Scan barcode
cran's review
Tried picking this back up after a long hiatus, convincing myself that the few better-than-mediocre entries into the anthology so far meant there had to be at least some good to come. I think it's time I admit to myself that I just cannot fuck with YA anymore.
valhecka's review against another edition
3.0
The stories are fine - although I didn't read all of them, as the authors noted when a short/deleted scene/excerpt would spoil the main books. The authors' notes/explanations are generally clever. I got a good sense of who I want to read: Rutkoski, Mathieu, Alameda, McBride, Smith, O'Brien, Brody. Less impressed with Kelly, Finn, Aguirre, and Banks/Laybourne (although their short was adorable), and of course it's too late to regret reading Albin.
(Although the prequel short she contributed did show that I'm right in scientist-namedrop being outright wrong in the fictional implementation of reality construction and manipulation relying on string theory, considering that the first elaboration of any theory representing physical forces specifically as oscillating strings was published by Nambu, Nielsen, and Susskind in 1969, a good fifteen years after namedrop had kicked it. In the first half of the '40s, physics was either the Manhattan Project or defending your honor regarding your choice not to be at Los Alamos. Or, as Einstein was doing, trying and failing miserably to convince politicians and generals that nuclear armament would be an unqualified disaster. Which latches neatly into the short by Lindsay Smith as a prequel to [b:Sekret|15673520|Sekret (Sekret, #1)|Lindsay Smith|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1372782569s/15673520.jpg|21330653]...)
(Although the prequel short she contributed did show that I'm right in scientist-namedrop being outright wrong in the fictional implementation of reality construction and manipulation relying on string theory, considering that the first elaboration of any theory representing physical forces specifically as oscillating strings was published by Nambu, Nielsen, and Susskind in 1969, a good fifteen years after namedrop had kicked it. In the first half of the '40s, physics was either the Manhattan Project or defending your honor regarding your choice not to be at Los Alamos. Or, as Einstein was doing, trying and failing miserably to convince politicians and generals that nuclear armament would be an unqualified disaster. Which latches neatly into the short by Lindsay Smith as a prequel to [b:Sekret|15673520|Sekret (Sekret, #1)|Lindsay Smith|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1372782569s/15673520.jpg|21330653]...)
taylor_mcclernon's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
nicolet2018's review
4.0
Kisses and Curses does not have a fixed theme and instead is filled with novellas from the contributing authors' series.
I liked that each author talks about their journey to writing books, why they do it and give a short intro into the short story featured.
As per my usual, I will comment and rate each each story individually.
Glitches by Marissa Meyer
(#0.5 Lunar Chronicles)
5/5 stars
Anyone who has read this series would love to read a short story set in this world. I like how I got an insight into how Cinder felt being introduced to her new family. Andddd her first impression on Kai. Epic. Seeing how warm Peony was to her stole my heart and understanding why Adri and Cinder have a strained relationship allowed me to sympathize. It was heartbreaking to have Garan taken away though. But this story sets things up for future books. I really enjoyed it.
Bridge of Snow by Marie Ruthoski
(#0.5 The Winners Curse)
4/5 stars
This occurs before the Winners Curse novel but it did not really matter to me. I liked the idea of a mother telling her smart beyond his years son a compelling story which lead to a life lesson. As always the author's writing impresses.
Dynamite Junior by Jennifer Mathieu
3.5/5 stars
I knew the main character here was represented in the book The Truth About Alice but I was actually more fascinated with Alice than Carmen despite this novella being focused on her. I felt sad for her family but did not really connect with her. This could have been any old typical high school story.
Monster Crush by Anna Banks and Emmy Laybourne
3/5 stars
This story is special. It is not a novella from a book published by either author but instead was written through a twitter back and forth by them. It seemed very impromptu and not in a good way. I found it cute but rather unrealistic.
Fixer by Courtney Alameda
3.5/5 stars
Apparently this is from book called Shutter. I notice alot of the stories in this anthology are from the perspective of the main character's love interest aka the guy of the story. This one was pretty good considering I have not read the book, it gave me a quick look into the world without making me confused. It also packed tons of emotions into just a few pages which I could feel my heart softening to.
Unstolen by Jessica Brody
3/5 stars
The premise actually fascinated me but this novella only served to give m a brief view into the main character's love interest, Zen and a pivotal scene where he takes her memories from those who have stolen them. It gave me a hint that Seraphina was not normal. Just an okay read for me.
Secret heart by Ann Aguire
4/5 stars
This one occurs in book 1 or the Razorland series. It is nice to see things from Fade's pov. I love that he fell for Deuce so early on and this novella shows the reader how he deals with it.
Death and Waffles by Lisa McBride
3.5/5 stars
A rather good intro into the full length novel. Even though the main character, Matt seemed boring, I was fascinated with Ashley and her job as Harbinger.
Krisis by Lindsay Smith
4/5 stars
Whoa, this was exciting and the premise good. I am interested to read Sekret because who can say no to story set in Russia during the Cuban Missile Crisis and teenagers with psychic powers who can turn the tide of the war? I Hope Larissa and Ivan get a happy ever after though.
