Fracture

The Flicker Effect #2

by Melanie Hooyenga

Going back in time can’t always save the future.

***

When seventeen-year old Biz wakes up from surgery after helping catch a kidnapper, she thinks she’s lost her ability to flicker—travel back in time eighteen hours—but she soon discovers her ability is stronger than ever. And so are the mind-blowing headaches.

But flickering isn’t the only thing giving Biz headaches. Her newly shaved head brings out the bullies, her boyfriend Cameron is getting a little too chummy with a girl from the kidnap support group, and Cameron’s formerly kidnapped sister is having some serious adjustment issues.

When her dad’s health takes a turn for the worse, she turns to her neurosurgeon who operated on her. If she tells him the truth, he could figure out why she and her dad flicker and save her before her entire world—and her own health—crumbles. But can Biz trust him with her secret?

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

242 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2014

About the author

Multi-award winning young adult author Melanie Hooyenga first started writing as a teenager and finds she still relates best to that age group. She has lived in Washington DC, Chicago, and Mexico, but has finally settled down in her home state of Michigan.

When not writing books, you can find Melanie enjoying the great outdoors and playing every sport imaginable with her husband Jeremy.

**Awards**
Flicker
–> 1st Place Winner (MG/YA) of the 3rd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published eBook Awards (2015)

The Slope Rules
–> Gold Winner (YA General Fiction) 2017, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
–> Silver Winner (High School Romance) 2017, Children's Literary Classics
–> Bronze Winner (YA Romance) 2017, Readers' Favorite

The Trail Rules
–> Gold Winner (Special Interest: Sports) 2018, Children's Literary Classics
–> Silver Winner (YA Romance) 2018, Readers' Favorite
–> Silver Winner (YA General Fiction) 2018, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

The Edge Rules
–> Gold Winner (Special Interest: Sports) 2019 — Children’s Literary Classics
–> Winner (YA) 2019 – Orange County RWA BBB Awards
–> Finalist / YA/MG Winner 2019 – BookLife Prize
–> Bronze Winner (YA Romance) 2019 — Readers’ Favorite

Chasing the Sun
–> Gold Winner (YA General Fiction) 2020, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
–> Quarter-Finalist / YA/MG 2020 – BookLife Prize

Reviews

[June Kramin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be able to read this book before it's release! I was anxious to catch up on the story. I was not disappointed! I loved following the new happenings with Biz & Cam. I want to hug/smack the author... is it too early to tease you that it looks like a #3 HAS to be in the works? Great job, Melanie! I look forward to more from you!

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Fracture' by Melanie Hooyenga was a fantastic sequel to 'Flicker,' the first in the book series. Biz's ability to flicker - to go back in time one day - is still intact, but it is coming at a cost. In this case, that cost is brain surgery. The loss of her hair, coupled with some nasty teenagers who have nothing better to do than make fun of her for looking less than "normal," sheds light on the more contemporary aspects of the novel. The best parts of the novel were these contemporary parts, and how they meshed with the supernatural tendencies that Biz found herself still partaking in as a means of saving others from less than favorable fates.

However, Biz soon learns that no matter how many times she flickers, life has a way of happening the same way each time, even if it ends up being delayed. She works to change this - to keep her life from fracturing any further than it already has - but not everything works out in her favor.

It was refreshing to see Biz and her boyfriend Cameron still together in this book, but it was also nice to see how their relationship was not quite as strong as it used to be. Since Cameron's sister Katie was rescued in 'Flicker,' his family's life has been nothing like before, and this includes his new friendship with another rescued girl's sister. He claims that he and Sarah are spending time together to support each other through their sisters' and their individual family's issues, but Biz is skeptical. Her focus on the jealousy she feels over Cameron spending time with Sarah is a normal and acceptable way for her to show emotion. In any other setting, Cameron wouldn't have much of a foot to stand on. The fact that he's trying to work through his grief makes Biz's jealousy stand out all the more, causing Cameron to not at all appreciate Biz's upset over his time spent with Sarah.

