Reviews

Split Second by Kasie West

charlottenw1's review against another edition

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4.0

Oh how I do love a bit of Miss Kasie West!!!! I definitely rate this more than 4 ★'s because it is just so good. I loved the twist and turns that occurred throughout the book and Kasie's writing style definitely didnt disappoint.
I really enjoyed how we got the two different events, so we knew what was happening behind the main action. The relationships that blossomed where super cute and I don't know why but Eli really tugged at my heart strings.
I didn't think that the sequel could be any better than the first book, because normally they aren't. But Kasie definitely surprised me, I just really loved this story and would love another book, maybe in the future ... Just a suggestion.

lovefromaia's review against another edition

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5.0

* 4.75 stars *

“Thanks for choosing me, Addison"

Honestly, I think I enjoyed reading this book more than the first one ( well, i always enjoy Kasie West's books - they just seem to get better and better ). We read as Laila and Addie try to rebuild their friendship with intertwining povs from them both. This was a very interesting concept that let me explore both 'worlds' at the same time and kept me wanting to read on.

I really enjoyed the ending that kept me on my toes throughout. Connor and Laila's relationship was extremely cute but I don't want to spoil it by going too much into detail. I also think that by making Duke help Addie out in the end suppress some of my anger towards him but not all because he is still a massive jerk.

This was definitely one of Kasie West's most interesting romances and I honestly couldn't get enough. I finished this book in one day and totally recommend to anyone who's looking for a great romance to get lost in - as well as any other of West's books.

overall rating: 4.75 stars
plot: 5 stars
characters: 4.5 stars
writing style: 4.75 stars

afretts's review against another edition

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5.0

I really, really liked this series. I liked the characters, I liked the story, and I liked the twists. Honestly, I wish I could write a super specific review and tell you all the things I loved about it, but I don't think I can. I definitely can't put my finger on why it deserves 5 stars. It probably doesn't, but I loved it 5 stars worth so that's what it gets.

The new character additions were pretty cool. I loved Connor and wish he would have been included in the first book as well so I could have gotten to know him better.

The switch from only Addie's POV in the first book to Addie and Laila's POV in the second book was a little weird and I felt like there were a lot of sub plots swirling around at one time, but none of that was enough to put me off at all.

I think I really liked how sweet this series was. The overall tone of it was such that I knew I was going to be totally satisfied at the end. I could tell Kasie West was building up to a sweet, happy ending and I didn't need to have any anxiety about whether or not everything would work out for the characters- I just knew it would.

outro_ddaeng's review against another edition

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5.0

I NEED MORE! Haha seriously though I need more Addison and Trevor and Laila and Conner. I love these books so much and I definitely recommend them.

l4uren_11's review against another edition

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3.0

After I read half the book I got into it.
I didn't like it as much as the first one but I give this book a 3.5. I didn't hate the ending and I really liked Addie personality. There was a lot I didn't like but hey, it was just the people in the book. I live the writing style and the ending. Made me cry. So good job Kasie. I know this is a strange review but it's the last book of Pivot Point and I'm just taking it all in. But I think it could have been just one book in the series. But thanks for the happy ending I wanted. .

books_to_be_read's review against another edition

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5.0

I went into the sequel right after reading pivot point, which was amazing, and it did not disappoint. This sequel is better than I expected. I though that there was no way it could live up to its predecessor, but it did. Split Second is exciting and the end is just as satisfying as the first book. Loved it.

pixelski's review against another edition

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5.0

Thanks to HarperCollins Australia for this ARC.

Review originally posted at Fiction in Fiction in Fiction

The following review may contain spoilers for Pivot Point.

“Everyone is falling apart.”

Kasie West’s 2013 debut Pivot Point was one of the most stunning and original paranormal debuts I’d ever read. The concept was brilliant and I loved the idea of one choice producing two alternate outcomes. Split Second managed to stun me even more as Addie’s story continues. Whereas Pivot Point showed Addie’s possible future, Split Second is the reality of one of those choices based on her Search in Pivot Point. And the beautiful thing was how uncertain and different reality turned out to be.

One of the great points of West’s writing is her strong and relatable female leads. I loved Addie’s resilience as she faced the consequences of her choice; her indeciciveness as she struggled with what to tell those around her based on what she knew; and I especially loved her sarcasm/snark as a form of defence and façade to daily life. She was such a relatable character with her down to earth nature and approach to decision making. As YA heroines go she’s definitely one of my favourites.

“I’m not a very good awkardness buffer. I kind of create awkwardness.”

I find it rare for friendships to be a focal point in YA books. I think that’s why I loved Split Second so much – because unlike most YA books where dual point of views are female/male (both being the love interests), West made Laila the other POV. I’ve always found the best friend to be annoying in YA books, and maybe it’s because we aren’t given their perspective so we can’t understand them. In Split Second however, with Laila’s POV, I could see very clearly the reason behind her actions. It was so enlightening to see both sides of the friendship and it really enforced their bond – especially Laila’s motives. The dual POV also allowed the reader to see both worlds (Addie’s and Laila’s) and give both girls their own story. Whilst Laila was the one that rushed head first into decisions and seemed boy crazy in Pivot Point, her growth and maturity really shone in Split Second given her responsbilities and difficulties she had to face.

