Review: Gemini Falling by Eleanor Wood

Gemini Falling by Eleanor Wood

Author: Eleanor Wood Website|Twitter
Published: 29 October 2013 (Carina)
Format: Kindle e-book (ARC)
Pages: 43
Buy the e-book: Kindle|Kobo

Source: Received free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Carina!

Plot Summary (from Goodreads):
‘First of all, let’s get something straight. This is not going to be one of those stories where the school bitch turns out to have a heart of gold,’

Amie’s the most popular – and the meanest –girl at her exclusive private school, with her trusty second in command Lexy by her side. And she likes it that way. Lexy knows that she deserves Amie’s prized position just as much but dethroning the Queen Bee just isn’t done.

Until mysterious twins Elyse and Melanie arrive mid-term, with a magnetic power that’s impossible to deny, and shake up the school’s social rules. As the twins leave darkness and devastation in their wake, Lexy’s suddenly discovering her own powers of manipulation.

Whilst Amie’s about to learn that it’s not just lonely at the top – it’s terrifying.

My Review:
I really loved Gemini Rising, so when I saw this companion novella was available to review, I just couldn't resist putting in a request! Gemini Falling gives you scenes from the perspective of Amie and Lexy as their worlds are rocked by the arrival of twins Elyse and Melanie.

This novella could either be read before or after Gemini Rising as it doesn't really spoil anything, just gives you some scenes from the POV of different characters. The first half of the novella is told from Amie's point of view, whilst the second jumps to Lexy's perspective. I think it would be a great taster of the first book for someone who hasn't read it, but as someone who has I really appreciated the insight into different characters. It was really interesting to see Sorana (who's POV we get in Gemini Rising) viewed from a different angle to show just how others see her.

What the author has done so well in Gemini Falling is get into the heads of these completely bitchy characters. Both Amie and Lexy are part of the popular gang at school, known as "the A group", and I loved seeing the story from their side, even if they do have a bit of an attitude problem! It didn't put me off reading about them, far from it! I think it's totally refreshing to have characters who are brutally honest and don't sugar coat their opinions. You really get the chance to see their way of thinking, however flawed it is. I loved the scheming and plotting and that undercurrent of jealousy running through both girls' thoughts.

I think the situations the girls find themselves in in regards to friendship drama and school are ones a lot of people can relate to. There's a lot of focus on Amie and Lexy's jealousy over Sorana's relationship with cute guy Josh which was interesting to see. Plus there's one scene where Amie makes comments about Sorana's weight, stating how Sorana can get away with eating loads and being super skinny. I thought that was a really brilliant observation and I was pleased a character could acknowledge that some people are just naturally thin, plus it highlighted some of Amie's own insecurities.

I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Amie and the twins, who totally creep Amie out. It gives you a hint at their unnerving nature and really helped develop the story from Gemini Rising. This novella also gave you a good look at the relationship between Amie and Sorana from the other side of the coin. I already loved the incredible range of characters and getting to know them even better and get stuck into their thoughts and motivations made for a gripping read.

For a short story there was a lot of substance and some great scenes to sink your teeth into. It reminded me just how much I love these characters and the slick writing. For fans of Gemini Rising it is well worth checking out, and if you want a taster of the world then I'd highly recommend it as it'll suck you in and leave you wanting more!

Rating: 5*
What to read next: Gemini Rising by Eleanor Wood