As the novel progressed, it was nice to see Biz realize more of her own worth and how to stand up for herself. Along with her dad, who only has her best interests at heart, since they mirror his own, and her mom, best friend Amelia, Cameron and his family, and even Dr. Martinez, her brain surgeon, she fights for her own life and those of the people she loves, hoping against hope that it won't all be for naught.

A gripping and relatable contemporary novel with an awesome time travel component mixed in, 'Fracture' draws you in and refuses to let go. Next up, 'Faded'!

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Patrick Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect after the taut thrill-ride that was Flicker. I hoped I wasn't going to get more of the same, and hoo-boy, I didn't.

In Book One, Biz used her unique time-traveling ability to rescue her boyfriend's long-missing little sister, Katie, and bring her abductor to justice. Now, however, young Katie is having difficulty readjusting to life in her house again. She's been through a terrible, traumatic experience that no kid should have to endure, and I could only wonder how this scenario was going to play out - and if Biz's ability would be needed again... regardless of the harrowing consequences.

I enjoyed Fracture even more than Flicker, truthfully. Biz has grown as a character while still retaining all her teenage faults. I was a little disappointed in her BF Cameron, but then, he was dealing with some serious stuff of his won.

I will be moving right on to Faded. Well done, Ms. Hooyenga!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It might not look like it, but I flew through this book in my spare moments. It was a heartbreaking read, and I spent most of it just wanting something good to happen for Biz. So glad I don’t have to wait for the last book and can just dive right in!

[Veronica Minard-dainelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon finishing Flicker, I immediately purchased Fracture. While there were some discrepancies from the plot developed in Flicker (like why Biz’s Dad’s no longer flickers), I was able to let go of those anomalies due to the author’s ability to not only spin an engaging and suspenseful tale, but also because of the honest and natural voice of the characters in the story. In Fracture, Biz develops the self-centered, uncomfortable in my own skin, unable to empathize with those around me, attitude of adolescence, which leads her to not always make the best decisions or say the right thing. Fracture was even harder for me to put down than Flicker, and I cannot wait to find out what happens in Faded. The cliff hanger ending leaves readers with no choice to read Faded when it comes out, because they must know what happens – well played, well played! Ms. Hooyenga has created quite a series that ranks among the other YA dynasties I have read in recent months including Roth’s Divergent, Mead’s Vampire Academy and Clare’s Infernal Devices and Mortal Instruments.

[Lauren Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first! I was so excited for this book after reading the first in the series. (I actually read Flicker several times while waiting to get my hands on Fracture). I was not disappointed. This time Biz is a little older, a little wiser, but still Biz. I felt I could relate to her more this time around as she dealt more with her own insecurities. The story is great, the writing is wonderful, and I couldn't put this down! I read the entire book split between two flights Chicago to Vegas and back. Melanie is a great author with a real sense for the teenage psyche. Anyone looking for a quick read that will suck you in and make you actually think fondly on your high school days should read this series. Very excited for the final book!!

[Susan Barajas · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I'm not a young adult. In fact, I'm on the downside of middle age. But I could not put this book down! Like another reviewer, I read this in 24 hours. I enjoyed Flicker, but Fracture is even better! The characters are so realistic that I found myself cheering Biz on. Hurry up and finish the next book because I want the story to go on and on...

[Jenn Greenleaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really need to learn to read slower....not only did this book suck me in, much like the first, but now I have to wait until 2015 to read the third! I love and recommend this series to anyone who hasn't picked it up yet.

[Stacey Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooyenga keeps pushing the envelope, and she delivers. FRACTURE is fast-paced, well-developed -- and heartbreaking. My teen daughter is re-reading it again, she can't get enough of both FLICKER and FRACTURE, and we can't wait for the final installment.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I read Flicker first, but you can totally read it as a stand alone. The book was gripping and I love the personality and voice that really came out here! I'm very excited to see what happens in book #3!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does it again...I love the story of Biz and Cam. I read this book in two days. I just couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story. Great job Melanie!

