Stork

Delsol, W. (2010). Stork. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.357 pages.Appetizer: Sixteen-year-old Kat is still the new girl at Norse Falls High School in Minnesota. The fashion savvy girl moved there with her mom over the summer, after her mom's divorce and to help her grandfather with his store. Kat is still far from excited about her new town, especially after she had a drunken make-out session with the king of school, Wade, only to discover the next day that he has a girlfriend. She loves the thought of downtown Norse Falls being torn down to make room for a Starbucks, which angers this boy Jack, who seems to have a special dislike for Kat.But the way Kat sees her new home could change after a strange meeting with a secret organization of older ladies. The group of women are Storks. They have dreams of babies who are yet to be born and must decide which potential women will raise the children. As Kat must decide the fate of the baby girl she keeps dreaming of, she also must deal with the fact that maybe Jack doesn't hate her and maybe they have a strange childhood connection. Do they have a future too? That may depend, because Kat keeps finding herself in life threatening situations.Few But Dear Readers, I heart Stork...at first. Kat's voice was wonderful. She has a great way of describing her situations with wonderful pop culture and folklore similes and metaphors. One of my favorites was when Kat describes the old stork ladies (my term for them) meeting as a "Knights of the Round Table meets Golden Girls Reunion" (p. 8). She had a wonderful way of saying this, which, I'll admit, didn't always feel like they were coming from a sixteen-year-old girl, but were still incredibly funny. Another one of my favorite comments appeared when Kat is invited to go hiking:"It's a hiking trail about an hour north of here," Pedro answered. "It's a little punishing, but worth the climb."Punishing meant painful, and climb meant up, neither of which sounded good to me. (p. 127)Oooh, and then there's, "When things get bad, the bad go to bed." (p. 191). I like that. I may have to repeat that to myself whenever I go to take naps. Which is often.Another aspect of the book that I absolutely loved was the tension between tradition and innovation and the choices to cling to the past or to flow with change. Most of the characters and much of the magical dimension of the story is infused with Icelandic ancestry and Norse mythology. Norse Falls is a small older town and a developer wants to level the downtown. Also, there's debate about combining the high school with another town's and deciding with building to use. I loved the way the author, Wendy Delsol, dealt with this tension and I'm currently finding a way that I can work it into my dissertation.While the book had a lot of great lines and tensions and I'll probably pick up the sequel Frost when it come out in September, as hinted at earlier, there were some aspects I was less fond of. About midway through the book, I started to have problems with some aspects of the plot...*Spoilers for the middle of the book will follow!* When things start to go well for Jack and Kat romantically, it seemed like Kat's emotions shifted too quickly to being crazy about him. I didn't get why she liked him so much. Thus far, he'd refused to talk to her, except to ask her to a dance, and then was late to their first pseudo-date. Plus, they're only happy for one day (which I actually find incredibly believable. When I was in high school, I had a relationship that lasted one week. So, this bit of drama rang true for me personally.) I took issue with the pot hole in the relationship road...the wind that sent them off course...the spot where the Kat-Jack train derailed. Wade reveals his drunken night with Kat to Jack. I was less than excited by Jack's reaction to the news:"What happened?" he asked, his voice tense.I looked at my shoes. "He took me out to the quarry. We drank beer." I paused, not wanting to own up to my behavior, not to Jack, anyway. "And some hard alcohol. There's a portion of the evening I don't remember."Jack jumped up as if hit. For the tiniest moment, he frightened me. The rain was pelting us now. I could hear it drumming over the cars and rooftops. I saw every taut muscle in his jaw, neck, and shoulders ripple through his T-shirt, now drenched