Here I am with another long overdue book review. But I am happy to say that this was quite a surprising read! I didn’t know what to expect, but I wasn’t expecting this much fun. I feel so bad for taking so long to read it!!
We Rule the Night by Claire Eliza Bartlett
Pub Date: April 2nd, 2019 Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Price: $23.49 CAD Goodreads
Two girls use forbidden magic to fly and fight–for their country and for themselves–in this riveting debut that’s part Shadow and Bone, part Code Name Verity.
Seventeen-year-old Revna is a factory worker, manufacturing war machines for the Union of the North. When she’s caught using illegal magic, she fears being branded a traitor and imprisoned. Meanwhile, on the front lines, Linné defied her father, a Union general, and disguised herself as a boy to join the army. They’re both offered a reprieve from punishment if they use their magic in a special women’s military flight unit and undertake terrifying, deadly missions under cover of darkness. Revna and Linné can hardly stand to be in the same cockpit, but if they can’t fly together, and if they can’t find a way to fly well, the enemy’s superior firepower will destroy them–if they don’t destroy each other first.
We Rule the Night is a powerful story about sacrifice, complicated friendships, and survival despite impossible odds
We can all agree that this cover is absolutely stunning. Look at that phoenix, all that fire and grace…ooooooooh I love it! And I can honestly say that the insides are pretty darn amazing too!
What I Liked
These Rock-Your-World Ladies were everything
Revna and Linné were fabulous, fabulous characters! They were polar opposites, but I still loved each of them so much. Revna comes from a impoverished family with a tainted name and she has wondrous control over an illegal kind of magic which just spells all kind of trouble for her. She is a keep your head down kinda girl for the most part, but that doesn’t mean she’ll let anyone trample on her. She’s tired of people seeing her prosthetic leg as a liability and she proves all these rats wrong!!! Ahhh did I mention how much I loved her???? Because I adored her!
So then there is Linné who had a little Mulan escapade until she’s found out and gets her second chance in this female air force. She comes from a privileged background which gives her some perks but she definitely has different kinds of battles to face compared to the other girls. I really enjoyed her growth in this novel, even though half the time I was yelling at her for being so stubborn all the time!
Other characters…
The dudes were pretty much trash. trash. trash. Sorry buds, but I was having it with none of you. Yup.
The Action and The Magic!!!
I have only read one other book that deals with like planes and war craft, and that was a while ago. But it is such an interesting setting and I would love to see more books revolving around it. There is so much risk that comes with flying, so many skills you have to be prepared with. And what is special about this book is that the metal was alive, and it absorbed the feeling of its pilot and navigator. So if you are nervous then the plane is nervous too and I thought this was an incredibly enriching detail. It added so much more…uhh…life. XD
The magic really worked well to create this immense amount of action and suspense. There were so many risks, so many high stakes and I was quite nervous in the latter half!
It’s All about the Ladies
Remember how I mentioned the men in this book were trash trash trash? Well it’s because it’s true!!!! They did things that I just wanted to arrrrggghhhhhhh. *huffs* These ladies were living in a sexist society that was all about having the men at the front and the women at home. It was that BS. Where women on the front would be considered distractions to the men. UGH. I just…I got so mad, because that is still a reality in different places. SO I loved watching this get tackled in the book. There was I think maybe one cute interaction with the male pilots but other than that, I didn’t care for them it was all about ma girls.
There was no romance…I mean the men were trash so no prospects there anyways and I didn’t get any f/f vibes either *shrugs*
It was all about the friendship and boy did it take a while. And I was completely happy with this. Girls makes friends with each other at different paces, some quite fast and some quite slow. So I loved seeing the range of types of friendships. I know girl on girl hate is a no-no for some of y’all, but it happens and we can’t deny that. It just has to have proper foundations and preferably not be over a trash boy, which in this case it is not.
The Questionable
A little slow in the first half. It takes a while for these girls to get in the air and I felt like we were getting into a tedious cycle. I think the second half of the book makes up for the slowness of the first half.
But lets talk about this ending that was left wide-open. Literally nothing was resolved. Like I didn’t expect them to save the world…but I still wanted maybe some kind of resolution. Some kind of closure. I totally see where the author was going with the ending and I appreciate it that it shows a cycle of oppression, but I want more!! And I wouldn’t mind a sequel, but I don’t think we are getting one.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. It was all about the experience. Flying through the sky with these girls, enduring the backlash they face with them, growing in friendship even if it is not always harmonious. This novel is rich, fun and intense!
Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Recommend?:Yeah!! You will love this feminist, fighter pilot read!
Let me know what you think! Have you read this? Are you looking forward to reading it? Have you read any air force books? Would you want to fly a plane that experiences your emotions?
This is my first review of the new year! (This is my first actual post for the new year–yay) And I am so excited to be talking about a book that I genuinely loved. I don’t read many space operas, but they have been a fascination of mine as of late for *reasons*.
I had an amazing time reading this book. I flew through it so fast! It’s a diverse, multicultural tale in space! How does that not make you want to read it?!?
The first book in a scifi retelling of the Mahabrahata. When Esmae wins a contest of skill, she sets off events that trigger an inevitable and unwinnable war that pits her against the family she would give anything to return to.
In a universe of capricious gods, dark moons, and kingdoms built on the backs of spaceships, a cursed queen sends her infant daughter away, a jealous uncle steals the throne of Kali from his nephew, and an exiled prince vows to take his crown back.
Raised alone and far away from her home on Kali, Esmae longs to return to her family. When the King of Wychstar offers to gift the unbeatable, sentient warship Titania to a warrior that can win his competition, she sees her way home: she’ll enter the competition, reveal her true identity to the world, and help her famous brother win back the crown of Kali.
It’s a great plan. Until it falls apart.
Inspired by the Mahabharata and other ancient Indian stories, A Spark of White Fire is a lush, sweeping space opera about family, curses, and the endless battle between jealousy and love.
*I was provided a finished copy by Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review!*
What I Liked:
Characters:
Esmae: Amazing. I mean…amazing! She’s got (mommy) issues, but she’s amazing. Esmae plays by the heart and it gets her into a lot of trouble, but that brain of hers is also pretty out of this world. She is perhaps a little-just a little–snow flakey because she had to be the bestest warrior/fighter/strategist, but like I admired her tact, wit and will a lot!
Titantia: Yes, she is a spaceship. Yes, she is amazing. Yes, she reminds me of Iko when she dawned the Rampion…only a little less flamboyant than my dear Iko. But she had a real personality and wisdom that I enjoyed reading.
Other characters…there were many amazing characters to be had. A lot of them were unique. I really liked the depiction of the uncle! It was so contradictory and plays with your feelings, until you just do not know what to think!
The Family Conflict Plot!:
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Can I just say that I LOVED this part of the book? There was so much drama to be had. So many twists and turns of the head. Family struggle is one of my favourite points of conflict in novels, I mean you want Esmae to side with one side of her family…but like the other side has good points to them too. And the cons of both sides are revealed and you just don’t know what to do and you’re stuck like Esmae! It’s a great, horrible feeling to have if you know what I mean. (DO I even make any sense? Probably not.)