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intensity increases as this unique storyline is carried forward by wonderfully imperfect multidimensional characters--no cookie-cutter stereotypes here. Fantastic all-around.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fracture” the second engaging and suspense-filled novel in Melanie Hooyenga’s “The Flicker Effect” opens with Biz’s return to school after her surgery; bullied because of her shaved head and her boyfriend distant as he struggles to protect his younger sister Katie. With her father’s health declining, afraid of losing Cameron and sensing her own well-being is jeopardized by her flickering, Biz turns to Dr. Rick Martinez her neurosurgeon knowing she’ll have to reveal her secret to find the answers to her condition.

Melanie Hooyenga sets the tone of this fascinating plot with Biz’s ability to flicker using sunlight as the catalyst that propels her back in time to the day before. But there is a cost to flickering which Biz pays when she develops severe migraines. The plot heats up not only when she learns that her father’s condition is the result of his flickering over the years and that she must trust Dr. Martinez for her survival, but also as she struggles to help Cameron’s sister Katie, a young girl who hides her troubles behind a blunt, tough-girl image.

Within the main theme that revolves around Biz’s relationships- friends, family and school – as well as her determination to save her father and a suicidal Katie, there are also subplots that keep the reader enthralled like her attraction to Dr. Martinez; the bullying at school; her clashes with Cameron; and her uncertainty about her future. The power and emotional – intensity of the plot continually builds with Biz’s jealousy over Sarah, her fears about Katie’s irrational behaviour, and Cameron’s overpowering resolve to save his sister at her expense. Well-written but with the odd minor deviation from the first book, the story progresses quickly and smoothly to an unsurprising twist in a cliff-hanger at the end that’s resolved in “Faded”.

Fueling the plot with tension, depth and drama are realistic, complex and unforgettable characters like Biz Clement who’s insecure because of her shaved head which results in bullying at school. At seventeen having to deal with so many problems she tends to feel sorry for herself, to let uncertainty devolve into jealousy and to have little empathy left to give her closest friends. Her boyfriend Cameron obsessed with saving his sister Katie and protecting the emotional stability of his parents is self-serving and vulnerable, deceiving Biz and drawing close to Sarah although it’s never clear how deep their attraction becomes. Twelve-year-old sexually abused Katie feels all alone and hopeless dealing with her inner demons. Jaded and broken she lashes out at the world refusing not only to get therapy but to help convict her kidnapper.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Fracture” a compelling novel I couldn’t put down until finished and am looking forward to the same experience with “Faded.”

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fracture is about a girl named Biz who has a very unique ability. She calls it flickering. When she flickers, using sunlight, she goes back in time 24 hours. Very few people know about this. Her Dad also flickers, but in the book we found out that he had flickered too many times and now he is very close to dying. This is BAD news for Biz. Meanwhile, Biz's boyfriend's littler sister is going through a lot and Biz thinks she needs to keep flickering to keep her from doing things, but some things are meant to happen and she can't stop them no matter how many times she flickers.

This book made me feel as if I was right there with Biz at some moments. I enjoyed this book a lot, and it is part of a great series. It's an emotional roller coaster for Biz and the reader. There were reliving moments, many extremely sad moments, there were mistakes and lots of stress for Biz. There was also some romance between Cameron and Biz... but also Dr. Martinez. That made the storyline a little more intriguing.

[( ". ") · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember going to an event and seeing Melanie selling the Flicker books (and signing them), and in that moment, I decided I wanted to try it. I thought it might get a 3-star revue maybe 4. I did not know how WRONG I WAS!

