Sightwitch (The Witchlands #0.5) by Susan Dennard - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Sightwitch (The Witchlands #0.5)
Author: Susan Dennard
Recent Release Date: February 13, 2018

My REVIEW of Truthwitch
My REVIEW of Windwitch
My REVIEW of the Sightwitch Excerpt

Synopsis: Before Safi and Iseult battled a Bloodwitch...

Before Merik returned from the dead…

Ryber Fortiza was a Sightwitch Sister at a secluded convent, waiting to be called by her goddess into the depths of the mountain. There she would receive the gift of foretelling. But when that call never comes, Ryber finds herself the only Sister without the Sight.

Years pass and Ryber’s misfit pain becomes a dull ache, until one day, Sisters who already possess the Sight are summoned into the mountain, never to return. Soon enough, Ryber is the only Sister left. Now, it is up to her to save her Sisters, though she does not have the Sight—and though she does not know what might await her inside the mountain.

On her journey underground, she encounters a young captain named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Together, the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, their road filled with horrors, and what they find at the end of that road will alter the fate of the Witchlands forever.

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Review: I totally forgot to write this review. I wrote a review of the advanced excerpt of Sightwitch, but forgot to write a review after I finished the whole novella once it came out in February, which I had pre-ordered of course. So, this review isn't going to have a lot of details. 

I really enjoyed the format of this novella. The story is told in letters, diary entries, text book excerpts, and drawings. The world of the Witchlands is so expansive. I will read anything that gives me another glimpse into that world.

I give this novella a 5/5. You should definitely read it if you have enjoyed the books in the main series. And if you haven't read Truthwitch, go buy it right now!


--PAUL

Sightwitch (A Tale of the Witchlands) by Susan Dennard - Preview Excerpt Review - PRE-ORDER!!!

*I received this preview excerpt from Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley as an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Sightwitch (The Witchlands #0.5)
Author: Susan Dennard
Upcoming Release Date: February 13, 2018

Call-To-Arms website with GIVEAWAY RAFFLE

My REVIEW of Truthwitch
My REVIEW of Windwitch

Synopsis: Before Safi and Iseult battled a Bloodwitch...

Before Merik returned from the dead…

Ryber Fortiza was a Sightwitch Sister at a secluded convent, waiting to be called by her goddess into the depths of the mountain. There she would receive the gift of foretelling. But when that call never comes, Ryber finds herself the only Sister without the Sight.

Years pass and Ryber’s misfit pain becomes a dull ache, until one day, Sisters who already possess the Sight are summoned into the mountain, never to return. Soon enough, Ryber is the only Sister left. Now, it is up to her to save her Sisters, though she does not have the Sight—and though she does not know what might await her inside the mountain.

On her journey underground, she encounters a young captain named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Together, the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, their road filled with horrors, and what they find at the end of that road will alter the fate of the Witchlands forever.

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Review: I absolutely love the world of the Witchlands. Susan Dennard does such a good job creating a rich world that feels so expansive. I have already pre-ordered Sightwitch so when I saw a preview excerpt available on NetGalley I jumped at it. The preview only gave me a glimpse into the story, but I love where it's going. Not all of the graphics and formatting were completed, but the graphics that were there were amazing. I love the concept behind this book. It's a story told non-linearly using mixed media. 

I give this excerpt a 5/5. I am very excited to see the full novella arrive on my kindle on FEBRUARY  13th!!! You should pre-order now! You should also help promote the book on social media. Here's that LINK.


--PAUL

The Black Knife (The Orphan Queen #0.4 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: The Black Knife (The Orphan Queen #0.4)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: March 1, 2016


Synopsis: Skyvale is on the verge of becoming a battleground. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows’s most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce has been beaten and broken and has lost two people he cares about. His worst enemy knows his deepest secret. What he thought he knew about his family has fallen apart. And his parents push harder than ever for him to court Lady Meredith. But with the imminent threat of firefly, the newest and deadliest version of a magical drug, Tobiah doesn’t have time to sort through his problems. If he doesn’t act immediately, firefly will suffocate the city and everyone in it.

