Rereading The Lunar Chronicles | Audiobook Edition // I. am. still. so. obsessed.

Greetings readers!

Frankly I have been doing some serious rereads during the quarantine-life. Never have I ever had so much time on my hands and still manage to get nothing done. Yup you read that right. I have not one, but two piles of *expired* ARCs to get through and what am I doing????? Rereading the Lunar Chronicles.

I feel your judgement and kindly ask you to get over it because I have a plan.

via giphy.com

BUT BEFORE I GET TO THAT I MUST GUSH ABOUT REREADING THE LUNAR CHRONICLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I, however, must address the bitter irony that: yes, I am reading a series in which a deadly plague is plundering the Earth while we are in the midst of a pandemic…I know. Reading these books was oddly too familiar at times.

The last time I reread this series was in 2017, so it is high time that I jump back in to one of my favourite worlds, with some of my favourite characters. Last time I did detailed fangirling posts, but this time I shall just be doing mini fangliring posts because let’s face it nothing I write today will be much different from what I wrote in 2017.

2017 posts can be found below:

A Moment of Fangirling: Cinder
A Moment of Fangirling: Scarlet
A Moment of Fangirling: Cress
A Moment of Fangirling: Winter

Let’s get to it!

Cinder

First of all: What a rush of emotions. It’s been so long since I’ve touched book one and OMG it is so pure *sobs* I literally smiled like a fool the whole time we were with Cinder and Iko as they worried about their escape plan and I just kept thinkging of the other things headed their way! ALSO MY GOODNESS THE FORESHADOWING. Wow. Marissa Meyer really told us the whole plot in book one and none of us were the wiser. I mean *technically* Jacin and Cress are both in this book! Like who knew? I sure didn’t!

Cinder is still my fierce queen. God I love her. Kai is still my naive fool. God I love him. Iko is still a fabulous rockstar. God I love her. Pearl and Adri? Can go to Hell. I will never not be mad at them.

Funny enough. I realized I’ve been pronouncing “Letumosis” wrong. hehehe. Um yeah. BUT the narrator says eye-ko not ee-ko, so I am very happy I at least got that right.

Safe to say, that this is still amazing as ever. My heart swelled with love even though it was torn apart when we get to the harder bits. I loved every single moment of it!

Scarlet

There are so many great things about Scarlet and much to my sister’s dismay I forget about them all the time, so rereading this book was such a joy! Scarlet is seriously fierce. She is a force to be reckoned with and I love her. And then there is WOLF!! I forget how ferocious and soft my street-fighter is. Now that I’ve reread this, I think the story would have benefited from a little from more Wolf insight. AND the Wolflet scenes are just too cute they squish my heart. Yes, squish!

Cinder is still my queen. There is never a moment where I do not absolutely love the words coming out of her mouth even when she is seriously doubting everything. Kai, oh my dear Kai. He always gets stuck with dealing with Levana and for that we have to show sympathy for my poor prince.

Now. Carswell Thorne. The chapter opened with his name and I kid you not that I went from being completely deadpanned to smiling and giggling like an absolute fool. I still love him so much and y’all he is so dumb sometimes and unhelpful, I love the fool and the suave charismatic cheat. I love him.

In the end the book was still a great read. The plot is action packed and with Levana on the rise and her new soldiers on the loose things just get more and more intense. I forget how tragic the ending is for so many and it hurt even though I’ve read it before.

The narrator’s French accent was alright. I shouldn’t judge too harshly because you would cringe at hearing my French accent, but I digress.

Cress

If you think I had cheesy grins before you should have seen me listening to this book. First of all, my daughter Cress is still the most pure and adorable cinnamon roll and I love her as much as I relate to her social awkwardness. Thorne, my husband, is still the iconic fool he is and I am still very much in love with him. All the other characters are my children. I would give my life for them.

I forgot so much of what goes on in this book. Usually the main points stick but as I was reading I couldn’t help but be excited about what was going to happen next because I actually didn’t remember! Sometimes it would come back before it actually happened, but the anticipation still got to me!

