Tag Archives: Marissa Meyer

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: Stars Above
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles Companion
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Short story collections, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: I mean, not really, but I can adjust my hearing so it seems louder.

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Synopsis

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories – and secrets – that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? With nine stories – five of which have never before been published – and a special bonus excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

Thoughts

There’s nothing better than discovering that a loved series has a short story collection that goes along with it. And the fact that I realised this before getting too far into the series meant that I actually got to read most of this series in chronological order. Which, let me tell you, made an already amazing series amazing-er (it’s a word now…)

One of the things that I absolutely adored about this collection is that it gave great back stories and an amazing insight into each of the characters in The Lunar Chronicles. Although the novels by themselves tell you enough about each new character when they appear, this gives a more in depth insight into the past.

If you’re a fan of fairy tales, good writing, or even The Lunar Chronicles, you need to get your hands on this collection. It is an amazing companion to an amazing series (I’m using amazing a lot in this review) and it is thoroughly enjoyable to pick up a new story here and there to fix that Lunar Chronicles itch.

 <- Something Old, Something New Review The Keeper Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

Something Old, Something New by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: Something Old, Something New
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4.5
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: “I love you too.”

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Synopsis

In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century…

Thoughts

I’m so glad that everyone got a happy ending. And that, although the ending of Winter tied up the main plot points, there was Something Old, Something New to completely finish it off. After all, the series just had to end with a wedding, and this story did that perfectly.

Judging from the title, I knew that somebody out of the four couples was going to get married. And I kind of love the fact that it was Scarlet and Wolf. They probably had the most difficult time of it, and with the way things ended for Wolf in Winter… well, it was nice to know that everything ended perfectly for them. And it also highlighted what happens with the rest of the couples two years after the ending of their war.

Now I just have to get rid of this gooshy feeling and find a new book / series to read…

 <- Winter Review Stars Above Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

Winter by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

WinterTitle: Winter
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: It was going to be a wedding gift for Emperor Kairo, before… well.

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Synopsis

THIS IS NOT THE FAIRY TALE YOU REMEMBER. BUT IT’S ON YOU WON’T FORGET.

Winter is admired for her grace, kindness and beauty, despite the scars on her face. She’s said to be even more breath taking than her stepmother, Queen Levana…

When Winter develops feelings for the handsome palace guard, Jacin, she fears the evil Queen will crush their romance before it has a chance to begin.

But there are stirrings against the Queen across the land. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even find the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress and Winter claim their happily-ever-afters by defeating Levana once and for all?

Thoughts

You know when you finish a really amazing series, and you just… ?? After finishing Winter, I strolled around, looked at all my books and wondered how anything else could live up to that standard. Yes, I had a short story left to finish in Stars Above, and that helped for a little while, but the main storyline, that big, epic battle that had been building up? It was done, finished, and I honestly wasn’t sure I would ever be able to read anything so amazing again (it’s okay, I got over this, but seriously… how many books punch you in the gut like that?)

Admittedly, I have sort of been putting of reading Winter, although I’ve been absolutely dying to know what happens in the final face off between Cinder and Levana, the book is over 800 pages long. It’s big. It feels a little intimidating when you should be studying, and don’t want to get bogged down in a good book. I also tend to find that not many books of that size and length keep me completely enthralled throughout. They normally have their I-have-to-turn-the-next-page moments followed by the eh-I-can-put-this-down-for-a-few-days moment. Not so with Winter. I read the entire thing in 2 days. I actually took a “me day” off of my PhD because I was so desperate to finish it (and felt like it was about time I took a moment to breath)…

All throughout The Lunar Chronicles, I have loved how closely Meyer has managed to stick with the original fairy tales. Yes, they have a more “Disney spin” than the actual originals, but it is still pretty damn well done, and I have loved the darker aspects that the non-Disney versions have been able to provide. And, of course, mad little Winter was no different. You just have to read this book to understand how phenomenally good this story actually is. Although, maybe don’t make plans for the next 24 hours?

 <- The Princess and the Guard Review Something Old, Something New Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

The Princess and the Guard by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: The Princess and the Guard
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3.6
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: He was wearing his crimson coat, even though it was the middle of the night.

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Synopsis

In this prequel to Winter, we see a game called The Princess.

Thoughts

Winter is a creepy, but cool character that we first meet towards the end of Cress. And more of her horrible history is then introduced in Fairest. Yet, it is when you read The Princess and the Guard that she shines through beautifully. And you start to understand that she is actually crazy – although for a very good reason.

I like how this novella encompasses most of Winter’s life. It starts with her young friendship with Jacin and follows this until they are young adults. It shows how they both fall for each other and are willing to sacrifice everything to keep one another safe. The Princess and the Guard sets up the final couple for the final battle of Cinder, her companions and Levana.

 <- Fairest Review Winter Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

FairestTitle: Fairest
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: She ran her tongue along her lower lip, every sense heightened, and inched toward him again.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story—a story that has never been told … until now.

Thoughts

This book was supposed to give an alternative point of view to Levana’s choices and life. And it did, it made me feel a little sorry for her and the history that she has been forced to face up to throughout the beginning of her life. Although it is all kind of horrible, and I felt a lot of sympathy for her throughout the tale, she’s still kind of an awful person.

I know that this book is supposed to help you feel a little sympathetic for Levana, but it didn’t work. Mostly I just disliked her even more. And my heart hurt because every bad thing that is happening in the series is due to a child being incredibly self-centred. Yes, there is a lot in there about her need to be loved, and I understand that drive, but Levana is so self-centred in this drive that everything else kind of fades away in comparison.

This was a great story to give some background not just into Levana, but also Cinder and Winter. But, it doesn’t raise the sympathy that I was expecting… it was just missing something that could have made Levana into a truly sympathetic character.

 <- Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky Review The Princess and the Guard Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Carswell's Guide to Being LuckyTitle: Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3.4
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He raised an eyebrow.

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Synopsis

Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne has big plans involving a Rampion spaceship and a no-return trip out of Los Angeles.

Thoughts

Carswell’s activities and past are mentioned throughout Cress quite a bit. And it’s a little hard to figure the guy out. But, there is one moment that stands out specifically for Cress, and there are a number of reasons that he gives for his actions. And that moment with Kate Fallow is covered in Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky.

Although Carswell’s actions are incredibly selfish, and you can see how his parents have influenced his future, there is still a moment of goodness in him. He still is doing everything for his own master plan, and it is really clear why and how he stole his own spaceship, but there is a great purity in his childish spasms of guilt.

It’s always fun to read a novella or short story that gives insight to the characters – and this tale does that perfectly. Not only does it show who Carswell is behind all of the charm, but it highlights why he acts the way that he does.

 <- Cress Review Fairest Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

CressTitle: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: She is requesting an extension of the docking clamp.

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Synopsis

INCARCERATE IN A SATELLITE, AN EXPERT HACKER AND OUT TO SAVE THE WORLD – CRESS ISN’T YOUR USUAL DAMSEL IN DISTRESS.

Cress grew up as a prisoner. With only netscreens for company, she’s forced to do the bidding of the evil Queen Levana. Now that means tracking down Cinder and her handsome accomplice Emperor Kai. But little does Queen Levana know that those she seeks, and the man she loves, are plotting her downfall…

As paths cross and the price of freedom rises, happily ever after has never seemed further away for Cress, Scarlet and Cinder.

This is not the fairy tale you remember. But it’s one you won’t forget.

Thoughts

Cress is so incredibly, unbelievably sweet. And a little naïve, but not horrifyingly so. I actually really liked her partnership with Carswell – he is so completely jaded and a player, and Cress is so very, very sweet. The balance between the two leads is kind of perfect, and it helps to drive the rest of the story as Cinder and her gang rush towards the royal wedding in an attempt to save Kai.

I love the original version of Rapunzel – where the prince is blinded, wanders through the deserts until his princess saves him with her tears. And I love the fact that, like the other fairy tales in this series, Meyer is able to turn the darker, more traditional tale into a steampunk journey. And the women, although they are often rescued in many fairy tales, are able to rescue themselves. Especially Cinder, who has awesome cybertronic attachments.

It took me a little while to get through Scarlet, I don’t love Red Riding Hood, and it felt a little slow. But it set everything in Cress up perfectly. And now, with the final words of the story, and Cinder’s declaration ringing in my ears, I can’t wait to start on the final leg of their fight! Especially once I met Jacin and Winter, and found out what the plan was and where they were heading to… bring on the next adventure!

 <- Scarlet Review Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Kisses and Curses edited by Lauren Burniac

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Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Kisses and Curses
Author: Lauren Burniac, Marissa Meyer, Marie Rutkoski, Jennifer Mathieu, Anna Banks, Emmy Laybourne, Courtney Alameda, Jessica Brody, Ann Aguirre, Lish McBride, Lindsay Smith, Katie Finn, Caragh M. O’Brien, Nikki Kelly, Gennifer Albin & Leigh Bardugo
In: Kisses and Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Fast
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “And I don’t know any other girls who skate, but it could still be kind of cool.”

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Synopsis

EVERY PAGE MORE FIERCE THAN THE LAST.

Enjoy a good monster love story? Or a dark, Russian-style folktale? How about a flashback to the secrets of a cyborg’s past, a post-apocalyptic romance, or a conversation between a boy and Death’s dead assistant, while both sit in a diner and eat waffles?

