Nestled deep in the woods, Shadow Falls is a secret camp where teens with supernatural powers learn to harness their abilities and live in the normal world.
Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang did not believe in vampires...until she became one. Chase Tallman is the newest member of Shadow Falls, but what made him into the sexy, mysterious vampire he is today? And what led him to Della Tsang? And for Miranda Kane, magic has always been something she's struggled with, but when an opportunity to test her powers takes her to Paris, she'll have to prove that she's a witch to be reckoned with and belongs at Shadow Falls.
Fans won't want to miss these four remarkable stories of love, magic and friendship.
C. C. Hunter is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty-five books, including her wildly popular Shadow Falls and Shadow Falls: After Dark series. In addition to winning numerous awards and rave reviews for her novels, C.C. is also a photojournalist, motivational speaker, and writing coach. In February 2018, Wednesday Books will publish her contemporary young adult and hardcover debut, This Heart of Mine. And the first book of her new paranormal young adult series, The Mortician's Daughter: One Foot in the Grave was released on October 31st 2017. C. C. currently resides in Texas with her husband, junkyard dog, Lady, and whatever wild creatures that meander out from woods surrounding home.
C.C. Hunter is a pseudonym. Her real name is Christie Craig and she also writes humorous romantic suspense romance novels. www.christie-craig.com
C.C. would love to hear from you. Because of deadlines, it may take her a day or so to get back with you, but she will reply. cc@cchunterbooks.com
I severely enjoyed each of the 5 novellas in this book. If I had to pick a favourite it would either be Spellbinder or Fierce.
Even though each novella was short they were all fast paced with action, mystery and romance. Also major character development in each one.
I'd definitely recommend reading these along with the Shadow Falls series and sincerely hope there will be more to come (hint hint please let there be either more novellas or even a Fredricka book!!)
Almost Midnight is a collection of all the short stories C.C. Hunter has previously published as ebook novellas and companions for both the original series, Shadow Falls, and the spinoff, Shadow Falls: After Dark. The only new addition that readers have not had a chance to purchase and read was "Fierce." (Actually, I believe it's an Almost Midnight special so you can't purchase it on its own.) Like most anthologies I've reviewed so far, I'll be reviewing each short story on it's own and the overall rating will reflect the average between the five novellas.
"Turned at Dark" (Shadow Falls #0.5) - 2 Stars, Completed February 2, 2016 I have to confess that I loved the Shadow Falls: After Dark spin off series so much more than the original series, Shadow Falls, solely because of Della. I simply adore her sass and independence; she's definitely one of my all time favorite female ya heroines (and I have very few of those). She's only half Chinese but I thought her character depicted Asian characters realistically, which is very rare in ya literature and I appreciated that tiny breakthrough. (I really hope more ya literature will have well executed diverse characters!) In the Shadow Falls series, readers get the impression that Della thought the vampires were the best supernatural race (but each race thought they were superior) but, even so, sometimes there were cracks to Della's stubborn facade. Readers recognized she had regrets from her human life and resented her vampiric powers overall. And the reason to this was because she wasn't born vampire but rather was a carrier of the viral strain for the vampiric gene and turned into one once the gene was activated. In "Turned at Dusk" we're finally revealed what she was like before and during the change. For me, I was disappointed because it didn't really stand out among other human to vampire transition stories I've read. Also, I was expecting Chan, her vampire cousin, to have a greater role than he did in helping her through the transition.
"Saved at Sunrise" (Shadow Falls #4.5) - 5 Stars, Completed February 2, 2016 This was probably my most highly anticipated story to read in Almost Midnight. It was eluded in both Shadow Falls series that much more happened between Della and Steve when they were sent out on a dangerous mission for the FRU. Being a such a huge fangirl of the pair (though I later became a Della and Chase shipper in the spinoff arc of the series) I absolutely relished every scene in this novella. I always admired how Steve was a guy that cherished Della, which was something she deserved after having been pushed away time and time again by people that she thought loved her at one point. Not to mention, if you know me well, my favorite part of a fictional romantic relationship in books are the initial meeting.
