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avigail's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
'Before the Fall' is the short prequel novella for the 'Embassy Row' series.
The truth is I prefer the prequels to be a little bit longer than a seen so you can understand where the main books of the series go. In my opinion, I believe if this little chapter would have been the prologue in the first book, instead of having this short novella.
Unfortunately, this short chapter didn't intrigue me to pick up the first book of the series.
The truth is I prefer the prequels to be a little bit longer than a seen so you can understand where the main books of the series go. In my opinion, I believe if this little chapter would have been the prologue in the first book, instead of having this short novella.
Unfortunately, this short chapter didn't intrigue me to pick up the first book of the series.
littlecornerreads's review
3.0
I walk through the airport and out to the car that is waiting for me, two small US flags flying on either side of the hood. When the driver opens the door, I step inside and lean back against the cool, black leather. When the car pulls away, I keep my eyes glued to the horizon, the wall, and the sea.
I should close my eyes, I know. I should rest. But instead I stare out the window, looking for dragons.
The story has just begun.
Unlike the prequel to this prequel which was just some family conversations about Grace getting shipped off to Adria, this tells an actual story. Here, the story of Grace’s arrival works well as a prequel. It's short and nothing too exciting, but it's fleshed out enough that it could be a chapter in [b:All Fall Down|22571275|All Fall Down (Embassy Row, #1)|Ally Carter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1411070285l/22571275._SY75_.jpg|25442975]. I'm not a huge Embassy Row fan in general, but I did think it was an interesting choice to create a narrator with PTSD You do get a little glimpse into Grace's mind here which I appreciated. I’ve read my fair share of random short stories which seem to be a new requirement when writing a YA series and always ask myself “how does this contribute to the series?” This was one of the few times my answer wasn’t “it makes the author more money.” Don’t expect too much from Before the Fall (it’s a free 15 page e-book, after all,) but if you don’t read it, at least you won’t feel like you fell victim to a ploy to relieve you of more money.
theresidentbookworm's review
2.0
I actually can't figure out why this isn't at the beginning of Embassy Row. It would probably be a better start to the novel than the current opening scene. It gives a little hint to Grace's state of mind and the circumstances involved in her coming to Adria. It also sets up the whole (suckish) murder mystery plot line going on. Thank you, Ally Carter, for not making us pay for such a short scene. You're a kind woman!
burstnwithbooks's review
4.0
Ahhhhh I am so excited to get into this series! It’s honestly just a quick scene (2 pages maybe) but I LOVE Ally’s writing, so of course I couldn’t pass it up.
fafabookcorner's review
3.0
This was surprisingly better than All Fall Down. I really would've liked it if Grace's brother was a main character in the series. Unfortunately this was not enough to save my dislike towards the first book.
didyousaybooks's review
4.0
It’s just one chapter really, still a nice little add-on chapter to the Embassy Row series ;)
paperloved's review
3.0
The perfect little introduction to the series that set Grace's background a little better.
sophiareads's review
3.0
I didn't give it a higher rating because of how short it was but the story was good.