Whether you’re already a Fierce Reads fan or you’re a fan-to-be, this short story collection will satisfy your every bookish craving! Featuring multi-genre tales from some of the hottest YA authors around, including Ann Aguirre, Courtney Alameda, Gennifer Albin, Anna Banks, Leigh Bardugo, Jessica Brody, Katie Finn, Nikki Kelly, Emmy Laybourne, Jennifer Mathieu, Lish McBride, Marissa Meyer, Caragh M. O’Brien, Marie Rutkoski, and Lindsay Smith.

By turns uplifting and sad, light-hearted and powerful, startling and laugh-out-loud, these bite-sized gems have one thing in common: You won’t be able to put them down!

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this collection. It is everything that a short story collection should be – a common thread throughout the tales, but such a diverse array of tales that constantly draw you in. I had no idea about any of the authors in this collection, except for Marissa Meyer, and now I have a new set of 12 authors to dive into.

The fact that each of these tales is part of a greater series worked beautifully. Although, there were a few spoilers throughout. Which was a little disappointing. And makes me not only want to read all of these series, but also gives a hint as to what is going to happen in each of them. The wide array of styles and tales throughout made me thoroughly entrapped.

If you like fantasy tales, this is definitely a collection worth reading. It is also a great way to find new authors if you need to add to your library… maybe make sure you have a little bit of surplus cash before you crack the spine of this though.

 <- The Too-Clever Fox Review Glitches Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

ScarletTitle: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: She closed the distance between them and thumped her locked fist into his sternum, ignoring how he towered a full head above her.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

THIS IS NOT THE FAIRY TALE YOU REMEMBER. BUT IT’S ONE YOU WON’T FORGET.

Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. The police have closed her case. The only person Scarlet can turn to is Wolf, a street fighter she does not trust, but they are drawn to each other.

Meanwhile, in New Beijing, Cinder will become the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive – when she breaks out of prison to stay one step ahead of vicious Queen Levanna.

As Scarlet and Wolf expose one mystery, they encounter Cinder and a new one unravels. Together they must challenge the evil queen, who will stop at nothing to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner…

Thoughts

It took me a little while to really get into this book. I absolutely devoured Cinder and all of the books that came before…. But there was something about Scarlet that took me a little longer. And then it hit me, out of all of the fairy tales that I grew up with – Red Riding Hood was the one that held the least interest and sway for me. Something about it never really clicked, and in the beginning of this book, that feeling kind of lingered.

Which is not to say that this story wasn’t amazing. Although it took me a little longer to become obsessively engrossed within the storyline (always a good tell of a good book with me), I still managed to very happily lose myself in the story of Scarlet and Wolf. The fact that Cinder’s story was continuing and everything tied in so beautifully together… it just all worked beautifully. I love how Meyer manages to grab the very heart of our favourite fairy tales and make them work in her incredibly unique world. The fact that there’s a bit of a love story involved kind of helps a little. After all, when there is some kind of love (be it romantic or platonic), the stakes are just that much higher.

I have to say that my favourite character throughout this entire novel was Wolf. There was just something about his tragic past, his incredibly obvious internal conflict and just his general persona that really drew me to him. It could have something to do with the fact that I often seem to connect with the idea of wolf packs and hierarchy in every book / series that I read (make of that what you will). His rocky relationship with his brother only increased the heartfelt and almost vulnerable feeling that he inspired, and although I know that the bulk of his and Scarlet’s story is over, I look forward to seeing how the two will play out throughout the rest of the series.

 <- The Queen’s Army Review Cress Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Queen’s Army by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Queen's ArmyTitle: The Queen’s Army
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1.5
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Z pushed himself back into the exam table.

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Synopsis

In this prequel to Scarlet, we’re introduced to the army Queen Levana is building, and one soldier in particular who will do anything to keep from becoming the monster they want him to be.

Thoughts

Levanna’s army is shown in Cinder and it seems kind of scary. Which is why a short story about one of the young men who are placed into this situation and created as a soldier worked in quite well. It’s the story from behind enemy lines that is not only introducing a character that will (I’m sure) appear in the next novel, but helping to highlight the horrors which Levanna inflicts upon her own people.

There really wasn’t much that was shocking in this story. It was expected that the soldiers would be genetically modified. That the lead would be unwilling to join the legions. And that he would eventually triumph over the other sufferers of brutality. The way in which it was done was completely different though. Mostly because of the great and unique world in which Meyer has placed her characters.

Now that I’ve read about the boy, I can’t wait to meet the man in Scarlet…

 <- Cinder Review Scarlet Review ->
Image source: Goodreads