More Than What Came Before

by Electra Nanou

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

Electra Nanou is an author of fantasy and fiction, as well as a reviewer and beta reader. After completing a BA in English Literature at the University of East Anglia, she never left Norwich, UK, where she continues to nurture her passion for the written word.

Reviews

[Bookworm86 · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'More Than What Came Before' by Electra Nanou

This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be my last!

I must admit that I had no idea quite what to expect when I started reading this but I am very pleased that I did as, although it is going to be hard to explain this book, one thing I can definitely say is that I have never, ever read anything like it and I very much doubt I ever will again!! I will warn you that if you are looking for a book that wraps up with an explanation then this will not be the book for you! I have finished it and still have absolutely no idea quite what was real or what actually happened!! It is definitely unlike anything I have read before. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books so it is getting harder and harder to find something completely unique but Electra has certainly achieved it with this absolutely bizarre and one of a kind read!! Considering this book is a novella with the kindle version having just 113 pages and the paperback just 136 pages Electra has managed to pack a lot in to such a short read!! It really is quite difficult to actually put a review into words with this one as I don't really want to give anything away and to get the most out of it it is certainly something you need to read and enjoy for yourselves!! With a storyline rammed with family, horror, obsession, hatred, jealousy, twists, sibling rivalry, fantasy, science fiction, darkness, wishes, ambition, perfection, supernatural, mystery, folklore and so much more what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of 'More Than What Came Before' and decide the truth for yourself. As I previously mentioned, I have absolutely no idea if what I read was a mental breakdown, a doppelganger, a faked diary, a demon or what!! With such an unlikeable and unreliable narrator it really is for the individual reader to decide! With it being such a short read it would have been rude not to devour it in one sitting and that is just what I did, finishing it in a few short hours. What this book will do is make you much more careful what you wish for in the future! It will definitely leave you with your jaw hanging open wondering what on Earth you just read and that in itself is a triumph!! Any book that shocks me or leaves me gobsmacked gets bonus points as with having read so many books it is getting more and more difficult. Anyway, I cant say anymore so I will leave you to decide but I would definitely love to see your opinions so make sure you check back in and let me know!

Overall a dark, bizarre, unique and creepy read that will ensure you are careful with what you wish for in the future!

#MoreThanWhatCameBefore #ElectraNanou #TheBookGuild #NovelTours #Novel.Tours #Bookstagram

@ElectraNanou @TheBookGuild @NovelTours @Novel.Tours


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[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mysterious and disturbing tale, that I really enjoyed.

Chester, is a radio host, that runs a show about the paranormal, supernatural and unexplained phenomenon. Myths about a mysterious staircase that appears in the woods grab his attention and he sets off on a mission to find them. Once there he makes a wish for his sister to be removed from his life.

The concept of this story was really cool. I enjoyed the mysterious staircase and the power it holds. It follows the age old saying of be careful what you wish for. I liked how it had a butterfly effect, and by changing one thing, it has had a huge ripple effect. Chester soon learns this and has to face the consequences of what he has done.

I loved how the other Chester developed and became more dominant and in control, whilst Chester appeared to be spiralling and falling apart. It really does make you question whether the staircase is real or is he just suffering a psychotic episode?

There are a lot of dark, tense moments as Chester spirals into his obsession and I really enjoyed how unhinged he becomes. Faye seemed like a really lovely, caring sister but Chester has so many psychological issues that he just sees her as the root of all his problems and takes no responsibility for himself.

It’s a really fascinating story, that kept me guessing throughout. I finished it in one session and really enjoyed the short, quick chapters. That ending will have me thinking about it for a while. I have questions!

Most importantly, it poses the question - if you could make a wish, would you make it? I don’t think I would. No matter how you word it, there always seems to be a way for it to go wrong.

Overall, I rate this 4⭐️. It’s a dark, supernatural, psychological thriller, that I highly recommend.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than What Came Before is a sharp, unsettling little gem. Set against the familiar streets and quiet woods of contemporary Cambridge, it blends folklore with modern ambition in a way that feels both timeless and unnervingly current.

Chester “Cheshire” Sommer is a wonderfully flawed protagonist—charismatic, self‑absorbed, and just insecure enough to be dangerous. His hunger for “more” is instantly recognisable, and watching that desire take shape in the form of his perfect double is as fascinating as it is chilling. The novella plays with the Dorian Gray idea of a beautiful, corrupting reflection, but adds a sinister, almost puppet‑like quality that makes the Other Chester feel alive in all the wrong ways.

The supernatural staircase, tucked away in the Cambridge woods, is a brilliant piece of folklore: eerie, intimate, and believable enough that you half expect to stumble across it yourself. When Chester makes his wish, reality bends with a quiet, creeping horror—his sister vanishes, his double steps forward, and the story accelerates into a spiralling exploration of ambition, ego, and the seductive pull of perfection.

What I loved most is how the novella balances its genres. It’s atmospheric without being heavy, psychological without losing its sense of fun, and genuinely unsettling in moments where the consequences of Chester’s choices snap into focus. The ending lands with real weight, reminding us that wanting “more” can hollow out everything we already have.

A clever, stylish, and haunting read—perfect for fans of character‑driven horror and modern folklore with teeth.

With thanks to Electra Nanou, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than What Came Before is original, unique and for such a short novella, packs a heavy punch!

Bewildered is the best word I can use for my first impressions of this book and in the very best way. How often can we say that we read something the likes of which we have not read before? I love books that break genre borders, but this, this didn't just break the borders, but the ceiling and floor also

Chester “Cheshire” Sommer. He has it all, however, for Chester, all is not nearly enough and he desires more, much more. He dreams of a perfect version of himself, immaculate, and whatever this version has to say must be on point...right? Dream Chester knows exactly how rl chester feels, his deepest, darkest thoughts. He empathises with Chester, validates Chester, understands just how much he resents his sister...

A discovery in the woods leads to wishes made and reality spiraling into the unknown, disappearing Faye and leaving behind dream Chester in the RL, fired up and ready to achieve Chesters wildest dreams...

This book is not just a book, it is a lierary experience. The narrative style works beautifully to enhance the subject matter, creating a whirling dervish of concepts, spinning around a strong storyline. Absolutely intriguing and utterly captivating, I highly recommend this novella

Thank you to the Author Electra Nanou and Novel Tours for this ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

If you're looking for something that will leave you feeling like "WTF did I just read", this may be the one for you. This novella packs A LOT into 136 pages. I think I would describe this is a fantasy/horror/weird lit mash-up.

I found Chester unreliable and unlikeable. It became more and more unclear to me as the story progressed whether Chester was dreaming, having a psychotic break, or just an unreliable narrator keeping us in the dark. And I LOVED the way it ended. I literally put down the kindle, started laughing, and then went... wait... what? It was great.

Something that really stood out to me was the theme of acceptance. Acceptance of ourselves for who we truly are, embracing ourselves, finding our peace and our happiness. Taking that even further as well to finding the joy in the now. You may wish for more or different, but is it truly better? Is the grass truly greener? You may find you aren't happy with it once you have it, and then you'll always want more and more and more.

I received an advance digital copy. I provide this review voluntarily. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Thank you to Novel Tours, The Book Guild Publishing, and Electra Nanou for the opportunity to participate in the bookstagram tour for More Than What Came Before!

[Anne Brown-Searle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tale of Two Chesters

I chose this rating of five stars because I loved the style and visual language interpreting the atmospheric process. Also the good use of dialogue and well thought out connections. Absorbing continuity of the characters were well drawn out and there was good pace setting of scenes. I found myself galloping through the story!
Cassandra the mother, Marcus the father and Faye the sister all played an interchangeable role with Chester the protagonist with alarming and puzzling events.

"Perfection Comes at a Cost", it does indeed, as you work through this very quirky but truly entertaining novella. The ending was pretty unnerving and unexpected; the final journey into complete madness. If you like the idea of a radio programme making sense and discussing the paranormal, then this one takes the biscuit!

Chrissie, my beloved sister was indeed "The Wind in my Sails" too. Well done Electra, The Puzzle of Chester "Cheshire" Sommer was truly "Quirky"!

[Tarnavska Oleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of the book tour (huge thanks to the team for sending over a copy for an honest review!).
More Than What Came Before is a super quick, dark science-fantasy novella set in Cambridge. It follows Chester, a broadcaster whose ambition gets the better of him after he makes a wish on a supernatural staircase in the woods... which accidentally summons a "perfected" version of himself into reality while making his sister disappear.
I felt like the premise was really cool and unique. The doppelgänger element gave it such an eerie, unnerving vibe, and I loved watching Chester’s ambition turn into total obsession. Because it's a shorter novella, I felt like I just wanted a little more room to sink into the story and characters, but it was still a super engaging, fast-paced read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you like dark urban fantasy, stories about wishes gone wrong, or creepy double-identity tropes, definitely give this one a look!

[Kirsty Wilkyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than what came before is a fast passed psychological thriller that grips you from page 1.

We follow Chester, his sister Faye and Chester’s perfect self and the book explores the price obsession, ambition and perfection can cost. Leaving you asking the question can the pursuit of perfection ruin everything for the future?

At first I thought the unique writing style was a little strange but after the first few chapters i realised how genius it actually is, the prose is engaging, gripping and atmospheric, that leads you to not putting the book down as you just need to know what is happening next.

My only criticism is that i wish it was longer, I would love to spend more time inside Chester’s head and delve further into his psyche and learn more about the mysterious staircases.

This quick and mysterious book is a must read for anyone who is a fan of a unique, fun read. a fantastic book hangover book that will keep you gripped and guessing.

Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!

[Hannah Boyland · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than What Came Before was such an interesting read. This definitely comes under the 'weird lit' category, and I am SO here for it. This book really makes you question whether the MC is an unreliable narrator, or if they've truly gotten themselves too deep into the occult/supernatural 👀 I finished this feeling confused, but honestly, I think that was the right kind of ending for this book.
This book did include some parts that were tough to read. I don't really have many triggers, but some of this I did struggle with a bit.
This book really makes you question whether the things you "want" or "dream" about, are the things you really want. Sometimes, we dont know the true answer until we are in that situation!
This book feels quite difficult to review, because of just how weird it was at times, but overall I really enjoyed it!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly sent a free copy of this book as part of a book tour in exchange for an honest review. This is a dark, folklore-based novella which was a super quick read. I found the premise of the book quite sinister and eerie, and wasn’t sure at first if we had an unreliable, mentally unhinged narrator on our hands or if there really was a supernatural “doppelgänger” situation going on. I didn’t really engage with the writing style and found it a bit hard to follow and I think the chapters needed to be a bit longer. There were also some elements that I found quite disturbing, although they did add to the intense atmosphere of the book. I felt like because it was so short I didn’t really get enough of a feel for the characters but it was still entertaining and kept my interest. 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads)

[Mary Polzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an intriguing and unique read - a blend of supernatural fantasy with an undercurrent of horror. It's only a terror shirt read but I really enjoyed the way the elements of this story came together well.

Chester isn't a particularly likeable character and you can't help but feel no empathy for him at all - he's selfish and his decisions are short sighted and based on what Chester wants..for Chester.

A story about greed and selfishness but also about being careful about what you wish for because everything comes at a cost.

Thanks you @randomthingstours for having me along for this tour! An unusual story with quite a twist!

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘More Than What Came Before’ was an unusual read, the storyline was bizarre in the best way! I was kept on my toes throughout and struggled to put the book down, it was a quick and easy read! I found the mix of sci-fi and urban fantasy really fascinating and I would recommend this read to anybody who enjoys unique storylines, sci-fi/fantasy and short reads.

[Tintaglia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una novella peculiare e intrigante, sul prezzo dell'ambizione, dell'avidità, dell'egocentrismo, dell'invidia. Una scrittura ancora da raffinare leggermente, ma suggestiva, seppur a volte oscura - ma non so valutare se per scelta legata al tema della novella o per effettiva inesperienza.
Un'autrice da tenere d'occhio.