The Black Knife is the final of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series

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Review: I really enjoy when YA series include novellas between the releases of their books. It ties the reader over and allows them to keep in the world of the series. These novellas focus on Tobiah and are prequels to the series. 

This is the final novella. The effects of the end of the last novel propel the action forward. Tobiah finally has a name for his vigilante persona. This novella is a nice conclusion. These three novellas really make a prequel novel in itself. I give this novella a 5/5.


--PAUL

The Burning Hand (The Orphan Queen #0.3 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: The Burning Hand (The Orphan Queen #0.3)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: December 1, 2015


Synopsis: The city of Skyvale's problems have reached the palace. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce is no longer simply a prince. He wanted to be more and do more after he watched his tutor's brutal murder and uncovered a plot that threatens the safety of Skyvale. With the help of his cousin, James, and the guidance of a girl who knows her way around the city's rooftops, Tobiah is gaining confidence in his new role. He can no longer be just a witness to the evils occurring in his city, but is he willing to risk his reputation—and maybe even his life—to make things right?

The Burning Hand is the third of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

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Review: I really enjoy when YA series include novellas between the releases of their books. It ties the reader over and allows them to keep in the world of the series. These novellas focus on Tobiah and are prequels to the series. 

James takes on a little more of a focus in this novella. Tobiah is still learning how to operate as a vigilante. He tries to balance being the Black Knife and his responsibilities as an heir. I give this novella a 5/5.


--PAUL

The Glowing Knight(The Orphan Queen #0.2 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Review

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Title: The Glowing Knight (The Orphan Queen #0.2)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: September 1, 2015


Synopsis: Skyvale faces problems worse than anyone realizes. Secrets are building. Enemies are everywhere. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce is ready to break free of his princely role—he's sick of the bodyguards that always trail him and is uncertain about the new girl at court, Meredith Corcoran, who his parents keep pushing toward him. When Tobiah's beloved tutor seems to be embroiled in a dangerous situation deep within the city, Tobiah jumps on the opportunity to throw off the royal restrictions and chase after him. But what happens in the narrow alleys and shadowy corners proves he doesn't know anything about the people he cares about—or the city he must one day rule.

The Glowing Knight is the second of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

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Review: I really enjoy when YA series include novellas between the releases of their books. It ties the reader over and allows them to keep in the world of the series. These novellas focus on Tobiah and are prequels to the series. 

This first novella shows Tobiah's first time putting on the mask. His persona of Black Knife is only beginning to form. I liked seeing the world from his perspective. It's cool to see the set-up for where we first see Tobiah in The Orphan Queen. I give this novella a 5/5.


--PAUL

Queen Song (Red Queen #0.5) by Victoria Aveyard - Paul's Review

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Title: Queen Song (Red Queen #0.5)
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Recent Release Date: September 1, 2015

REVIEW of Red Queen

Synopsis: Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary—how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.

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Review: I am a big fan of novellas that bridge the gap between releases of books in a YA genre series. It's nice to quench that thirst if only enough to survive. This novella made me more thirsty!

It took me a bit to get back into the world, but once I recalled how the characters in this novella relate to those in Red Queen I really got into it. I even now want a prequel to this. The king's paramour piqued my fancy. I would love the story of that king coming into adulthood. They were stable in the novella, but there had to have been drama to get there. 

I want a Prince Robert novella!

If you liked Red Queen and like me can not wait for Glass Sword, this novella will help that pain. It isn't a full meal though. 

I give Queen Song a 4/5. I'm excited for the next novella. And I'll be hoping for Prince Robert's story.  


--PAUL

Engage (Ignite #2.5) by Erica Crouch - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Patchwork Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Engage (Ignite #2.5)
Author: Erica Crouch
Publication Date: May 5, 2015

My Reviews:  Ignite (#1) • Entice (#1.5) • Incite (#2) • Infinite (#3)

Synopsis: Kalaziel is a terrible guardian angel: her temper’s shorter than she is, she swears, she’s missing a wing, and she sees no problem with letting man make their own choices—no matter how questionable. That’s what free will is all about, right? Her overseers disagree. 

