait after that ending?! Just thinking about it makes me sad. Sigh.. But I'll definitely be picking up the next book! I need to know moar!