Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Title: Pivot Point

Author: Kasie West

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication date: February 12, 2013

Genre(s): Young Adult (Sci-Fi/Time Traveling)

Source: Edelweiss

Format: eARC

Pages: 352

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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

Addison Coleman is a divergent, or the more accustomed to term "Clairvoyant". She lives inside a compound with other people with powers like her. That is the para world she has always known. However when her parents drop the bomb that is any child's nightmare, a divorce, she has to decide who she is going to live with. Her mother, in the para world, or her father, who will be moving to the "Norm" world. Which is the world where us "normal" little beings live in right now. So what does Addie do? she uses her power whenever she is faced with a hard decision, this one in particular she looks 6 weeks ahead into the outcomes of both paths. 

This plot.. this genius plot, in my opinion, allowed Kasie West to create a dual and parallel (time-wise) reality where the chapters interchange between the Para and Norm world and follow Addie. I honestly felt like I was reading two novels.. one that is purely contemporary (Norm world) while the other is contemporary with a hint of paranormal (Para world). I loved how they were mostly independent of each other, but you still get glimpses of both worlds when the schools play against each other and you meet characters and see them through the eyes of the other world.

In terms of world building and just what is more appealing to me, I preferred the Norm world. If you ever pick up the book you'll know why in the end, but from the beginning that was the reality I preferred. We have Trevor, the sweeter than honey (oh yea I went there) cowboy who was the star quarterback of his school until his injury, as well as the group of friends he hangs out with and Addie gets introduced to. I just loved Trevor and found him to be a great and layered character. As for the Para world, Addie starts hanging out with Duke, the cocky quarterback at her school; her life no different than it really was before. She has her best friend to hang out with, and now, the all mighty, Duke. In terms of character depth and world building, I believe the Norm world was superior over the Para world. 

Now, you are probably wondering what is the whole point of this book? well, what I can say is that the decision that Addie will make, moving to the Norm or staying in the Para world, could result in dangerous situations, one more dangerous and lethal than the other. I kept on reading this book nonstop because I couldn't put it down, not because of this decision she has to make. I was sucked into both worlds and enjoyed every minute of it. Addie, was a great female protagonist; She was independent, confident, and just fun to read about. I squealed when I found out that there is a sequel to this novel and I can't wait for it. I just need to point out how beautiful the cover is. I need this book in my life for the writing (you're awesome Kasie) and also for this beautiful cover. 

*goes off to buy a copy at the bookstore*