by Sally Green
Published on November 13, 2014
by Penguin
Source: from publisher for review
Synopsis: Set in the months before Half Bad, Half Lies takes the form of a diary written by Michele, the sister of Gabriel, Nathan’s Black witch friend. Having fled Europe for Florida, Michele falls in love with a local White witch boy. There, she finds that the divide between the Black and White witch communities is just as dangerous as it was in the life she's left behind.
My take: I'm not always a fan of novellas, but I was intrigued by this one because it features my very favorite character from Half Bad, Gabriel. He's such a charming enigma of a guy. This novella, which takes place at the same time as Half Bad (a book which actually spans a number of years) features Gabriel and his younger sister, Michele.
For more information about why author Sally Green wrote the novella, why she chose the diary format, and why Gabriel (though I didn't wonder that) you can check out the series website, HalfBad World.com.
So ... Half Lies served to confirm a few things that I'd tentatively decided after reading Half Bad:
1) White witches and Black witches are pretty interchangeably scary and violent
Whoa -- this short novella starts out with not one, not two, but three violent murders. Things settle down a bit after that, but then the White Witch/Black Witch blood feud -- which apparently also exists in Tampa, Florida -- moves into high gear. Still not sure why they hate each other so much, but bad stuff happens.
2) Gabriel is awesome
We all knew that. It's sweet to see him with his sister. She calls him "Gab" which I thought was cute. We get to see him receive his gift, figure it out, and then see things go wrong (which you already know if you read Half Bad.)
3) These books have some of the coolest covers in all of YA
4) When you think something good is going to happen in one of these books, you might be dead wrong
Don't want to say much more than that without spoilers. But I will say under spoiler protection (highlight to read) that you never know if someone is really dead if there is no body.
If you haven't read Half Bad, now's the perfect time to try it, since ... drumroll ...
My half of the discussion is HERE.
Lauren's half is HERE.
Let us know what you think about the book, the romance, or whatever else is on your mind!
Thank you for this, I haven't noticed that there's an e-novella so far. I was intrigued by Half Bad and can't wait to read more of this. Although right now I can't really remember who Gabe was... Well, another excuse to read it again :-D
ReplyDeleteHa - that happens to me a lot with books. But Gabe did stick in my mind :)
DeleteI actually didn't know about this novella but while I wasn't a huge fan of Half Bad I was planning on reading it's sequel in March out of curiosity and now i'm wondering if I should read the novella, lol!
ReplyDeleteI actually don't remember who Gabriel is! AHH, i'm drawing a complete blank! BUT this cover is absolutely gorgeous!
I don't think the novella is necessary -- but I believe that about just about every novella EXCEPT that one from Warner's POV that explains why isn't a total creepy psychopath
DeleteOk, YES! What the heck is the difference between White and Black witches? They're both horrible. There doesn't appear to be a good/bad side at all. Maybe that's the point? But the origin of their fighting is a mystery to me. The only reason co-mingling is bad so far, is because they purposefully destroy each other. They are the bad things that happen. I guess there was some hints that Gab's dad's cheating is because he was an attractive Black Witch, but that seems to be a cop out to me! Do not blame your behavior on that, please! I LOVE Gabriel, but I'm disappointed that things aren't going my way with his plot line. I agree about your spoiler about Michele. tho, if this was something the publisher wanted the author to write, it's possible this really is just background info and won't become super significant later. But then why write it this way in her POV? I was really hoping this would make me MORE excited to read HALF WILD, and that didn't really happen for me. Tho it did make me more in love with Gabriel.
ReplyDeleteHoping we can figure this black/white witch thing out!!
DeleteI started Half Bad a few months ago and walked away from it. I should get back soon! I LOVE grey characters/organizations.
ReplyDeleteAmber Elise @ Du Livre
It was a little tough to get into and I didn't like the love interest, but I am interested in seeing where things go next!
DeleteYeah I didn't think that the love interest would be introduced so quickly! I DO like warring factions so I'll probably continue with this series! :)
DeleteI hadn't heard too many good things about Half Bad so I took a pass. Maybe I shouldn't' have. And now I need to know Gabriel.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
I haven't read this book, but you make it sound so enticing! Glad you're lovin' this. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the review, I really want to read Half Bad and even moreso now.
ReplyDeleteI waaaan this novella so bad. I don't actually go for novellas, like, not at all, because I feel like 50 or so pages isn't really worth it and a lot of time I don't get properly immersed in the world. BUT. this is different. I am addicted to Half Bad. ;-) But it seems rather expensive on kindle for just a novella. *wails* XD So glad it's awesome though!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review, I love what you said about white witches being as bad as the bad ones, it's like you can't win can you? Sounds like this novella added quite a bit of development for Gabriel which is awesome :) Great review Jen!
ReplyDeleteThe second book is out already! GAH!!!
ReplyDeleteI need the sequel so bad! Loved the first book so much!
ReplyDeleteAndreea
http://toallthebooksivelovedbefore.wordpress.com/