Kody Keplinger both returns to the halls of Hamilton High and explores new territory in her collection of two e-book exclusive novellas. In these short stories, the author revisits a familiar cast of characters from THE DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) and A Midsummer's Nightmare. Explore the uniquely teen world of high school drama, secrets, and romantic entanglements from completely fresh perspectives that will intrigue fans of Kody Keplinger and new readers alike. ~ Goodreads
Source: Provided by the publisher (Poppy) via Netgalley for my honest review.
Review:
Secret and Lies is a two story novella collection.
Abbreviations & Alliterations follows Casey (Bianca’s best friend) and Toby (the boy Bianca dated Briefly) from The Duff. I enjoyed this one even though it was unnecessarily convoluted with you guessed it…secrets & lies.
Casey falls for Toby but thinks it’s violating the “girl code” because he dated Bianca in the past. I guess there is something to that but a.) Bianca dated Toby very briefly and b.) anyone who remembers Bianca from The Duff knows she wouldn’t give a flying fig about that sort of thing. It kind of takes the steam out of the whole story and made me irritated with Casey but she and Toby’s romance was so nice it was ok anyway.
If that kind of drama lasted for a full length book I might have been more annoyed but I’m more forgiving when it’s wrapped up quickly as this was. Plus we get a peek at Bianca and Wes!
People Worth Knowing is far darker, touching on bullying and features Bailey James from Midsummer’s Nightmare. Bailey is faced with a dilemma that’s very real for many kids today. Should she stand with the popular school bully to remain with the "in crowd" or go against everyone and be ostrocized even though it’s the right thing to do.
There are some interesting twists to this story. The good and bad guys are not as clear cut which made this a unique story.
Bailey is a phenomenal character that I would like to see more of in YA. She’s not perfect but takes some pretty brave stands despite the consequences.
I really wish People Worth Knowing was full length. Especially when it came to the romance. It was very sweet but could have been developed more, with major complications because of who the boy was related to.
These were two very short stories but cute and a nice way to touch base with characters you may be missing.
Author: Website | twitter
Buy the book! Secrets & Lies: Two Short Stories – $2.99
I do think the first thing would annoy me too
ReplyDeleteI recently listened to the Duff and I didn't realise that Midsummer used some of the same characters - that's cool!
ReplyDeleteThat is the way I like my novellas--based on characters I already know :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's easier that way. By the time the author introduces a new world and characters it's over already.
DeleteNovellas can be hit or miss for me but I do love them when they return to worlds I know and enjoy. I really like the high school world Keplinger created so it sounds like a nice visit with some great characters.
ReplyDeleteI love when a novella can expand on a world you already know or show you another perspective from a character that you might not get otherwise.
DeleteUsually a novella doesn't have enough pages to fully tell a story. But I usually know that going in so I adjust my expectations lol
I bet I would really like and appreciate People Worth Knowing, as well. How important is it that you have read Kody Keplinger's previous books to read these novellas? Well, I should really just read The Duff and A Midsummer's Nightmare is what I should do. Because Kody Keplinger seems like a talented writer.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to have read either book first. I didn't remember Bailey at all and it didn't ruin anything for me.
DeleteOf course you probably will get a little more out of it if you did (seeing your favorite characters again) but you should be ok.
People worth sounds like more my kind. I like the darker themes
ReplyDeleteI wish it was longer of course but still really good.
DeleteI loved Midsummer's Nightmare. I'm really interested this novella, even though I don't remember Bailey. I'm glad you enjoyed both, and now I'm anxious to finally read DUFF!
ReplyDeleteI didn't remember her either.
DeleteOh please read the Duff!!!!! I love that book so much!
Hm... I think I would need to at least read the Duff before diving into these novellas. Might have to think about it. Still, I do like novellas that bring us back to a world we enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYou don't need to but I really enjoyed The Duff. Keplinger has a pretty unique writing style that I enjoyed.
DeleteI definitely don't think it's necessary that you've read the DUFF and Midsummer's Nightmare. I agree that A and A was a little thin on the premise -- I also was wondering why she thought Bianca would care.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, everyone should read the DUFF!!
I'm glad that Keplinger has some new stuff coming out! Can't wait to get my hands on these!
ReplyDeleteThey're a nice compliment to her series. I always liking seeing my favorites again.
DeleteI didn't even realize there were novellas! To be honest, I don't really remember any of these characters eep. I'm glad you thought they worked well overall though and Bailey sounds intriguing. Great reviews!
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