Review STORK by Wendy Delsol

Stork by Wendy Delsol

Details:
Hardcover, 355 pages
Published October 12th 2010 by Candlewick

Placement in Pile:
Reaching New Heights

Summary:
Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.

Review: 
If you're still high on the paranormal romance, than this is a read for you. Wendy Delsol weaves a charming story that threads together pieces of Icelandic lore with modern family conflict in a setting that's unfamiliar to the character and filled with mystery. To be honest, I wasn't jazzed about reading a novel that plays up the idea that a "stork" chooses a baby's mother. Frankly, it sounds bizarre, right?

Not at all the setting I'd choose to write a YA book. But then again, maybe that's why I'm not a published author yet. I have to admit, within the first three chapters I was hooked. And primarily it was due to Wendy Delsol's ability to write a character wit strong voice.
When it comes to voice, this book is king. Katla LeBlanc's witty banter and equally charming internalization are what sold this book for me. I'm such a sucker for good voice in a YA novel.

So, given that, it was easy to forgive some of the plot points that didn't jive with me. Or the other sub-character reactions that felt misplaced.

Now, go read it for yourself, and let me know what you think.