Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

Stork by Wendy Delsol
October 12, 2010

From Goodreads:
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.

My Review:
I absolutely loved Stork. This is a completely new and original storyline to be introduced into YA and I really enjoyed it. Everything about this book was mysterious and mystifying and I couldn't put it down for even a minute. The characters are well-rounded and extremely likable. While there were a few things that some side-characters did that seemed out-of-character, it was easy to get past the minor flaws. I really hope this turns into a series!

At the start of the story, Katla is an unhappy teenager who was yanked from her sunny life in L.A. to be moved into a cold, seemingly boring town in the middle of Minnesota. She resents the fact that her parents are getting a divorce and that she has to leave all her friends to move with her mom to Minnesota. While her situation is at first undesirable, her life takes an unexpected turn when she has an explosive encounter with Jack. Katla can not understand why she and Jack clash so much, but soon she finds out the reason for his broodyness, and with this reveation her life is thrown out of whack. Before this mess with Jack, Katla also finds out that she is a member of the Stork Society, in which each of the women inducted into the society have the ability to connect children with the desirable mother.

Katla is a very sweet girl who doesn't see the potential inside herself. She doesn't understand why she gets to be a part of this mystical society and why the Stork Society thinks her special. On top of her new duties as a Stork, Katla is trying to fit in at her new school. She is confused as to why Jack acts weird around her. In Stork, Katla takes a wild journey and she comes out to be a much stronger person at the end of the story. Katla makes many discoveries along the way and comes to accept her role as a Stork.

Jack is a torn, broody hunk who is so obviously smitten by Katla, though he acts opposite of his feelings at first. He is such a darling when the reader finally gets to know more about him and his motives. I loved his and Katla's interactions with each other. There was definitely loads of chemistry between them. Jack also has a secret that the author tortures us with! I kept on trying to guess what was so mysterious about him and why he acted the way he acted, but I never could. Delsol threw me for a loop when she finally revealed his secret and I would have never guessed it. Thumbs up to Delsol for surprising me!

Stork was a wonderful read that I will be adding to my favorite reads. The plot is so unique and exciting and I am praying for a sequel. I am recommending this to anyone who has not read it yet and wants to be taken on a magical ride!

My Rating:

5 Stars