The Prophecy:
I am a sucker for prophetic plots. It is definitely overdone, but I can’t help it. I absolutely adore the challenge of fate!!!!! Trying to weave a path around was is inevitable and will eventually come to be! And then there are more revelations and just when you think that inevitable has been avoided it is thrown right at your face. I LIVE FOR THIS STUFF. AND THIS BOOK HAD IT. AND IT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY (BUS) SEAT (CUZ I READ THIS ENTIRELY ON COMMUTES) AND ALL THE BUILD UP WAS WORTH IT!!!
THE GODS COME OUT TO PLAY!!!!!!!:
I have said it before, I will say it again. WHEN THE GODS COME OUT TO PLAY, TROUBLE IS COMING TO THE CHARACTERS WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And my goodness, did these gods cause trouble. Absolutely terrific!
The Plot:
So much fun. From the games, to the back and forth of family meetings, to the final dual. It was all so fantastic! It is a retelling of the Indian epic, Mahabharata. I cannot say whether it is like really well done or not because I am not familiar with the tale and I don’t really think a quick skim of the Wikipedia page makes me any kind of expert. I WILL HOWEVER say that the fish challenge was super awesome!
The Romance:
They are not cousins. That is all.
But it was also very cute and not the focus, but added to the drama!
What I Disliked:
I don’t have many complaints. Um a map would have been nice. There are a lot of planets, kingdoms and ships to keep track of. I also hope that the mom character is delved into a little bit more. She was a major source of conflict in this book, but not present at all so I’m hoping that will be coming in the sequel!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced, full of action, the prophecies were amazing. Mandanna really took me on an adventure! I flew through it and you know that means that I had a great time with it!
Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Recommend: UM YES. THIS BOOK IS SO UNDERRATED AND YOU NEED TO GET ON IT NOW!
Let me know what you think! Did you enjoy this book? What epic retellings would you like to read? Can anyone recommend me a good Mahabharata movie/series/book that I can watch or read that will give me a better appreciation for it?
When friends recommend you books, and they persist and persist and persist that you read them, you are going to end up reading them. Such was this situation here. My friend Rezanne @TheWickedReader hounded me from the moment she finished reading this book that I also had to read it. That it was so incredibly amazing and that she needed to talk about it with someone.
So naturally, I read it.
Lifel1k3 by Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers Pub Date:May 29th, 2018 Price:$24.99 CAD ISBN: 9781524713928
On a floating junkyard beneath a radiation sky, a deadly secret lies buried in the scrap.
Eve isn’t looking for secrets—she’s too busy looking over her shoulder. The robot gladiator she’s just spent six months building has been reduced to a smoking wreck, and the only thing keeping her Grandpa from the grave was the fistful of credits she just lost to the bookies. To top it off, she’s discovered she can destroy electronics with the power of her mind, and the puritanical Brotherhood are building a coffin her size. If she’s ever had a worse day, Eve can’t remember it.
But when Eve discovers the ruins of an android boy named Ezekiel in the scrap pile she calls home, her entire world comes crashing down. With her best friend Lemon Fresh and her robotic conscience, Cricket, in tow, she and Ezekiel will trek across deserts of irradiated glass, infiltrate towering megacities and scour the graveyard of humanity’s greatest folly to save the ones Eve loves, and learn the dark secrets of her past.
Even if those secrets were better off staying buried.
*I was provided a free copy by Penguin Teen Canada! Thank you so much to the publisher!*
This was quite something. I didn’t know exactly what to expect. And what I did get? Well it was quite QUITE something!
What I Liked:
Characters:
Eve: I really liked her quite a lot. She had this admirable spunk to her from being raised in such a perilous place. And yet she has this compassionate side that I loved to see come out of her. Her life is turned upside down and inside out from very early on in the book and she has to deal with a lot of revelations that she is not prepared for, not to mention running for her life! Now, I would like to say she has tremendous growth in this novel….and while she does go through some “growth”, tremendous might not be the best word to describe it…or maybe it is. But it was quite, quite the revelation.
Ezekiel:Okay, I never felt strongly for him as a character, but he did make a decent love interest. I liked him well enough, his history and his motives for sticking around Eve were interesting. I was going to use the word “sweet” but there is some twistiness in his backstory that makes me a hesitant to say sweet. He was a good character, but I think he lacked that sense of intrigue. So what if he was gorgeous, that’s one plus, but his personality could have used a little boost. Just saying.
NOW ONTO THE BEST CHARACTERS IN THE BOOK
Lemon: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND TOTALLY FABULOUS!!! She would totally love that I just said that, but it is so so so true! I loved every second she was on the page. She was funny. She was snarky. She was mischievous. DARING. ADORABLE. NOBLE. UTTERLY IRRESISTIBLE. She made every boring second in the book worth it. She brought life to the book and I could not get enough of her. Forget about the actual MCs, this girl was it for me.
AND YET THERE WAS ONE MORE WHO HELD MY HEART.
Cricket: He may be little, but he had the biggest heart. I ADORED HIM. IF ONLY HE HAD GOTTEN EVEN MORE PAGE TIME. HE WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FUNNY. His programmed comebacks and just overall personality was the best in the book! He’s not even human. He’s a tiny robot who stole my heart from the first moment he appeared on the page.
He and Lemon made this book for me!
The World:
It was quite interesting. It kind of reminded me of a Mad Max situation…only a little less dessert and more like a giant junk yard. The names of the places were really cool and the map at the beginning really helped me keep track of the characters. Even the people themselves fit so well into the world. Scavengers and gangs and giant companies who made it too dangerous to roam around that brought all the thrill. I’d never survive.
The Repercussions of Playing God:
A lot of the novel deals with the dangers when humans decide to make their own creations that are superior yet enslaved to mankind. The problem with thinking that humans can control beings that are conditioned to be humans and yet are not “human”. It brings up the question of what makes someone human? What makes them worthy to survive? What makes them lesser than humans? It is such a twisted concept and the way that Kristoff approaches it makes the question even harder to answer. You know what the humans did was wrong, but are you really gonna side with the crazy robots???
The Ending:
Did not see that coming. I saw quite a few of the twists coming but this was one that I didn’t really think would happen. It was wild and I really am looking forward to seeing how the next book even begins!
What I Disliked:
Not Gonna Lie, It had its boring bits:
And that boring bit is really this giant section in the middle. After the high events from the beginning, we set of on a journey and it’s not the most entertaining. It’s a lot of talking and remembering. It’s really slow. There are some moments of action, but just not enough to keep me entertained. I was having trouble paying attention and that is never a good sign! It had it’s share of bloody battle and epicness, but not nearly as much as I was expecting. (I think that says something scary about me XD)
The Info Dump Flashbacks:
I like when the flashbacks come in flashes. And Kristoff started out like that…but then he just gives this whole chapter of flashback that kind of turned me off. While the revelations were juicy, I guessed a couple and it was sort of a turn off for me. Of course the revelations came at the most inopportune time, and caused even more chaos, but I wasn’t a fan of the giant chapter of just backstory.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The end is what saved it for me. It brought back the intrigue and the suspense that was missing from the middle of the book. All in all, the book has a great set of side characters that makes up for some of the boring parts, it has its twistiness and will probably make you question your own morals many times! It was quite something, quite something.