with rain. This had to be anger. What else would set him off like that?"He's been accused by girls before. Why would you put yourself in such a dangerous position? You barely knew him.""It was stupid. I know," I said. There really was no good way to defend my behavior. I'd gone willingly with a creep like Wade. And being duped by a bullish charm was no excuse for recklessness. I worried Jack would think I was that kind of girl. (p. 189)First off, the book hadn't previously hinted that Kat had been date-raped. She didn't seem particularly worried about that in her narration. She just seemed more embarrassed and ashamed for not realizing Wade was a jerk sooner. And the real problem here is that Jack is blaming her. How exactly could Kat realize she was putting herself in danger? Wade had been the first person to be nice to her since she'd moved to town weeks before. While I certainly don't support the fact that Kat got drunk with a strange boy, I absolutely hate Jack's reaction. If a guy reacts to a revelation that his girlfriend may have been raped the way he does, I totally think that guy should be dumped immediately. Alas, that's not what happens in Stork. Kat instead agrees that she was wrong and Jack storms off.Jerk.I do not approve. I do not approve at all. Aaaaaaand, what went from originally being a book I loved and was planning to give five stars, I now have to judge harshly.Eventually, when Kat finally sees Jack again several days later, he does apologize for his reaction:"...And I just couldn't stand the thought of him touching you, hurting you. I lost it. I'm sorry, but I did. I snapped.""I thought you were mad at me. For lying."He spun wildly to face me. "Mad at you? No. I was mad at him, and myself, but not you.""But you just took off. You could have called or something.""He placed a hand over mine and traced light circles with his thumb. "I was in a bad place. I needed to sort some things out. Besides, I'm not really a phone guy." (p. 256).Dear Boytoy-Jack, perhaps when you learn that your new girlfriend was manipulated and possibly sexually assaulted by your former best friend and current enemy you should consider asking her how she is instead of hinting at blaming her, and then going off for several days to deal with your own issues. And maybe, just maybe, you should have gotten over your phone issues to give her a call.Just saying.Dinner Conversation:"One moment I was fine, and the next it felt like an army of fire ants was marching across my head. Seriously. Fire ants wearing combat boots--heavy, cleated combat boots. I'd never experienced anything like it. I scratched at my scalp until my hand cramped. It didn't help. I turned, and the mirror behind the cash register confirmed my suspicions: along with the crazy rash creeping from under my hairline, I also had claw marks. Any other head or hair would conceal such blemishes. Not mine. My towheaded, sun-fearing ancestors had seen to that" (p. 1)."All of a sudden, something Hulda had said previously clicked. "Did you say Storkur Society?" As in stork?" I asked. "As in big white bird? As in baby delivery service?"Hulda nodded. "Yes. Aslendigas Storkur Society. Icelandic Stork Society, Local 414.""You guys are joking, right?" I said. "This is some kind of prank. Am I being punked by someone?" My friends in California were capable, but no way they'd go to this kind of trouble. And I didn't have friends here in Minnesota." (p. 17)."You will be contacted.""By?""By the essence awaiting birth.""Could you be a little more specific? Contacted how? Phone? Text? FedEx?""The child always comes as a dream."I rubbed my cheeks. "I've pretty much convinced myself that you are a sickness-induced dream. So that would be a dream within a dream." (p. 53)"The Asking Fire, I remembered with a jolt. "There's something I need to tell you, Penny. Two things, actually. Your paper, it flew out of the fire. You had already walked away, so I picked it up and put it back in for you.""What?" Penny looked startled."There's more," I said. "Jack asked me to the dance, and I kind of said yes. I don't know what I was thinking.""You fed my paper to the fire?" Penny asked."Well, yeah, but...""So, then the dire thought you asked for him.""It was your writing.""How would the fire know that?" Penny asked.I couldn't believe I was having this conversation. (pp. 122-123).

