~Waiting on Wednesday~ Renegades

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Out:  11/7

From Goodreads:

                From #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer, comes a high-stakes world of adventure, passion, danger, and betrayal.

                Secret Identities.

                Extraordinary Powers.

                She wants vengeance.  He wants justice.

                The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies—humans with extraordinary abilities—who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned.  As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone…except the villains they once overthrew.

                Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance.  As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice—and in Nova.  But Nova’s allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

Why I’m Waiting:

                Marissa Meyer is an auto-buy author for me.  Plain and simple but this story sounds like something amazing with an adventure and justice vs revenge.  Love it!         

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Heartless

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Out: 11/8

From Goodreads:

                Long before she was the terror of Wonderland – the infamous Queen of Hearts – she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

                Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere.  A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections.  But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

                At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king’s marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker.  For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction.  At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

                Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms.  But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Why I’m Waiting:

                First it’s Marissa Meyer and a fairytale retelling, sold.  Second, I love the idea of her being a baker, maybe because I love baking, but it seems so different and I can’t think of many where the character is a baker.  Also who doesn’t love a good backstory on the Queen of Hearts? 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out!

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) The Final Book!

                Happy Friday readers!  So today I am so excited to have finished a book I've been listening to for a while and dying to know how it ends.  Only downside is when I'm not going on a trip my daily commute is like 10 minutes round trip which is great for sleeping in and MPG but not so great for banking audiobook time.  Also I apparently need some new headphones since the little buds never stay in my ears and other things I could do while listening always seem louder than my phone without them so….its a learning process.  Plus as much as I just wanted to read the end of the book I couldn't after listening so long I was attached to the way the it was narrated.  This book is the Winter by Marissa Meyer, the final book in The Lunar Chronicles.  Being the final book there will be spoilers through the first three books (Cinder, Scarlet, & Cress), duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                OMG can I just take a moment to say how much I completely adored this book!  Because I did!

                So we pick up where we left off in Cress.  Scarlet is held on Luna in a cage, a pet for Winter, our new POV and Levana's step daughter whom is a bit off her rocker.  Cinder and the rest of the crew are working out their plan to take her throne from Levana and end the war  Having last kidnapped Kai before his wedding, Captain Thorne healing from loss of sight and Wolf completely desperate to find Scarlet they have a lot of disadvantages in their way.  Jacin had previously been helping them but turned on them and now he is back on Lunar, back to where he needs to be by Winter's side.  Despite her marred face and her refusal to use a glamour she is still the most beautiful around and her childhood friend, Jacin, will do anything to keep her safe. 

                I liked getting the new perspective of Winter, each book I feel the new story line/POV has really added to the plot and I like Winter.  Her mental instability is clear and as she struggles with it you get a sense for her.  That she would let this happen to herself just by refusing to use her gift, by refusing to do what others Lunars do so easily and without thought or care really shows her strength.  Winter also has this eternal sweetness about her.  She is truly kind, not in trying to be good she simply is by default.  That translates throughout and her random little 'crazy talk' was enduring.  I also enjoyed the dynamic of her and Jacin and his protective instinct towards her.  He was a bit gruff and hard to trust in the previous book, with good reason, but he was doing what he did for a good reason. 

                 Winter pretty much takes all the awesome things from the previous books and combines that and then some in this stunning conclusion that just had me completely captivated.  So much was happening and so many different moving parts in the plan as well as with our characters.  I loved seeing the couples we've come to know and root for as they dealt with everything thrown at them.   I love all of the characters deeply and they only improve on it with each book but I think my favorites just for pure hilarity of some of their lines are Iko and Captain Thorne.  There is so much tension and even when he was the cause of the tension he was able to bring some levity in with his signature charm. 

                We also get to meet a bunch of new characters on Lunar.  This is the first time we get to really take place there, the majority of the story revolves in Luna.  This involves dealing with Lunars who have the gift and when most of your crew can be manipulated this only amps up the danger.  They take on impossible odds but even when they aren't together they are all working towards one main goal:  End Levana. 

