The one where I review Cress

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3)
by Marissa Meyer
Source: Bought
Pages: 505

Goodreads Summary:

In this 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’s 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.

My Feelings:

Guys, this books is huge. At a whopping 505 pages, it gave my arms a workout trying to hold it up. And yet I wanted more. No. I needed more. This series is simply brilliantly done with all it's phenomenal characters and interwoven plot lines. I can't wait for the next book, and yet, the thought of it makes me sad because it's the final book. After Winter, this series ends. I can't handle that guys!

Okay, okay. I'm calming down. *deep breathing* Can't worry about the future now. I just have to revel in the awesomeness that is Cress!

First off, Cress is absolutely adorable and endearing and precious. Not to mention socially awkward. But is that really surprising considering the fact that she's been stuck on a satellite her whole life? She's such a breath of fresh air from the tough girls that are Cinder and Scarlet (I still love them!). But don't think that Cress isn't tough, just tough in a different way. See, all Cress knows about the world is through what she's found on the web. So, Soap operas, books, ect. Let's just say, very unrealistic. She's got all these fantasies about happily ever after's and love at first sight. She's definitely thrown for a loop when reality hits. Yet she deals with it like a champ. And, what I love, is that she doesn't give up on her fantasies. She wants her happily ever after and by golly she's going to get it. While being awkward in the process. Aced it.

It wouldn't be a review of a retelling of Repunzel 

without at least 1 Tangled GIF.

Which brings us to the reason for her dreaming.

Carswell Thorne.

Well "Hi" to you too *waggles eyebrows*

*Enter swooning here* Witty, brash, roguish swag topped with a devil-may-care attitude and you have Captain Thorne in a nutshell. His interactions with everyone never failed to bring a smile to my face. His back-and-forth with Cinder and playfulness with Iko always put a big grin on my face. But it was his interactions with Cress that made my heart go a-flutter. Who knew he could be so darn sweet! But their relationship was also humorous because he's so....worldly, and she's so....not. Him saying things and her being all innocent and not understanding was absolutely the sweetest thing. Totally adorable. 

And, as usual, all other characters we know and love are just as awesome as ever. We see a lot more of Kai and Cinder. Cinder trying to remain tough and do what's right and Kai, the poor kid, just trying to keep his country safe. That's a lot of weight on his shoulders. Love him. And Iko - the best friend ever. Who knew an android could be so awesome with her fangerling and love of all things gossip? And the the doctor comes back! And his story line? Ugh...the feelings. Just trying to make up for his mistakes. I can get behind that. Unfortunately, Wolf was a bit....mopey. For reasons you'll find out. Understandable, but I also wanted to punch him. And Scarlet! You do you girl. You're tough and we all know it. Spit in the face of danger! Continue to be as fiery as your red hair!

Ohhhhhhhhh and guess what? We get our first glimpse of Winter!!!! Andddddddd......not sure how I feel about her. However, I'm intrigued by her. And she's a part of this series, so she will be awesome.

And yet, what never ceases to amaze me and what is probably the thing that keeps me hooked is Meyer's ability to weave the plots together so well. While series have an overarching story arc, never has a series (that I've read) had multiple books with different "main" characters tie together so seamlessly well. While the main characters from other books are a part of the following books and even have POV's in the book (which I totally love!), the story focuses on the character it was named for while weaving in and connecting the plot of the other characters. Bravo Meyers. 

They approve.

And, obviously, so do I.

All the best ♥︎

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Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)
By Marissa Meyer
Pages: 452
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback

Rating: Love!!!

Goodreads Synopsis:

The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

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.

My Review:

As with most sequels, I went into this book quite nervous. Sure, tons of people said it was just as great (if not better!) than Cinder. But honestly, how could that happen? It's the dreaded "filler" book. There was absolutely no way it could live up to Cinder.

Well...it did. And I freaking love Marissa Meyer for it!

Enter Scarlet. Fiesty and fiery Scarlet. Oh, how I love her. And she's stubborn to boot! While Cinder's story took place in New Beijing, the story of Scarlet is chronicled in the beautiful countryside of France.  Although Scarlet is inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, don't mistake her for being easily fooled. Maybe she didn't always make the best decisions, but she's got heart and wanted to do whatever she could to protect her grandmother. That's loyalty.