Only four stars because Katla was sort of a brat sometimes. I definitely enjoyed this book though because of the unusual usage of myths and legends. Plus, the characters made the book. The only characters that I didn't like were the ones I wasn't supposed to - the concept of this book was really fresh and intriguing. While there was a supernatural element to it, the book was mostly about Katla trying to find her place in a new world she's unused to. I'd definitely recommend it.

I can not believe that I did not read this book sooner! It was sooo good that I read it under a few hours!!What I loved about this book is the uniqueness of it. I loved how Ms.Delsol is able to bring to life a classic tale that has been passed on through generations. Ms. Delsol story immediately grabs the reader and taking them on a ride of a life time. Ms. Delsol also presents some great back round history to the book that is does not drag it down. It gives way more to the story and brings the characters to life before the readers eyes.The love interest in this book just gave me a happy grin! I love watching the love unfold before my eyes. Whats more is that i Love how Ms. Delsol took another classic tale and weaved it in with the Stork tale. Well done Ms. Delsol. I would have never though this much out of the box, but the love interest really intrigued me and held me there.This story over all is great! I loved reading every moment of it but most of all I love the uniqueness of it. Such freshness to a story makes me want to read more! Her characters, plot, and attention grabbing details ensnares the reader to continue on till there is no more. I can't wait to read the next book!

STORK, by Wendy Delsol, was an unexpected treasure. As a first-time novelist, Delsol truly captured my attention with the magical world of the storks and the ancient history of Norse Falls. I was captivated by the amazing visual descriptions of Kat's dreams and the mysterious connection between her and Jack.This LA chic-chick was thrust into the world of the Icelandic Stork Society without a clue. Some welcomed her into this sacred and ancient society while others shunned her. This went the same way in school. But Kat was strong in her own right and persevered, until she met Jack. Jack and Kat's relationship rivaled those of other young adult romances. They both wanted each other but felt a secret keeping them apart. Kat's independence was splintered by Jack's hot and cold emotion towards her. This tension kept me wanting more. I felt like Jack and Kat went through so many ups and downs right off the bat that it was just right for them to be together. They both dealt with each others negatives but were still connected to each other mentally and physically. And the past that they shared was breath-taking and beautiful.I absolutely loved the creative history that Delsol described in this book. The Stork Society was unlike anything I have ever read and I really enjoyed getting lost in this new and unfamiliar world full of unique customs. The dreams that Kat experienced were depicted so well that I felt like I was in them. The events in each dream were so random and full of meaning, I felt like I was in a dream myself. I truly appreciate the messages in dreams, and Kat's were full of hidden meaning that she had to figure out. Much of Kat's involvement with the Storks was full of firsts. She was the youngest Stork and had connections to the baby that others usually did not experience. She was truly one-of-a-kind. There was a lot of room for more questions to be answered so I am very happy there is a sequel coming!I really liked the cover of this book. The girl portrayed was a perfect fit for how Kat was. The bleach-blonde hair and secretive smirk says so much, and the appearance of the stork added to it.Delsol did an amazing job with this book. This book is extremely special and full of promise for this debut author.

This novel was unexpectedly wonderful! I was reluctant to read it because it is in a sort of unusual genre ... YA norse urban fantasy. But I utterly and completely loved it!Katla has a truly unique and interesting voice. Some authors try to write "quirky" and come off as obnoxious, immature, and disingenuous. Delsol managed to pen a truly unusual and captivating character without making her annoying. Katla's observations and personality are truly one of my favorite parts of the book. Also great was the unique storyline. I loved the stork society and Katla's backstory. Jack's own nature added even more to the dynamic and just made this a wonderful read.The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars and bursting out in song, was the ending, more specifically, the final showdown. It was somewhat abrupt and didn't really feel like it flowed naturally from the story that lead up to it. However, everything else was so magnificent about this book, that it wasn't a big deal for me and I anxiously await the next in the series.So if you were like me and have been putting off reading this book, just do it. You'll absolutely love it.

This book is a bit hard to categorize, but I liked it! Short synopsis: Kat Leblanc moves from LA back to her mother's hometown in Minnesota after her parents divorce. While there, she discovers she is part of a magical society of storks, people who match up the souls of yet-to-be-born babies with women to give birth. This is a bit a fish-out-of-water-new-kid-on-the-block story, coupled with fashion/design and a host of colorful Minnesota characters with some magic involved.

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!

