Usually I'm not a huge fan of novellas. But I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories from the Goddess Test universe. 
 Whilst not imperative to understanding the novels of the series, this book does give a huge insight to why the characters behave in the way that they do. And finally I think I've got it straightened out just who is related/married to who and which modern names match up with each ancient god/goddess. 
 The first novella explains why Calliope/Hera seems to distrust her husband and why she hates Kate so much. The second focuses on Ava/Aphrodite and the exact relationship that exists between her and her husband. After being introduced to Persephone in the second novel, Goddess Interrupted, we're shown just why she left the Underworld to be with Adonis. James/Hermes' story is next and in it we get to see him not as Henry's rival but as a romantic lead in his own right. We also get to see the beginning of how the gods and goddesses starting becoming the more modern figures we see in this series. The final story is that of Henry/Hades and how he made the decision to Fade... and how meeting Kate changed his mind. 
 These stories are entertaining and they answer a lot of questions that I've been accumulating since beginning the series. Why is Calliope so bitter? Just what is the deal between Henry and James? Who exactly is Ava in a relationship with? 
 But it also gives some much-needed insight into the behaviours of the characters. I think that from now on I'll be seeing James and his actions in an entirely different light. 
 This was an enjoyable read for me. A little melodramatic at times but that's just how these characters roll. And whilst I don't think this is required reading to fully understand the events of the other books, I do think it adds just a little extra element to the motives of some of the secondary characters.