REVIEW: Split Second by Kasie West

January 11, 2014

Edition: Harper Collins Paperback
Release Date: February 11 2014
Pages: 360
Series: Pivot Point #2
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Contemporary
Source: Received as an ARC from Harper Collins Australia (Thank you)
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website | Preorder the book
Life can change in a split second. Addie hardly recognizes her life since her parents divorced. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. She can’t believe this is the future she chose. On top of that, her ability is acting up. She’s always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time, too . . . but not without a price.

When Addie’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him, she jumps at the chance to escape into the Norm world of Dallas, Texas. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. And she has an inexplicable desire to change that.

Meanwhile, her best friend, Laila, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want to see this happen. Desperate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her. As Addie and Laila frantically attempt to retrieve the lost memories, Addie must piece together a world she thought she knew before she loses the love she nearly forgot . . . and a future that could change everything.
Last year debut author Kasie West went straight to my auto-buy list as she wowed me with Pivot Point and The Distance Between Us. Pivot Point easily become one of my 2013 favourites and a new favourite series for me. After I finished it I absolutley needed a copy of it's sequel and fortunately for me I got a very early ARC thanks to Harper Collins. And let me tell you, you won't be disappointed with the next installment in the awesome paranormal/contemporary series, Pivot Point. Split Second was awesome! That's the thing I love about Kasie West, she always delivers and Split Second was no different. Just like Pivot Point was told in dual narrative, Split Second is told in both Addie and Laila's point of view. Seeing through both of the girls eyes really made things interesting and overall benefited the storyline, despite me originally thinking I wouldn't like it.

In Split Second both Addie and Laila are trying to rid themselves of the humiliation that comes with being manipulated and used by Duke. Addie who chose to stay with her mother after searching, is about to take off on a 6 week stay at her Father's house in the norm world. Hoping this will be a nice break from the chaos that took place after the search where Addie as a Divergent had to choose to either stay with her mother in the compound or her father in the norm world after seeing both outcomes, the memories of which are now erased. But why is norm boy Trevor so familiar and why did she write this mysterious letter Laila claims she wrote to her.  Laila has just discovered that she can restore memories rather than erase and Addie wants her back. Trying to piece together what the letter could possibly mean and just how she can expand her ability, Laila goes on a journey to restore not only trust but memories that could change things forever.

Seeing Addie fall for Trevor all over again was awesome! You would have thought it would get it exhausting but hell no, experiencing those beautiful Trevor and Addie moments again, felt like a gift. Although at times I wanted to float down on a cloud and say 'You two are meant to be. Some screwed up voodoo happened and you don't remember anything now but you are in love. So just kiss already'. But it was all good and I fell for the sweet, sporty and creative Trevor yet again. I swear Kasie West had the feels going, I would put the book down and just squeal. It's just so darn cute!

I was worried I wouldn't enjoy Laila's narration as much as Addie's because I really like Addie as character. She's so down to earth and relatable. But in Split Second we see that Laila really is more than Addie's confident and outgoing best friend. There is much more than meets the eye and I particularly liked seeing her be the caring and protective sister she is to her siblings. I've got to give Laila's props because she really is loyal to those she cares about. Kasie West totally knows what us fangirls want because she introduced a bad boy love interest for Laila and it totally rocked. Connor is the only person who can get under Laila's skin and watching their relationship go from teasing and irritation to flirtation and attraction was amusing and entertaining to say the least. I was glad that Laila got to have her own Prince Charming, even if he was leather jacket wearing rather than damsel in distress saving. A perfect match for Laila.

Split Second has a lot of *gasp* moments, there were times where I had to brace myself for the trouble I knew was coming. The twists & turns, the suspense! I must admit though, I was in some situations a bit confuddled. Maybe this was because I stayed up past midnight reading it.. But sometimes I didn't really understand how things were solved. Which also leads to my further point that whilst the ending was satisfying, it felt like series ending but some how also left some unanswered questions.Which then lead me to ask Kasie on twitter if it was a dualogy which sadly for the moment it is.But she also said anything's possible, so I'm counting on that. 

I love that the humour and dialogue is done so easily and effortlessly. It's not trying to be funny, it just simply is. Something about the writing is so relaxed and engaging, it's so easy to connect with the characters who are for the most part all so lovable. This whole series is so loveable and I'd highly recommend it. Kasie also has a contemporary novel out this year called 'On The Fence' and I'm so excited for it. Make sure to look out for Split Second in stores February!

12 comments

  1. I really want to read this soon! I couldn't get an ARC because they all ran out since it's so popular. I'm really excited to see Laila's POV though. I hope I like her! I'm dying to find out what all this squealing is about. Can't wait. Awesome review Sunny! I hope you enjoy On The Fence. :D

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    1. Oh that's a shame, at least you don't have to wait to much longer. I liked Laila a lot more this time round. I fangirled a lot in this as you can tell, haha! Thanks for commenting Laura.

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  2. WOW. I'm totally sold. I'm going to read this right after I finish the uglies by Scott Westerfield! Thanks so much for the recommendation :)

    -Aish xx

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    1. Yay it's a great series and one I'm sure you will enjoy. But I'd start of with Pivot Point, I probably should have mentioned that Split Second is the sequel. I hope you like it Aish.

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  3. You have definitely persuaded me to read Kasie West's books! Pivot Point sounds AMAZING and I've heard so many good things about The Distance Between Us.. I think I'll invest in them both before this Split Second comes out, hehe. I love it when the author writes the humour and dialogue so effortlessly, it makes the book so much more relateable. :)

    Great review, Sunny :D I hope you enjoy On the Fence when it comes out!

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    1. I think you'd really liked Kasie West's books, particularly The Distance Between Us. Thanks for commenting Zoe!

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  4. I need this now. Tnx for the review

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  5. Well obviously you already convinced me to read this book. I really want to read her other books as well. Great review! We need to chat again soon!

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    1. YES READ HER BOOKS PRONTO! Haha. Yes we do and a proper catch up.

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  6. Great review Sunny, you are super lucky to be reading an early ARC! I haven't read Pivot Point yet, I'm waiting for the paperback to be released but I just can't wait for it. No doubt I would love it. Happy new year!

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

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    1. Hope you enjoy Pivot Point, it's such a good debut. Happy New Year Jeann and thanks for commenting!

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