Review Wednesday: Cinderella's Shoes by Shonna Slayton

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ CINDERELLA'S DRESS. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Cinderella's Dress by clicking on the link: Review: Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton

Title: Cinderella's Shoes (Cinderella's Dress #2)

Author: Shonna Slayton

1st Date of Publication: October 6, 2015

ISBN: 9781633751231

# of Pages: 400

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description: 
The war may be over, but Kate Allen’s life is still in upheaval. Not only has she discovered that Cinderella was real, but now she's been made Keeper of the Wardrobe, her sole responsibility to protect Cinderella’s magical dresses from the greed of the evil stepsisters’ modern descendants.

But Cinderella’s dresses are just the beginning. It turns out that the priceless glass slippers might actually exist, too, and they could hold the power to reunite lost loved ones like her father—missing in action since World War II ended. As Kate and her boyfriend, Johnny, embark on an adventure from New York to Italy and Poland in search of the mysterious slippers, they will be tested in ways they never imagined.

Because when you harness Cinderella's magic, danger and evil are sure to follow...

Setting: 1942 (Post-WWII), New York, Italy, and Poland

Point of View:  3rd Person- Kate Allen

Goodreads Rating: 4.05

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The shoe is beautiful. Although shouldn't it be blue or clear like in the story.
View on Title: Cinderella's shoes are the main reason for the original plot so I wonder if there's something really special about them like the dress did in the first novel.

Pros:

• This novel seemed to have a little more mystery about it. In the first book, it was clear that the dress has magical powers, but in the second book, it wasn't clear whether Cinderella's shoes had special powers. There was also the mystery of whether Kate's father was really dead or not.
• This novel takes you further than just New York as Kate travels with the Princess and her granddaughter, Nessa, to Italy and eventually Poland.
• There is a lot more characterization in this novel.
• Johnny is pretty awesome as he seems to be extremely supportive of Kate and letting her do what she thinks is best. 
• The Princess's granddaughter, Nessa, is a girl who wants to understand her role and be more of an active part in Cinderella's dresses as she learns more about her role.
• When I was reading the first novel, I was wondering why the Cinderella's dress was handed to her aunt rather than her grandmother like what was supposed to happen. There is a reason for it.

Cons:

• The only issue had was that there wasn't really enough action in it. There could have been a little more action than there was in the book.

Shonna Slayton's Website:

http://shonnaslayton.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki
Between the Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek

Review Wednesday: The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

Title: The Shadow Queen (Ravenspire #1)

Author: C.J. Redwine
1st Date of Publication: February 16, 2016

ISBN: 9780062360243
# of Pages: 387

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic. She’ll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen.

In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol’s father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman…and bring her Lorelai’s heart.

But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn’t going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose.

Setting: Fictional world of several kingdoms
Point of View: 3rd person- Lorelai Diederich, Kolvanismir Arsenyevnek, and Irina

Goodreads Rating: 3.79

My Rating: 4.30

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The cover is very interesting in a disturbing way. Why is the apple black and dripping as if it is poisoned? It seemed like a Snow White allusion.
View on Title: Who is the "Shadow Queen?" Is it the heroine or is it the villain (who are obviously both females)?

Pros:

• This book was not a let down at all. I really liked the twist on Snow White and the of being a mardushka, in other words "witch." She has the ability to control anyone she touches and uses magic with, which is neat.
• The protagonists are great and I really enjoyed this despite not being a fan of third person point of view books. C.J. Redwine pulled off a difficult task.
• Lorelai's character is the semblance of Snow White but she is so much more than Snow White ever was. She has the power of magic but she is one with nature. 
• She can protect herself and has a great sense of responsibility. She is great with animals and even has a "pet" gyrfalcon which I wish I had one.
• Kol's character shows a lot of strength since he "accidentally" becomes the king of his land in Eldr, which are people who turn into dragons (So freaking cool!). He is given a great deal of responsibility that he was not signed up for and never planned on having to deal with the responsibility of a king, but he takes it on very humbly. 
• Irina is a mardushka like her niece, Lorelai, and is the evil queen who usurped the throne. But, her story is actually sad and you can sympathize with her character.
• The love story, which was bound to happen, was actually sweet and unusual in a good way. Plus, it wasn't completely predictable. The couple in this book are what you would say is the real book power couple in my opinion.
• The world inside the book is interesting because it is fictional and shows several kingdoms. In my version of the book, the map of all the kingdoms are drawn inside the cover.

