Thursday 28 March 2013

Review & Giveaway: Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris


Unbreakable (Unraveling, #2)
Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: April 23rd 2013
My rating: 4.5 stars


 Four months after Ben disappeared through the portal to his home universe, Janelle believes she’ll never see him again. Her world is still devastated, but life is finally starting to resume some kind of normalcy. Until Interverse Agent Taylor Barclay shows up. Somebody from an alternate universe is running a human trafficking ring, kidnapping people and selling them on different Earths—and Ben is the prime suspect. Now his family has been imprisoned and will be executed if Ben doesn’t turn himself over within five days.

And when Janelle learns that someone she cares about—someone from her own world—has become one of the missing, she knows that she has to help Barclay, regardless of the danger. Now Janelle has five days to track down the real culprit. Five days to locate the missing people before they’re lost forever. Five days to reunite with the boy who stole her heart. But as the clues begin to add up, Janelle realizes that she’s in way over her head—and that she may not have known Ben as well as she thought. Can she uncover the truth before everyone she cares about is killed?


**Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read the first book, Unraveling.**

Unbreakable was an action packed sequel that will have your heart-pounding, and you furiously turning the pages to see what happens next. Elizabeth Norris knows how to weave a little bit of everything I love into one exciting story!  

The story picks up about four months into the future since Ben and Janelle have parted ways.  Ben left to go back to his family and home after seven long years of separation.  Janelle is left in her universe trying to pick up the pieces in the shattered world that now exists.  She may have adverted Wave Collapse but the earth bears the scars of near destruction.  Adding to the survivor’s anxiety is the growing number of people who seem to disappear.  Janelle is now working for Sturz as a temp/intern in the FBI, and so each time someone goes missing she is along for the investigation.

Even with all there is to do, Janelle has an overwhelming sadness that nearly consumes her at times due to Ben’s absence.  She has no idea if or when she’ll ever see him again.  But everywhere she turns something reminds her of him and emphasizes his void.

There’s always a second where I’m lost in the memory and I feel happy and light.  A giddy smile will overtake my face, and it will almost feel like he was just here. 
Almost.
Then the heaviness of reality sets in, and I remember that I’m alone. That Ben is gone.
And it’s like my heart breaks all over again. *

The last thing she expects is IA Agent Taylor Barclay to show up in her life again.  But he does, and with horrible news.  Ben’s missing and wanted in connection to human trafficking charges, and his family will be executed shortly if he doesn’t turn himself in.  Janelle is sure there is no way Ben could be involved but the evidence is stacked against him.  Taylor wants Janelle to help find Ben and solve this mess.  The stakes are pushed higher when a close friend of Janelle’s goes missing and she is sure this mystery is all connected. 

Talk about a wild ride!  This story had me hanging on for dear life!  Ms. Norris sure has no problem putting her characters (or her readers) through the ringer.  Janelle and Ben go through so much, but sometimes this barely registers because you’re thrown from one dangerous situation to the next so quickly.  I was on the edge of my seat in anxious anticipation in several spots!  Still, when things calm down, I had to wonder if these two were going to come out okay, emotionally and physically.  In Unraveling the romance, even though it wasn’t the main focus of the story, was the thing that touched my heart the most.  So of course I wanted these two to have their happy ending!  There’s a bumpy road but there are swoony moments as well:

My thoughts are scrambled, my blood is tingling, and it feels like my skin is on fire.  We’re just lips, tongue, hands, and skin—two people who have everything and nothing to lose at the same time.*

Janelle our heroine is more level headed than I think I could ever be, and even when she has moments of panic, fear or sadness, she gets a grip and soldiers on through.

If you haven’t picked up Undone, the novella in Ben’s POV, I highly suggest you do.  It’s not very long but it gives some background and understanding to Unbreakable that you wouldn’t have otherwise. I just wanted to wrap Ben up in a tight hug and never let go after finishing it! *sniff*

Unbreakable was a satisfying conclusion, but I am sad to say goodbye to the characters even so.  I guess we might see more of this story, because I read on the back of my ARC that the film rights have been sold to MTV with plans to develop this into a TV series. I could easily see this story coming to life in that way, and I think it’s perfectly suited for that idea. 