The sun, the beach and the shops were all a thing of the past for Kat, and so too was a decent cup of coffee. The cold always was her enemy as was bad fashion sense and this small town with its cold climate and lack of style was looking more and more like a place Kat was to call home, whether she liked it or not.Divorce, a new school and a persistent group of strange old women in even stranger hats make up Kat's experiences in this ancient small town. Then the dreams begin. But none of that has anything to do with the unknown boy Jack and his insistence that he and Kat know each other, nor dose it explain the bad mood he seems to adopt towards her and, as it turns out, only her.Stork is a modern fairytale full of dreams, magic and Norse mythology. Although love comes quickly as an act of fate and some aspects are foreseeable, there is enough momentum to keep this tale flowing. This supernatural story may lack vampires, werewolves and angels but its original and fresh mystical beings along with its interesting and quirky characters are a refreshing change from the norm.

This book had me the second the main character, Kat, got excited about a fabric store sale. She's new to the town of Norse Falls, Minnesota, a California girl trying to acclimate to small town life (Gasp! No Starbucks! I was with her on that one!) trying to fit in, while still sticking to her guns and her strong fashion-designing aspirations, which in turn makes her stick out like a sore thumb among her classmates. She has a rocky first few weeks, makes a few bad choices. I really enjoyed Kat as a whole---she was quick-witted and quirky, her inner narrative was so funny at times, and you got to see her grow as a person, recognizing her mistakes and setting them right as the story flows along. She was very real.Opposite her was Jack. Jack is the all-around well-liked, hometown football playing, good guy. What set him apart from this type of character stereotype was his passion, and this is also where the head-butting with Kat comes in. He was passionate about preserving the town and she has other ideas, and it definitely gets their friendship off to a less than perfect start.From the very beginning we jump right into the meat of the story, where Kat is inducted in to a mysterious secret and ancient society of women called the Storks, who decide what parents each soul will be placed with. This, and few other Norse and fairy tale legends were so artfully woven into Kat's story of family, friends, and secrets...the whole thing was just entirely enjoyable! Lots of interesting surprises!There was only one thing that I didn't quite get into. The "sign" that called the Stork Society together was so odd (not to mention, slightly stomach-turning!) and I wasn't quite sure what it had to do with the society itself beyond being something that each member experienced to let them know it was time to meet. Maybe I missed the explanation or it is part of the original legends, but I couldn't help thinking their "call" could have been something a bit less..well, gross! Every time it was described it would set my stomach rolling a little!BUT, that in no way stopped me from absolutely loving this book. Applause for Wendy Delsol on an awesome debut!!

Stork was an unexpected treasure, and within the first few pages captured my attention with a wonderfully written magical world of storks and history of Norse Falls. I enjoyed Kat, and I loved how quick and witty she was. Kat really had some spunk to her. I found myself laughing at time from the things she said. I especially loved how Kat grew as a character as we watched.Stork jumps right into the story, where Kat is inducted into a secret and ancient society of women (Storks), who decide what parents each soul will be placed with. I loved that story line, and it was different then anything else I have read before. It was very enjoyable and interesting.I found Wendy Delsol to be very creative. She created The Stork Society and it was unlike anything I have read before. It was unfamiliar and full of unique customs. I thought Stork left a lot of unanswered question, that I would have liked answered. I know there is a sequel coming (Frost coming Fall 2011) but I still would have liked more of the questions answered in Stork . However I did find Stork to be a wonderful book and it holds promise from this debut author.