Cons:

• I felt that the ending became rushed so quickly. I read one chapter where there was conflict and struggle and then all of a sudden it's the end of the book where the build up could have been better and a little more satisfying.

Critics' Reviews:
“Forget everything you think you know about Snow White. There are no shrinking violets here, just a bold and cunning princess determined to save a kingdom that’s rotting beneath dark magic…. A gripping addition to the retelling genre.” -Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles
“A perfect addition to the fractured fairy[tale] genre…the princess does not need any saving in this tale.” -VOYA
“Filled with complex characters, imaginative and horrible consequences, and sharp twists." -Booklist
“An action-packed retelling of “Snow White”...Great fun” -School Library Journal
“A fully imagined fairy tale landscape.” -Publishers Weekly

C.J. Redwine's Website:
http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

Other Recommendations:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Review Wednesday: Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton

Title: Cinderella's Dress (Cinderella's Dress #1)

Author: Shonna Slayton

1st Date of Publication: June 3, 2014

ISBN: 9781622663408

# of Pages: 322

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description: 
Being a teenager during World War II is tough. Finding out you're the next keeper of the real Cinderella's dress is even tougher.
Kate simply wants to create window displays at the department store where she's working, trying to help out with the war effort. But when long-lost relatives from Poland arrive with a steamer trunk they claim holds the Cinderella's dress, life gets complicated.

Now, with a father missing in action, her new sweetheart shipped off to boot camp, and her great aunt losing her wits, Kate has to unravel the mystery before it's too late.

After all, the descendants of the wicked stepsisters will stop at nothing to get what they think they deserve.

Setting: 1940s (WWII), New York

Point of View:  3rd Person- Kate Allen

Goodreads Rating: 3.61

My Rating: 4.0

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The dress on the cover is absolutely beautiful and so is the girl modeling with the dress. It is mesmerizing for me to look at.
View on Title: I love reading fairy tales, which was intriguing because it only concentrated on Cinderella's dress rather than her shoes which I believe is the most important part of the original story since it continues the plot line of the original tale.

Pros:

• I love how it is set in World War II era. Many of my favorite historical fiction books are written in this time period because there are so many aspects of society that can be shown. This one specifically shows a couple aspects of World War II
• The fashion world while rationing in efforts to support troops and the war effort. It truly shows how people appreciated the little they were able to have while trying to make things beautiful during a time of struggle.
• This also shows immigration of those oppressed during the war through Kate's great uncle and great aunt who ran away from Poland. The United States became a refuge for those who were oppressed by the Nazis and their followers.
• Some of the things teens did for fun or dates are shown through going out to get shakes and trying to do little things to impress each other but in a 1940s way.
• The concept of "Keeper of the Wardrobe" was interesting because it is a royal duty given to a servant girl who knew and loved the real Cinderella who is Polish and has a complicated name that starts with a "K." The duty is handed down to each generation but it's a dangerous task because the step sisters' descendants come with a vengeance for the dress themselves.
• Kate Allen's character is an excellent way to show a young woman who is fighting for her own rights while fighting for the country she loves.
• I also love that I got to see some of the Polish culture and language that was most likely used during that time.

Cons:

• The only thing that bothered me was that I wanted more from certain characters. I felt that it concentrated so much on Kate Allen rather than some of the other characters such as Johnny Day, her brother Floyd, and her mother.

Shonna Slayton's Website:

http://shonnaslayton.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki
Between the Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek

Review Wednesday: Sinful Cinderella by Anita Valle

Title: Sinful Cinderella (Dark Fairy Tale Queen #1)

Author: Anita Valle
1st Date of Publication: September 15, 2015 

ISBN: 9781518811968
# of Pages: 156

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
And you thought the stepsisters were wicked....

I'm not who they think I am. A docile girl who meekly obeys her stepmother and stepsisters. Some kind of sick angel who cheerfully bears their mistreatment. That's what I WANT them to think. Because then they won't suspect what I'm really up to.

The ball, the prince - it's all part of my plan to come out on top. Stepmother and her demented daughters will pay for every floor I have scoured, every sneer I have borne. They don't know about the white magic, how I use it to enhance myself. They can't see that my heart is black as midnight, rotten as a poisoned apple.

They're about to find out.

