Short Reviews: Novellas

Title: Night of Cake & Puppets (Daughter of Smoke & Bone 2.5) by Laini Taylor

Published: November 26^th, 2013 by Little, Brown Books

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Contemporary romance

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

In Night of Cake & Puppets, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike. Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her “rabid fairy,” her “voodoo eyes” are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy’s not going to know what hit him. 

My Review

As you know I LOVE this series.  I think Night of Cake & Puppets was just awesome!  It shows an unexpected side of Zuzana.  Only she would think of such a complicated plan to get Mik to notice her.  Who would have thought that Zuzana could be shy?  Mik is such a sweetheart, I think I would fall for him too :) This was a night to remember, that’s for sure. 

A must read for fans of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone series. 

Title: Shattered Mountain by Rae Carson (Fire and Thorns 0.6)

Published: March 26^th, 2013 by Greenwillow Books

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Fantasy

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

On the outskirts of Joya d'Arena, small villages fight for survival against the onslaught of sorcerers and raiders. Mara's village has been safe--so far--but Mara decides to escape anyway. Escape from her harsh, abusive father. Escape with her first love. But when their plans fall on the same day that the animagi burn the village to the ground, Mara faces losses that could destroy her. She's a survivor, though. She is going to make it through the mountains, and she is going to protect the refugees following her. Because there's a rumored safe haven . . . and some say they have found the Chosen One. Told from Mara's point-of-view, The Shattered Mountain is an alternate perspective of the beginning of the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

My Review

The Girl of Fire and Thorns series is another of my absolute favorites. This little gem brings us Mara’s story and how she became part of the revolution and escaped an Inverno attack.  Mara had a very difficult upbringing under the thumb of a dominant and cruel father.  She also was part of a great love story, which unfortunately didn’t end well.  She is very strong and resilient and determined to do what’s right, regardless of the consequences.  I really good addition to the world of the Fire and Thorns series. 

Title: The King’s Guard by Rae Carson (Fire and Thorns 0.7)

Published: July 30^th, 2013 by Greenwillow Books

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Fantasy

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

At fifteen years old, Hector is the youngest squire in the most elite military force in the country. And his first day is disastrous. Everyone assumes the only reason he was recruited is his close personal association with King Alejandro, not because he's really earned it. But Alejandro needs Hector for a secret mission, one that gives him the chance to prove to everyone—including himself—that he is worthy to be a Royal Guard. Hector must break into the ancient Fortress of Wind to retrieve something so important that the kingdom's future depends on it. What Hector finds in the fortress will stretch his bond of friendship with his king near to breaking. And it will prepare him to become the fearsome warrior and lord commander Elisa will never let go. 

My Review

Besides Elisa, Hector is my favorite character of the series.  In The King’s Guard we get to meet a young Hector, but also young Alejandro and his former wife. It was a great adventure that displayed Hector’s growth, strength of character, loyalty and leadership.  I really enjoyed this one, being in Hector’s mind is fascinating! 

The complicated politics of the Joya d’Arena take precedent here, as well as Alejandro’s lack of direction and decisiveness.  We also learn a big and surprising secret.  Another must read for fans of the series (like me!).

Title: Bittersweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout (The Dark Elements 0.5)

Published: December 1^st, 2013 by Harlequin Teen

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Paranormal | Romance

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything...right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally. And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...

My Review

I’m starting to think that Jennifer Armentrout is incapable of writing a bad book!  I haven’t read everything she’s ever written, but everything that I have is amazing. Bittersweet Love is not the exception.  This novella is an introduction to the Dark Elements series and the word of gargoyles (great idea, right?)  As such, it is an informative story, full of explanations about their world and how unjust it is for the females. 

I adored Dez, he is so sweet and protective of Jasmine and truly loves her.  I’m very happy that she was able to see part Dez’s apparent betrayal (otherwise, I would keep him for myself!)  Great introduction to the series, I can’t wait to read White Hot Kiss.

Have you read any of these?  Are you a follower of these series?  Do you enjoy novellas?  What do you like about them?

Short Reviews: The Shadow Cats and Stupid Perfect World

These are two short novellas that I’ve read recently that were pretty good.  Enjoy!

Title: The Shadow Cats by Rae Carson (Fire and Thorns #0.5)

Published: July 17^th, 2012 by Greewillow Books

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Challenge(s): 2012 eBook

Grade rate: A

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.

My Review

It is no secret that I love Girl of Fire and Thorns, and as an normal fan would, I proceeded to find anything I could related to it.  This is a short novella, but it packs a punch :)

The story is narrated by Alodia and let me tell you, she is a force to be reckon with!  She is very calculating, smart, brave, and a person of action (as opposed to Elisa, who is more of a strategist).  In the story, the Invernos have allied themselves to the Perditos to cause trouble and prevent an advantageous wedding.   More than anything, it made me want to learn more about Alodia, and I hope we get the chance in book #3 or, even better, that Alodia gets her own story (*hint*)

The plot and the writing, as expected, are amazing.  I can’t say enough good things about this series, seriously, go and read it, like now. 

Title: Stupid Perfect World by Scott Westerfeld

Published: December 4^th, 2013 by HarperTeen

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Challenge(s): 2012 eBook

Grade rate: B

In this future-set novella by bestselling author Scott Westerfeld, Kieran Black lives in a "perfect" world. Disease and starvation have been eradicated, sleep is unnecessary, and it takes no time at all to go from the Bahamas to the moon. But now Kieran has to take Scarcity, a class about how people lived in the bad old days. And as if sitting through an hour of Scarcity every day wasn't depressing enough, it's final projects time. Each student must choose some form of ancient hardship to experience for two whole weeks. Kieran chooses having to sleep eight hours a night, which doesn't seem too annoying. Maria Borsotti has never thought much of Kieran, but she decides to take pity on him and help him out with his project. Soon, Kieran is sleeping and having vivid dreams, while Maria, whose Scarcity project is to give up all teenage hormone regulation, is experiencing emotions she never knew she had. As their assignments draw them closer together, they begin to wonder if the olden days weren't so bad. Maybe something has been missing from their perfect lives after all?

My Review

It is nice to read a book in which the future is not a hot mess!  I can’t even imagine how Westerfeld come up with these things; he is such an amazing writer.

As you can tell from the synopsis, the future is an ideal world. There is not disease, no need to eat or sleep; it really boggles the mind, right?  Well, due to Scarcity class, Kieran decides to start sleeping a few hours a day, this turns out to be problematic, as he isn’t sleepy and he doesn’t own a bed.  When he finally sleeps, he starts dreaming and really likes it.  In the meantime Maria decides to let her hormones run free (for her project) and as any female can attest to, that is quite the trial :)

This is a short, fun story.  It is hard to identify with characters in such a short time, but I think overall this is a great read.

 Have you read these?  Do you like novellas?

Enter my Favorites of 2012 Giveaway here!