The narrator was phenomenal in this book! I admire how many voices she can do and her Levana voice is soooo goood! It sounds to haughty and evil! But what I loved the most was the emotion she put behind the big scenes. You know the scene where a certain person ummm dies…yeah I actually teared up at hearing the emotion in their voice.

Cress is a favourite for a lot of reasons. Its funny and tender yet so action packed and adventurous too. Plus it stars the me-character as I like to call Cress hehe and reading about a character you relate to is always great!

Winter

A 23 hour audiobook. 23 hours. Wow. Okay, I was seriously overwhelmed when I saw how long it was but also so incredibly happy that this book is long. The whole time I was rereading the other books I was like “I can’t wait until the whole squad is together” and this is the book and I just felt so emotional!

I’ll be honest, I forget how much I enjoy the love story between Winter and Jacin. I mean Jacin is a lot to take in, but he is so soft for Winter and she is so soft by nature and they are just so terribly cute together! I also have to admire how amazing Winter is as a character, with endless compassion and empathy despite being told she is “destroying her own mind” for the benefit of others. She is just so amazing. I love her.

I don’t know what kind of knowledge I was using before when I read this book, but it took me until my third read to truly pick out all the connections between this book and Snow White! Like the fact that Winter finds refuge in a mining town in a little crammed with seven other people!! How could I have missed that before!

As for the rest of the book *takes in deep breath* MY EMOTIONS WERE ON OVERDRIVE!!! I JUST LOVE THIS RAT-TAG CREW SO MUCH! THEY ARE SO MESSY AND SWEET AND BRAVE AND CUTE!

The final battle scene with Levana is my favourite. There is just so much manipulation and struggle and *more deep breaths* I just love my babies. All the ship moments. There are too many to count and we all know how I feel about chapter 71, the best chapter out there.

I was sad to have reached the end of the main series, even though I know there is more after that…but just knowing that I got to go through this whole adventure again and found new things to appreciate about it makes me feel so joyful.

Stars Above: Something Old, Something New

I’ll be honest, I just came for the wedding epilogue and Y’ALL IT WAS STILL SO AMAZING. I must prelude by saying I will never live it down that I said this wedding epilogue could not be about Scarlet and Wolf because I was dead set on it being Cinder and Kai. My sister will never let me forget it and I will have to live with that shame forever. REGARDLESS, this wedding epilogue pulled on every heart-string just the right way. The gangs chaotic shenanigans were on full display and we cannot help but appreciate them! Every character had a chance to shine and show how they have changed over the years. I mean I can’t say I love that we got minimal Cresswell scenes, but just having the whole crew together was so wonderful! I’m gonna miss these kids until my next reread!

BONUS: Graphic Novel reread

I just had to reread these or I would feel incomplete. AND IKO SHINED LIKE THE STAR SHE IS! We love one android and one only. I didn’t remember much at all about this storyline so going through them again was such a joy! Her narration is AMAZING! Plus, the Cresswell scenes from volume 1 are amazing and the Kaider scenes from volume 2 are adorable! Not to mention the Wolflet proposal! I feel bad that Jacinter never gets as much page-time because I adore Winter!!!!! And of course Kiko is a thing (?). I also love how we get a glimpse of what happens after Winter and the clean up that has to get done. The illustrations are charming even if they are not in full colour or umm of a more detailed style, still we appreciate the hard work and extra TLC content!!!

What I didn’t reread:

via Goodreads

Fairest:

I just wasn’t in the mood for more Levana. I never quite sympathize with her when I read about her tragic past, but I just didn’t feel like going through the motions especially after finishing so nicely with Winter. If I do read this, I have to read it before Winter definitely, to get the sad soaked out of me when I finish the series.

The other short stories in Stars Above:

Pretty much for the same reason as Fairest, most of the short stories have tragical feelings at the end and I just want to be happy 🙂 I mean a lot of them end hopefully and they all take place before the end of Winter and yet…I didn’t want to be hampered with the sad feelings…I do love the stories and I think they do add interest to the backstories! But for this reread, I just wanted the happy feels! Next time I do this I will plan a better more grand reread hehe.

