Book Review: Flock

Flock (Stork #3)

By: Wendy Delsol

Published By: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Page Count: 384

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: Gifted ARC 

Audience: Young Adult - Fantasy, Norse Mythology

Read my review of Stork

Read my review of Frost

As a Lark I feel that I didn't stand a chance against the series. How could I not fall in love with a world that has so many bird references? I picked up Stork on a whim and since then I have enjoyed every moment spent in the fascinating and magical world of Norse Falls. This book was a difficult one for me because I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters that I have grown to love. I tried to read it slowly and savor every moment, but that didn't last long as the action began to pick up. I ended up devouring the book in a span of two days. It's always bittersweet when you read that last sentence in a beloved series. I'm already trying to figure out when I have time to do a reread of the entire series. I had super high expectations for Flock and Delsol didn't let me down. She delivered everything I wanted and more.

Flock picks up right where Frost left off as Kat is starting her first day of Senior year. I have learned that nothing with Kat is boring or simple so even this run-of-the-mill right of passage is epic for her. Not only is she dealing with college decisions, a new stepdad, and a sick baby sister, but she's also trying to keep her romance with Jack burning brightly AND trying to save the world as an ancient prophecy breathes down her neck. It's a lot for one teen to handle, but Kat manages to attack her issues with courage and style. You'll have to read this one to find out more about the plot, but I promise it's as full of mythology and epic adventure as the previous books. Delsol ended this fabulous series with a bang. As hard as it is for me to accept that's it's over, I am happy to say that Delsol did a beautiful job wrapping things up. I think all fans of the series will be pleasantly surprised by this one. There were certainly elements I could never have predicted running throughout this one.

I also really liked that Penny gets more of a role in this one. She was important in the previous two books, but I feel like she truly steps into her leading lady shoes in this installment. It was awesome to think about how much she has grown since the beginning of the series. Penny has gained confidence and she isn't afraid to speak her mind. I feel certain that she can now hold her own with Grim any day. 

It was also nice to see more of the relationship between Kat and Jack evolve. Every girl needs a Jack in her life. He always has Kat's back - even when she tries to push him away. He's the hero we all dream about as little girls. I also like that while their romance is sweet and passionate it is still pretty chaste. I've always been a fan of leaving more to the imagination where romance is concerned. Kat and Jack certainly have that once in a lifetime kind of love going on.

I seriously could gush about this book all day. I love everything about it - the characters, setting, writing, and mythology. I want to buy a house in Norse Falls and hang out with Kat, Jack, and Penny on the weekends. Sadly, it's not a real town and these aren't real people, but Delsol crafts them in such a way that everything (even the fantasy elements) seem real. Norse Falls is a place I love to spend time in and hope to revisit frequently in the future. 

If you haven't started this series, I highly recommend it. These books are clean, fun, and adventurous. I'm already planning ways I can encourage my students to try these books out. I'm also excited to see what Delsol will write next. She has secured herself a loyal fan in me.

One Last Gripe: I liked the ending, but it totally took me by surprise. It took me a bit to settle myself into it and realize it was the best possible way for things to end.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: Everything - I have a serious book crush on this entire series

First Sentence: Spending the morning ball-and-chained to a new kid was not my idea of a good kickoff to our senior year.

Favorite Character: I can't choose just one! I love Kat, Jack, Penny, Marik, and Jinky. Even the villians in this one appeal to me.

Least Favorite Character: Brigid

Summary:

The climactic conclusion of a supernatural romantic trilogy starring a savvy, sharp-tongued heroine who taps into ancient Norse secrets.

After surviving her (shall we say) intense adventure in Iceland, Katla is psyched to be back for a blissfully uneventful senior year of homecoming and fashion explorations. But her hopes of dodging unfinished business are dashed by the arrival of two Icelandic exchange students: Marik, an oddly alluring merman-in-disguise, and Jinky, a tough gypsy girl. It seems Katla not only enraged the Snow Queen by rescuing her boyfriend, Jack, she also was tricked into promising her frail baby sister to the water queen — and Marik has come to collect. What’s worse, Katla doesn’t dare confide in anyone lest she endanger them, so even her soul mate, Jack, is growing suspicious. And now Katla’s stork dreams, her guide for matching babies with mothers, have become strange and menacing as well. Hold on for a thrilling finale as the heroine of Stork and Frost calls on her wits (and her wit) to protect those she loves and face a final mythic disaster.