After she mishandles an assignment, Heaven strips Kala of her title and throws her back into training, hoping to reinforce the covenant of vows she swore to uphold as a guardian. But the angels’ motives aren’t as pure as they appear: they want to eradicate any opinions that conflict with Heaven’s code. 

With a mass cleansing on the horizon, Kala discovers she is not alone in her insubordination; there are other angels who are restless with the stasis of Heaven and ready for change. Progress doesn’t come easily, though, especially when it means uniting ancient enemies to fight for a common cause. 

Engage is a novella that prequels Kala and Ana’s story in Incite

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Review: I love this series, and I love Kala, so I was so excited to find out the second novella would be about Kala and Ana's relationship before we meet them in Incite! I'm a sucker for backstories, and this one did not disappoint. Well, maybe a little bit - I do wish it had been longer because I could totally read a full-length novel about Kala! 

Kala is stubborn, brash, and willing to break the strict rules as long as she believes her way is the right way. It was fun to watch her as a guardian angel, especially since we learn why she ends up back in training. I honestly agreed with Kala's actions, but obviously the angels in charge didn't. But this incident leads to Kala meeting Ana, which is pretty much perfect.

Ana and Kala might be my favorite couple in this series, and how they meet and end up in a relationship is perfect for them. Ana agrees with Kala but can't openly speak her mind, and Kala doesn't really care what anyone else thinks of her. Even though the two angels are opposites, their love story is adorable and watching Kala fall in love with Ana was so sweet. Things do happen quickly, but it makes sense in the context of the book and doesn't feel like instalove. 

As always, Erica's writing is beautiful and had me hooked from the first page. If you've read any of the other books in the Ignite series, you definitely want to read this novella! Kala is one of my favorite characters, and I loved learning more about her and Ana and even seeing what Heaven was like before all of the angels fell and before New Genesis. 5/5!


--Ashley

The Hidden Prince (The Orphan Queen #0.1 novella) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: The Hidden Prince (The Orphan Queen #0.1)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: June 2, 2015


Synopsis: The city of Skyvale is in trouble. Magic use is rampant. Crime is spreading. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce knows he is a spoiled, sheltered prince, and he's tired of it. His only chance for freedom is if his cousin, James Rayner, passes the trials to be one of his bodyguards. But when Tobiah takes a rare opportunity to escape a courtly celebration and he witnesses a horrible—and magical—crime, he must make a momentous decision: return to the ignorance and comfort of the palace, or risk everything to discover the truth?

The Hidden Prince is the first of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

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Review: I am a big fan of Jodi Meadows and both of her series. This is the first novella that accompanies this duology. It is from Tobiah's perspective and takes place two years before The Orphan Queen. Tobiah is not the confident prince with a certain perception of him known throughout the kingdom. Other characters from Skyvale also obviously are featured. I'm really interested in the character of James, especially after the ending of The Orphan Queen. I'm hoping to find hints in these novellas about what he's hiding. 

Since this is only the first of the 4 novellas, the prequel story has only started. It seems like these novellas all put together is a prequel book itself. 

I read this novella in one sitting. I loved being back in the world. I also enjoyed seeing more of the everyday happenings of the royals in Skyvale. 

I give this novella a 5/5 and can't wait for the next one! If you haven't read any of Meadows's books, what is wrong with you!!?!??!?!?! Go buy Incarnate right now!

--PAUL

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Engage (Ignite #2.5) by Erica Crouch + GIVEAWAY

Engage by Erica Crouch
Series: Ignite #2.5
Published by Patchwork Press on May 5, 2015
Genres: Fantasy, LGBT, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 128
Goodreads

Synopsis: Kalaziel is a terrible guardian angel: her temper’s shorter than she is, she swears, she’s missing a wing, and she sees no problem with letting man make their own choices—no matter how questionable. That’s what free will is all about, right? Her overseers disagree.