Setting: Fictional kingdom
Point of View: 1st person- Cinderella

Goodreads Rating: 3.63

My Rating: 3.50

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Cinderella looks absolutely beautiful in a devious dark way. The black dress and the sharp jagged crown fit her dark presence.
View on Title: I really was intrigued by the title since it has some alliteration, specifically consonance, with the "s" sound. Why is Cinderella sinful anyway? What does she do?

Pros:

• I liked the twist with Cinderella's character. She's a bad girl and only seems like a good girl for her own benefit.
• I found it funny how Cinderella calls her fairy Godmother "Godnutter" which I have always perceived as a little crazy.
• In this book, nothing is what it seems, which makes the reader want to read more.
• This book obviously foreshadows Snow White, which I thought was very creative and makes me want to continue reading these novellas.
• The ending was perfect in my opinion. I will not give any spoilers, but the concept of "what goes around, comes around" is at play. Nothing truly goes unpunished.

Cons:

• I know this book is a novella, but I felt that it was really rushed and was too short for the story. It made me feel a little frustrated because I felt more could have been done with the plot.
• Because the book was short, it lacked character development for all characters, even Cinderella herself.
• I felt that Cinderella hearing about her mom was a crucial part of the book and it was barely touched upon. This could have become a large part of what could make the book feel fuller.

Anita Valle's Website:
http://www.anitavalleart.com/

Other Recommendations:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

Review Wednesday: Spindle by Shonna Slayton

Title: Spindle

Author: Shonna Slayton
1st Date of Publication: October 4, 2016

ISBN: 9781633754935
# of Pages: 400

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
In a world where fairies lurk and curses linger, love can bleed like the prick of a finger.

Briar Rose knows her life will never be a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she thought she had a future with has eyes for someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend, Henry Prince, is the only one in her corner…though with his endless flirty jokes, how can she ever take him seriously?

When a mysterious peddler offers her a “magic” spindle that could make her more money, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with the mysterious sleeping sickness—and Briar’s not immune.

If Briar wants to save the girls—and herself—she’ll have to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of a prince’s kiss.

Setting: Late 1800s (Industrial Revolution) in Northeastern United States
Point of View: 3rd person- "Briar" (Briarly Rose Jenny)

Goodreads Rating: 3.72

My Rating: 4.00

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This looks like it is magically through the shining lights, which really shows off the rose. I find it interesting how the main character is named after a specific kind of rose and this is the cover.
View on Title: Why a spindle? I know Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger with a spindle. Is the idea the same?

Pros:

• Similar to Cinderella's Dress by Slayton, this is less a retelling of Sleeping Beauty but a continuation of the story.
• This book kept me on my toes because I was constantly wondering who the evil fairy, Isodora, is. There was also the fact that no one is who they seem.
• Briar as a character is well rounded. She knows what she wants in life, which is to grow, but she can't abandon her family and must take care of them.
• I really enjoyed the good fairies. I thought that they were really fun but full of duty at the same time.

Cons:

• I felt that the Prince family name was a dead give away that they were related to Sleeping Beauty's prince. Even though the name was boring, I liked Henry's character for the most part.
• The only problem I had with Henry's character was that he seemed too perfect and head-over-heels for Briar Rose.
• I also had a problem with Briar Rose because she doesn't listen to what she is told and knows she shouldn't use the spindle but uses it anyway.

Shonna Slayton's Website:
http://shonnaslayton.com/

Other Recommendations:

Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

Anticipation Friday: Spindle by Shonna Slayton

Goodreads Description
Set during the Industrial Revolution, Sleeping Beauty's happily ever after isn't the end of the story...

In a world where fairies lurk and curses linger, love can bleed like the prick of a finger.

Briar Rose knows her life will never be a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she thought she had a future with has eyes for someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend, Henry Prince, is the only one in her corner…though with his endless flirty jokes, how can she ever take him seriously?

When a mysterious peddler offers her a “magic” spindle that could make her more money, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with the mysterious sleeping sickness—and Briar’s not immune.

If Briar wants to save the girls—and herself—she’ll have to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of a prince’s kiss.

Preorder on Amazon

Other info
Expected Date of Publication: October 4, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series: Stand-Alone
Genre: Historical Fiction

Why Am I Anticipating This Book?

