Book Review: Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

AUTHOR: Veronica Roth

PUBLISHED: July 8, 2014
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins

PAGES: 208

SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series

SOURCE: Bought
CHALLENGES: None

OUTLINE:
Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.

Newly christened “Four,” he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning, though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.

Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the Divergent series, and who am I kidding I loved Four so to have a book with collections from his perspective is awesome. We get to go back two years before Tris, before he became Four.

THE TRANSFER

The Transfer shows us who Tobias Eaton from Abnegation was, and why he chose Dauntless as the faction he felt he could belong to. I have always loved Four and how strong he was and how he has  this vulnerable side (even though we barely see it.) In the beginning of transfer we see Tobias as a weak, cowering son. It really isn't so shocking when we learn about his father and what Tobias dealt with through his life. Somewhere through all this he vows to get out, and come the choosing ceremony that's exactly what he does. It is in this moment that we see him begin to grow. He is the first abnegation-dauntless transfer in a decade. We get to meet Amar who at the time is the dauntless transers instructor, and who sees Tobias and his fears and he gives the name Four to him.

THE INITIATE

He may have been born in abnegation, but he is Dauntless. The initiate shows Four journey through the process

THE SON

In the Son four get one big suprise, and if you have read insurgent then you know that his mother isn't really dead, and this is the story that tells it. Also he is picked out from the initiates to train to become a Dauntless leader, but soon learns that it's not something he wants to be. Four is rebellious where ever he is, and he wont conform to any rules this comes through by a tattoo he gets. (if you've seen the movie Divergent then you know it's the tattoo with all the factions)

THE TRAITOR

In traitor we get to see four as the transfers instructor, and we get to see how he views Tris. I really like this part because we know what Tris feels when she meets him, and learns about who he is. Now we get to see how he reacts to her. We get to see what other things he was doing while Tris was becoming part of Dauntless. He's not only an instructor he also works in the control room

EXCLUSIVE SCENES 

These are exclusive scenes from Fours perspective.

"First Jumper---Tris!"

"Careful, Tris."

"You look good, Tris."

Novella Review: The Girl Who Read the Stars by Skylar Dorset

AUTHOR: Skylar Dorset
PUBLISHER: N/A

SERIES/STANDALONE: An Otherworld Novella
PAGES: 

SOURCE: Free from amazon

Outline:
"So maybe you’ve finished reading THE GIRL WHO NEVER WAS and you’re angry about the cliffhanger and you’re anxiously awaiting THE BOY WITH THE HIDDEN NAME (in December! which will be here before you know it! I promise!).

Note: This didn't really have an outline on goodreads. 

Quick Thought (or not)

Even though this says Novella 1.5 I went ahead and read it before I read the first book which is The Girl Who Never Was. I didn't really feel like I had to read that one in order to understand what was going on. It did however take almost to the end of this novella to find out what secrets were being hid, and I'm not sure had I read the first book I would of known or not. 

I wasn't overly impressed with Merrow, but I enjoyed her enough to want to know what happened. After being locked in her bed room from her Mother, and getting out only to come back and find the house destroyed she embarks on a mystery (that's what I'll call it) to find out what happened, and where her mothers are, and more than anything find out who she is.

In her little "mystery journey" she had the help from Trow the boy she made friends with at school. I enjoyed Trow. We learn later what secrets he has hidden, and I kind of like him after the fact. The responsibility he has for someone his age is tremendous, but he doesn't let it get him down.

The beginning of the story we learn that Merrow actually has Two Mothers. One she calls Mom who is her real mom and then one she calls Mother who is Mom's partner. I love this because it's something different and fresh, and both of them are in her life.

As everything unfolds and Merrow and Trow learn who they both are I'm like okay..awesome, and then it ends. 

I'm hoping that The Boy with the Hidden Name will somehow pick up from that.

And I will leave you with this!

"You Tell Me Merrow. What do the stars say?"

"I don't care." and I kiss him.

"And what does that say?"