*Quotes are taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.


A copy was provided by Balzer+Bray in exchange for an honest review.  

As a show of appreciation for all you lovelies, I decided to give away my Advanced Readers Copy of Unbreakable to one lucky reader!  Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Good luck and thanks for stopping by! 
  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

88 comments:

Nitzan Schwarz said...

I'm looking forward to both the first and second book, as it's high on my to-read list. I haven't read the first yet cause I'm waiting to have the second one, so I can read the both at once!

Passing Pages said...

I just need to know what happens! I try not to pick up books when they first come out so I don't have to want forever for the 2nd or 3rd or whatever, but I picked this up and when I saw the release date....anyways way off topic. I really want to just read it! Great review, fabulous quotes.

Shirley said...

BENBENBENBEN!!! I am SOOO freaking excited for this to come out! Unravelling was one of my FAVOURITE books last year & that ending was heartbreaking but perfect!!! I can't wait for their story to continue<3 So glad you loved this Rach!!! AND THAT ARC! *grabs* I WANT!!!!! :))

Angela said...

The ending of Unraveling left me hanging there soooo badly! I'm looking forward to more sci-fi action! :) Thank you!!!

Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales said...

I am looking forward to read both Unraveling and Unbreakable.Unraveling has been in my wishlist for a long time,and I am finally getting it,so if I get Unbreakable too,that would be awesome.

Lea Krnjeta said...

I absooutely loved Unraveling and I cant wait to see how Janelle's and Ben's story ends.

Ira said...

I am currently reading Unraveling and i must say Im enjoying it and cant wait for Unbreakable!!

Ari (Reading After Midnight) said...

Are you kidding? Unraveling/Unravelling was my favorite book last year and I am dying here to read this one!

Bookish said...

Can't wait to read this one, I absolutely loved Unraveling last year when I read it and I HAVE to find out what happens - especially between Ben and Janelle!

The Cover Contessa said...

I've heard great things about this series!

Carina Olsen said...

Ahh! Dying for this :D Thank you for perfect giveaway. <3 Sigh. I'm dying for this because I loved the first book so much, and I need to know what will happen to Ben :)

Ashfa said...

Loved the first book and can't wait for this one!

Ashfa said...

Loved the first book and can't wait for this one!

usagi, said...

I just want to see what happens with all of the multiverse stuff going on. o_o;

ahz1 said...

I enjoyed the first book and am curious to see what happens in the next one.

Nara said...

I really enjoyed the first book, so I've been looking forward to Unbreakable :) Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Eeeek! I'm so happy to hear you loved this, Rachel. I loved the first book, so I'm sure that I'll love this one.
I can't wait for more Ben and Janelle. I'm glad to hear that the book was a wild ride for you!
Lovely review, Rachel and thank you for the giveaway!

Jenny said...

So you definitely recommend reading Undone before this Rachel? I love me some Ben, so that is no hardship at all! I'm so very excited for this book, I just adore Unraveling last year and I can't wait to see where things go in this book. I'm said this is the final book as well, but I'm hoping those film rights actually lead to a movie or TV show and we get to see Janelle and Ben on the big screen:)

Random side note: Did you see the cover for BURNED? It's on KMM's Facebook page. It also sounds like it might be 14 months in between books which means January-ish 2014. *sobs* Hopefully that will change!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

So nice of you to give away your arc, Rachel! I could never part with mine, I love it so.
I agree with you about Janelle, she was even stronger and smarter this time around. I loved everything about her and my heart broke so many times. There's a blog tour coming up and I'll be posting Ben and Janelle's playlist. I still don't know what the songs are, but I'm insanely excited about it.
Great review.

erin said...

Sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

TayteH said...

I'm wondering whether or not Janelle herself will get taken or not. Hmmm.....

Suz said...

Thanks for this amazing giveaway - I would love to win this book because you said it's action packed and it sounds great!

Suz Reads

Anonymous said...

The plot seems very interesting and I want to know what'll happen to Janelle and Ben!

Sayomay said...

The action! :D

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

I'm so excited about this one! I can't wait to read it, and I love the sound of the plot in this one. I never really stopped to pay it much attention before! I've missed Janelle and Ben terribly, so I'm glad to see your 4.5 star rating. Brilliant review, Rachel! :)

Unknown said...

oh I haven't read these, but they look really good! Awesome review!