---

IN CONCLUSION,

I am still very much in love with TLC. I can see why people may think its juvenile or kind of out there, but I can’t help but see this as a series about strong friendships, incredible character growth, a scary yet familiar world, the fall of tyranny and the triumph of resilience! Did I get too poetic? Maybe, but I don’t care. I’m so in love with these books!

Let me know what you think! Have you read TLC? Do you have a favourite book? Have you listened to the audiobooks? Did you enjoy them? What is your favourite TLC moment?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Tune & Title Tuesdays | More than just a tune today!

Greetings readers!

I’ll be honest, I’ve run out of new songs to write about. Or rather, I’m having a tough time putting one and one together. Nevertheless the tunes will keep rolling out because other lovely people have matched songs and books so well that I cannot disassociate the two from each other anymore!

And in celebration of a reread that is happening right now in audiobook style, I cannot help but share this glorious tune with you today!

Tune: To the Wonder – Aqualung ft. Kina Grannis

This song is one of those songs I wouldn’t be attracted to unless if was tied to something that I absolutely loved. That being said the song is quite lovely, and I like the lull that it brings out with the soft piano keys and hums.

Title: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Do the lyrics have much to do with the books??? Not 100% sure, nevertheless the real reason this song is on here is because of this glorious fanmade trailer!

Please watch it. It is still to this day a video I go to to feel comforted by my nostalgic TLC feels when I can’t get to the books! Is it a perfect trailer? No. But gosh darn it this person nearly had it and I have to give it to them, they did a PHENOMENAL job at bringing out all the heart-pounding goodness of the books! It also reminds me how much I would love to see these books as films!

---

Let me know what you think! Do you watch book trailers? Do you make book trailers? What books would you love to see made into an adaptation?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Cover Revamps! The NEW Lunar Chronicles paperbacks | I have thoughts so let’s discuss

Greetings readers!

So Cyborg Monday happened a while ago and for those in the Marissa Meyer Universe should know that her Lunar Chronicles books are getting new paperback covers! I am here to discuss them because that is what we do in the bookish world!

Now, I already own the entire series in the original covers so I have no reason to truly buy these, but I’ll be honest these new ones are very tempting!

via Fierce Reads

Cinder

Cover: Pretty amazing if I do say so myself!! I love the pink and the purple colour scheme. I love her pose and her expression, the way she is dressed and her shining prosthetic that’s all patched up with duct tape and all the spare parts and metal bits! I think she looks amazing! Everything about the cover is wonderful! I have zero complaints.

Inside: STUNNING! My jaw totally dropped when I saw it! I pretty much love everything about it! The dress, the gloves, Kai flying down the stairs, Levana looking down at the, both and just the whole movement of the scene. You can feel the urgency of the run and chase! I do think that Cinder’s skin is too light and flat. There is no real depth without any shading to the skin.

Scarlet

Cover: Again, the colour scheme is phenomenal! The orange/green for some reason just feels very French to me! Not to mention the fact that it goes great with Scar’s hair! Her outfit is so cute, I would totally wear it if I could pull off the hobo chic, but I can’t! The wolf! I mean the wolfffffff. Her expression is so Scarlet! She literally looks like she gives absolutely zero fucks and that is amazing! I guess the only complaint I have is that Scar is supposed to be on the chubbier side (right?) and that would have been nice to see on the cover.

Inside: One giant YES! Wolf is looking fly as fuck (pun intended) and again you can really feel the movement in the picture! The colours really make the figures stand out! I don’t have much to say other than I love it! (Okay…maybe her hand is kind of awkward but still it is very cool!)

Cress

Cover: I really love the background. It is so high tech and the white/beige paneling next to the blue space sparkled with stars and the Earth in the background looks stunning. Now Cress….oh god. She looks not great, like I don’t like how she looks at all. I feel like her body is so disproportionate. Her arms…I mean look at them, they are so long, freakishly long. And her hair…not cute, it is just not cute. And the hair does not help the fact that her forehead looks kind of too big. I’m so disappointed in this cover to be very honest and it just makes me even more sad knowing that I love this character and this book! But the cover just does not do it any justice!

