Shadow by Amanda Sun

E-novella / Short Story

Paper Gods #0.5

June 2013 from Harlequin Teen

free download

Synopsis:

Meet two teens whose worlds are about to change forever in this paranormal Young Adult novella, a prequel to Ink by debut author Amanda Sun…

Katie Greene’s worst nightmare comes true when her mother dies, and she’s devastated to learn that she will have to leave the only home she’s ever known. Desperate to find where she belongs, she must decide if she has what it takes to start a new life across the ocean.

For Yuu Tomohiro, every day is a nightmare. He struggles to control his strange ability, and keeps everyone at a distance so they won’t get hurt—even his girlfriend, Myu. At night, a shadow haunts his dreams, and a mysterious woman torments him with omens of death and destruction. But these haunting premonitions are only the beginning…

(from Goodreads)

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A very interesting prequel for me as I found myself both confused and fascinated! With Ink taking place in Japan, I assumed there would be a lot of new to me elements but what I wasn't prepared for was how the inclusion of so many Japanese terms and names would throw me off. Some things are explained but still, I had a hard time keeping track of everyone.

Things were a little easier the more I read but I don't think I'll be able to keep names straight (especially because different people call people different things at different times). I'm pretty sure I know all the big players but I'll have to wait and see how reading Ink goes.

Shadow gives us two points of view and while I wasn't really drawn to either character I am curious to see how their lives interweave.

If you're thinking about reading Ink but haven't decided yet, I think Shadow will go a long way in helping you make up your mind.

Rating:

3.5 / 5 Stars

As They Slip Away by Beth Revis

E-novella / Short Story

Across the Universe #0.5

January 2013 from the author

online read

Scribd Link

Synopsis:

Taking place on the spaceship Godspeed before Amy Martin wakes up and Elder takes leadership, this novella describes life at the Hospital during Eldest's reign. Focusing primarily on background characters, readers will see fan-favorite characters Harley, Orion, Victria, and more.

This tragic tale explores the background of a previously unknown character, linking the history of the ship and its residents to Amy and Elder, giving depth to the world of Godspeed.

(from Goodreads)

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A creepy tale about Selene, a girl we meet briefly in book one. I knew what ultimately happened to her but it was still a little heartbreaking learning more about her story. She could have been so many things but she never had a real chance.

Reading this short story really helped bring home the sense of wrongness that surrounds much of what happens on Godspeed.

Told with all the passion and pain that made Across The Universe so compelling to me, As They Slip Away was a fantastic read.

A great read for fans of the series - maybe not for you if you haven't read book one however.

Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Origins: The Fire by Debra Driza

E-novella / Short Story

MILA 2.0 #0.5

January 2013 from Katherine Tegen Books

free download

Kindle / Nook

Synopsis:

Mila can't remember anything before the fire that took her father's life. It's normal to have some memory loss after traumatic events, but Mila doesn't remember if she's ever learned to ride a bike, or if she's ever been in love. Nothing.

What she doesn't know is that she isn't supposed to remember—that she was built in a computer science lab and programmed to forget. Because if she remembers, she might discover her true identity.

The question is: If she relived the fire, what would she see?

(from Goodreads)

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A very quick, very fast and very frightening read. I'm not a fan of fire - or reading about being trapped in a fire - or escaping a fire - or surviving a fire and...that's pretty much all this short story is!

Although it is short and not much (besides fire!) happens, I did fell like I got a sense of who Mila is. I liked what I saw and I would very much like to read more of her.

Felt sort of like a first chapter - where we get a little tease as to what's to come without a whole lot of background or details. Very much made me want to run out and buy MILA 2.0 as soon as I was done! (UPDATE: I did! It's sitting on my shelf now begging to be read!)

Without having yet read MILA 2.0 I can't say how 'crucial' this short story is to the plot but it's an enjoyable read none the less. If you're on the fence about starting this series, this short might help you make up your mind.

Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Short Story Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

E-novella / Short Story

Shatter Me #1.5

October 2012 from Harper Teen

Kindle / Nook / Publisher

Synopsis:

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
Warner's point of view? Yes please! I can't remember the last time I came across a villain I found it so very hard to hate.

