Twist of Fate {by Rachael Anderson}

Title: Twist of Fate [novella]
Author: Rachael Anderson
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Received for review


When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he's wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won't be a wedding after all?



This was such a cute little novella. Bringing some Christmas cheer to the blog, I suppose. Although short, it was a fun and cute little story.

Kenzie and Ty have been neighbors for almost a year now. Kenzie is happily engaged to her childhood sweetheart, who is currently in Madagascar. But Ty has a secret: he's been in love with Kenzie practically since they met. So when her fiance's breakup postcard accidentally gets put in his mailbox, he's faced with a decision: let it ruin her favorite holiday, or show her how he feels?

This was an interesting concept. I mean, he hid the news that her fiance was breaking up with her. (Although, since he apparently had no class and did it was a postcard, Ty was probably doing Kenzie a favor. ) But the characters were set up quite well, especially for how short this was. They were fun, and cute, and funny.

I did think this moved way fast, but then, it is a novella. I mean, the events happen in the course of like two weeks. But I liked the two of them together. Was it slightly weird? I don't know, I thought so. But it was sweet and cute and fluffy, and I did enjoy it overall. This will definitely fill you with the warm fuzzies and Christmas spirit.

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Rachael Anderson: 

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By Sun and Candlelight {by Jessica L. Brooks}

Title: By Sun and Candlelight [novella]
Author: Jessica L. Brooks
Series: Flora, #1.5
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Received from author

A threat, a missing book, a traitor, and an attack. Even when you choose the light, things aren't always so black and white when they involve matters of the heart.
Rowan has some decisions to make.
Told in Rowan’s point of view, By Sun and Candlelight (Flora, 1.5) gives you a new view into the characters and daily happenings at Castle Lennox and bridges the gap between If I Speak True (Flora, 1) and Open Thy Heart (Flora, 2)

Check out my review of If I Speak True here and Open Thy Heart here.

Rowannnn! (And by that we all know I mean Briscooooe!) I thought this was a great little novella, told from Rowan's point of view, that really added to the story happening in this series. Now, it doesn't have to be read in order to still understand what happens in the books, but it was nice.

I'm very glad that this was from Rowan's POV, since he is still such a mysterious character. We get to see what he is thinking, how he feels. Rowan is nearly of age, and the heir to the throne. That comes with a lot of responsibilities.

It was nice to see Ambrosia and all its workings from someone who grew up there, as opposed do an outsider (sorry, Dahlia). We get to see how Rowan feels about it, how he is learning to step up to being the leader that his people expect him to be. Although the events that happened are rehashed in Open Thy Heart for Dahlia's benefit, as to not miss out on any plot happenings, it was nice to read the first person account of what actually happened.

And Clementine! Aww. (You have to actually read the story to find out about this.) And yes, more Rowan means more Briscoe ;) (Am I the only one who cares?)

This novella was a sweet little story that gives a deeper insight to Ambrosia and the characters there, especially Rowan. While you don't have to read it, I would definitely recommend it.

Jessica L. Brooks

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Ismeni {by Tosca Lee}

Title: Ismeni [novella]

Author: Tosca Lee
Series: The Legend of Sheba #0.5
FREE: Kindle | Nook

A mysterious beauty, a destiny set in the stars. Born under an inauspicious sign, young Ismeni is feared by her own people. The single thing she prays for: to live an invisible life. But that is not to be for the young woman who has captured the attention of the king's youngest son. A story of love, passion, and twists of fate through the eyes of the woman who will one day give birth to the legendary Queen of Sheba.

I didn't know about this prequel novella when I started The Legend of Sheba (review here) but when I found out about it, I was excited to get more from this world of Saba. Bilqis's mother does not make much of an appearance in the book, most of what we get is from her memory. So having this small part from her point of view, how she became queen was nice and very interesting.

Since her inauspicious birth, Ismeni, although extremely beautiful, has been feared by everyone in her town. Except for one boy, Wahabil, companion to the king's youngest son, who could care less about what star she was born under. 

I thought this was interesting, because through The Legend of Sheba, it is mentioned how the king and queen had a love marriage--nearly unheard of, for most kings back then had treaty marriages. But it was interesting to see it from Ismeni's point of view. How she felt for the king, or maybe that she had a first love before him...?

This was very short, so obviously not much could be said or happen. But I think it was still a fun read, and did explain some happenings in The Legend of Sheba. In itself, it was just interesting, and entertaining even for how short it was.