• First off, it's historical fiction. I have not read any books written during America's Industrial Revolution, which should be a breath of fresh air. I'm not complaining and I really love World War II era books, but I'm just ready to read something different and more unique.
• I also love fairy tales and twists that could come to them. I have not read a twist on the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty yet so I am really excited about this one.
• I have read another work by this author and enjoyed it so I am sure I will enjoy this one just as much.
• The cover of the book looks interesting but beautiful which still continues to peak my interest

Review Wednesday: The Siren by Kiera Cass

Title: The Siren
Author: Kiera Cass

1st Date of Publication: January 26, 2016

ISBN: 9780062391995
# of Pages: 327

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Love is a risk worth taking.

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can’t resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again.

Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude…until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring, and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. And though she can’t talk to him, they soon forge a connection neither of them can deny…and Kahlen doesn’t want to.

Falling in love with a human breaks all the Ocean’s rules, and if the Ocean discovers Kahlen’s feelings, she’ll be forced to leave Akinli for good. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart.

Setting: 21st Century, All over the world near the oceans
Point of View: 1st person- Kahlen 

Goodreads Rating: 3.81

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The dress on the cover is beautiful and so is the girl in it even though you can't see the girl's face. I made me wonder why. Maybe it's because she is supposed to be unseen or is too beautiful and mesmerizing to look at.
View on Title:  Sirens are awesome mythical feminine creatures who have very beautiful voices that seduce people, specifically men, into the ocean where they drown. My assumption is that the protagonist is a siren.

Pros:

• This book is basically a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," which is good but not the best fairy tale retelling I've read.
• I love Greek mythology and this involves beautiful sea creatures who carry beautiful voices. The interesting part is that the sirens in this book not only have the ability to seduce men but also women to their deaths.
• I enjoy Kahlen's character. She is very defiant but for good reason and has to learn how to fight for what she wants in life.
• I really enjoyed that the setting was not in one specific place, which added a lot of diversity to the book and kept the reader on their toes.
• There is a character with my name in the book, which I never see so I got really excited that I discovered it.
• I loved how Aisling was the hidden rebel in all of this. She was able to try the Ocean that she left everything behind but actually managed to keep everything throughout the novel.
• There was a huge sisterhood sort of idea where the sirens helped each other get assimilated to each siren's new life. It's an aspect of young adult literature that is not seen very much.

Cons:

• I wasn't fond of the siren sentence since it is basically imprisonment for simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It does not seem so bad 
• The romance in the book seemed really cliche as Kahlen cannot live to be a siren since she has fallen for a human that she will not be able to see when her siren sentence is over.

Critics' Reviews:

“A twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ that romance fans will enjoy.” -School Library Journal
“An engrossing tale reminiscent of Shannon Hale’s Princess Academy and Ally Condie’s Matched. Fairy-tale lovers will lose themselves in America’s alternate reality and wish that the next glamorous sequel were waiting for them.” -School Library Journal

“A real page-turner. Romance, royalty, and revolution in a reality-show format serve Cass’ boldly rendered heroine well in her quest for justice and love.” -ALA Booklist
“Deliciously entertaining.” -Publishers Weekly

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Review Wednesday: Winter by Marissa Meyer

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ CINDER. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Cinder by clicking on the link: Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer


Title: Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4)

Author: Marissa Meyer
1st Date of Publication: November 10, 2015

ISBN: 9780312642983
# of Pages: 824

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13 (Death, Violence)

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

Point of View: 3rd person- Winter Hayle, Crescent "Cress" Moon Darnel, Scarlet Benoit, and Linh Cinder

Goodreads Rating: 4.51

My Rating: 4.85

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This is my least favorite cover of the series, but it is as predictable (that's a good thing in this case) as all the other book covers. This one is obviously about Snow White's retelling. I like how the theme of the red is continued through this cover using an apple.
View on Title: I thought the title is very clever because Snow White is a wintery sort of name so it made the most sense to rename her character wWnter.