"Unbreakable" (Shadow Falls: After Dark #0.5) - 3 Stars, Completed February 5, 2016 I didn't even realize this short story existed until I read it. In Shadow Falls: After Dark readers learn that Chase had a pretty rough upbringing in his later years after a fatal plane crash killed his entire family and girlfriend. He only had his dog, Baxter, and the wealth his father, a doctor, left behind. This is an arc that a lot of stories seem to take and as many times as I've read these type of stories, I have yet to find the one I truly felt connected or emotionally sad over. I mean I can imagine there's unspeakable pain, resentment, and guilt to be the only survivor. But like the others I've read, I felt nothing with Chase's story. But I did enjoy "Unbreakable" for how it was written in a more middle school perspective (Chase was fourteen at the time) compared to the rest of the stories and both the Shadow Falls series. I also really liked how Shadow Falls: After Dark fans were able to have more insight behind why Chase believed "Never turn your back on a challenge" so ardently.
"Spellbinder" (Shadow Falls: After Dark #2.5) - 3.5 Stars, Completed June 21, 2015 This was the only Shadow Falls novella I read before Almost Midnight because after realizing this bind-up would be released in 2016, I made an effort not to pick up the other short stories (even when I was experiencing Shadow Falls withdrawal after finishing the series in 2014 and the spin off one in 2015) since I like reading most of my books non-electronically. I didn't reread "Spellbinder" because it was the longest short story in the anthology. However, if you want to read my full review simply click here.
"Fierce" (Shadow Falls: After Dark #3.5) - 4 Stars, Completed February 7, 2016 Leading up to the release of Almost Midnight "Fierce" was supposed to be a surprise novella and bonus where readers weren't given a clue to what it was going to be about. And it ended up being on Fredericka Lakota. It's been so long since I've read Shadow Falls but I vaguely remembered her being Kylie's antithesis in the original series. I think C.C. Hunter had a premonition that most of her readers wouldn't remember Fredericka, so she did add some background fillers to remind us all who Fredericka was. "Fierce" is probably the most up to date story on any part of the Shadow Falls world and it focused more on Federicka than the rest of the usual Shadow Falls cast, but surprisingly, I ended up finding it very entertaining to read and one of the better stories in the bind-up. I don't want to go into detail with the plot for this one or add any spoilers, so I'll leave it a surprise for those of you planning to pick up Almost Midnight.
Almost Midnight - 3.5 Stars, Completed February 7, 2016 In all, I found this anthology a great companion for readers that adore the Shadow Falls and Shadow Falls: After Dark series. I do want to point out that readers that plan to read each novella individually in the electronic format should take note of what number the novella is and where it lies in terms of events for both Shadow Falls series so they aren't ruined by spoilers. Of the stories in Almost Midnight, I'd say I highly recommend "Saved at Sunrise" and that it's a must read for Della fans. And even if you've bought each novella separately, Almost Midnight is worth it and a great investment just for the "Fierce" story alone.
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Special thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin for sending me this review copy of Almost Midnight. In no way did this affect my reading experience or honest review.
It’s always a bit of a challenge to review a literary collection, and so I’ll try to give each work within this 5-piece anthology its own just consideration. I’ll also preface this assessment by openly divulging that this was my first true introduction to the Shadow Falls series.
My individual star ratings for each short story/novella are as follows…
Turned At Dusk: 2 stars Saved At Sunrise: 3 stars Unbreakable: 3.5 stars Spellbinder: 2.5 stars Fierce: 4 stars
First off we have TURNED AT DARK -- an origin short-story for the Vampire character of Della.
Unfortunately, his reader wasn’t able to find any of the characters likable. Della’s parents were pretty good-cop/bad-cop one-dimensional; her boyfriend had no discernible personality; and her supposedly dead cousin, Chan, had little by way of backstory. Della herself is angry, self-pitying, and bull-headed—living in denial through most of the story even when faced with glaring evidence of the supernatural in her very blood. She continually makes decisions that would earn most heroines the title of “too stupid to live”…so I suppose it’s a good thing she’s a Vampire, and so not technically “alive” to begin with? That point remains unclear, however. Though Chan seems to be our window into the specifics of vampirism, readers receive precious few details outside of blood tastes and preferences… and the fact that they hate werewolves.