Tosca Lee:

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The Staff of Serapis {by Rick Riordan}

Title: The Staff of Serapis [novella]

Series: Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #2

Author: Rick Riordan

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In this adventure, Annabeth encounters more oddities in the subway than usual, including a two-headed monster and a younger blond girl who reminds her a little of herself. . . 

I didn't think it could get much better than Percy + Carter in The Son of Sobek. But apparently, the only thing better than Percy + Carter is… Sadie + Annabeth.

I mean, I loved this story. Annabeth and Sadie have the same witty, sarcastic, sassy personalities, which could have been either really bad or really good. Thankfully, it was really good, as the girls were able to hit it off--at least, well enough to fight a monster.

Since this was a short story, I really don't have much to say. It was well-written, hilarious, and captivating like all of Rick Riordan's work. If you've read both series, you know the explanations for certain things, like Sadie turning into a bird. So seeing them from each other's point of view, and just how strange it was interesting and just funny.

If you need something to hold you over, or are missing the Kane's (or even if you're not) then you need to read this. Seriously.


Rick Riordan:

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Gilded Ashes {by Rosamund Hodge}

Title: Gilded Ashes [novella]

Series: Cruel Beauty Universe

Author: Rosamund Hodge

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Orphan Maia doesn't see the point of love when it only brings pain: Her dying mother made a bargain with the evil, all-powerful ruler of their world that anyone who hurt her beloved daughter would be punished; her new stepmother went mad with grief when Maia's father died; and her stepsisters are desperate for their mother's approval, yet she always spurns them. And though her family has turned her into a despised servant, Maia must always pretend to be happy, or else they'll all be struck dead by the curse.

Anax, heir to the Duke of Sardis, doesn't believe in love either—not since he discovered that his childhood sweetheart was only using him for his noble title. What's the point of pretending to fall in love with a girl just so she'll pretend to fall in love with him back? But when his father invites all the suitable girls in the kingdom to a masked ball, Anax must finally give in and select a wife.

As fate would have it, the preparations for the masquerade bring him Maia, who was asked by her eldest stepsister to deliver letters to Anax. Despite a prickly first encounter, he is charmed and intrigued by this mysterious girl who doesn't believe in love. Anax can't help wishing to see her again—and when he does, he can't help falling in love with her. Against her will, Maia starts to fall in love with him too. But how can she be with him when every moment his life is in danger from her mother's deadly bargain?

I didn't know how much I was going to like this, because I'm not the hugest fan of Cinderella. I don't know what it is, but she's never been one of my favorites. But, it's Rosamund Hodge, and it's still the Cruel Beauty Universe, so I knew I was going to give it a shot anyway.

I had nothing to worry about. I LOVED it. Let me say this: if one of your biggest issues with Cruel Beauty was the world-building, then you should still love this. Since it's a novella, there isn't much world-building. It isn't confusing, as if things are unexplained, but you learn what you need to know, and the rest is focused on the story. So, if you thought the world of Cruel Beauty was confusing, then I still think you can enjoy this one.

Maia has been degraded to the role of servant by her stepmother. Except, she has to act like she loves it, and everyone, and the way she's treated. Otherwise, they'll be struck down by her mother, who made a deal with the Dark Lord to always get to watch after her daughter in death, and has the power to send demons to anyone who dares make her daughter unhappy. So, to protect everyone else, Maia always acts like she is the happiest person on earth. Except, it's wearing her down.

Then, the household gets an invitation to a ball being put on for the duke's son to find a wife. Maia's oldest stepsister has her deliver letters to Anax, in hopes of being the one chosen. But Maia gets caught, and her and Anax start talking.

I'm not entirely sure what to say, other than I loved it. I really did. It was beautifully woven story. I loved the dynamics of the different characters and their relationships, and how nothing was as it seemed. The stepmother and sisters weren't terrible and evil, although they were fighting demons of their own. At the same time, the girls were able to come together when needed. And Anax. He was just so cute.

This may only be a novella, but there was definitely a lot of emotion, depth, and story packed into it. This is an amazing novella that I would definitely recommend to fantasy lovers and  fairy tale lovers. (Especially if you love Cinderella, but then again, I don't and still loved it.)

