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The Lunar Chronicles #4
Winter
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2015)Princess 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?
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?
827 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2015
About the author
Marissa Meyer
79 books127k followersI live in Tacoma, Washington, with my husband and beautiful twin daughters. Represented by Jill Grinberg. Learn more about me and my upcoming books at http://www.marissameyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32,624 reviews
March 4, 2016
“She was prettier than a bouquet of roses and crazier than a headless chicken. Fitting in was not an option.”
And... I've finished! *sob*
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of Lunar Chronicles. After finally giving in and picking up Scarlet, even though I hated Cinder, I just haven't been able to get enough of this series. And this longass final installment was a heart-pounding, fast-paced finale.
You know, I actually checked and this is the longest YA book I have ever read at over 820 pages, the second longest being Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at 766 pages. I was a bit concerned seeing as I generally think any YA book over 500 pages feels too long, but I needn't have worried. I flew through this monster.
I've come to the conclusion that I really like how Meyer balances retelling with the traditional story. She gets the amount of each just right, changing up enough to keep it surprising and exciting, but slotting in many parallels to the original stories that often catch me by surprise and make me smile.
I also love how far the relationships have come. Lots of funny and touching dynamics, lots of great friendships to remind us that romance isn't everything.
In Winter, I loved the title character so much. In addition to the brave, level-headed Cinder, the fiery Scarlet, and the sweet, intelligent Cress, we now have Ms beautiful and crazy. Each character is very different, but important in her own way, and together they make a funny, lovable team.
The book wraps up very well, delivering a dramatic and bloody climax. There are many close calls, lots of action, and lots of crazy. As I've said about the previous two books: this might not be great literature, but it sure is a rush of wild excitement.
And can we all just take a moment to talk about how great Thorne is? I compared him to Gilderoy Lockhart in my review of the last book and he is still my favourite character. He's just so hilarious and ridiculous... in the best way.
Thorne scoffed. “Careful is my middle name. Right after Suave and Daring.”
“Do you even know what you're saying half the time?” asked Cinder.
***
“A kiss from the Captain would probably melt my central processor.”
Thorne winked at her. “Oh trust me. It would.”
I am such a fangirl. Now I just need to read Stars Above during the long wait for Heartless.
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December 25, 2015*Sees release date*
January 12, 2016
I’m going to miss these little train wrecks.
I’m going to miss the banter between Cinder and Thorne.
I’m going to miss all the relationships & friendships.
I’m going to miss my sassy queen Iko.
I'm going to miss this series so much. AHHH.
THIS IS ALL JUST SO BITTERSWEET. WOW.
UPDATE - Full video review here: https://youtu.be/KIcWKgTN294
I’m going to miss the banter between Cinder and Thorne.
I’m going to miss all the relationships & friendships.
I’m going to miss my sassy queen Iko.
I'm going to miss this series so much. AHHH.
THIS IS ALL JUST SO BITTERSWEET. WOW.
UPDATE - Full video review here: https://youtu.be/KIcWKgTN294
January 18, 2016
After finishing the last page, I got a little teary. From finishing not only a fantastic book, but also one of my favourite series. I don't really know what to do now...
March 18, 2020
Loved every second spent reading this.
June 18, 2021
Fantastic end to a great series
This series actually got better with every book.
If you are on the fence after reading Cinder, I urge you to keep going.
Each book follows a different couple but we still have the previous couples running around throughout the story arc.
This time we follow Winter (Snow White) and Jacin (the Huntsman). Despite having no royal blood, Winter is the Lunar Princess.
Like most Lunars, Winter has the gift of manipulation. Unlike most Lunars, she would rather lose her mind than manipulate her citizens.
Winter's stepmother, the Lunar Queen (Levanna), set her sites on Emperor Kai (the Emperor of Commonwealth (essentially China)).
Once she has Kai, and his country, in her clutches then she can finally start her bid for world dominance AND get rid of Princess Winter (permanently).
But first, Queen Levanna must marry the young emperor.
Told from alternating perspectives, we follow each couple - Cinder (Cinderella) and Kai (the Prince); Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood) and Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf); Cress (Rapunzel) and Thorne (the Prince) - almost equally throughout the book.
As before, Cress and Thorne are my absolute favorite couple - I just adore her bravery in the face of crippling shyness.
And Thorne's charisma and adoration towards Cress just cinch this couple. Every moment where they got closer to the big kiss had me clutching the book and crossing my fingers.
Wolf was by far my favorite character and finally we get his perspective - there's something so neat about getting the "monster" point of view.
There was one thing that really frustrated me about this whole series:
Half the plot was someone finding out that an assassination didn't work and the supposed-to-be-dead character was wreaking havoc elsewhere.
Overall - this was a fun end to a thrilling series. I'm really looking forward to the companion novel Stars Above!
Audiobook Comments
--Rather well-read by Rebecca Soler. She certainly had a way with words. Winter's sing-songy voice was fabulous and Scarlet's french accent was rather good. Though, if both Cinder and Kai came from the Commonwealth, futuristic China, then I thought there should be an Asian accent, no?
If you are curious about Rebecca Soler, check Tucker the Reader's interview!
The Finer Books Club - 2018 Reading Challenge: A retelling of a classic
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
This series actually got better with every book.
If you are on the fence after reading Cinder, I urge you to keep going.
Each book follows a different couple but we still have the previous couples running around throughout the story arc.
This time we follow Winter (Snow White) and Jacin (the Huntsman). Despite having no royal blood, Winter is the Lunar Princess.
Like most Lunars, Winter has the gift of manipulation. Unlike most Lunars, she would rather lose her mind than manipulate her citizens.
Winter's stepmother, the Lunar Queen (Levanna), set her sites on Emperor Kai (the Emperor of Commonwealth (essentially China)).
Once she has Kai, and his country, in her clutches then she can finally start her bid for world dominance AND get rid of Princess Winter (permanently).
But first, Queen Levanna must marry the young emperor.
(Aside: Why Kai? He is literally half her age and his only contribution is of a damsel in distress. What was the point of all those tutors if all he manages to do is almost get married and kidnapped?)Cinder and her merry gang of modern fairytale friends must find a way to stop this wedding and save their planet.(Aside to the Aside: I really liked how all the guys (for once) were the ones being rescued in a fairytale)
Told from alternating perspectives, we follow each couple - Cinder (Cinderella) and Kai (the Prince); Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood) and Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf); Cress (Rapunzel) and Thorne (the Prince) - almost equally throughout the book.
As before, Cress and Thorne are my absolute favorite couple - I just adore her bravery in the face of crippling shyness.
And Thorne's charisma and adoration towards Cress just cinch this couple. Every moment where they got closer to the big kiss had me clutching the book and crossing my fingers.
Wolf was by far my favorite character and finally we get his perspective - there's something so neat about getting the "monster" point of view.
There was one thing that really frustrated me about this whole series:
Seriously. If you are going to kill someone - MAKE SURE THEY'RE ACTUALLY DEAD!
Half the plot was someone finding out that an assassination didn't work and the supposed-to-be-dead character was wreaking havoc elsewhere.
Overall - this was a fun end to a thrilling series. I'm really looking forward to the companion novel Stars Above!
Audiobook Comments
--Rather well-read by Rebecca Soler. She certainly had a way with words. Winter's sing-songy voice was fabulous and Scarlet's french accent was rather good. Though, if both Cinder and Kai came from the Commonwealth, futuristic China, then I thought there should be an Asian accent, no?
If you are curious about Rebecca Soler, check Tucker the Reader's interview!
The Finer Books Club - 2018 Reading Challenge: A retelling of a classic
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Want to read
May 24, 2015*** MARISSA MEYER IS FINISHED WITH WINTER!! ***
TEASERS (from Marissa Meyer's Twitter):
She screamed like a thousand birds were picking at her flesh.
She screamed like the palace was burning down around her.
“Hold these wires and make sure they don’t touch.”
“What happens if they touch?”
“The ship will probably self-destruct.”
She was going to have to train herself not to stare at him quite as often as she was used to. That would be no easy task.
“May I request a new uniform? A towel seems inappropriate for the position.”
She was a danger to his hard-earned neutrality. Thinking about her tended to give him an unwanted hitch in his lungs.
“We have had word that some political groups are calling for the forced abdication of Emperor Kaito."
"Being raised on Luna seems to really mess people up. She wouldn’t be the lovable cyborg we’ve all come to adore."
“They’re the first crew I’ve ever had, and most of them even call me Captain. I’m going to miss them.”
When they arrived, they arrived in force—a dozen military ships surrounding the safe house, guns drawn.
Her whole body was wound up tight. She was ready to storm the palace herself—an army of one.
It did not feel like home. It felt like a place that had been built to be paradise, but had become a prison.
“Greenwich is a funny word, isn’t it? All green and witchy. Like soup.”
Fear was a weakness in the court. Much better to act unperturbed. Much safer to act crazy, when in doubt.
In a moment of weakness, he craned his head and kissed her on the shoulder, where the drop of blood had fallen before.