After she mishandles an assignment, Heaven strips Kala of her title and throws her back into training, hoping to reinforce the covenant of vows she swore to uphold as a guardian. But the angels’ motives aren’t as pure as they appear: they want to eradicate any opinions that conflict with Heaven’s code.

With a mass cleansing on the horizon, Kala discovers she is not alone in her insubordination; there are other angels who are restless with the stasis of Heaven and ready for change. Progress doesn’t come easily, though, especially when it means uniting ancient enemies to fight for a common cause.

Engage is a novella that prequels Kala and Ana’s story in Incite.

Today’s the day — release day! We are so excited to share Kala and Ana’s story with everyone. This book is the book that almost wasn’t; without Erica Crouch splitting Incite in half, we never would have had the opportunity to hear the background of just how New Genesis came to be…at least, not in a format like this!

And really, we can't get enough of our favorite lesbian angel couple!

Like Entice, Engage is available as both a paperback and an ebook, so you can have it sitting on both your physical bookshelf or your virtual one! You can order Engage from:

Amazon • B&N • iTunes • Kobo.

Sign up to participate in the Infinite cover reveal May 15th! Just a little over a month until the conclusion of the series comes out -- Infinite will be available June 16th, so mark your calendars!

About Erica Crouch

Erica Crouch is a young adult and new adult author from Baltimore, Maryland. She has a strange blended aesthetic of cute and spooky, and her books reflect her ever changing mood. (You may find romance, you may find gore—sometimes both in the same book, but probably not at the same time. Probably.)

Erica is the cofounder of Patchwork Press, an author-powered publisher of middle grade, young adult, and new adult titles. She is the head of editorial services and design, with nearly fifty projects to her name.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

The Giveaway!

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This Night So Dark (Starbound #1.5) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner - Paul's Review

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Title: This Night So Dark (Starbound #1.5)
Author: Amy Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Year Published: 2014

These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) Pre reading
These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) Review

Synopsis: Don’t miss the breathtaking short story that connects the first two novels in the Starbound trilogy, These Broken Stars and This Shattered World. 

Tarver still has nightmares about the night, six months before the Icarus crash, when he rescued a group of civilian researchers being held hostage by brutal mercenaries. Now Tarver and Lilac must reconcile his memories of that fateful night with the truth that they uncovered on a mysterious planet after the Icarus crashed. 

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Review: I really enjoyed the world created in These Broken Stars. It was so much bigger than that story alone. I was captivated from the first chapter, set in a completely different location than the rest of the book. So when I saw there was a novella that took place within that world, I had to read it. 

I have yet to read This Shattered World, so I don't know how much of this novella is relevant to the story. It is supposed to be the bridge between the two books. I enjoyed the interludes between the chapters. The characters from the first book make their appearance there. 

This was a fun, little story. I'm sure I'll make connections when I read This Shattered World. I want to see more of this universe! More space adventures! Oh, and I also really enjoyed the casual mention of a same-sex attraction. I give this novella a 4/5. If you have read These Broken Stars and are looking to continue the series, definitely check out this novella. 


--PAUL

DUAL COVER REVEAL: Half-Life by Tina Ferraro and Racing Hearts by Laura Lascarso

Happy Friday! We've got a dual cover reveal for you today, from the lovely people at Leap Books! These two books are the debut titles for their new Shine line of books, which publishes New Adult novellas.

So, first up, we have the cover of Half- Life by Tina Ferraro! Keep scrolling for the cover of Racing Hearts by Laura Lascarso!

Probably not a good idea to take advice from your dead twin sister.

High school sophomore Trisha Traynor and friends have played the Halloween mirror game for years, the one that’s supposed to show a glimpse of the guy they’ll marry. But no one’s ever seen anything.

Until tonight—when Trisha is gob smacked by the candlelit arrival of her long-deceased twin sister, instead of her crush, Kirk Maxwell.