Rosamund Hodge:

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Poison Dance {by Livia Blackburne}

Title: Poison Dance [novella]

Series: Midnight Thief, #0.5

Author: Livia Blackburne

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

James is skilled, efficient, and deadly, a hired blade navigating the shifting alliances of a deteriorating Assassin’s Guild. Then he meets Thalia, an alluring but troubled dancing girl who offers him a way out—if he’ll help her kill a powerful nobleman. With the Guild falling apart, it just might be worth the risk. But when you live, breathe, and love in a world that’s forever flirting with death, the slightest misstep can be poison. 

This may only be a short story, but don't be fooled. It is a complex, intricate, complete story all on its own.

James is an assassin, just wanting to do his job without getting into the politics of the Guild. Then, he is approached by Thalia, a dancing girl with a huge and dangerous request.

This is what everyone looks for in a fantasy novel. Although it is short, it was very beautifully written. The building of the world, the Assassin's Guild, and everything that is going on is explained very well, without taking up so much of the already short story. The story is engaging from the start, and will keep you glued to the pages, wanting to know how it ends up and how it plays into Midnight Thief.

James is only a supporting character in Midnight Thief, which makes me sad because I want more of him, his story. BUT this also has made me even more excited for Midnight Thief when it comes out. You're telling me I have to wait until July??

So, basically, I loved this, and you need to read it. Now.

I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion in any way, except for that I need Midnight Thief even more now.

Livia Blackburne:

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The Shadow Cats {by Rae Carson}

Title: The Shadow Cats

Series: Fire and Thorns, 0.5

Author: Rae Carson

Purchase: Amazon; Barnes & Noble

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. And it was not Alodia.

Alodia is the crown princess of the realm. The sister who knows how to rule, and the one who is constantly reminded that she has not been marked for a grand destiny. But Alodia has plans, and she will be the greatest queen her people have ever known. So she travels--with her hopeless, naïve, chosen sister--to a distant part of their land, to begin to secure her supporters. This region needs its princesses, for it is plagued with a curse. The crops don't grow, the spring doesn't arrive, and a fierce jaguar stalks the shadows, leaving only empty homes splashed with blood behind. If Alodia can save them, no one will be able to deny her strength and her sovereignty.

But what she discovers could change the fate of her kingdom, if not her world. And it will most certainly change her opinion of her younger sister.

So I loved The Girl of Fire and Thorns. We didn't see much of Alodia, except for the fact that Elisa thought she hated her. And although Alodia wasn't the most likable character, I wanted to know more about her from her perspective. And that is what The Shadow Cats is, so of course I picked it up.

Alodia is the older sister, and crown princess. But her younger sister, Elisa, is the bearer of the Godstone. Because of this, Alodia feels cheated, overlooked, and rightly bitter. Alodia throws herself into kingdom, with plans to be the greatest queen ever, while Elisa sits around, naive and fat and hopeless (Alodia's thoughts, not mine). But everyone looks to Elisa, who is "destined" to do something great. Alodia, well, hates it.

This little novella was enough to give us insight to Alodia. She is bitter, yes, and it hard not to feel sorry for her, or at least understand where she is coming from. Even if you still don't like her, you respect her. Because she has worked so hard, only to be slighted. And no one can deny that Elisa was like that in the beginning, before the events of The Girl of Fire and Thorns. 

But during the events of this novella, Alodia starts to understand her sister. Starts to understand that maybe she was reading her wrong, not valuing her enough. She starts to see that maybe she was wrong about Elisa, that she is so much smarter and braver than Alodia ever gave her credit for. And the fact that Alodia is big enough to admit this is what makes her a better, and more likable, person.

Although Alodia may be proper to the point of being a snob, everything she does is for the good of the kingdom. She truly does want to be a better ruler. And it helps that she is a strong ruler, both physically and emotionally. She isn't a damsel in distress. Instead, as this story shows, she is able and willing to fight and defend herself and others. Being the crown princess, she could wait for someone else to do it, as it their job. But she is fully capable of taking care of herself and isn't afraid of anything.

I don't if this is completely vital plot-wise, if what happens is going to come back and be important in the later books. But although it isn't completely necessary to read, it does give insight into the sister's relationship. And although it is a short story, it is still full action and emotion, like one of her novels. Thsi will definitely leave you wanting more of this world.

Although I will say... does $2.99 for an ebook seem like a lot? Yes. Did I buy it (and the other two) anyway? Yes. I do love this story and the characters, and so although it hurt, I bought them. (The ebook library service my local library had didn't have them.) But what do you consider a reasonable price for an ebook? I just think of the fact that I have bought full books for less than that and cringe.