Inside: So Cress looks so much better. Her forehead is less…just less. It looks like it is proportionate to her body. I love how she is posed and the lost and wonder-filled expression peaking through her wide eyes. Now Thorne…I mean, I’m happy he’s at least there…but this is a no for me, unfortunately. It’s the chin and the hands. The chin is like all scrunched up and angry looking whereas I was kind of hoping for a trademark smirk. He looks almost a little too serious and not like my charming Captain. His hands are way too big XD I mean I get that they are supposed to appear bigger because they are in the foreground, but they are a bit too big. The rest of the body though…truly great 😉

Winter

 

Cover: Oh I love it. The purple and white is incredible! The animals!!!! RYU!!!!!! This is great symbolism people! Winter herself, looks quite fabulous although again her neck looks quite exaggerated, but it might just be the angle it is at. I love her dress, 10/10 I would try it on if I could! I think this cover ties in really well with Cinder considering the colour scheme and it is a perfect way to tie up the series!

Inside: First of all, I love this scene. It is one of my favourite dramatic moments of Winter and I love how it was staged. Winter looks FABULOUS, once again and she looks like she is really enjoying that kiss. Jacin looks INTENSE. The way he is looming over her and the hand on her waist contrasted against the one holding the ladder, soft vs. hard, it is really beautiful. I can’t say I like long hair on a guy, I don’t, but hey it works for Jacin!

---

Overall, I do really like the new covers and I am 100% tempted to buy them even though I know I shouldn’t. I mean I already own the series in paperback and I would never dare replace them for something else! Perhaps if I find them for cheap one day I might purchase them used, who knows!?

I would love to hear your thoughts on these new covers? Did you like them? Love them? or were they so-so? Or god-awful? Can’t wait to read all your thoughts!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Lunar Chronicles Character Art Reveal!

Greetings readers!

The time has come to do another fanart character reveal that I created for my favourite YA series ever!

Last time, I showed off my first piece of Cinder! You can check out that post here. And since Cinder was #1 it only makes sense that the second half of the glorious OTP be fulfilled next! Yep! Today it is all about Prince Kaito of the Eastern Common Wealth a.k.a Sassmaster KAI!!!

*lots of cheering, especially from Peony!*

Let me tell you about drawing Kai. So Cinder was done really fast. I found some great reference pictures that I wanted to use. Then came Kai and I also had a bunch of reference pictures that I wanted to use.

So I drew Kai. AND THEN I ERASED IT SO FAST BECAUSE IT WAS HORRIBLE.

Then I drew Kai again. AND I ERASED IT AGAIN, BECAUSE OMG I AM NOT DOING MY SASSY PRINCE ANY JUSTICE.

Then I drew Kai for a third time. I changed the style of his hair, the shape of his nose, his jaw line. Basically everything. And then I did the worst thing possible and outlined in black! #mistake.

So I fixed and tweaked. And fixed and tweaked. And fixed and tweaked some more…to finally be satisfied with a final product. I still think that I could have done a way better job…I might retry these characters when I’m older and have honed better proportion skills. But I am happy with it!

So without further ado…..Kai!

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*My crummy camera skills are clearly not helping, but the weather has been so gloomy so it is hard to get enough natural light*

Ahhh! There he is. Don’t ask me where I was going with the clothes. I honestly can’t remember, so I just coloured it in red! XD I tried guys. I am happy with it, though one day I will revisit drawing these characters and do a much BETTER job of my favourite sassy prince!

Let me know what you think! Do you think Kai looks decent(ish)? What character reveal are you looking forward to most? Have you ever dabbled in any fanart?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Lunar Chronicles Character Art Reveal!

Greetings readers!

A while ago, I promised to show off some of my TLC fan art as a treat and today is reveal day!!

I have been working on these character portraits for almost a year now and it has been so much fun! Don’t get me wrong I don’t work on them everyday…but when I can I add a little something something here and there. So today is the day, finally. After a final count of votes three characters were tied, so I ended choosing one randomly by picking out of a hat!

And the winner is…..