Warner is such a complex character and while I could never condone what he's done, after reading Destroy Me I understand his actions. He's so very broken, so very beyond redemption. There is nothing lost about him, nothing romantic but still...it's hard for me to label him evil and walk away.

I actually would have loved to have known Warner's insights while reading book 1. With this said, I wouldn't recommend reading Destroy Me if you haven't read Shatter Me. It is however, a perfect in-between story.

Extras?
An excerpt from Unravel Me is included. Also, an "Excerpt from Warner's Files" with a peak inside his private log and files from The Reestablishment -- very cool!

Will I continue the Series?:
Yes! I'm very much looking forward to starting book 2.

Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Short Story Review: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas

E-novella / Short Story

Throne of Glass #0.1

January 2012

Kindle / Nook / Kobo

Synopsis:

On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
Good but a little hesitant as I'm not sure how I feel about Calaena.

My Thoughts:
This novella is a little different as it's 1 part of a prequel of 4 leading up to the full length novel Throne of Glass.

Calaena Sardothien is only 16 but she is already one of the most feared and respected assassins of her time. In this short story we follow her and fellow assassin Sam. They are sent on a mission whose details they realize have been hidden from them. Never one to obey orders blindly, Calaena hatches her own plan of attack. And although at first you get the impression that Sam is very much against it, it's not long before I realized that he would indeed follow Calaena just about anywhere.

I enjoyed this story but it was really only because of Sam. Calaena was a bit hard to like, a bit too devil may care, a bit too much - suck it up boys I'm better then you and don't you forget it! In the end, I warmed up to her a little but I'm still confused as to her motivation. Why is she so harsh without reason? It was a little off putting.

Extras? Nope, just the novella

Will I continue the Series?: I do plan on buying at least the next short story (The Assassin and the Desert #0.2) and from there I guess I'll see.

Rating:

3.5 / 5 Stars

The Throne of Glass Series:

#0.1 The Assassin and the Pirate Lord

#0.2 The Assassin and the Desert

#0.3 The Assassin and the Underworld

#0.4 The Assassin and the Empire

#1 Throne of Glass

#2 Crown of Midnight (August 2013)

Short Story Review: Endurance by Ann Aquirre

E-novella / Short Story

Razorland #1.5

July 2012 from Feiwel and Friends
Kindle / Nook / Kobo

Synopsis:

When rebellion destroys the underground world in which Thimble and Stone have grown up, they take Stone’s son and try to escape the chaos. Along the way, they must evade the Freaks, beings who feed on human flesh. Leaving behind the roles of Builder and Breeder which they were assigned at birth, they wander the underground tunnels, looking for safety yet afraid to go “topside” where legend has it that the light and water will burn their skin from their bones.

Their journey takes them upward to an unimagined world of tinned food, comfortable furniture, and books. Away from their regimented society for the first time, and still facing imminent danger, Thimble and Stone acknowledge the forbidden attraction which both have denied for years. 

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
Ahhh! I was so worried reading this one. What's going to happen? A nail biting tale that I was almost afraid to finish.

Endurance takes place soon after Deuce and Fade leave the enclave and tells the story of what happens to Thimble and Stone. I loved these 2 characters so it was a treat to see them again.

Having read Enclave a while ago, I have to say at first I couldn't quite remember all the details but it didn't take long for my brain to put the pieces back together. Reading about Thimble and Stone I felt like I had never left the terrifying world Aquirre created.

Extras? Yes - contains a preview of Outpost.

Will I continue the series? YES! I have Outpost and I cannot wait to get it read.

Short Story Review: Free Four by Veronica Roth

Divergent #1.1

April 2012 from Katherine Tegen

Goodreads / Kindle / Nook

Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth retells a pivotal Divergent scene (chapter 13) from Tobias's point of view. This thirteen-page scene reveals unknown facts and fascinating details about Four's character, his past, his own initiation, and his thoughts about new Dauntless initiate Tris Prior. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Remember the part in Divergent with Four and Tris and the knife? Remember how obnoxious Four was? Ever wonder what he was thinking? I know I did!

Free Four is a short re-telling of that key piece of Divergent from Four's point of view. A very interesting point of view! It's short and sweet and if you have read Divergent it's a pretty awesome little bonus.

