Addie lives in The Compound — a place the normal world doesn’t know anything about and people with special skills like hers live. She’s a Searcher which means, when faced with a decision, she’s able to experience both paths in her head and it really feels like she is living them out which can help her to make the best decision. She’s faced with the ultimate decision to make when her parents announce they are divorcing. If the decision to choose which parent to live with wasn’t hard enough, Addie’s dad is leaving The Compound and will go live into the Normal world. Addie knows she has to search quite a few weeks out to see which decision is best for her to ultimately make her decision but what she sees in her future — both good and bad — makes the decision all the harder.
MAN. This is one of those times where I had this one sitting on the shelf since I received it in the mail, wasn’t sure if I’d like it because paranormal is not my favorite genre and then I let it sit. Then, before Thanksgiving, I show a stack of what I should take on vacation with me and suddenly EVERYONE on Twitter unanimously said Pivot Point. I’m like WHAT? How did I not know how universally loved this book is? SHOULDN’T I HAVE GOTTEN THAT MEMO? Obviously that piqued my curiosity, I brought it and OH MY GOODNESS…not even my post-Thanksgiving food coma could make me put this book down. Friends, this book was AWESOME. Even if you don’t LOVE paranormal books, I highly recommend it. It feels more like a contemporary book more than anything but there are some powers of the mind in it — like clairvoyance, mind erasing, etc.
So I gave you the gist of what the book was about above but what I loved most about this book was how unique the premise was for me. I’ve never read anything like it. Most of the book is her seeing the way these two different paths could play out — if she stays with her mom in the Compound or if she moves with her dad. Every other chapter switches between both scenarios. It sounds like it could be confusing to keep straight which choice she’s living out but not at all! Just when I thought I liked one scenario better then something happened to make me even more tense and now be more invested in the other scenario.
The way both of these scenarios unfold makes you NOT be able to put this book down and is a testament to the command and control Kasie West writes with. I could feel my breathing getting more rapid as I got closer to the ending as the intensity of the situation just escalated out of control. It’s times like this where I’m shouting at my brain to read faster and I find myself tensing up without realizing it.
The ending slayed me when she was done with her Search and knew everything that she could lose and how it all hinged on her decision. I wanted to crawl back in bed and hide under the covers and JUST NOT MAKE A DECISION…and I’m not even the character. I could feel the enormity of the decision before her and I loved that I was wholly invested in her choosing the right outcome while also feeling what she was giving up to make that other decision. Not only was I devouring the pages closer to the end but I was also getting very emotional thinking about what she saw.
Can we also talk about Trevor?? I loved him — he’s charming and sweet and yeah I’d fall for him. He had personality — he’s a football player but also a bit of a nerd! I was fanning myself with a certain moment between them. I got very attached to him and so the whole time I was like PSH YOU HAVE TO PICK THIS PATH but then things get complicated and it became not that easy. It broke my heart to think about the fact that she may not choose that path right up until her final declaration of what path she was going to live out. I can’t tell you which one she chose but you will find yourself flip flopping based on what is going on.
Pivot Point is a book I’m sorry I didn’t get to sooner but I’m glad I’m on board now. It was undoubtedly refreshing and one of those books that has you compulsively turning the pages because you just HAVE to know which path she’s going to take — especially as it gets more intense! If paranormal isn’t your go-to genre, like me, I very much recommend this because it feels more contemporary. Plus it’s a damn good story, has a romance I ship and will have your heart racing as both scenarios play out right up until her Search is over and she must make a decision. If you haven’t read this one yet, get on it!
Let’s Talk: Have you read this one? Heard of it?? What did you think? Also, thanks to the people who voted for this one on Twitter! I owe you big time, friends!
ashley says
I’m so glad that you loved it. I worried you wouldn’t because we tend to disagree, which lets be real, makes our friendship awesome. But I love this book and West so much, so I was worried. BUT YOU LOVED IT AND I AM SO HAPPY.
Alexia @ Adventures in Reading says
YAY so glad that you enjoyed it. Normally I am not a huge paranormal fan but goodness I LOVED this book! Glad you finally listened to us 🙂
Aly @ My Heart Hearts Books says
I was so hesitant when I first Pivot Point, but I had to stay up all night to finish it. It isn’t the kind of book that I usually read, but I love that it’s different. I’m such a fan of Kasie West because of it and The Distance Between Us!
Christie @ Read by the Undead says
I read and enjoyed this one for the most part. Considering you’re a fan of contemporary romances, it wasn’t a surprise that you devoured this one! I do agree that Trevor was such a sweetheart and I loved him so!
