Review: Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Series: The Lunar Chronicles

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Genre: Fairy Tale | Sci-Fi

Date of Publication: January 27, 2015

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis: 

Pure evil has a name, hides behind a mask of deceit, and uses her "glamour" to gain power. But who is Queen Levana? Long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress in The Lunar Chronicles, Levana lived a very different story--a story that has never been told...until now. 

New York Times--bestselling author Marissa Meyer reveals the story behind her fascinating villain in Fairest, an unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes a special full-color image of Levana's castle and an excerpt from Winter, the exciting conclusion to The Lunar Chronicles.

Review: 

As if we didn't know before... 

Queen Levana is CRAZY!

At first I had a pinch of sympathy for the unloved, verbally abused young Levana, but then she unleashed a whole bundle of psycho and I changed my mind. Watching Levana become consumed by her own manipulation added such depth to the villain's character. 

In Fairest, we find that Levana's parents have been killed and she must now bare the brunt of her sister's abuse alone. After seeing how horribly her family treated each other and their subjects, it is no surprise that Levana grew up to become a deceitful, selfish, manipulative witch determined to let nothing stand in the way of her gaining power. 

With every book Marissa Meyer releases, I become more and more impressed with her story telling ability and her unique writing style. She has become one of my favorite authors. I am anxiously looking forward to finishing Winter, the final book in The Lunar Chronicles series. 

Amazon | Twitter | Author | Goodreads

The Lunar Chronicles Series:

Cinder (January 2012)

Scarlet (February 2013)

Cress (February 2014)

Fairest: Levana's Story (February 2015)

Winter (Coming November 2015)

Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Series: The Lunar Chronicles (Book 3)

Hardcover: 560 pages

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Genre: Fairy Tale | Sci-Fi

Date of Publication: February 4, 2014

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis:

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

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

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

Review:

I could not put this one down. Cress blew Cinder and Scarlet out the water. It was fast paced and kept me on my toes. Though I am usually able to predict what is going to happen, I was pleasantly surprised at how many times I was proven wrong. I love it when an author can surprise me with plot twists. 

I was crushed for Wolf when the team was separated and they lost Scarlet. We was truly a sad puppy without his mate. 

Cress joins the narrative and is able to give us insight on Levana's mission. Her naivete is endearing and she is adorable. When Cress first meets Thorne, she is so in love with the idea of him from seeing him on her netscreen, that she ignores his flaws. This builds and builds as they have to work together to survive. There is heartbreak, jealousy, and insecurity. Haven't we all been there? (Apart from having to cross a desert at risk of death.)

By the end, I had experienced an emotional roller coaster and I was metaphorically out of breath. I can't wait to pick up Fairest and finish the series with Winter. The Lunar Chronicles series is by far one of my absolute favorites.

Nook | Kindle | Twitter | Author | Goodreads

The Lunar Chronicles Series:

Cinder (January 2012)

Scarlet (February 2013)

Cress (February 2014)

Fairest: Levana's Story (February 2015)

Winter (Coming November 2015)

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection (Book 2)

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Date of Publication: April 23, 2013

Synopsis:

The selection began with 35 girls. Now, with the group narrowed down to the Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's love is fiercer than ever. The closer America gets to the crown, the more she struggles to figure out where her heart truly lies. Each moment she spends with Maxon is like a fairy tale, filled with breathless, glittering romance. But whenever she sees her first love, Aspen, standing guard, she's swept up in a longing for the life they'd planned to share.

America is desperate for more time. But while she's torn between her two futures, the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want--and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

Just when America is sure she's made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she's struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Review:

Why did Maxon have to go and ruin it?

If you read my review of The Selection, you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in the Selection series. Maxon was sweet and naive and head over heels for America.

Well think again, because every aspect of The Bachelor TV show that I despise showed up in The Elite. I'm disappointed in both America and Maxon. America was upfront with Maxon at the beginning of the series in letting him know that she had feelings for someone else. I commend her for that. But Maxon grows impatient and starts flirting with all the other girls, while still claiming to be in love with America. Even though America was stupid and let her past feelings for Aspen cloud her judgment, at least she was clear with Maxon on her feelings.

So why did Maxon run off to "make out" with the other girls? Because he's a douche bag, that why. He was such a jerk. I have read reviews of The One, but I have no desire to read the rest of the books in the series. I hate it when people cheat on each other in real life, so why would I enjoy reading about it? Not gonna happen. You don't tell someone you love them and then go be intimate with a bunch of other girls. 

LIES! 

In terms of the plot, there was some good development. I really like how America truly wants to help the people, not just show off for them. Cass has some great potential political discord going on that I enjoyed, but I wished there had been a little bit more emphasis. I think it would have helped the story for the better. 

I feel conflicted. When Maxon explained his poor behavior, I could understand it. When America finally realizes how much she really cares for Maxon, I rolled my eyes and scoffed. In theory, I liked the development of the sub-plot, but I just kept getting distracted by how badly all the characters were acting. Ugh! Why can't you just be honest with each other and love each other and get married and live happily ever after? I understand the need for drama to draw the reader in, but this was ridiculous.

