Stork (Stork, #1)

Jan 30, 2011 Flannery rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, young-adult-teen, paranormal, kcls, read-in-2011, reviewed-2011

Oh, hey! Look at that! It's me at a playground! Look at how excited I am at the top of the slide:-) My ponytail is bouncing and I have a huge smile on my face. I'm waving to you;-) Life is so much fun when you are about to go down a slide--it's going to be a big adventure!

Hi. Now I am at the bottom of the slide. My ponytail fell out. There aren't as many MS paint flowers down here, but there IS a semi-barren tree--it has a bird in it though, so things really aren't all bad. And, I mean, even if...more

Oh, hey! Look at that! It's me at a playground! Look at how excited I am at the top of the slide:-) My ponytail is bouncing and I have a huge smile on my face. I'm waving to you;-) Life is so much fun when you are about to go down a slide--it's going to be a big adventure!

Hi. Now I am at the bottom of the slide. My ponytail fell out. There aren't as many MS paint flowers down here, but there IS a semi-barren tree--it has a bird in it though, so things really aren't all bad. And, I mean, even if a slide is bad, it's still good, right?

I think I might do more of my reviews on Paint...I mean, clearly my skills are out of this world. Anyway, Stork was a rather original concept in the YA realm: Katla (which is a little too similar to Katniss and Katsa, both heroines from books I love) moves with her newly divorced mother back to her mother's hometown in Norse Falls, Minnesota. It is a far cry from the life she'd been living as a fashion-obsessed, coffee-saturated California girl and she feels like an outsider. (At this point, we are still in pretty well-worn territory) Wendy Delsol deviates from the beaten path by introducing the fact that Katla is actually a stork who helps match essences of children to a potential mother. Before I went into the story, I was really skeptical about how successful this idea could be. As it turns out, I found the idea rather fascinating, though I had to tone down my cynicism a ton to roll with the story. (mostly because I kept asking myself: Is it only in this town? Or only towns with lots of Icelandic people? How do we have so many unfit parents? These questions are only partially answered) But the description of the process was still intriguing. I wish Delsol had concentrated this book on the revelation of Katla as a stork and her assimilation into her new high school and relationship with Jack.

Buuuut, she doesn't. Instead it turns out to be the ole good v. evil plotline and you see it coming from a mile down the track. And the love is epic predestined love and, while the romantic interest is rather adorable, it started to feel cheesy. I definitely enjoyed listening to this one and I kind of hope the author will continue writing books set in Norse Falls--I just hope they won't be trying so hard to be everything to everyone. I mean, this book has ALL of the following:moving,divorce, possible pregnancy of main characters, MAKEOVERS!, a school dance, a hiking trip,(view spoiler),secret meetings,a childhood accident, mythology/folklore, mean girls, her mother's new boyfriend,FASHION(if you are annoyed by constant mentions of brands and outfits, avoid this one),(view spoiler),a character death,AND foreverlove.

I am tired from just writing that list. It's a good thing I'm still sitting on that slide:-) I did enjoy it. Katla is funny, and I even caught myself laughing out loud a few times. But, all in all, I can't give it more than 3 stars.
(less)

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Jun 09, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Wendy Darling by: Ginny

Shelves: young-adult, hilarious, mythic-and-fairy-tale-ish, paranormal-general, read-2011, snowy

3.5 stars I'd love to hang out with Katla LeBlanc. She's just moved from LA to frozen Minnesota, where the fashion scene is non-existent and the weirdly wonderful ladies of the Icelandic Stork Society insist that she is destined to be part of their mysterious clan. I absolutely love Kat's voice, which is smart and funny and made me laugh out loud several times. It's such a nice change when there's humor in YA paranormal novels and I think the author shows a lot of promise in possibly becoming an...more 3.5 stars I'd love to hang out with Katla LeBlanc. She's just moved from LA to frozen Minnesota, where the fashion scene is non-existent and the weirdly wonderful ladies of the Icelandic Stork Society insist that she is destined to be part of their mysterious clan. I absolutely love Kat's voice, which is smart and funny and made me laugh out loud several times. It's such a nice change when there's humor in YA paranormal novels and I think the author shows a lot of promise in possibly becoming another Rachel Hawkins or Lish McBride.