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Recommend?: Yes! I think you should all meet the amazing Cricket and Fabulous Lemon!
Let me know what you think! Have you read this? Did you enjoy it? Who was your favourite character? Are you excited for the sequel?
You should all know by now that Marie Lu is one of my all time favourite writers. She is one of the first YA authors I discovered and ever since that fateful day when I ordered her book from the Scholastic catalogue in my school, my life changed forever.
And do you know what book I ordered that day? Yeah, you guessed it.
Legend by Marie Lu.
For the next two years, I, unknowing, went down a path leading to a life changing moment. The end of the Lu’s trilogy, Champion. That was something I was not prepared for. I have not been able to reread the books since I sobbed and my tears stained the pages of my book.
BUT ENOUGH OF THAT. That is a story for another time.
Now when I discovered that this trilogy that ruined my life (in the best way possible) was going to be adapted into a graphic novel series, I vowed to never read it. Clearly, I suck at keeping my vows because I willingly bought the first one and then the lovely people of Penguin Random House CA completed my set so I could feature this post today. My deepest gratitude goes out to them!
Legend: The Graphic Novel by Marie Lu
via Goodreads
Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a military prodigy. Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives are not as sinister as they often seem. One day June’s brother is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’s death. And the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together and the lengths their country will go to in order to keep its secrets.
So when I picked these up again, I decided to simply rip off the band-aid. I read all three in one day and basically I was destroyed (again).
What I Liked:
The Characters:
Day and June come from two completely different worlds and are fighting on the opposite sides of the “war.” But this is YA people, so of course they come together, open each others eyes to new possibilities and question everything they have believed in. Day is a suave, easy going and talented outlaw. He’s been on his own since he was ten and turned into a sort of Robin Hood character for those on the outer sector. Then there is my beloved June. Fiercely intelligent and quite a quick thinker. She has her loyalties tested and makes many life altering decisions that influence the plot to keep it moving faster.
via Goodreads
Adaptation vs. Original
In terms of the story, the graphic novels are a very bridged version of the original novels. Despite this, I thought that these books stayed very true to the story. It kept all the really important plot points in and left room for some of the charm that I remember loving so much from the full length story. Of course, not everything can make the final cut and while I did spot things that were missing from the full story, I think that people who read the graphic novels without reading the actual books will be able to understand perfectly.
The Art:
Because how can I not judge it! Unlike other graphic adaptions that I have read that used a monochromatic colour scheme to convey the story, these babies were in FULL COLOUR! Colour is important people! It is an essential element of expression. It communicates mood, conveys a tone and heck it makes reading all the more enjoyable! As for the actual illustrations, I think they were done beautifully. Kaari stayed very true to the characters and I think they all look hot! *wink wink* I was even surprised that some of the backgrounds were detailed so wonderfully. I expected a lot of blob background figures, which there were, but it had a nice balance of detail too!
via Goodreads
The Ending:
It still destroyed me. While I didn’t cry this time (I was splotchy and red when I read the actual novel), I was perfectly content and heart broken! It’s, and I quote my sister Maz, a Hopeful Ending. As hopeful as it can possibly get, but I still love it despite the pain it causes when I think about it.
What I Disliked:
Yeah…um not much really. Yes, it’s a little hard to believe that teenagers and kids could have this much power to influence the politics, while adults just kind of stand around. But this is YA people, it teaches us to have faith in the kids who are advocating for justice. Which does happen in real life.
Overall, I really enjoyed the graphic novels of this trilogy that I hold so dear to my heart! It was fun, COLOURFUL, quick and easy to read. While I appreciate the full length novels and all their glory, I can totally see a lot of people loving these shorter more visual versions too!
Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Recommend: I always recommend Marie Lu!
Let me know what you think! Have you read this series? Full novels or graphic? What books would you like to see adapted into graphic novels? Any other apadtation recommendations?
If you’re new to this space of mine, you must know one very important thing about me. Other than The Chronicles of Narnia which is the fantasy series of my life, The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer is the YA series of my Heart and Soul.
These books literally changed my life in so many different ways and I will definitely be going into a lot more detail in another post some time in the near future. This series is home to my favourite heroes and heroines, four going on five epic ships, lots of action and intensity, PLUS fairy tales. Just go read the series, okay. Just go. Go. Now.
Wires & Nerve Vol 2: Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer
via Goodreads
Iko – an audacious android and best friend to the Lunar Queen Cinder – has been tasked with hunting down Alpha Lysander Steele, the leader of a rogue band of bioengineered wolf-soldiers who threaten to undo the tenuous peace agreement between Earth and Luna. Unless Cinder can reverse the mutations that were forced on them years before, Steele and his soldiers plan to satisfy their monstrous appetites with a massacre of the innocent people of Earth.
And to show he’s serious, Steele is taking hostages.
Cinder and Kai, Scarlet and Wolf, Cress and Thorne, and Winter and Jacin all feature in this epic new battle. But it is Iko who must face her deepest fears when she uncovers the truth about her own unusual programming.
Well, was this not my most anticipated read of the year? Yes. Then why did it take me forever to write this review? School. Ugh. Well, here I am now to gush and goop all over this blog post because that is what I do best when it comes to this series. It has everything I have ever wanted in books, so let’s just say that anything related to this series will get high praise from me.
What I Liked:
Characters:
Iko:This was really Iko’s book. My fabulous, fantastic and AMAZING Iko. I love her so much. She is one heck of a kick-butt yet cuddly gal. Throughout this book she struggles a lot with the fact that she isn’t human and really only a tiny chip, which sometimes really brings her down. But being an android doesn’t make her any less important or useful. I would argue that she is the soul of the crew, keeping them together and always coming to save them with her android abilities!
Kinney:Oh my boy. He also struggles with Iko being an android and has to find a way to change his mindset. But since he is spending so much time with my fab girl I don’t think it turned out to be as hard as he thought. Yeah, he is a little mean and stiff (like a mini Jacin), but he idolizes Cinder and is actually so adorable.
Everyone else: YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT I ADORE EVERYONE IN THIS SERIES SO I AM NOT GOING TO MAKE THIS ANY LONGER BY SCREAMING ABOUT THEM ALL!!!