                There were parts I cried in.  I squealed with excitement in others.  Gasped in shock.  Or even groaned loudly about some things that frustrated me.  Parts where so much was happening both action wise and intricate plot wise that I was ready to strangle the next person who interrupted me.  Seriously.  We also had more nods to the fairytales which rounded it all out.  Everything was so beautifully wrapped up and kept going until the last moment, I kept thinking there weren't nearly enough minutes of the audiobook or pages (as I kept following by chapters at the end) to do everything that needs to be done.  Still Meyer was able to do just that, keep me stuck in the world and still wrap things up in a fitting way.  I'm not saying I don't want more, because let's be honest I do.  I always want more but I am so happy.  I don't think anyone could be disappointed with this. 

                I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below on this wrap up or series as a whole.  It is for sure one of my favorite series of all times.  I think my favorite ship in this was Thorne and Cress, while I shipped all the pairs they edged ahead, probably because of Thorne and my crush on him but then again I adored Cress and her sweet naïve yet determined attitude, but yeah Thorne.  Tell me your favorite ship!  Or moment…or just tell me all the feels! 

               

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Out:  2/2

From Goodreads:

The enchantment continues….

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories – and secrets – that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic.  How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing?  How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer?  When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With six stories – two of which have never before been published – and an exclusive excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

Why I’m Waiting:

               The Lunar Chronicles novellas?  Yes please!  I haven’t read any of them yet because I’d rather them be in matching format (aka hardcover).  Plus the cover just released and it looks beautiful and much like the original series ones that makes me all happy J

Cress: The Lunar Chronicles Book 3

                Happy Monday!  I hope this is a short week for many of you and you have great plans for the holidays!  I so hope many of you have now seen Mockingjay Part 2 as well, I did a full review here.  I am thinking of seeing it again later today because I loved it so much!  But in the mean time I wanted to continue on with my review of The Lunar Chronicles and move onto book three, Cress. If you missed it I reviewed Cinder and Scarlet previously.  As usual there will be spoilers for the first two books in the series so be warned, go catch up and come back.

Rating: 5 Stars

                In Cress, the third book in the Lunar Chronicles, we continue on with our previous characters Cinder, Scarlet, Wolf, Captain Throne, Prince Kai and so on but we get introduced to a new lead as well.  Cress of course!  Cress is based around Rapunzel, though instead of being stuck in a tower she’s been imprisoned on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens to keep her company.  This has made her an excellent hacker and the groups best hope of staying ahead, though she just received orders from Queen Levana to hunt them down.  When her daring rescue goes badly the group is separated.  Cress is finally free of the satellite but it’s not without cost.  The group, split, but keep moving forward and though they didn’t volunteer keep trying to save the world while Queen Levana is bound and determined nothing will prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai and of course ruling over the world. 

                I just loved it.  We got more Captain Thorne, who if you didn’t read my review of Scarlet to know, whom I just adore.  Cress has a major crush on this handsome rogue as well which is written so beautifully, all sweet, cute, and innocent but still with something more as they get to know one another all the while Cress is learning how the world works in real life not just on the screens.  Cress has been through a lot but she is ready to help and dive right in I liked her from the start.  But even though we have them we also have plenty of the other gang is well with everyone working to their own ends as they are all fugitives.  Each character is going through some serious emotional and physical trials which add depth to everyone and the story at large. 

                 I really enjoyed watching the plot unfold and how things twined together.  There was lots of action happening, mystery, political power plays and spy like moves to keep you glued to the page.  Oh and some romance happening….when you’re heart isn’t breaking that is.  There is also plenty of comic relief throughout in the moments when you need it and my favorite ones are still from Thorne and Iko!  If I didn’t already love Throne (sorry Cress I might have to fight you for him) then a gift he gives would have totally won me over, even if he went about getting it a bit badly.  I do think one of my favorite parts of the series is how everyone is involved and no one is just stuck sitting on the side lines as the story moves along, everyone has a story and a purpose.  Which as you gain more characters of different temperaments and personalities it’s just bound to be interesting. 

