The Lunar Chronicles is a fantastic series with an amazing storyline, characters, and writing, but you have to admit that there was a lot going on in all of the books. Not to mention the multiple unanswered questions piling up. So to officially wrap up the series once and for all, Marissa Meyer released an engaging, captivating, heartbreaking collection of short stories that tied up any and all loose ends. Thank god, because after Winter ended, I still needed more of these beloved characters! There are a total of nine stories included in this collection, one of them a completely separate story set in the same world, and one of them an epilogue describing the aftermath of the entire series. I'm going to review each of these stories separately, going in the order they were written.
The Keeper: 3.5 stars. An interesting look into how Michelle Benoit cared for Cinder before she became a cyborg, and how Cinder's and Scarlet's stories are intertwined. This one was okay, considering it was about a minor character who was less involved throughout the series, and it was fun to read and pick up on Scarlet's little cameos. However, I kind of wish we got to learn more about Logan Tanner and how he came in contact with Princess Selene. But overall, it was a great story.
Glitches: 4.5 stars. This one picks up immediately after The Keeper, and tells us how Cinder made her way to New Beijing, met Adri, Pearl, and Peony, and rebuilt Iko, simultaneously finding a knack in her crazy new world. It also tells us what happened to the mysterious Linh Garan, the inventor of the bioelectricity device, and Cinder's stepfather. It was really interesting to find out how Cinder ended up in New Beijing, and her reactions to meeting her new family for the first time. It was definitely strange reading about a Cinder who didn't exactly stand up for herself, and was weak, scared, and lonely. I was glad when Cinder first realized her talent for fixing objects, and to see a sign of the familiar Cinder. Peony was super kind from the beginning, and that makes her storyline even more sad. This was a really good story, with great, descriptive writing, and an intriguing backstory.
The Queen's Army: 4.5 stars. This short story was about Wolf (or Ze'ev), and the challenges he had to face when becoming a part of Levana's mutated wolf-soldier army. This was an especially intense story, and gives us the background I was searching for with Wolf. Since he isn't a very outgoing character, I feel like this is a very important addition to his story, and I can relate to him more now that I know more about him.
Carswell's Guide To Being Lucky: 5 stars. Thorne is one of my favorite characters in this series, mainly because he reminds me so much of Han Solo. And I also think that Han Solo would have a similar backstory. Of course Thorne's jokes and quips were awesome, but seeing and understanding his past and how it influenced his later personality was fun to read about. It was great making connections between his 13-year-old self and the man he was going to become, such as his type of girl. Those similarities were really what sold this for me, and I felt like I was reading about the same Thorne having adventures on the Rampion.
After Sunshine Passes By: 4 stars. Even the title makes me tear up a little bit. Cress's imprisonment on the satellite is heartbreaking, but knowing that she gets her happy ending in the end somehow made the whole ordeal worthwhile.
The Princess and the Guard: 4.5 stars. Now THIS is what I was hoping for in Stars Above. Winter and Jacin are probably the two main characters we know the least about, especially since Jacin is so internalized, and their backstory was desperately needed. This one was mostly based on the cruelty of Levana, and the relationship between Winter and Jacin. Non-hallucinating Winter is just as awesome as crazy Winter, and sort of reminded me of Cinder and Cress in certain ways. We also get to see a tremendous show of strength on Winter's part, when Levana forces her to carve up her own face, and she refuses to let even a tear fall during the event. And although it was horrifying, this somehow makes her craziness even more endearing.
The Little Android: 5 stars. This one got me the most. Even though it has no relation to the rest of the Lunar Chronicles, aside from a small cameo by Cinder, this is a very heartbreaking, tearjerking story that will definitely tug on your heartstrings. It's a retelling of the original Little Mermaid tale, and just like the original, this story has a very bittersweet ending. It chronicles the events that follow after an android falls in love with a human engineer, and rejects her original programming. This android reminded a lot of Iko, just a little quieter. It made me wonder if there a lot of independent androids in the Lunar Chronicles universe, but it mostly just made me tear up a lot.
The Mechanic: 4.5 stars. Not an extremely important story, but a pretty good one. This is the first meeting between Kai and Cinder told from Kai's perspective, and it is very lightweight. I know some readers aren't huge fans of reverse POV's stories, but it is a really interesting and insightful addition that sheds some light on Kai's early motivations and personality, and of course, why he fell for Cinder.
Something Old, Something New: 5 stars. An amazing, fun, detailed epilogue of the entire Lunar Chronicles. It tells the story of Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew reuniting on Scarlet's farm for an unforgettable event. (cough, WEDDING, cough.) This is once again told from Cinder's POV, and is a really neat way to wrap everything up, although it did serve as a reminder that this fantastic, wonderful series is finally over. However, it was the best conclusion an author could have written, given the circumstances.
Overall, this was a truly great, astounding short story collection that ties up all loose ends, and answers any questions a reader may have about the Lunar Chronicles. Each story was completely filled with action, adventure, emotional conflict, and descriptive, enticing writing. No one else could have done it better. Farewell, Lunar Chronicles.
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The book is best read after the main four (Cinder
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2016
Stars Above by Marissa Meyer is an anthology of short stories that relate to the Lunar Chronicles, a series of fairytale retellings that take place in the future, where people have lived on the moon, and a monarchy exists, and where there are cyborgs—part robot and human mixed together. The book is best read after the main four (Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter) have been finished. The stories are full of information that can spoil the great fun of the books.I was going to give a story-by-story review, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I almost feel as if it would take away the wonder the reader can feel as he or she enters into the book. I didn’t know what I would find, other than “The Little Android,” because Marissa Meyer discussed it at her book signing. Turning to each new story made my heart pound; I didn’t know what I would find.I was never once disappointed with a story. The whole book left me up late at night with tears in my eyes—yes, I said tears. I’m proud of my emotions! It was an insight into the lives of the incredible characters in the Lunar Chronicles, and it was done so well.Carswell Thorne is, and always has been, my absolute favorite character. He’s sort of the guy I’d want to be my best friend, even if he’s a really bad influence. It’s not like he’d want to be a friend with me in the first place…is that sad? Thorne shows up in the book multiple times, and every time I giggled like a little kid. Man, I love him. But not in that way.Marissa Meyer could be put on the same level as J.K. Rowling. I know that that’s a big allegation to make, but I can back it up! Meyer tells a story with dynamic, independent characters—no two characters are alike. She can write scenes with multiple characters and never let a character disappear from the conversation. Her dialogue is real. Her characters are believable, round, and wonderful. Marissa Meyer can write romance. Holy friggin’ crap can this woman write romance. I didn’t did not find myself wanting to gag myself with a spoon or defenestrate myself when reading romantic scenes.I sort of got sidetracked.Stars Above may not be the last book connected to the Lunar Chronicles—we’re getting graphic novels that follow Iko!—but it wraps up the books incredibly well. Guess what! I cried, because I was just so happy. Everyone, let it be known that I kicked my legs up in the air and squealed. It is just that good. Gosh…if you get the chance to read any of these books, please don’t pass it up. You won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2016
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M L Sparrow
Only just read the Lunar Chronicles but may have to go back and re-read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2017
M. Cox
but these aren't needed to enjoy or understand the plot any clearer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2018darthnaida
for me i was just glad to be reading about them again
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2016