The Story:
I felt like the continuation was much more clear and in-depth in volume 2. We kind of get to know more about this plain villain, Alpha Steele, who was introduced in volume one. Also there is, I think, a lot more action and suspense. Not all out amazingly, biting my finger nails suspenseful, but just the right amount to make me go “oh my” and “deargoodnessthisisnotgoingasplanned”
Iko’s Kick-Butt Scenes and Back story:
Yes, I’m going to take another section to fangirl about Iko because A) As mentioned she is fiercly fabulous and will literally kick your butt if you step out of line and B) WE GET INTO HER BACK STORY!! I honestly didn’t think there was that much to it….BUT OH MY GOODNESS….I CHOKED UP MAYBE A LITTLE BECAUSE *REASONS* AND IT JUST WAS SOO…I CAN’T EVEN EXPLAIN…
via giphy.com
Romance:
Let me tell you, the cuteness starts very early on. After Wires & Nerve Vol 1. we all knew that big things were coming for Wolf and Scarlet and boy did things escalate for them in this book a little. Anyways, their moments were so precious, I know there are a lot of Wolflet lovers out there who will appreciate this!
AND THOSE KAIDER MOMENTS….EXCUSE ME, I’LL BE IN A CORNER WEEPING OF PURE JOY.
And although it’s still tentative KIKO…you gotta love them.
via giphy.com
What I Disliked:
No Cress and Thorne, thus no Cresswell, thus a Not-So-Happy Rendz:
Total bummer for me….sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I know it shouldn’t affect my opinion that much, since they were such stars in volume one…but it does. My Cresswell experience was almost nonexistent and I suffered a bit (a lot). They were in the book, but their total page count is about 6-8 (I’m not even exaggerating that much…maybe).
The Art(?):
So I was never the biggest fan of the art in volume 1..but I ended up being okay with it, I thought it was cute. For volume 2, I know the artist changed and this guy’s art is based off the first one, but I felt like I wasn’t as big a fan this time. Everyone looked different and while there were still some really beautiful pieces..I don’t know…I’m just not feeling it.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I mean it’s TLC, how can I not? I refuse to believe this is the final TLC installment…I have high hopes that Marissa will give us a little more of these characters some day in the future, for now though, I am satisfied with what I have!
Rating: 4 / 5 stars
Recommend:GO READ THE LUNAR CHRONICLES NOW!!!
Let me know what you think! Have you read Wires & Nerve Vol 2 yet? Have you read TLC yet? Who is your favourite TLC character? FANGIRL WITH ME PEEPS!
Ever since May…or was it April? Whatever. Ever since the spring, I had been dying to reread one of my favourite YA series out there: The Lunar Chronicles. TLC became such a big part of my life the first time I read it that I wanted to relive those feels all over again.
So in July, I began a big group buddy read with Cinderand from then on just went with the flow. While reading Cinder, I remember getting so eager! I wanted to meet up with the rest of the Rampion crew! I wanted to read the ending and have everybody together!! Then I got to Scarlet and Cress and everyone just started showing up. Things started getting together and the finale was on the horizon.
The first TLC book that I actually had to wait a few months for. Four months to be exact. Four months of pure torture. This second time reading it, I didn’t have to wait four months. I had it on hand, ready to go! BUT NO. Rendz borrowed six books from the library and had to read them before she could even think about touching Winter.
That’s not to say, that I didn’t enjoy those six library books. It was the wait, the knowledge that I had to get through them first before I could actually get to my epic finale.
But when I did get to it, I cracked it open and breathed in its smell. I didn’t care that it was weird and that my sisters were looking at me as though I were crazy.
Then I petted the covers, traced the spin, opened the book to the title page and…
I freakin teared up!
I teared up!
What in the actual stars, Rendz! There was nothing to cry about! Still I got choked up and began my reading, while only interrupting myself a few dozen times to hug the book against my chest and sob a little.
By the end, I did actually have one tear slip out. I’m crazy like that. This book. GUYS. This book.
Let’s begin, shall we?
Winter
“The young princess was as beautiful as daylight. She was more beautiful even than the queen herself.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Awww Winter! Of the four main heroines she is very underappreciated, mostly because she doesn’t show up until the very end and we don’t have enough time to really get to know her! Still, I adore Winter. Growing up in the Lunar court was probably the worst. So many snobby people, a cruel step-mother/tyrant and choosing to allow your mental health to decline would have definitely not have made it easier.
I can’t help but adore Winter and all her charm and jokes!
“She was prettier than a bouquet of roses and crazier than a headless chicken. Fitting in was not an option.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
via Goodreads
Jacin
The most unappreciated TLC guy out there. I know he doesn’t hit a lot of good marks with some of you out there. I found him like that too, in Cress. But then in Winter, I can’t help but love him. Perhaps not at the same level as I love the other guys, but still I do love his loyalty to Winter, his caring nature despite his sour nature that kind of clash. He is a Sass-Master and I just want to give him a big hug even though he wouldn’t appreciate it coming from me!
“May I request a new uniform? A towel seems inappropriate for the position.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
SASSSSS!!!!!!!!!
Cinder
I want her to be my best friend. Please. I just want to rip her out of the book and show her off as a “look my friend is so much cooler than you and me combined.” Incredible. Fantastic. I can’t even form full sentences to describe her character. Brave in spite of her many fears. Caring in spite of the many evils done to her. What she did to Adri and Pearl at the end made me so proud of her…but I probably would have done the complete opposite. Stubborn yet willing. Intelligent and witty. Beautiful even though she is 36.28% metal & wire. I dream of being like her. I aspire to it. Who wouldn’t want to have a computer in their brain even for a little while?
“I have returned and I am here to take back what’s mine.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Kai
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH KAI. My love. My Emperor. He acutally had to marry Levana and I felt so bad for him! But Kai being his sassy, smart and ever so resourceful self knew he would get out of it. Knew that this was his duty and he was bound to it if he wanted a chance of having a better future for his people and himself. So much love coming your way, Kai.
“ ‘You mean she doesn’t intend to blow me up before the ceremony?’ ” said Kai, taking the box. ‘How disappointing.’ ”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Scarlet
The horrors she faced in Cress really took a toll on Scarlet physically, but she has such a strong mind. Such a strong will. Both are not easily deterred no matter how tough a situation got. It’s one of the many things that makes me love her. The fact that she may be physically broken, but she has enough strength to never let anyone break her.
“Scarlet could feel everyone’s curious gazes switching between her and the princess. She cleared her throat. “She’s harmless,” she said. “I’m pretty sure.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
via Goodreads
Wolf
Awww my poor Wolf pup. Wolf goes through an immense amount of trauma in this book. So many moments of heart break and inner struggle. A battle on the outside and in. Fighting to stay Wolf without becoming a wolf. Keeping in tune with his human self no matter how many times he is injected or how many alterations were done to him. He looks like a beast but is really just a little puppy who needs love, Scarlet and tomatoes.
“Wolf?” she whispered. His eyes brightened, wild and hopeful. Releasing Winter, he strode forward. His tumultuous eyes scooped over her. Devoured her.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Iko
Iko has always been a favourite of mine. There will never be a moment when she is not a favourite of mine. Fun. Charming. Smart. And human. Human despite being a little chip. She embodies the lesson of loving someone for their personality. Not so much their appearance. Even though she looks pretty hot too. She just adds sunshine to the whole story especially in the dark times.
“Iko held up a hand. “You need a system debug if you’re suggesting that I would abandon you know.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Cress
Always my favourite. Next to Cinder. Cress is who I am. Meek and almost scared of everything, but we still face it. The situations she is put in are hard and nerve-wraking but she faces them because she knows its her duty. She’s tired of pretending to be brave so she is actually going to find her courage and I love that about her. I love how much she grows in this one, the decisions she makes and how she really shows off her talent.
“She would be brave. She would be heroic. She would make her own destiny.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Thorne
The Love of My Life. This book is big turning point for him too, especially after the events in Cress. He is really starting to understand that despite his past he can still be heroic. He can still do what is right. Make good choices, even though he has to sit and think about what the right choice is first. Above all, I love that he stuck around even though he didn’t have to. He was offered freedom to leave many times and he declined them all. Why? BECAUSE HE IS A HERO AND ALSO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND IF HE HAD LEFT THE SERIES I WOULD HAVE BALLED MY EYES OUT.
“Thorne scoffed. “Careful is my middle name. Right after Suave and Daring.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
I mean……this:
“A kiss from the Captain would probably melt my central processor.”
Thorne winked at her. “Oh trust me. It would.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
The Ships
First I want to talk about the FRIENDSHIPS because holy crap they are everything!
Corne
“See that eye roll? It translates to, ‘How am I possibly keeping my hands off of you, Captain?”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Cinder and Thorne just kill me because they are so darn funny and cute! Sarcastic comebacks coming in all directions from both of them, but best of all they do have a deep appreciation for each other. They do care deeply and would walk on edges for each other.
“I passed out from stress? That’s it?”
“I believe the princess term is fainted,” said Thorne.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Actual footage of Corne
I MEAN COME ON LOOK!
“Thorne, on the aisle, held out his hand as Cinder passed. She snorted and accepted the high five before floating up the stairs.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Ikinder….Ciko(?)
Cinder and Iko are E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. Too much love and happiness in one friendship! They literally make me want to cry. Supportive. Honest. Loyal. Caring. They have this attachment that cannot be severed no matter how many times they might disagree. Do they even fight? I don’t recall them having a big fight, so an added bonus really!
“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 broken. I’m literally broken.” Iko settled a hand on Cinder’s shoulder. “Yeah, but broken isn’t the same as unfixable.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Warlet
Winter and Scarlet. They were very reluctant friends at first. More reluctance coming from Scarlet’s side but still! I can’t help but love how they work together, find ways to comfort each other in their hard times. They may have started out a little rough but they got to know each other and working towards the same goal that really brought them closer!
“Wait,” said Winter as Scarlet nudged the podship forward. Scarlet’s heart dropped. “What?” she said, scanning the port for a thaumaturge, a guard, a threat. Winter reached over and pulled the pilot’s harness over Scarlet’s head. “Safety first, Scarlet-friend. We are fragile things.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
Crolf
Cress and Wolf. Okay so they have like miniature moments. But still I think that Cress really found a way to help Wolf deal with Scarlet’s kidnapping and Wolf really showed how appearances are never enough to judge someone. They can be hard and mean looking, but a big softie inside. Or they can be meek and cowardly but talented and courageous with enough push!
NOW WE ARE GONNA TALK SHIPS!
THEY WERE SO MANY MOMENTS FOR EVERYONE AND I COULD NOT DEAL GUYS. I WAS GOING CRAZY!
KAIDER
“It was their seventeenth kiss (her brain interface was keeping a tally, somewhat against her will), and she wondered if she would ever get used to this feeling.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
My eyes!!!!!!!!!!
My heart!!!!!!!!
SO MUCH LOVE. Kaider is the ship guys. I mean they are literally Prince Charming and Cinderella. The Earth Prince and the Moon Princess. I cannot get over them. The way they love each other regardless of their pasts, their relations to tyrants, their mechanical bits…they just love. OH MY GOD. When Cinder’s inner computer was counting their kisses and they were only at 17…I was like: “GIRL, YOU ARE CLEARLY NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOUR TIME WITH KAI ON THE SHIP!” But still I loved every moment of their interactions and their optimism in thinking about the good future where they were both together!
via Goodreads
WOLFLET
JUST. PLEASE. JUST. CAN SOMEONE COME AND ADORE ME LIKE WOLF ADORES SCARLET? ANY TAKERS?! So our Beauty & the Beast of the group. Our Alpha Mates. Our Brightest Stars! Lordy, lord. I love them. Separately and together! Wolf’s patience and timidness yet fierceness and passion for everything that includes Scarlet. And Scarlet’s bravery and compassion for everything she sets her mind to! They are FIRE. HOT and EXCITING and JUST AHHHHHHHH!!!
“It’s just like the one Scarlet had.” He flipped the gun in his palms, running his thumbs along the barrel. “She shot me in the arm once.”
This confession was said with as much tenderness as if Scarlet had given him a bouquet of wildflowers rather than a bullet wound.
THE ONLY TIME JACIN IS SOFT IS FOR WINTER AND I GET SO MUSHY LIKE WINTER WHENEVER HE GETS MUSHY TOWARDS HER! (Try to make some sense, Rendz!) Just a whole lot of “Awwwwws” coming from me. So they are probably the most underrated TLC couple of them all due to only being introduced in the last book, but people they are so darn cute! Winter’s beauty is one thing, but to Jacin her goofiness, schemes and pure human nature are more marvelous than smooth skin and high cheekbones. And to Winter, Jacin is the place she feels most safe. He is the life long friend that she can count on forever!
“I fear tomorrow will be even more difficult for you, Sir Clay. Do try to think of me when you can.”
“Try, Princess?” He smirked, meeting her gaze again. “I can’t seem to think of much else.”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
via Goodreads
KIKO
Kinny & Iko, you know I shipped it from the moment he looked at her with disgust and she called him a jerk. True. Love.
“You!” she screamed. “He’s … that’s the guy that saved Winter.” Though the guard was immobile, probably thanks to Cinder, his face was free to twist with disgust as his eyes traveled the length of Iko’s battered body, dead wires, loose parts, and all. “And you’re that disturbing robot.” Iko bristled. “The correct term is escort-droid, you ignorant, inconsiderate—”
― Marissa Meyer, Winter
*I’m sorry, Rendz is rolling on the floor right now. It seems she is not prepared to breech the next subject, Cr–*
C R E S S W E L L !!!!!
I CAN’T. IT’S TOO MUCH. I AM LITERALLY SCREAMING IN MY HEAD AS I WRITE THIS. I CANNOT. *drags hands over face* I JUST….TOO MUCH CUTENESS AND ADORABLENESS AND SWOONINESS AND THORNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
People, this is the ship of my life. Everything. And the moments they get in this book. THE MOMENTS THEY GET IN THIS BOOK. CHAPTER 71 GUYS! GOD BLESS CHAPTER 71!!! THAT LITTLE CLOSET SCENE ACTUALLY KILLED ME. I WAS MURDERED.
THEIR FINAL SCENE. I WAS FRICKIN RESURRECTED. I WAS GIVEN LIFE ONCE AGAIN.
“Captain?”
“Cress.”