Jess said...

Oh, thanks for the giveaway! I still have the first book to read but plan to read both books back to back when Unbreakable is out (or if I win) I was very sick last summer and didn't get around to Unravelling even though it sounds like something I would love so I'm looking forward to reading it, have heard brilliant things!

Unknown said...

I havent read the first book,yet..i have it though and i have been waiting to read it!! Thanks!!

purpleshadowhunter said...

Sounds adventurous!

FallenStar said...

...because I enjoyed the previous book ;)

_Sandra_ said...

Mostly because I absolutely loved Unraveling and have been (im)patiently waiting for the 2nd book to come out for almost a year. First book had everything I love packed in one - lots of action, little bit angst, little bit humor and a lot of swoon-worthy Ben Michaels. ;)
Based on your review, I'm gonna love this one as well (though, there was never a doubt about that).
Thanks for a giveaway! :)

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

Love. love, loved book one Must know what happens next!

Emma said...

This is a brilliant review Rachel!I haven't myself, read the series yet but I believe its a big hit and your review proves that! Thank you so much for the Giveaway! :D

Holly said...

I actually haven't read Unraveling, but I've been wanting to start this series! It sounds great, and I've heard good things about it. :)

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

I haven't read Unraveling but I like the sound of Interverse Agent :) And your review makes me wonder if Ben is good or bad... thanks for sharing, Rachel!

Keertana said...

Not for the first time, I feel as if I need to give this series another try. It has all the perfect paranormal/sci-fi elements to intrigue me, but the characters never held my attention. Clearly, though, I need to give that another attempt. Fantastic review, dear! :)

bashashhazbaz said...

two words: alternate universe! :)

sarah said...

I just finished Unraveling and can't wait to continue the story.

Unknown said...

I haven't read Unraveling, so I did skim this. I have heard nothing but great things about this series, so I need to get started. I'm happy you enjoyed it so much!

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I still have read the first book (shame on me - huh). I'm planing to. I really am. Just I need more time. Still I'm so happy to see that you enjoyed this one. I haven't read the review because of spoilers, but I'll eventually :)

Unknown said...

Heard only GREAT reviews for Unraveling and I'm so excited to read it as well as this sequel. :)

Mary Preston said...

This is going to be so amazing!!!

Unknown said...

for the guys .... jiji
almendra in the rafflecopter

arazzas said...

I loved Unraveling and am excited to read this book too!

tammy216 said...

I loved Unraveling and I can't wait to read unbreakable and see what's happening with Ben and Janelle.

Lauren @ Love is not a triangle said...

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Unraveling and I definitely cannot wait to pick this one up and see Ben and Janelle reunited. Cross-universe intrigue sounds like so much fun. I like that this sounds fast paced, high action with danger and a mystery to solve. Sometimes the romance is better when it is more subtle, so I cannot wait for more of that too. Great review!

LisaILJ said...

I am looking forward to it because I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Sophia said...

I really liked Unraveling, so I can't wait to see what happens in Unbreakable. Janelle sounds extremely cunning in this one, which I'm sure I'll love. And Ben... I wasn't a big fan of the romance in the first book, actually, but hopefully, I'll like it in this book! Thanks for the lovely review, Rachel. :)

Nazish Reads said...

I'm looking forward to how Ben and Janelle will end up being together and having their happy ending. I was actually wondering that when I was reading the first book after I found out that Ben is not from Janelle's world. In many series/books, I don't like the main character, but this series is a rare case where I love the m.c. So that's a huge bonus for me in wanting to read the next book. Although I'm still mad that Janelle's best friend die in Unraveling, he was one of my favourite characters.


-Nazish @ Nazish Reads

Unknown said...

Unraveling is amazing! I really liked it and I can't wait to know what happens with Ben. At first I thought I wasn't going to like the book but after I stopped thinking too much about it and decided to see it as Sci-Fi I just couldn't put it down.

Kris @Imaginary Reads said...

I loved the first book and can't wait to read this one! Glad to hear that this is good as well.

Filia Oktarina said...

