They don't pay attention to me so long as they think I can't see them.
That's how I've lived my whole life being able to see spirits.
Pretending to be normal begins to pay off though. Despite my weirdness, things are finally getting better. Somehow, I found a home with parents and a new life.
No one needs to know.
But then I meet Finn.
He's in my class, and is slowly being killed by a demon. No one else seems to notice. At first, I try to ignore it too, but then Finn Abernathy starts following me everywhere. It's really annoying, but...
I feel bad. He's dying in front of me and I can't just let it kill him. That would make me the worst person in the world.
There's no other way but for me to stop it. I only hope I know what I'm doing.
Lyla Oweds is an Amazon Bestselling paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who resides in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. She grew up near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and has a deep appreciation for the paranormal, hauntings, and Edgar Allan Poe. As such, she loves all things fantasy, mystery, crime, and horror.
When not reading, writing, or working as a web programmer, Lyla can be found doing adult-y things such as being a single mom to a toddler and a bird. She also frequently enjoys makeup videos, massages, wine, and coffee.
The Grimm Cases by Lyla Oweds is a series that has me hooked, and I was happy to dive into this novella to find out more. In fact, it was the perfect quick read to keep me hooked on the series.
Although I enjoyed this one, it is a story that creates more questions than answers. There are some insights that are nice to see, certain elements that I enjoyed watching, but there were no solid answers provided to overarching questions. Although this left me with more questions than answered, I was happy to devour it in a single sitting as I needed more of the series.
All in all, Home was a great quick read for fans of the Grimm Cases series. It’s not a perfect read – the thought processes did not read like the eight-year-old we were supposed to be reading – but it’s certainly a story that keeps you eager for more of the series.
Without a doubt, I cannot wait to continue with this series.
I was still doubting whether I was gonna read the third book first or the novella. But since the novella has been released before the third book I thought that reading in publication order would never hurt. And originally I was gonna read this novella tomorrow, but then I realized I have an entire day of doing nothing ahead of me and that the other book I plan to read is also only 350 pages and I was like "Why not read this novella first, so I can read the third book in the series tomorrow?"
And so it happened. This novella was a really nice and quick read. Most of all because it really sounded like we were in the head of an eight year old. Her voice was still very much Bianca, but truly a younger version of the Bianca we meet and see in the first two books of this series. And just like with the other books it's almost impossible not to like her. She's endearing and kind and understanding and it's almost painful to watch her try so hard to fit in and to not disappoint.
On top of that, this novella really adds something to the story. Not only is it great to see more of Finn and Bianca, how they met and how they became friends, but there is a lot of information in there. It are mostly just small hints, conversations Bianca couldn't quite understand at her age, snippets that don't make sense out of context, but still. I love how we get a better sense of Finn and what he's been doing, of her adoptive parents and what they've been doing, of what has been going on. And I can't wait to see how all of this will come into play in the main series.
And last but not least there was the epilogue. I think it was the first time we've ever been in Finn's head and I have to admit that it does slightly alter how I saw him so far. Which is nice. Because let's say that Bianca's impression of her best friend is not that great in the first two books, and rightly so I would say. But a little more nuance to his character also makes him all the more interesting.
I'm already looking forward to tomorrow and picking up the third book in the series. This novella makes me only more curious to see how Bianca's life will progress from now on.
Rating: 4.5/5 (rounded to 5) I’m so happy this book came out because I wanted to know Bianca’s past and how she and Finn became friends. This book explained a lot about how Bianca came to be with her “parents” and Finn. We learned more about Finn in here and I’m glad we did because I was starting to resent him in Book 1 (Origins) but this book showed us why Finn did things the way he did (it wasn’t the best way but the thought is what counts). I felt so bad for Bianca and what she went through so I’m actually glad that Finn was her only friend and protected her against those bullies. It reminds me so much of what I went through in school, I had a slight stutter because I was super shy and have had my fair share of being bullied. Now that I have more of an understanding on Finn’s actions, I can’t wait to read book 3! I hope Bianca reconnects with Finn and I’m curious to see if he will be in her harem in the end.
If there was an intention to make the reader garner sympathy for Finn, it didn't work. Despite his intentions, Finn's abusive behavior in the following books is not okay. I'm actually kinda disturbed that some readers think Finn should be part of the harem.
Moving on, I liked that what happened when Bianca first met Finn was explained, as well as more of Bianca's mistreatment by her previous foster home. It made some of her reactions to things makes more sense. This story left me with more questions than answers to what exactly is going on though. To avoid spoilers, I won't go into specifics. However, the motivations of the adults in charge of Bianca seem to be not as malicious as I first thought. It still feels like some kind of conspiracy, just not in a world domination way.
Really enjoy this series so far. Can't wait for Blood to be out.
I enjoyed this book because it offers a much-needed glimpse into the relationship between Finn and Bianca, as well as a more human side to her parents who, in the main series, still come off as something closer to monsters than any type of well-meaning people. It is important for the over-all story and I’m glad I read it. Especially because of Finn, who is quickly becoming to me one of the most interesting characters in the series.