She couldn’t not say it, although she realized he was right. It was sort of scary. Much scarier than it had been the first time she’d told him, out in the desert. It was different now. It was real. “I’m in love with you.”
He chuckled. “I should hope so, after all that.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her temple. “And I love you too.”
Someone SEND HELP. I am overrided with feels that my mind cannot form proper words.
JUST KNOW THAT CRESS x THORNE ARE EVERYTHING TO ME.
THEY ARE THE AIR THAT I BREATHE, THE WATER I DRINK, THE FOOD I EAT AND THEY TAKE UP 99.99% OF MY BRAIN CAPACITY.
Okay, so to step away from so much fangirling, let’s talk the retelling aspect. As someone who has never read the tale of Snow White & the Seven Dwarves and has only scene parts of Disney’s Snow White…I won’t be that good of a judge per se.
via Goodreads
Still the classic elements are there.
The beautiful Princess that holds the hearts of every person in the entire kingdom.
The hunter who saves the Princess from having her heart ripped out.
The evil, tyrant queen who disguises herself as an old crone.
The poisoned apple.
The kiss of resurrection.
All accounted for.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY,
THE HAPPILY EVERY AFTER EXISTS!*
*Of course, it doesn’t come without it’s fair share of heart break and intense scenes that had me on the floor dying*
People, it was fantastic.
The actual story itself was also very special.
800 pages of pure epicness, I don’t think there is ever one dull moment. It may seem like a long and cumbersome number, but trust me if you love the characters, you will fly through this. Fly.
Final words…
A MASTERPIECE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS.
SNOW WHITE AND BLEEDING WALLS.
RED RIDING HOOD LOVES THE BEAST.
RAPUNZEL HACKS HER WAY TO THE WITCHES CASTLE.
CINDERELLA FINDS HER LOST FOOT.
RENDZ DIES.
Yup…that just about sums it up.
This one turned out to be really long, if you stuck around for it all, you now have a special place in my heart!
This is the end of the main series fangirling! *cries*
I haven’t decided if I will be doing one of these for the other additions just because time is not really on my side anymore….but we shall see!
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN! Shout from the rooftops as to how much you love this series! Tell me how it changed your life! Who is your favourite character? Which book of the main four is your favourite?
The time has come. The book where my relationship with this series was cemented. Complete. Set in stone. The book that sucked me in and never let me go.
Mini story time:The first time I read Cinderand Scarlet, I was falling. Falling fast and falling hard. I liked the characters and Thorne was definitely the most intriguing one of them all. Then I read this book–a few months before Winter’s release–and I was just………
This book is so important to me, for many reasons and one in particular that touches my heart. This book holds everything I want in a perfect adventure read. The drama, the plot twists, the romance, the epic battles, heists, and most importantly Carswell Thorne.
“Even in the future, there are damsels in distress…
Gosh! Gosh! Gosh!
Ok, we are going to start with the obvious.
Cress.
“When she was just a child, the witch locked her away in a tower that had neither doors nor stairs.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
I have never found another character (other than Laia of Serra from An Ember in the Ashes) that I identified with so much! “So much” doesn’t even really cover how close in personality I feel to Cress. There are so many elements: the shy girl, the fan girl, the hopeless romantic, the imaginative dreamer. A girl who lives in her head kind of person. When I first read this, I was like “Wow, I’m just like this girl. Socially inept and very, very prone to blush!”
It was the greatest moment of my life. (Is that too big to say….I’m going to say it again.)
IT WAS THE GREATEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE!
In all my years reading YA and finding the sarcastic, whip smart, kick butt heroines (whom I love) I had never encountered, a wee little girl, who’s quiet, smart but not at all great with the whipping of the smarts. Then I found Cress and just……
“She was a girl. A living girl, smart and sweet and awkward and unusual, and she was worth far more than they could ever realize.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
I may not be a tech-savvy genius, but I am definitely the kind of person to make up crazy fantasies and talk to myself! And they would most certainly be about a very swoony Captain!!!!!
But yes. Cress. I love her. I relate to her. And I’m so glad that alongside the Brave-Kick-Butt Heroines, we also have our Still-Finding-Their-Courage-But-Still-So-Awesome Heroines!
“She would have freedom, and friendships, and purpose. And she would be with him.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
Okay then we have our lovely returning characters:
Cinder
LORD, LORDY, LORD. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WITH EVERY COMING BOOK, I NEVER GET TIRED OF SASS, SARCASM AND MECHANICS? IT’S BECAUSE IT COMES OUT OF CINDER’S MOUTH AND I ADORE EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH CINDER!!!!!!
Kai
AWWWWWWW KAI!!!! HE JUST KEEPS GETTING CUTER AND MORE CLUELESS! My poor emperor just keeps getting more and more stressed out! With Levana hovering over his shoulder and their impending nuptials coming so close, you can’t blame him if he is a little down in the dumps! Especially since he still has feelings (though he “denies” them) for Cinder and basically the whole world and moon are trying to arrest her!
My poor pup, KAI!! His sass however, is always spot on,.
“Have you given any thought to your wedding vows?”
Kai snorted. “Delete anything that has to do with love, respect, or joy, and I’ll sign on the dotted line.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
Scarlet
Of all the characters she was the least focused on in this book because *things* happen, but from the few chapters from her perspective readers discover the horrors inflicted by Lunar Aristocrats! PLUS Scarlet is still incredibly brave, hard-headed and the passionate fiery red-head that we all know and love!
Wolf
Aww poor Wolf! With Scarlet in a pickle, he is ten times broodier than normal, but still so darn lovable!! He goes through a lot of emotions too and takes a back seat in this one. I do love all his scenes though, I can’t get enough of my little wolf!
Iko
IKO, IKO ALL DAY! Love her and every word that comes out of her mouth! She has the biggest personality and heart, despite only being a small chip! Plus her sass!!
“Iko. My name is Iko. If you don’t stop calling me the ‘ship,’ I am going to make sure you never have hot water during your showers again, do you understand me?”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
Jacin
Hmmmm….despite how much more I like him in Winter, and how much of a rat he is in this book, I can’t help but love his sass. His meanness and bluntness make him an angry little pup that just needs a hug to lighten up. He also needs to get punched, but that part comes later on 😉
I can’t help it! He is just everything that I needed from a fictional love interest. Funny. Suave. Foolish. Heroic yet Criminalistic (not a word, but let’s just say that it works for him).
Coherent thoughts and words aren’t possible when I talk about Thorne. It is all gush and goo and Maz giving me a face that indicates the lunacy of falling in love with a person that does not exist. But I can’t help it people, I am head-over-heels devoted to my Captain, Carswell Thorne.
His heroics are put on full display in this book, on his journey with Cress. His humour, swooniness and overall gorgeousness are always on display.
And of course there is this piece of gold:
“Honestly, Thorne.” A girl. Linh Cinder? “Do you ever think before you speak?”
“What? What did I say?”
” ‘Is that all hair?’ ”
“Did you see it? It was like a cross between a magpie nest and ball of yarn after it’s been mauled by a cheetah.”
I just can’t okay. The feels are too much when it comes to Thorne. I can (and might) write a whole blog post dedicated just to him!
