Darla's Story (Ashfall)

I read this novella after reading Ashfall and Ashen Winter and I honestly wish all of the books had just been from Darlas POV because she is smarter, funnier, and just more likable than Alex. I gave Ashen Winter 3 stars because I hate Alex so much. He’s a moron and it gets people killed or hurt constantly. But Darlas Story, which takes place from the time of the eruption up to when idiot Alex falls into her barn, was really enjoyable.

Fans of the Ashfall series will be happy to note that Mullin has indeed written a novella that focuses on the life and times of Darla and her mother prior to the volcano and their meeting of Alex. However, as it is a novella, it is extremely short and, in my opinion, a bit redundant for readers who have already picked up the series. For those who have read Ashfall, we already have a good knowledge base of Darla’s story as she’s told it before; all this novella does is give a birds-eye view as it all unfolds.Truth be told, I wasn’t as impressed with this novella as I had hoped to be. As I said before, it was a bit redundant for me as I’ve already read the other books in the series (this novella having just recently released as a prequel), and while I was interested in the novella, I didn’t feel like I learned anything knew. Perhaps it would be a good jump off point for those interested in starting the series, but I certainly wouldn’t want readers to base their impression of the whole series on this novella, because the full books themselves have much more going on and leave readers on the edge of their seat in anticipation. This novella, however, falls a bit flat, and Darla comes across as a somewhat boring person with a real chip on her shoulder—and while she is smarter than all the adults around her, the novella is too short to really show her true colors, and she puts a bad taste in the readers’ mouth. Because I read Ashfall and learned to really like her, I had no issues with Darla in this novella, but I can foresee her attitude being a turn off for potential readers of the series… so I honestly don’t suggest reading this prequel prior to the first novel in the series, Ashfall.

While shorter than I wished it would have been, this novella from Darla's perspective provided amazing insight into what happened to Darla and her mother Gloria when the Yellowstone Super volcano erupted, during the timeline of ASHFALL, just prior to Alex trekking across country on his skis and stumbling into Darla's barn before passing out from blood loss.I had hoped it would continue, providing me Darla's POV of Alex when they first met and got to know each other. And, given the contents of the story, it was interesting to see what had caused Darla to be standoffish toward Alex in the first place. Ruth's story makes that abundantly clear.Now all I have left is SUNRISE to read of this fantastic ASHFALL series. While I'm afraid of the imminent death and destruction, twists and turns that Mike is famous for, and enjoys far to much for his own good, delighting in the torture of his readers, I am a glutton for his kind of punishment. Thanks a lot, Mike.

Darla's Story is a very nice addition to the Ashfall series. The readers get an inside view of Darlas' life from the point when the Yellowstone super-volcano erupts up until Alex stumbles to their barn.It was nice to get an inside view of how Darla works and how she thinks. She's the only child in her family and was very much a daddy's girl but not in the typical way where she has him wrapped around her finger and is super girly because if you know Darla, she is the opposite of girly girl. Her father taught her machines. He taught her how to weld, build and drive big machinery. he taught practical things you need to know when living on a farm. He taught her things a father would pass down to his son which being the end of the world and all it comes in handy to be savvy with building and crafting. It was also nice to read more about her relationship with her mother and how they really love each other even if they never agree on anything.<spoiler> It makes her death in Ashfall more poignant and sad.</spoilers>This can be read as an introduction to the series or as a companion piece. it doesn't have any spoilers in regards to the rest of the books in the series and gives a very good account of how daily life is for Darla and her mother after the eruption even if some of her inventions left me a little confused with the directions. At 99 cents it's truly a steal and sitting at around 60 pages, a very fast read. Any fans of the series and of Darla (who happens to be my favorite character) will enjoy looking through this little window of her life before Alex came into the picture.<i>4 stars</i>

I haven't started this series yet as I am finishing up the Hunger Games. My wife started this trilogy and I bought her the remaining books so she could continue. She is hooked on it so far though. She said it's an amazing story.

It's sad to say this is the funniest book I've read in a long time and this somes it up why it's my favorite“When they taught common sense in kindergarten, you were in the timeout corner, weren’t you?”

I'm a big fan of the Ashfall series, and while I really don't care for novella's or short stories, I felt I should read this one. I'm glad I did because it tied together a few things I had questions about. For instance, I always wondered why Darla was so bitchy towards Alex when he first showed up at their door step,come to find out they had just helped a woman who was lost in the ash and she ended up stealing some food and a tractor from them.(hide spoiler)So if your a fan of the Ashfall series I recommend you read this, it's a short read(only 70 pages), and it does a good job giving some background to Darla.

Book number 0.5 of a 3.5 book apocalyptic fiction YA series. Precursor novella to the awesome Ashfall series. I read the 78 page POD (print on demand) trade paperback version.When the Yellowstone super volcano blew, the explosion sound and ash fall coated all of the land three feet deep within a radius of 1,000 miles. This is the story of how Darla and her mother survived the first two weeks until Alex showed up.

Well, wow.This is a 0.5 in the Ashfall series by Mike Mullin.I enjoyed this alot, even though it was very short, it explained why Darla didn't like Alex that much when they first met when Alex entered their barn.Well worth 77pDefinitely recommend (and the others in the series too)

In "Darla's Story (The Ashfall Trilogy)" Mike Mullin gives insight into the challenges that Darla Edmunds faces after the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts and ash rains down coating the land. With her father dead for the last three years, she has to use her intellect and mechanical ability if she and her mother are going to survive the disaster. What she doesn't expect is a theft that will rob them of supplies and her tractor or the appearance of a bloodied stranger at the door.The novella is short but interesting with a snapshot of a cataclysmic natural disaster that plunges the world into pounding noise and darkness, rocking the Edmunds farm and sending Darla and her mother scurrying to the cellar. It provides a brief background of Darla's family life and mindset but the only tension, before she's meets Alex for the first time arises from an accident and theft.This is not a must-read for those who've read the trilogy as much of the setting and Darla's background is provided in the novels but it is an interesting and well-written prequel for someone who hasn't read "Ashfall".

A great prequel to the serious that is presented through one of the main characters (Darla's) point of view, a nice insight that adds depth to the rest of the series.

I loved this book, Darla's character is amazing and the story well linked ! I love the ashfall series ❤️❤️