A novella is distinct from a novel and a short story due to its unique length and structure. Landing somewhere in between the other two categories, a novella typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 words. This allows authors to delve deeper into the plot and character developments than a short story permits but without the extensive narrative arc that characterizes a novel. In the context of the Best Paranormal Novellas To Read, this format allows writers to weave complex, captivating narratives that feature the paranormal, maintaining a depth that pulls readers into the eerie, exciting realms they've created, while still providing an engaging, succinct read.