I really enjoyed learning about Icelandic customs and the author makes the frozen midwest sound absolutely beautiful. What I did find a little confusing, however, are the paranormal aspects of the book. The beginning induction scene is very cool, but there's not much that's done with Katla's gift after that in this particular book. After a strong start, the story goes off the path and focuses primarily on how she's fitting in at her new school, which involves drama with her onetime hook-up Wade, as well as the confusing signals she's getting from the attractive but standoffish Jack.

The basis of this gift Katla has is also just plain weird. This story is loosely based on Norse mythology and inspired by some elements of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, though the author really has created her own unique mythology. Kat has the responsibility of deciding who gets pregnant in her small town, and there are four possible candidates whose futures she touches in her dreams. It's such an intriguing but strange concept for a YA novel, and since that plot line doesn't really get tied up in this first book, I'm not really sure where the author is going with this idea.

I liked that Katla is a flawed but sympathetic protagonist, however. She's a good friend and has a great, though believably conflicted, relationship with both of her divorced parents. I also really liked Katla (I keep wanting to type Katsa here) and Jack together--they are adorably cute as a couple, which is a good thing since so much time is spent on them. I will say that it always makes me uneasy when there's such a "I'm meant to be with you forever" feel in teen relationships, but I'm willing to accept it here since it's part of the mythology of what's going on.

This is a pretty quick and entertaining read, despite the regrettably cartoony showdown at the end of the book that doesn't really seem to fit in with the rest of it. To make the series really great, however, the author will need to develop the paranormal parts more fully in the next installment Frost. I hope the brand name dropping is toned down a bit, too; I really hate this trend in YA, and while I was more okay with it here because of Katla's interest in fashion, after awhile it still grated on my nerves to read about her endless array of designer clothes and accessories. Some authors may need to rely on that to add texture and interest to their books, but this one doesn't.

Still, I like Katla quite a lot and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story will take her next.(less)

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Aug 05, 2011 Mara rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, paranormal, young-adult

I once knew someone who had a blind cat. The only way for this cat to get around was to confidently stride through the darkness...and right into a wall. The cat liked to double check its obstacles, and would often back up and run right back into the wall again before turning and heading off...eventually right into another wall.

Stork is that cat. It's cute and well meaning and quirky in all the right places, but it just doesn't know where it's going. You want to intervene and pick it up, pat it o...more I once knew someone who had a blind cat. The only way for this cat to get around was to confidently stride through the darkness...and right into a wall. The cat liked to double check its obstacles, and would often back up and run right back into the wall again before turning and heading off...eventually right into another wall.

Stork is that cat. It's cute and well meaning and quirky in all the right places, but it just doesn't know where it's going. You want to intervene and pick it up, pat it on the head, and put it where you think it might want to end up. However, it's probably too headstrong and in the blink of an eye it's off running into walls again.

So we've got some standard YA fare going on in Stork. Katla is new to town (check), she's got some weird power right off the bat (check), the potential forever-love boyfriend doesn't immediately appear to worship her (check), and that weird power is super special, yet vague and fairly pointless. You see, Katla's power is ferrying souls (aka babies) into "potential vessels" (aka women) and she's got to go through a few visions to figure out who the perfect vessel will be before making a decision, presenting her opinion to her group of special soul-ferrying women (probably not with Powerpoint), and then coming to a democratic vote.

I'm not sure what bothers me more: that women are called vessels, the quaintness of some of the Stork women (pregnant ladies can't be divorced or single and career-driven, apparently), or the sheer silliness of this whole concept in its entirety. Dude, how special are these wonder kids? Not to mention, what sort of biological mayhem is going on here?

The plot wanders aimlessly through budding romance, some suppressed past trauma, make overs, and homecoming to reveal...sudden evil! Well, that's nothing a well-placed lightning bolt can't handle! I'm not sure what the point was here? Just that people have special babies to deliver to the lady with the most clear-cut, traditional mindset and occasionally there's Nordic evil afoot that...might result in an attempted murder scenario that...I don't know...had some nefarious end game?