I can't help but think though, if I had read this short story before (or even during) Divergent, my vision of who and what Four is would have been very different. I would have to say, for fans of this series, it would be a good idea to read this one in between books 1 and 2.

Not really a story for those you haven't read Divergent as it doesn't make a lot of sense out of context.

Extras? Yes - excerpts from Divergent and Insurgent plus an introduction from the author.

Will I continue the series? Yes! Reading this really got me excited (again) for Insurgent.

Worth the price? It was free when I read it off of the Divergent Facebook page. Annoying because I really dislike Facebook. You can buy it now for $.99 or read a sample of it for free still on FB. It's only 16 pages long and even though it was interesting and I really enjoyed it, my bitter side says it's not worth the money. Wish the publisher had kept it free!

It's also available in the Collector's Edition of Insurgent - If you haven't bought yours yet, I would get this one!

The Drake Chronicles Short Stories by Alyxandra Harvey

The Drake Chronicles are one of my favorite YA vampire series to date and I'm a huge fan of short stories and series novellas in general.

Short stories, especially when they take place between series books can add a lot of depth to a story line in my opinion.

To date there are 4 short stories in the Drake Chronicles and I've devoured them all!

Corsets and Crossbows (#0.1)
This one takes place well before the events in book 1. The year is 1816 and Rosalind Wild is ready for full membership into the Helios-Ra -- and she'll have to fight very hard to get it. Told in letters, it's a bit one sided as we are only seeing Rosalind's point of view. It's a bit awkward overall but it's a quick read and it's a small glimpse into the early times of the vampire hunting society which I liked.

Read it yourself in ebook format on your Kindle, Nook or iOS device - currently $.99

Lost Girls (#0.5)
Takes place in 1983 and tells the story of the first time Liam and Helena meet. Now, I love vampire stories but really, the one thing that always gets me is the age difference thing. Liam is 81 and Helena is 16. Because Liam turned into a vampire as a teenager, this isn't weird….only it still is for me. It always weirds me out when supernatural beings get away with dating people decades younger then them. But because I love this series so much, I try not to focus on things like this.
Overall, this story was awesome. We get some great back story on Mom and Dad Drake and lots of details about Helena's past.

Read it yourself in the US print edition of book 4, Bleeding Hearts

A Killer First Date (#3.5)
A short and sweet story about Lucy and Nicolas and their attempts at a first 'real' date. Lot of evil vamps around, of course and a few meddling brothers so of course everything goes perfectly :) This is the first short story that takes place in time line of the full text books and I loved it. Lucy is one of my favorite characters and I love how she 'deals' with Nicolas and his brothers.

Read it yourself in ebook format on your Kindle, Nook or iOS device - currently $.99

A Field Guide to Vampires: Annotated by Lucy Hamilton (#4.5)
A vampire guide for students of the Helios-Ra Academy. A quick read made quirky and fun by Lucy's added notes.  A fun read for fans of the series and a good guide in general for help in keeping track of all the factions and characters in the series.
I don't know that you would have to read this one after book 4 but I could be wrong - there might be spoilers so reading it as book 4.5 is probably a good idea.

Read it yourself in ebook format on your Kindle, Nook or iOS device - currently $.99

The complete Drake Chronicles

#0.1 Corsets and Crossbows

#0.5 Lost Girls

#1.0 Hearts at Stake

#2.0 Blood Feud

#3.0 Out for Blood

#3.5 A Killer First Date

#4.0 Bleeding Hearts

#4.5 A Field Guide to Vampires

#5.0 Blood Moon

#6.0 Blood Prophecy (January 2013)

Short Story Review: Isolation by Dan Wells

Partials Sequence #0.5

August 2012 from Balzer + Bray

Goodreads / Kindle / Nook

Synopsis:

Two decades before the events of Partials, the world was locked in a different battle for survival: a global war for the last remaining oil reserves on the planet. It was for the Isolation War that the American government contracted the ParaGen Corporation to manufacture the Partials—our last hope in reclaiming energy independence from China. And it was on these fields of battle that the seeds of humanity's eventual destruction were sown.

Isolation takes us back to the front lines of this war, a time when mankind’s ambition far outstripped its foresight. Heron, a newly trained Partial soldier who specializes in infiltration, is sent on a mission deep behind enemy lines. What she discovers there has far-reaching implications—not only for the Isolation War, but for Partials and humans alike long after this war is over.

A powerful take of our world on the brink, Isolation gives readers a glimpse into the history from which Partials was born—as well as clues to where the Partials Sequence is heading next. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
A harsh and somewhat brutal short story revolving around a Partial named Heron - or at least that's the name she's been given. Told from her point of view we learn of her 'birth', her training and conditioning and her eventual rebellion.

What struck me the most about Isolation was how involved the story was. Short chapters that switch between the present and the past really worked to swept me into the story. It's only about 60 pages but the story is so strong it felt like much more. The background given on Heron was both interesting and disturbing. I was left with a lot of questions that I can only assume Partials will answer.

A great introduction to the series! I have a copy of Partials and reading Isolation has pushed it further up on my to read list.

Extras? Yes - includes the first chapter of Fragments, Book 2 in the series

Will I continue the series? YES! No doubt about it.

Worth the price? At $2.99 it's a little bit more then the average e-novella but it's a very substantial story and over 50 pages so I would have to say that yes, it is worth the price.

Short Story Review: Insider Information by Elana Johnson

E-novella / Short Story

Possession #0.5

November 2011 from the author

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Read an exclusive short story told by Zenn Bower, a character from the full-length novel POSSESSION by Elana Johnson. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
The information about Zenn in this short story seems, at least to me, to be pretty important to the story. I can't help but wonder if my reading experience of Possession will be changed at all after knowing this information. Or maybe these aren't secrets? I just don't know but I am excited to find out.

A perfect 'teaser' to the bigger story. I've had Possession sitting on my shelf for a while now and after reading this short story, I'm really looking forward to reading the entire series.

Zenn is a pretty interesting character. He seems to be pulled in many different directions but one thing is always clear - his love for Vi. I can't wait to see how their lives play out.

Extras? No, just the story, but the entire thing is free to read on Goodreads

Will I continue the series? Yes!

Worth the price? Free so yeah I would have to say yes.

Short Story Review: Beasts and BFFs by Shannon Delany

E-novella / Short Story

13 to Life #0.5

December 2010 from St. Martin's Griffin

Goodreads / Kindle / Nook

Synopsis:

Meet Jessie Gillmansen as she realizes that things might not be what they seem in the town of Junction. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
This prequel to 13 Years to Life was about 12 pages long. I have to wonder if it was originally chapter one before edits. It had that feel. A short introduction to Jessie and her friends. We also get a brief glimpse into the strangeness to come. Actually, I think it works better as a first chapter then the actual first chapter of 13 Years to Life, which I didn't much care for.

A free ebook download worth the 10 minutes or so it would take to read, if you are a fan of the series. If you haven't read 13 Years to Life, this prequel won't really do much for you. And if the publisher ever ups the price to anything other then $0, I wouldn't recommend purchasing it.

Extras? no

Will I continue the series? I actually read book 1 before I read this short story. I didn't love it and I haven't continued with the series. I would be curious to hear from others that have!

Worth the price? For $0? If you're a fan then yeah. If you're not then in my opinion it's a waste of time to download and read.

Short Story Review: Prophet by Jennifer Bosworth

E-novella / Short Story

Struck #0.5

April 2012 from Tor

Goodreads / Tor / Kindle / Nook

Synopsis:

Some men are born monsters . . . others are made so. In “Prophet,” Rance Ridley, the teenage son of a cult leader, lives on an isolated compound, disconnected from modern civilization. There is no running water. No electricity. And no law but the Prophet’s. When Rance is caught in an act of flagrant disobedience, his father delivers the ultimate punishment, and Rance is set on a course that will change everything. ‘Prophet’ is a disturbing glimpse into the past of the villain of Jennifer Bosworth’s debut novel, Struck. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
A born monster? Maybe.
Purely upbringing? Possibly.
Scary as hell villain? Oh yeah!

A first I felt sorry for Rance but that sorry was quickly replaced. Getting this small peak into exactly what he is capable of was awesome.

I was already excited to read Struck, but after reading Prophet, I couldn't wait to dive in. Rance is a powerful character and after getting a glimpse of his disturbing nature, I can't wait to see what havoc he can cause.