Second most important topic of the night:
THE SHIPS
Everything is just too cute. TOO CUTE.
With KAIDER and WOLFLET on pause for just a little (they do have their small moments) this book is full of CRESSWELL.
CRESSWELL.
The friggin ship of my life.
“Captain,” she murmured.
“I think I’m in love with you.”
An eyebrow shot up. She counted six beats of his heart before, suddenly, he laughed.
“Don’t tell me it took you two whole days to realize that. I must be losing my touch.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
No Thorne, it took two seconds to fall in love with you, boy!
“Captain?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think it was destiny that brought us together?”
He squinted and, after a thoughtful moment, shook his head. “No. I’m pretty sure it was Cinder.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
THIS.
“But you’re a prisoner,” said Thorne.
“I prefer damsel in distress,” she murmured.
One side of Thorne’s mouth quirked up, into that perfect half smile he’d had in his graduation photo. A look that was a little bit devious, and all sorts of charming.
Cress’s heart stopped, but if they noticed her melting into her chair, they didn’t say anything.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
I WOULD HAVE BEEN A PUDDLE.
“How are your eyes?” she asked.
“Well, I’ve been told they’re dreamy, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
DREAMY, SWOONY, PERFECT, MELT-WORTHY
“She loved him more than ever. And not because she’d scoured file after file of reports and summaries and data and photographs. Not because he was the dreamy, untouchable Carswell Thorne that she’d imagined kissing on the banks of a starlit river while fireworks exploded overhead and violins played in the background. Now he was the Carswell Thorne who had given her strength in the desert. Who had come for her when she was kidnapped. Who had kissed her when hope was lost and death was imminent.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
*Hello, Hi, it appears Rendz has fallen comatose from this little but of enchantment that you just read. Please excuse this short interruption*
• • •
Update: Rendz is now dancing around because of that same quote:
“Aaaaw,” squealed Iko. “Did Wolf just say he loves Scarlet? That’s so cute!”
Scarlet cringed. “He did not – that wasn’t -” She balled her fists against her sides. “Can we get back to these soldiers that are being rounded up, please?”
“Is she blushing? She sounds like she’s blushing.”
“She’s blushing.” Thorne confirmed, shiffling the cards. “Actually, Wolf is also looking a little flustered -”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
“Cyborg. Lunar. Princess. No more secrets. No more lies. Well, just one. She thought she might be a tiny bit in love with him. But there was no way she could tell him that.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress
I LOVE HIM TOO!!!!!!!
“Bending his head, Kai pressed his lips to her knuckles. The plating had no nerve endings, and yet the touch sent a tingle of electricity along her arm.
“Cinder?”
“Mm?”
He lifted his gaze. “Just to be clear, you’re not using your mind powers on me right now, are you?”
She blinked. “Of course not.”
“Just checking.”
Then he slid his arms around her waist and kissed her.
Cinder gasped, pressing her palms against his chest. Kai pulled her closer.
Seconds later, her brain began registering all the new chemicals flooding her system. INCREASED LEVELS OF DOPAMINE AND ENDORPHINS, REDUCED AMOUNTS OF CORTISOL, ERRATIC PULSE, RISING BLOOD PRESSURE …
Leaning into him, Cinder sent the messages away. Her hands tentatively made their way to his shoulders, before stringing around his neck.”
― Marissa Meyer
Rendz has once again become incapable of forming coherent thoughts. Please wait for our swooned-out blogger to continue her fangirling, thank you.
3……2……1….
WHAT A RUSH.
SO the real deal business:
The STORY.
I sing its praises. It is not just about these stellar characters, but it also has a great adventure aspect, lots of fun cool SciFi elements that frankly I quite enjoy! It is not just about romantic relationships, but it is also about friendship. There are so many friendships formed within this crew that make me melt with feels just like the romantic ships do!
There is some big heartbreak in this book, a character death that hit me quite hard. BUT THEY WENT DOWN SWINGING AND FLINGING!
And of course, there is a crazy (really crazy) killer queen, Levana. She literally makes me want to strangle something/someone (her) and she causes so much pain that arghhhhhhhhhhhhhH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t get me started on her. None the less, she is a great villain to hate!
OMG THIS IS A GLORIOUS COVER!!
Now the retelling, I can’t say much about because I have never read the true Rapunzel story. I’ve only ever heard a more toned down story and watched the movie Tangled, so there is my knowledge.
BUT. I love the internet and people in this fandom do their research and let’s just say that Queen Meyer is a genius!
With the classic long hair, the lonely satellite (i.e. tower), the damsel in distress and the heroic prince (who has a very dangerous encounter with thorns…) this retelling is crazy amazing!
I’m going to cut this now, because this is getting LOOOOOONNNNGGG.
In short, I found this book to be an epic masterpiece! *strong word choice, I know*
I can’t help it, I love every aspect of this book. I love the fact that I found my own little quirky, awkward personality in this book.
I found the love of my life in this book. (Watch out real life boys, you have very high standards to live up to)
Final words:
GLORIOUS
A HEROIC CRIMINAL AND A TECH SAVVY DISTRESSED DAMSEL.
A DESERT ADVENTURE.
THE BEGINNING OF A SPACE WAR.
WE ARE SO CLOSE TO GETTING TO THE MOON…
Deep breath Rendz….deep breaths.
Okay, so that was me. Now I need to hear from you. But if you didn’t like this book, I’m going to kindly ask you to exit the premises please. (Just kidding………no I’m not)
But seriously, I’m ready for you guys to hit me with the feels again. I promise no more interruptions while I roll on the floor with feels.
Go crazy, my Lunartics.
Until next time, when I finish the epic finale…Winter!
Happy reading!
~ Rendz
Disclaimer: All gifs via Giphy.com and all images via Goodreads.com
Time for the second installment of Lunar Chronicle crazy fangirling!!!!!!
Okay so after reading Cinder(the first time) and completely falling in love with it, I ran (more like hopped on the bus) to get the next one from the library. Luckily, it was available to me.
After reading Cinder(for the second time) and completely loving it AGAIN. I ran (actually ran) upstairs to my room (almost tripped) and grabbed my copy of Scarlet off the shelf!
Only it was too late at night to start it, but I did start it early the next day!
I loved this sequel almost as much as I loved the first book. It had a new great cast of characters along with some previously known characters. Things get so much more intense and troublesome in this sequel with the whole Levana/Luna situation getting out of control!!! And an all new retelling with a futuristic and fantastic twist!!!!!!!!!! AND we are half way to a full Rampion crew!!!
PLUS an all new ship with cute and adorable moments!!!!!!!!!
“She did not know that the wolf was a wicked sort of animal, and she was not afraid of him.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
via Goodreads
I love Scarlet to the end. And beyond. She is a stubborn, passionate and intelligent farm girl, turned pilot, dubbed “mom” of the Rampion crew!
She is definitely a red headed hot head. She has a rather quick temper but she stands up for all the right reasons. Defending her grandmother and Cinder from a raucous diner crowd takes some courage.
