If you’ve ever seen Sliding Doors, the film with Gwyneth Paltrow, where the whole plot revolves around one pivotal moment – missing a train- then you will be sure to adore this book. Much like Sliding Doors, this book relies on a dual narrative, looking at what could happen depending on which path you choose to take.
Addison (Addie) lives in a small compound, hidden in the mountains where every individual has a certain power. Some are mind readers, others are persuaders, some are mood controllers but very few are like Addie. She has the skill of Divergence. In short, this means she can ‘search’ the future. When faced with a choice, Addie can look into two alternate futures depending on the choice she makes. When her parents declare they are separating and Addie finds out her dad is leaving the compound to live with the ‘norms’ (humans without powers) she has to decide which parent she wants to live with. As she delves into the two alternate futures, she struggles to decide what to do, both futures offering her good and bad. But, when something drastic happens, Addie knows for certain what she has to do…even if it means surrendering the one thing she’s come to love.

Wow, wow and wow are the only words I can use to describe this book. It was incredible. From start to finish I was HOOKED to the pages of this book and not once could I predict what was going to happen next.

I adored Addie as a protagonist. She was by far one of the best I’ve ever read about in the YA genre and I’m pretty sure nearly every girl will be able to relate to her; having and trying to maintain friendships, first relationships, first love, problems with parents…it’s all there. She also has a really mature and very reliable narrative voice which meant I could place trust in her immediately.

Laila, Addie’s best friend, played quite a vital role in the plot and I found her a very confusing character. At times I really warmed to her and others I was a bit frustrated by her actions. Also, two of the guys on Addie’s journey; Duke and Trevor were both totally difficult to judge too and I went through phases of loving them both and hating them both! I have to say that Trevor is just THE biggest dish ever and I have a HUGE crush on him! However, even though I had confusing feelings about these characters, these feelings added to the book as a whole and made it an even more involving read.

West has excelled massively in writing this book. The plot is unique and cleverly explores multiple themes whilst following one girl on her journey. I loved the addition of the ‘powers’ most characters had and it left me questioning whether I would want to live in the ‘para’ world with Addie’s mum or the ‘norm’ world with her dad. It also left me wondering which type of power I would want…I decided I would quite like the power of telekinesis! A few characters were able to move things with their minds and I thought that would suit my lazy personality very well!

The chapters were told in alternating form – one set in the ‘para’ world and one set in the ‘norm’ world. It was very clever how each chapter was labelled. At the beginning of each chapter there would be a definition of a word and from that word, you were able to work out which world Addie was in. It was all very well thought out.

I am so excited to hear that there is a sequel to this book called Split Second and I am SO eager to read this book! I’ve requested it at the library so I hope I can read it really soon!

A fantastically written YA novel that will have you gasping, laughing and crying in equal measure!