This is a wonderful book! heck, this is a wonderful SERIES!
I love the idea of "Flickering" and its possibilities!
I love the way Melanie made me fond of Biz and her friends!
I love the clever mix of action and romance!
I just love almost everything about this book! (not fond of the swearing through :P)

I hope she makes a 4th >.<

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dived into this after devouring book one and loved it from the start. Hooyenga never shies away from hard hitting topics and this one was a book that pulled you right to the edge and allowed you to start to discover more about Biz, about her ability and all it entails. I adored the characters, the twists and turns and I fell in love with all of the world, and the hard choices Biz was having to make. That ending almost destroyed me and I’m glad to have book three on hand to finish off the series. Overall a beautifully crafted, and well written book. Very much recommended!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story, I enjoyed it. The time travel piece worked for me. I enjoyed the characters and watching them in their pursuits and struggles. I loved the photography piece. It's a fun story and if you like time travel stories you should give it a try.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I try to be internally consistent with my star ratings. Five is for great books that I'll always remember, four is for good reads, three is for books that weren't bad but had a substantive issue or two that kept me from truly enjoying it, while two are flawed books and one is just a truly terrible book.

I rated Flicker a 3 for reasons explained in that review, and Fractured was a step up. I still feel there were some issues here (I'd have gone with 2.5 and 3.5 if they were options.) but I enjoyed this one more.

I feel like the flickering plot device was used a bit inconsistently here but significantly more appropriately than Flicker. While Biz never considered, to my knowledge, saving the little boy last time or the accident victims this time, the Katie plot was a solid use of the Biz's abilities. I just wish it was considered across the board. I recognize Biz realizes earlier on that some things can't be changed, but we don't see when she first realizes that. As the narrator, I feel like some things are kept from us. Oddly enough, it's not until reliving the party that I believe she even acknowledges her abilities with Cam, who knew since the last book. It just seems like something that should be coming up more.

The relationships are a bit heavy handed. Martinez is very in her face. Can and Biz are very easy to set off, with phrases consistent with "taking a step back after feeling like I was slapped in the face" coming up a lot. The only true organic relationship I feel is Biz and her dad. It's wonderful, the highlight of the book, and I suspect the author is inspired by real life here.

I am deeply heartened by the ending. The plot element with Cam could come across as poor writing if not directly and deftly handled, mirroring the advice her father gave her at the party about standing up for herself. She seems to be stepping up for herself at the end and learning a lesson about tampering with time, and I think it demonstrated a surprising plot development in a series I feared was a bit on the simple side.

On to book 3!

[Isabella Gardner-Huihui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fracture is the second book in the flicker effect series. This second book is about Biz after her surgery. She thinks she has lost her ability to flicker when really it's stronger than it's ever been. Not only is she dealing with more painful headaches, she has problems with her boyfriend and dealing with bullies at school. She turns to her neurosurgeon who operated on her with her secret, hoping he can help her understand her ability.

I found that this book was better than the first one. The first one was kind of introducing Biz's life while this second book is more in-depth and has more going on. I would recommend this book to a friend.

[August Druzgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the second in the "flicker" series. Biz has to protect her friend's sister from harming herself after being taken by Mr Turner, but will it come at the cost of her own life?

I liked this book, but I didn't like the ending. The girl died not once, not twice, but 3 times throughout the ending of the book. I would change that for sure, and the parts where Biz has to go to the hospital are a little dull.

[Chloe Vandonkelaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fracture is the second book to Flicker. Biz wakes up from surgery thinking she doesn't have the ability to flicker anymore, however her ability to flicker is more powerful than it was before surgery.

The book facture was a great book, however it wasn't as good as the first book flicker. Fracture bored me a lot unlike flicker.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

the story of Biz continues is this 2nd book, and I loved this second book just as much as the first one. Didn't stop reading until I had finished then immediately started reading the 3rd book. Awesome story!

[Xylia]

I liked this book, it showed that sometimes we have to trust others and take a lead of faith. Also it teaches people to help take care of those you love, but also to make sure that you are taking care of your own health.