Pros:

• I have to say Cress is my favorite book of the series, but Winter is the best written one in the series.
• I thought making Winter into a crazy Lunar princess that everyone adores was a good way to show how imperfect she is yet is still loved. It shows how Cinder can be loved as their future ruler if she wins. Plus, she is a great addition to the not-so-perfect perfect team.
• Scarlet's character shows how strong and resilient she is as she is imprisoned as basically an animal in a cage, but manages to become a huge part in Cinder's success. Her compassion for Wolf continues to astound me too.
• Cress expands her comfort zone as she is beside Carswell Thorne and learns how to fight for what's right outside of a computer screen. She becomes less naïve and obviously learns some street smarts as she keeps her expectations of love.
• Cinder becomes even stronger in this book and almost resilient throughout the book even though there were several events that she could have quit and accept defeat.
• The male counterpart characters get even better as the story continues
• Emperor Kai's development grows immensely. You could tell that he knows where his part in putting Cinder on the Lunar throne as the rightful queen. Plus, his love for Cinder is completely adorable.
• Carswell Thorne has become my favorite male counterpart. He learns from Cress's compassion and unfailing love which makes him a better man. He continues to be very protective of Cress and encourages her to be brave and fight. Who doesn't love a man like that?
• Ze'ev Kelsey, or Wolf, development changes very little like Cress. He continues being close to a zombie until he reunites with Scarlet (we all knew they would meet again). I just feel really bad for him since he has found purpose in life which got stripped away from him.
• Jacin Clay is definitely my least favorite male counterpart. I understand that he loves Winter and that he will do anything to protect her, but his best chance was always Cinder and he seemed to constantly just go against what Cinder was doing which caused more problems.

Cons:

• This book is a little slower than the other ones when it comes to the action, but once the action starts it pretty much does not stop.
• For some reason, I did not like Winter's character at all in this series nor Jacin, but that could be because I'm not really a fan of Snow White and never have unlike all the other characters and their stories. I'm just glad she wasn't perfect like the fairy tale.
• And where are her 7 dwarfs? I felt cheated that her little companions weren't "whistling while they work."

Critics' Reviews:

“In this final book in the Lunar Chronicles, the stepdaughter of the wicked Queen Levana joins Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress to defeat the Queen and restore Cinder―aka Selene―as the rightful ruler of Luna. Yes, it's another one of Meyer's very fractured fairy tales, in which she offers a new amalgam of Grimm's fairy tales, science fiction, violence, women's lib, and romance. Our Snow White stand-in, Winter, is beautiful in spite of facial scars, kind to all she encounters, mentally fragile, and in love with her lowly guard, Jacin . . . Meyer's series has sold well and achieved a degree of acclaim. This conclusion's cinder-block size should only drum up further interest.” ―Booklist

Marissa Meyer's Website:
http://www.marissameyer.com/

Other Recommendations:

Entwined by Heather Dixon
Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

Review Wednesday: Cress by Marissa Meyer

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ CINDER. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Cinder by clicking on the link: Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer


Title: Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3)

Author: Marissa Meyer
1st Date of Publication: February 4, 2014

ISBN: 9780312642976
# of Pages: 550

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13 (Death, Violence)

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:

Even in the future. there are damsels in distress...

In the third installment of the Lunar chronicles, Cress, having risked everything to warn Cinder of Queen Levana's evil plan, has a slight problem. She's been imprisoned on a satellite since childhood and has only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress a great hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress involving Cinder, Captain Thorne, Scarlet, and Wolf goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes as a high price. Meanwhile, 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.

Point of View: 3rd person- Crescent "Cress" Moon Darnel, Scarlet Benoit, and Linh Cinder

Goodreads Rating: 4.48

My Rating: 4.75

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Oooh this cover is so good! I immediately knew it was about a girl who has the retelling of Rapunzel, which is one of my favorite fairy tales,
View on Title: The script continues not to disappoint. Since Cinder was about a girl who is named Cinder and Scarlet is about a girl named Scarlet, the automatic assumption is that the girl is named Cress based on the title.

Pros:

• I liked this book even more than Scarlet, which is saying a lot since I almost never rate books as high as I did with this book.
• I love how Cress is a Lunar girl who is stuck in a satellite and pretty much hacks into computers. Who doesn't like a girl who has a way with computers? Plus, she is an excellent addition to the team since Cinder is a Lunar-cyborg-princess, Scarlet and Thorne as pilots, and Wolf as a Lunar-mutant-street fighter.
• I actually like how Cress is a little naive which shows that she is young and hasn't really had any exposure to others and real life. Plus, the whole deal with not knowing her parents and wondering who they are led to exciting but somewhat depressing discoveries.
• Cinder's character grows a little more which is obviously going to happen because the entire series truly revolves around her gaining control as the rightful heir of Luna. She finally has the proper motivation and gumption to fight for what she wants.
• Well, the next character, Princess Winter, is introduced but she seems to be insane.
• The male counterpart characters get even better as the story continues
• Emperor Kai doesn't get much development as he struggles with his decision in marrying Queen Levana and questions Cinder's motives and his feelings for her.
• Carswell Thorne is neck and neck as being my favorite male character. His character is finally more invested in as he has to depend on Cress from an enemy attack that really messes him up. I love his character development as you learn more of a "real" man as he stays patient with Cress and protects her.
• Ze'ev Kelsey, or Wolf, does not get developed as much in this installment, but that mostly because a lot of his character is based on Scarlet's presence. Scarlet is absent from the group from the same enemy attack that really hampers on Thorne's abilities and is almost nonexistent to the book, which kind of upsets me.
• Jacin Clay is introduced and I've had mixed feelings about him throughout the book. He is my least favorite male counterpart.

Cons:

• I was really confused at first with every little part involving Scarlet in this book. I felt that there should have been more involved with her. It seemed that the chapters dedicated to her were sloppy and confusing because that's pretty much the state she was in throughout the book.
• The allusion to Princess Winter seemed weird for me because, like I said before, I think she is a little crazy and caged. But, we'll see her in the next/final book.

Critics' Reviews:

“Meyer continues to show off her storytelling prowess, keeping readers engaged in a wide cast of characters while unfolding a layered plot that involves warring governments and a fast-spreading plague. The momentum Meyer built in the first two books continues to accelerate as the stakes grow higher for Cinder and her friends. The next installment cannot come fast enough.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Once again, Meyer offers up a science fiction fantasy page-turner that salutes women's intelligence and empowerment. . . . Old and new romances, unfinished story lines, and the prognostication of wartime horrors all pave the way for Meyer's much anticipated next installment, Winter, expected in 2015.” ―Booklist

Marissa Meyer's Website:
http://www.marissameyer.com/

Other Recommendations:

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis

Review Wednesday: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ CINDER. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Cinder by clicking on the link: Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2)

Author: Marissa Meyer
1st Date of Publication: February 5, 2013

ISBN: 9780312642969
# of Pages: 452

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13 (Death, Violence)

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Setting: France and New Beijing in Futuristic Earth
Point of View: 3rd person- Scarlet Benoit and Linh Cinder

Goodreads Rating: 4.31

My Rating: 4.50

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This cover is a little easier to figure out what fairy tale retelling this is; Little Red Riding Hood. I like how the cover still doesn't reveal a face but shows her scarlet-colored hair and her red hood running. It made me want to read the book. Why is the girl running? And, what is she running to or who is she running from?
View on Title: The script is yet again intriguing and beautiful. Since Cinder was about a girl who is named Cinder, I assumed immediately that the girl is named Scarlet based on the title.

Pros:

• I liked this book a lot more than the first, but I think that's because the Cinder had to set up a lot of information and kept you in the dark for reasons, which are eventually revealed in this book.
• Scarlet's rendition is different, but it makes the story unique. She's an ex-air force pilot/farmer's granddaughter who works for a restaurant. She desperately searches for her grandmother who has disappeared and she'll do anything to save her.
• I feel that Scarlet's character is much stronger than Cinder, but it could be that Scarlet is 18 and has more of an established identity while Cinder is 16 and figuring out who she really is.
• But not all is lost for Cinder, she begins to know more and more who she is. Unlike Scarlet's search, Cinder searches for her beginning and tries to make sense of how she became a cyborg while not remembering anything before 11 years old.
• The male counterpart characters get even better as the story continues
• Prince Kai becomes emperor in the middle of the first book. His character hasn't disappointed me yet. He is given the tough decision to marry Queen Levana because this marriage means life and death for the entire Earth.
• Carswell Thorne gets introduced at the end of Cinder when Cinder is put into jail. He is pretty cool despite being extremely flirtatious. He reminds me of the adorable guy that knows he's attractive but still can't get a girl. It makes him more lovable.
• Ze'ev Kelsey, or more commonly known as Wolf, is my favorite male character. He has a hidden secret and has to fight the power of doing what his leader tells him to do as he tries to help Scarlet in search of her Grandmére.