Deleted scenes from Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn
3/5 stars
Now because this is not a novella and more a collection of scenes taken out from the main novel, it seems to lose the appeal because it is very disjointed. But then I still found myself enjoying the scenes, especially the pizza one even though the plot is rather cliche.
Tortured by Caragh M O'Brien
3.5/5 stars
I have always been fascinated with dystopian so reading the author's introduction immediately perked me up. Despite the novella being short and not revealing much I was still fascinated to find out more. About what had happened to the world, how people coped and who Gaia was. She seemed important.
Blue Moon by Nikki Kelly
2.5/5 stars
I could not get into this at all. It was very confusing. At first when the author introduced the world I was fascinated but then I read the novella and my interest turned to confusion. By the end of it, I did not want to know more.
The Cypress Project by Gennifer Albin
4/5 stars
I guess this is abit of a prequel to the Crewel Series. I was intrigued by Lucy, Joshua, the romance, the sci-fi aspect of it. The WWII setting was nice as well. Funny because I have seen Crewel around but never gave it a chance but perhaps I should.
The Too Clever Fox by Leigh Bardugo
3.5/5 stars
This is folk tale set in the world of the Grisha Trilogy. It does not relate to any of the characters but it was nice. In a kind of bed time story kinda way if you like them a little dark. It felt like there was a moral to the story though.
I love some of the short stories as I already read the full novels like Cinder, Winner's Curse and Enclave. Especially Glitches because I adore the Lunar Chronicles. One thing I notice is that a lot of the stories are novellas from full length books and mostly from the guy's pov, guy is almost always main character's love interest so reader gets tons of talk on how he adores girl, would do anything for her, how strong and brave she is multiple times. It gets a bit annoying to say the least.
Some of stories I could not get into because I did not read the books so I could not understand the characters(Death and Waffles, Unstolen and Dynamite Junior) but some made me want to read the books(Krisis, Fixer, The Cypress Project, Tortured). Overall a satisfying collection of YA novellas that have a variety of genres to please everyone.
I liked that each author talks about their journey to writing books, why they do it and give a short intro into the short story featured.
As per my usual, I will comment and rate each each story individually.
Glitches by Marissa Meyer
(#0.5 Lunar Chronicles)
5/5 stars
Anyone who has read this series would love to read a short story set in this world. I like how I got an insight into how Cinder felt being introduced to her new family. Andddd her first impression on Kai. Epic. Seeing how warm Peony was to her stole my heart and understanding why Adri and Cinder have a strained relationship allowed me to sympathize. It was heartbreaking to have Garan taken away though. But this story sets things up for future books. I really enjoyed it.
Bridge of Snow by Marie Ruthoski
(#0.5 The Winners Curse)
4/5 stars
This occurs before the Winners Curse novel but it did not really matter to me. I liked the idea of a mother telling her smart beyond his years son a compelling story which lead to a life lesson. As always the author's writing impresses.
Dynamite Junior by Jennifer Mathieu
3.5/5 stars
I knew the main character here was represented in the book The Truth About Alice but I was actually more fascinated with Alice than Carmen despite this novella being focused on her. I felt sad for her family but did not really connect with her. This could have been any old typical high school story.
Monster Crush by Anna Banks and Emmy Laybourne
3/5 stars
This story is special. It is not a novella from a book published by either author but instead was written through a twitter back and forth by them. It seemed very impromptu and not in a good way. I found it cute but rather unrealistic.
Fixer by Courtney Alameda
3.5/5 stars
Apparently this is from book called Shutter. I notice alot of the stories in this anthology are from the perspective of the main character's love interest aka the guy of the story. This one was pretty good considering I have not read the book, it gave me a quick look into the world without making me confused. It also packed tons of emotions into just a few pages which I could feel my heart softening to.
Unstolen by Jessica Brody
3/5 stars
The premise actually fascinated me but this novella only served to give m a brief view into the main character's love interest, Zen and a pivotal scene where he takes her memories from those who have stolen them. It gave me a hint that Seraphina was not normal. Just an okay read for me.
Secret heart by Ann Aguire
4/5 stars
This one occurs in book 1 or the Razorland series. It is nice to see things from Fade's pov. I love that he fell for Deuce so early on and this novella shows the reader how he deals with it.
Death and Waffles by Lisa McBride
3.5/5 stars
A rather good intro into the full length novel. Even though the main character, Matt seemed boring, I was fascinated with Ashley and her job as Harbinger.
Krisis by Lindsay Smith
4/5 stars
Whoa, this was exciting and the premise good. I am interested to read Sekret because who can say no to story set in Russia during the Cuban Missile Crisis and teenagers with psychic powers who can turn the tide of the war? I Hope Larissa and Ivan get a happy ever after though.
Deleted scenes from Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn
3/5 stars
Now because this is not a novella and more a collection of scenes taken out from the main novel, it seems to lose the appeal because it is very disjointed. But then I still found myself enjoying the scenes, especially the pizza one even though the plot is rather cliche.
Tortured by Caragh M O'Brien
3.5/5 stars
I have always been fascinated with dystopian so reading the author's introduction immediately perked me up. Despite the novella being short and not revealing much I was still fascinated to find out more. About what had happened to the world, how people coped and who Gaia was. She seemed important.
Blue Moon by Nikki Kelly
2.5/5 stars
I could not get into this at all. It was very confusing. At first when the author introduced the world I was fascinated but then I read the novella and my interest turned to confusion. By the end of it, I did not want to know more.
The Cypress Project by Gennifer Albin
4/5 stars
I guess this is abit of a prequel to the Crewel Series. I was intrigued by Lucy, Joshua, the romance, the sci-fi aspect of it. The WWII setting was nice as well. Funny because I have seen Crewel around but never gave it a chance but perhaps I should.
The Too Clever Fox by Leigh Bardugo
3.5/5 stars
This is folk tale set in the world of the Grisha Trilogy. It does not relate to any of the characters but it was nice. In a kind of bed time story kinda way if you like them a little dark. It felt like there was a moral to the story though.
I love some of the short stories as I already read the full novels like Cinder, Winner's Curse and Enclave. Especially Glitches because I adore the Lunar Chronicles. One thing I notice is that a lot of the stories are novellas from full length books and mostly from the guy's pov, guy is almost always main character's love interest so reader gets tons of talk on how he adores girl, would do anything for her, how strong and brave she is multiple times. It gets a bit annoying to say the least.
Some of stories I could not get into because I did not read the books so I could not understand the characters(Death and Waffles, Unstolen and Dynamite Junior) but some made me want to read the books(Krisis, Fixer, The Cypress Project, Tortured). Overall a satisfying collection of YA novellas that have a variety of genres to please everyone.
endlessmidnight's review
3.0
As for this anthology, I also don’t feel like touching individual stories. And that most of them are rather consistent with the theme of it all.
Glitches was memorable as it allowed me to see where Cinder really came from. And what took her to get there. The same also do Bridge of Snow, since I do think there wasn’t a lot revealed about him. And this tidbit was insightful and yet reminds me of him in such a unique way.
Monster Crush was rather interesting, at least until the end when I began to really take an interest in it. As well as the concept which was very unique, and paranormal. Which really hasn’t been done before.
Fixer and Unstolen were rather easily forgotten, as was most of them with the exception of the Cypress project. That was really interesting in the sense of a whole new world, and one where another controlled it and leaving all of the poor, sick and aged to die.
As for the too clever fox, relatively interesting but rather forgettable too.
Glitches was memorable as it allowed me to see where Cinder really came from. And what took her to get there. The same also do Bridge of Snow, since I do think there wasn’t a lot revealed about him. And this tidbit was insightful and yet reminds me of him in such a unique way.
Monster Crush was rather interesting, at least until the end when I began to really take an interest in it. As well as the concept which was very unique, and paranormal. Which really hasn’t been done before.
Fixer and Unstolen were rather easily forgotten, as was most of them with the exception of the Cypress project. That was really interesting in the sense of a whole new world, and one where another controlled it and leaving all of the poor, sick and aged to die.
As for the too clever fox, relatively interesting but rather forgettable too.
daringreader13's review
2.0
Glitches-5 stars
Bridge of Snow- 4 stars
Dynamite Junior- 4 stars
Monster Crush- 5 stars
Fixer- DNF
Unstolen- 3 stars
Secret Heart-DNF
Death and Waffles- 4 stars
Krisis-DNFed I’m really not a fan of historical fiction
Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend Deleted Scene- DNFed even though it’s by my favorite author Morgan Matson. If I read the book I might come back and read it
Tortured- DNFed because I haven’t finished the series it’s a part of and didn’t want the spoilers
Blue Moon-DNFed hate the writing style
The Cypress Project-DNFed felt too much like short stories written into a longer story
The Too-Clever Fox- 3 stars
Average Rating- 2 out of 5 stars
Bridge of Snow- 4 stars
Dynamite Junior- 4 stars
Monster Crush- 5 stars
Fixer- DNF
Unstolen- 3 stars
Secret Heart-DNF
Death and Waffles- 4 stars
Krisis-DNFed I’m really not a fan of historical fiction
Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend Deleted Scene- DNFed even though it’s by my favorite author Morgan Matson. If I read the book I might come back and read it
Tortured- DNFed because I haven’t finished the series it’s a part of and didn’t want the spoilers
Blue Moon-DNFed hate the writing style
The Cypress Project-DNFed felt too much like short stories written into a longer story
The Too-Clever Fox- 3 stars
Average Rating- 2 out of 5 stars
jesssireads's review
2.0
2 stars for Bardugo and Rutkoski, other than that what was I thinking when I bought this.
msdmjenkins's review
4.0
Great collection of short stories...and now I have a bunch more authors to go stalk.
jesskylie's review
2.0
2 stars for Bardugo and Rutkoski, other than that what was I thinking when I bought this.