Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles, #3.5) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

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.

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

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Warning! Potential spoilers for this book and other books in this series.

After reading the other books in The Lunar Chronicles, it was obvious Levana was unhinged. Fairest shows us what she's like as a child, and what likely caused her break from reality. I feel bad for the little girl Levana used to be, and I hate that her parents were so neglectful. If they had been more involved in their daughter's lives, they might have noticed Channery's cruelty and done something about it. However, it's hard to feel sympathy for the person Levana is today, because she likes to kill people for seemingly no reason (a perceived threat or just someone voicing a concern). It's obvious now that she just wanted someone to love her, which did fracture my heart a little. When her parents failed at showing compassion and understanding, she focused on Evret, and eventually the people of Luna.

Levana's obsession with Evret Hale was disturbing on many levels. She was a child chasing after a much older man, a man that clearly loved his very pregnant wife, and actually felt hatred towards a woman that had done nothing wrong . Evret offered friendship on his wife's behalf, because Solstice thought Levana was lonely and needed a friend, and that backfired in a big way. Levana took every smile and kind gesture, and warped them into something that fit the story in her head. No on stepped in to save Evret, or even to tell Levana that she was doing something wrong. She was a princess, and essentially left to her own devices. Even her sister hadn't been able to stop Levana's plan once she'd put everything in motion. Levana tortured Evret in the worst possible way, by using what he loved against him. She broke him from the inside, and made him do unthinkable things that he never would have agreed to on his own. She raped his mind and his body, because she thought their love was real. It didn't occur to her that forcing him made it something ugly and damaged.

Channery is definitely the cause of Levana's mental issues (at least at the beginning), but Levana's downward spiral continues even when Channery is no longer there to give her nightmares. When she takes over the responsibilities of the Queen, she makes a lot of bad decisions, although I truly believe she thought they were for the right reasons (except when she was killing people on Earth for the benefit of Luna). She seemed to really care about her country and its well-being, but she also wanted her people to love her unconditionally, which isn't something you can force people to do. Levana wanted perfection, and nothing is perfect.

Also, Levana criticized Channery for being unconcerned with the politics of Luna, but Levana's active involvement resulted in a lot of pain and death. Her paranoia and hatred, mixed with her skewed perception of reality, were a toxic combination.

I think Marissa Meyer wrote another excellent book, and she was able to make me understand a character that I love to hate. I believe this story is a wonderful addition the series, and wish I had read it before reading Winter. We get to see what makes Levana tick, and all of the ugliness that surrounds her life. Also, Rebecca Soler narrates this book as well, and she's amazing.

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles, #4) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mark her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend--the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.

“Right now, a kiss is the going rate for near-death experiences. It's kind of a point system.”

Warning: review may contain spoilers for other books in this series. 

When I first started listening to Winter, I thought there was a glitch on my phone, because Libby (my library app) said it would take twenty-four hours to listen to the entire book. After doing a little research, I discovered the physical copy has 827 pages, so it made more sense.

Despite the length of the book, it never felt like the story lagged. It kept a nice pace, and there was always something new happening to one of the characters. They were constantly splitting up, so the perspective and the place would often change. I think it gave a broader view of the world and the different issues the characters were dealing with.

I adored Winter and Jacin! He has loved her since they were children, and not once did he think she was broken. He didn't chastise her for refusing to use her gift, and he was always trying to be there for her when it mattered. Even when he's away, he's thinking of her and trying to return to her side. I really enjoyed their relationship, and how selfless they both tried to be for one another.

I also liked Winter's interactions with Scarlet. I thought the two of them shared a special relationship, even if Scarlet was locked in a cage for most of it. Winter did everything she could to ease Scarlet's suffering, and she thought of her as a friend long before Scarlet felt the same way. When Scarlet called Winter crazy, or referred to her delusions, it was an endearment and said with affection.

I thought Meyer did a wonderful job adding new characters every book. Each new book would focus on someone new, but characters from previous books still played a large role. It made the story more complex and interesting. I loved viewing the story from multiple perspectives, and not always knowing what everyone was thinking. I felt like it added a little more mystery and suspense to the overall story.

I liked the fairy tale connections, and was relieved when they didn't overwhelm the story. Meyer has created something that's entirely her own, while still dipping her toes in the stories we've heard our entire lives. I loved the twists she added, like the spin on Snow White's apple, and how they applied to her books.

Thorne was a little unlikable when he was initially introduced, but he quickly grew on me. Especially after he met Cress! I really liked that Cinder, Cress, Scarlet, Winter, and even Iko, were strong female characters that depended on themselves. They knew when to ask for help, but they didn't wait around for someone to save them. They fought for their friends and the people they loved, they were smart and innovative, and they took the initiative to improve the lives of others.

I thought Winter was the perfect culmination of the other books, and really enjoyed how the final book in the series played out. I was curious how the author would end things, and if everyone would survive, and I'm pretty satisfied with the ending. I was left feeling hopeful and imagining new lives for the characters. They may be on separate paths now, but they've forged friendships that will last a lifetime. I think everyone got the ending they deserved, while still leaving things open for the future.

