The Tension of Opposites Review

Title: The Tension of Opposites

Author: Kristina McBride

Release: May 2010 - EgmontUSA

Rating:

Synopsis: It’s been two years since Noelle disappeared. Two years since her bike was discovered, sprawled on a sidewalk. Two years of silence, of worry, of fear.

For those two long years, her best friend Tessa has waited, living her own life in a state of suspended animation. Because how can she allow herself to enjoy a normal high school life if Noelle can’t? How dare she have other friends, go to dances, date boys, without knowing what happened to the girl she thought she would share everything with?

And then one day, someone calls Noelle’s house. She’s alive.

A haunting psychological thriller taken straight from the headlines, The Tension of Opposites is a striking debut that explores the emotional aftermath of a kidnapping on the victim, and on the people she left behind.

I will try to make this as spoiler free as possible.

Fascinating debut from Kristina McBride - The Tension of Opposites is just one of those books you have to read in one sitting. Kristina's writing grabbed my attention in the first few sentences, had me on the edge of my seat by the second chapter and held every ounce of my attention until I finished the book. Plus, there is a boy (swoon) who will leave you head over heels for another fictional character.

I was a little irked with the synopsis not really matching up with the story. That is part of the plot, sure - but the story is really about Noelle's best friend Tessa an the rebirth of her life since finding out Noelle is alive. 

Two years ago Tessa found Noelle's bike abandoned - its been two years since Tessa has let herself enjoy anything other than photography. Photography has been her outlet for coping.

Noelle is alive, and Tessa is ready to be the caring, understanding best friend again - but Noelle pushes her away. She is not the same person who was taken two years prior, she is not that innocent little girl anymore.

During the weeks that Noelle is ignoring Tessa, the new boy in her photography class is pursuing her.  Tessa is not sure about this, but she lets him in and with his help she is able to talk to Noelle. Noelle is different all right, and soon Tessa is absorbed in saving Noelle from herself. Will Tessa's need to protect Noelle ruin the first real relationship she has had since the kidnapping?