                We also get a deeper look into Luna as a whole.  Not just as moon people who can use glamour but inside the castle.  We also get an introduction to Winter, the title character from the final book.  Things are getting serious and I have so many theories and sub plot lines running through my head trying to figure out how it will all play out and if I can prepare myself for any surprises.  I highly recommend this series to everyone it just gets better with each book. 

                That’s all I have to share with you as of now.  I look forward to getting into Winter and getting my full thoughts of it and the series as a complete whole soon.  I also wanted to take a moment and give a small update.  With this week being a holiday I hope you are all safe and happy.  I will be posting my usual Tuesday and Wednesday posts but I will not be posting anything on Thanksgiving Thursday as a heads up.  Still I wish you all the best and safest of holidays.

                Until next time…

The Lunar Chronicles Book 2 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

                Hello everyone!  I am super excited today because Mockingjay Pt. 2 comes out tonight, technically tomorrow is the release but almost every theatre is showing 'advanced night showings' for which I am thankful since I work tomorrow.  Yep a group of friends and myself will be going to see the movie and wrap up the series of book to movies.  I am beyond stoked, all the trailers and prep, I re-watched Pt. 1 last night (review here), and I am ready to go.  While I wait for the day to pass I wanted to focus on something else I love and that is The Lunar Chronicles.  I reviewed Cinder last week, here, and today I'd like to continue with book two Scarlet.  Spoilers ahead for those who haven't read Cinder yet get on it and come back.

Rating: 5 Stars

                In Scarlet we still have all the characters we loved from the first book but we get more characters that pull the story into another retelling of sorts all wrapped in the original.  I probably just sucked at explaining that but trust me it works.  Scarlet, if you haven't guessed, is Red Ridding Hood.  Cinder is still here of course, she's trying to break out of prison and make herself the most wanted fugitive in the world.  Still while Cinder works her magic and meets one of my favorite characters ever, Captain Thorne, halfway across the world Scarlet is trying to find her missing grandmother.  Turns out grandma had secrets.  In her search she meets a street fighter, Wolf, who may have the answers she needs but she doesn't trust the beast even if she is drawn to him as he seems to be to her.  Still as they work to recover her grandmother and unravel the secrets of the past they encounter more and more and meet Cinder.  Now all of them have to keep on their toes to stay ahead of Lunar Queen Levana and every guard in the Commonwealth while trying to stop Levana from forcing Prince Kai to become her husband and enslaving the world to Levana.

                There is a lot happening.  Seriously prison breaks, street fights, chases, mysteries, romance, and so much more.  I liked the way the new story with Scarlet was blended into Cinders story.  I liked the addition and he is pretty bad ass.  I like her.  I also really liked Wolf.  He was so awkward and cute at times it was just adorkable.  Plus he kept me on my toes with his…lets say complex nature.  But yes Scarlet keeps her head pretty much as she is suddenly faced with her whole life being changed and turned on end and that is always a sign of a badass heroine.  Cinder is her normal cyborg mechanic self we love from book one, if anything about her life is normal.  Really you just grow to love her more.  Oh and I still just adore Iko!  But yes back to another new character, Captain Thorne, oh I love that man.  To be he is a cross between Hook from Once Upon a Time and Captain Jack Sparrow!  The best of both and just sigh…his one liners and comments had me snorting with laughter as I read.

                There is constantly something happening, a new discovery and mystery to be revealed so there is not much down time.  I liked the continuation and learning more of what Lunar wanted and how both sides were working to achieve their own goals. I also enjoyed the emotional elements throughout the book as well and oh Prince Kai having a chance to see him dealing with Levana and see how torn he is between desire and duty to his people is on point.  Oh and Scarlet and her grandmother, made me tear up.