I'm looking forward to reading Fairest next. I know some people recommended reading it before Winter, but I decided to wait before learning about Levana's history. I'm sure it would have helped me to understand why she was the way she was, but now I still have something to look forward to!

I highly recommend this series to everyone. Rebecca Soler is one of my favorite narrators, and I thought she did a marvelous job with these books! The Lunar Chronicles was such an enjoyable series, and one that I cannot wait to read again. The characters were fantastic, the world was incredible, and the delivery of the story was perfection.

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they're plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a higher price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

“It always came back to love. More than freedom, more than acceptance—love. True love, like they sang about in the second era. The kind that filled up a person's soul. The kind that lent itself to dramatic gestures and sacrifices. The kind that was irresistible and all-encompassing.” 

The audiobook for Cress is almost twice as long as the others, but I'm not complaining! I've enjoyed everyone's adventures and really liked the newest character, Cress. She's crazy smart, tech-savvy, and can hack into anything, spy on anyone, and daydream like no other. Her opera singing, line-dancing, and unfamiliarity with the outside world made her an endearing character that I instantly wanted to protect. She's been through a lot, but somehow comes across as sweetly naïve and innocent. 

Initially, I didn't think I would like Thorne. He's arrogant and rarely says the right thing. He's like an attractive pirate... in love with his ship, in love with himself, thinks everyone else should immediately be charmed by him, and he's always looking for booty. However, my opinions about him changed drastically while reading this book. We learn more about his history and see what he's willing to do for his friends. Thorne also doesn't think like everyone else, so he's able to bring a unique perspective to the table. His words may come across as cocky, but I believe he speaks from the heart. 

Queen Levana needs to die... or be stripped of her powers and thrown into a jail cell. Personally, I hope someone destroys her. She's unbelievably cruel, and it makes me angry to think about all the pain she's caused. The lives of others mean nothing, and she's willing to maim or kill anyone that disagrees with her or gets in the way.

This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Marissa Meyer is an incredible storyteller and I look forward to reading anything else she writes. I believe Winter is next in this series, but I don't know how I feel about her just yet. She's only in Cress briefly, but a lot was said with very little.

Let's get this revolution started!

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner. 

“I knew they would kill me when they found out, but…” He struggled for words, releasing a sharp breath. “I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you.”

I am really enjoying this series! I love the world, the writing, the characters--everything. Marissa Meyer is very good at what she does. I'm not usually a fan of retellings, but these are amazing! The subtle references don't overpower the story, and you can see how Meyer took a thread from an old fairy tale and made it something new and entirely her own.

Also, the narrator! I know I've said this about her before, but Rebecca Soler is WONDERFUL.

Cinder was about Cinder, and Scarlet was about both Scarlet and Cinder. We see everything unfold from various perspectives, so we know what is happening in multiple places at once. There are so many different layers to these books; hidden nooks and crannies that are not fully realized until all of the pieces fall into place. I cannot stop listening once I start (which isn't good for getting things done).

I loved Scarlet and her no-nonsense personality. She was straightforward and determined in her efforts to find her grandmother. I admired her capabilities (she had no issues pointing a gun at someone's face), but thought she was a tad too eager to throw herself into dangerous situations.

Wolf was an interesting character, and I would love to know more of his history. I think I might get my wish in the next book, if how it ended is any indication.

I loathe Levana. She's vile, vain, and virtually untouchable.

I feel like everything is building toward something catastrophic, and I cannot wait to find out what that is! I'm so happy there are still more books in this series to read!

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interference has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it "a matter of national security," but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on.

Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived.

But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for. 

“Vanity is a factor, but it is more a question of control. It is easier to trick others into perceiving you as beautiful if you can convince yourself you are beautiful. But mirrors have an uncanny way of telling the truth.”

I want Rebecca Soler to narrate my life. I thought she did an amazing job when I listened to the audiobook for Heartless, so I didn't think twice about requesting the audiobook for Cinder from my library. She has such a wonderful range of voices, and I'm never confused by who is speaking. She. Is. Incredible. The story is fabulous on it's own, but her voice really awakens the characters in my head.

I loved Cinder. I should have read it ages ago when it first came out, but now I get to read the entire series without a wait! I guess silver linings and all that jazz, but... it was a wonderful read regardless of when I read it, and it's sure to be one that I read again. The writing was phenomenal, and Marissa Meyer's twist on Cinderella was breathtaking and beautiful. Cyborgs! There were cyborgs and robots, a futuristic world with new rules, and a plague. Meyer really went above and beyond with the creativity of her world and characters. I never felt like I was somewhere unfamiliar, it was just someplace I hadn't been before, but knew all about.

Cinder made me feel so much. There were times when I was horrified and so very angry, and other moments my heart broke for these characters. My emotions were all over the place with this one, and I felt compelled to give hugs to some and stab others repeatedly.

I seriously will forever read anything this author ever writes. She's an auto-buy for me now! "Oh, my stars!" The story is fabulous, too. (Yes, I know I said this earlier, but it's worth repeating.) I was so invested in the characters and engaged in their struggles and triumphs. I thought something might be something while I was reading it (vague, I know), but the reveal was nicely done. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here! I have so many questions, but more importantly, I want to immerse myself in this world again.

Should you read this? Yes! Absolutely! Are you free right now? 😁