Let me start out by saying that Stork has one of the most breathtaking covers that I have ever seen. For some reason, the young-adult genre seems to have the most kick-ass covers ever! Maybe it's because the marketing departments want a cover that draws readers in since a lot of people are under the misguided opinion that the young-adult genre is of lower caliber than the "adult" genres. That's what I love about YA. Not only do are they better than a lot of "adult" genres, plot-wise, writing-wise, etc., but they also have the most amazing covers. Anyway, the cover of Stork is the main reason why I stopped and clicked the "read more" option of its First Reads giveaway entry. Awesome cover...check; Intriguing premise...double and triple check. No. Seriously. Does it really get any more awesome than a storyline involving a teenage girl who becomes a stork? Because if there is, hit that great little comment button and tell me all about it. I need more amazing reads. But the whole stork premise really was amazing. Amazing in that whole "I'm going to need double the Stork-time in the sequel and there really isn't too much Stork-time" kind of way. Those were my favorite parts of this book. I loved finding out about the current vessels and what the numerous little things surrounding a soul meant about the kind of child it would become. I guess my only protest was that I really wanted more of it. I felt that there should have been a bit more included on that front (one of the reasons I detracted a star). But still, the norse mythology, was fantastic. Now when it comes to Katla, I liked her overall. Sure, she was a bit bratty, but she is 16 so I'll give her a pass. I guess I should thank my lucky stars that I didn't have actual issues with her since I do seem to have them for a huge sum of young-adult heroines. Her affinity for fashion was a bit annoying, though. Well, not really her affinity for it, as much as her standoffish "I'm better than you attitude because I have a better fashion sense" attitude. Don't get me wrong. I'm a chick and I love fashion (so much that while reading this book, I declared next week "I'm going to go shopping and buy those xx-hi sparkly, star Converse that I've been wanting for a while to hell what anyone else thinks" week), but Katla seemed to think that her fashion was the "right" one and that's a big no-no in my book. Just because someone chooses to take a clothing risk that you would never in a million years take yourself, doesn't mean that their fashion is the wrong one and that yours is automatically the "right" one. She did end up getting better towards the end, though. Romance tends to be eye-rolling inducing for me (unless you're Sarah Dessen cause she's seriously the only author that does not make me roll my eyes at romance no matter how cheesy it is), but the romance between Katla and Jack wasn't. I didn't find it aww-worthy and squee-worthy, but very, very, very rarely does that happen to me. The best I can hope for is that a romance in the book doesn't make me want to grab the nearest item (be it a knife, a spoon, or a Twizzler) and have me try to dig my eyes out of my socket to stop the supreme cheesiness. As this one didn't, I can now say bearable romance...check. I am, however, extremely intrigued to learn more about what happens when Jack and Katla are together (magic-wise, I mean). So, I thought that Stork was really great. Usually while I'm reading fantasy books, halfway through the plot starts to lose steam and it becomes more about the characters for me than the premise, but that didn't happen with this book. Sure, I liked all of the characters (I did not find one character boring or unnecessary, a rarity), but I absolutely loved the plot. I wanna be a Stork! I'm eagerly awaiting the actual release of Stork and am impatiently awaiting the sequel.

This was a very full book. It was as though the tropes/themes/characters/plot ideas from 3 or 4 other books were all combined into it--the Chosen One, the Magical Boyfriend, a Near Death Experience, New Girl In Town, Divorced Parents, Absentee Dad, Mom's New Boyfriend, etc. It was good, at least I enjoyed it and will read at least book 2, hopefully more. But it was so full, and some plot points just seem to disappear. I was sure there'd be a reveal about date rape, for example, but that just...was no longer important to the story. And there isn't much...motivation? I guess, for the plot--she's not saving the world, or anything active. Just learning about her powers and her boyfriend and OHAI, BADGUY.

I loved it! There was one aspect I thought I had figured out fairly early but then I changed my mind as to the plot point and ended up I was right but the tease of an alternate reason was awesome! I defiantly recommend this book and I hope Ms. Delsol writes a sequel