Which relates to my greatest disappointment: The worldbuilding was scant. As a result, I can’t recommend this as an introduction or even recap on the Shadow Falls world. While the writing is polished, the overall story isn’t particularly memorable—and for something billed as a YA, it had a strangely New Adult feel to it. I can only conclude that this is the wrong place to try to pick up the series. --- Next we have SAVED AT SUNRISE -- a novella immediately following ‘Turned at Dark.’ It tracks Vampire Della and her potential love interest--a shapeshifter named Steve--as they perform a recon mission for the supernatural world’s version of the FBI.
While Della isn’t much more likeable than she was in her origin story (still rash, judgmental, and headstrong to the point of stupid), there was at least some fleshing out to entice more reader investment in her character. Steve, however, makes the story worth reading. Not only is he easier to connect with, but he’s somehow able to be patient with Della’s many faults and wounded self-absorption. It’s just a pity we never experience any telling from his point of view—as Della can be a tiringly acrid head for readers to be stuck in. --- Then there’s UBREAKABLE -- easily the most unique and heavily foreshadowed novella in the ‘Almost Midnight’ collection. It’s told in a sort of back-and-forth format between single page BREAKING NEWS segments detailing a plane crash and attempted rescue, and the events of a day prior--as given from the 3rd-person-limited perspective of 14-year-old Chase Tallman.
This felt like the truest YA piece in the entire paranormal anthology. The emotional conveyance generally feels accurate to what one would expect from the 14 and 15-year-olds primarily featured—if not a touch older. Chase is perched on the cusp between awkward and brave; his single-minded quest forgivable due to his otherwise beneficent and believable temperament.
I actually wish this had been the first story in the ‘Almost Midnight’ collection. The supernatural elements are more eerily hinted at throughout most of the novella, only making a clear showing toward the very end. For anyone reading the anthology it belongs to without previous knowledge of the Shadow Falls world, this may be the smoothest way to ease into it. It also has the benefit of presenting a more endearing main character. ---- SPELLBINDER is the plucky tale of a screw-up spellcaster, which rapidly turns into a murder mystery. Miranda is a largely sympathetic and sometimes even likeable character—well meaning and kind almost to the point of blandness. Her failures are often comedic, and her sense of loyalty is beyond reproach.
Some readers may find the love triangle disappointing—at least for those who weren’t previously familiar with Perry outside of Miranda’s impression of his abandonment. Especially after we only see Shawn looking out for her in the first half of the story. Even after Perry is reeled in, the chemistry between him and Miranda is more distracting than convincing. On top of the issues she’s having with her family, it amplifies an atmosphere of drama that borders on supernatural soap opera. The pacing flagged at times, making this one of the more put-downable stories in the ‘Almost Midnight’ collection. Miranda’s personality and antics often lend a lighthearted air to the tale—despite the life-or-death underpinnings. --- And finally there’s FIERCE – a bonus novella, and this reader’s favorite of the ‘Almost Midnight’ collection. Fredericka made for an insecure “lone wolf” heroine with prominent daddy issues—yet her more positive traits of independence, self-determination, and emotional control created a believable and connective balance. There is a complexity to her unresolved and in-progress problems that gave the story more depth than any other piece in the anthology, without going slightly overboard into the overcomplicated drama waters like the preceding novella, Spellbinder.
Cary (a.k.a. pervy teacher) came across as pretty flat and may make readers wonder what about him Fredericka could have ever thought herself attracted to in the first place, but a number of other facets make up for the questionable antagonism. The tie-ins with Fredericka’s previous dislike for Kylie and longing for base friendship round out the story—and her character—nicely. I would have liked to see more worldbuilding in the realm of were-culture, but what was given here was enough to entice me into seeking out a full novel in the series that will hopefully do the job. --- While the overall line editing was clean, there were times when it felt as though the prose would have benefited from another content edit sweep. *Examples: page 344 - “From the puzzled look in the teacher’s eyes, she knew he found it as puzzling as she did.” Also, the excessive use of the word “brighten” in the last novella.
