STARS ABOVE by Marissa Meyer

 

“‘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 Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realise their destinies?”

What is the book about?

This book is made up of a collection of short stories set in the same world as the Lunar Chronicles. It has some that have been published before and others that are completely new. Most of the stories are prequels to some of the books and give some much needed insight into how some of the characters got to where they were in the main series. How did Cress find herself alone on the satellite? How did Cinder end up in the care of Michelle Benoit, Scarlet's grandmother? What happened after when she was taken by Garan and how did she end up being treated so badly by her step family? How did Carswell Thorne end up a being a criminal mastermind at such a young age? What happened to Wolf and how did he become one of the soldiers of the Queen's army? All these questions will finally be answered in this book, with a further glimpse into the universe of the Lunar Chronicles through an extra story with new characters. Also get a glimpse into the future after the events of Winter and see the characters you love get ready for a much anticipated wedding. A great collection of stories, all of which you will love.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I was definitely keen to read this book and my initial thoughts were that the book was going to be incredible and that I was going to enjoy reading all these stories immensely. I was so confident about Stars Above and was desperate to start reading it. I always love to get more information on the characters and for some reason it's always so much more interesting and enjoyable if it's given in a separate story or as a flashback of sorts so I knew that this short story collection was for me. I started it almost instantly after Winter, desperate to not lose contact with the characters and stories that had been my main focus these last few days. After looking at what we're the contents of the book and which stories I was going to get to read I was even more excited, especially for the final story that would let me see the characters after the events of the final novel. I didn't quite know what to expect of each of the stories, and they were definitely short, but I was not wrong about loving them all and I found it was so easy to get into the stories and find myself in the world that I wasn't quite ready to leave yet. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I honestly don't think I can pick a favourite character in this book as the book was filled with many different short stories that all highlighted a different character. I got to see all the characters that I loved and got to find out so much more about them. This book wasn't like the main books in the series where one character (usually the one whose name was in the title) was highlighted more so I was able to pick a favourite more easily. I also didn't really have enough time with the characters in this book to really get a strong idea about who I loved best. However, one that I did find that I liked more or maybe I sympathised with more was probably Cress. Her story After Sunshine Passes By about how 9 year old Cress ended up on the satellite broke my heart and it made me like her more. This is because I got to see how hopeful and innocent she was and how she still believed that she would one day be accepted on Luna. It showed me just how far she came from that little girl to the strong woman without whom the others would never have been able to defeat Levana. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

As this book was more of a collection of stories I will choose my favourite story rather than favourite part. My favourite short story was definitely Something Old, Something New. One reason that I loved it more than all the other stories was probably because it was the only story that was an epilogue to the books and not a prequel to a particular book or character or a completely new story. I definitely needed more of the character after finishing Winter as I didn't feel like I was quite done with them and with the series. Although all the stories were good this one definitely holds a special part of my heart as it added more love to some characters I was already attached to and it also gave me more closure. I also got to see something that I was definitely hoping would happen and I didn't think I'd get to see. It was a story that made me feel so much love and I honestly felt like I was in tears all the time I was reading it. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Stars Above was a great book and I really enjoyed reading it. One reason I really liked it was because it's existence meant that I wasn't fully done with the Lunar Chronicles after Winter and meant that I got to have a few more moments with the characters and the stories that I absolutely loved. I got more closure and I got so much more information that I now know that I couldn't have lived without. I didn't want the series to end and this final book filled with stories about the characters of the main series made it so much easier for me to let go. Another reason I really loved this short story collection was that I not only got so many prequels to the main books and got to see the characters at a much younger age, but I also got to see the characters a couple years after the events of Winter. I loved the prequels because it filled in a few of the gaps and gave me the opportunity to see the actual story instead of just having been told for a second what happened. However I definitely loved the epilogue more because I got the hope that in the end all the characters would have their proper happy endings and that one couple had already gotten it. It let me keep imagining the joyful endings that I wanted for each of the characters and I loved it. This book was the perfect way to finish on the series and although I am still sad that I won't get to see the characters more I am definitely happy with how it all ended. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book. It is the perfect addition for lovers of the Lunar Chronicles series and has so much of the stuff that you will have enjoyed in the main books, like romance and more fairy tale retellings. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A great collection of stories filled with extra information that you will devour and love. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

WINTER by Marissa Meyer

“‘Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?’ Princess Winter is admired for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breath-taking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana. Winter despises her stepmother and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for he childhood friend, the handsome palice guard Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak 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 find the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.”