*

*

*

*

*

Linh Cinder

Cinder was the very first portrait that I drew, obviously! She was the first character of the series that I fell in love with (Kai being a quick second). I’m going to get a little deep here, mind you. Growing up (and today) I have been ridiculed for stating that Cinderella is my favourite Disney Princess. I have been told many times that Cindy’s story is just one that demeans a woman back down into the damsel in distress trope. Which is kind of true, until you dissect her story and realize that living with an abusive family and continuing to be compassionate and kind takes a lot of humility and courage. No, she doesn’t wield a sword. No, she doesn’t defeat the Huns. No, she doesn’t have a sassy attitude. Yeah, she waits for mice to come to her rescue. Yeah, she marries a guy she met on one night. But this is Disney, after all! (What do you expect!)

So coming across this book many years ago, I thought “Cyborg Cinderella” and responded with a big fat NO. Thus, making the worst financial decision of my life by buying Ender’s Game. Anyways, a year later I would give Cinder a try and let me tell you, I went off. Just pure gush.

Not just a Cyborg Cinderella, but a Sassy Cyborg Cinderella Mechanic.

I was in love.

So in drawing her portrait I wanted to stay true to her features, which you can find listed on Marissa’s website:  A Guide to Lunar Chronicles Character Traits! I tried to do a full body drawing too…but my proportion skills need a lot of work. (It was very, very bad)

I wouldn’t say that she came out exactly like I wanted, but I am pretty damn proud of my work!

Without further ado…I present Linh Cinder

Eep! I hope you like it! And if you don’t…I’m sorry(???)

Let me know what you think! Do you draw fanart? Should I reveal the next TLC character sometime soon? (I guess I would just go in order from here!) Take your time to just gush about TLC, please!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Wires & Nerve Vol 2: Gone Rogue | Review

Greetings readers!

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.

---

---

Buy It!

Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Amazon

---

---

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!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

 

Holiday Goals! |A Reading List & A Sneak Peek At Something *Special*

Greetings readers!

I really found no point in doing a November Wrap-Up, since I literally crossed nothing off that list and to do a December TBR was also really pointless since the month is almost over….so I created a HOLIDAY TBR! Which is a mash-up of December and January goals!

Who knows if I will actually achieve them…but I am really hoping to do a lot of reading and blogging these next two weeks!

Let’s Get Into It!

Holiday TBR

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

This one is obvious. I have been waiting to pick it up since it came to my door step, but I set it aside so I could really enjoy it! I know there have been some mixed reviews around it, but I’m keeping the most open mind as possible. This is, after all, a book by my Queen.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

A) I haven’t read it and I have had it since AUGUST! B) Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu comes out this January and even though I don’t need to read WW:W before I read this, I am a stickler for reading things in order!

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

I have had this book for too long to not pick it up…..so I really need to get to it!

Last Star Burning by Caitlin Sangster

It’s a signed ARC that I won in a Haiku contest which really had nothing to do with the book, but the synopsis sounds really cool so I want to read it. Plus the cover is winter-y and it’s winter…so it’s fitting.

The ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas

I’m really not in the mood to read SJM, but I should. It’s not mandatory on my list, perhaps just the first book to simply get it out of the way….because those other books take priority!

I also have some review books that I need to get through that I am super excited for!!!!

Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking

This is the first Blog Tour I will be participating in! I’m very excited. The book sounds incredible and I hope I really enjoy it! You can catch my post on January 3rd so be sure to watch this space!!!

S.T.A.G.S by M.A. Bennett

via Goodreads 

This sounds incredibly intense and suspenseful and I am all for this!!!!!!

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

via Goodreads 

Hocus Pocus meets Practical Magic meets the Salem Witch trials.
Y.E.S. I. A.M. R.E.A.D.Y. F.O.R. T.H.I.S.  I am so lucky I got my hands on an ARC, I have high hopes for this! High hopes!!

Captain Guinevere by Clara Bennet

via Goodreads 

I have also had a hold of this one for a while. It sounds very cool, it’s short and I cannot wait to read it!

Some Other Holiday Things….