"That sometimes we make the stars read exactly what we want them to," I answer.

"Rewrite the story," Trow says.

"Exactly."

Novella Review: Dragon's Oath by P.C Cast

AUTHOR: P.C Cast
PUBLISHER: Griffin

SERIES/STANDALONE: Series (Novella)
PAGES: 145

SOURCE: Bought

Outline:

In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world...In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…

But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all? 

Quick Thought (or not)

Yes, I read another HoN novella. These are actually fun to read because we get a more in depth look at some of our side, adult characters, and how they came to be associated with the house of night. Dragon's story starts off in present day, and then it goes into how he made an oath to his love.

Pacing

It was like most novellas and kind of trotted along. Which is actually fine with me. his one went from Dragon being at home, to thrown on the HoN ship, to the new world, to becoming a swords master and falling for Anastasia.

Characters

I can never remember much about the professors in the HoN series so to be able to go back and read about the past and learn about them was nice. Dragon is a warrior on the outside, but inside he's this gentle boy. During his youth he was arrogant, and cocky, and to be honest I would have loved nothing more then to put him in his place. I think Anastasia did a very good job at that. 

I thought this novella was going to be just about Dragon Lankford, but it was more his and Anastasia's story

Ending 

The ending was a bit sad, but it shaped Dragon into the person he is now.

Novella Review: Elixir by Jennifer L. Armentrout

AUTHOR: Jennifer L.Armentrout
PUBLISHER: Spencer Hill Press

SERIES/STANDALONE: Series (Novella)
PAGES: 74

SOURCE: Bought

Outline:

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex. 

Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. 
Even if it means making war against the gods.

Quick Thought (or not)

I've read the first book in the Covenant Series which is Half-Blood, and my rating/liking for that book was straight in the middle with 3 stars. Check out the full review to see why. Even though I had that kind of relationship with the book I wanted to give it another try. I wanted to be one of those people who loved it. I like a lot of Jennifer's other series. I wanted to enjoy this one as well. I figured what better way to try and get back into it with a novella. Yes, I realize what happens in this one is after the 3rd book which I haven't read. I thought is necessary though to see if I wanted to go further into the story and invest my time with these characters. 

Was reading this novella worth it? Will I continue on with The Covenant series? Yes! The story line itself seemed like it took a turn away from where I initially saw it going, which is a good thing because no book stands a chance against what I was holding its first book against. 

Pacing

It's a novella so it was fine. It took place over a few days and it didn't drag out anything. It was straight to the point.

Characters

This Novella is basically Aidans mini story. We get to take a gander inside his mind to see how he feels about Alex, and what the gods think they should do with her. I was really surprised that I could grow to like his character in a short time, but I did. He knew what would happen to her if he didn't try the elixir, but would he lose the girl he loved also by giving her the elixir. It really looked like it was a lose/lose situation for Aidan, but he handle it.

Apollo, was one god I couldn't like he was an ass,and if all else failed with the elixir he'd have no problem getting rid of the "problem"

It was just nice all around to see Aidan's friends stick up for him and Alex,

Ending 

It's not really an ending per se because it's between books 3 and 4. I was content with it because I knew once I actually started reading the series I would learn more. :)

Quotes

-You're kind of gross. Might want to think about shaving,too, unless you're going for the homeless look with no chance of getting laid." Deacon to Aiden

"She's going to be okay, right? I mean, someone will find a way to break the connection and she'll be snarky-but-no-homicidal Alex in no time?" Deacon

"Aiden has gone rambo on us."

Novella Review: Lenobia's Vow by P.C Cast

AUTHOR: P.C Cast
PUBLISHER: St. Martins Griffin

SERIES/STANDALONE: Series
PAGES: 174

SOURCE: Bought

Outline:

The second of the House of Night Novellas brings us Lenobia, the strong, beautiful horseback riding instructor, who guides Zoey through some of her darkest hours, and has a dark secret buried in her own past...

In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.