“Laila is really good at keeping secrets. If you asked hre not to tell, she wouldn’t even tell me.”

Remember sweet Trevor? Remember his and Addie’s relationship? Well wipe that slate clean because West is one author who doesn’t insta-love and knows the meaning of reality. I absolutely loved the interactions between Addie and Trevor – Addie trying not to come across as if she knows him and Trevor’s doubts and distrust of her actions. It was all so gloriously thrilling as I wondered what fact Addie would accidentally spill that would ignite Trevor’s suspicions, and what fact would instead bring a smile to both their faces.

“I want to know you… I need to.”

I loved how the plot extended from something we glimpsed in Pivot Point because it showed the connection to the story, evidenced Addie’s ability to Search but at the same time produced its own story that meant I wasn’t reading Pivot Point again. The twists and turns West added really gave Split Second a form of integrity while the familiarities to Pivot Point gave me a sense of comfort. There was just this perfect balance of both and it was brilliant.

West’s writing is one of the reasons why I love her books. I adore her style. She already wrote so well in Pivot Point but I could definitely see the improvement with time. Her prose flows so easily and I can just get into her books so quickly. There are no unnecessary sentences that make me wonder why the author wrote that – everything is relevant to the story and has a purpose. And West does it in such a witty/humorous way and makes it look so easy but really I couldn’t do that if I tried.

“We just need to take away tonight without them suspecting.”

There was so much danger, suspense and more of the world West created in Pivot Point I was hooked from the beginning. Great world building, fantastic plot and pacing, great writing and beautiful relationships made Split Second a kind of perfect only West can do.

“We’re both so screwed up. Are you sure we’re good for each other?”

sk24's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5/5 stars

This review and more on SIK Book Reviews

What you're in for: Dual narration alternating between Addie and Laila. Romance and heart-yearning and feels! Deception and manipulation. A bit of Dystopia mixed in -- but I wouldn't categorize it as a Dystopian. Trevor is back!

Relations:
1. Laila and Addie - Their friendship is so strong and unbreakable. I love how close they are even after everything that happened. Normally, I wouldn't be rooting for Laila after what she did in Pivot Point, but considering the circumstances I think she can be forgiven. I just really felt Addie and Laila's strong ties to each other in this book.
2. Addie and Trevor - Sigh. This one tugged on my heart strings a lot. You know why if you read Pivot Point. Just witnessing Addie trying to get Trevor back, while knowing he doesn't have any memory or knowledge of that other life they shared, was hard sometimes. I love Addie and Trevor together!!
3. Laila and Conner - Starts out with irritation and annoyance and anger...but blossoms into love. I really liked seeing Laila open up to someone like she does with Conner in this book. It shows a whole new side to her character. And Conner is so perfect for her.

The Ending: Has some craziness that the characters have to overcome, or else they're doomed! Lots of scheming at the end. I thought it ended well, overall.

Should you read it? Well, if you read and loved the first book as much as I did, this is a pointless question; I'm sure there would be no talking you out of reading this book after finishing Pivot Point. Don't worry, though. I'm not going to try to talk you out of it! Honestly, I preferred Pivot Point to Split Second. But, Split Second was still definitely worth reading. It just didn't give me that same feeling after I was finished. You know, that feeling you get right after you read a really great book and you just know it's going to be a favourite? I had that with Pivot Point. My favourite thing about Kasie West's books, though, is how I am always able to feel the emotions she is conveying to the reader. She is very good at getting the reader to feel for the characters. Lots and lots of feels!!

SIK Book Reviews

sqeeker's review against another edition

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5.0

- This was a wonderful well thought out story! Loved it!

- It was killing me that Addison couldn't remember Trevor, and that Trevor didn't know Addison at all!

- I wasn't a fan of the alternating perspectives at first, but it really grew on me. I liked reading from Laila's point of view. I did get confused about which one I was reading a couple times though.

- My thoughts and feelings about different things changed so much with all the reveals! It was crazy! The intricate story blew me away. I didn't see anything coming! It was great!

- I loved the characters! Laila and Addison are the type of girls I want as friends! Trevor is so amazing and charming. I liked Conner a lot too. He was all mysterious and brooding but really nice.

- Duke was so annoying! He sort of redeems himself, but for most of the book I just wanted him to take a hike!

- I totally loved the ending! I wanted to do a happy dance! I especially wanted to jump for joy when (Spoiler Alert: Conner heals Trevor's arm!! That was so awesome! I almost cried. It was super nice of Conner to do that for an almost stranger and Norm.)

- I'm excited to read more books by this author!

allibruns's review against another edition

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4.0

Within this last year I have read all of Kasie West's books and now convinced she traps in to my brain and writes exactly what I want. You make me deliourously happy Kasie West! The dialogue in this book is spot on, think more snark than obvious laughter.
This is told from alternating povs of Addie and Lailia. Typically I'm not a fan of alternating povs but in this instance it works. I really liked Lailia's pov as it let let me in to her world and added an understanding to her character. I found the ending intense and swoon worthy.