Almost Midnight

November 15, 2015
This compilation of novellas set in the Shadow Falls universe fills in some gaps in the original series. Focusing on most of the main characters from the series, this patchwork of stories flashes back to past events in their lives and loves. The first two novellas offer Della the angry vampire's origin story and describe her first adventure with the Fallen Research Unit. The action then shifts to a brief but engaging episode that explains how Chase became a vampire. Next, witch Miranda enters a contest that gets out of hand. She and her friends find themselves in serious danger somewhere in Paris, and she must cope with some new information about her family. Finally, the werewolf Fredericka falls for her almost-human new boss while her jealous history teacher tries to intimidate her into staying with him. She learns more about her own family and tries to solve the mystery of a ghost she cannot avoid. All four of the protagonists of these stand-alone episodes experience new love even when still attracted to their previous heartthrobs. Characters strive with little success to escape their one-dimensional, standard portrayals, but fans of the series already know them and will appreciate the new background information given for all four. Works as a series introduction or continuation for fans. (Paranormal romance/suspense. 12-18)

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