                I don't really have much else to say because I'm worried I'd ruin it.  Just know I LOVED this book and highly recommend it to everyone!  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the series through the first two books so leave them in the comments.  Did you see some things coming?  Who was your favorite character? I'd love to know.  

                Until next time…

The Lunar Chronicles Book 1 Cinder by Marissa Meyer!

                So I'm sure you all are well aware what came out Tuesday…well a few things came out but one of those beautiful books was Winter by Marissa Meyer.  The 823 page fourth and final book in TheLunar Chronicles.  I am caught up with the series and cannot wait to dive into the book.  I even read the novella featuring Queen Levana's story, Fairest, the other weekend.  So I am beyond ready to start this massive book.  I hope should all things in life work out to read this book rather quickly but I realized that I have yet to post reviews on the previous books and while that isn't necessary by any means I wanted to do them.  Plus writing them up from notes I made while reading will help further help get me in the groove for Winter!   So today I'll talk about book one in The Lunar Chronicles, Cinder.

Rating: 5 Stars

  

                First let us just appreciate the beautiful covers!  Plus they all match!  Technically Fairest is a bit off but spines all match!

                So in case you've lived under a rock and are unfamiliar Cinder is a sci-fi, fantasy, fairytale retelling.  Each book has a new main female character added but they all play into the main character of the series (that's what I'm going with) Cinder.  Oh and there are people, ruthless really, who live on the moon that have these creepy 'gifts' aka powers to glamour themselves and also some have the power of mind control, which is freaky!  Well with Queen Levana it is anyways!  Cinder is a gifted mechanic  and also a cyborg, that's part human and part machine.  Making her a second-class citizen in the plagued world living in New Beijing.  Her mother hates her and when one of her step sisters becomes ill with the plague she is blamed.  Throw in her run-ins with the handsome Prince Kai and Cinder is in the middle of a huge mess.  She is stuck trying to figure out her heart, her past and what it all means and choose between duty, freedom, and loyalty.  Somehow the fate of the world rests on her shoulders. 

                 Sounds awesome right?  It is.  I loved this book.  I was drawn in from the start and I couldn't believe it took me so long to start the series.  Grant it I was happy to have three books ready for me without waiting but WOW waiting for Winter has been killer.  Bright side if you haven't started the series yet…you can read all the way through now! 

                Seriously though I loved this series.  Cinder was so much fun to read about.  It was very familiar in the Cinderella aspect but at the same time so much is different, like she's a cyborg.  Yeah that is totally a thing.  Oh and the plague killing tons of people.  The Lunars, the ruthless moon people I mentioned above, are lead by Queen Levana who is a total piece of work.  She is vindictive and power drunk.  She plays sweet and innocent but it's clear by her actions she is nothing of the sort.  Back to Cinder, she is a mechanic and a damn good one at that.  Her life has never been easy but she has one step-sister who doesn't hate her and Iko!  Iko might be one of my favorite characters ever, oh and she is an android.  She is hilarious!  I love her!  She is Cinder's only real friend and when she meets Prince Kai and feels an instant attraction she knows it could never be more because not only is she a poor mechanic but she is also a cyborg.  You relate to her and the struggles she is put through. 

                There is constantly something happening from the intrigue around the Earth and Lunar treaty, the interactions of Cinder and Kai or further on as Cinder starts to discover who she really is and more about her past, pre-cyborg days, than she ever expected.  Then as things pick up she must decide on the best course of action and what is best for herself as well as the world she knows. 

                Lots happening.  I don't want to go through too much but we get some amazing characters and so many more turn out in the series.  Lots to do and uncover and just keeps you wanting more.  That's all for now.  I'm working on the reviews for the others and plan to post through the next couple weeks.  Tell me your thoughts below and feed my inner book lion.  What do you think of The Lunar Chronicles?  Cinder?  Have you already read Winter (no spoilers if you did please)?  What did you think of this type of fairytale retelling?

                Until next time…