Single Shot: Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published December 17th, 2013
HarperCollins
68 pages (eBook)

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As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about. (From Goodreads)

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Well, shit.  That was literally my only reaction.  I mean it in the best way possible but geez, WHY DOES TAHEREH DO THIS TO US?!

I'm not typically a connoisseur of novellas, but I couldn't hold back on this one.  I am 100% #TeamAdam and could not turn down Adam's perspective.  It was just as heartbreaking as I expected, especially when coupled with the Ignite Me preview.  Adam has always had this crazy internal struggle going on, and see it in words pained me.  I want to hug him and tell him it will all be okay.  It's nice to see a little more of his relationship with his brother, as well.  James is this constant force in his life, and I never realized how much that competed with his need for Juliette.

I'm now begging for Ignite Me.  And I remain #TeamAdam entirely.  Wholeheartedly.  Tahereh Mafi has shattered my heart, but all the little pieces are still rooting for Juliette and Adam.  Best $2.99 I've spent in a while.

Single Shot: The King's Guard by Rae Carson

Published July 30th, 2013
Greenwillow Books
111 pages (eBook)

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At fifteen years old, Hector is the youngest squire in the most elite military force in the country. And his first day is disastrous. Everyone assumes the only reason he was recruited is his close personal association with King Alejandro, not because he's really earned it.

But Alejandro needs Hector for a secret mission, one that gives him the chance to prove to everyone—including himself—that he is worthy to be a Royal Guard. Hector must break into the ancient Fortress of Wind to retrieve something so important that the kingdom's future depends on it. What Hector finds in the fortress will stretch his bond of friendship with his king near to breaking. And it will prepare him to become the fearsome warrior and lord commander Elisa will never let go.  (From Goodreads)

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If you want to feel all the Hector feels, The King's Guard is for you. 

This novella follows Hector just proving how much of a badass he is, even at the age of 15.  It is an interesting addition the series, providing insight into Hector's past that isn't seen in the three main novels.  You can definitely get by not reading this,  but who wouldn't want more Hector?  Nothing here is crucial, but you do gain more insight into Hector, as well as Lucio and Fernando, two more minor characters in the series.

The story isn't bad either.  I wouldn't call it mind-blowing, but it was still good and worth the couple bucks.  If you love the series and the Hector feels, give The King's Guard a try!

Single Shot: Elixir by Jennifer L. Armentrout

November 27th, 2012
Spencer Hill Press
80 pages (Paperback)

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. (From Goodreads)

If you have an hour to spare and feel like you need to have your heart ripped out, stepped on, put through a blender and badly sown only half into your chest again, look no further than Elixir!

It's amazing how much emotional turmoil Jennifer L. Armentrout can pack into a novella, and having it from swoon-worthy Aiden's perspective made it even harder.  WHY CAN'T THEY JUST BE HAPPY?!?!

To anyone working through the Covenant series, don't skip this one over, but be sure to read Deity first!  To anyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about, go pick up Half-blood now and start enjoying the emotional roller coaster and sexual tension!

Much love, Samantha