He laughed, like someone had stabbed him in the chest and he had no other choice but to find it amusing.
She was prettier than a bouquet of roses and crazier than a headless chicken. Fitting in was not an option.
“Oh, stars. I don’t know his real name. How can I not know his real name? What kind of alpha mate am I?”
"She definitely has a crush on you. It’s about the size of Jupiter.”
She had the bone structure of a bird. Wolf probably could have crushed her with his fingertips.
"You’re a good guy, Thorne.” She paused. “Well, you have your moments."
"People do not put their faith in phantoms.”
“I expected palm trees and red carpets,” said Iko, brow drawn in a show of severe disappointment.
“Right now, a kiss is the going rate for near-death experiences. It’s kind of a point system.”
She still looked furious, but now she also looked a little intimidated. Not intimidated enough, but a little.
“I don’t hear anything.”
“Exactly. That’s what happens when you *stop talking*.”
Over a dozen thaumaturges were stationed around the room. It was almost like the queen expected someone to start trouble.
Being tyrannized by Levana had a way of making allies of enemies.
"I intend to put an end to the rumors of the darling Princess Selene once and for all.”
Levana already wanted her dead. She couldn’t very well want her *more* dead.
If she’d learned anything from Thorne, it was that sometimes gumption was all a person really needed to be heroic.
“You are a child playing at war games,” he said, “and you’re too naive to realize that you’ve already lost.”
“All I ever wanted were two legs, ten fingers, and perfect hair. Is that really so much to ask?”
“But I forgot my ball gown on Earth.” “Don’t worry. You wouldn’t want to get blood all over it anyway.”
Instead of being pieced together with wires and steel, these creatures were a jigsaw of muscle tissue and cartilage.
***
"Winter is the evil queen's stepdaughter. She's lived on Luna in the palace but grown up with her stepmother and seen how, when Levon uses her lunar powers, it's turned her into such a tyrant. Winter has decided never to use her lunar gift. But when a lunar chooses not to use their gift, it slowly starts to drive them crazy, so Winter is afflicted with bad hallucinations, and as the book goes on, her mental state is slowly deteriorating."
***
"Book Four: WINTER is based on Snow White, where we will finally get to see the world of the Lunars."
THE WORLD OF LUNARS!
***
... the moon?
o_o
TEASERS (from Marissa Meyer's Twitter):
She screamed like a thousand birds were picking at her flesh.
She screamed like the palace was burning down around her.
“Hold these wires and make sure they don’t touch.”
“What happens if they touch?”
“The ship will probably self-destruct.”
She was going to have to train herself not to stare at him quite as often as she was used to. That would be no easy task.
“May I request a new uniform? A towel seems inappropriate for the position.”
She was a danger to his hard-earned neutrality. Thinking about her tended to give him an unwanted hitch in his lungs.
“We have had word that some political groups are calling for the forced abdication of Emperor Kaito."
"Being raised on Luna seems to really mess people up. She wouldn’t be the lovable cyborg we’ve all come to adore."
“They’re the first crew I’ve ever had, and most of them even call me Captain. I’m going to miss them.”
When they arrived, they arrived in force—a dozen military ships surrounding the safe house, guns drawn.
Her whole body was wound up tight. She was ready to storm the palace herself—an army of one.
It did not feel like home. It felt like a place that had been built to be paradise, but had become a prison.
“Greenwich is a funny word, isn’t it? All green and witchy. Like soup.”
Fear was a weakness in the court. Much better to act unperturbed. Much safer to act crazy, when in doubt.
In a moment of weakness, he craned his head and kissed her on the shoulder, where the drop of blood had fallen before.
He laughed, like someone had stabbed him in the chest and he had no other choice but to find it amusing.
She was prettier than a bouquet of roses and crazier than a headless chicken. Fitting in was not an option.
“Oh, stars. I don’t know his real name. How can I not know his real name? What kind of alpha mate am I?”
"She definitely has a crush on you. It’s about the size of Jupiter.”
She had the bone structure of a bird. Wolf probably could have crushed her with his fingertips.
"You’re a good guy, Thorne.” She paused. “Well, you have your moments."
"People do not put their faith in phantoms.”
“I expected palm trees and red carpets,” said Iko, brow drawn in a show of severe disappointment.
“Right now, a kiss is the going rate for near-death experiences. It’s kind of a point system.”
She still looked furious, but now she also looked a little intimidated. Not intimidated enough, but a little.
“I don’t hear anything.”
“Exactly. That’s what happens when you *stop talking*.”
Over a dozen thaumaturges were stationed around the room. It was almost like the queen expected someone to start trouble.
Being tyrannized by Levana had a way of making allies of enemies.
"I intend to put an end to the rumors of the darling Princess Selene once and for all.”
Levana already wanted her dead. She couldn’t very well want her *more* dead.
If she’d learned anything from Thorne, it was that sometimes gumption was all a person really needed to be heroic.
“You are a child playing at war games,” he said, “and you’re too naive to realize that you’ve already lost.”
“All I ever wanted were two legs, ten fingers, and perfect hair. Is that really so much to ask?”
“But I forgot my ball gown on Earth.” “Don’t worry. You wouldn’t want to get blood all over it anyway.”
Instead of being pieced together with wires and steel, these creatures were a jigsaw of muscle tissue and cartilage.
***
"Winter is the evil queen's stepdaughter. She's lived on Luna in the palace but grown up with her stepmother and seen how, when Levon uses her lunar powers, it's turned her into such a tyrant. Winter has decided never to use her lunar gift. But when a lunar chooses not to use their gift, it slowly starts to drive them crazy, so Winter is afflicted with bad hallucinations, and as the book goes on, her mental state is slowly deteriorating."
***
"Book Four: WINTER is based on Snow White, where we will finally get to see the world of the Lunars."
THE WORLD OF LUNARS!
***
... the moon?
o_o
August 3, 2018
“Even in the Future the Story Begins with Once Upon a Time.”
Once Upon a Time, there was a lonely girl who dreamed too much. Her name was Katerina. She used to gaze at the sky and observe the faint light of the moon. One night, she watched a falling star and made a wish. She wished that she would belong. Escape. Travel. Feel. Little did she know that her heart's desire was about to be granted. For when the star landed on Earth, it took a woman's form. In some stories they call her the fairy god-mother. In this one, they call her Marissa Meyer.
“She's our princess. And she's coming home.”
Marissa Meyer searched for the best way to make wishes come true, but the answer was simple. Her words, her words would be a gift to mankind. She chose to narrate the classic tales everyone loved from a different angle, adding space and androids and plagues and monsters. Adding diverse heroes and heroines, characters of different color and weight and height and backround. Adding strong friendships, sweet romances, vivid adventuress, loathsome villains and a handful of stardust. And she created The Lunar Chronicles. She created Winter.
“Invade Luna. Start a rebellion. End a war.”
Katerina found in Winter everything she ever wanted. She read about Snow White, who was beautiful and kind, crazy and delusional, who hallucinated and sang eerie songs, who was in love with her best friend and guard. She read about Cinder, who tried to be brave and make difficult desicions that would result in sacrifices and bloodbath in order to take her throne back. About Scarlet, fierce and bold and determined Scarlet, who felt that she didn't fit in until she found her home in the face of a predator, a killer. About Cress, who dreamed about happily ever afters and pretended she was a hero from a movie when she was afraid, and didn't realize how valuable she was. These four girls were different, but were bound together by a common goal and a friendship that didn't know planets and social status.
“Help me. Fight for me. And I will be the first ruler in the history of Luna who will also fight for you.”
She also read about Kai, who was smart and selfless and put the welfare of his people above his own happiness. About Wolf, who was savage and murderous but also a soft cupcake who fought for his humanity. About Thorne, who was funny and cocky and didn't believe he was a hero until a strange girl turned his world upside down with her faith in him. About Jacin, who was intimidating and cold, eager to do anything for his princess.
Four boys, four girls and one android. Katerina loved them all, for their strangeness and their flaws, their loyalty and their hearts. Her own heart broke when they were seperated, when they were forced to do terrible things or went through terrible things. She shed tears of joy and tears of sadness.
She laughed until her stomach hurt.
“Thorne scoffed. “Careful is my middle name. Right after Suave and Daring.”
“Do you even know what you're saying half the time?” asked Cinder.”
She followed them through riots and executions, battles and toe-curling kisses, powerful declarations and hilarious banters. She did find Winter a little long, but stars above! a part of her didn't want it to end. She hated goodbyes.
“They're the first crew I've ever had and most of them even call me Captain. I'm going to miss them.”
Once Upon a Time, Katerina finished Winter. She held the book against her heart and looked at the sky. There it was. A Rampion, whose passengers were a mechanic and an emperor, a farmer and a soldier, a hacker and a smuggler, a princess and a guard. They looked down and smiled at her. She smiled back.
She was not alone.
✨ Cinder review
✨ Scarlet review
✨ Cress review
March 19, 2016
AFTER READING
I write this review 3 months after finishing the book to give me the space to think about why I was so disappointed by this book so much. This review is definitely not representative of the majority opinion, and one I never expected to hold before reading this book. Don't get me wrong though. I was SO EXCITED for this book as it was the conclusion to what is a wonderful series. Maybe I was expecting too much, or perhaps I have changed as a person since reading the first three books, but this book fell flat on so many levels.
1. At a stunning 824 pages, Winter is a book lover's dream book size, especially when the book is [insert positive adjective here]. When I found out how long the book was, I was so ready to enjoy and savor each page. Rather, I found myself lost, annoyed, and dissatisfied.
The problem lied in that there was too much going on. Despite the immense page length + because of the cumulative nature of the series, it felt like the 8 main characters were fighting for page time to the point that no character had much/any development.
The strength of this series lies in the characters vs. the plot. The strength in a fairy tale comes not from the predictability of the plot where good will always triumph, but from the characters you meet along the way. The plot, instead of giving the characters the space to grow, became the centerpiece of Winter. (don't get me wrong though. some books can pull off being centered on plot, but Winter is not one of them)
2. This book was supposed to be about Princess Winter based off the title. But was it really though? Because I clearly did not see it. I loved the character of Princess Winter, but felt like no attention was given at all to her. Even worse, it felt like she was simply a means to advance the plot. So much potential ... and it was wasted. ^ this is a point building off my first point where the character of Winter felt like an additional tack to be tacked on to a series burgeoning with such rich characters.
3. disclaimer: I am a sucker for romance, but literally ALL the main characters were paired up by the end. 4 couples. It is to the point where the romance felt too constructed and forced (to be honest).
4. Wolf. Love the character, but because of the aforementioned problem of too many things going on, his character's journey felt so ... anticlimactic. There was this huge buildup throughout the entire novel over Wolf ... and then his journey and change ends up not serving any actual purpose or character development. Wolf, the character, fell victim to the plight of plot for plot's sake (the worst).
5. LOL.
6. Death in books usually need to serve a purpose for me, but there was just so much senseless death in this book that honestly did not make any sense. Rather than feeling remorse, sadness, regret, etc. I instead felt confusion and had the reaction of, "huh" "like why".
7. Cinder, the main character of this entire series, did not feel like the Cinder I grew to love over the course of this series!!
8. This book is SO lookist. This was my biggest contention with the author. >:/ *commence rant* *end rant*
sad right now at the unfulfilled potential of a conclusion that could have done this incredible series justice. -W out.
BEFORE READING
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!! 2015?! 1 whole year. BRB CRYING.
1 whole year without this conclusion that I DESPERATELY need. 1 more year. *gasp* NEED MORE CINDER AND KAI.
NEED MORE OF THIS SERIES. *gasping*
I write this review 3 months after finishing the book to give me the space to think about why I was so disappointed by this book so much. This review is definitely not representative of the majority opinion, and one I never expected to hold before reading this book. Don't get me wrong though. I was SO EXCITED for this book as it was the conclusion to what is a wonderful series. Maybe I was expecting too much, or perhaps I have changed as a person since reading the first three books, but this book fell flat on so many levels.
1. At a stunning 824 pages, Winter is a book lover's dream book size, especially when the book is [insert positive adjective here]. When I found out how long the book was, I was so ready to enjoy and savor each page. Rather, I found myself lost, annoyed, and dissatisfied.
The problem lied in that there was too much going on. Despite the immense page length + because of the cumulative nature of the series, it felt like the 8 main characters were fighting for page time to the point that no character had much/any development.
The strength of this series lies in the characters vs. the plot. The strength in a fairy tale comes not from the predictability of the plot where good will always triumph, but from the characters you meet along the way. The plot, instead of giving the characters the space to grow, became the centerpiece of Winter. (don't get me wrong though. some books can pull off being centered on plot, but Winter is not one of them)
2. This book was supposed to be about Princess Winter based off the title. But was it really though? Because I clearly did not see it. I loved the character of Princess Winter, but felt like no attention was given at all to her. Even worse, it felt like she was simply a means to advance the plot. So much potential ... and it was wasted. ^ this is a point building off my first point where the character of Winter felt like an additional tack to be tacked on to a series burgeoning with such rich characters.
3. disclaimer: I am a sucker for romance, but literally ALL the main characters were paired up by the end. 4 couples. It is to the point where the romance felt too constructed and forced (to be honest).
4. Wolf. Love the character, but because of the aforementioned problem of too many things going on, his character's journey felt so ... anticlimactic. There was this huge buildup throughout the entire novel over Wolf ... and then his journey and change ends up not serving any actual purpose or character development. Wolf, the character, fell victim to the plight of plot for plot's sake (the worst).
5. LOL.
6. Death in books usually need to serve a purpose for me, but there was just so much senseless death in this book that honestly did not make any sense. Rather than feeling remorse, sadness, regret, etc. I instead felt confusion and had the reaction of, "huh" "like why".
7. Cinder, the main character of this entire series, did not feel like the Cinder I grew to love over the course of this series!!
8. This book is SO lookist. This was my biggest contention with the author. >:/ *commence rant* *end rant*
sad right now at the unfulfilled potential of a conclusion that could have done this incredible series justice. -W out.
BEFORE READING
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!! 2015?! 1 whole year. BRB CRYING.
1 whole year without this conclusion that I DESPERATELY need. 1 more year. *gasp* NEED MORE CINDER AND KAI.
NEED MORE OF THIS SERIES. *gasping*
Want to read
April 9, 2014Marissa Meyer in Interview: (paraphrased)
"Winter decided not to use her Lunar gift. She experiences bad hallucinations and her mental state is deteriorating."
ME:
Winter is going to be such an interesting character I'm so excited!
After Reading Cress
So, without too many spoilers, I'm just going to leave this little exchange here:
Winter: "You shouldn't call me crazy. They don't like that."
Other Character: "But you are!"
Winter: "I know that I am. Do you know how I know? Because the walls of the palace have been bleeding for years and no one else can see it. ...If the blood was real, the servants would've cleaned it up by now, don't you think?"
And my reaction:
FAVORITE CHARACTER STATUS ACHIEVED
WHY DOESN'T THIS BOOK EXIST YET
UPDATE
Wow much likes. Many surprise. Such happy. Amaze.
I'm really sorry for using doge like I am in college what am I even doing.
But seriously thanks for all the likes, guys! I'm glad you enjoy my overly excited gif extravaganza. :)
"Winter decided not to use her Lunar gift. She experiences bad hallucinations and her mental state is deteriorating."
ME:
Winter is going to be such an interesting character I'm so excited!
After Reading Cress
So, without too many spoilers, I'm just going to leave this little exchange here:
Winter: "You shouldn't call me crazy. They don't like that."
Other Character: "But you are!"
Winter: "I know that I am. Do you know how I know? Because the walls of the palace have been bleeding for years and no one else can see it. ...If the blood was real, the servants would've cleaned it up by now, don't you think?"
And my reaction:
FAVORITE CHARACTER STATUS ACHIEVED
WHY DOESN'T THIS BOOK EXIST YET
UPDATE
Wow much likes. Many surprise. Such happy. Amaze.
But seriously thanks for all the likes, guys! I'm glad you enjoy my overly excited gif extravaganza. :)
September 7, 2017
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
I've been a champion of THE LUNAR CHRONICLES for years now. I saw CINDER featured for months and months on Fantastic Fiction (b/c before I started using Goodreads), and I was simultaneously intrigued and horrified by the concept of a sci-fi YA retelling of a fairy tale. Honestly, I don't remember what finally convinced me to pick it up. I was just glad I did.
Now I'm not so sure. The first two books were fantastic, and while I wasn’t quite as fond of the third, it wasn’t awful.
BUT.
After finishing WINTER, I added two new bookshelves (a record) to my Goodreads collection:
1. you-should-be-ashamed-of-yourself
2. are-you-effing-kidding-me
Why?
For a multitude of reasons.
And for the second time this year (though for very different reasons), this will be a two-part review--a nonspoilery review first, followed by a spoiler-tagged RANT.
I hate WINTER, Part I:
1. Unexplained plot threads.
Threads. As in plural. I can only talk about one here, but there are many more, and two of them are HUGE.
Meyer got away without having to focus on the romantic evolution of most of her MC couples in WINTER. Cinder and Kai have been around since book 1. Scarlet and Wolf, almost as long, plus Wolf’s animal instincts make it believable. Winter and Jacin, b/c they’ve loved each other FOREVER.
Cress and Thorne? Not so much.
Cress has very real, very legitimate issues with Thorne and his incorrigible need to flirt with any and all present females, and Thorne is a life-long womanizer. But these obstacles never get directly addressed. We're just supposed to accept that Cress is "different" and Thorne really has changed, without any concrete evidence to support those claims.
Call me cynical, but I'd learned that lesson by the time I was twenty.
2. Winter and Jacin feel like guests in their own story.
I didn't go back and do the math, but I'd guess that only 5 - 10% of this monster was spent on Winter and Jacin as a couple. I'll grant you that the time spent on their coupleness was fantastic. I'll even say that it was as fantastic as the stuff we saw with Scarlet and Wolf (my personal favorite couple).
BUT.
These moments were so few and far between that they were completely overwhelmed by ALL THE OTHER THINGS.
In the end, I was convinced their love was real. I just didn't care.
3. ALL THE OTHER THINGS.
There was entirely too much happening in this book. I don't know if Meyer couldn't maintain the quality of writing we've become accustomed to, or if she was frazzled from trying to fit everything in, but WINTER was choked with clumsily handled side plots.
Parts of the story evolution are so lazy, it's almost like Meyer expected the leftover adrenaline from all the BAD THINGS, the one area where she continued to excel (unexpectedly dropping truly horrible obstacles on our MCs), to carry us right over the discrepancies.
And for a lot of people that probably worked.
BUT.
Not me.
4. EXTREME repetition for added shock factor.
I almost DNF-ed this book. I was 80% into it, but I did not care, I was ready to take all 800+ pages to the shooting range and use it for target practice.
Why?
B/c I was so over Lunars taking control of 1/2 of our MC couples and making them try to kill the other half.
YES. I get it. Lunars SUCK. They will steal your free will and make you do really bad stuff. LIKE KILL YOUR FRIENDS or your ONE TRUE LOVE.
ALSO, death was constantly imminent. Someone(s) would get captured, execution would be inevitable, HA HA, just kidding! Escape, wheeeeeeee!
Over and over and OVER again.
5. How the end played out (and this is my NUMERO UNO problem, FYI):
This isn't really a spoiler, but if you're one of those readers who wants to go into a book completely blind, I'd skip this part. Actually, if you're one of those types of readers, I'd avoid reviews entirely.
Anyway, Levana is pure evil. We know this. We've known this for a looooooong time. She has done so many horrible, shocking, despicable things, and she is CRAZY.
She has to die. The end.
The question is how to do it? How do we take down this master of bioelectricity manipulation?
The possibilities are endless.
So imagine my surprise and OUTRAGE when a huge part of that plan involves revealing to the world what Levana looks like underneath that veil.
I call:
And I'm furious all over again.
I'm furious b/c I HATE Levana, and I'm furious that I have to be outraged on her behalf. I'm furious b/c what in the effing hell is the point of having a cyborg mechanic for a princess, if you're going to have her go all Mean Girl on the crazy chick?
B/c Levana is a rabid dog.
You don't kick a rabid dog. You don't jeer and laugh at it b/c UGLY. You put it out of it's misery. The-effing-end.
And that's it for the first portion of of my review. I can't adequately communicate how disappointing WINTER by Marissa Meyer is without spoilers, but I hope you at least get the gist. This is the worst last book in a previously beloved series I have ever encountered. I did not know it was possible to be this underwhelmed, this unhappily surprised, this ANGRY about a book from an author whose past work had been stellar. I’m undecided about whether or not the early installments warrant an overall recommendation. Your call. Ugh.
I hate WINTER, Part II:
NOT kidding, there are spoilers EVERYWHERE in there. DO NOT click unless you've already read the book, or have no intentions of ever doing so.
My other reviews for this series:
Glitches (Lunar Chronicles 0.5)
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)
The Queen's Army (Lunar Chronicles, #1.5)
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2)
Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3)
Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles, #3.5)
I've been a champion of THE LUNAR CHRONICLES for years now. I saw CINDER featured for months and months on Fantastic Fiction (b/c before I started using Goodreads), and I was simultaneously intrigued and horrified by the concept of a sci-fi YA retelling of a fairy tale. Honestly, I don't remember what finally convinced me to pick it up. I was just glad I did.
Now I'm not so sure. The first two books were fantastic, and while I wasn’t quite as fond of the third, it wasn’t awful.
BUT.
After finishing WINTER, I added two new bookshelves (a record) to my Goodreads collection:
1. you-should-be-ashamed-of-yourself
2. are-you-effing-kidding-me
Why?
For a multitude of reasons.
And for the second time this year (though for very different reasons), this will be a two-part review--a nonspoilery review first, followed by a spoiler-tagged RANT.
I hate WINTER, Part I:
1. Unexplained plot threads.
Threads. As in plural. I can only talk about one here, but there are many more, and two of them are HUGE.
Meyer got away without having to focus on the romantic evolution of most of her MC couples in WINTER. Cinder and Kai have been around since book 1. Scarlet and Wolf, almost as long, plus Wolf’s animal instincts make it believable. Winter and Jacin, b/c they’ve loved each other FOREVER.
Cress and Thorne? Not so much.
Cress has very real, very legitimate issues with Thorne and his incorrigible need to flirt with any and all present females, and Thorne is a life-long womanizer. But these obstacles never get directly addressed. We're just supposed to accept that Cress is "different" and Thorne really has changed, without any concrete evidence to support those claims.
Call me cynical, but I'd learned that lesson by the time I was twenty.
2. Winter and Jacin feel like guests in their own story.
I didn't go back and do the math, but I'd guess that only 5 - 10% of this monster was spent on Winter and Jacin as a couple. I'll grant you that the time spent on their coupleness was fantastic. I'll even say that it was as fantastic as the stuff we saw with Scarlet and Wolf (my personal favorite couple).
BUT.
These moments were so few and far between that they were completely overwhelmed by ALL THE OTHER THINGS.
In the end, I was convinced their love was real. I just didn't care.
3. ALL THE OTHER THINGS.
There was entirely too much happening in this book. I don't know if Meyer couldn't maintain the quality of writing we've become accustomed to, or if she was frazzled from trying to fit everything in, but WINTER was choked with clumsily handled side plots.
Parts of the story evolution are so lazy, it's almost like Meyer expected the leftover adrenaline from all the BAD THINGS, the one area where she continued to excel (unexpectedly dropping truly horrible obstacles on our MCs), to carry us right over the discrepancies.
And for a lot of people that probably worked.
BUT.
Not me.
4. EXTREME repetition for added shock factor.
I almost DNF-ed this book. I was 80% into it, but I did not care, I was ready to take all 800+ pages to the shooting range and use it for target practice.
Why?
B/c I was so over Lunars taking control of 1/2 of our MC couples and making them try to kill the other half.
YES. I get it. Lunars SUCK. They will steal your free will and make you do really bad stuff. LIKE KILL YOUR FRIENDS or your ONE TRUE LOVE.
ALSO, death was constantly imminent. Someone(s) would get captured, execution would be inevitable, HA HA, just kidding! Escape, wheeeeeeee!
Over and over and OVER again.
5. How the end played out (and this is my NUMERO UNO problem, FYI):
This isn't really a spoiler, but if you're one of those readers who wants to go into a book completely blind, I'd skip this part. Actually, if you're one of those types of readers, I'd avoid reviews entirely.
Anyway, Levana is pure evil. We know this. We've known this for a looooooong time. She has done so many horrible, shocking, despicable things, and she is CRAZY.
She has to die. The end.
The question is how to do it? How do we take down this master of bioelectricity manipulation?
The possibilities are endless.
So imagine my surprise and OUTRAGE when a huge part of that plan involves revealing to the world what Levana looks like underneath that veil.
I call:
And I'm furious all over again.
I'm furious b/c I HATE Levana, and I'm furious that I have to be outraged on her behalf. I'm furious b/c what in the effing hell is the point of having a cyborg mechanic for a princess, if you're going to have her go all Mean Girl on the crazy chick?
B/c Levana is a rabid dog.
You don't kick a rabid dog. You don't jeer and laugh at it b/c UGLY. You put it out of it's misery. The-effing-end.
And that's it for the first portion of of my review. I can't adequately communicate how disappointing WINTER by Marissa Meyer is without spoilers, but I hope you at least get the gist. This is the worst last book in a previously beloved series I have ever encountered. I did not know it was possible to be this underwhelmed, this unhappily surprised, this ANGRY about a book from an author whose past work had been stellar. I’m undecided about whether or not the early installments warrant an overall recommendation. Your call. Ugh.
I hate WINTER, Part II:
NOT kidding, there are spoilers EVERYWHERE in there. DO NOT click unless you've already read the book, or have no intentions of ever doing so.
My other reviews for this series:
Glitches (Lunar Chronicles 0.5)
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)
The Queen's Army (Lunar Chronicles, #1.5)
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2)
Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3)
Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles, #3.5)
December 22, 2015
4.5/5
A great conclusion for such a wonderful series! A TAD underwhelmed by the ending, but it was action packed and all of my little babies ended up where I wanted them, so I'm happy!
A great conclusion for such a wonderful series! A TAD underwhelmed by the ending, but it was action packed and all of my little babies ended up where I wanted them, so I'm happy!
Want to read
February 11, 2014I just love how Snow White will be a person of color. Totally wasn't expecting that. Is it Winter yet?
