Unbroken Connection (...and some more)

Against all odds, the couple that swept you away in TAKEN BY STORM is back. Michael is in Thailand diving his dream. Leesie is at BYU living hers. And they just can't leave each other alone. Their romance rekindles, deeper than before. They grow desperate to see one another again. To hold one another again. Michael decides there is only one direction their relationship can go and asks Leesie the ultimate question. Her answer challenges everything Michael is and wants to be. Can she change for him? Can he change for her? Enough? 

Taken By Storm was one of the best books I read in 2009.

Which is why when Razorbill rejected it's sequel, I started the Support Group on Facebook. Leesie and Michael's story had to be heard. Out loud. 'Cause no one does emotional storytelling and luminous prose like Angela Morrison. And no couple can complement that like Michael and Leesie.

If you haven't yet read Taken By Storm, this might get spoilerish. Be warned.

 Also, if you haven't read it, what are you doing here? Read. It. Now.

Michael and Leesie are back. As opposed to their promises at the end of Taken By Storm, they can't stay without each other. Sufficing on just platonically loving each other over the internet, while separated by oceans, isn't working in their favour. 'Cause sometimes, love runs deep and it's more about needing than wanting. And this is what brings one of my favourite teen couples back together.

The narrative style employed in Unbroken Connection, is similar to it's prequel - dive log entries, Chapbook poems, chat logs make up the bulk of the book. And this quirky stylistic device is tackled with such cleverness that in spite of the narrative divisions, the story flows without jerks and breaks. It's awe-inspiring for any writer how Angela Morrison does it but she does it, the fantastic writer that she is. Her grace in handling religious issues is once again (as seen in Taken By Storm) highly commendable. Leesie may be a faithful Mormon but Michael presents a totally different perspective. What is remarkable is how Morrison presents both sides of the coin in an unbiased, honest manner. I think that's why, in spite of my differing views on religion and spirituality, I love Leesie and Michael's story so much. It never gets preachy. It's about two people in love, facing very realistic obstacles, like family, faith and religion -- and while the 'love conquers all' theme does run through, they have to deal with life first before that happens.

The character development in Unbroken Connection is realistic and remarkable. I loved, loved Michael here. The Michael from Taken By Storm who was experienced in all kinds of love, redeems himself through Leesie's love here, while by the end of Unbroken Connection, Leesie who'd always tried her best keeping things under control emerges battered and bruised from tragedy.

This is a deeply moving, poignant tale of young love and it's power to destroy, yet heal.

You can browse through and buy Unbroken Connection here.

Leesie and Michael's story doesn't end here, though. The third and final installment of their story, Cayman Summer, will officially release in early 2011. But before that, Angela Morrison has created a blog wholly dedicated to Cayman Summer. Here she will share rough drafts, unfinished poems, revised scenes and finally polished chapters as she writes Cayman Summer. I urge you to join her on her journey.

                Cayman Summer Blog

Meanwhile, my Blog Anniversary is coming up in just a couple of days. I have things (hint: giveaways) in store for you, so don't forget to check back.

Also, thank you for sticking around. I realise I haven't been a particularly faithful blogger, lately, owing to some very personal reasons (which are..up and around in this blog, anyway) but thank you. For being here. For sharing your thoughts. You guys make my day.