And Wolf! I really came to adore him! Don't let his shy and secretive nature fool you (completely at odds with his looks by the way). No, this guy can kick butt like no other. He's called "Wolf" for a reason. And even though I kind of guessed his "secret" early on, I still looked forward to learning more about it and him.

But, by far, my favorite new addition was Captain Thorne. Oh, you scoundrel, you. Thorne added a bout of comedic relief and was a welcome addition to the cast. Who doesn't love a sarcastic, arrogant thief?

I think that one reason this book turned away from the stereotypical second book was because this book had a completely new plot and set of characters. It was a complex new story that tied together with the first book, yet it was still uniquely its own. I loved going on this journey with Scarlet and Wolf and it became even better when Cinder entered the picture. This book was an absolute non-stop thrill ride of action, surprises and tension! Can't wait for book 3! No, seriously guys, I need book 3 now. Wanna hook me up Meyers? ;)

Overall:
Go pick it up. Now. You don't have to worry about it being a filler book, because it's not. Now breathe a sigh of relief and head to the bookstore. You won't regret it.

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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Waiting on Wednesday (27)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)
by Marissa Meyer
Release Date: February 5, 2013

Goodreads Synopsis:

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and 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 has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner

Why I'm Waiting:

Okay, Mackenzie. Just breath. In and out. Slowly. Hahahaha....yeah right.
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG AHHHHHHHHHH I'M SO FREAKIN EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!♥♥♥♥
Okay, now I can breathe and maybe write a coherent sentence.
I've heard this book is even better than Cinder. Better than CINDER. I freaking LOVED Cinder. Ugh.....why do I have to wait so long for this to come out?!?! ARCs are always welcome XD 

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday? 
Be sure to let me know in the comments below!

All the best ♥
Mackenzie 

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Review of Cinder and Review slump (scarlet)

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)
by Marissa Meyer
Available Now
Pages: 390
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought from B&N
★★★★★



Goodreads Synopsis: 
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.


My Review: 

Cinder is a compelling re-telling of Cinderella with a sci-fi twist. A re-telling that I absolutely fell in love with.

Cinder is a great character that was determined to get her freedom. You see, Cinder is a cyborg, a person worth nothing in New Beijing. Her adoptive mother despised her as did one of her stepsisters. She didn’t know why she was what she was, she didn't remember anything before her surgery, but she did know that she wanted to get away from her “family”. I admired her heart and her hard-working attitude. She was spunky and sarcastic, yet honorable. 

Iko, her sweet android was a great addition. Her personality chip made her humorous and realistic and I'm glad that Cinder at least had a friend in her.

Prince Kai was absolutely endearing. He would never give up when it came to getting Cinder to notice him. I absolutely adored him and his charming smile. He was modest when he didn’t think he would make a good emperor, but he even proves himself wrong with his wisdom and love for his people.

Although this is a re-telling, it wasn’t what I expected. When I think Cinderella re-telling, I thought that the first half of the book would be about how she is mistreated, then she would go to the ball, meet the prince and live happily ever after with a few differences in there….WRONG! Honestly, If I hadn’t been told that this was a re-telling, I probably never would have even guessed. But don’t get me wrong, that made me love it even more! Meyer kept true to the basics of the story. Cinder is the mistreated daughter who is pretty much a slave and there is a prince, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Marissa Meyer takes the story on a completely new and unique path. There’s a plague, cyborgs, and a crazy queen from the moon. There’s action, adventure, and heart. And although there was one part of the plot I saw coming from the beginning, it didn’t bother me that I knew because I thought the idea was great! This new take makes for an absolutely stunning debut and I can’t believe I must wait an entire year for the next book.

Cinder is an extremely intriguing story of a cyborg Cinderella with more than one twist. It is a prime example of addiction. After reading this, I have come to the conclusion that it is unfair that I must wait a year for the next novel. It should be law that the authors must write and publish all of the books in the series at one time so that we, the readers, don’t have to suffer that awful thing called “anticipation”. 

Review slump:

Ever read a book and start a review and then look at the review and say "this is crap"? Well thats kinda where I'm at with Scarlet. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved it! I just can't seem to put that love into words without it sounding all....weird I guess. Normally, I don't have this problem, even with books I love. However, this one has just got me all messed up. I'll be doing something else and all of a sudden I'll start this amazing review in my head, but then I head to the computer to type it and either I can't remember it or it just doesn't come out right. *sigh* Hopefully I'll get a review up soon. 

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