August 2, 2017
RE-READ AUDIO 2017. This narrator nailed it! 💕
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S OVER! I was so happy with the way this book went and the way it ended. Well, one part made me sad. There were parts that I wanted to yell, throw things, hulk smash, off with heads and so forth and so on, but I digress. I don't want to give out any kind of spoilers since so many people are reading this book right now or are going to be reading. So, this review is going to be filled with some excerpts from the book and pictures because that's what I want to do. Enjoy!
I loved the dynamics between all of the characters. Each character in this book brings something to the table and have their own story and form of bad areseness!
Not one minute did this book get boring. Everything in the book was layered in a perfect way, but this is just my opinion. I had one part I wished could have been more revenge filling for me, but as most of those that read my reviews, know I'm into the hulk smash, wipe the floor with them kind of revenge.. but I'm still happy :)
•••••••••••••• EXCERPTS •••••••••••••
"Did I tell you I saw snow when I was on Earth?"
Winter stopped walking, her eyes going wide. "Real Snow?"
"Hello, friend." Winter knelt in front of Scarlet's cage. "Hello, crazy," said Scarlet.
••••••••
Scarlet unzipped her hoodie, trying to cool her burning skin. "Why does the queen want to kill you?" "She believes I'm a threat to her crown
Scarlet snorted, an exhausted sound that didn't carry half as much derision as it should have. "Really? Has she ever heard you talk?"
••••••••••••
"I knew you were in love with him." Winter tapped her fingers against her elbow. "I can't understand why no one ever listens to me." Scarlet glared, but there was no ire behind it. "You're right, Winter. It's a complete mystery."
"Citizens of Luna, I ask that you stop what you're doing to listen to this message. My name is Selene Blackburn. I am the daughter of the late Queen Channary, niece to Princess Levana, and the rightful heir to Luna's throne."
••••••••••••••••
"I am guilty of the crimes you listed," she said. "Kidnapping and conspiracy and all the rest of it. But these are nothing compared to the crime you committed thirteen years ago. If there is anyone in this room who is guilty of royal treason, it is the woman sitting on that throne." She fixed her eyes on Levana. "My throne."
••••••••••••••••
"Fine," said Jacin, turning to Thorne. "You want to carry her first or shall I?"
Thorne raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how heavy she is?" Cinder kicked him. He huffed. "Fine. You first.
••••••••••••••••
Scarlet leaned against the regolith wall. "My father was a liar and a drunk. My mother left when I was a kid and never looked back. I witnessed a man kill my grandmother and then rip out her throat with his teeth. I was kept in a cage for six weeks. I was forced to cut off my own finger. I'm pretty sure I'm falling in love with a guy who has been genetically modified and mentally programmed to be a predator. So all things considered, I'd say I have a fair amount of scattered pieces myself."
••••••••••••••••••
"Fight with me," she said, when enough time had passed and neither she nor Scarlet had been devoured. "I will not control you. I will not torture you. Help me end Levana's rule and we will all have our freedom."
Alpha Strom met the eyes of a handful of soldiers-the other alphas, she presumed-before fixing a penetrating look on her. "I cannot speak for the entire regiment," he finally said, "but I will accept your offer. If you swear to never control us as they have done, my pack will fight for your revolution."
Some of the men nodded. Others growled, but Winter thought it was a growl of agreement. In response, she lifted her nose to the cavern ceiling and howled.
•••••••• END EXCERPTS •••••••••••
This book was a joy and I will miss reading further adventures, but the wonderful thing about books... we can always come back to them.
FOR RYU......
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S OVER! I was so happy with the way this book went and the way it ended. Well, one part made me sad. There were parts that I wanted to yell, throw things, hulk smash, off with heads and so forth and so on, but I digress. I don't want to give out any kind of spoilers since so many people are reading this book right now or are going to be reading. So, this review is going to be filled with some excerpts from the book and pictures because that's what I want to do. Enjoy!
I loved the dynamics between all of the characters. Each character in this book brings something to the table and have their own story and form of bad areseness!
Not one minute did this book get boring. Everything in the book was layered in a perfect way, but this is just my opinion. I had one part I wished could have been more revenge filling for me, but as most of those that read my reviews, know I'm into the hulk smash, wipe the floor with them kind of revenge.. but I'm still happy :)
•••••••••••••• EXCERPTS •••••••••••••
"Did I tell you I saw snow when I was on Earth?"
Winter stopped walking, her eyes going wide. "Real Snow?"
"Hello, friend." Winter knelt in front of Scarlet's cage. "Hello, crazy," said Scarlet.
••••••••
Scarlet unzipped her hoodie, trying to cool her burning skin. "Why does the queen want to kill you?" "She believes I'm a threat to her crown
Scarlet snorted, an exhausted sound that didn't carry half as much derision as it should have. "Really? Has she ever heard you talk?"
••••••••••••
"I knew you were in love with him." Winter tapped her fingers against her elbow. "I can't understand why no one ever listens to me." Scarlet glared, but there was no ire behind it. "You're right, Winter. It's a complete mystery."
"Citizens of Luna, I ask that you stop what you're doing to listen to this message. My name is Selene Blackburn. I am the daughter of the late Queen Channary, niece to Princess Levana, and the rightful heir to Luna's throne."
••••••••••••••••
"I am guilty of the crimes you listed," she said. "Kidnapping and conspiracy and all the rest of it. But these are nothing compared to the crime you committed thirteen years ago. If there is anyone in this room who is guilty of royal treason, it is the woman sitting on that throne." She fixed her eyes on Levana. "My throne."
••••••••••••••••
"Fine," said Jacin, turning to Thorne. "You want to carry her first or shall I?"
Thorne raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how heavy she is?" Cinder kicked him. He huffed. "Fine. You first.
••••••••••••••••
Scarlet leaned against the regolith wall. "My father was a liar and a drunk. My mother left when I was a kid and never looked back. I witnessed a man kill my grandmother and then rip out her throat with his teeth. I was kept in a cage for six weeks. I was forced to cut off my own finger. I'm pretty sure I'm falling in love with a guy who has been genetically modified and mentally programmed to be a predator. So all things considered, I'd say I have a fair amount of scattered pieces myself."
••••••••••••••••••
"Fight with me," she said, when enough time had passed and neither she nor Scarlet had been devoured. "I will not control you. I will not torture you. Help me end Levana's rule and we will all have our freedom."
Alpha Strom met the eyes of a handful of soldiers-the other alphas, she presumed-before fixing a penetrating look on her. "I cannot speak for the entire regiment," he finally said, "but I will accept your offer. If you swear to never control us as they have done, my pack will fight for your revolution."
Some of the men nodded. Others growled, but Winter thought it was a growl of agreement. In response, she lifted her nose to the cavern ceiling and howled.
•••••••• END EXCERPTS •••••••••••
This book was a joy and I will miss reading further adventures, but the wonderful thing about books... we can always come back to them.
FOR RYU......
August 30, 2021
Ta seria była miodem w moim sercu
March 14, 2022
Meh.
That’s really all I have to say.
This book is very, very long (it has tissue-paper pages! That’s how you know a YA book is too damn long). It introduces more characters I don’t care about, allowing me to realize that I really only care about Cress and Thorne. It spends a hundred thousand million years wrapping up every loose end, and still the plotline and conclusion manage to feel unsatisfying.
I really don’t have much to say beyond that.
The fact that this book is 827 pages long and I can’t even summon up two paragraphs about it says it all.
So let’s call that my bottom line and call it a day.
-----------
pre-review
things about this book that are cute:
- Cress
- Thorne
- Cress and Thorne
things about this book that are not cute:
- the fact that it is 827 PAGES LONG.
review to comeee
-----------
currently-reading updates
uh, this book is...long
-----------
tbr review
if this book doesn't break my heart and make me cry i Will demand a refund
That’s really all I have to say.
This book is very, very long (it has tissue-paper pages! That’s how you know a YA book is too damn long). It introduces more characters I don’t care about, allowing me to realize that I really only care about Cress and Thorne. It spends a hundred thousand million years wrapping up every loose end, and still the plotline and conclusion manage to feel unsatisfying.
I really don’t have much to say beyond that.
The fact that this book is 827 pages long and I can’t even summon up two paragraphs about it says it all.
So let’s call that my bottom line and call it a day.
-----------
pre-review
things about this book that are cute:
- Cress
- Thorne
- Cress and Thorne
things about this book that are not cute:
- the fact that it is 827 PAGES LONG.
review to comeee
-----------
currently-reading updates
uh, this book is...long
-----------
tbr review
if this book doesn't break my heart and make me cry i Will demand a refund
March 3, 2017
3.75* if I'm being specific
I really enjoyed this, it was a great action packed conclusion but boy was it long. It kind of felt like the same thing over and over again after a while. Honestly I wish Fairest hadn't happened and this had been split into 2 books instead. The ending was meh but overall this was a very enjoyable series!!
I really enjoyed this, it was a great action packed conclusion but boy was it long. It kind of felt like the same thing over and over again after a while. Honestly I wish Fairest hadn't happened and this had been split into 2 books instead. The ending was meh but overall this was a very enjoyable series!!
January 25, 2016
I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING
July 15, 2017
4.5 stars
Winter isn't perfect. Marissa Meyer has some very big shoes to fill. Expectations are high, fans are passionate... but I do feel she left us with a largely satisfying ending.
I know what a lot of non-readers are wondering: does it drag? Surprisingly, no. At 800+ pages, it starts fast and pulls no punches. Admittedly, it slows near the middle, but nowhere near enough to make me want to skip or put down the book.
Some reviewers were upset with the repetition. Characters get captured, rescued, separated, then rinse and repeat. I disagree it isn't necessary. A revolution isn't easy and Meyer portrays the confusion and frustration nicely.
What I think is unnecessary is what happens to Wolf after he's captured in the latter half. Why? Why does it happen?
My guess—and I'm pretty sure I'm right—is Meyer needed make some waves for the Scarlet/Wolf ship. Everyone else had their problems: Kai is supposed to marry Levana; Thorne and Cress are caught in that adorable, frustrating period of does-he-or-she-like-me?; and Winter is a freaking princess while Jacin is a lowly guard. A lot of pressure for nothing.
So, new characters:
Winter is named after the character, but it isn't so much her story as it is Cinder's. But it's a minor annoyance. We knew from day one it was Cinder's story and about Cinder taking her rightful throne as Queen Serenity/Sailor Moon. Oops, I mean, Queen of Luna.
See, I'm not always a nitpicking bitch queen.
What we do see of Winter is fascinating. She's a complex character, far more morally ambiguous than Cinder is. You don't see it at first because she's sweet and kind and a little mad from Lunar sickness (Winter refuses to use her power and it slowly drives her crazy), but she knows she's gorgeous and uses it to manipulate people sometimes.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for a femme fatale.
Her portrayal of mental illness is intriguing.
It reminds me of Leah Raeder's style. Winter's madness is a part of her, no matter how others deny it.
You are not your mental illness. I stay by that one hundred percent. But it's some of you. One percent or seventy, it affects your daily life and personality. As long as you don't let it win.
Got off-topic a bit there. I'm amazed Marissa can juggle so many POVs, each with their own distinctive voice. I didn't count, but I'm pretty sure there's at least ten. Ten. Most writers can barely handle two. I never confuse Cress for Cinder, or Kai for Wolf. That's how good she is.
Cress and Thorne's relationship could have been developed better. I understand why Cress likes him, but not so much Thorne. A little more leading-up scenes and it'd be perfect.
A stunning conclusion to an amazing series. So when does Heartless come out?
Cover reveal: Slightly underwhelmed with the cover. I expected it to be darker, like an apple dripping blood or something.
8 more months!
Pre-review: Holy crap, 800 pages? What is this, a Stephen King novel?
"I can't believe this is happening. I can't fight like this, or start a revolution, or be a queen. I can't do anything like this. I'm literally broken."
Iko settled a hand on Cinder's shoulder. "Yeah, but broken isn't the same as unfixable."
Winter isn't perfect. Marissa Meyer has some very big shoes to fill. Expectations are high, fans are passionate... but I do feel she left us with a largely satisfying ending.
I know what a lot of non-readers are wondering: does it drag? Surprisingly, no. At 800+ pages, it starts fast and pulls no punches. Admittedly, it slows near the middle, but nowhere near enough to make me want to skip or put down the book.
Some reviewers were upset with the repetition. Characters get captured, rescued, separated, then rinse and repeat. I disagree it isn't necessary. A revolution isn't easy and Meyer portrays the confusion and frustration nicely.
What I think is unnecessary is what happens to Wolf after he's captured in the latter half. Why? Why does it happen?
My guess—and I'm pretty sure I'm right—is Meyer needed make some waves for the Scarlet/Wolf ship. Everyone else had their problems: Kai is supposed to marry Levana; Thorne and Cress are caught in that adorable, frustrating period of does-he-or-she-like-me?; and Winter is a freaking princess while Jacin is a lowly guard. A lot of pressure for nothing.
So, new characters:
[Jacin:] "She wants to kill you, Princess."
Winter shivered, first with the intensity of his words, and second with their meaning. She supposed such a declaration would have shocked her, but ever since Levana had given her these scars, she had been expecting this."
Winter is named after the character, but it isn't so much her story as it is Cinder's. But it's a minor annoyance. We knew from day one it was Cinder's story and about Cinder taking her rightful throne as Queen Serenity/Sailor Moon. Oops, I mean, Queen of Luna.
See, I'm not always a nitpicking bitch queen.
What we do see of Winter is fascinating. She's a complex character, far more morally ambiguous than Cinder is. You don't see it at first because she's sweet and kind and a little mad from Lunar sickness (Winter refuses to use her power and it slowly drives her crazy), but she knows she's gorgeous and uses it to manipulate people sometimes.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for a femme fatale.
Her portrayal of mental illness is intriguing.
"You want me to be fixed, don't you?"
Jacin drew back, as if she'd thrown something at him. "You're not broken."
It reminds me of Leah Raeder's style. Winter's madness is a part of her, no matter how others deny it.
You are not your mental illness. I stay by that one hundred percent. But it's some of you. One percent or seventy, it affects your daily life and personality. As long as you don't let it win.
Got off-topic a bit there. I'm amazed Marissa can juggle so many POVs, each with their own distinctive voice. I didn't count, but I'm pretty sure there's at least ten. Ten. Most writers can barely handle two. I never confuse Cress for Cinder, or Kai for Wolf. That's how good she is.
Cress and Thorne's relationship could have been developed better. I understand why Cress likes him, but not so much Thorne. A little more leading-up scenes and it'd be perfect.
A stunning conclusion to an amazing series. So when does Heartless come out?
Cover reveal: Slightly underwhelmed with the cover. I expected it to be darker, like an apple dripping blood or something.
8 more months!
Pre-review: Holy crap, 800 pages? What is this, a Stephen King novel?
November 19, 2015
My Reviews for this series:
•Fairest
•Stars Above
•Cinder
•Scarlet
•Cress
This finale to the Lunar Chronicles finds Cinder on a mission to take her rightful place on the throne of Luna, as she is the lost princess Selene.
Winter faces a major pacing problem. It's over 800 pages and a lot of it is just blah blah. It reminds me of a video game with too many tedious side quests and overlong cutscenes that you can't skip through. While there's plenty of action, the meat to garnish ratio here is not filling. A good 300 pages could have been cut without the audience missing anything important.
Further, I hate to say this but for a story that is so progressive about minorities and women in STEM, some of the characters are just flat. Nearly all of the men are interchangeable and it takes a second to remember them and they are mostly only important in relation to the women they are paired with. I get it if Meyer is trying to make some sort of reverse-Bechdel commentary here, but I doubt these books are supposed to have that kind of depth.
You can tell the technology is advanced because each time someone uses a portscreen, they don't have to let out that sigh of frustration because they have to x out of an ad asking them to download an app when they go to a mobile site. Of course, even with adblocking apps like Crystal, this is too much of a fantasy to even hope for in our modern times.
Even with all of its problems, I have to say that this cover is my favorite of the entire series:
(But the whole apple thing is kinda forced here in how it's implemented, tbh.)
•Fairest
•Stars Above
•Cinder
•Scarlet
•Cress
This finale to the Lunar Chronicles finds Cinder on a mission to take her rightful place on the throne of Luna, as she is the lost princess Selene.
Winter faces a major pacing problem. It's over 800 pages and a lot of it is just blah blah. It reminds me of a video game with too many tedious side quests and overlong cutscenes that you can't skip through. While there's plenty of action, the meat to garnish ratio here is not filling. A good 300 pages could have been cut without the audience missing anything important.
Further, I hate to say this but for a story that is so progressive about minorities and women in STEM, some of the characters are just flat. Nearly all of the men are interchangeable and it takes a second to remember them and they are mostly only important in relation to the women they are paired with. I get it if Meyer is trying to make some sort of reverse-Bechdel commentary here, but I doubt these books are supposed to have that kind of depth.
You can tell the technology is advanced because each time someone uses a portscreen, they don't have to let out that sigh of frustration because they have to x out of an ad asking them to download an app when they go to a mobile site. Of course, even with adblocking apps like Crystal, this is too much of a fantasy to even hope for in our modern times.
Even with all of its problems, I have to say that this cover is my favorite of the entire series:
(But the whole apple thing is kinda forced here in how it's implemented, tbh.)
October 26, 2023
A bittersweet conclusion to a fantastic YA-SciFi series. The Lunar Chronicles is retelling GOLD!
Winter is the fourth, and concluding novel, in Marissa Meyer's beloved Lunar Chronicles series.
Coming in at over 800-pages, this hefty book provides the final stand-off between our intrepid heroes, their allies, and the wicked Lunar Queen, Levana.