“I just think we shouldn’t judge her, or anyone, without trying to understand them first. That maybe we should get the full story before jumping to conclusions. Crazy notion, I know.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
She is also killer strong! Physically, I mean. She has to do farm work and lug crates of vegetables around all the time.
Like tomato crates.
via giphy.com
Plus she is killer cool. She knows how to fly a plane (or spaceship). Necessary skills it would seem to have for someone living in the future! And she can shoot! *Not saying the guns are cool and free to use all the time* but when face to face with some killer crazy-bloodthirsty beasts or a crazy Lunar Queen, learning to shoot may be a necessity.
Just saying.
But yes. I love Scarlet. I love her red hair and clashing red sweater!
And she is just so dedicated to her grandmother that my heart swells when I think about it!
via giphy.com
Then there is WOLF!
“What’s your name, anyway?”
That awkward shrug again. “They call me Wolf at the fights.”
Your classic, broody, silent dangerous looking heartthrob.
Such a swoon-motivator.
Plus, a street fighter! Not one’s typical occupation, but a rather successful one for our lovely friend, Wolf.
Did I also mention. He. Sounds. G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.
“He was still dazed, and though she hated to admit it, he was actually rather attractive. If a girl happened to like that square-jaw, bright-green-eyes, devilish-dimples kind of thing. Although he was in desperate need of a haircut and a good shave.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
via giphy.com
But beyond the looks. Wolf is quiet, sweet and a sensitive soul. He may have killer instincts and a rough looking exterior, but inside he is all goo and glory! He finds his saving grace in Scarlet and his ticket out of a bad-bad gang.
He keeps his secrets, but he does redeem himself!!
Cinder. Oh look! We get to talk about her again!
Cinder just keeps becoming more and more epic and kickass in this one. Now that she knows who she is and has to figure out what exactly she wants to do with that information she goes on another grand adventure! She is after all a wanted fugitive so she has to be on the run all the time.
“Two counts of treason, if you must know. And resisting arrest, and unlawful use of bioelectricity. Oh, and illegal immigration, but honestly, I think that’s a little excessive.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
But I love her even more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can one love a character that much!
via giphy.com
Kai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my poor, poor Kai!
Talk about going through some really tough stuff in this one. Levana sinks her claws deep into him and he is forced to experience so many terrible things! He is still my sweet little potato and I love him more as each book goes on!!
Plus his sass levels are rising!
“But Kai wasn’t his father. He wasn’t that selfless. Knowing it was wrong, he couldn’t help but wish that wherever Cinder had gone, they would never find her.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
Now the moment, I have been waiting for.
The love of my life.
Carswell Thorne
CARSWELL THORNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
via giphy.com
I don’t think I have ever fallen harder for a character than Thorne.
“The captivity of Carswell Thorne had gotten off to a rocky start, what with the catastrophic soap rebellion and all.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
I cannot even fathom proper thoughts, it is just a constant squeal in my mind.
A giddy feeling.
To put it straight. He is funny, charming, swoony, caring and a total hero despite being a total criminal. (Criminal Mastermind.)
And a “great” Captain.
“At least we have each other.” He held out his arms, like he would have given her a huge hug if they hadn’t been strapped into their seats. The nose of the ship tipped to the right and he quickly grasped the controls again, leveling it out just in time to dodge flock of pigeons.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
Guys. I just. I cannot form coherent thoughts.
More of this rambling will come in the next installment of this series.
OF COURSE IKO WAS STILL AMAZING IN THIS BOOK AND SHE GOES THROUGH SOME BIG BODILY CHANGES, BUT STILL EVER SO FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!
“Another silence as the heat in the engine room hovered just upside of comfortable. Then, “You’re … rather handsome, Captain Thorne.”
Cinder groaned.
“And you, my fine lady, are the most gorgeous (spoiler) in these skies, and don’t let anyone ever tell you different.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
Alright SO THE RETTELLING ASPECT!
via Goodreads
I have never read a Little Red Riding Hood retelling and so I didn’t know exactly how it was going to go….
But I really enjoyed it! It had the traditional elements with the granny, the red hood and the big bad wolf (or perhaps wolves……)
The adventure to find Scarlet’s grandmère was definitely fun, risky and dangerous!
Especially when the confrontation came with the wolves. That was very suspenseful *even reading it a second time*
Okay so this was the introduction of WOLFLET and OMG
How cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
How sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttt.
ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just so much gushing coming from Rendz.
“You’re the only one, Scarlet. You’ll always be the only one.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
via giphy.com
“Then he was pulling her toward him and bundling her up in his arms. Scarlet gasped as Wolf buried one hand into her mess of curls and kissed her back.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
via giphy.com
And of course this:
“Scarlet and Wolf are saying gushy things in the galley,” Iko said. “Normally I like gushy things, but it’s different when it’s real people. I prefer the net dramas.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
via giphy.com
So yeah……………………………………………………..Wolflet.
There was minimal action between Cinder and Kai in this book seeing as he was in New Beijing and she on the run! But still they had some cute moments even so far apart!!!
There was also the beginning of the best friendSHIP ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cinder and Thorne.
Corne.
“I can see that you’re in need of an accomplice,” Thorne said, straightening his jumpsuit. “And lucky for you, I happen to be a criminal mastermind.”
She glowered at him. “Go away.”
“That’s a difficult request in this situation.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
They have their special little banter that has me cracking up all the time. Cinder feels like she has no time for Thorne’s Thorne-ness and is always using her sass to crack a whip at him! And Thorne is–of course–oblivious to Cinder’s annoyance so the banter and friendship strengthens and forges to even stronger levels!!
via giphy.com
“Well,” Cinder finally grumbled. “I guess that was pretty fast thinking.”
A relieved grin filled up Thorne’s face. “We’re having another moment, aren’t we?”
“If by a moment, you mean me not wanting to strangle you for the first time since we met, than I guess we are.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
Just look at that banter.
Trust me guys there is so much more in the book and you guys have to read it. It is HILARIOUS.
“I have something else to show you.”
“I’m busy.”
“I promise not to make fun of your boyfriend anymore.”
“He’s not my boyfriend!”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet
Alright this is getting to be a little long, so I shall cut it off here.
via Goodreads
In short, I loved the sequel. I think everyone should read Cinder and then wait about 10 minutes after reading Cinder(you know to get your emotions together) and then immediately follow up with Scarlet!!!
So my final words for this book.
WONDERFUL.
RUGGED STREET FIGHTER AND A NO-BS TAKING BADASS RED RIDING HOOD!
ADVENTURES IN SPACE.
TRAVERSING THROUGH FRANCE (OMG THE DREAM DESTINATION OF RENDZ)
SHIPS GALORE.
BIG. BAD. WOLVES.
Time for you to fangirl/boy with me!!!
Have you read Scarlet? Did you love it? Or just like it? What did you think of Wolf? Of Scarlet? OF THORNE????? *All love, I’m sure*
Please, go crazy!
As usual it’s a total recommend from me!! This whole series is.
Reading with Rendz 