World’s Greatest Novellas: 10 Novellas That Will Leave You Wanting More!
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Novellas have always been the best way to refresh your mood for the next read. The quick digestible length of novellas makes it more important than a meager short story. While it is a brief way to tell a story, you get the glorious satisfaction when you finally turn that last page within 2 hours. Win-Win.
In the U.S., novellas often feel like the neglected stepchild of literature, grappling to find their place in today’s publishing scene. They’re too brief for many commercial book publishers and lengthy for magazines and literary journals. It’s like they’re caught in a limbo of sorts.
In recent times, novellas are getting the attention they deserve. And, while many novellas typically hide behind the guise of an anthology (short story collections), this list will only include those novellas that are a “standalone” (books not in a collection and on their own).
10 Novellas to Get Lost In…
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Wayward Children series)
In 2016, the fabulous Seanan McGuire penned the start of the Wayward Children series. This series follows the nursery rhyme characters you know and love into the world of their stories. Starting with Every Heart a Doorway, each story is short and just what you need to escape. The writing is laced with humor, wit, and a heartwarming exploration of the feeling of the “lost children”.
There is always that part of readers that wishes they could travel into the story they are currently devouring. And, if you are in that category, the Wayward Children series is your dream encapsulated into a novella you can experience again and again.
What’s more, why haven’t I found my doorway???
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher (Sworn Soldier duet)
What Moves the Dead would be a perfect way to kick off your October reading sessions. Hell, anything T. Kingfisher writes you should read. What Moves the Dead is horror personified without being too gory. It is a gothic horror, fantasy retelling. With shades of sci-fi, in one short, clever novella.
From the creepy introduction to the characters to T. Kingfisher’s writing style; It will make you think about what is going on in the House of Usher. Speaking of that The Sworn Soldier duet is a House of Usher retelling so if you love that you will love What Movies the Dead and What Feasts at Night.
The Yellow Wall-Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
The Yellow Wall-Paper may not be a book you can put squarely into the ghost story category, but after reading this short little novella you will know that it is a horror story all the same.
After the birth of her child, a woman is diagnosed with a “temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency” by her physician husband. He prescribes a summer of rest in an old colonial mansion. She’s strictly forbidden from any sort of work and is confined to the house’s former nursery. Its barred windows, scratched floor, and peeling yellow wallpaper become her solitary companions during long, quiet days.
Watching the yellow wallpaper is enough to drive anyone mentally insane. Written in 1892 it is a glimpse into the times when a woman’s mental health is considered unstable and everything is considered hysteria.
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tann (The Celestial Kingdom 2.5)
Ok, ok I am cheating a little bit with this one. I said at the start that all of these would be “standalones”. But, I think everyone should read the Celestial Kingdom duology by Sue Lynn Tann. I have a review of The Reasons We Love The Celestial Kingdom Duology. And you should check it out.
Ok, back to the regularly scheduled program…the novellas. This novella expands with a new compilation of stories from before, during, and after the events of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior. It’s ideal to read after experiencing the Celestial Kingdom duology. The world is beautiful and it will have you sobbing. I promise it is worth the read!
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
It’s essential to mention Queen Martha Wells when compiling a list of novellas to delve into.
The Murderbot Diaries starts with an ultra-short novella called Compulsory and kicks off with book one All Systems Red.
Murderbot is a sardonic, almost homicidal, media-loving android. And even though it is a killing machine you will absolutely adore it. And the story itself is so much fun!
This book is an absolute gem. Bringing humor and heart to the forefront, this story leaves you simultaneously laughing and shedding a tear. The writing is sharp, clever, and effortlessly engaging. With its unique concept and flawless execution, it’s a must-read that I can’t praise enough.
The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed
Who doesn’t enjoy a dark, twisted fairytale? But this one takes unsettling to a whole new level. It’s a blend of dark fantasy, cosmic horror, and grimdark that had me hooked from the start. With its beautifully crafted prose, it’s a haunting journey through the mysterious Elmever woods, where nightmares come to life and nothing is what it seems. Delving too deep into this eerie realm might just cost you everything.
This story doesn’t waste a moment—it plunges you headfirst into the action, leaving you breathless from start to finish. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire time, taking only necessary breaks to shake off the dark atmosphere. Surprisingly, even with its compact size and sparse backstory, you find yourself deeply invested in the characters. Understanding their struggle under a tyrannical regime.
The Butcher of the Forest has all the ingredients for a perfect spooky time read:
- An enchanted forest where children vanish into thin air
- Spine-chilling mythical creatures lurking in the shadows
- Tough decisions that could make or break everything
- Magic crackling in the air
- Stakes higher than you can imagine
- And a race against time with a tight 24-hour deadline to save the day!
Better Than Before by Lynn Painter (Betting on You, 0.5)
The point of a good novella is to get you hyped for the full novel, if there is to be one. And, Better Than Before does this perfectly. Better Than Before sets up the scenes of what happens to Liz and Wes before they are officially together, and their thoughts of one another. It does an excellent job of getting you invested and ready for Betting on You. And at only 42 pages how can you say no to this novella?
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo (The Singing Hills Cycle, 1)
The Empress of Salt and Fortune captivates with its stunning narrative, weaving elegance and brilliance into a tale that stands apart. Rarely have I felt such reluctance to close its final pages, yearning to linger in a world where magic, storytellers, and memories spanning time’s vast expanse feel palpable.
Despite its slim size of just over 100 pages, Nghi Vo carries a wealth of depth within the storyline. The Empress of Salt and Fortune is full of beauty, terror, and wonder. And within the pages, the characters and conflicts often overlooked in such tales take center stage with unforgettable impact. If you like looking behind the scenes this one is for you. As you dive into the story layers are unfurled despite its stature. What was once concealed, now emerges like a structure rising from the ruins. Through the use of devices like flashbacks and nested narratives, you submerge into the terror of the battle. But come out victorious.
Breach of Peace by Daniel B. Greene (Lawful Times, 1)
Daniel Greene’s debut novella, “Breach of Peace,” kicks off a planned trilogy leading to his full novel series. The tale unfolds as a police-procedural fantasy, led by investigator Khlid, delving into the murder of an entire family. As the story opens, Khlid and his team piece together the events surrounding the crime. What follows is an intriguing journey through a vivid fantasy setting. The narrative offers reflections on contemporary society, featuring solid dialogue, shocking twists, and emotional character connections. Despite its brevity, the setting is vividly depicted. The plot shines as the novella’s strongest aspect, delivering suspense and surprises that will leave readers astonished.
The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler
Taut and brutal, this novella grips you with its vengeance and unflinching portrayal of environmental destruction caused by humanity, compelling you to root for its characters.
The various POVs intertwine seamlessly toward a gripping climax. Despite limited time with each character, they are vividly depicted and fully realized. Damira’s backstory heightens the tension leading to the climax. While tragic, the events feel rational and justified, offering a satisfying narrative.
Nayler crafts thoughtful sci-fi, seamlessly blending profound ideas, challenging themes, dynamic characters, and gripping action.
The story begins with ivory poachers murdering rangers attempting to protect elephants, setting the tone for the narrative. Dr. Damira Khismatullina, a leading expert in wild elephant behavior, is among the victims. Years later, her consciousness is downloaded into the matriarch of a herd of resurrected mammoths. As Damira leads the herd, they learn to defend themselves against humans intent on their destruction for profit. Despite its brevity, this novella delivers a powerful narrative that is highly recommended.
Grab a copy of The Tusks of Extinction from The Starless Bookstore
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