The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
“Maybe there isn’t such a thing as fate. Maybe it’s just the opportunities we’re given, and what we do with them. I’m beginning to think that maybe great, epic romances don’t just happen. We have to make them ourselves.”
MARIAHREADITBOOK REVIEW
Cinder
This was very 2012 and that's okay.
This was very easy to fall into, the world building was effortless.
Caring about Cinder isn't a hardship, though I do wish there a bigger cast of characters to root for - but I started Scarlet last night and I think I'm getting my wish.
It also has a very non-charismatic villain that you dislike instantly (have you noticed that when people speak of "charismatic villains you can't help but love" they are 10/10 times male? Like The Darkling in Shadow & Bone).
The book itself is predictable, but there were definitely some moments that me stop and sort of process for a second like.
I think this series is going to be a grower.
Scarlet
Hmmm. I had hoped the sequel was going to escalate things for me but it was sort of a lateral move.
I appreciate the fuller cast of characters, who doesn't love a dysfunctional crew of misfits?
However, I didn't get any true bonding between them and it still all felt like they're stuck together with spit and good intentions.
Scarlet and Wolf sort of had everything going for them but I was very confused by the end.
Also, the only reason why I like Wolf half as much as I do (which is not a crazy amount) is because I read The Queen's Army beforehand, since that short was published online on Wattpad before Book 2, but I feel like if I hand't it would've been a true detriment to the book and my ability to connect to Wolf.
I'm still hopeful that Book 3 will take this to the next level for me though, because as is, it is interesting and sort of whisically dark but it's not something I see myself thinking about after a couple of days.
Fairest
Do I like Levana? No.
Did I enjoy this book? No, not particularly.
Do I think it’s absolutely imperative you read this before Book 4? Absolutely.
This far into the series it is no secret that Levana is evil, but this book brings the full mad and winding descent into her psycopathy.
It is a dark look into a broken mind, and that is the genius of it.
She is not a charismatic villain. Any sympathy she could even invoke in one breath is completely annihilated in her next one.
She is irredeemable and that is where the mastery of telling her story lies.
For my non completionist friends:
If for nothing else, read this for Winter’s backstory.