PIVOT POINT by Kasie West

Pivot Point
Kasie West

Rating A+
Release Date: 02/12/13
Synopsis:
Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

My thoughts on the book:
Pivot Point has got to be one of the coolest books I've ever read. It's thrilling and unique, and I was hooked from the very first page. With swoon-worthy male leads, a strong female protagonist, a likable best friend, and two very exhilarating story lines, this novel stands out in the overcrowded YA paranormal genre. I could not get enough of this story. I didn't want it to end. I'm already counting the days until the next book in the series comes out... in 2014. This debut has made me a fan of this series and of Kasie West. 

This had to be one incredibly difficult book to write. There were two story lines going on simultaneously, alternating from chapter to chapter, and West handled it expertly. I have no idea how she did it, but I was fully engrossed in both stories and couldn't get enough of either one. They both felt real, and I was on pins and needles the entire time. I really felt like I was living through the Search with Addie, and it was intense. Both paths were awful, and she made a difficult choice. I admire her for what she did. I'm simply blown away by the plot AND the ending. I just can't wait to see what happens next. I know we're barely into 2013, but is it 2014 yet?

The characters took a back seat to the plot, in my opinion, just because I was so engrossed in the plot... or two plots... Whatever. Anyway, the characters did shine, even though the plot(s) just seriously threw me for a loop. I'm still reeling, if you can't tell. However, the characters were extremely realistic. Even the paranormal characters. Everyone had unique personality traits, but nothing that was extreme or forced. They all felt like real people, and just like real people, some characters were good, some were bad, and some had me (and everyone else) fooled. 

Addie is a strong and likable lead. I really like her. She makes sacrifices and does what she has to do for the betterment of those around her. She's respectable and, to put it simply, good. She was a breath of fresh air because while she was independent, she was still vulnerable. That's a hard balance to strike, but West did it wonderfully. And Laila, Addie's best friend, isn't annoying! I actually liked her! Normally the best friend is obnoxious as they come (I think this is done oftentimes to make the main character look better), but Laila wasn't a jerk. I enjoyed learning about her and saw why Addie chose her for a best friend. Duke wasn't my favorite. First of all his name just screams "jackass," and on top of that, I'm not a fan of jocks. Trevor, however, is incredibly swoon-worthy. I loved him. He is amazing, and I really hope to see more of him in the sequel. The mean girl, Stephanie, is a bitch, but it's believable. She's not extreme in her meanness or anything. I bought it. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone. If you don't read it, then you are missing out. I know that many of you, like myself, are tired of the ridiculous love triangles and co-dependent, angsty characters in the YA paranormal novels. I also know that many of you are tired of the same three types of characters. This book offers a scientific type spin on the paranormal, AND a unique situation and characters! In a genre flooded with mundane literature, Pivot Point shines. I know I say this a lot, but I don't think I've ever meant it more... Pivot Point cannot be missed.

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