What is the book about?

Princess Winter has no royal blood and can never be queen but her stepmother still believes she is a threat because of how much the people love her. They all admire her for her beauty, kindness and grace despite the scars that Levana inflicted on her to try to hide that the young princess was growing even more beautiful than her. Winter is also believed to be weak and crazy because she is unwilling to use her Lunar powers like everyone else on Luna. She doesn't want to manipulate anyone and people see this as weakness instead of strength. Everyone, including her closest friend Jacin (a royal guard who she wishes would be more than just her friend, even though her stepmother would never allow it), believes she needs protecting and she is helpless and useless, but she is so much stronger than they think. When she finds herself in the presence of the cyborg Cinder and her allies, Winter realises she might even be strong enough to help with the revolution and be able to help finally win the war against Levana. The final battle is coming and, if they win, Cinder, Winter and their friends will finally be free of Levana and will get their happy endings. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I was very excited to read this final book in the Lunar Chronicles series, though I was also sad to finally see it end. I didn't quite know what to expect of this final (very chunky) book but I was quite confident that I would enjoy it and would find it to be just as good as all the previous books in the series. Before I started reading the Lunar Chronicles series I wasn't quite sure what to expect and I didn't realise what an adventure it would be. When I saw that Rach of the books had a title that reflected a new female main character that would be introduced I was initially worried that the books wouldn't really flow into each other and that it would be individual stories, just like most of the fairy tale retellings I've read have been like. However, by the time I got to the end of Cress I was no longer worried and was so happy to find that this series had been so much more interesting and enjoyable than I ever thought it would be. I knew Winter would be great and I was surprised at how quickly I started to love the book, especially as I had found it more difficult to start each book and get back into the flow of things. This last book was amazing and I am so sad to see it all end. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character in this book was definitely Winter, though I loved many other characters in the book and whole series. Winter was a bit of an odd girl and was definitely going mad from not using her Lunar powers for years. However, when she wasn't hallucinating, there were many moments where it was clear why this girl was loved by the whole of Luna. She was kind and sweet and also incredibly brave and smart. The fact that she chose not to use her powers was one of the clear pieces of evidence for this, as she chose to sacrifice her own mind, her own life, so that she would never hurt or manipulate anyone again. The story of why she stopped using her power was so heartbreaking, but it was clear that she was happy with her decision and she would never manipulate anyone for her own gain, even if she lost her mind in her process. Secondly, when she was faced with a chance to overthrow her stepmother and put a better queen on the throne, she was ready and she didn't back down. She might have been crazy to some and her decisions may have seemed absurd, but she knew what she was doing. The hope she had for her people and the belief she possessed that everyone could be good, even the monsters Levana created made me love her even more. She was brave and crazy, but her strange quirks just made me love her more. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

The whole of Winter was so good and I loved reading every second of it, however I definitely have a favourite part and it's definitely the very end after the final confrontation in the book. I don't want to say much about it as I don't want to spoil anything but the main reason I loved it was because of how I felt reading it. It was perfect and beautiful and I found that everything fell into place so well and everything that I wanted came true. It could have gone so wrong but it didn't. It honestly made me feel so happy and just the feeling I got when reading it was enough to make me love it. There were loads of other moments in the book where I felt the same joy, like when characters were reunited after ages apart, however this was one of the biggest. I loved it and I honestly am so glad it didn't end as disastrously as it could have done becaus I don't think I could have taken it. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and loved finally reaching the end of this amazing series, though I am sad to finally see it go. One thing that I really loved about the book was how every character that I had met and every one of the main characters that I had grown to love came together in this final book. It felt so surreal to see how all of these characters found their way back to each other in the end, for the final battle, despite the many times they found themselves being separated and tortured in different ways. It was perfect that in the end they all came back together to make their final stand against Levana. It would all end in that moment, one way or another, but at least they were all together. Another thing that I really liked was the romance and how each of the couples that I had started to ship finally become canon. Even though I didn't get many romantic scenes throughout these 4 books, this final book had the final perfect scenes that actually mattered and that was more than enough to make me happy, though I wish I could see more of the characters. Although Winter was an amazing book and the ending was (mostly) perfect, there was one slight thing that made it a little less intense and perfect. In the end, I found it to be a little bit underwhelming and I didn't enjoy how the final battle, the one that had been built up throughout the book ended. I also found that it was a little unrealistic that after fighting for their lives for months and constantly finding themselves in life or death situations, no one actually died, at least none of the important characters. Although I'm not complaining that I didn't have the heartbreaking experience of losing another fictional friend, it definitely made the reading experience a bit unrealistic and disappointing. I find that the best books are those that break my heart and there could have definitely been more of that in this book. 

