Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publishing Date: October 12th 2010
Pages: 355
Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy, Mythology
Series: Stork #1
Source: Hardcover

Goodreads 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:

I have been looking for something fresh and new lately in the fantasy/paranormal/mythology realm. This book gave me that. I am new to Norse Mythology; I have to admit I am more aware of Greek and Egyptian. I went into the book not really sure what I was in for. I loved the cover, sounded interesting, and the reviews are pretty good. Well I am glad I picked it up.

The story is about a girl, Katla who finds herself in the middle of nowhere, small town USA, in Minnesota. Not long after she makes herself at home in this small town she finds herself in between two boys, discovers she is part of an ancient society of “storks”, and finds out she has huge history in this particular town.  Katla’s world is suddenly upside down and she feels like she now lives a world away from normal. If this isn’t enough to put a girl through, just wait, more surprised to come in Katla’s life.

I really love Katla. She embraces everything that is thrown at her and she never fails to try and make the right choice. (except for the very beginning of her story) Katla has a gentle heart, wisdom beyond her years, and true loyalty.  She treasures family and friends. I feel that Katla really stood out in the world of young heroines.

When I started the book I really wondered if it would be the book for me. The premise sounded good but the beginning was a bit slow and predictable for me, but I really wanted to know how the stork aspect was going to pan out. I wasn’t sure how it could be done without sounding a little child like. In the end or I should say by the middle I was very excited with the direction of the book. I did at one point think the story took a little detour into what seemed like a mixture of stories, however I am not really familiar with Norse mythology and the author was able to pull it together with a nice blend. I was left at the end yearning for more. This story was very entertaining with a few twists and a little romance and a bit of mystery and intrigue. I am anxious to grab the next installment “Frost”

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