CONTENT NOTE: For parents or teens to whom it may concern… The sensuality level runs closer to a New Adult than YA in several of the works--and the second novella, Saved At Sunrise, includes a topless in-bed makeout session (sans actual relationship or commitment.) Readers can also expect that any of the works involving Della will also contain a higher degree of coarse language.
I would recommend this collection to existing fans of the Shadow Fall series, but advise those unfamiliar with the full length novels not to use this anthology as a preferred introduction to C.C. Hunter’s world.
I picked up Born at Midnight at twelve years old, thereabout. The book with the shiny cover sat lonely in the desolate book section of Walmart—Greenwood County is seriously lacking in bookstores—and I couldn’t leave it there all by itself. I was hooked. Hooked to a level that I didn’t know could be so invigorating. To say that I have a passion and slight obsession for any and all things Shadows Falls would be the understatement of the century. I’m currently waiting on my finished copy of Della’s final book in her trilogy to arrive in the mail so that I can add it to the spot I have devoted to these books on my shelves.
I bought this book thinking it was the new Shadow Falls novel that's actually going to be released later this month. I should really try reading the covers of books I'm going to buy. It worked out though, because I had only read one of the four novellas included in this book. The first three have been available electronically, but I believe the fourth story is exclusive to this book. If it is, it is definitely worth getting the whole book for. I didn't really like Fredericka before reading her story. Now she's one of my favorite Shadow Falls characters. I also enjoyed the stories involving Della and Chase. His was so sad, but it explained a lot about why he is the way he is.
I have been in love with the world of Shadow Falls for years now. There are five books in the Shadow Falls series, three in the spinoff series Shadow Falls : After Dark, and one final book set to be published in Oct 2016. Throughout these books, four eNovellas were released. Now, we finally have all the novellas in print, along with a new, never before released novella!! I am so excited to finally have these in print, on my bookshelf, along with the rest of this series!
Turned at Dark is Della's story. We learn how she was turned into a vamp. We get a good look into Della's home life and how it's shaped her into the sassy vamp we know.
Saved at Sunrise goes into more detail of Della's mission for the FRU, the supernatural version of the FBI. Della's dream is to work with the FRU and she finally gets her chance to help with a case. She's on a dangerous mission after rouge vampires. Burnett pairs Della with a shapeshifter, Steve. I enjoyed seeing Della and Steve's partnership grow and maybe even turn into something more.
Unbreakable is the story of the new, mysterious, vampire, Chase. Here we learn how Chase became a vampire and why he knows so much about being reborn. Chase's life became intertwined with Della's long before she first met him. This story made me love Chase even more and was pulling for Della to choose him!
Spellbinder is Miranda's story. Miranda gets a top spot in a spell casting competition in Paris. Plus Miranda's ex just up and ran off to Paris and she's kinda hoping to run into him, maybe. Only, Miranda didn't exactly plan on being thrown into the middle of a supernatural mystery the FRU is working on. Miranda learns A LOT about herself in this story.
Fierce is the new novella. This story is about Fredericka. I'll admit, I was never a fan in any way, shape, or form of Fredericka. When I found out the new novella was about her, I wasn't even excited to read it, that is how much I didn't care about her. This story changed that. I felt so bad for Fredericka, my heart hurt for her. Learning of her life gives so much insight into why she is the way she is. I loved the ending. It felt to good to see her finally happy! I enjoyed this story so much that now I want more about her and to see where life takes her after Fierce leaves off.
*Source* Publisher *Genre* Young Adult, Paranormal *Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Almost Midnight is a series of FIVE short stories that take place in the Shadow Falls universe. The Book opens with Turned at Dark (Shadow Falls 0.5) which Published March 15th, 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin. The 32 page novella is considered to be the beginning of the Shadow Falls series. Since I've already read, and reviewed this book, here is what I previously wrote:
"Turned at Dark is a novella in the Shadow Falls Series for which I am definitely going to read (and have). It follows 16 year old Della Tsang who has never seen a ghost before until the night she sees her dead cousin Chan zipping across the street and ducking into an alley. Chan has been "dead" for less than a year, or so she thought. Della actually attended his funeral. Della is hardheaded and refuses to believe what is right in front of her with a world full of Vampires, Shape-shifters, Fae, Witches, and Werewolves.