Which is your favourite book in the Lunar Chronicles series? (1, 2, 3 or 4)

Overall, I really loved reading the whole Lunar Chronicles series and I found that I enjoyed every one of the 4 books, however I think that my favourite book is probably Cress. One reason I enjoyed Cress more than the other books was that it was the first book where it felt like the real story and the real war had begun. It was clear that they weren't just planning anymore and they had started to execute their plan and begin to try to bring down Queen Levana. Although Winter clearly also had all these elements and was the main book with the plan starting to take place, I definitely found that I enjoyed Cress more than Winter. I found that Winter was a lot harder to read as it was a lot thicker and obviously took much longer to read because of this. Not only that but I found that I was slightly disappointed by the ending of the final novel and it could have been a more interesting final confrontation. However, overall Winter was great, but I just found that Cress stood out more to me and it was definitely my favourite. Honestly I'm just sad to see the series end and am so surprised at how much I enjoyed it, especially as I wasn't quite sure about it before I started.

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend reading Winter and the whole Lunar Chronicles series in general. These are the perfect books for lovers of romance, dystopian fiction and fairy tale retellings with a twist. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The stunning and action-packed final novel of a romance and dystopian fiction series.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

FAIREST by Marissa Meyer

“‘Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?’ Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.”

What is the book about?

This short novella gives readers a glimpse into Levana's life before and as she gradually became the tyrant queen that we have grown to hate throughout the first 3 books of the Lunar Chronicles series. Levana was the youngest child, her older sister Channary was the one destined to be Queen of Luna. However, since she was old enough to understand what being queen meant she knew that she could and would be a much better queen than her sister, who couldn't care less about politics or their people. Not only that but she has always been confident that her sister didn't deserve the power and respect that would come with her new title as she is as cruel as she is beautiful. Ever since Levana could walk her sister tortured her and used her for her own enjoyment to the point that Levana has to use glamour constantly to cover the scars that her sister left on her after one traumatising day. Levana has her own story and it doesn't appear like she has always been as cruel and violent as we all thought. She may be the villain of Cinder's story, but she is the victim in her own story. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Initially I was a little annoyed that I had to read a novella before getting to the fourth and final novel in the Lunar Chronicles series, Winter. I was very keen to continue reading and find out how the story that just kept getting better would finally end, and I was so desperate that I considered leaving Fairest until after I read the final book in the main series. However, after reading the blurb of the book and finding out what the novella was actually about I was intrigued to read it. I didn't know what to expect but I knew I would enjoy it and I was very interested to find out the truth about Levana and what led her to become the cruel leader that will stop at nothing to get everything she wants. Soon my initial thoughts changed and I was no longer annoyed and much more excited to read it. Once I started reading I found it a little hard to get used to the novella as there were none of the characters that I had grown used to, however I soon got used to and found that I was enjoying it as much as the actual novels in the series. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don't think I could choose a favourite character in this novella without it being partly a lie. It feels so wrong to say that I liked Levana after all she did and it is also clearly a lie. Even though I feel so bad for her and I know she would be a much better person if she hadn't been treated so badly since she was a child she is still a monster. Most of what she did she thought she was justified in doing and she made some very questionable decisions but every time she claimed she was doing it for the good of her kingdom. I know deep down she felt like she was good but slowly she turned into a monster and I cannot honestly say that I liked her. Even the other 'good' characters weren't exactly good and treated Levana so badly when all she was was just a child who had never felt love. Evret who strung her along for 10 years without telling her that he would never love her, when it was clear she believed that they could be happy together. Winter who would never address her directly, even when all she did was try to give her a mother. Her sister who tortured her and called her ugly since she was little and made her live in her shadow. Her parents who clearly didn't do any good parenting. Everyone in this book thought themselves to be good and thought they were fighting against the villain but it was clear that the villain was herself just a victim. No one deserves the title as my favourite character. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I honestly cannot pick a favourite part because this whole novella was just torture and threatened to tear me apart at any moment. In every single part of the book there was something so so sad that I could not keep out of my mind. The main theme throughout the whole book was that Levana just wanted to be happy and at every moment it was clear that she thought she was getting her happiness. When she married the love of her life without knowing he would never love her back, when her sister died and she realised she would finally get the chance to be queen, even if it was just for 12 years, when she killed her niece believing it was for the best and she would get to keep her role as leader of Luna, the thing that meant so much to her. She never even realised that she never actually had any of that. She spent years believing she had everything she could ever want and need and she didn't realise till the end that it was all a lie. I felt so bad for her and how she had been tortured and manipulated by everyone and had never had the protection and loved that she so craved. Every part was so tragic and I can't in good conscience choose a favourite part of such a sad book.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this short story and I soon found myself believing that maybe Levana was just misunderstood. One reason I really enjoyed the novella was because I got a glimpse into the past and some much needed information on the supposed villain of the Lunar Chronicles series. I always love when books have flashbacks and for some reason they are always my favourite parts. I love being able to see the characters that I have grown to really know as their younger selves and to see what made them who they are. However, I love novellas set in the past even more because it's a whole book dedicated to exactly what I said above. This book was exactly that but it was also so much more because it was a short story on the life of Queen Levana, the villain for all intents and purposes. This leads me on to another reason why I loved this book: it made me feel sorry for Levana. After everything she has done and everything that she is hoping to achieve I never thought anything, not even a whole story about her past, could change my mind on what a cruel and unfeeling woman she is. Although I still stand by these beliefs, I also know that she is also just a victim herself and one that has been mistreated by those who should have cared for her since she was young. Learning what her sister did to her broke my heart and how she continued to use the scars that she had against her and call her ugly when she is really just injured and broken was enough to leave me in tears. Although I won't condone her reactions and everything she did after that, she was just trying to protect herself and her people. She honestly thought that she was the best person to be Queen and if she let her young niece rule then she was sentencing her people to a terrible future. She did what she thought was right and, no matter how messed up it was, she sacrificed so much for Luna, including the one person she loved more than anything. The poor girl had never known love before and did everything she could to try to get someone to love her and when she realised that would never happen she gave everything up and threw herself into her role as queen and turned herself into a monster for what she thought was the good of her people. It was a great novella that left me feeling so much for this cruel Lunar Queen and I now don't know what to think. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend that anyone who has enjoyed reading the Lunar Chronicles series or is interested in starting it should read this short story. It offers some great new information and is full of all the stuff that you would love in the main novels of the series. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A short story full of romance and heartbreak that will leave you thinking that maybe there is never a villain, only victims that react differently to their suffering. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

CRESS by Marissa Meyer

“‘Even in the future, there are damsels in distress.. ’ Cress, having risked everything to warn Cinder about 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 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 involving Cinder, Captain Thorne, Scarlet and Wolf goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a higher 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.”

What is the book about?