Posted on Book Chelle.I didn’t know what to expect. I actually read the synopsis of the second book prior to reading the first book. But don’t worry, I didn’t really get any spoilers out of reading it. Wendy Delsol’s Stork is a story about storks, followed with Norse mythology. I had just read Hounded and enjoyed all the Norse mythology and folklore that had, so imagine my surprise when I realized Stork had the same elements as well.Katla LeBlank has just moved from LA to a rural part of Minnesota. Kat, as she prefers to be called, is a true Los Angeles girl and hates the cold. There are so many differences between the two cities: brand name shopping, color, and definitely the weather. Her mother has uprooted Kat and herself to be closer to her father, as well as start over. Kat has been reluctant to warm up to the people and the culture in this small town. She even resists dressing properly for the weather.By a sign of fate, Kat has found herself inducted into an ancient secret society of finding homes for spirits of children. Okay, take that in for a second. Kat’s new purpose, along with her newly found social circle, is to choose the proper and fitting homes of the spirits of unborn children. I found that to be a little weird, as well as referring to the womb as a vessel, but I went with it.Along with new powers comes responsibility and knowledge. There is obviously a disturbance in the stork society’s circle and it seems to originate from the day that Kat was inducted and accepted. Someone, or something, has gone out of their way to bring evil and harm to her.I really liked Kat and who she was as a person. She was brave, daring, but loyal. She took the secret and embraced the responsibility bestowed upon her. Her voice was smart and funny; definitely full of wit. Despite the circumstances, I found her to be refreshing. Although, I didn’t think it was realistic for her to comprehend everything so quickly. Kat has flaws, but she seemed to be empathetic to her surroundings. I saw that she matured with each obstacle, and I thought that made her a great protagonist.Then there’s Jack. I knew there was something about him that I liked, but i couldn’t it figure out. He was mysterious and broody like some other boys that I know. Once I got to know him, I really fell in love. He is sweet and says all the right things. So many heart melting moments. If only someone loved me like Jack did. The intensity and love that he shows Kat, it’s really something else. And wait until you realize who Jack really is.I loved learning about the customs that originate from Iceland, and I love the way Delsol translates it into this great paranormal element. There were some aspects of the book that didn’t seem to mesh together well, for me at least. There were a lot of enjoyable details and parts to the story, but when it got down to the main plot, I felt lost at times. There was the romance, and the nature of it. Then there was the responsibility, and her goal. And then we have the twist, and the danger of it.But despite everything, I enjoyed it. While the world building lacked a little fluidity, the pacing of the story was not slow. It kept on par with everything that was going on. I read through this quickly, waiting in anticipation for what’s in store for Kat and Jack.

(Rating: 4.5/5)“The Snow Queen” has definitely always made my top ten list for tales from Hans Christian Andersen. It’s hard to find YA fiction that uses that as its base and expands upon it, but Wendy Delsol really brought it when she published “Stork” last fall. “Stork” is hilarious in the same vein as other recent awesome YA pregnancy-related book “Bumped” (though without the sinister dystopian future behind it), and I found myself literally unable to stop reading this book. Yes, it was that good. But not without its pitfalls.I guess I should get my nitpicks out of the way first. What distracted me from getting further into the story was Katla’s repeated name dropping of brands whenever she put an outfit together. Yeah, Katla, I get that brands are important to you and fashion’s even more important to you, but it’s pretty distracting trying to imagine your outfit when you mash all of these designers together. I notice that this happens more in the beginning of the book rather than the end, and I guess you could say the lack of name-dropping (and complaining about how she’s in the middle of nowhere, though that complaint is pretty valid as I’d feel the exact same way) ebbs as she accepts her place both in Norse Falls as a resident and her role in life as a Stork.I have to hand it to Delsol – coming up with a mythology based on “The Snow Queen” that doesn’t completely center around a boyfriend-snatching woman is very difficult, but she did it. And she did it well. This is Katla’s story, not Katla-and-Jack’s story, and Delsol makes that point repeatedly throughout the book, even at the end when the “Snow Queen” part of the mythology really starts to come into play the most.It’s so nice seeing a flexible YA protagonist that’s a girl – so many of them are resistant to everything until the very end of the book, but you see Katla already starting to give ground as she realizes how very important her role is in life (and, by proxy, how the world isn’t centered around her and her whims) in the latter part of act 1 of 3 of the book (if we’re going to divide it into acts, I guess you could say). It’s refreshing to see this quality in anyone these days, fictional or real, with a lack of an entitlement complex that so many have developed. At first, it was hard for me to sit still and not want to shout at Katla for being selfish about things concerning her mother, the divorce, and the Storks (and I can relate to the whole divorce/single child/parent relationship thing, too). But Delsol crafted her character to be a real girl, and real girls aren’t always so selfish and filled with entitlement complexes (unlike so much of the female-targeted YA lit that’s not dystopian or “dark” would have us believe). For that, I give Delsol major props.I’m now reading the second book in this series, “Frost”, and even though I’m only a few pages in, I already love it. If you want a new kind of mythology that still builds off of the old, that makes the protagonist a real girl, and that also has the perfect, palatable amount of romance thrown in, choose “Stork”. I think you’ll like what you find.(crossposted to librarything, goodreads, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)