Della, as it turns out, is a carrier of a virus that transforms her into a vampire. By touching Chan with her open cut, the virus spreads rapidly throughout her body like it did to Chan. The transformation into a vampire takes 4 days and which point she can no longer drink or eat normally. In the end, Della has to make a difficult choice about remaining with her human family who believes she fallen into bad ways and boyfriend who thinks she's changed, or going to Shadow Falls summer camp headed by Holliday Brandon where she can find answers about her new found existence."
*Full Review Posting Monday, February 1, 2016 @ Gizmos Reviews.
I love the Shadow Falls world, Kylie, Miranda, and Della are such fun characters! I have enjoyed every single thing I've read in this series. This one was no different! Five glittery stars!
When I started this book I didn't remember anything about the series cause it had been so long since I read the first 3. However, this compilation of all the novellas helped bring everything back to memory.
I love all of these characters and it was awesome to read about little parts of their stories that I didn't know about.
My favorite one was Spellbinder; Miranda is my favorite. I loved how she handled finding out about Tabitha and the secrets of her family. I liked the competition aspect too and the little hint of a love triangle.
I'm so excited to get back to these characters and finish off the series with the last book!
**I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I picked up Born at Midnight at twelve years old, thereabout. The book with the shiny cover sat lonely in the desolate book section of Walmart—Greenwood County is seriously lacking in bookstores—and I couldn’t leave it there all by itself. I was hooked. Hooked to a level that I didn’t know could be so invigorating. To say that I have a passion and slight obsession for any and all things Shadows Falls would be the understatement of the century. I’m currently waiting on my finished copy of Della’s final book in her trilogy to arrive in the mail so that I can add it to the spot I have devoted to these books on my shelves.
When I get an email with an eARC of a C.C. Hunter book in it, I kind of have a major fangirl moment. I rush to NetGalley at light speed and send it to my Kindle so that, if I am reading something else at the time, it will be next. Imagine my delight when the novellas, which are also on my list of must-buys, landed in my hands—electronically.
I had already read two of the five novellas in the compilation, but reread them anyway because one was Chase’s story and the other novella was Miranda’s, and I would feel like a bad fan if I didn’t give them a little bit of my time.
Della Tsang is a unique character, and after already having read her entire trilogy, reading how she came into herself and the emotional trauma that she had to overcome along the way, only made me like her more. The compilation began with two of Della’s novellas, Turned at Dark and Saved at Sunrise, and let me see a beginning to the whys of the snappy vampire. If you haven’t read Shadow Falls: After Dark and want an idea of what to expect, start with these novellas.
Next, I got to revisit Chase Tallman. If you saw my reviews of the last two books in Della’s trilogy, then you know I’m a fan. I had already read his novella and debated skipping over it to the next, but I just couldn’t. After reading Saved at Sunrise, I harbored some mixed feelings toward Steve, the shapeshifter also vying for Della’s heart, and wanted to remind myself why Chase held mine. Chase was only fourteen in Unbreakable, showing the major event that changed the course of his life forever. I would suggest meeting him in Shadow Falls: After Dark before reading his backstory.
Please tell me Miranda is getting her own series? Her issues in Spellbinder are only briefly discussed in the next full-length book, and I want to know more about her love life. This was another novella that I had already read and debated skipping ahead, but I was glad that I hadn’t. Her relationship with Perry brought me back to earlier books, something I love about this series—you’re always going back. Her novella was not my favorite in the compilation, but it adds a lot to the series.
My favorite was Fierce, Fredericka Lakota’s story. I didn’t know a lot about Fredericka, other than she dated Lucas Parker before Kylie Galen came around. I loved seeing a new side to her, the artist and the girl starving for love. She surprised me in the best possible way. I now need her story. Better yet, how about a completed list of every Shadow Falls student, meaning each one gets his or her own story? Okay, I know that’s a little much, but C.C. Hunter has a way of creating irresistible characters and swoon-worthy romances. Did I mention how dreamy Brandon Hart, artist and object of Fredericka’s attention, is?