Well, rest assured there was love-to-end-all-love-affairs romance and make overs. I could have done without the "growl, growl, mine, kiss neck, growl" and the brand name dropping, but the make overs were kind of fun. (less)

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Aug 29, 2011 Imo :D (Omnom Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: demons, fantasy, ya, ya-paranormal, ya-romance

Though a lot of people would probably pass over this book, it caught my eye because of it's gorgeous cover and the unusual title.

Katla LeBlanc has just moved to a new town with her mother and her mother's boyfriend. Soon after she meets the Storks, an ancient Icelandic society with a mystical purpose run by Icelandic elders, and is accepted as its newest and by far the youngest member. Inducted into the society and chosen as the prestigous second chair, a whole heap of new responsibility is drop...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-gold-star-award-winner, trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by John Jacobson, aka "R.J. Jacobs" for TeensReadToo.com

Katla is a city girl. Fashion, Starbucks, it's all a part of her life. Well, it was. After the discovery of her parents' planned divorced, Katla and her mother return to their roots - a small town called Norse Falls up in the mountains of Minnesota. Pretty much everyone in town is a descendant of the Vikings, or Norsefolk, including Katla and her mother. But Katla's only half - her father's roots are French. Katla comes to town wit...more Reviewed by John Jacobson, aka "R.J. Jacobs" for TeensReadToo.com

Katla is a city girl. Fashion, Starbucks, it's all a part of her life. Well, it was. After the discovery of her parents' planned divorced, Katla and her mother return to their roots - a small town called Norse Falls up in the mountains of Minnesota. Pretty much everyone in town is a descendant of the Vikings, or Norsefolk, including Katla and her mother. But Katla's only half - her father's roots are French. Katla comes to town with some less than exciting prospects - a jerkwad named Wade tries to get in her pants after a not-so-brief drinking session, the apple-delivery boy (and secret flannel fetishist) named Jack has some weird connection to her, and the store across from her grandfather's - owned by a woman named Hulda - is showing some strange signs. But that's only the beginning...

Katla is actually a Stork. No, not the bird that parents use as a flimsy metaphor for sex, but a member of a local, ancient order of Nordic women who see the 'essences' of children. When a child comes to them in a dream, so does the child's possible vessel - usually three different women. Things are heating up in the chilly town of Norse Falls, and Katla's just beginning to uncover one of many Nordic secrets.

Wendy Delsol takes every little bit of my mythology and fairy tale buff's dreams and melds them into a book that is enjoyable to its core. The plot, even without all of the references, is cool; a look at pregnancy in all of its forms (and vessels) and its effects on people, and a job that actually relies on thoughtful decision making. I love how the very basis of this novel is about Katla learning to make intelligent choices that affect the people in her daily life. The other part, involving Jack and his possible connection to Katla, is also swoon-worthy. The ending, though, was not like I expected it to be. It was kind of out of the blue and I would have liked more build-up to it, even though in retrospect I should have seen SOME of it coming.

The characters in this novel are just as well done, in a lot of different ways. I love that Katla is a fashion-conscious girl who isn't entirely dumb, and how she's smart, but not extremely so. Aside from her talent for clothes (and that little Stork problem) she's normal, which was nice. Her assimilation to small town life was also refreshing - being a small town resident myself, that entire portion of the novel was comforting and fun to read. Jack was an even more refreshing male lead - I mean a guy who can wear all that flannel and John Deere apparel would normally get on my nerves, but it was cute on him. Hulda was a nice change of pace, as well - the wise woman figure done with some nice finesse. Everyone else was cute and small-towny, but not overly so. Like stepping into a Debbie Macomber book cover. Just pleasant and nice to be around.

Writing is just as great in STORK. Sentence one had me yearning to instantly to read on. I usually find YA writing to be good, but nothing that I'd seriously quote and point out and dissect on a regular basis, but Delsol uses some great metaphors and similes - and I respect that in a writer. They really made the experience stand out. The pacing was my only issue - the first few bits could have dealt with some more setting up, just because Katla is plunged into Stork society really early, and she seemed more adapted than I would have thought. And the ending, again. But the rest of the novel was so fluid and fast - every event felt, well, eventful, and that's something that I love in a YA book. I also enjoyed the use of heritage - the characters embrace their Nordic (and in Katla's case, some French, as well) heritage and use the language on occasion. It added some nice depth, and in a small town like this, it gave off another layer of realism to the tale.

