Precious

Monstrous #0.5

by MarcyKate Connolly

This 100+ page prequel novella to Monstrous is available exclusively as bonus content in Ravenous.

Princess Rosabel is trapped between her desire to see the world and the dark deal her parents made that keeps her confined in Bryre’s castle. With the help of her best friend, Ren, she’ll do whatever it takes—even courting forbidden magic—to save her family from the wizard’s wrath and earn her freedom.

Genres: Fantasy, Novella, Middle Grade, Retellings

120 pages, Unknown Binding

Published February 9, 2016

About the author

MarcyKate Connolly is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author who lives in New England with her family and short-nosed dogs. She graduated from Hampshire College (a magical place where they don’t give you grades) where she wrote an opera sequel to Hamlet as the equivalent of a senior thesis. It was also there that she first fell in love with plotting and has been dreaming up new ways to make life difficult for her characters ever since. You can visit her online at www.marcykate.com.

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing the story we only got glimpses of in the 1st book-what happened to Kym to get them to that point. When she was alive right before becoming the “monster”. I already knew how that ends of course, so it wasn’t as sad as it would have been if it was unexpected. I really loved & appreciated having this peak at life “before”. Beautiful books. Amazing story telling. Really looking forward to reading more from this author.💜

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was wonderful! The backstory is so helpful, plus it's nice and short.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to get a prequel of how things all started.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though a lot of what occurred prior to Monstrous was explained by the end of Monstrous, this novella did provide closure by answering questions regarding how the wizard entered Bryre, how the cursed vine started growing, ​and the nature of Rosabel and Ren's relationship before her death. (The fact that the wizard's influence can only be broken by true love is an interesting revelation. Since Kym's connection to Ren leads her to escape Barnabas' grasp in Monstrous, it can be assumed that Kym/Rosa's love for Ren is likely "true." She also refers to their friendship as true.)

Old Mae had me sufficiently creeped. I found it especially suspicious how Old Mae would call Rosabel "dearie," when Barnabas would call Kymera "dear" all the time. Old Mae's role reinforces the idea that Rosabel/Kymera has always been naive, since long before the memory-wiping. I'm still not entirely sure how Old Mae was connected to the wizard, whether she was working with him or in his thrall... maybe I should read over that part again.

Given all the Monstrous references in Ravenous, it was nice to see little references from Ravenous in Precious, such as the appearance of Stump, the phrase "What in the realm?", and Rosabel stealing a disguise from the castle laundry room just as Greta would later do in Belladoma.

It was slightly hard to get into the whole search-for-the-Wizard's-Bane thing knowing the way in which the novella would inevitably end, but I'm glad I read it for the deeper knowledge and closure.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little surprised at how reckless and naïve Rosabel was in this little novella- her blatant disregard for her own safety and that of her friend Ren (whom I still dislike) was quite shocking. I had thought she would be more level-headed; but then again, most of these fairy-tale characters tend to be impulsive. She acted out of the goodness of her heart and that’s all I could really have asked of her. I really enjoyed the latter half when the wizard was upon them. Watching her make her decision had me on edge, even knowing what was going to happen. I was surprised at how much of a journey she went on before coming to the conclusion. Why do children never think to ask adults for help? They must always solve matters on their own. Overall, this was a really good story that helps to tie up some loose ends (looking at you random little owl creature, and those horrible vines) and give a more clear picture of Rosabel as she used to be.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

not entirely sure why this was an addendum to "Ravenous", as i thought it would be an expansion of either book#1 or book#2 based on its placement... turns out it was a prequel to the "world of Monstrous and Ravenous", who knew?!? not much going on here that hasn't been done elsewhere (King, Queen, one good child, one not-so-good, evil wizard, etc.), and quite a bit better, sadly... could have worked, but as a much shorter part of "Monstrous", maybe as a Prologue... something to read, but nothing to rave about... methinks the three tales - Precious, Monstrous, and Ravenous - would have made a grand singular narrative...

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though we all know how it ends, this prequel novella had me sweating with stress and anticipation. Concise and well-written. I'm glad she included it at the end of Ravenous and not Monstrous, Kymera needed a palate cleanser.

[Kaeli · Rating 2 out of 5]

This overall was an ok book but I think the series would be better off without this prequel. It did fill in some added spots but also seemed vague in others. And oh don't we all sometime hate our younger siblings. Not me personally though, but my siblings would say otherwise.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I didn't like this novella. Rosabel is selfish and acts without much thought of others. I didn't even finish the story, just skimmed it. I much prefer Kym to Rosabel.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel was quite good! I really enjoy the author's writing style. I'll have to look for more from her.

My favorite part was the walking trees!

[Aleah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!!!!! I loved having some backstory on her before monstrous!!!!!!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

315:2023
Good storytelling overall. The end feels abrupt, like I need a refresher on where Monstrous begins to really understand it. Either way, quick read.

[Crystal Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was so awesome. The build up. It's a nail biter. Looking forward to the next book. Love the writing style.

[The Duckster · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad!!

[luiloth · Rating 3 out of 5]

What order are these to be read?
Precious is a prequel to Monstrous but included in Ravenous, the sequel to Monstrous.
Huh, what?
OKTHXBAI!