4.5 Stars 
 Explained, has everything been 
 Every single thing makes sense now. 
 Every. Single. Thing. 
 When I was reading First Year I had one of two theories in my head, though I favoured only one of them. When I started to read this novella I knew that the theory I favoured was the correct one. And I was happy and sad all at the same time. Happy I was right, that this theory didn't make Darren to be an inherit asshole, that I got to know him & understand him in more depth and that I can add him to my list of fictional characters favs (FCF(tm)), and sad that Darren went through so much - cause he is in my FCF(tm) now so.. 
 What I read was beyond what I had formulated in my head to be honest, so added to the happy/sad mix was also horror. Lucius (Darren's Father - if you can call him that) is a Monster. 
 Darren's past is dark. No its pitch black. I won't say anything more as to not spoil anything for anyone but Holly Taco on a stick this was wildly unexpected. 
 Even though it was a dark, dark story it didn't so much feel like it and I say that in a good way. It wasn't so heavy as to smother you but it never failed to convert the bundle of feelings Darren experienced. 
 It was immensely enjoyable to learn of Darren's past and to see through his eyes. I wish there would have been more novellas from his point of view. 
 At this point I want to thank the author Rachel E. Carter for sending me a copy of the book. (^_^) 
 Book #1 - First Year: 
 Review (Clicky me)