STORK is going to be something that either really hits or really gets missed, which I hope doesn't happen. Out of all of the series going around right now, I can safely say this is one I am going to wait for. And wait for, literally, as the actual book won't even be out until October, let alone the next one. STORK is one of those paranormal books that has an absolutely creative and out-of-the box base, and that comes out extremely well. The characters, writing, and small town aura of it just fit so perfectly, and other than slight pacing issues, I had a wonderful reading experience. Delsol is definitely an author to watch. (less)

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Dec 22, 2011 Erin (Bookish in a Box) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Stork is one of those rare novels that left me feeling both satisfied and happy. Even though it's set in the cold Minnesota fall, Katla brings a lightness and warmth to the pages. Everything about Stork was perfectly chosen and blended together, from the writing to the plot to the characters.

Katla herself is wonderful. She's a pretty average teenager except for the whole Stork thing. I love that she's interested in fashion, but that doesn't make her a bimbo and it doesn't take the place of her h...more Stork is one of those rare novels that left me feeling both satisfied and happy. Even though it's set in the cold Minnesota fall, Katla brings a lightness and warmth to the pages. Everything about Stork was perfectly chosen and blended together, from the writing to the plot to the characters.

Katla herself is wonderful. She's a pretty average teenager except for the whole Stork thing. I love that she's interested in fashion, but that doesn't make her a bimbo and it doesn't take the place of her having a real personality. She just happens to like fashion, and it just happens to be important to the story. (I'll admit; I cringed during the boot-beating scene...poor boots!) I thought the Stork society would be a bigger part of the story, but I'm glad that we get to know Katla as she's figuring out who she is as a Stork.

The love interest is not only sufficiently swoonworthy, but he also doesn't cause a lot of is-he-or-isn't-he ado about nothing, which I greatly appreciate. He's a complicated character, but not in a dark or melodramatic way. He perfectly complements Katla's sunshine.

There are quite a few little threads of plot running through Stork, but I was never confused. With my favorite thread, I was several chapters in before it dawned on me that maybe a recurring something was actually a thing. I love being teased like that by a plot. There were lots of obvious secrets (as in, it was obvious that they were secrets), and there were several more subtle things woven in for good measure.

In Stork, there's something going on with every turn of the page, whether it be Katla discovering something about her past or trying to avoid Wade or learning about the Stork society. Every sentence, every paragraph, has a purpose, making Stork a very satisfying 350+ pages. And Katla has great voice! I feel like I've read a lot of novels that just blend together, but everything in Stork had Katla's voice stamped on it. I'm not sure how to explain exactly why it stood out, but it's unique--smart, witty and a just a teensy bit self-deprecating.

My [last] favorite thing about Stork [that I'm going to mention] is the ending. Stork is the first in a series, but--thankfully!--it didn't end on a cliffhanger. It was a great ending, tying up loose ends in a logical manner and also filled with action and suspense, and there's plenty of room for a sequel (it's sitting on my shelf, yay!) while still providing closure. As I closed Stork, I actually felt kinda happy, so I guess it's a little bit of a feel-good novel too.

A little bit supernatural, a little bit romantic and a little contemporary, Stork is an enjoyable, satisfying addition to YA literature. I heartily recommend it!

[This book was received for review from the publisher.] (less)

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Nov 25, 2012 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars

In the cold Minnesota weather, a recently transplanted Californian feels out of place. Katla Leblanc can’t believe how cold cold can be, and it’s only September! She’s already alienated some of the in-crowd, and her home-life isn’t perfect, what with her mom and dad’s divorce finalized and Stanley, her mom’s new beau. Then one dark night while waiting on a delivery of apples at her grandfather’s store, she sees a light on in the fabric store across the street.

By deciding to check it out, she so...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Carissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

There were a few really good things going for this book. I loved being able to read a book about "the stork". So unique. I thought the main character had a lot of spunk and humor, which was refreshing. The storyline even kept me fairly entertained and it was an easy read.

