The Ice

Even knowing how the novella's story ends (as it is a prequel to the first book), that somehow does not lower the stakes or tension in the slightest. It is high throughout the whole novella.
This story almost feels like a horror/fantasy mash-up because of how well the coldness and eeriness of Valacia's atmosphere is captured. The creeping sense of dread permeates every aspect of the story.
The characters are allowed to be so painfully flawed and human, and because of this the story only becomes more emotionally engaging.