When Tessa's best friend Noelle disappears right before the start of eighth grade, Tessa's life changes completely--she shies away from her other f...
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reviews
May 24, 2010
Sara
rated it: 
The Tension of Opposites is one of those novels that pulls you in from the first lines and refuses to let you go until you've read every last word. Devour is almost too tame a word to describe how quickly I read this novel... inhale might be a better fit. It's always a magical experience when a reader finds an author whose writing style fits perfectly with his or her preferences - and I'm happy to say that I experienced that magic with Tension.
I feel that I should mention that the t More...
I feel that I should mention that the t More...
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Apr 13, 2011
Erica
rated it: 
I have to admit that this book was four material even leading to a 5 in the beginning but I guess it did not make that mark becuase the story did not go the way that I thought it was going to. It took a different path, the description of the book was a bit misleading and I thought that it was going to be an action packed novel, when it wasn't. Do not get me wrong I really enjoyed this book and the story that it told it was really cute and sometimes sepenseful, but I was always able to tell that
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Sep 20, 2011
Jenalyn
rated it:
NOTE: This is the review I wrote on Amazon.com as "Fire Fairy"
In The Tension of Opposites, first-time writer Kristina McBride spins a marvelously woven tale that focuses on the other side of a kidnapping story. While most kidnapping stories' "Happily Ever After" comes with the victims rescue, in this story, the rescue is only the beginning. McBride beautifully captures what happens after the fact, and how the victim, as well as family, friends, acquaintances, and e More...
In The Tension of Opposites, first-time writer Kristina McBride spins a marvelously woven tale that focuses on the other side of a kidnapping story. While most kidnapping stories' "Happily Ever After" comes with the victims rescue, in this story, the rescue is only the beginning. McBride beautifully captures what happens after the fact, and how the victim, as well as family, friends, acquaintances, and e More...
Sep 12, 2011
Chamera
rated it:
This is a book that begs to be read and urges to be reviewed. Tessa has spent the last two years of her life worried, nervous, and fearful. Her life long best friend went missing, and not a trace of her whereabouts had been found. Everyone believed Noelle to be dead.
That is, until she calls and tells her brother that she has a plan to rid herself of her captor and to get him arrested also. Noelle's return shocks everyone in their town, but especially her family and Tessa.
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That is, until she calls and tells her brother that she has a plan to rid herself of her captor and to get him arrested also. Noelle's return shocks everyone in their town, but especially her family and Tessa.
More...
Feb 05, 2011
MaryBookSwarm
rated it:
It's a terrible nightmare, especially for parents, to have a child taken from them, to have no word if she's alive or dead. And, when their child finally comes home, she's been through something so traumatic, she's a totally different person. I can't even imagine.
But this story isn't told from the parents' perspective. It's told from the viewpoint of Noelle's best friend in the whole entire world, Tessa. Tessa is an introvert, more comfortable behind the lens of her camera, while Noe More...
But this story isn't told from the parents' perspective. It's told from the viewpoint of Noelle's best friend in the whole entire world, Tessa. Tessa is an introvert, more comfortable behind the lens of her camera, while Noe More...
Dec 16, 2010
Linda
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Dec 07, 2010
Alisha
rated it: 
I have to start out by saying that The Tension of Opposites followed Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott for me, so that probably hurt my rating of this book as that one was pretty great and this one just fell short. Just thought I'd mention in that in the interest of full disclosure. Anyway, back to The Tension of Opposites, I thought that this book was just okay. I don't fully understand why I didn't love it, it's just that I felt like I was going through it for the sake of going through it
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Nov 20, 2010
Lauren
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 28, 2010
Danya
rated it:
It happened two years ago, but Tessa's been living a shadow of a life ever since. Her best friend — kidnapped. No dead body found, no clues, nothing. And Tessa's withdrawn from everyone else, her photography being one of the only things she still enjoys. Until Max comes into her life. He's also into photography, he keeps trying to strike up a conversation, and Tessa finds herself drawn to him.
And then...Noelle comes back. It turns out she's been alive this whole time. Tessa reaches o More...
And then...Noelle comes back. It turns out she's been alive this whole time. Tessa reaches o More...