Rae Carson:

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The Son of Sobek {by Rick Riordan}

Title: The Son of Sobek [novella]

Author: Rick Riordan

Series: Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles crossover #1

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In this e-book short story by Rick Riordan, Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . .

As if Carter or Percy by themselves wasn't enough sarcastic humor and witty banter, put them together and you get...even more sarcastic humor and witty banter. I loved the crossover of both of these characters. They live almost in two separate worlds, but it was only a matter of time before they somehow met. Both Carter and Percy are used to being the one in charge, and now, suddenly their turf is being invaded. They have to put aside their distrust of each other to fight next to each other.

Like all three series, (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus) this short story was filled with the humorous though processes and easy banter that make up who Percy and Carter are. It was a fun, easy read. Although it was (too) short, it still held true to who Percy and Carter are. It was filled the kind of sayings that Carter and Percy are known for:

"Getting eaten twice in one day would be very embarrassing." -Carter

"Not exactly my finest tactical move; but having a hippo shoved up your nose must have been sufficiently distracting." -Carter

"If nothing else, we would die knowing we had confused this monster many, many times." -Carter

okay I realize those were all Carter but you get the point

And boy, did it leave a lot of questions! The only thing I didn't like was the fact that we didn't get any of the story from Percy's point of view, only Carter's. (Well, that and all the unanswered question!) This is definitely a must-read for any fans of either series. 

Rick Riordan:

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UnStrung {by Neal Shusterman}

Title: UnStrung [novella]

Author: Neal Shusterman

Series: Unwind Dystology, 1.5

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

How did Lev Calder move from an unwillingly escaped Tithe to a clapper?
In this new ebook original short story, author Neal Shusterman opens a window on Lev's adventures between the time he left CyFi and when he showed up at the Graveyard.
Lev's experiences on a Hi-Rez, an extraordinarily wealthy Native American Reservation introduce him to a teen with remarkable musical talent... and whose gifts are destined to end up in the hands of another. And it is this teen's heart-breaking story that inspired Lev to choose the clapper's path.
Pulling elements from Neal Shusterman's critically acclaimed Unwind and giving hints about what is to come in the long-awaited sequel, UnWholly, this short story is a must for fans of the series.

For something so small, this sure packed a lot into it. This story takes place after Lev leaves Cyrus, before he makes it to the Graveyard. Lev runs while everyone is still distracted by CyFi, and makes it over the wall of a "Rez". Fortunately for him, he makes it to a "Hi-Rez" instead of a "Low-Rez". But Lev is no longer the naive, happy kid he was. He is angry and bitter at the whole world. Here, he meets Wil, whose talent for music can literally heal.

Shusterman has made a very thorough dystopian world in this series. Here, we also get to see what happened to Native Americans. They live on reservations ("rez"), although some are poor and some are rich (hence, "hi-rez" and "low-rez"). The American Indians, now called ChanceFolk, refused to sign the Unwind Accord, and so do not take place in unwinding or receiving parts. Instead, they have perfected the transfer of animal parts to humans. They take in AWOL Unwinds, like Lev, if their petition to join the tribe is approved.

I also enjoyed the new characters. Wil takes Lev under his wing as he shows him around. Wil has a gift for music, one that can affect emotions, or bring emotional healing. He is used all over the rez for his gift, the latest one being his grandfather who wants him to play over his passing. But Wil is tired of this. He wants to go out into the world, to be appreciated for his music, to play in front of crowds and hear applause. (The rez does not believe in applause because of pride and such.)

Here, Lev makes the first steps into what could have been a change. But when something happens to Wil--something that also gets Lev's petition to be adopted by the rez denied--Lev not only becomes angry and bitter again, he becomes even more so. This part, and what happens to Wil, will definitely play with your emotions. For a short story, this was actually pretty thorough and moving, something usually lacking in novellas because they are so short. So it was a pleasant surprise that Shusterman actually was able to make this almost as good as a full-length book. This will definitely have you wanting more in the series, if you haven't read UnWholly yet. And if you have, well, you'll still be wanting more.

Lev is determined to bring the world down, using his hands. The hands that could not applaud for Wil. And that is the story of how Lev became a clapper.

Check out my review of Unwind

Neal Shusterman:

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"The Prince" by Kiera Cass

Title: The Prince [novella]

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection series, novella #0.5

Rating: Three out of Five stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble