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A review by reclusivebookslug
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Bree didn't interest me much when I read Eclipse, which is why it's taken me so long to read this novella. It's interesting, if frustrating, how what piques the author's interest so often differs from what readers want to hear more about. (I would guess this phenomenon is one of the diving forced behind fanfiction.)
Turns out, this was pretty great. It offered a perspective that I didn't know I wanted. The newborn army is set up a lot as a cult - they target vulnerable people, demand blind obedience, use deception and fear to control, seclude members from the rest of the world, and disavow anyone who questions the leader. Even though I knew the ending already, I was rooting for her and her friends, hoping against hope.
Due to how short this is, the characters weren't super flushed out and the romance felt a bit sudden. This isn't an inherent flaw, but I tend to read more for character than plot, so it dampened my connection to it.
Turns out, this was pretty great. It offered a perspective that I didn't know I wanted. The newborn army is set up a lot as a cult - they target vulnerable people, demand blind obedience, use deception and fear to control, seclude members from the rest of the world, and disavow anyone who questions the leader. Even though I knew the ending already, I was rooting for her and her friends, hoping against hope.
Due to how short this is, the characters weren't super flushed out and the romance felt a bit sudden. This isn't an inherent flaw, but I tend to read more for character than plot, so it dampened my connection to it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Violence, Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping
Nothing you wouldn't expect if you've read Eclipse.