In a bid to reach my reading goal last year, I read quite a few shorter books, which probably don’t justify full reviews all to themselves. Or I’m being lazy… or maybe forgotten some of the details in the festive food haze.


The Card Sharp by Laura Lam

Another Vestigal Tale, this one a prequel to Pantomime following Drystan and how he ended up at R.H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic. The runaway is a Lerium addict, dependent on those who supply the drugs and stuck in an unsavoury relationship. This is his story of how he cleaned up and got out as well as connecting the links to characters in the novels. These novellas and shorts are really making me more impatient for another full novel.

Forbidden by Kelley Armstrong

I do love reading about The Pack but this felt all too familiar as I started it, so much so, that I had to check that I hadn’t read it already. Some of the novellas are starting to get a bit samey, although it was still and engaging story. It is set some time after Frozen when Morgan decides he might prefer life around werewolves to regular wolves.

The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil by Stephen Collins

There’s really quite a sinister feel to the opening pages. In the land of Here everything is orderly, tidy. They are all afraid of There beyond the sea. I loved the drawings and the subtle humour. Plus a little lesson in letting go.

Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell

I’m aware this was a huge hit amongst bloggers, and whilst I found parts amusing, it was a bit hit and miss. Some of it just seemed normal and a few times it smacked a little of snobbery. It’s more the weird things that people do in bookshops that are bizarre and laughable, especially those who treat it as childcare. I did read a few lines out loud to Josh as I was going through, one of which was Other Ellie’s contribution, which I only saw it was hers after I’d read it out. And that made me laugh more.

Cracked by Eliza Crewe

This story of a teenage girl who eats human souls shows promise but just didn’t hit the spot for me. I did like the fact that the protagonist wasn’t sympathetic; she’s bordering on sociopathic. Her narrative starts out sarcastic and full of dark humour. But she is quickly drawn back to what feels like an average YA narrative and story arc, although light on romantic interest if that appeals. Also, it seemed far-fetched that these Templars, vowed to protect humanity, would be quite so blind to a half-demon amongst their midst. How have they survived so long?

Book Sources: Purchased/Gifted