I discovered Stork while filling my Amazon cart with books I’d had on my wish list for a while. When this popped up on the recommended list, the word “Stork” automatically caught my attention – I was, after all, newly pregnant and quite fascinated with everything baby. The synopsis drew me further in and though when I purchased the book there were not a lot of reviews out yet, I decided to go with it anyway. I mean…storks…babies…debut novel…you can’t lose! Right?Unfortunately, wrong. The book did not live up to my expectations. While the premise was definitely unique (especially for the current YA scene), the execution of it was truly hit or miss. While the author’s writing (and by writing I mean word usage/grammar/spelling/etc) was good enough to keep me reading, I definitely got tired of hearing about the protagonist’s obsession with name-brand clothing. What got me, especially, was that Katla seemed like such a shallow, self-absorbed, selfish little chit of a thing…yet she was tasked with something that I, at least, believe is monumentally huge. Choosing which parents “deserve” a child? THAT sort of life-changing, awe-inspiring decision has been given to -that- girl? Ahh, NOW I understand why we have parents who abuse their children!That was probably harsh, and I suppose that I am biased. Having struggled with infertility and having seen and heard of truly horrible things happening to children who belong to people who just really don’t deserve children…well, that appalled me. Katla even lied at one point about her visions to her mentors and “sister” storks, just to cover her own tush. Yeah, that’s just not okay.I admit, the twist with Jack was interesting. The character development with Katla was there, and really, the -bones- of the story are very, very good. But, as I said, the execution was lacking. I’ll read the sequel, but I’ll be going into it with lower expectations.

A great paranormal read! Amidst all the vampire books out there this book is unique and easy to read. All the paranormal bits and pieces were perfectly intwined with the book and I was never once confused as I usually am when I read paranormal booksKatla Leblanc has just moved from California to Minnesota with her mother after her parent’s divorce. She spends her time going to school and working in her grandfather’s general store. Then one night she sees the light on in the fabric shop across the street. An aspiring designer, Kat had been hoping to find the store open so she locks up the shop and walks across the street. When she walks in the store owner escorts her to the basement where she told she is the newest member of a centuries old group. At first Kat is doubtful but after a turn of events she is convinced of her membership to this group and learns to embrace it.I found myself hoping for a sequel to this book. So often paranormal books have sequels and they get played out, but this one was truly interesting enough that I would love to read more about. There is no other book that I know about that features modern day storks and maybe it’s because I am a mother but I would love to read more about this. I will be on the lookout for sequels to this book but also for anything else from this author.

Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.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(Synopsis provided by goodreads.com)Stork is a debut novel. I really loved the idea of this novel with Katla being a Stork. No, not the bird, but close. She is in charge of picking a vessel (parent) for babies, so in other words she picks who gets pregnant.I really liked how Delsol shows Katla growing as a person during the whole novel. I can’t help but feel like her duties as a Stork has a lot to do with how she develops as a character.The other characters in this small town are just as loveable as she is. It should be said that this is most likely one of those books that falls in the love it or hate it pile. I happened to love it!Delsol, shows real promise as an author and I really enjoyed seeing how she wove Norse tales into her story, but at the same time she made it all her own. The dialogue was great! All of the situations felt real to me and nothing felt forced or like Delsol was “grasping”. I loved this book and wished it was longer. Needless to say Delsol is an author I will be watching!Overall rating:***** 5 out of 5 stars!Cover art:I love the cover art it’s beautiful and makes me think “Snow Queen”Obtained:Thank you to Heather from Candlewick press for sending me a copy for review.