Quick Thought (or not)

I haven't read a House of Night book in a long while. I don't know if it's because I was just "burned" out on them, or if I thought they just started getting ridiculous. There are 12 books so it's bound to get tiresome after awhile. After reading Lenobia's Vow though I can see why I started the series. It's hard not to fall in love with some of the characters, and with the world that was created around the Vampyres and the House of Night. 

Pacing

This is a novella so with that in mind it was really good. We got to start off with Lenobia where she was born and raised and see who she was before being Zoey's horse instructor. We get to see her leave home to embark on a journey to the New World. Through the journey though things happen, and it takes it slow that way we can watch,learn, and grow with her.

Characters

Since this was a novella featuring Lenobia there aren't many other characters to talk about, but I will name a few.

Being as it is Lenobia's Vow we will start with her. As stated above I haven't read the HoN books in awhile, and I really only got around to reading up to the 7th book. I don't remember too much about Lenobia, but from reading her story she's a very strong, caring woman who would do anything for those she cares about (especially the horses) 

Martin was a worker on the ship who cared for the horses, and of course meets Lenobia and from there I'm sure you can guess what happens. I really enjoyed Martin. He didn't treat Lenobia any different when secrets were shared. He told her stories of the new world where woman could be free to marry and love whoever they wanted. 

Sister Marie Madeliene was the Nun who was with the girls taking them to the new world to meet their husbands. When things went awry on the ship it was Sister Marie who stood beside Lenobia, and kept her safe from those who wished to harm her.

Ending 

This isn't one of those type Novellas where you have to read other books before it to understand. It might help you understand what happens at the end though. :) It really is just a story about a bastard daughter  (the books words not mine) making a new life for herself. I will say what happened at then end sucks, and I wish it could have been different, but it defines who a person is. 

Novella Review: Crossing the line by Katie McGarry

AUTHOR: Katie McGarry
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Teen
PAGES:
STAND ALONE/SERIES: Novella too Pushing the limits
SOURCE: Bought (ebook only)
OUTLINE:
In this gripping novella, she tells the story of Lila and Lincoln, who discover that sometimes it’s worth crossing the line for love…

Lila McCormick, Echo's best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.

Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves

MY THOUGHTS

One funeral, 2 years writing letters, 10 hour long trip to see the girl of his dreams. This could sum up Katie McGarry's novella Crossing the Line in one sentence, but I would be depriving you of so much more. If you thought her book Pushing the Limits was awesome and a rollercoaster of feels. (like stated in my review of it) Then you should see what she can do with less then a hundred pages. Reading her Novellas (Crossing the Line and Red at Night) made her one of my fave contemp authors, and I will definitely have her on my auto-buy list.

Normally, I don't read novellas (unless they're related to books I REALLY loved). Now I'm thinking I should give them a better chance. Maybe, there will be that shred of information I longed for that the book its self didn't have.

Lincoln and Lila's connection was real to me, and if you can get me to feel that in only 60 pages or less it means something. They genuinely seemed to care for one another only having met the one time. The little snippets at the beginning of each chapter proved that they could talk through letters about nothing, anything, and everything.

When Lincoln couldn't stand it at home any longer, and he realized he had messed up he decided to go to Lila, the one person who seemed to understand him, but getting Lila to forgive him would be a challenge.

(more to come)

Read now for $1.99

Kindle Novellas (1)

I've been thinking about adding the novellas to this site for awhile, but in all honesty I haven't because I'm not sure how many people like them. I've actually only read a few myself. Those few though have pushed me towards reading the actual books. With that being said, here's a list of the e-novellas I find on amazon.

Books: The Darkest Minds, Never Fade

Books: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant

Books: Shatter me, Ignite Me, Unravel Me


Books: Under the never sky, through the ever night, Into the still blue

Books: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Days of Blood and Starlight, Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Books: For darkness shows the stars, Across a Star Swept Sea


Books: The Selection, The Elite, The One

Books: Starters, Enders

Books: Delirium, Pandemonium, Requiem

Books: Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Darkness, Beautiful Chaos, Beautiful Redemption