Tag Archives: The Lunar Chronicles

The Mechanic by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: The Mechanic
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #0.9
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: “But without knowing what’s wrong with -”

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Synopsis

In this prequel to Cinder, we see Kai and Cinder’s first meeting from Kai’s perspective.

Thoughts

This is an alternative view at a great scene in Cinder. And it’s something that I enjoy in a series – looking at another character’s point of view. The fact that it is Kai, the other half of the love match in the first full Lunar Chronicles novel, made it even more captivating. And, it was enlightening as to why Kai fell for Cinder. After all, she is constantly described as being very plain. So I found it a little difficult to really understand their connection in this scene. Until I read The Mechanic, then everything fell into place.

I like that the heroine of this story isn’t described as beautiful and stunning. It’s difficult to connect with characters when they are constantly described as otherworldly. The fact that Kai’s draw in to Cinder is her simplicity and difference makes you feel like everyone has their own hope for the future.

 <- The Little Android Review Cinder Review ->
Image source: The Lunar Chronicles Wiki

After Sunshine Passes By by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: After Sunshine Passes By
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #0.25
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: State-of-the-art.

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Synopsis

In this prequel to Cress, we see how a nine-year-old Cress ended up alone on a satellite, spying on Earth for Luna.

Thoughts

The idea of shells is introduced in Cinder and it is a great reminder that even if you don’t have superpowers, you still have powers. The beginning of the Rapunzel story starts off kind of sad. It’s an unwanted girl in a place where she is told that she is unwanted and not needed. Actually, this is the saddest of the short stories in The Lunar Chronicles that I have read so far. There is no light on the horizon, but rather it just ends with a young girl being locked up by herself, orbiting the earth.

One thing that I really loved about this short story is Cress’ strength of character and ability to find something good in her life. The picture painted about her dismal upbringing would ensure that many people became downtrodden. Yet, somehow this girl is optimistic and full of hope – the very short story begins with her imagining a better life for herself.

 <- The Keeper Review Glitches Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

The Keeper by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: The Keeper
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #0.1
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: A deep crease had formed between his brows.

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Synopsis

A prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, showing a young Scarlet and how Princess Selene came into the care of Michelle Benoit.

Thoughts

I read this after reading Cinder, and although I am slowly reading the series in order, I’m kind of glad that I read it after reading Cinder. This short story tells the tale of how Cinder became a Cyborg and how she was saved from Levanna’s evil reign. It also gives insight into the world of Lunar and how the Earthlings of this world deal with it.

Not only did The Keeper introduce Cinder’s first years on earth, it also told the story of how Scarlet came to live with her Grandmother. And I can’t wait to see how she has transformed into an adult when I actually get to reading her novel…

 <- Stars Above Review After Sunshine Passes By Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

The Little Android by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Little AndroidTitle: The Little Android
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #0.6
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: It wasn’t the first time such horrible thoughts had come into her head.

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Synopsis

A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles.

Thoughts

The blurb for this story is that this is a cyborg version of The Little Mermaid. I was expecting a happy ending for the android-mermaid, but, this short story actually stuck much closer to the original version. Where Ariel doesn’t get her happily after, but rather, sacrifices herself for the love of the prince. And honestly? I loved this version even more. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Disney happy ending. But there is something nice about an alternate ending and twist to the tale.

The Little Android helps to place Cinder and her kind heart in context within the greater series. But, mostly for me, it was just a cute and simple way to spend a half hour or so. Meyer’s understanding of fairy tales and her modern take on them is thoroughly enjoyable. And using one like The Little Mermaid which has two distinctly different endings left me smiling contently. Even though Star didn’t quite get her happily ever after…

 <- Glitches Review The Mechanic Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Glitches by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

GlitchesTitle: Glitches
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #0.5
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer) & Kisses and Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Cinder racked her brain, wondering if it could feed her recipes as easily as it fed her useless definitions.

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Synopsis

In this prequel to Cinder, we see the results of the plague play out, and the emotional toll it takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch….

Thoughts

I liked this short story. It explained the beginning of the Cinderella story that is introduced in Cinder. Explained how Cinder got to where she is, and what makes her so different. Her inability to cry is seen as a glitch, and explained away in terms of a mechanical term.

I always love prequels. They often don’t actually feel necessary for a series, but they always add something to it. Glitches is no different, Cinder’s situation will be explained in Cinder, but the little bit of extra information and emotional turmoil help to give more context to her tale. And help to make her far more realistic for me, as the reader.

 <- After Sunshine Passes By Review The Little Android Review ->
Image source: Goodreads