Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

At the weekend, Book Twitter was told that short books don’t sell, even if they are amazing. Many people were upset by this. I am a big fan of novellas and it’s ridiculous to write them off because they don’t look “good value” on the shelf. Books aren’t an essential food group, we shouldn’t be valuing them per gram of paper.

Not to mention big books intimidate reluctant readers, there’s a reason the Reading Agency has the Quick Reads programme. Let’s embrace books of all lengths, for all types of reader.

So I’m bending this week’s love freebie topic a bit, let’s face it plenty of people are fed up of Valentine’s Day stuff. Except that heart shaped pig in blanket…I’m all here for that. I have suggested my partner makes one out of a Cumberland sausage to save some money.

Anyway, back on topic! Here are ten short books, or series primarily built up of novellas, that I loved, and you can too.

Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

Someone on Goodreads introduced me to a new word in regards to the Singing Hills Cycle: mythopoeic. Nghi Vo weaves new myths in her wonderful novellas.

Wayward Children by Seanan McGuire

Wonderful series of portal fiction with a message of belonging and finding a place in the world that accepts you for you. Read my review of the first instalment, Every Heart a Doorway.

Murderbot by Martha Wells

Everyone loves Murderbot! I am well behind in the series and it does include a full length novel now, but most of them can be devoured in an evening. View the series on Goodreads.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Solarpunk for the win.

The Arrival of Missives by Aliya Whiteley

A tale of quaint village life turns into something altogether different.

The Test by Sylvain Neuvel

This story of a near-future immigration test ambushed me, best not to know what’s coming for full effect! See my mini review at the bottom of this weekly check-in.

Grief is the Thing With Feathers by Max Porter

An unconventional little book about a family coming to terms with grief.

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

Not sorry for including two of Becky Chamber’s books on this list. I haven’t reviewed this for some reason, but check it out on Goodreads here.

The Murders of Molly Southbourne by Tade Thompson

Such a novel concept, each drop of Molly’s blood creates a new Molly.

You Will Not Have My Hate by Antoine Leiris

Heartbreaking account of a man who lost his wife in a terrorist attack, who refuses to let their hate define his family’s life. Translated into English by Sam Taylor.

On the subject of novellas and lurrrve, do you all know that Ali Hazelwood has a trilogy of STEM romance novellas out this year? I was searching for her next novel and found out we have even more to look forward to from her. Woohoo!