Unbreakable (Unraveling) Hardcover – April 23, 2013

UNBREAKABLE is the intense, action-packed and bittersweet conclusion to this stunning two book series that takes readers on an exciting and harrowing journey through multiple universes to solve a mystery, to stop a criminal enterprise, to stay an execution and to save someone whose life is in peril. It is a journey that is filled with danger and suspense. One with a ticking clock. And one that not everyone will survive.In the aftermath of the catastrophic events that left Janelle Tenner's life and universe devastated, she is trying to pick up the pieces and move on. But with so much lost and so much she blames herself for, finding a way to do more than survive hasn't been easy. Especially with a broken heart.But when more and more people go missing in the wake of the disaster that left her world in shambles, including someone she cares about, she can't just sit on the sidelines. Even if it means partnering with Agent Taylor Barclay in order to find them and find answers.And when she discovers the truth about their disappearances and that Ben is being accused, as dangerous as it may be for her to get involved and to put her trust in Barclay, it's a risk she's willing to take. Because all they have are just five days. To find out the truth. To solve the crime. To prove his innocence. And even with her help it may not be enough and they may run out of time.Elizabeth Norris wrote a sequel that is every bit as tension-filled as the first book in her series. While a much different story than the first, UNBREAKABLE has all the elements that made UNRAVELING an exciting and riveting read - a strong main character, a thrilling storyline full of surprises and nail-biting suspense, a captivating mystery and crushing heartbreak.But the author takes readers on a much different adventure, develops a character whose role hadn't previously been as significant and creates a new dynamic between two of her characters. All of which come together in a story that feels at once familiar and refreshingly different, a story that is gripping and that will keep readers on the edge of their seats as the clock once again counts down.With its fast pace, action that is daring and danger-filled, a plot that twists and turns, characters that are incredibly appealing and a love story that is both sad and sweet, UNBREAKABLE is an outstanding must-read conclusion to this amazing series.

Title: UnbreakableAuthor: Elizabeth NorrisRating: 4.5 StarsMy ReviewLike its predecessor, Unraveling, this was a great read. And we had to wait a while for it. I was lamenting a bit, but then Ms. Norris delivered, so kudos. One thing I love about this 2-book series is that it is SO science-fiction-y. I LOVE that! Often ya is fantasy, but not as much science-fiction. So this was in my wheelhouse."If you loved it so much, why not five stars?" you ask?The pacing in the beginning. There were a lot of times when I not only felt I could put it down, I wanted to put it down. It didn't have me totally hooked yet. I understand that you need to know what the post-apocalyptic world now looks like and there have to be backstory hooks back to the original book (very well done, btw). But still, I wanted to put it down.And then...enter Barclay and BAM! I am HOOKED, baby.I'm going to go off on a personal spiel here, I'm afraid. Here it is. I loved Barclay. Way more than Ben. I know I'm supposed to love Ben for Janelle, but I love Barclay. See **Spoilers** area below for my full sentiment here.JanelleJanelle was both tougher and more vulnerable in Unbreakable, I felt. I connected with her much better. Maybe because she's so on her own and many other characters have fallen more into the background? (Dad is gone, Alex is gone, Struz and Jared aren't with her.) You really get a sense of Janelle. And I enjoy her. She is an actual tough-ass, which is to say that she's human and scared, but she does brave things in the name of what's right anyway. Very BA.BenUm, I didn't have strong feelings about Ben either way here. The fact that he couldn't tell her from the Prima version seems like it should have been a lingering issue, but then again, what do I know about meeting doubles? Hah. Still, Janelle knew his double wasn't him but he didn't know hers wasn't her? I thought that was the divider that was going to push her into Barclay's arms...in short...Ben's ok. Not as dreamy as he was when he said, "Janelle Tenner, I f***ing love you." THAT was the dreamiest Ben ever.ActionThis story is full of action. Even in the beginning when she hasn't left for her adventure, there were still important plot points and events taking place (not a lot of wah-wah-wah with no action). If you like tons of action, this one will work for you, and it did for me.Genre-BlendOne of the more impressive things about this story is that it is two genres mixed together rather well: mystery (or even cop drama if you want) and science-fiction. She references X-files a lot in the first book. The reference feels personal and she manages to make it work for her story. I think that the genre blending becomes expert in book two and I went from finding it a little confusing or I don't know, discomfiting at times in book 1, to finding it compelling in book 2. So let's examine each genre.Mystery Twists and TurnsI really think Norris is pretty damned good at this aspect of storytelling. She does well with foreshadowing, so not everything is unexpected, but she definitely "red herrings" you and surprises you as well. Given that this story is really a sci-fi meets mystery genre buster, I'd say her control of twists and turns is essential. It reminded me of why I spent so many childhood hours face down in mysteries. So well done, Ms. Norris.Sci-Fi ElementsI completely loved the multiverse thing. The world-hopping, the "doubles", it was all I dreamed it could be when I signed off of my review for Unraveling. It made my imagination do that happy little "cupcake with sprinkles" dance that it does when its engaged. I just wanted more. More Earths! What is Earth 19,456 like? What about 234? And how are the numbers designated? It's all so fascinating. Ooooooohhh! I wish I could ask... And things like the Hydrochloradneum were great. You need those fantastical, yet sciency-sounding-kinda-believable elements that the reader learns about and then "extends" his/her learning. You learn the properties of hydrochloradneum, as well as its limitations. Readers feel like they have an "ah-hah" when they are able to predict outcomes later based on their knowledge of this substance. It's a sneaky way of stroking sci-fi fanatics' egos and build a great story at the same time. :)Structure/CountdownThe re-visitation of the countdown format was fun. It's a nice tie-in to the first story. But I have to say what I like even more is Norris' complete disregard for rules with regards to chapter lengths. I've toyed with this a bit myself but want to have more backbone when I think it works. I think her short chapters are often excellent. You don't always need a drawn out scene to have an important moment. Brevity may serve a purpose.*******Spoilers Below*********You Have Been Warned**********Ok, now for the good, angsty stuff. I HATE YOU ELIZABETH NORRIS!!!! You DIDN'T HAVE to KILL him to resolve the love triangle. Well, it wasn't really a triangle, but it sorta was when you think about it...reader longing makes it so. Ok, my longing makes it so. I was not surprised when she killed Barclay and I wasn't even angry because it made sense and was compelling. But it KILLED me. Because I wanted Janelle to realize she was actually in love with the sexy, capable hero.*Sigh.* But Ben is a sexy, capable hero too, just a little less capable. In my version of this story, the death and final love would be the other way around. I think. And then I think about the last scene.Was I satisfied when Ben came back? Yes, of course. When did the heartbeat of this story crest? When he told her that she was "his home". I get it on so many levels, despite my love for Barclay. They were classic star-crossed lovers, united since childhood. And THAT idea is the core of this story. When you exist in a multi-verse and there are thousands and thousands of "yous", what makes a place home? And the answer is nothing. Because home isn't a place, it's a person.End of story perfection.