I have been up to some stuff since the summer! Some artsy stuff. That has to do with my favourite fandoms. Like The Lunar Chronicles and The Beautiful Ones. I also have some plans for Six of Crows, Tower of Dawn, The Winner’s Trilogy and An Ember in the Ashes!

I have already started some TLC and Beautiful Ones work done! I cannot wait too show you the finished products. But for now he is a little teaser….

 

Can you guess who???

And here is one for The Beautiful Ones

Eeeekk! I’m excited!

Hopefully I get a few done in these next two weeks to show them off!!

Let me know what you think? What do you have planned for this Holiday season? Any special reads? Have you ever done some special for your favourite fandoms? 

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

A Moment of Fangirling: Winter

Greetings readers!

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 Cinder and 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.

Winter.

*Did you miss my fangirling on Cinder Or Scarlet Or Cress? Fear not for just click on this: A Moment of Fangirling: Cinder or A Moment of Fangirling: Scarlet or A Moment of Fangirling: Cress*

Where do I begin!

Winter.

Winter. 

Winter. 

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.

― Marissa Meyer, Winter

JACINTER

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?

FREAK OUT! I’M READY FOR YOU!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

*Disclaimer: All Gifs via Giphy.com*

August Wrap Up & September TBR

Greetings readers!

August. What. A. Month.

I cannot even correctly recall the beginning of the month! It seems as if the end of July and beginning of August just fused together! So many things were going on, that before I realized it, it was mid-August.

Yikes!

I told myself this month was going to be full of awesome reading and slow on the book buying.

via giphy.com

Yeah…that sooooooo did not happen! At all. I was supposed to be saving up for September because we all know that September is going to be huge with the releases. Thus, needing to save my money. But no. I didn’t do that at all.

Wrap Up

Reading this month was okay, nothing really stood out to me. I had a couple okay reads, so I feel like it could have gone much better.

I’m Not Your Manic Pixie Dream Girl by Gretchen McNeil
This was a very cute contemporary read! Full of formulas and romance! My Mini Review

Bridges: A Daphne White Novel by Maria Murnane
This was the first Women’s Fiction book I’ve read in a while and it turned out to be a very sweet and happy read! My Full Review

The Reader by Traci Chee
A fun fantasy read that I’ve been meaning to get to for a while! 3.75 / 5 Stars

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
This was a really fun and fast sci-fi read! I really enjoyed it! 4 / 5 Stars

House of Ash by Hope Cook
This was a very intriguing read, plus it’s Candian YA! Woot! Woot! My Full Review

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This is a super duper popular Adult Fantasy novel that I wanted to try and while I really enjoyed it, I also found it to be very slow! 4 / 5 Stars

Black Birds of the Gallows by Meg Kassel
This was a big anticipated read of mine, however it turned out to be okay rather than mind-blowing amazing! Still it was very fun! My Full Review

Winter by Marissa Meyer
This was a reread and I loved it (obviously!) My fangirling post for this will be up soon hopefully! But let’s just say I might have gotten choked up…..just a little bit. All the stars!

Fairest by Marissa Meyer
I decided to reread it despite how many feels and moments of second hand embarrassment I went through! Levana is one crazy witch! (Should I do a post for this too? The answer is yes!)

The Bride of Glass by Candace Robinson
This was the sequel to Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault which I read a while ago. I really enjoyed this one, though not as much as the first I believe! My Full Review

10 Books! I think that is pretty awesome!

 

Fun Posts of the Month! 

The Princess Bride Book Tag (A whole lot of TLC answers…)
Unique Blogger Award Pt 2
My Hierarchy of Fictional Love Interests (I had so much fun writing this!)
The Happiness Tag 

I had a lot of TLC related content on my blog this month. I beg of thee, fellow Lunartics to go check them out! 

A Moment of Fangirling: Scarlet 
A Moment of Fangirling: Cress (The book of my life!!)

