Review: Stork

Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Publisher: Candlewick (October 12, 2010)
Rating: 8/10
Source: library

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. 



In the interest of honesty between us, my lovely blog-reader, I have to admit: When I read the descriptions for this and saw that a 16-year old girl had the power to decide who had a baby, I scoffed. I mocked, I was appalled. I was a big, fat, pre-judger. Now, I am not a teenager. I have 2 kids, and I know friends and family, IRL and on the internet, who have struggled with infertility. The thought that these wonderful people weren't able to become wonderful parents because they didn't appeal to a 16-year old?! Ugh.

But obviously, that's reading an awful lot into a story that I should definitely at least read before I get all judge-y pants on. So, I did. And, I really enjoyed it!

Katla is a great character. She is strong and confident, but not too perfect and she was very centered and sure of herself. I liked her friendships and her hobbies, and the realistic way she was dealing with her family issues. Her chemistry with Jack was really romantic and intense. He was a great paranormal romance boyfriend... too intense for everyday life, by my personal tastes, but completely perfect for the crazy situations in the book! It's also nice to see little old ladies get some love, as they are often pretty darn cool.

The whole Stork mythology wasn't delved into with as much detail as I would have liked, but there was a lot going on in the story and I look forward to learning more in the sequel (Frost, 10/11/11). The tidbits we do get are very cool, though. And all the accompanying mythology is wonderful as well. I've always loved Norse mythology, and have traveled to Iceland myself so I like to see that part of the world get some love. It is fascinating!

This book was great fun to read and I couldn't get it out of my mind for a while after, which is what bumps it from a 7 to an 8. Recommended!