I still haven't read this sries yet. But i always looking forward new books every month. I hear this book was great, i really curious with the storyline, but maybe must read book #1 to knoe why this series was great read :)
Thanks for giveaway.

Reviewing Shelf said...

Have heard good things about this series.

alicia marie said...

I have to know what happens next!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book!

Bea Tejano said...

Absolutely loved Unraveling and looking forward to this one too!:)

Oona said...

I just bought Unraveling, and it's next on my tbr pile. I totally believe I'm going to love it, so it would be good to have he next one immediately.

Alina P said...

I have the 1st book, but I'd love to have the 2nd one as well, to start the series.

iLuvReadingTooMuch said...

I have the first book and I haven't read it yet, but that's because I'm waiting to get my hands on Unraveling, so I can read it without being too freaked out by the ending or whatever :P Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

Rabiah

Sam said...

Ben. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!! D:

Richa said...

I can't wait for Unbreakable! I'm definitely looking forward to more Ben and Janelle, and yeah, even Barclay! :P

starryeyedjen said...

I just read the first book and the novella from Ben's POV and both ended rather abruptly, so I need to know what happens NOW! :P I'm just glad I didn't have to wait as long as everyone else. Sometimes it helps to be behind on your reading. :)

Cassandra! :D said...

Well I read the first book, and it was AMAZING! So obviously I have to read this one...SOON :D

Leah said...

I love the whole "other Earths" concept. :)

Kiku said...

I'd like to read it simply because it's a BOOK! I love books! But the summary also caught my interest (:

oriana said...

bwcUSE I LOVED THE FIRST BOOK!!

Unknown said...

I'm reading Unraveling now and am really liking it so I'm sure I'll love this one too! Thanks!

sassyreads said...

Why am I looking forward to this? Simple really... I NNEEEEEDDD to know what happens next :)

nurmawati djuhawan said...

because i read the 1st book and i want to read the sequelle...

Lisa said...

because i want to know the whole story...and i need the sequel....

Unknown said...

I read the first one and I loved it! :)

Emily @ Falling For YA said...

I'm excited to see what happens next, the first book was great and I can't wait to continue =)

Nuzaifa @ Word Contessa said...

I haven't read Unraveling yet although God knows it has been on my TBR since forever! So I'm hoping that if I win this I might be a little more motivated to pick up Unraveling and read it finally! :D

Amber (Books of Amber) said...

I'm so glad to hear that this is as action packed as the first. I adored Unravelling! The twists were awesome. I'm really nervous about this one, even though you said it was a great conclusion. I don't want it to end *sobs*

Unknown said...

I haven't read the first book but I did buy it! So I just want to have the second book when I finished the first :D

elin said...

I can't wait to read what happens after Unraveling :D

Marius Viktor Aragon said...

I haven't read the first book. But after reading your review, I'm definitely looking forward to reading this series!

Bewitched reader said...

I've read so many GREAT reviews on Unraveling and I am dying to read it. And I know this series is going to be awesome!! I love the story line and it is just the type of story that I would definitely get into!! My fingers are double crossed!! Thank you so much for the chance at winning this awesome book!!

Lis Carcamo said...

I'm dying to know what will happen with Ben!!

Christine said...

I LOVEDLOVEDLOVED Unraveling and after that ending, I HAVE to find out what happens next!!

Jello Dela Cruz said...

I want moreee action! I loved Unraveling, one of the best! :)

blissfullysimple said...

I am trying to see beyond the cover, frankly it's terrible

Jae Lee said...

I just finished Unraveling and I am super excited to read this. I'm going to go start Undone right now.

jayjay said...

I'll be starting Unraveling in a few days, it would be perfect if i'll read this back to back :D thanks for the giveaway!

Aline Tobing said...

I already have Unraveling in my TBR list and it would be awesome if I could read it and start the sequel right after I finish it :))

Unknown said...

I read the first book last year in like a DAY and I loved it so much and I've been dying to read this ever since I finished Unraveling. MORE BEN THANKS.

sweety said...

Because i loved Unravelling!!

Thanks for the international giveaway!!

Rafflecopter name - Rose L

Zemira said...

I still haven't read the first book but I want to. I just might order it next week.

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