However, I found much that I didn't care for. My number one irritant was the romance. I like romance, but I'm not the biggest fan of, "This is destiny. We've only known each other for two days but we're so in loooooove!" Ugh. Fu...more There were a few really good things going for this book. I loved being able to read a book about "the stork". So unique. I thought the main character had a lot of spunk and humor, which was refreshing. The storyline even kept me fairly entertained and it was an easy read.

However, I found much that I didn't care for. My number one irritant was the romance. I like romance, but I'm not the biggest fan of, "This is destiny. We've only known each other for two days but we're so in loooooove!" Ugh. Furthermore, while the main character acted like a teenager, I thought her love interest acted all too much like an adult and was disgustingly perfect.

There were quite a few plot points that bothered me. (view spoiler)

Awkward dialogue, an over-the-top plot (although it was interesting), and rolling-my-eyes-into-the-back-of-my-head cheesiness also presented obstacles to my enjoyment of the story.

There were various moral issues addressed throughout this book. I thought the author handled teenage drinking fairly well. The character recognized her stupid decision and regretted her behavior. I thought the affair her dad had was treated too lightly. It especially baffled me that Katla didn't seem affected by it... at all. There was more cursing then I would have liked in this book, but they were mostly "Bible" swear words (no f-bombs) and they were not littered on every page.

I just feel, "okay" about this one. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. I might check out the second one from the library someday.

2.5 Stars.(less)

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Aug 12, 2012 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is fluff, but fun fluff is sometimes what you're in the mood for. It's entertaining and interesting and includes light romance. I liked the fact that the paranormal aspect was unusual. I know, that sounds wrong--paranormal is by definition "unusual." But I mean that it didn't include vampires or werewolves and their teen love triangles which currently abound in YA lit. The Nordic mythology and Icelandic folklore were a refreshing change. I thought "the cap" added some comic relief, Wen...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Ms. Yockey marked it as to-read

new and final in the trilogy coming fall 2012
Library Media Connection (November/December 2010)
Kat has recently moved from Los Angeles to small-town Minnesota after her parents' divorce. Although Kat doesn't remember, she has lived here before. When she was eleven she fell through the ice while skating, and went into a coma. A therapist advised her parents to keep the truth from her. A young man, Jack, who seems to turn up often, was the one who saved her from drowning five years ago. In addition...more new and final in the trilogy coming fall 2012
Library Media Connection (November/December 2010)
Kat has recently moved from Los Angeles to small-town Minnesota after her parents' divorce. Although Kat doesn't remember, she has lived here before. When she was eleven she fell through the ice while skating, and went into a coma. A therapist advised her parents to keep the truth from her. A young man, Jack, who seems to turn up often, was the one who saved her from drowning five years ago. In addition, Kat is a "Stork"--a group of women who choose which woman will become pregnant, and life isn't easy for her. Norse mythology is used liberally in the story. The fantasy element is there, but it is "fantasy light." The romance between Kat and Jack is central to the plot and will delight readers. It was surprising how everyone in town kept the truth about Kat a secret for so long. This was a most enjoyable book to read, especially for those who enjoy romance, fantasy, and Norse mythology. Recommended. Ellen Spring, Library Media Specialist, Rockland (Maine) District Middle School