On a side note, I’ve been in love with Lucas Parker since I was twelve, and that statement still rings true at nineteen. I need a Kylie and Lucas novella. Having him in Fredericka’s story gave me a taste, but I’m not quite satiated.
If you haven’t been indoctrinated into this world yet, start at the beginning! You’ll appreciate the backstories a lot more and find a place you wish really was hidden in Texas.
I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for a honest review
MY THOUGHTS I love this series, and the original Shadow Falls series! So, of course I was more than happy to read this set of novellas that take place in the Shadow Falls world! I've already read a few of the novellas, because they were ebooks before they were put together in this book. Anyway, I enjoyed the novellas in this book!
The first novella is Turned at Dark. I read this one before reading this novella collection. This novella focuses on Della when she first turns into a vampire. It's a really quick story, but it gives you some background on Della's life and it kind of is a quick introduction for the spin-off series. I gave it 3 stars.
The next novella is Saved at Sunrise. This novella focuses on a mission Della is sent on, with Steve as her partner. This takes place before Della and Steve get into a relationship and Della currently doesn't like him. It's kind of interesting seeing their relationship, before there was an actually relationship, and I felt it I got to know Steve more. Also, Della is, of course, her badass and snarky self. I gave it 4 stars.
Spellbinder is the next novella and was the other novella that I read before, I actually received this one for review. This one focused on Miranda participating in a spell competition. I really liked this one! It was short, but it felt like a full novel! I also really enjoyed reading from Miranda's perspective! I gave it 5 stars! Read my full review here.
Unbreakable is the next novella. This one is about Chase's past. I feel like this one is kind of vital in a way. Chase's past is kind of mysterious and while we do find out about some of his past in the series, this novella delves deeper. I gave this one 4 stars.
The last novella was a surprise. Fierce is from the point of view of Fredericka and I actually really liked it! This novella was actually a bit longer than the others, but I felt like I was fully into the story! I vaguely remember Fredericka in the Shadow Falls series, where she was cruel, but she turned around at some point. I felt like in this novella, I got to know her better! This was probably my favorite of the novellas, 5 stars!
IN CONCLUSION This set of novellas is not necessary to read in order to understand the series, but I do recommend it! It gives you a better background on the characters and it's just great to read more of the series! I'm definitely looking forward to any more inclusions to this world!
Almost Midnight is a special book by C.C. Hunter that compiles all of her novellas in print for the very first time. Also included is a bonus novella written from none other than Fredericka Lakota's point of view. The novellas included in this novella collection are Turned at Dark, Saved at Sunrise, Unbreakable, Spellbinder and Fierce (Fredericka's Novella).
Turned at Dark is a thrilling novella. It tells us of exactly how Della turned, what it was like and the effects. I could feel Della's pain and anger over her turning and her plea for help.
Saved at Sunrise follows Della Tsang and Steve on their very first mission for the FRU. Here Della first discovers her feelings for Steve and tries to block them out. While, Steve isn't afraid to show them while protecting and saving Della's life.
Unbreakable tells us the story behind the wonderful vampire that is Chase Tallman. It follows him on a trip with his family and exactly what happens that results in him turning into the hot and amazing vampire he is today.
Spellbinder takes Miranda Kane to Paris where she competes in a competition to gain the position of high-priestess. However, in Paris there isn't only the drama between the competitors but also the hot love triangle that Miranda is involved in and some murder mysteries.
Fierce is the much awaited Fredericka story. We all know this well-known antagonist but now we get to discover the history behind her original mean ways. What happens to her in this novella is just amazing and very creative.
I loved every minute of this book. Although it took me longer than I wished, because of certain circumstances, it's still will be a favourite of mine just like all of C.C. Hunter's other books. Sadly this is the second last announced book that takes place in the Shadow Falls world.
Looking forward to the final installment in the Shadow Falls world, Alice
This was a great collection of the novellas from the Shadow Falls series. I really liked it. I truly believe that there should be more books written in the Shadow Falls world. It just doesn't seem like the stories are done. Maybe some fast forwarding to young couples becoming parents & what their children are like.
C.C. Hunter never disappoints, these novellas were excellent. I can't wait for the next book to come out but I will be sad when the series comes to an end. If you like YA supernatural books you will LOVE this book. Her work deserves more than 5 stars.
So last night I finished the last short story last night. 'Fierce'. It's Frederica's story. Which I didn't think it would change my mind on how I saw her or how much I disliked her. But it did change my mind and I can honestly say that I kind of like her now. She isn't really all that much of a bitch. She may seem like it but really she isn't. All she's trying to do is fit in and deal with her life. Which I know sounds like some crap considering how mean she was to Kylie and all of them. But if you actually read her story I think you'll agree with me.
And now I'm seriously thinking I should of done reviews on all of these as I finished them. Not wait until I was all done with the whole book. But oh well.
Anyways. On to Miranda's story. Spellbinder.
Who doesn't love Miranda? Like for real people? Anyone that's read The Shadow Falls novels loves her along with Della and Kylie. Seeing as she's the sassy witch of the group that likes everyone. Even when they aren't the best people. And you see that in Spellbinder. Seeing as it's about this contest you could call it. And there's people in it that she doesn't like and yet they make up in the end. Oh and Perry shows up too! Along with Shawn. I would love to rant and rave about how amazing this is and how she comes to discover things within her self that she didn't even know she had. But I can't. So you'll just have to read this one to find out what I mean.
Now for everyone's favoite bad ass vamp. And no it's not Mr.James Burnett. Although he is bad ass too. Nope. This time we're talking about Chase Tallman.
Okay so can I please start off by saying that if you think Chase is just some bad ass vamp that was just born that way. You would be SO dead wrong. Seeing as Chase isn't only a bad ass he's a survivor. And the only way he became a vampire at all is by almost dying. But you can see that he didn't. I feel so bad for him now that I know his story. But it also makes me see him in a whole new light. And makes me understand why he does the things he does and how he chooses to do them. I loved his sister and parents. They where great people. Even his sister's friend. I would honestly love to meet them in life if I could. But a'lass! They are fictional charters. I think the most touching thing about his whole story though is how loyal he is to his sister even when she is a brat. And how loyal he was to his sisters friend and his parents. But the most loyal I think he was to was his dog. Baxter. He loved that dog, and still does. If you bother reading his story you'll see him in a whole new light and be able to understand him even more.
Okay, now... Della's story. Turned at Dark.
So, we all know Della. Roommates to Miranda and Kylie at shadow falls. But how much of her history do we really know? I mean besides the fact that she has a bad relationship with her dad. Do we know what caused it to start? Well, we didn't. But now we do, because of her story.
Della was a bad ass even before she got turned. Well kind of. But she didn't have it easy even before the change. If anything her home life just got harder once she made the change. Considering that it was actually by accent that she even changed at all. Seeing as all Chan was trying to do was Save her. Yes, that's right. Save her from some vamps and were's that were about to fight it out. And she interfered in it. I wont say more then that. But he didn't realize she was bleeding and touched her. And that's how she caught the verse and how she started to turn. Well besides getting bit. And amazingly enough she lived through the turn with Chan's help of coarse. In 'Turned at Dark' you really get into her head. It might not always make sense but, it was a fun read.
Well if this didn't scare you away, and you want to know more about Della, Chase, Miranda, and Fredericka then you should read this. Seeing as it explains them a lot better then I can. And it's honestly a really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Almost Midnight is the novella collection from the Shadow Falls series. There are three previously published stories and one new one. The new one concerns Fredericka. The new novella is reason enough to buy this book!
Fredericka is not a fan favorite. That is until she redeems herself in the original Shadow Falls series. She has always been a werewolf on the outside. Her mother dying in childbirth, her father abandoning her at an early age to Lucas’ dad. She hasn’t known a lot of kindness. She hasn’t given a lot of kindness. Some would even say that she has gotten what she deserves. Trust is hard for her to give and to earn. She is working on it though. Holiday gave her a place to work on her jewelry making, and she has an interview for a job at a local gallery. Her and Cary (Mr. Cannon) are still firmly in the friends zone but graduation is coming up and she hopes to come out of that zone and into another.
The Falls begin to call to her. All fans of the series knows that this is bad news bear- or in this case bad news wolfie. After that things get difficult-for her , her new boss, Cary and the ghost. Fredericka gets threatened. Will she be able to deal with all of this on her own?
Fredericka is an interesting character. I was completely happy hating her. Then when she redeems herself in a previous book, I was happy feeling indifferent to her. A background character, an afterthought. So when it was released that the newest novella would be about her I was like “really”? There are so many other characters it could be about. I should have trusted in CC’s judgement. She hasn’t let me down yet. She didn’t let me down this time either.
Fierce is well fierce. Fredericka has a strong personality. Her loyalty once earned is forever. She knows how people view her, and sometimes she lives up to those view. There is a side to her in this book that we are introduced to. A side that I adore. She is soft, cuddly and yeah… you will start to like her as much as I do.
Almost Midnight was amazing! Having all of the Shadow Falls Novellas in one book is great and very convenient since it will be in print for all those who don't have access to an e-reader. Turned at Dark, told from the sassy vampire Della Tsangs p.o.v, is about her hard transition from being a human to being a vampire. In Saved at Sunrise, Della goes on a mission for the FRU with the sexy shapeshifter, Steve. They encounter trouble and romance blooms. In Unbreakable, we get a look at the past of the mysterious, but sexy, Chase Tallman's past. In Spellbinder, we get a glimpse inside Miranda Kane's head, finally learning what troubles the dyslexic witch faces. In the newest novella, Fierce, we see Fredricka Lakota in a whole new light. Trying to find her place in the world, making new friends, meeting sexy guys, all the while facing trouble head on. All of these novellas are amzing, just like the novels. If you love Shadow Falls this is something you should definitely invest in! Seriously, C.C. Hunter wrote all of these stories perfectly, and if you don't get this your missing out.
Woowww!!! All I can say is, the Fredricka novella was absolutely my favorite!! I definitely need a whole series on her and Brandon!! Out of all the female characters, I found Fredricka to be the most different and relatable one for me; but all of C.C. Hunter's characters are all so unique. I enjoyed all of the novellas though; it was really nice to read out of the different characters P.O.V. (We got a chance to know more about Della's change in becoming a vampire, we got to know more about Chase's family, Miranda's family and witch competitions, and lastly Fredricka's relationships and a little bit about her life before Shadow Falls) I would love to read out of some of the other characters P.O.V. as well. Can't wait to see what other stories C.C. Hunter has in store for us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am so beyond obsessed with Shadow Falls; it is incredible to me how this place just pulls me in every time. Prior to reading this book, I had already read all the included short stories (amazing!) save for the last one, Fierce. I am so very glad Hunter went back to shed new light on Fredericka. I honestly had not cared much for her before reading this novella but I can safely say that she is now one of my favorite characters. I just needed to see things from her perspective.
This is a wonderful collection of short stories that fans of the series will not want to miss!
If you ever wanted to a chance to read all the novellas all at the same time then now is the time. This book is comprise of all her previously released Novellas that was only available in Ebook form can now be found in this book along with a new addition. The new novella is about Fredricka, the badass werewolf that use to give Kylie all kinds of trouble. In the novella you will learn more about her as a person and she ends up befriending the last person she thought she would.
A great addition to all of the Shadow Falls Series
I just finished reading Shadow Fall series and After Dark I loved them both a lot. But after reading Fredericka story I wish there was more to it. I was expecting more to happen between her and Brandon and I was actually glad that he kinda knew what he was. It was a relief that Fredericka didn't have to tell him and him having a bad reaction to it. But I'm glad she finally found someone good for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An ok book in this series. I prefer books in this series to be full stories. This one is a collection of short stories, some involving major characters like Della, others about supporting characters; how they became what they are, how the vampires were turned, some of the missions they have gone on, etc.
An ok read if you're into short stories and you like this series.
Too short! I love the Shadow Falls books and have been waiting patiently for this one to be released. Got it and gobbled it up! So... when's the next one due? I may have to start the series over, again, for the 3rd time.