Stormy @ Book.Blog.Bake. says
Yes! I’m so glad you loved this one, Jamie. It’s one of my favorites of 2013 and the book that really made me realize I loved parallel universe stories. Even though parts of it were heartbreaking, I thought it all fit together so well and I’m SUPER excited for Split Second!
Anya says
Hehe, I totally said you should read it because I know that I need to but have also let it sit for too long ;-). I’m SO HAPPY that you loved it and now that an ARC of Split Second has shown up, I absolutely have to fit it in… somewhere… D:
JB says
I read this last week when I was planning on staying home and doing work (work did not happen). I sat in front of the fire all day reading this book and–ohmygoodness– it was amazing! I was on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters and then…. the end. I immediately searched Kasie West on Goodreads so I could read every. single. one. of her books, and, lo and behold, THERE’S A SECOND BOOK! Be still, my heart.
Evelynne says
Thanks for this – I’d not heard of it before, but it sounds an interesting premise. I’ve picked up a copy now.
Leah says
*high five* YES. SO excited you not only read it, but wound up loving it! When I first picked up Pivot Point I honestly wasn’t expecting much – a fairly typical paranormal. I was completely blown away. 🙂 VERY excited for the sequel!
Dreams says
Trevor! Oh, how I adored thee! >_< That right there was the reason I liked this book. Though, I thought the author did a wonderful job with her motivations over the struggle she had to make over her choice.
Abby @ abbbzandbookz says
Glad you devoured it, Jamie! This is my fave read for 2013 and your review made me want to curl up in my bed and reread this book. So many feels!!! Trevorrrrr oh my god. I am literally obsessing over him, it’s not even healthy! Love your review, I was smiling the while time while reading it. I can’t imagine what life would be if Kasie stick to her original plan (this being a standalone), I mean with that ending? A standalone? Heavens, forbid. Now this is going too long lmao. Excited for Split Second! Good job, Jamie! 🙂
Maggie @ Just a Couple More Pages says
I really loved this one! I’m not a sci-fi reader either, but this didn’t even feel like sci-fi to me. Like you I was totally surprised at how not confusing it was (thankfully!) and I loved the tension at the end. You’re lucky you don’t have to wait long for the sequel!
jaime says
honestly this was my first book of 2013 and I stil love it so much! The premise is so original and unique! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, I’m pretty sure this is among my most rec’d books too!
I got my hands on the second book that’s coming soon and you must pick that one up immediately!!!
xox
jaime
tabithasbookblog says
YESSSS! This book. was. incredible. I loved it so much, definitely one of my top books of the year! I’m really happy that you ended up enjoying it! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the second book!!
Ashley says
I’m so thrilled that you finally read this book and loved it!! I totally agree with you about the end… it totally owned me! And I also wanted to crawl under the covers and NOT MAKE A DECISION and just ignore everything! And Trevor is sooo freaking sweet!
Amanda @ Late Nights with Good Books says
I agree wholeheartedly that Pivot Point felt much more like a contemporary piece than a paranormal one. And that also worked quite well for me – contemporary is not my favorite genre and neither is paranormal, but apparently I enjoy a mix of the two. After that ending, I’m definitely excited to see where West takes her story next!
Alexa Y. says
I’ve seriously got to read this book! I have been hearing pretty awesome things about it from multiple sources (which now include) you, and I’ve got to admit that I’m truly intrigued. It seems like there’s a little more to this book than I could have imagined — and I should definitely give it a chance.
Nicole Hewitt says
I absolutely loved this book too and can’t wait for Split Second!
Meg says
I waited awhile to read Pivot Point as well and had the same OH MY GOD HOW DID I NOT KNOW?! moment. Trevor is the best ever, in addition to being sweet, adorable and all around fantastic, he draws! I am an absolute sucker for artistic guys. Right there with you on the breath-taking choice-related suspense. I’m glad twitter didn’t lead you astray and you loved it!
Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says
Oh my gosh, I loooove Trevor. I cannot wait for Split Second to see what happens next in this series! I loved that this WAS paranormal but also that it had such a strong contemporary side as well. This was definitely a really great debut from Kasie West and I really need to look into her current contemporary books too! 🙂
Judith says
I’m glad you liked this one! I thought the concept was so unique and well done. I didn’t like the characters as much as everyone else seems to, but I might have to re-read it soon. And oh my goodness, the ending! I got goosebumps! Now let’s hope Split Second is good as well. 🙂
Brianna says
This one sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your review!
sarah says
I absolutely loved loved loved this book and can’t wait for the second.
Nadia says
This is a Kindle Deal and I endep up buying it because of your comments/review on it! 😀