Publishers Weekly (October 4, 2010)
Virulent, communicable cradle cap is an improbable candidate for the next big paranormal trend, but that is the manifestation bestowed upon 16-year-old Kat Leblanc, newly relocated to Minnesota from California and in revolt against everything in her new life. Kat is a fashion diva-arrogant, sharp-tongued, and hurting from her parents' divorce. After an impulsive episode in a backseat with someone else's boyfriend, she's also a social outcast. The only acceptance she finds is among a group of strange old women who acknowledge that she is a "Stork"-one who mystically chooses which women will become pregnant. Kat's outbreaks of cradle cap, "scratching my darn head until blood and pus trickled down," call the group to meet ("Once you start scratching, we will all get the cap"). It's a strange and gross misstep, as the book strains for novelty while Kat works her way through romantic minefields and the blossoming of her powers. First-time author Delsol is more than capable of writing convincing imaginative scenes, but they form more of a bumpy patchwork than a well-paced whole. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal (January 1, 2011)
Gr 7 Up-Katla Leblanc has recently moved from LA to northern Minnesota, the ancestral home of her mother's family. The story immediately takes on a magical twist when she is summoned to the scary basement of a seemingly abandoned fabric shop only to find a chair being held for her among a circle of old women. It's a secret meeting of the Aslendigas Storkur Society-storks who recommend and vote on the placement of new souls in "vessels." Couple that with the new boy who apparently knows her from "before," and you have the making of a breathtaking urban fantasy. Delsol uses colloquialisms and rich language to create vivid characters and detailed settings. The inclusion of Nordic mythology and a sense of fate add to the tenor of mysticism, and the two young men in Katla's life, one of whom might be posing a danger to her, add interest and suspense.-Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.(less)

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May 02, 2012 Corinne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

California girl Katla has moved with her mother to Minnesota, to the place where her grandparents immigrated to from Iceland. And she's not happy about it. She doesn't mind helping her grandpa (her "afi") in his little store but she is NOT impressed with the tiny town and its rather backwards inhabitants. And then she meets Hulga, the bizarre old woman across the street - and Katla is introduced to a world where mythology is suddenly real and she, has Katla, has a real role to play. If only she...more

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May 01, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Sara by: Tre

Shelves: 2012, young-adult

3.5 stars. After her parents get divorced, Katla moves to her mom's hometown in Minnesota, which is full of people of Icelandic descent. Katla discovers that she's a member of a secret society known as the Storks, women who help guide souls into the right vessel - ie, they see a vision of a baby and help decide who the right mother is. Meanwhile, she's dealing with her growing attraction to Jack, a boy at her school who has secrets of his own.

This is a different book from others I've read in tha...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Alexa Avenell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Stork by Wendy Delsol drew in my attention with the title alone. Never had I ever read a book that focused on the idea of storks, so this concept was new and interesting. Katla, the main character, is forced to move from L.A. to Norse Falls, Minnesota after her parents divorce. As common the theme is, the story the reader is delivered is anything but common. The Icelandic history and the Stork society that was introduced in this novel was so different. I found myself wanting to know more about t...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Becky rated it 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book. I think there is the potential good storyline in here. But it just was not developed the way that I wanted to read it. I wanted to learn about the Stork society and how the babies were placed and all of that world, but instead, I got to learn about a crappy love story that destined from all times :(

Beside the problem with the plot, I really did not like the love story. Why do authors insist on writing love stories about people who don't get along, and then fal...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Katie Joiner rated it 3 of 5 stars

For what it was, this book was very good. The charecters were sincere and dynamic; the plot was engaging and different; the prose was well-done and interesting. It held my intrest.
But.
While I liked Kat, I didn't love her. I wasn't invested in her the way I was while reading, say The Perks of Being a Wallflower , ]The Handmaid's Tale or even Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
And the relationship between Jack and her seemed too gooey. Too sudden, and intense, and completely cliche. The idea...more

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Dec 16, 2011 H rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: made-me-lol

I enjoyed myself reading Stork. There's really nothing much to say - it was more of a in-the-middle book, like a student in school who gets decent, acceptable grades instead of straight As or straight Fs. The characters were alright, believable, and the described scenery was gorgeous. Learning about various Icelandic customs was also interesting and enriching. The book left me feeling satisfied and content - very mild emotions. I don't mind reading the sequel at all, but I don't feel the pressin...more

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Dec 14, 2011 Liza Wiemer added it

Shelves: author-interviewed-on-my-blog, post-about-the-book-on-my-blog

I absolutely love the voice Wendy Delsol gives to her characters in STORK. It's such a beautifully written Icelandic folktale blended with modern society that it's easy to get wrapped up in a nice warm blanket and get completely absorbed by the story of Katla, a sixteen-year-old girl who moves with her mother to cold Minnesota from warm California. But it's not a move out of nowhere. It comes on the heels of Katla's parents' divorce, and with a need for change and a return "home" Katla & her...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Rachel "Rai29" rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 fo...more