Apr 18, 2010
Andrea
rated it:
First of all, let me say that I liked the premise of this story. I had never heard of Stockholm Syndrome (where the person who has been abducted shows signs of loyalty to the kidnapper) so it was neat to read about this in the story (although Elle claimes that she did not experience this).
But I'm not too sure about other parts of the story. For example, I just plain didn't like Elle. Yes, I know she just went through something traumatic, for two years, but to me, she just plain More...
But I'm not too sure about other parts of the story. For example, I just plain didn't like Elle. Yes, I know she just went through something traumatic, for two years, but to me, she just plain More...
May 15, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
Tessa and Noelle are best friends. They have been best friends for what seems like forever. Then, in 8th grade, Noelle disappears without a trace. Tessa is forced to move on with her daily life, but cuts off all connections to her old friends. This book opens two years later with Tessa meeting with Noelle's brother, Cooper, who informs her that Noelle called and setup a sting to catch her kidnapper. Tessa is stunned and can't believe it. But when she watches the events unfold on tv, she is
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Aug 20, 2010
Brigita
rated it:
Tackling such a serious issue as kidnapping is commendable in itself, and McBride does it well. Elle's reaction to her kidnapping seems realistic, expressed through her vacillating between anger, fear, resentment and detachment.
Tessa's obsession with Ella's disappearance and later her well-being after she returns feels less well-founded. Particularly since Ella is portrayed as a not particularly likable person even in flashbacks to before her kidnapping. So there are no clear reason More...
Tessa's obsession with Ella's disappearance and later her well-being after she returns feels less well-founded. Particularly since Ella is portrayed as a not particularly likable person even in flashbacks to before her kidnapping. So there are no clear reason More...
Jul 14, 2010
Crystal
rated it:
I have really lucked out with my YA reading lately. Adding to my already huge number of glowing reviews this month is this one for The Tension of Opposites.
First I loved Tessa, I could relate with Tessa. No, I never had my best friend kidnapped, but know what it's like to be that girl, the one who doesn't make friends as easy, the one who is more introverted and one who keeps just a few good friends around. When Noelle is kidnapped, Tessa retreats into herself and into her p More...
First I loved Tessa, I could relate with Tessa. No, I never had my best friend kidnapped, but know what it's like to be that girl, the one who doesn't make friends as easy, the one who is more introverted and one who keeps just a few good friends around. When Noelle is kidnapped, Tessa retreats into herself and into her p More...
Aug 15, 2010
Lea
rated it:
When Tessa McMullen's best friend was abducted, Tessa's life stopped as well. After two years with no word, Tessa is still holding herself away from life, not allowing herself to do any of the things that her missing best friend can't do. But when Noelle returns, Tessa has to find a way to start living again.
That's not a very good summary, but it's intentional. The Tension of Opposites is a book that moves in unexpected directions, and so I don't want to oversummarize it. The book is More...
That's not a very good summary, but it's intentional. The Tension of Opposites is a book that moves in unexpected directions, and so I don't want to oversummarize it. The book is More...
Nov 30, 2011
Tara
rated it:
I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK!
yeah thats why i put it in Caps
anyway its about this girl Tessa whose best friend was kidnapped when they were both 14. Tessa misses Noelle, enough that she has avoided friendships and boyfriends because she felt that if Noelle could never have those experiences, its only right that she doesnt either. However one day, she finds out that Noelle is ALIVE and coming home. Her kidnapper, charlie Croft would be arrested. Tessa hoped that all this crazy stuff would More...
yeah thats why i put it in Caps
anyway its about this girl Tessa whose best friend was kidnapped when they were both 14. Tessa misses Noelle, enough that she has avoided friendships and boyfriends because she felt that if Noelle could never have those experiences, its only right that she doesnt either. However one day, she finds out that Noelle is ALIVE and coming home. Her kidnapper, charlie Croft would be arrested. Tessa hoped that all this crazy stuff would More...
Jun 08, 2010
Jenny
rated it:
The Tension of Opposites is a thought-provoking debut novel that covers the very serious subject of child kidnapping. It's not quite as graphic as other novels following a similar theme (like Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl, for example), which could be seen as more of a good thing than bad.
The story is told by kidnap survivor Noelle's best friend Tessa, so it's her thoughts and observations that we're presented with. She notices countless differences in Noelle after her ret More...
