Book Review: Pivot Point

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.

I read this book in four hours. It was that captivating. My friend recommended this book to me a coupe of weeks ago but I just recently got around to reading and reviewing it. I've read several other books written by Kasie West (On the Fence and The Distance Between Us) and I really enjoy her writing style so I had high hopes for this one. Luckily, I was not disappointed.

In a world full of YA books full of the paranormal and supernatural it takes a really good one to actually stand out from the rest. Pivot Point definitely stood out, loud and clear!

The story centers around Addison Coleman. Like everyone else in her compound, she has a special ability. Addie can look into the future when she is faced with a tough decision. If I had that ability, I would Search literally everything but Addie doesn't abuse her power like some of the other kids in the book. Addie is given a tough decision when her parents decide to get a divorce. They are letting her decide who she gets to live with so Addie decides to do a Search to see which life she likes better. One reality reveals a life with her mom in the Compound where she grew up and the other shows her a life with her dad and the Norms in Dallas, Texas. The novel is written from Addie's point of view but the chapters switch back and forth between her two possible life choices. I was a little confused at first but once I figured out the structure I began to really like the format of the book.


Addie is an extremely relatable character. You know, besides the whole super powers thing. She actually describes herself as an antisocial bookworm which pretty much sums me up. I really like that she sees through the facades some of her classmates put up. She sees what is underneath the good looks, condescending comments, and fake smiles. Her dialogue is hilarious and I found myself laughing at some of the things that came out of her mouth.

"Thanks. And can we just get this out of the way? Your eyelashes make mine want to commit suicide from shame." -Addie

Laila, her best friend, is also a pretty enjoyable character. I think she adds a lot to the story and I like how important their friendship is to each other.
Trevor. Trevor. Trevor. Every book these days has a Trevor. That sensitive, good looking, and all around perfect love interest. I liked Trevor immediately. He is a norm which means he isn't like Addie and Laila so he doesn't have any mind powers. He adds a certain lightness to the book and I found myself smiling like a oddball during most of his interactions with Addie.

Every scene with Trevor had me like...

 I think there was supposed to be a sort of live triangle but to me it didn't really feel like one. The other love interest, Duke, is the quarterback and Addie's boyfriend in one of the versions of her life. It was obvious, at least to me, who and what life Addie preferred so that took the whole love triangle feeling away. I'm not a big fan of Duke precisely because of how fake he seems. I feel like every interaction with him is forced and awkward.

basically every time Duke opened his mouth

Pivot Point may seem like a total sci-fi book but it isn't. It is more contemporary than anything else and the plot mainly consists of Addie's interactions with the supporting characters. There is definitely a plot that develops towards the end which I found somewhat predictable but still really enjoyable.

The ending felt like someone ripped out my heart. Seriously. I knew it was coming but I sooo wasn't prepared for it. There is a sequel called Split Second and I just requested it from the library so hopefully I get it before I go on vacation! From looking at the synopsis I think my heart is going to be ripped out again but I'm ready this time. Not.

Me during the ending

Pivot Point is full of laugh out loud moments, relatable characters, and swoon-worthy romance. Not many books can mix sci-fi and contemporary, but Pivot Point does just that. This book is light and fun yet supernatural and suspenseful so Pivot Point will ultimately captivate readers of all genres. 

--AMANDA