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Oct 18, 2011 J.Elle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Katla’s mom has just moved her from L.A. to Minnesota (which could be Alaska for how much the author details the cold and snow) and indeed, I was even thinking it was Alaska until I just checked a summary of the book. Anyway, Katla misses “civilization” and laments the move, until she’s summoned to a secret meeting of a “stork society” which is comprised of all women who recommend and vote on the placing of souls (new babies) into “vessels”. Yes, that seems strange and Katla thinks so too, but t...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Zach rated it 3 of 5 stars

going into this book, i expected a girly book that i had to read for book club. While this remained true, i was pleasantly surprised by the book. The romance remains a central point of the book, but it also walks along with the interesting stork story.The whole time i wanted to know were the baby would go and about about this whole stork society they created. Both of these points however fall a bit flat. The Romance, while sweet, just can not shake that feeling of just a high school relationship...more

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Sep 02, 2011 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, audio-book, ya, listened-to-at-work, norse-mythology

I had heard mixed reviews about this one, so I went in with lower expectations for it and it surprised me. I found that I really liked it. I listed to ¾ of it all in one day at work and was almost mad when the end of my work day came.

I did find some things to be pretty predictable, but was ok with that. I liked that the kids were able to learn about themselves and each other at their pace. I loved the gathering of the old ladies! They were such a hoot!! I also loved how the old myths were so pr...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Tammi rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the story of Katla LeBlanc. It starts off with her moving back to her mother’s hometown in Minnesota after a divorce from her father. While working at her grandfather’s –affectinately named afi– store, she meets Jack Snjosson, who swears that they have met before and she should know him. Katla learns about the Stork Society and what it means for the members. She attends high school and makes some friends/enemies there. There is some mystery in this tale and it is hard to determine at tim...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Paradoxical rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reading-list, books-otherwise

If nothing else, the concept is original (...the stork concept, everything else is like every other YA book out there). Katla doesn't feel that she fits in Minnesota (though, really, with all of the Icelandic terms and people thrown about, if I wasn't told it was in Minnesota, I wouldn't have ever guessed), but her mom moved them there after her recent divorce. She's fashion forward, despairs over the rest of the student body, and butts heads with Wade (who she had fooled around with--big mistak...more

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May 16, 2011 Madigan McGillicuddy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I just finished reading this wintry tale about Katla Leblanc, a totally urban L.A. girl suddenly forced to deal with her parent's divorce and subsequent move to her mother's small hometown in Minnesota, bereft of creature comforts, including warm weather and Starbucks coffee. Worse yet, in Kat's opinion, is that her mother has taken up with a new boyfriend, Stanley, a kind yet bland "okely-dokely" Minnesota native, rather than trying to work things out with her always on-the-road cheating charme...more I just finished reading this wintry tale about Katla Leblanc, a totally urban L.A. girl suddenly forced to deal with her parent's divorce and subsequent move to her mother's small hometown in Minnesota, bereft of creature comforts, including warm weather and Starbucks coffee. Worse yet, in Kat's opinion, is that her mother has taken up with a new boyfriend, Stanley, a kind yet bland "okely-dokely" Minnesota native, rather than trying to work things out with her always on-the-road cheating charmer of a husband.
The entire town shares her strong Norse heritage. Kat busies herself trying to fit in at her new school. An unfortunate date with Wade, an abusive bully, means that she doesn't get off to the best start, but she recovers and makes a few new friends when she's recruited to write a fashion column at the school newspaper. She also meets gruff but handsome Jack, the school newspaper editor. Kat soon discovers that she has supernatural powers - she's destined to join the Icelandic Stork Society, a group of crones who use their powers to decide where to place new souls entering the world, i.e. who should get pregnant. This is a huge responsibility and Kat steps up to the challenge, taking her charge very seriously. When a new soul, a shy baby girl who loves nature, makes itself known to her in a dream, Kat briefly toys with the idea of punishing Wade's girlfriend with a teen pregnancy. Fortunately, Kat is able to make a very mature decision on where to place the baby.