In a voice and vision that only Trisha can hear and see, Chessie claims to be back on a compassionate journey. Trisha fears she's gone nuthouse crazy. But she nonetheless follows the instructions Chessie outlines in their nightly conversations, until she finds herself stepping across some ethical lines, and probably ending all chances with Kirk.

When a sisterly showdown ensues, resulting in the shattering of the mirror, Chessie’s gone again, and a heartsick Trisha sets about righting her recent wrongs. That is, until she stumbles upon the real reason Chessie had come back and the most important glimpse yet that the mirror could never predict.

About Tina Ferraro

Tina Ferraro been writing since she learned to hold a pencil, and sold upwards of a hundred short stories to national magazines before turning to novels. She is the author of three Random House novels, The ABC’s of Kissing Boys, How to Hook a Hottie and Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, which have received distinctions such as the ABA Book Sense Award and two RITA nominations.

Her fourth YA, The Starter Boyfriend, has spent time on Amazon’s Top 100 Lists. She lives in Los Angeles with her rocket scientist husband, two cats and whichever of their three young adult children is in town. When not writing, she enjoys playing Facebook Scrabble, swimming, and chasing coyotes out of her neighborhood.

Watch for Tina’s title with Shine….HALF-LIFE which follows Trisha in the days before her 15th birthday, as her long deceased identical twin makes appearances in mirrors to help prevent her similarly early demise. (ETA, Fall 2015)


Web | Facebook | Facebook Page | Twitter

He wants to honor his father’s legacy; she wants to prove her father wrong.

18-year-old Jesse is still grieving from the loss of his father to cancer when he learns his mother has lost her job. All too soon, Jesse, his little sister, and his mother might be put out on the streets.

Jesse hears of a local car race sponsored by his father's nemesis, Shep Bradley, and the prize money might be enough to keep Jesse’s family from losing their home - if he can win it.

When Shep’s own daughter Brooke asks Jesse to build her a racecar against her father’s wishes, Jesse accepts. After all, he needs the money.

About Laura Lascarso

Laura Lascarso strives to craft stories that are honest and real with characters who must overcome great odds. Her debut novel Counting Backwards (Atheneum 2012) won the Florida Book Award gold medal for YA literature. RACING HEARTS is Laura’s first e-series with Leap Books. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband, two children and a menagerie of animals.

Watch for Laura’s series with Shine which follows a pair of star-crossed lovers. He wants to honor his father’s legacy; she wants to prove her father wrong in this modern-day Romeo & Juliet set in the world of competitive car racing. (ETA. Fall 2015)
Visit Laura on Twitter, Facebook, and her website.

Web | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads




So, what do you think of these covers? Are you excited to read this novellas? Let us know in the comments! 


--Ashley & Paul

City of Cruelty and Copper (Temperance Era #1) by Rhiannon Paille - Ashley's Review

Amazon | Goodreads

Title: City of Cruelty and Copper (Temperance Era #1)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Publication Date: May 28, 2014

Synopsis: Nuclear warfare destroyed Earth, setting it off its axis. A group of survivors escaped to Antarctica, discovering a city under the permafrost. Fable Ketterling was thirteen when the bombs went off.

She was fifteen when she and her parents escaped.
She was fifteen when she found the fountain of youth.
She was fifteen when the fountain made her immortal.
She was the only one.

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Review: The premise behind this story is something that sounds so unique and has a lot of potential. Nuclear warfare destroying Earth, people living beneath the permafrost, a fountain of youth. All of those things should come together and make for one epic story that would be completely unforgettable. 

And for the most part, I think it accomplishes that. I couldn't read this book fast enough, and I had so many questions that I wanted answered. Some of them were answered, but most were not. Which is fine, because this is only the first book in the series and (hopefully) the next part will be out sooner rather than later! I have to know what happens to Fable next. 