Apr 18, 2010
Debut Authors
rated it:
Kristina Mcbride's The Tension of Opposites is a story of two best-friends struggling to overcome the tragic events that tore them apart. Two years prior to the beginning of the narrative Tessa's best friend, Noelle, was kidnapped. In the first several chapters the reader learns that not only is Noelle alive, but she is returning home! Tessa is ecstatic for her friends return. Her joy turns to disappointment and sadness as she is faced with the oft overlooked realities of child-abduction survivo
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Aug 05, 2010
Katie
rated it:
For someone who grew up watching true crime and investigation shows, I was a bit nervous that this book would be completely unrealistic and dolled up for the pages. Fortunately, Kristina McBride did her research. The Tension Of Opposites was mysterious, intense and very real.
We didn’t get much of a glimpse into Tessa’s life while Noelle was missing, but when she comes home, it’s a whirlwind of drama and emotions as she tries to rebuild her friendship with Noelle, who doesn’t want any More...
We didn’t get much of a glimpse into Tessa’s life while Noelle was missing, but when she comes home, it’s a whirlwind of drama and emotions as she tries to rebuild her friendship with Noelle, who doesn’t want any More...
Jun 01, 2010
Kate (I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read!)
rated it:
THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES, by Kristina McBride, was a bone-chilling thriller that explores the ripple-effect that a kidnapping creates. Although Noelle was kidnapped two years prior, her best friend, Tessa, held onto the hope that she was still alive and would come back home. When Noelle's brother told Tessa that Noelle was found and coming home, she believed that her friend was back but the opposite was true.
I really enjoyed this book. There were two stories that revolved around Tess More...
I really enjoyed this book. There were two stories that revolved around Tess More...
Oct 13, 2011
Littlemissmusicalsunshine
rated it:
The cover and the line on the back of this book stating that it is a haunting psychological thriller are SO misleading. This story lacked action. Nothing seemed to be happening except for maybe in the first 100 pages of the book. Even then, I wasn't really pullled in, and I never really felt for the characters..scratch that, I never found them likeable (I think that's a good way to put it!). Eventually the problem of Tessa and Noelle not being friends gets panned out, and it leads on to other th
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Oct 05, 2010
Alex
rated it:
Wow.
I was trying to go for something a little more articulate when I started this review, but the only thing that came out was "wow." This book elicited so many thoughts and feelings inside of me.
This is the story of a girl who was kidnapped and tortured for two years, only to return home suddenly as a changed person. I liked that the point of view was from Tessa, her childhood best friend, instead of the kidnapping victim herself. Tessa's confusion over why No More...
I was trying to go for something a little more articulate when I started this review, but the only thing that came out was "wow." This book elicited so many thoughts and feelings inside of me.
This is the story of a girl who was kidnapped and tortured for two years, only to return home suddenly as a changed person. I liked that the point of view was from Tessa, her childhood best friend, instead of the kidnapping victim herself. Tessa's confusion over why No More...
Jul 04, 2010
P.M.
rated it:
Tessa's best friend Noelle had been kidnapped two years ago. As the book begins, Noelle's younger brother Cooper tells Tessa that Noelle has made contact and has set up a trap to catch her kidnapper. Tessa is thrilled because she has put her life on hold for those same two years, just waiting for Noelle to be found. But Noelle has been replaced by Elle, who doesn't know how to fit in after all she has been through. Tessa believes it is her job to make everything right for Elle. This conflicts wi
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May 15, 2011
Amy
rated it:
Two years after her disappearance, Tessa's best friend, Noelle, escapes from the clutches of a nasty pedophile and returns to her family. Tessa has just learned to cope with the idea that her best friend was gone forever. Now that she's back, Tessa no longer has an excuse to keep her life on hold, but she's not sure how to move on and wonders if it's even possible for her to do so.
Like The Iron King, I thought this was an interesting idea, but the execution was so blah, I couldn't get More...
Like The Iron King, I thought this was an interesting idea, but the execution was so blah, I couldn't get More...
