Has to Be Love by Jolene Perry – 2.5 stars
Through the Dark by Alexandra Bracken – 5 stars
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – 4 stars
I was intrigued by Has to Be Love‘s synopsis, curious about Clara and her scars, and wanted to see how it would all play out. However, I was left disappointed. It was well written, but I just did not enjoy the story. Overall, I think others might like this book, but it just wasn’t for me. Full review here.
I loved Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds trilogy, and I was ecstatic to find out that a novella bind-up would be made and printed. Through the Dark includes In Time, Sparks Rise, and Beyond the Night. In Time and Sparks Rise has previously been released as e-novellas, and I read and loved them right away. In Time takes places between The Darkest Minds and Never Fade. I didn’t think I was going to like it at first because it is told from a Gabe’s, young skip tracer, POV. I’m glad I was wrong. Gabe captures Zu in the story and she changes his life. If you think you won’t be able to connect with a character is 89 pages you are sadly mistaken. Alex pulls through again with another heart-breaking ending. Sparks Rise takes place back at Thurmond with Ruby’s friend, Sam, and Sam’s childhood friend, Lucas. Man, talk about another heart-breaking ending. I don’t want to spoil this one but just know it was great and that I was glad that Beyond the Night was a much needed continuation. Beyond the Night wraps up loose ends left from both Sparks Rise and In the Afterlight. I love how Ruby’s gang teams up with Sam, Lucas, and Lucas’s younger sister, Mia. Through the Dark is definitely one of the best novella bind-ups out there, and I can’t recommend it enough.
I reread Mockingjay before I saw the final movie. I’m glad I did because rereading it gave me a better experience while watching Parts 1 & 2. I liked Mockingjay better the second time reading it than I did the first. When I first read Mockingjay, I had a hard time getting into it and didn’t enjoy it. The ending felt very rushed and pointless. Four years later, I understand the book and series better. I still felt like the ending was rushed, but my overall experience with the book was better. Plus, the adaptations were great. Full Book vs. Movie post here.
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