The part that kind of threw this book off for me though was that the middle section was not from Fable's perspective. Instead, we're given a glimpse into what Temperance Day is like from the viewpoint of one of Fable's descendants. It was interesting, sure, but I'm not entirely convinced at this point that it was entirely necessary. Maybe if this was a full length book instead of a novella, and his character was developed a little bit more. I felt like it was an aside that only added a little bit of world-building and not much else. 

I also thought that this whole this book could have been novel length instead of novella length, and that it was just missing a lot of information about the world and the characters. Sure, I sympathized with Fable and felt all of her emotions as if they were my own, but I just wanted more. I think this would be a really good series to read once it's all completed, and I would recommend it to fans of YA sci-fi and dystopian stories. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out of the next installment! 3/5


--Ashley

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: A Modern Reimagining by Sarah Daltry - Ashley's Review

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Title: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: A Modern Reimagining
Author: Sarah Daltry
Year Published: 2014

Synopsis: An experimental novella reimagining the main figure of TS Eliot’s classic poem of memory, hopelessness, and loss in a contemporary setting. Approximately 20k words.

"No one wants to hear a lonely middle aged man talk about cities or memory. No one wants to know that the world exists in a kaleidoscope of colors. For one man, indigo is life, and he does not have time for the man for whom yellow is."

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Review: I really love when classic stories are taken and given a modern retelling, and this story was no exception! I'm not a huge fan of poetry usually, but Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock is one that I've read several times (for different classes and to refresh my memory when I've seen references to it outside of class), so I was pretty excited to find a modern (prose) reimagining! 

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was that I had no idea who most of the characters were, except for Emily. Their names aren't given until the story is more than halfway through, and I enjoyed only knowing them as "the wife" and "the narrator." I think it added a certain mystery to the story and it made me want to learn more about them because I didn't know their names. I wish we knew a little bit more about J.'s wife, but I'm not sure anything else would have made sense in contact so it ended up being alright.

I also enjoyed that this story is written both as events happening in the present and memories from the past. The way that Sarah ties the past to the present is really well done, and I enjoyed seeing J. in his younger days when he was in love and his world wasn't tainted by hopelessness. There were also several references to the original poem. I definitely wouldn't have caught them if I hadn't reread it before reading this story, so it was really neat how they're subtly included. 

I would definitely recommend this novella to anyone who is a fan of the original The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock poem, as I think that it definitely does it justice. I'd also recommend this to any fans of Sarah Daltry's other works. It's about people, like her other books, and it deals with some harder topics like love and loss, death, hopelessness, and even wanderlust. I'd give it a 4/5! 


--Ashley

The Moth in the Mirror (Splintered #1.5) by A.G. Howard - Ashley's Review

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Title: The Moth in the Mirror (Splintered #1.5)
Author: A.G. Howard
Year Published: 2013

My Splintered Review
My Splintered Pre-Reading

Synopsis: An original ebook-only novella in the Splintered series, told from the points of view of both Jeb and Morpheus. Morpheus wants to know more about his rival for Alyssa's affections, so he digs into Jeb's memories of his time in Wonderland. But he may be surprised by what he finds. 

This brand-new story and perspective from A.G. Howard's dark, magical world stands alone, but also provides a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come in Unhinged, the sequel to Splintered.

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Review: Splintered was absolutely phenomenal, and The Moth in the Mirror was the perfect novella to tide me over until I can get my hands on Unhinged. It's just as dark, mesmerizing, and wonderful as Splintered was! 

It was really neat being able to see a little bit more into Jeb and Morpheus' minds. Most of this novella is told from Jeb's perspective. We're given several of his memories, and we get to see his thoughts and feelings while Alyssa is off doing something else. We learn why he does certain things (think the Jabberlock box), and just how much he actually loves Alyssa. She's the only girl for him, and he's willing to do so much to keep her safe.

Morpheus is viewing Jeb's memories, so we see his thoughts before and after the memories. He even starts to feel things that Jeb feels, and even though he doesn't want to keep most of the emotions (since they came from a weak human), I enjoyed seeing how he will use Jeb's forgotten memories to possibly get closer to Alyssa and try to win her heart. He's also ridiculously in love with Alyssa, although for different reasons. 