Cons:

• It was hard for me to nitpick this one, but I still would have appreciated the book if it was put in the first person. Again, the reason for that is the multiple main characters.
• I felt that there was not enough attention given to Emperor Kai because this series is just enough about him as it is about Cinder. I guess this could be because it is trying to focus more on the female characters rather than the male characters.
• I was a little confused about how Scarlet and Wolf get united with Cinder and Carswell Thorne. It was so sudden and disorienting between the two alternated chapters. I felt that the fight scene was the reason why the meeting became so sudden.

Critics' Reviews:

“The sci-fi elements are stronger than the fairy-tale allusions this time out, but the story remains just as absorbing. . . . Readers will be thrilled to discover that this steampunky fairy-tale/sci-fi mashup promises two more installments.” ―BCCB
“Returning fans of Meyer's Cinder will gladly sink their teeth into this ambitious, wholly satisfying sequel.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The author has stepped up the intrigue and plot from the first novel, and readers will be eagerly awaiting the next.” ―School Library Journal

Marissa Meyer's Website:
http://www.marissameyer.com/

Other Recommendations:

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger
Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

Review Wednesday: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1)

Author: Marissa Meyer
1st Date of Publication: January 3, 2012

ISBN: 9780312641894
# of Pages: 390

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13 (Death, Bullying)

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Setting: New Beijing in Futuristic Earth
Point of View: 3rd person- Linh Cinder

Goodreads Rating: 4.14

My Rating: 4.35

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Well, I have a thing for shoes but this heel is very classy-looking (and I have a pair just like it myself). The part that really peeked my interest was the metal bones, which made me think she was a cyborg.
View on Title: The script is pretty interesting and intricate. When I think of the word cinder, I think of dirt and dust such as the cinder from a fireplace. I figured it was about a Cinderella character.

Pros:

• First off, I think the cover and title together work perfectly to show what the main character is by name and what's she is made of.
• I think the characters are very well encapsulated in this fantasy rendition when comparing it to the original fairytale. Plus, cyborgs are cool and Cinder is a mechanic, a cyborg mechanic. Instead of talking to animals like the original tale, Cinder talks to androids and machines which makes the story more unique. Plus, she's funny. She's like a guy's dream girl, or at least I would think. She is the "man" to go to, which is funny because Prince Kai originally thinks Cinder is a male.
• For Cinder's family, I have specific feelings for each one and allows the characterization of Cinder to flourish. It stays true to the fairytale in family relationships for the most part....
• I love how Cinder's younger sister, Peony, likes Cinder to show that Cinder is not completely hated, which makes her a little more likeable. Plus, Peony gave Cinder the motivation to fend for herself.
• Cinder's stepmother, Adri, and older stepsister, Pearl, despise Cinder as the original tale goes. But, wow they are really cruel.
• Prince Kai is pretty awesome from the characterization. He does not seem too judgmental and he is willing to sacrifice his life for his country. That's the kind of leader that I wish the United States had.
• I think it's interesting how it's set in China in what they call New Beijing in the Eastern Commonwealth, which adds diversity to the literature world.
• There is a lot left hanging and hinted at when it continues to talk about Princess Selene and it constantly makes you want to read to the next book. (Good thing every book for the series has been published).

Cons:

• I so wish this was in first person. I was a little upset that it wasn't, but after I read more of the series a year ago I understood the reasoning behind the third person.
• I don't think Queen Levana is a con, but she is a villain and a really good one. She is hot and tries to hide her imperfections through a power that Lunars have that is called glammer. She reminds me of Regina George from Mean Girls for some reason.
• I wish there was more characterization of Prince Kaito because he seems to be a really decent and smart guy, but there is not much to base on.

Critics' Reviews:
“First in the Lunar Chronicles series, this futuristic twist on Cinderella retains just enough of the original that readers will enjoy spotting the subtle similarities. But debut author Meyer's brilliance is in sending the story into an entirely new, utterly thrilling dimension.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Fairy tales are becoming all the rage, with the TV shows Once Upon a Time and Grimm spinning them through a modern filter. The 26-year-old Meyer's debut novel Cinder, though, combines a classic folk tale with hints of The Terminator and Star Wars in the first book of The Lunar Chronicles young-adult series due out Jan. 3.” ―USAToday.com
“This series opener and debut offers a high coolness factor by rewriting Cinderella as a kickass mechanic in a plague-ridden future.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Marissa Meyer's Website:
http://www.marissameyer.com/

Other Recommendations:

Splintered by A.G. Howard
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis