Steel Scars (Red Queen Novella Book 2) Kindle Edition

Aveyard has written smallish series, 4 books (1 still to come I think in 2018) and 2 novellas. I'm just starting the 3rd book. I am not one of the pay to review people (or whatever they do).I've read other reviews and agree that the books have been dragged out to make additional books. But I don't think they are watered down. I think the author/publisher is making more money. But I am totally enjoying all of them. I think this novella was the least enjoyable, and I still gave it 4 stars because it was great, albeit short, backstory.Somebody else posted that these are copies of other books, like Game of Thrones. Personally I don't see the direct correlation except that they are so imaginative that you see them in your head! And other than that, who cares? Everybody copies something. Game of Thrones may be the 'first' to hit this pop, but it won't be the last.If you're looking for a series that has a lot of imagination, is so fast moving when it has to be, suspenseful when it has to be something that is like a movie in your mind's eye!, has heroes, heroines, a main heroine, muddled relationships, and the vanquished standing up to the overlords (!), this may be for you.I like the different points of view - some other reviews don't like the characters, but I like the switch and try to match them to the rest of the book. I think if I have to say anything negative, it's that you have to take that leap of faith to see the love relationships. Friendships and family are pretty good to understand, but the love connections are a bit elusive. Still it doesn't make me NOT understand what I'm reading, or ruin the rest of this series!I hope Aveyard keeps perfecting her craft and writing series. ++PF

Cruel Crown contains two short novellas set in the Red Queen world.Queen Song is a nice short novella about the kings first wife Coriane. Over the 6 small chapters we learn how Coriane and Julian came to live at court. While Julian and Coriane come from noble High Houses they are struggling. As the story progresses we read about Coriane meeting the Prince Tiberias, their marriage, and the birth of her child Tiberias "Cal". We also see how Elara sinks her evil claws into Coriane.I thought it was a well done novella and it was nice to have a little back story of the Calores.Steel Sword is a bit longer novella. It is told from Farley's The Scarlet Guard Captain's POV. This one was a tad disappointing. I found it boring, but it was interesting to get another point of view in the Red Queen world.

This novella is about Farleys doings with the Scarlet Guard. It focuses around a time period right before and right at the beginning of Red Queen. So, if you haven't read Red Queen, wait to read this novella.Overall, this was a good read. It was interesting to know how Farley got where she was when we meet her in Red Queen. It was also interesting to hear about the Scarlet Guard through someone else besides Mare. You also get to find out how Shade and Farley meet.I was a little disappointed she doesn't give many details about her past, before the Scarlet Guard. Farley can't seem to open up about it, even in her own head. It also ends abruptly which is disappointing. Here's to hoping for a sequel to the novella....

"No room for mistakes and no hesitation. Forward at all costs. Rise, Red as the dawn." 4 stars from me. I enjoyed this novella much more thanQueen Song. I felt like, as a reader, I was given more insight into the early days of the Scarlet Guard. I would love to know more, still! There are remaining questions about the Farley family, about Kilorn's oath to the guard, etc. This was well-written and engaging but definitely left me wanting more!

I'm a fan of the Red Queen series, therefore this has been a must read for me. I revel in Victoria's writing as it pulls me entirely into the world of Reds and Silvers and it gives me my dose of adventure and mind stretching. This book is centered on Farley and the rising of the Scarlet Guard as told from her point of view, before Red Queen. So as far as opinions go, mine says: YES to this.

I just realized that I like prequels! This is a good one -- giving additional info without repetition or being a "spoiler." I like Aveyard's writing style and the culture she has created is very creative. Heading to the other books in the series!

This novella, Steel Scar gives background on Farley and Shade Barrow. It tells about Farley's life before the Guard and how she became involved with the guard. We learn how Shade and Farley meet. Waiting for the third novel.

Loved this novella. You get to see how Farley and Shade met. This had me interested just like the big books. Can't wait to read the final book. Now tho I have more questions about Farley like the bigger story behind her relationship with her father! Great read wish I didn't have to wait to read the final installment!

Like the last novella, Queen Song , I actually enjoyed this more than Red Queen . Where RQ lacked originality, these novellas start to build up a story of Aveyard's own making. Along with her beautiful writing, these were a treat. Focusing specifically on Steel Scars, we follow Farley. We learn what brought her to Norta, her link to the Scarlet Guard and more about how the rebel movement is run. We also got a good introduction to Mare's brother, Shade, or Shadow, as the Scarlet Guard call him. My only complaint would be that I didn't like the chunks of mission statement and how they were presented. Maybe it's just the layout on Kindle but they were a little all over the place and they ran on from one another without any extra space so a couple of times I was confused as to who was saying what. I think they'd be better off getting a page or half a page each with clearer marks of where one ends and another begins. On the whole, though, this was written well, a lot more original than RQ, and enjoyable. I'm actually glad that I picked up both of the novellas because we get to see something original from Victoria Aveyard, without so many bits and pieces plucked from other dystopian YA novels, and hopefully that's a sign of what's to come in the future books. I'm looking forward to continuing on with the series!

Really enjoyed this. This was my kindle first purchase and contained a very good story line. Really looking forward to getting the next one in the series.

Great to read about Farley's history and the background of the coming together of the Scarlet Guard and Mare Barrow.

My queen Diana getting a story all for herself. I loved this. Keeping slaying those Silvers. Glass Sword couldn't come soon enough.

A nice addition to the series!