Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com
A hot ghost with a message from beyond the grave. Two futuristic teens discovering the wonders of dreams and hormones for the first time. A hand-fasting that leads to more heartbreak - and magic - than any girl would have thought possible. A mysterious, immortal boy who may or may not be any more real than the paper he's printed on. A selkie who traps a human with his skin - though really he only wanted to date her.
That's a brief glimpse of the stories of LOVE IS HELL, an anthology of romantic and fantastical YA fiction from several of the genre's top authors.
Though most of the stories are dark, there's plenty of humor to be had, especially in Westerfeld's amusing take on a too-perfect future. Zevin's tale will make you question your own reality (in a good way), and Marr, Larbalestier, and Stolarz prove that love is a force more powerful than common sense, hate, or even death.
With plenty of swoon-worthy moments and surprising twists, there's much to enjoy from all.
I found myself wishing that many of the stories were longer, so their characters and events could have been developed more, but that's always the danger with short stories. Readers will race through this eagerly and likely find themselves hoping each author chooses to explore the worlds they've created again in the future.
A hot ghost with a message from beyond the grave. Two futuristic teens discovering the wonders of dreams and hormones for the first time. A hand-fasting that leads to more heartbreak - and magic - than any girl would have thought possible. A mysterious, immortal boy who may or may not be any more real than the paper he's printed on. A selkie who traps a human with his skin - though really he only wanted to date her.
That's a brief glimpse of the stories of LOVE IS HELL, an anthology of romantic and fantastical YA fiction from several of the genre's top authors.
Though most of the stories are dark, there's plenty of humor to be had, especially in Westerfeld's amusing take on a too-perfect future. Zevin's tale will make you question your own reality (in a good way), and Marr, Larbalestier, and Stolarz prove that love is a force more powerful than common sense, hate, or even death.
With plenty of swoon-worthy moments and surprising twists, there's much to enjoy from all.
I found myself wishing that many of the stories were longer, so their characters and events could have been developed more, but that's always the danger with short stories. Readers will race through this eagerly and likely find themselves hoping each author chooses to explore the worlds they've created again in the future.
Helpful Score: 1
Wow what a book! Each story had me completely enthralled. I didnt want them to end! Melissa Marr's story was my favorite, but they were all amazing. A must read for fans of the current Young Adult books out there!
Helpful Score: 1
If you like YA books, Paranormal or Romance books you will love the short stories in Love is Hell. Every story is different and although I did not love every story I could not put this book down.
The story by Gabrielle Zevin was my favorite and I have re read it twice. This is a book that you will want on your keeper shelf
The story by Gabrielle Zevin was my favorite and I have re read it twice. This is a book that you will want on your keeper shelf
