Novella Review: In Time, Bittersweet Love, and The Moth in the Mirror

I realized that I read a large number of novellas via eBook and don't review them. Since they're shorter, they also might not need as much of a review. So I figured that, every once in a while, I'd make a post with reviews of novellas I have read recently.

Title: In Time
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Hyperion
Series: The Darkest Minds
Release: July 16, 2013
Pages: 190
Review: 3.5 Stars

While I loved The Darkest Minds, In Time just didn't do it for me. I got it when it released, but couldn't get past the first chapter. I would read bits and pieces at a time, resulting in hazy memories of what it was about. When I finally reached the halfway point, I got drawn in enough that I finished the book. I think it was partially because the main character was not the one I was used to. It was a guy (who's name I'm blanking on) instead of Ruby, the heroin of the series. He just wasn't as interesting. The plot was slow building, and I don't know what repercussions it will have on the series. I've heard it had important ones though. After reading it, it made me realize that I need to actually read book two, Never Fade. The book was good, nicely written, but not my style. I give it 3.5 stars. *wanders over to bookshelf to read Never Fade*

Title: Bittersweet Love
Author: Jennifer L Armentrout
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Series: The Dark Elements
Release: December 1, 2013
Pages: 167
Review: Five Stars

It is an undisputed fact that Jennifer L Armentrout can do no wrong! I have twelve posts about her books that can prove it for you. I have read all but one of her YA's, and they ROCK! Bittersweet Love is a prequel novella to White Hot Kiss, the first book in a new series. This also marks Jennifer's first publication with a big publisher. What is the series about? Demons and gargoyles, that's what! Have you ever seen gargoyles as both the good guys and lead creatures in YA? I think not. It's a new frontier that Jennifer conquers brilliantly. The main character is Jasmine. The novella takes place over the course of a few days, where she is deciding if she wants to give in and become the mate of Zayne or make or own path. In the end, she does a bit of both. The novella was amazing and I couldn't put it down! Read it now and you will NOT regret it! I give it a full five stars!

Title: The Moth in the Mirror
Author: A.G. Howard
Publisher: Amulet Books
Series: Splintered
Release: October 22, 2013
Pages: 88
Review: Four Stars

This one was good. The only reason it took so long to read was because it took me a while to pick it up. The Moth in the Mirror is book 1.5 in the Splintered series. It's from the POV of one of the male leads, Morpheus. In it, he's trying to figure out what he needs to do to win the heart of Alyssa and 'defeat' Jeb, the guy who currently has it. Morpheus is an interesting character. I believe that he is good at heart, and I definitely like him more than Jeb, but he's not afraid to fight dirty. To be fair, it's in his nature. He lives in a twisted Wonderland, and everything from the original story is dead wrong. Emphasis on the dead part. I liked the story, but I wish that there'd been more from his point of view and less of just viewing Splintered through Jeb's eyes. Overall, the novella was good and is a great lead in to book two, Unhinged, which comes out in January. I give it four stars.

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Okay, first off, I have to say that I'm WAY behind in my reviews. Seriously, I have about twenty books I've been meaning to review. Anyway, Splintered came out back in January and I got my hands on it as soon as possible. I read it, and loved it I might add, and put it on my to-be-reviewed list. It has sat there for, oh, two months now. But I'm finally reviewing it. And it is totally worth the review. Splintered is amazing. It is made of awesomesauce. It's one of the best takes on the Alice in Wonderland tales out there. Oh yes, it' was a take on the Alice in Wonderland tale. The big difference is how much creepier it is. It's like, WAY creepier. But that's okay, because that makes it awesome and original. To give you a taste, imagine the White Rabbit. Now, make it a skeleton rabbit with it's fur peeling off, and you get a picture of what it's like.

The main character is Alyssa Gardner. She is awesome and can totally defend herself. Her mom is insane and she thinks she might be too. Get this, she will kill bugs, and make mosaics out of them. I have to say, no matter how weird that is, it's pretty cool. Alyssa's not exactly popular, nor well liked by everyone. But she does have friends and family who care about her. The reason she's looked at weirdly, is because everyone knows she's descended from the little girl Alice in Wonderland was based on. Life's weird for her, but she takes it in stride, which I love. And that ability serves her well when she falls down the rabbit hole...

The book has a very strong story and plot. I waited for months to read the book, and was not disappointed. All the characters are strong, and I couldn't help but love them all, even when I hate them at the same time. Alyssa was very strong and made the choices that needed to be made, even when she wouldn't like the outcome. I cannot wait for the second book. For more information, check out the author's Facebook page and website. In conclusion, I give this book a full five stars.

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe is a fun read. I gobbled it up in one evening. It’s a strong, stand-alone novel. Now, usually I’m not a huge fan of realistic fiction, but this book had me hooked from page one.

Chloe is a strong, female protagonist. When her best friend says hurtful things about her, she stands up tall and gets through it. She always has something to say. Usually it’s funny, often babble, and sometimes serious. But she’s also learning about how to listen, a trait that comes in handy towards the end of the book. The other characters are all very strong in their own ways. Many of them have to put up with problems at home or at school. Although her ex-best friend is set to be the antagonist, you just can’t hate her. She has problems of her own that make her a mean person. Many of the characters are very stubborn which makes the reader want to throw the book at the wall.

The author weaved an interesting plot. Always keeping me on the edge of my seat. I definitely enjoyed this book and give it five stars.