It was a great and totally unexpected experience. This book came by recommendation from the RH Newsletter it was a total cover art selection because I was looking for a book that would fit into a certain criteria. I expected a modern editorial of a Grimm fairy tale, but instead I was pulled into this new world of characters and a completely original mystery that I can’t wait to unfold. I wonder if this series will eventually ally to favor the edited Grimm tales for the modern reader Or, will the editorial continue to embrace the disturbing truth of The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale? I am willing to risk finding out. This is a five star introduction to the serial publishing.
Home is just a quick look into Bianca and Finn's story. If you have read the Grimm Series than you know that she was best friends with him and then you know what happens after that. Well here we get to see their back story. If you are looking to see if he was just so sweet and see him in a different light, nope. I personally feel he is still not on my top fave list, but I will admit a small part of me does want to see him in her harem at the end. I could change my mind, and most likely will.
But overall this was a great look into their back story and friendship. I feel it is a must read if you really like their series.
This a journey in to a world were everyone thinks they know best. Sadly so not true. This story is a very good read, and sets up the next book nicely. You have great characters, good story line, flows well, well written. This leaves you wanting more. This book shows people will do anything and say anything in the claims of love and protection. Your main female is very young, as this starts out, but you will want to protect her from those they love her. This is a very good read, and should be added to your TBR list. Hope you enjoy.
Home was a great quick read for fans of the Grimm Cases series.
This was included in the Mu book which included books 1-3 in the series.
I must admit that while I enjoyed this book I found it difficult at times to relate to Bianca as an 8-year-old. She just seemed to have the thought processes of someone far older. But then I remembered that Bianca is the reincarnation of Mu and that she has been around for a very long time. So I believe that part of her true self comes through.
All in all it was a great quick read and showed us a bit more of Bianca's beginnings.
I just ... I hate Finn. I’m pretty vocal about it. I don’t do passive fury, no I want to watch him burn... then bring him back to life and see him burn again. So a prequel that tries to humanize him, eh. I still love Bianca, just being in her head is a treat to me, and I enjoyed finding out more about how she grew up and what she went through, but you won’t change or convert me 🙅🏻♀️ #FinnNeedsToDie #FinnHater4Ever
I feel like this book didn’t answer any of the questions I already had about Bianca’s past. Instead, it’s like more vague info was dumped to create more questions. :\ I still hate Finn. And her adoptive parents. And Dr.Reed. Really, my hate list and question list have just gotten longer. Everyone made dumb decisions in this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series though.
Even though this novella left me with more questions than answers, I really enjoyed it. After the previous books, I really wanted to know more about Bianca and Finn. In this novella you get a glimpse though it was super vague and a bit confusing. Normally, this would frustrate me but instead I am anxious to read the next book. I don't want to spoil anything so all I will say is I felt badly for Bianca and conflicted about Finn.
So many questions, so little answers. Being inside Bianca's head is also such an interesting experience. On paper she's the type of FMC i absolutely HATE but there's something about her that so naive and precious that i just want to protect her from the harsh world she's in.
Its was nice seeing how her friendship with Finn started.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series so I was pretty confused but I actually liked it. You get the entire book from the perspective of Bianca so if she doesn’t know what’s going on neither do you. I spent the entire book wondering what was going on. Great book and I will be reading the rest of the series soon.
I really enjoy prequels, they answer some questions for you and then leave you with others that make you want the next book right now. I am glad that I was able to get a glimpse into the past to see what happened to our favorite people. My thoughts about a certain few are still up in the air. It's a must read
Love that we get a glimpse into Bianca and Finn’s back story. It brings to light more of how their friendship came to be. Still brings up more questions which I can wait to read the answers to in the upcoming books.
I loved this book. I feel like I have a better understanding of the characters. So far ive loved all the books in this series. The author has me looking forward to each book and what happens next.
Paranormal. Prequel. 8yr old Bianca's meeting for her adopted parents and Finn. It totally puts things into perspective and gives you EVEN MORE questions. 😂 Loved it.
This was a good novella. Answered some of the questions I had about Bianca's past. Not all but the majority. Good story. Really like this series so far and this book helped to understand more. On to see what happens next
Quick read about Bianca and Finn meeting. I think Finn is still a jerk and reading this didn't change my opinion. Making her think she is crazy wasn't the right thing. Hope to find more answers in book 3.
I've enjoyed this series since the first book and this book was no different. I'm glad we got some insight into Bianca's beginnings and what happened with Finn in her childhood. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I loved Bianca origin story, I can't believe I didn't read it first this makes origins perfect now in my opinion and it was so completely amazing to begin with. I wish I could give this 10 stars...
Loved it. Loved the characters and storyline. I have already read the first three books of this series and this has answered some questions I had. Can’t wait for Hidden to come out.
This novella gives you a lot of information about Finn and Bianca's back story and helps you understand them a lot more. I love these characters and all of their complicated histories and intertwining lives.
Amazing book. Loved getting a look into what went on before college and the background between Bianca and Finn. Even though now it makes me not hate him as bad.