Author: The Novel Girl

Cruel Crown (Red Queen Novella)

Posted on by The Novel Girl

Cruel Crown cover

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 208

 

Cruel Crown is a novella published between the first and second book in the Red Queen series. It is comprised of two very different stories, that follow two women who were present and active in the Red/Silver world well before the time brought to us in Red Queen. The first story, Queen Song, tells the story of Cal’s mother, and King Tiberias’ first wife, Queen Coriane. This story is told through her journal entries, so we get to see the world through her eyes. It tells of her early struggles, her fears, and the birth of her new prince. The second story, Steel Scars, tells a very different story. It tells of Captain Farley’s life in the resistance, through the time that she comes upon Mare. This story is told from her POV and though coded transmission.

If you are a fan of Red Queen, you will find these two prequel stories very interesting. They take us a bit deeper in to the red/silver world, with a sort of “behind the scenes” look in to these two very different, but very strong, women. I loved being able to get a little bit of a back-story on Captain Farley’s time in the resistance before the original novel started, as she was a bit of a mystery. It was also incredibly interesting to read of Queen Coriane’s life, and her early struggles before she was crowned queen. I enjoyed the platforms in which these two stories were told, as well. It made them seem more real and fresh to me. If you liked Red Qeen, in encourage you to read this novella. You won’t regret it!

Every Exquisite Thing

Posted on by The Novel Girl

Every Exquisite Thing cover

Author: Matthew Quick

Genre: YA Fiction

Publisher: Little Brown

Pages: 272

 

Nanette was a good girl: good student, star athlete, college bound (on athletic scholarships!). She spent lunch everyday with her favorite teacher. That teacher chooses her to be the one to whom he passes his favorite (out of print) book, The Bubblegum Reaper. After binge reading this book, Nanette begins to feel that she is not forging her own path in life, but is, instead, living the life that others have pushed her in to. That feeling becomes stronger once she starts spending time with the book’s author, and is introduced to another huge fan of the book, Alex. She rebels, she falls in love, she finds out that every action that she takes has its own consequences that she must deal with.

I enjoyed this book in a very nostalgic way. It is a story of coming of age, finding yourself, and coming in to your own. It reminded me of being in high school, and immediately after, and trying to figure out exactly who I was supposed to be in the world- not who everyone saw when they looked at me, or who they thought that I should be. I could identify, somewhat, with Nanette. I think that this is a book that should definitely be read by young adults, and would be enjoyed by those a bit outside of the YA market (who still love YA- like myself!), if only to look back and remember.

On to the next!!!

Posted on by The Novel Girl

Book one was completed in 5 hours! I took a break to go see my sister and nephew. Read Cruel Crown when I got back. I’m 7.5 hours in now, and I’m taking a quick food break! Then, it’s on to the next one! I’ll let you know what that is when I decide!! 

-T