There are plenty of helpful birds (a staple in Icelandic folklore) throughout the story; no trolls, though (unless we count creepy Wes.) I was not expecting the secret that Kat and Jack share. The way it was revealed, and the explanation that Kat suffered amnesia, yet no one told her about it, seemed like a huge retcon to me. The ending too, wrapped things up very, very quickly. I had been expecting a cliffhanger, with a sequel to follow, because there were so many threads left unresolved, but the last few chapters went by lightning quick with a number of surprising turns that resolved nearly everything. This is a fantastic debut by author Wendy delSol. I'll recommend Stork to teen readers who enjoy paranormal romance and/or fantasy. There is a sequel planned for Fall of 2011, Frost, which should pick up the next adventures in Kat and Jack's story.(less)

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May 08, 2011 Alex Fayle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Amazon didn’t have any new YA fantasy offerings for me this week so instead you get a book review. Actually, it’s more than a book review – it’s more of a “read this book now!” thing.

Last week I told you about my excited reaction to the sample of Wendy Delsol’s debut novel Stork, and then told you I wouldn’t read it until after I’d read a Spanish book from the library.

Well, I lied. On the bus home that day, not having anything else to read I started in on Stork and couldn’t stop. I normally try...more Amazon didn’t have any new YA fantasy offerings for me this week so instead you get a book review. Actually, it’s more than a book review – it’s more of a “read this book now!” thing.

Last week I told you about my excited reaction to the sample of Wendy Delsol’s debut novel Stork, and then told you I wouldn’t read it until after I’d read a Spanish book from the library.

Well, I lied. On the bus home that day, not having anything else to read I started in on Stork and couldn’t stop. I normally try to limit my reading to bus rides so that I’m not spending ALL my time in English (too much time in English does a lot of harm to my already iffy Spanish). However, I couldn’t resist. The story pulled me in and didn’t let me go.

The main character goes from sarcastic whiner to caring young adult without it being too much of a stretch. By nature she’s obviously happy and giving – she’s just pissed off at her change in circumstances – so it only takes the friendliness of a few people around her to to bring her out of her sulk.

Of course, gaining a (semi?) boyfriend doesn’t hurt.

This growth mirrors the progression of her powers. She’s forced to act as a responsible adult when choosing a vessel for the next baby that’s to come to the community and that maturity can’t help but flow out into other areas of her life.

The supporting characters are all believable and each has enough of a unique voice that they don’t all merge into one. Plus although I had guessed the true villain early enough on, Delsol threw in enough distractions to make me doubt my guesses.

I have just one complaint – it wasn’t long enough. As the final confrontation came upon me I looked down at the progress bar in my Kindle and realized I was almost done. No! It wasn’t just because I was enjoying the book and the characters though. I feel the final conflict could have had an even stronger impact if I had been given a few more mini conflicts before the biggie. There was nothing wrong with the way Delsol chose to deliver the climax, but if I had my druthers (what a great word, no?), I would ask for a slightly longer second half of the second act.

The book ends, however, with the hint of a sequel, or even a whole series. And if we’re lucky Delsol is already working on the next Katla and Jack novel.(less)

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Mar 28, 2011 Alan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, young-adult

First of all let me say that I like the character Katla. Ok, the plot starts out with a fairly common theme, a girl (Katla) with newly divorced parents, in a new town, new high school, no friends. Followed by Katla somehow getting on the wrong side of the two most popular kids in the new school. It's a good start and as we get to know more about her and as she starts to make friends, and as a possible love interest enters the scene, all continues to go well.
Having started with that, let me say t...more

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Mar 21, 2011 Brooke T rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can't believe how fantastic this book was! I am originally from Minnesota, so when I first began the book there were some cliches about Minnesota that I didn't like, but it definitely grew on me and everything was for a reason and Minnesota was the perfect location for this book.

The story isn't so much as Katla being a Stork as it is about her finding out about new things everyday about her past. There is so much mystery and suspense. Wendy Delsol did an amazing job with sorting the whole stor...more

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Feb 16, 2011 Larissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

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...more

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Feb 03, 2011 Bailey (IB Book Blogging) rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 t...more 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!
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Jan 25, 2011 Lily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Stork by Wendy Delsol

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. B...more Stork by Wendy Delsol

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.
(less)

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