There was a ton of action, some of it quite brutal, and I enjoyed learning a bit more about each of our main characters.
I can't believe it is over. As some of you may know, I have a difficult time continuing with series. There was no problem with this one. I was that compelled to keep moving forward.
I love how Meyer built the world out. Each book, you gain more characters, more knowledge of the world and the stakes are steadily increased.
In this book, our newest character, per the title, is Winter, the Lunar Princess.
She was such a delight. Due to repressing the use of her glamour, her mind is a bit janky.
Winter suffers from frequent hallucinations and the people in the kingdom think she is unhinged, but due to her overwhelmingly kind nature, they love her nonetheless.
Again with this one, I appreciated so much the connections to the original fairy tales.
As a set of retellings, I think The Lunar Chronicles is top notch. I would love to read further retellings from Meyer and definitely have boosted Heartless up my TBR.
I'm extremely happy that I finally took the time to pick this series up. I was enthralled the entire way through!
If you haven't read this series yet, and are a YA Sci-Fi fan, you should definitely check it out!
Winter is the fourth, and concluding novel, in Marissa Meyer's beloved Lunar Chronicles series.
Coming in at over 800-pages, this hefty book provides the final stand-off between our intrepid heroes, their allies, and the wicked Lunar Queen, Levana.
There was a ton of action, some of it quite brutal, and I enjoyed learning a bit more about each of our main characters.
I can't believe it is over. As some of you may know, I have a difficult time continuing with series. There was no problem with this one. I was that compelled to keep moving forward.
I love how Meyer built the world out. Each book, you gain more characters, more knowledge of the world and the stakes are steadily increased.
In this book, our newest character, per the title, is Winter, the Lunar Princess.
She was such a delight. Due to repressing the use of her glamour, her mind is a bit janky.
Winter suffers from frequent hallucinations and the people in the kingdom think she is unhinged, but due to her overwhelmingly kind nature, they love her nonetheless.
Again with this one, I appreciated so much the connections to the original fairy tales.
As a set of retellings, I think The Lunar Chronicles is top notch. I would love to read further retellings from Meyer and definitely have boosted Heartless up my TBR.
I'm extremely happy that I finally took the time to pick this series up. I was enthralled the entire way through!
If you haven't read this series yet, and are a YA Sci-Fi fan, you should definitely check it out!
January 29, 2021
"Broken isn't the same as unfixable.”
A grand finale!
This had everything I'm looking for in a conclusion of a series. Everyone got a satisfying and even happily ever after. Satisfying is actually the best word to describe this novel. Often the last installment of a good series is a let-down ( End of Days or Clockwork Princess).
But this one had it all: suspense, romance and diversity (even though I really missed queer characters). Great world-building and character-depth.
Note: I think it's worth reading some OwnVoices reviews regarding the Asian representation in this series because I've heard it's very stereotypical and makes quite a few mistakes.
Still, I am very thankful for Marissa Meyer writing the Lunar Chronicles . Every single book was an amazing read and I can't wait for her new projects.
Find more of my books on Instagram
A grand finale!
This had everything I'm looking for in a conclusion of a series. Everyone got a satisfying and even happily ever after. Satisfying is actually the best word to describe this novel. Often the last installment of a good series is a let-down ( End of Days or Clockwork Princess).
But this one had it all: suspense, romance and diversity (even though I really missed queer characters). Great world-building and character-depth.
Note: I think it's worth reading some OwnVoices reviews regarding the Asian representation in this series because I've heard it's very stereotypical and makes quite a few mistakes.
Still, I am very thankful for Marissa Meyer writing the Lunar Chronicles . Every single book was an amazing read and I can't wait for her new projects.
Find more of my books on Instagram
October 11, 2018
never in my life would i have thought that i needed a sci-fi retelling of all the classic fairy tales. and yet here i am, four books and one amazing series later, shocked at how i could have even lasted this long without it.
its quite difficult for me to rate and review this as just one book in a series, because this was honestly one of the best conclusions i have ever read. it was such a wonderful culmination of all the previous books, put into one. it truly felt like a finale, showcasing and celebrating what makes these books so great.
there are a lot of positives about this, but i think the characters are the biggest accomplishment of this series. lets face it, the characters are the real reason why any of us continued with these books and i know we all have our favourites (cough WOLF cough). but whats especially impressive is how meyer took previously well-known characters and completely transformed them into a marvellous individuals of her own making. it was so entertaining to get to know them all in such a new light. and its these characters that i will forever remember when it comes to these books.
there isnt much else i can say that hasnt already been said about this book and series. so if you havent picked up this series or need to complete it, do it as soon as possible. you wont regret it - i promise!!
↠ 4.5 stars
its quite difficult for me to rate and review this as just one book in a series, because this was honestly one of the best conclusions i have ever read. it was such a wonderful culmination of all the previous books, put into one. it truly felt like a finale, showcasing and celebrating what makes these books so great.
there are a lot of positives about this, but i think the characters are the biggest accomplishment of this series. lets face it, the characters are the real reason why any of us continued with these books and i know we all have our favourites (cough WOLF cough). but whats especially impressive is how meyer took previously well-known characters and completely transformed them into a marvellous individuals of her own making. it was so entertaining to get to know them all in such a new light. and its these characters that i will forever remember when it comes to these books.
there isnt much else i can say that hasnt already been said about this book and series. so if you havent picked up this series or need to complete it, do it as soon as possible. you wont regret it - i promise!!
↠ 4.5 stars
December 15, 2015
Actual rating: 4.5
Maybe I'll write a review later, for now, this is the order of the books from my favorite to my least favorite:
1. Cress (that book was EPIC).
2. Winter
3. Scarlet
4. Cinder (which I liked, but not that much).
Maybe I'll write a review later, for now, this is the order of the books from my favorite to my least favorite:
1. Cress (that book was EPIC).
2. Winter
3. Scarlet
4. Cinder (which I liked, but not that much).
March 9, 2020
I LOVED THIS!!! IT WAS PERFECT FROM BEGINNING TO END!!! IM SO SAD ITS OVER!!! IM GOING TO MISS THE RAMPION CREW SO MUCH!!! 😭😭😭
Want to read
February 11, 2014OHMYGREATLUNARFEELINGS.
I just finished Cress ten minutes ago.
During the ten minutes after I had finished Cress:
How I feel when I see the release date for Winter:
HOW SHALL I MAKE IT?
O, Jacin and Winter, I await greedily.
Come to mama
Oh please I'm dying.
Dear Ms. Meyer,
Please give me this book lest I turn into a crazed and handsome half wolf, half lunar rabid warrior. Nothing will stand between me andmy Alpha my Scarlet my book. There will be no mercy unless my demands are remedied.
Of course, if you don't have the book written by now, I will be reasonable and lenient and allow you a week to complete the book. No pressure.
Sincerely, Me
I just finished Cress ten minutes ago.
During the ten minutes after I had finished Cress:
How I feel when I see the release date for Winter:
HOW SHALL I MAKE IT?
O, Jacin and Winter, I await greedily.
Oh please I'm dying.
Dear Ms. Meyer,
Please give me this book lest I turn into a crazed and handsome half wolf, half lunar rabid warrior. Nothing will stand between me and
Of course, if you don't have the book written by now, I will be reasonable and lenient and allow you a week to complete the book. No pressure.
Sincerely, Me
December 27, 2015
That's how you end a series. I am in love!
A star for each one of my ships:
*Scarlet & Wolf, forever my favorites. They, I think, have had the roughest journey of all, but they're love also seems the strongest. They never waver, especially in this book.
*Cress & Thorne, who fully stole my heart in Winter. They are adorable beyond words, and so very, very perfect for each other.
*Winter & Jacin, with their childhood love turned into something far fiercer and truer. They are each other's rocks in a world full of crazy.
*Kai & Cinder, still a little awkward, but endearing as they're finally able to be a unit.
I love them all. In that order, because sometimes I like to play favorites.
And a star for every other brilliant thing Marissa does with her final book. Tense sequences, pacing that, even with over 800 pages, never lets up, the descriptive lunar setting, the number of times she ripped my heart out and left me breathless, dialogue that will have you laughing one minute, swooning the next, and fist pumping a second later, characters who are just so... them. One of my favorite things about this series is how unique each personality is, each romance is, each friendship is. All the different dynamics make me so damn giddy. I will love this motley crew of the Rampion - including Iko, still boy crazy, still hilarious - until the stars fade. Already I miss them dearly.
Bravo, Ms. Meyer. Bravo.
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
A star for each one of my ships:
*Scarlet & Wolf, forever my favorites. They, I think, have had the roughest journey of all, but they're love also seems the strongest. They never waver, especially in this book.
*Cress & Thorne, who fully stole my heart in Winter. They are adorable beyond words, and so very, very perfect for each other.
*Winter & Jacin, with their childhood love turned into something far fiercer and truer. They are each other's rocks in a world full of crazy.
*Kai & Cinder, still a little awkward, but endearing as they're finally able to be a unit.