Jun 12, 2010
Melissa
rated it:
When Noelle disappeared two years ago, Tessa stopped living. It just didn’t feel right for her to go on, do things her best friend would not do, experience things her best friend would never experience. Since then, she has had few friends, and none of them are close. Until she finds out that Noelle is alive, and is finally coming home, finally escaping from the man who held her captive for two long years. Now Tessa hopes things can go back to the way they were, that their friendship can pick
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Jun 25, 2010
Christi
rated it:
Okay, this is a YA book that I was "screening" prior to my teenage daughter reading it. It's also a first book by local (Ohio) author Kristina McBride, so I was especially interested in reading it. I think this is a good book for teens and young adults--thus the 5-star rating. The writing is well-paced, realistic, thoughtful and just plain good! It keeps the reader engaged. There's teenage angst, and real monsters (a pedophile, the media). There's undying friendship, family, loya
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Apr 27, 2011
Yours
rated it:
This book was a really good read.the ending is not very predictable, and the book is written in a way that keeps you in suspense.(in a subtle way,if you know what i mean)some parts you will feel like just stopping,but somehow you just cant.
i felt really sorry for Tessa when Noelle "Elle" treated their relationship like dirt when she first came back.
And it was kind of touching the way Tessa cared for her friend, at the expense of Max. Also rather touching was the way Max und More...
i felt really sorry for Tessa when Noelle "Elle" treated their relationship like dirt when she first came back.
And it was kind of touching the way Tessa cared for her friend, at the expense of Max. Also rather touching was the way Max und More...
Apr 04, 2010
Claire
rated it:
Tessa has been grieving for her friend Noelle who disappeared two years ago- her method? don't participate in anything fun that Noelle is missing. A heavy load for a 15 year old.
Tessa had resigned herself to the worst when unexpectedly Noelle contacts her family- she has devised a way to escape her abductor and make sure he is apprehended.
With Noelle back - nothing returns to normal- she truly has suffered unimaginable cruelty. This is the story of her first few months home. Adjust More...
Tessa had resigned herself to the worst when unexpectedly Noelle contacts her family- she has devised a way to escape her abductor and make sure he is apprehended.
With Noelle back - nothing returns to normal- she truly has suffered unimaginable cruelty. This is the story of her first few months home. Adjust More...
Jul 14, 2010
Britney
rated it:
A fabulous read that delves into the emotional impact of those closest to a returned kidnapped victim. Everyone knows that kidnap victims will be profoundly affected by their experience; however, McBride delves into the rarely, if ever, considered effects on those closest to the victim.
Tessa literally stopped living her own life when her best friend Noelle disappeared two years ago. Now Noelle is back, but Tessa still can't live her own life without putting Noelle's interests ahead More...
Tessa literally stopped living her own life when her best friend Noelle disappeared two years ago. Now Noelle is back, but Tessa still can't live her own life without putting Noelle's interests ahead More...
Jul 12, 2010
Laurel
rated it:
The Tension of Opposites goes through the aftermath of Noelle/Elle returning home after being kidnapped for 2 years. Her best friend Tessa is dealing with Elle returning, trying to rekindle their friendship to the way it was, and also live her own life.
Tessa struggles greatly with moving on with her own life after Elle returns home. She feels it's her responsibility to look after Elle and make sure she doesn't get into trouble. Tessa feels she must put her life on hold for Elle in order to More...
Tessa struggles greatly with moving on with her own life after Elle returns home. She feels it's her responsibility to look after Elle and make sure she doesn't get into trouble. Tessa feels she must put her life on hold for Elle in order to More...
Nov 21, 2011
Nicole(i~heart~books!!!)
rated it:
It was an interesting read... erm, who am I kidding, it's an awesome book!!!!
I juz loved the tension, the thrill, and the romance... it was all such a sweet read! Slowly, you would also feel Noelle- Elle- what she had endured those past two years... it was all so painful and painstakingly real...
Of course, there is also Max. Oh, Max* sigh* Those two, Max and Tess, I tell u is soooooo cute together !!!:)
THE friendship of Tess and Elle is also emphasized on the book! More...
I juz loved the tension, the thrill, and the romance... it was all such a sweet read! Slowly, you would also feel Noelle- Elle- what she had endured those past two years... it was all so painful and painstakingly real...
Of course, there is also Max. Oh, Max* sigh* Those two, Max and Tess, I tell u is soooooo cute together !!!:)
THE friendship of Tess and Elle is also emphasized on the book! More...