Extras? no

Will I continue the series? Yes!

Worth the price? It's free if you read it on Tor.com or you can pay $.99 for the Kindle or Nook version. Either way, I would have to say yes, the price it worth it.

Short Story Review: Portrait of a Starter: An Unhidden Story by Lissa Price

E-novella / Short Story

Starters #0.5

February 2012 from Random House / Delacorte

Goodreads / Kindle / Nook

Synopsis:

See how it all starts for Callie and Michael in Portrait of a Starter, an exclusive ebook original short story by debut author Lissa Price. Published one month before her novel, STARTERS, went on sale, the ebook is a perfect entryway into the world of STARTERS, and a must-read for fans who've already read the novel. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
While this very short, short story did get me excited to read Starters, I really don't think the 11 pages added up to very much. Do you need to read this in order to fully appreciate book 1? I don't think so. Hardly anything happens - not even a chapter's worth of information about the character or setting so I can't imagine it being terribly important to the series overall.

I was actually pretty disappointed in this short story. The cynic in me can't help but think that charging so much for so little is just greedy.

I'll still be reading Starters but all in all, I wish I hadn't spend my money on this one.

Extras? No

Will I continue the series? Yes

Worth the price? Not in my opinion

Short Story Review: Dream Dark by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

E-novella / Short Story

Caster Chronicles #2.5

August 2011 from Little Brown Books

Goodreads / Kindle / Nook

Synopsis:

When Link joined his best friend, Ethan Wate, on a quest through a mysterious network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, he knew the journey would be dangerous. But returning home to Gatlin, South Carolina was just the beginning...

Wounded during a climactic battle, Link discovers that tending his injuries won't be as simple as visiting a doctor and that healing his arm should be the least of his worries. For being bitten by a Supernatural does more than break the skin -- it changes a person, inside and out, turning Link into someone more and more like the dark creature who injured him. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: An glimpse into the life of Link after the events of Beautiful Darkness. A very worthwhile read for fans of the Caster Chronicles. I really have to say though, it's a bit of a spoiler for book 3. We learn something that doesn't come to light until well into Beautiful Choas and while reading book 3 I kept forgetting this fact hadn't been found out yet.

Still, I really enjoyed the story and I think it's a must read for fans of the series.

Extras? Yes - contains the first 5 chapters to book 3, Beautiful Chaos

Will I continue the series? Defiantly!

Worth the price? I paid $1.99, which is the current price and I would have to say, yes, if you're a fan of this series, this short story is very much worth the price.

Short Story Review: Raising the Dead by Mara Purnhagen

I loved Past Midnight, so I was excited to read Raising the Dead. A 84 pages (approx) short tale that fits perfectly between books 1 and 2. It was really a condensed, mini mystery. I love the characters of this series so this short story was a real treat.

All the same characters we were introduced to in Past Midnight - a twist or 2 and a neat happy ending.

Available as an ebook for around $3.00 - well worth it in my opinion and a must read for fans of the series.

5 / 5 Stars

Download now:
Kindle / Nook / Sony / Kobo
Also available from iBooks for your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

The Series:
Past Midnight - Goodreads / My review
Raising the Dead - Goodreads
One Hundred Candles - Goodreads
Beyond the Grave - Goodreads (September 2011)

Short Story Review: The New World by Patrick Ness

Prequel to the Chaos Walking series, The New World is a 24 page short story about Viola before she landed on New World. I read it after finishing book 2 but I think it would also fit well between books 1 and 2. Very sad but insightful as well.

I love Viola as a character so it was a treat getting a little more of her back story.  For fans of the series, The New World is a little something extra that is well worth the read. A free download that I highly recommend. In only 24 pages I was still left amazed by Patrick Ness' writing and imagination.

5 / 5 Stars

Download it now:
Kindle / Nook / Sony / Kobo

The Series:
The New World - Goodreads
The Knife of Never Letting Go - Goodreads / My review
The Ask and the Answer - Goodreads / My review
Monsters of Men - Goodreads

Short Stories Review: The Eternal Kiss 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire Edited by Trisha Telep

July 2009

Running Press Kids

There’s an allure to vampire tales that have seduced readers for generations. From Bram Stoker to Stephenie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!