I love them all. In that order, because sometimes I like to play favorites.
And a star for every other brilliant thing Marissa does with her final book. Tense sequences, pacing that, even with over 800 pages, never lets up, the descriptive lunar setting, the number of times she ripped my heart out and left me breathless, dialogue that will have you laughing one minute, swooning the next, and fist pumping a second later, characters who are just so... them. One of my favorite things about this series is how unique each personality is, each romance is, each friendship is. All the different dynamics make me so damn giddy. I will love this motley crew of the Rampion - including Iko, still boy crazy, still hilarious - until the stars fade. Already I miss them dearly.
Bravo, Ms. Meyer. Bravo.
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
November 14, 2015
4.5/5
I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS DON'T TOUCH ME RIGHT NOW.
I really really loved this book. The character interactions were ON POINT as always. I love this cast of characters so so much and I care SO MUCH ABOUT THEM.
World building - YAS. I loved reading about Luna and picturing everything, especially the throne room
I can't really totally give it a 5 stars because it just felt so long and like so many things happened at the beginning that there wasn't really a climax - that being said, it was really exciting basically all the time. SO MANY THINGS HAPPENED SO MANY.
I loved the ending and I could totally do with more books just because I want MORE but it was a very satisfying ending.
STILL SO MANY FEELINGS.
I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS DON'T TOUCH ME RIGHT NOW.
I really really loved this book. The character interactions were ON POINT as always. I love this cast of characters so so much and I care SO MUCH ABOUT THEM.
World building - YAS. I loved reading about Luna and picturing everything, especially the throne room
I can't really totally give it a 5 stars because it just felt so long and like so many things happened at the beginning that there wasn't really a climax - that being said, it was really exciting basically all the time. SO MANY THINGS HAPPENED SO MANY.
I loved the ending and I could totally do with more books just because I want MORE but it was a very satisfying ending.
STILL SO MANY FEELINGS.
October 14, 2016
No one touch me, I'm very fragile right now!!!
Oh my Gaaawwwwddddddd
What was that?! What splendid tragically heartbreaking exhilarating heart warming masterpiece of a conclusion was that?
Okay, deeeeeeppp breaths.........
Now to begin my review; first of all 823 pages of a story it was indeed. This was easily two books fit into one. Secondly they all finally got their happily ever afters, so I'm a messy ball of goo right now.
The book started of with a slightly slower pace, then elevated slowly as the book progressed. I admit with the slow pace of CRESS, seeing the number of pages in this one scared me a bit, but that anxious feeling began to evaporate as soon as it condensed.
The plot was well made and easily interpreted, it answered most, if not all, of the questions I had. It gave way to the separate unwinding of all the build up that had been made in its predecessor novel.
I loved cinder from the the very beginning, and her badass mechanic toughness got me going so early on, I was sure I would continue this series. But then when I read SCARLET, I was like holy mother, there is a second to main character that I ship more than the main. I'm not sure if that's even possible in the world of books, because we all ship the main protagonist then love her beta's (pun intended), but in this case I knew I was hooked on scarlet and wolf and that did NOT change.
I guess the best part of this whole series for me was the fact that it was four separate stories that met halfway in a beautifully and delicately carved masterpiece to make one whole story. So many characters each with their own story to tell. And somehow it all worked together perfectly, no hiccups or shortcomings. I admit I wanted more of a happy in happily ever after for winter, but I assume there is more to her in the stars above novellas.
Overall this concluding novel, was intriguing, action filled, exhilaratingly heart warming, and about another hundred something adjectives I could use, but I think I've made my point......
I would recommend this series to anyone that loves a good story and plot with a brilliant idea based characterization and incredibly authentic setting. I hope anyone who read this series enjoyed it as much as I did.
Oh my Gaaawwwwddddddd
What was that?! What splendid tragically heartbreaking exhilarating heart warming masterpiece of a conclusion was that?
Okay, deeeeeeppp breaths.........
Now to begin my review; first of all 823 pages of a story it was indeed. This was easily two books fit into one. Secondly they all finally got their happily ever afters, so I'm a messy ball of goo right now.
The book started of with a slightly slower pace, then elevated slowly as the book progressed. I admit with the slow pace of CRESS, seeing the number of pages in this one scared me a bit, but that anxious feeling began to evaporate as soon as it condensed.
The plot was well made and easily interpreted, it answered most, if not all, of the questions I had. It gave way to the separate unwinding of all the build up that had been made in its predecessor novel.
I loved cinder from the the very beginning, and her badass mechanic toughness got me going so early on, I was sure I would continue this series. But then when I read SCARLET, I was like holy mother, there is a second to main character that I ship more than the main. I'm not sure if that's even possible in the world of books, because we all ship the main protagonist then love her beta's (pun intended), but in this case I knew I was hooked on scarlet and wolf and that did NOT change.
I guess the best part of this whole series for me was the fact that it was four separate stories that met halfway in a beautifully and delicately carved masterpiece to make one whole story. So many characters each with their own story to tell. And somehow it all worked together perfectly, no hiccups or shortcomings. I admit I wanted more of a happy in happily ever after for winter, but I assume there is more to her in the stars above novellas.
Overall this concluding novel, was intriguing, action filled, exhilaratingly heart warming, and about another hundred something adjectives I could use, but I think I've made my point......
I would recommend this series to anyone that loves a good story and plot with a brilliant idea based characterization and incredibly authentic setting. I hope anyone who read this series enjoyed it as much as I did.
May 3, 2017
Solid 4.5 STARS.
“Do me a favor, Princess.
The next time someone says they're going to kill you,
don't just let them.”
I finished this! Again.
They left me. Again.
It's a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, I am completely satisfied with how Meyer decided to tie things up, but then on the other, i wouldn't have minded another book. Things felt a little rushed at times?
The only complaint I have is Thorne and Cress's relationship. It feels wrong? I don't know about you guys but Cress is like a child in my head. Then we have Thorne who is a little narcissistic. Don't get me wrong, i still love the shit out of him. All I'm trying to say is he and Cress don't make much sense, or maybe as a couple, they lack development. His abrupt attraction for Cress was a bit inconceivable. I just didn't buy his sudden feelings for her. Where did they even come from? I would have preferred them just being friends. I think Thorne would be more suitable for someone like Scarlet and Cress with Wolf.
May is my reread month!
How do you feel about each character?
Iko:
She needs to get together with AIDAN and take over this horrible world.
Cress: (Rapunzel)
A lost bunny in the wilds. Someone protect this cinnamon roll.
Thorne:(Flynn Rider)
Silly, selfish . . is what he wants you to think. There is so much more to his character than just being the funny one. <3
Scarlet: (The Red Ridding Hood)
Ballsy AF! The sass on that one!
Wolf: (Well, the Wolf!)
Alluring with his alpha male thing going on. Like, he is literally an alpha, not cringy ones we see so often. AND he loves tomatoes.
Winter: (The Snow White)
A three-legged the most adorable puppy
Cinder: (Cinderella)
Undaunted. This girl just never gives up.
Kai:(The Prince Charming)
We love you, but where are the others?
Jacin: (The Huntsman)
HIM! His character development was my most favorite. Such an ass but i can't help but love him. His transformation from one side to another left me awestruck. This boy is all over the place.
“Do me a favor, Princess.
The next time someone says they're going to kill you,
don't just let them.”
I finished this! Again.
They left me. Again.
It's a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, I am completely satisfied with how Meyer decided to tie things up, but then on the other, i wouldn't have minded another book. Things felt a little rushed at times?
The only complaint I have is Thorne and Cress's relationship. It feels wrong? I don't know about you guys but Cress is like a child in my head. Then we have Thorne who is a little narcissistic. Don't get me wrong, i still love the shit out of him. All I'm trying to say is he and Cress don't make much sense, or maybe as a couple, they lack development. His abrupt attraction for Cress was a bit inconceivable. I just didn't buy his sudden feelings for her. Where did they even come from? I would have preferred them just being friends. I think Thorne would be more suitable for someone like Scarlet and Cress with Wolf.
May is my reread month!
How do you feel about each character?
Iko:
She needs to get together with AIDAN and take over this horrible world.
Cress: (Rapunzel)
A lost bunny in the wilds. Someone protect this cinnamon roll.
Thorne:(Flynn Rider)
Silly, selfish . . is what he wants you to think. There is so much more to his character than just being the funny one. <3
Scarlet: (The Red Ridding Hood)
Ballsy AF! The sass on that one!
Wolf: (Well, the Wolf!)
Alluring with his alpha male thing going on. Like, he is literally an alpha, not cringy ones we see so often. AND he loves tomatoes.
Winter: (The Snow White)
A three-legged the most adorable puppy
Cinder: (Cinderella)
Undaunted. This girl just never gives up.
Kai:(The Prince Charming)
We love you, but where are the others?
Jacin: (The Huntsman)
HIM! His character development was my most favorite. Such an ass but i can't help but love him. His transformation from one side to another left me awestruck. This boy is all over the place.
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