This story left me wanting so much more (in a good way!) and I can't wait to read Unhinged and Ensnared. I also am even more conflicted over which boy to pick! If you've read Splintered, you'll definitely want to read this novella. It's a great refresher of the important points and a fun glimpse into the boys' minds. I do wish it was longer though! A 4/5. 


--Ashley

No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die #0.5) by Danielle Paige - Ashley's Review

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Title: No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die #0.5)
Author: Danielle Paige
Year Published: 2013

Paul's Review

Synopsis: After returning to Kansas, Dorothy Gale has realized that the dreary fields of Kansas don’t compare to the vibrant landscapes of Oz. And although she’s happy to be reunited with Aunt Em, she misses her friends from the yellow brick road. But most of all, Dorothy misses the fame and the adventure. In Kansas she’s just another prairie girl, but in Oz she was a hero. So Dorothy is willing to do anything to get back, because there really is no place like Oz. But returning to the land she left comes at a price, and after Dorothy is through with it, Oz will never be the same.

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Review: I love the Oz books, and I love when there are retellings of things that happen in Oz. I think it's one of my favorite classics to read new and interesting spins on, because the world is so vast and there are so many ways it can be changed into something new and exciting. This novella was no different, and might even be one of my favorites! 

Dorothy is always portrayed as being the hero - she killed the Witches and restored peace to Oz, and all of the residents of Oz love her for that. In this novella though, she's not the sweet little girl from Kansas that everyone remembers. She's actually kind of a jerk for most of the book, and I actually liked that about her. Especially since the next book is called Dorothy Must Die.... I'm pretty glad that I'm not sure whether or not I should actually like Dorothy. 

One of my favorite parts about this novella was all of the references to the originial book series. Ozma is really important in the books, and it makes sense that she's the ruler at the time that this novella is taking place. Other fans of the series may notice that the Saw-Horse, Polychrome, and the porcelain dolls (among other inhabitants of Oz) make appearance or are mentioned, which is pretty neat. And Dorothy's slippers stick to the original story in terms of their color, although she does receive a special gift on her sixteenth birthday that will make bring back memories of the original movie. 

I really enjoyed this novel, and I'm excited to see what will happen to Oz as the story continues in the rest of the Dorothy Must Die series! I think I want to read a few more Oz books before I read Dorothy Must Die though so that I can pick up on all of the subtle references and know who the characters and places are from the original books. I would definitely recommend this novella to anyone who is thinking about reading Dorothy Must Die and to any fans of The Wizard of Oz, be it the movie or the books. A 5/5! 

--Ashley

A Matter of Disagreement by E.E. Ottoman - Paul's Review

**I was provided an eARC of this novella by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

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Title: A Matter of Disagreement
Author: E.E. Ottoman
Year Published: 2014

**This novella is MATURE**

Synopsis: The rise of mechanical animation, and its popularity at court, is threatening to end Andrea's scholarly pursuits of spell craft and literature—and force him to let go of his assistants, who depend on him to support their families. In retaliation against the field that is ruining his life, Andrea begins to campaign against it. The efforts gain him notoriety, but do not solve his financial dilemmas.

When he is dragged to a party by his brother, he comes face to face with the man who pioneered mechanical animation: Leon Gregory de la Marche VI, Marquis de la Marche. And he is not at all what Andrea expected.

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Review: This novella is set in a world of high society where technology and magic are closely related. The world is a lot bigger than this novella and it isn't explored very much. I thought the story was quite short. I think the story and the world building could have been expanded into a novel. I wanted to know more about the magic aspect of the world.

I didn't really connect with the romance in this novella. I did enjoy that queer characters were accepted in this world though. This is definitely an adult novella, but you wouldn't know until the ending. The last about 10% is pretty much erotica. I was a little surprised by it. 

I give this novella a 3/5. I enjoyed the novella, but I wanted more. The story had more potential and I never really got to understand the world.

--Paul