(from Goodreads)

If you like vampires in young adult fiction, this book should defiantly be on your TBR list. The line up of authors was enough to get me interested. I thought I would get tired of reading story after story about vampires but I was very much pleasantly surprised. Each story is so unique with each author presenting their own take on the vampire myth. Some stories take place in the larger world of already established series and some stories I really wish were already full length novels!

Overall Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Here's the breakdown:
Author links are to their websites

*Falling to Ash by Karen Mahoney
Pretty typical vampires here. Seemed like a middle of the road type of story where you could tell you weren't seeing what came before or what comes after. Vampires and vampire hunters collide.

*Shelter Island by Melissa De La Cruz
Stars the vampire Dylan Ward who also plays a part in Melissa's Blue Blood series. A very small glimpse into the life of a vampire you wouldn't mind sneaking into your window.

*Sword Point by Maria V. Snyder
Italians, Karate, fencing, and good old fashion stake through the heart evil vampires.

*The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
Creepy! Vampires are segregated in their own hellish, voyeuristic community. Very open ended - love it!

*Undead is Very Hot Right Now by Sarah Rees Brennan
Rock and Roll vampire looking for love in all the wrong places. Felt like a really good first chapter.

*Kat by Kelley Armstrong
Takes place in the world of the Darkest Powers series. Another young girl is running from the Edison group. Cool twist at the end.

*The Thirteenth Step by Libba Bray
Pretty creepy ending that I loved. Fairly typical vampires in hiding with some pretty cool 'recruiting' techniques.

*All Hallows by Rachel Caine
Takes place in the world of the Morganville Vampires. Haven't read this series yet but now I really want to! A great story.

*Wet Teeth by Cecil Castellucci
This was the only story I didn't really like. Very sad ending. Felt like it didn't necessarily need to be about vampires.

*Other Boys by Cassandra Clare
 I was pretty sure this was a typical hot vampire story until the end. Very cool! Made me wish it were longer.

*Passing by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Human vs. vampire war with a few twists. Worked really well as a short story.

*Ambition by Lili St. Crow
Lots of unanswered questions in this one! A very good read.

*All Wounds by Dina James
Loved this one! Vampire myth mixed with some supper cool fantasy elements. Currently a full length novel is in the works based in the world of All Wounds.

So! Overall? I really loved this anthology. A great collection of short stories by some really talented writers.
Some authors are new to me and I'm looking forward to reading more from them.

Short Stories Review: Love Is Hell

Love Is Hell

Melissa Marr, Scott Westerfeld, Justine Larbalestier, Gabrielle Zevin, Lauri Faria Stolarz

November 2008

HarperTeen

Sure, love is hell. But it's totally worth it.

In these supernatural stories by five of today's hottest writers—Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely), Scott Westerfeld (Specials), Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness), Gabrielle Zevin (Elsewhere), and Laurie Faria Stolarz (Blue is for Nightmares)—love may be twisted and turned around, but it's more potent than ever on its quest to conquer all.

From two students who let the power of attraction guide them to break the hard-and-fast rules of their world to the girl who falls hard for a good-looking ghost with a score to settle, the clever, quirky characters in this exciting collection will break your heart, then leave you believing in love more than ever.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Stories:
Laurie Faria Stolarz - Sleeping With the Spirit
A great story - what you would expect from Stolarz - a bit creepy, a bit mysterious.

Scott Westerfeld - Stupid Perfect World
This is the first I have read of Westerfeld and it left me very much wanting to read more! A futuristic tale where dreaming is a unknown. This is the story I would most like to see as a full length novel.

Justine Larbalestier - Thinner Than Water
My favorite! A true faery tale with a bitter sweet ending.

Gabrielle Zevin - Fan Fictions
If I had to pick a least favorite it would be this one. Least favorite only because it was unmemorable. Still very well written though, as everything by Zevin I have read has been.

Melissa Marr - Love Struck
A perfect ending! Love might be hell but there is hope! A story of a legend I had never heard of - very like Marr - very well liked.

I very much enjoyed this book. Each author gave a unique and intriguing look at love. A perfect book for fans of each author, but I would also recommend this book to those who may not be acquainted with these talented writers.