I got Stork early last year and sat on top of it waiting to read it until closer to the release date. I read it a while back but just never got around to reviewing it. I adored this novel by Wendy Delsol and I think it is the perfect book to pick up and read while we are freezing our tootsie’s off this winter.Katla is pretty well pissed about having to move to the middle of nowhere. She has fantastical fashion sense and it is wasted in such a small place. Not to mention that everyone in the town has the same Icelandic roots as her, she doesn’t stand out in a town like this.To top it all off Katla keeps getting this horrible head rash and it itches and burns. She works in her Grandfathers grocery store and eyes the fabric shop across the street that is never open, then one night in the middle of a head rash fiasco she after finding a hat to put on and cover her grossness sees the light come on in the fabric store. She is dying to get her hands on some new fabric to make some clothes and heads over.Instead of fabric Katla received a legacy. She is an Icelandic Stork and it is her duty to assign little souls to the perfect parent. However the first little soul that seeks her out is causing quite a headache. Katle has three potential mother’s and she isn’t too keen on most of the choices. She could place the baby with her frenemie just to cause trouble, or with Janelle her waitress friend but she isn’t stable, the third choice of parent sends Katla fighting her heritage and wanting nothing more to do with being a Stork.A little love story, a great protagonist with fantastic snark. Seriously folks, I was laughing out loud at her funny, and Holy Batman Cover Whore, did you see the art!? It is a very striking cover and y’all know how I feel about having people on my cover that takes away from my ability to imagine the characters on my own, but I love this cover.I cannot wait for a book two in this series and you should seriously go grab a copy now!

I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of Stork and I was instantly drawn into Delsol’s storytelling. The premise of Stork is that Katla is uprooted from LA when her mom moves back to Norse Falls, Minnesota. Katla prides herself on being fashion conscience and loves a good, albeit expensive, cup of coffee (Starbucks is coined “Fourbucks”), two things that are hard to come by in her current surroundings. Norse Falls has a very strong Nordic heritage and that comes through vividly in this story. There are elements of the supernatural blended in with the everyday real world of attending a new high school. As the title suggests, storks play a part in this teen book. There is an ancient society of stork women who are charged with the task of placing souls. Katla is quickly wrapped up in high school dilemmas, teen relationships, moving to a new place, and discovering an ancient society of storks!

Katla has just moved to Minnesota, which is pretty unfortunate because she hates the cold. And she has no friends. (This sucks for anyone, but nowhere near as much as it does when you’re a teenage girl.) Her parents have just split up and her mom’s dating someone named Stanley. Things could not POSSIBLY get worse.Until she learns that she’s part of an ancient society that helps decide who gets pregnant and which baby gets placed with which mom.This is such a fantastic idea and is a unique addition to the paranormal YA genre I am unable to escape from. ;)I really liked Kat, who is both smart and funny. She isn’t perfect, but for a teenage girl, she comes very close. There are a lot of other twists and turns in the book (most of which I didn’t see coming) and I hear this is the first in a series. I cannot wait to read what comes next.

Katla has been forced to relocate from sunny California to frigid Minnesota after her parent’s divorce. The adjustment to the rural setting and freezing temperatures is proving to be difficult. Blown off by Wade, the guy she made out with after a serious lapse in judgement, Katla finds herself on the bad side of both him and his catty on again off again girlfriend. She has also managed to become the focus of farm boy Jack’s irritation after a heated conversation involving what Katla thinks must be a case of mistaken identity. Even though she claims to dislike him, he is occupying her thoughts almost constantly. On top of all that she is also the newest member, much to her dismay, of a secret society of women who help choose mom’s for the spirits of unborn babies. She is now responsible for this enormous task while trying to fit in with the locals. All this stress and not a Starbucks in sight! I was thrilled to pick up another 2010 debut novel, and be blown away yet again. I absolutely loved this book. I was desperately in need of something unique, and Stork fit the bill perfectly. Katla was a fabulous protagonist. I loved her sarcasm whether it be via her inner voice, or dialogue between her and other characters. I adored the quirky residents, and small town setting. The legends and folklore weaved into the plot were fascinating. The country boy meets city girl romance was delightful. Jack is too sweet, and I loved how he helped Katla find balance between her California persona, and her new Midwest life. The eccentric group of old ladies that made up the Icelandic Stork Society, Local 414 in their wild and crazy hats were so much fun. Stork is an amazingly good combination of fantasy and romance. Sequel pretty please!