Pivot Point by Kasie West – a Review

Description:
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.

Review:

Pivot Point by Kasie West is another YA novel that I have read this past year, but I have to say that this one is totally different. Kasie West has created a unique storyline of one story with two different views of being able to choose which life  path you want to live.  Sounds different?  It is and very well done by West.

Our heroine is Addison “Addie” Coleman, who lives in a compound of paranormal humans with enhanced mental abilities.  This compound is secret to the rest of the human world.  Addie is a searcher, which enables her to see her own future, and make choices accordingly as to which path she needs to follow.  When we meet Addie, she finds out her parents are getting a divorce.  Much to her despair, she has to choose who to live with, and decides to do a search on both possibilities.  Her mother will remain in the compound, and her father is leaving to work in the human (no enhanced abilities) world.  One of the best things about this book is that West has created some wonderful characters.  Addie being the main character is wonderful, and you like her from the start.  Her best friend Laila, who has the ability to erase memories, is also a fantastic character, as her loyal and fun loving friend.  Both male leads Trevor and Duke are two male love interests, but there is no triangle, since each male is the main character in the different path possibilities of her search into the future.

As Addie searches the choices of living with each parent, she faces so many things that will mature her much further in life. In one path vision, staying in the paranormal compound, Duke, who is the hot football star, becomes her possible love interest.   In the other normal world, where she cannot use her abilities; she stays with her father, and meets Trevor, who will become her friend and possible love interest.  We follow her visions, with each chapter showing her living life with her mother or her father, and how her current friends still remain as a realistic part of the story.  I found this fascinating, and enjoyed watching Addie live in each of her choices, as she matures, faces life with friends, school, family and even danger

In each of the visions, there are a couple of villains, which will play a big part of the story, as well as her final decision.  Addie’s father is involved in investigating a murder mystery, which eventually pulls her into a dangerous situation, which will risk the lives of those she holds dear.  West does not take the easy way, and makes you think what is the right choice.  The choice Addie makes, will effect those around her, and change her future.  But I will not give spoilers, but say that this is a wonderful and different story.  In most cases I do not like switching back and forth between chapters, but West did this so well, flowing beautifully.  You understood what was happening and as the tension builds, with each vision effected.   Pivot Point is a wonderful novel by by Kasie West.   Well done. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher