Before
(Heven and Hell, # 0.5)
Cambria Hebert
Released November 16th, 2011
What if your life was charmed and everything in it was perfect…
Before.
This is the story of my past. Of what things were like for me when everything was normal. Of what every teenager’s life is like. Clothes. Parties. Boys and summer vacation. What’s so wrong with that?
I liked it. I was happy. Until things changed. I changed.
I didn’t know that lies and secrets were about to take over my existence. I didn’t know there was someone out there, someone meant just for me. I didn’t know that I was about to go on a journey, a journey that would lead me to the girl I am today.
This is the beginning of the worst year of my life. Would I go back and change things? Erase everything that has happened to go back into these moments?
Not a chance.
This is a story of before.
I don’t usually read short stories because they’re, well… too short. I never have time to get into it so I don’t bother. When I do read them, it’s most likely after the main course – so yes, I cheated and read Masquerade first. *blasphemy*.
Before is a short prequel to the upcoming full length novel Masquerade. When we meet Heven in Masquerade, the attack that gave her horrible scars on her face has already come and gone. So in Before, we get a glimpse of how glamorous her life was when she had all her beauty and self confidence.
It was nice to get to know Heven before her attack – even if it was short lived. I could tell how she was different – personality-wise – which shows that Cambria knows how to write her characters. We see how Heven was much more outgoing and sure of herself back then. We also get a look at Sam and his disagreement with the villain of Masquerade, which was interesting and led us up to the event of the attack. It was short and to the point. If you’re like me regarding short stories, I suggest you read Masquerade first. If not, beware of the major cliffhanger!
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| 4 Hot Espressos |
Watch for my review of Masquerade on December 13thand drop by for the tour on December 15th!
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Rebecca
I’m with you on not liking to read short stories if it’s not part of a series etc. I’m glad she managed to write the novella so well! I admit you make me quite curious about this and Masquerade. I might have to take a closer look at that one! 🙂 Great review.
Jennifer | Book Den
I’m a sucker for short stories, but not so much cliffhangers! I think I’ll have to read Masquerade first, too.
Mrs Q Book Addict
I don’t normally read short stories, but if I can read the book that goes along with the story- I’m in. Great review! I’m curious about both now.
cambria
Thanks for the fab review Giselle!!!! You are awesome!
Giselle
😀 Thanks Cambria! I can’t wait for the tour!!
Rebecca
I love short stories but cliffhangers kill me! I didn’t know this was out there. Your review has me very interested, so I will have to go get it:)
Anna
Since I’ve already read Masquerade, would it be worth reading this one?? LOL, I don’t know if it would be helpful…
Anna @ Literary Exploration
Giselle
@Anna : It’s only like 20 pages so… 10 mins to read it. It’s a fun little novella if you have it, read it. 🙂
Flo
And now I’m curious! I haven’t read Masquerade yet but now I’m totally intrigued and I think I’ll try to read Before too. Thanks for the review 🙂
Lauren M
I love short stories, but only if they stand alone. I’m glad this one helped give a little background to the book, though! 🙂
Book Passion for Life
This looks like a good read. I’ll hopefully get it one day! Thanks for the review. ~ Donna
Kris Summers
I can’t wait to read Masquerade now! I’m wondering whether or not to read the short story first. Would it ruin the fun of reading the book, or would it make me enjoy the book more?
Savannah
I totally agree with short stories! It’s never enough for me! I need to read Masquerade!!
kelseykins
I really want to read this series, it sounds awesome, and I love the cover on this one!
Shellie
I don’t like short stories unless they are prequels. Prequels just get me excited to read the series (as long as it’s good) and give a lot of background info which I like. This sounds very good. Am looking forward to your blog tour!
-Shellie
Giselle
@Kris Summers: Really, since it’s only 20 pages long it won’t make a difference to your experience with Masquerade.
Andrea @The Bookish Babes
I usually don’t have much time to read short stories, if that makes sense. The few I have read, I actually liked. This one definitely sounds worth the time.
Natalia Belikov @ Dazzling Reads
This seems to be a great short story! I’ll check it out!! yey! =9 thnks for this review ^^ First time I heard about this author =D
muah!!!
BookLuvr Mindy
I’m not really a fan of short stories. Even from books that I’m a huge fan of…so I’m good.
♥bookluvrmindy
Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
Lalaine ( Ficbookreviews )
I tried to follow you again, now your blog appeared on my dash hopefully it will stay that way! Havent heard of this yet but I will add this on my list! Great review, i love cliffhangers!
♥Ficbookreviews♥
Kris Summers
@Giselle: That’s good to hear 🙂
Jen
Oooo this review has me wanting to read not only Before, but Masquerade as well!!!
Samual
I was reading some of your posts and have noticed this cover. It’s sooo BEAUTIFUL and attractive I immediately had to stop. I probably stared at the cover for about 19.9 seconds before I went ahead and read the synopsis. I’m not into short stories much, well, because it’s short. At first I thought this is a YA Contemporary Fiction, but then your review kind of gave me the answer thinking it isn’t. I LOVE the cover a lot, plus the synopsis is soo interesting I want to check it out. I haven’t read the series nor have I heard of it before, but it sure sounds quite good. Great review! Thank you for sharing, Giselle!
Sam
Books For All Seasons