Fairest

Book 24 of 2016 is the fourth in the Lunar Chronicles, Fairest by Marissa Meyer.

My least favourite of the series is one of the .5 books. Yes, authors are writing middle books conjoining major titles in the series. Fairest sits between book 3 (Cress) and book 4 (Winter).

It did make me rightfully dislike the evil queen and give insight in to her insanity but I could have gleaned this having skipped this book. Read it or not, it won't make that big a difference.

This story is of the evil queen from Snow White.

Three my-parents-made-me-an-evil-queens out of five.

Should I read this? You can read this series without touching this book. It's short so read it if you read fast. Otherwise, skip it.
What did I learn? I have a good reason for disliking middle books. It's a money making venture.

Cress

Book 23 of 2016 is the third in the Lunar Chronicles, Cress by Marissa Meyer.

This is taken from the story of Rapunzel. When I say taken, I do mean that it starts there but goes off in the adventurous way that all the books in this series have.

The main series arc is rising to a crescendo with this third book of five. As they introduce a new character, the tension builds. I really like the characters. I like that they are not hopeless damsels in distress. I like that they fly spaceships and raid castles. I like that the prince charmings are supporting characters around these strong women.

Now I'm on to Fairest without hesitation.

Four space princesses out of five.

Should I read this? It's a fun series. I'd recommend you do.

What did I learn? Rapunzel is much more likeable than Disney would let us believe.

Scarlet

Book 21 of 2016 is Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.

This is book two of the Lunar Chronicles. This is a series I am thoroughly enjoying and can not fault at all. This is a re-write of the classic fairy tales with a feminist and technological twist. How could I not like them? Now to read the rest.

Four princesses out of five.

Should I read this? Yes. Just do.

What did I learn? Some trilogies are different.

Cinder

Book 17 of 2016 is Cinder by Marissa Meyer. This is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles.

I mostly cringe at fairytales - originals or those retold.

Unlike the massive fail that was Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as a mashup of genres, this sci-fi fairytale is a total win. Even the lovey dovey teenage rubbish doesn't dominate and is managed well by the female lead.

The plot was nowhere near as vacuous as the original and follows it very loosely. This was more like a modern teeny bopper sci-fi story than any fairytale.

Now to read the rest of the Lunar Chronicles.


Four kick-ass female mechanics out of five.

Should I read this? If you like old stories re-written well and with better female characters then you should.
What did I learn? Saving the world is much more important than falling in love.