I entered the #WinRenegades Bookstagram challenge hosted by Queen Meyer. I didn’t win, but I had a whole lot of fun entering! And since I was in the midst of my TLC Reread, all the books were at hand!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rendz (@readingwithrendz)

---

The Haul…

Lordy, lord. I spent too much money this month! By now everyone should know how big September is going to be in terms of new releases. Basically a whole bunch of magical and super intriguing reads are headed our way. Some of these books I have been anticipating for months on end! So my plan was to save! Save money!!! But the heart wants what the heart wants and my heart wanted books this August.

This month I bought:

Book Outlet:
The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye (Because I had to own it!)
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff (Because I never hear the end of its epicness)
Windwitch by Susan Dennard (Merry Christmas, Maz)

BMV (Cheap bookstore)
Ivory & Bone by Julie Eshabugh (Because it was there and I was like “gimmegimme”)
Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers (By recommendation of Mandy @BookPrincessReviews)

Chapters Indigo (Not cheap, but my home-away-from-home bookstore)
Wonder Woman: Warbringer  by Leigh Bardugo (Because I needed that pull-out poster!)

 

And then I got super lucky and won two ARCs!

Warcross by Marie Lu (My first Goodreads giveaway I entered and won!! Plus it’s by my Idol!!!)
Last Star Burning by Caitlin Sangster (I actually won this through a twitter giveaway. The object was to write a Haiku and the best one won! *Thank you to all my twitter peeps who voted for me….I love you!)

 

The LAST day in time
When that STAR shines too brightly
The BURNING world dies#LSBhaiku
—
Geez, I might have gone to dark 😂😂 https://t.co/Z92MWZEXMs

— Rendz is on hiatus (@RwRendz) July 31, 2017

My winning Haiku!

And a NetGalley Haul! 

Black Birds of the Gallows by Meg Kassel
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
All the Wind in the World by Samantha Mabry (My first granted wish!)
Colorless by Rita Stradling

So yeah….A lot of hauled books this month! All the more to read!

---

On to more pressing matters. My TBR. September, unfortunately means the start of school, which unfortunately means these large reading wrap ups start to dwindle in numbers. It also means I’m slower to post and write so I’m trying to get as much as I can done before school begins (tomorrow for me)!

Did I reach my summer goal, absolutely not. I didn’t read Truthwitch (sorry Maz) or ACOTAR (sorry everyone else) but I’ll get to them……eventually.

Not this month though. THIS MONTH I HAVE PLANS!

This month I plan on reading:

Poison’s Kiss  by Breanna Shields (Buddy read with Mandy @ Book Princess Reviews)✅
Warcoss by Marie Lu (in progress)
Colorless by Rita Stradling (in progress)
Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
Scion of the Fox by S.M. Beiko
Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (Library book, so my time is limited)
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas (Chaol boo, I’m coming for you!)

 

I’m not going to set myself up for anything higher, but if I’m lucky enough and the school year starts off slow (unlikely), I hope to squeeze in Last Star Burning, Wonder Woman: Warbringer and All the Wind in the World…..all very unlikely!

---

I also may have a little secret project going on……it might have something to do with fanart….it might have something to do with the Lunar Chronicles…….😉😉

It’s nowhere near finished but…maybe I’ll share a little taste with you sometime….!

Let me know what you guys think! What was your favourite read from August? What was your favourite buy from August? What release are you most looking forward to in this September of Releases? Can’t wait to see your thoughts!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

A Moment of Fangirling: Cress

Greetings readers!

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 Cinder and 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………

Cress. Ladies and gentlemen, CRESS!!!!!!!!!!!

*Did you miss my fangirling on Cinder Or Scarlet? Fear not for just click on this: A Moment of Fangirling: Cinder or A Moment of Fangirling: Scarlet*

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN??

OH CRESS!

CRESS!

CRESS!

CRESS!

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 😉

Okay, okay….Here we are, the moment of truth…….

C A R S W E L L    T H O R N E 

“Seeing that smile, Cress melted. Every. Time.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

*Me too, Cress. Me. Too.*

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.”

A beat. Then, “A cheetah?”

“It was the first big cat that came to mind.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

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

A LITTLE BIT OF WOLFLET *FLAILS*

“She’s my alpha”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

Now how about a little Kaider:

“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