I'm giving The Elite 3 out of 5 owls simply because I saw so much potential. The reviews I read confirm that Maxon and America get together in the end, but I'm too mad at the both of them to want to finish the series. My friend who finished the series loves it, so you should at least give it a read. The situation didn't suit my tastes, but there was nothing at all wrong with the writing style.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



Links:

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Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection (Book 1)

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Date of Publication: April 24, 2012

Synopsis:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review:

I picked this book up because of the cover. It's gorgeous! I'm a sucker for a great cover, and this one takes the cake. In fact, every cover in this series is beautiful. It was also the super pretty, super girly cover that made me put it back on the shelf. I have learned over the years that you can usually judge a book by it's cover. This one made me hesitate. Some time later, I came back to this book because of my friend. She highly recommended it, and, being the trusting friend that I am, I read it.

And liked it.

I will be the first to say that I hate The Bachelor TV show with the passion of a thousand burning suns. I hate The Bachelorette even more. So, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Maybe it was the fact that it was no secret that these girls wanted Maxon for money, power, and social status. And don't forget the food. I loved the jealous back biting and the vindictive character of some of the girls. I was charmed at how some of the girls became very close friends.

I felt bad for the handsome prince who was so overwhelmed by suddenly having so many beautiful girls all vying for his affection (did you catch my sarcasm?) when he had never been around women before. I was happy when America suggested that they be friends. What a mature decision! How about marry a friend that you will like for life, and not some fake plastic Barbie with horns and a pitchfork? I loved it. I knew, of course, that they would fall in love. Maxon makes it obvious. He became so endearing with how he sought America out and made sure that she knew where he stood in regards to her.

The only down side--which I knew based on the summary there would be one--is the love triangle. I guess I've just gotten bored with them. Why can't we just have two people who fall in love, and the speed bumps that try to separate them aren't other lovers? Wishful thinking.

This series has great potential, so I'm giving it a 4 out of 5. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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Book Trailer:

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Synopsis:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Review:

Oh my goodness, why did it take me so long to read this book?! Apparently I've been really into science fiction sub-genres lately. Maybe I just have a thing for reading about dystopian societies. Whatever the case, I couldn't put Divergent down. I was thrilled with Tris as the heroine. She was grew to become strong, yet she was always very aware of her weaknesses. It was her determination and perseverance that made her endearing. I also appreciated that she didn't rush into a relationship and she didn't fall in love quickly. For a fictional relationship, Tris and Four fell in love in a more realistic way. They have made my favorite couples list.

The structure of the government and factions is still a little foggy to me, but I expect I will understand more once I read Insurgence. The only complaint I have is the timing of the event that I can't name because it would be a total spoiler. There were some timing issues that made the climax seem a little rushed.

Despite that, the descriptions of the simulations were beautifully horrific. Divergent is full of surprises that will keep you on your toes. I felt the full spectrum of emotions while reading it and the characters made their way into my heart with ease. I can't wait to read Insurgence.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Trailer:

This is a fan-made trailer for a movie, but it works for the book as well.

Review: Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer

Genre: Dystopian | Sci-Fi

Synopsis:

Miranda's disbelief turns to fear in a split second when an asteroid knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sun-room, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove. In her journal, Miranda records the events of each desperate day, while she and her family struggle to hold on to their most priceless resource--hope. 

Review:

I LOVED this novel.

As the protagonist of the novel, Miranda grew slowly and realistically as the conditions of the world around her changed and she had to take on the responsibility of taking care of her family.

This novel will shock and scare you. It will make you take a step back and evaluate yourself. Are you prepared to face such a disaster as the conditions of the earth changing so much that there is no more electricity, more more food, and contaminated water? Disease spreads like the infamous Spanish Flu in history books and gang violence increases. Would you be able to keep your wits about you and survive? Would you want to live in a world where everything you have ever known is gone?

This novel, written in heart wrenching journal entries, will force you to consider the worst and reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses. For those who don't like feeling depressed while reading a book, there's a ending full of hope. There is a little bit of love, but I expect more in the sequels.

Read it. It's amazing.

Rating: 5 out of 5

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Trailer:

Review: The Game by Monica Hughes

Genre: Dystopian | Sci-Fi

Synopsis:

The Game is just the beginning...

It's the year 2154. Lisse and her friends have been deemed unemployable in the eyes of society. now they must scavenge the disintegrating city for food and shelter, just to make ends meet. 

But their dismal existence starts to look up when Lisse and her friends are invited to participate in The Game, an experience highly regarded in their society. The Game is a virtual reality experience where they are challenged to survive, But as they spend more time in The Game, the line between reality and fantasy starts to blur. What started as a simple exercise becomes a test of endurance, trust, and their will to live. 

Review:

The first time I tried to read this book I only got about a quarter of the way through. Every so often I would try to pick it up again, only to lose interest. On my way down to Florida recently, I decided to give it another chance. I started over and read it straight through.

I was delightfully surprised. While it wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be, The Game has a very interesting concept in terms of choosing people to start a new life on another planet. I know that is a huge spoiler, but this is a science fiction novel so be prepared.

The novel starts off with an overload of characters being thrown at the reader, and the plot is slow for several chapters. Call me crazy, but I tend to like books that have a swift moving plot. However, once Lisse (the protagonist) and her friends learn of the game, the plot picks up speed and gets interesting. The novel reminds me of Lowry's The Giver, but with less sophistication.

What I liked about The Game is the realistic way in which everyone acts and handles each other. Though the conversations are rather simple, Hughes emphasizes the difficulty the teens have at adapting to an environment completely different from everything they have known. Hughes did a wonderful job at creating the environments in the game. The problems within the government and society are realistic and we get enough of a glimpse to stay intrigued.

Overall, the third time around I enjoyed The Game. I would suggest it to Science Fiction lovers. At least give it a chance.

Rating: 3 out of 5

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