Hidden (2011)

Not much to say about this novella. I enjoyed getting the chance to catch up with Clay and Elena again (who continue to be my favorite characters of Armstrong's Otherworld series), as well as spend some time with Logan and Kate. The plot is well-paced and has some good twists. Looking forward to the next full-length addition to the series. ( )

Another strong novella in the Women of the Otherworld series. I like the werewolves best anyway, I think, and this was a tight little parenting/Christmas story without any schmaltz to speak of. The illustrations were also rather delightful. Not a book to start the series with, of course, but you probably wouldn't be paying premium small-press prices if you'd never read the series. (Although on that note, I've been astonished by the prices these books command once the publisher sells out. "Angelic" by the same author now goes for at least $200.) ( )

Cute novella about Clayton and Elena's kids discovering who and what they and their parents are. ( )

Hidden is different from the other Clay and Elena stories in this series, but I feel that it is the perfect goodbye story for them. This novella wraps up their story and leaves the reader feeling as if no matter what happens, Clay, Elena, and the twins will be okay. There is not much action or suspense in this story, but there is quite a bit of mystery. Armstrong throws in a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. All in all, this is a must read for all of the fans of the Otherworld series.

I put off reading this book for a long time because I simply did not want to say goodbye to Clay and Elena. They are my favorite Otherworld couple, and I apparently thought avoiding this book would mean that there would be more Clay and Elena stories. However, the book did not leave me feeling sad. Instead, I feel hopeful that Clay and Elena will have a good, yet adventurous, life.

It was interesting to see how Clay and Elena's relationship has evolved over the course of this series. They went from being at each other's throats (specifically Elena wanting to kill Clay) to being happily married with twins. There are mentions of memories and the past in this book, and we get to learn that Elena and Clay have been together off and on for twenty years.

This book focuses mainly on Clay and Elena trying to find a balance with Elena's new title as alpha-in-training or whatever the official title is and Elena wanting to protect her children from the type of childhood she had. Both of these things lead to extreme personal growth on Elena's part, but there isn't much action or steamy romance, which Armstrong's previous Elena and Clay books are known for.

The pacing is spot on, and while the plot isn't as suspenseful as some of the previous Armstrong books, I still couldn't put the book down. I read it all in one sitting. It's a quick read... it only took me about 2 hours to finish. The ending ties up all of the questions left about Clay and Elena's relationship, but leaves room for the reader to imagine where Clay and Elena may go from here.

Even though this book had a different feel to it, I still enjoyed it. It's a definite must-read for any fan of the Otherworld series. If you haven't checked out the Otherworld series yet, you are missing out on a captivating set of books. It's my absolute favorite series of all time. Armstrong is a fantastic author, and she does not disappoint with this final Clay and Elena story. If you'd like to read this book, buy it now before there are no copies left. As far as I know, it's a limited edition like the other novellas were, so you don't want to wait on this one. ( )

MY REVIEW

I downloaded the kindle version of this novella from Amazon.co.uk, and at over £3 thought it quite expensive for a novella. I am not so keen on the "comic" style cover even though it depicts Elena in human form and Clay in wolf form, with his penetrating blue eyes.
As always with Kelley Armstrong, this novella is well written with a great balance of suspense, mystery and pack/family life. I really enjoyed the novella, we, the readers got to concentrate on Clay,Elena, Kate and Logan as prime characters. We learn more about the twins. We also learn that Clay and Elena have different views on when the twins should be told of their true heritage. Are the twins displaying secondary powers are they just bright kids?
As always Clay and Elena's quiet family time is interrupted by a rogue mutt. They have to investigate two brother's, but which if either of them is guilty and who can be trusted? They have to call in back up to help keep the twins entertained, but as the novella unfolds it seems keeping the twins entertained is the least of their problems.
A really good novella that I read in one go, only disappointment was that I thought the price was a little expensive for a novella! It made me want to read more of the Women Of The Otherworld series and want to know even more about Clay and Elena and their family and pack.
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, would I read more novella's? Yes but truthfully only paid the almost £4 as it was a Clay and Elena novella! Wouldn't want to pay that price again really. Would I read more by Kelley Armstrong? Hope to! Would I recommend Kelley Armstrong books? Yes and I have recommended her lots of times.

Available from Amazon.co.uk ( )