Cress has lived on a satellite since childhood, alone with no one except her netscreens and her own imagination for company. She risked everything to let Cinder know about Queen Levana's plans and now has a huge problem. She has been ordered to track down the ship that Cinder and her allies are aboard for the queen. Although the tracking down was the easiest part, now the problem is that she doesn't want to give her mistress the information to give to Levana. So now she is risking her life further to keep Cinder and her friends safe from the people who want to kill them. However, when she is finally able to make contact with the Rampion, Cinder and her friends agree to rescue her and for once Cress thinks she is safe. But the rescue doesn't exactly go according to plan and the group gets separated. Now Queen Levana thinks she has won and won't let anything stop her marriage to Emperor Kai, but she didn't factor in the cyborg and her allies who will stop at nothing to protect Earth and Luna from her tyranny. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After finishing Scarlet I was really excited to continue reading and start the third book of this series that has definitely exceeded my expectations so far. In a way I feel like the end of Scarlet was the start of the true series, the true plot and battle against Levana. I was really excited to finally see Cinder face her and to embrace her true Lunar self. I started reading Cress almost instantly after Scarlet as I was really keen to continue the story and to find out what would happen next. I was quite confident that I would enjoy reading the book and that it would be just as good as the previous 2 books in this series. I honestly, now having read this book and the 2 previous ones, don't even know how I could have waited so long with the books just gathering dust on my shelf. Once I read the blurb I was even more intrigued as I was wondering how the group would get separated and how they would ever find themselves back together. Soon I started reading and I think this was the first book of the series where I was able to really get into it from the start, without having to read a few chapters before I really started enjoying it. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was probably once again Thorne or possibly even Cress. I really liked Thorne for the same reasons as I liked him in the previous book: his humour, charisma and just how entertaining and confident he seemed to be. Even though it might have been annoying to the other characters that he didn't really appear to take things seriously and was always just trying to keep things light and fun, I really liked that about him. However I liked him even more in this book as it was clear that he wasn't just all the stuff that I said above and that he wasn't always confident and sure of himself. He had doubts and was clearly just keeping up an act so that the other characters wouldn't panic even more. He was trying so hard to lighten the mood not only for his own benefit so that his thoughts about how he didn't actually know anything didn't catch up to him but also for his friends who worried far too much. Cress was a really interesting character and I really liked her mainly because of her imagination. She was constantly trying to trick herself into thinking she was somewhere else, doing something else, so that she wouldn't let all her worries take over, kind of like her own coping mechanism like Thorne's joking personality. I also liked how she reminded me of myself because I often find myself lost in my own little world, building up worlds in my head. I really liked both these characters and I definitely liked them together, even though not much happened (though there is a whole book left so I have hope).

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I honestly can't pick just one favourite part in this book as it's really just the whole book together that I enjoyed and not just one specific part. The whole vibe was just so great and I found that I loved everything about it. There wasn't one specific part of the book that stood out to me and it wouldn't be fair of me to single out just one part. Also there wasn't really many happy parts in the book as the characters were separated and constantly worrying about having to find themselves back together. I did really enjoy the time that Cinder spent in that village in Africa though, as I loved how the people living there helped her even though they knew the risks. However, the way that ended wasn't the most lovely thing so I can't really say that it was my favourite part. Honestly the whole book was just great and I can't wait to read the next one and enjoy it just as much. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Cress was a really great book and I really enjoyed reading every part of it. One thing that I really enjoyed was the link to the original Rapunzel throughout the whole novel. Some parts didn't quite seem obvious to me at first as I was initially comparing it to the Disney version, however soon the blindness started to make sense when I thought of the original version of the fairy tale. The long hair that was then cut, the fact that Cress was locked in a satellite all alone, the name Thorne and even the name Cress (another leafy vegetable like Rapunzel, which I think means lettuce is some language). It was such genius on the authors part and I am honestly in love with her approach to the fairy tale retellings throughout this whole series. Another thing that I really enjoyed was that we finally got to see parts of Luna (though the circumstances weren't exactly the best) and we also got to be introduced to the 4th girl who would be part of the final book of the series. This is the first time I knew who the book title was referring to in advance (though I suppose I have known since the first book) and it made me even more excited to read the next and final book in this series. I am so excited to finish the series and to see what happens at the end and I can't wait to read Winter.

Which book did you like better, the first, the second or the third?

All 3 of the books were absolutely amazing and I really enjoyed reading them, however I would probably say that so far Cress is my favourite book. One of the main reasons is that this book is partly based on the fairy tale of Rapunzel, which is my absolute favourite story and so obviously I have a huge soft spot for this book. Every link to the story made me so excited and made me love the book even more. Initially I wasn't quite sure what to expect or which was the fairy tale that would show up in the book as the title didn't showcase it like with the previous books but I was pleasantly surprised and gradually grew to really love it. Another thing I loved about the book that made it stand out more than the previous books was the fact that the main plan, the plan to finally face Levana and save everyone, was starting. It made me so excited as I was going to get to see Cinder embracing her future and her true identity and also see every character work together to save the world. Cress had  everything I had loved about the previous books (the short chapters and the fairy tale elements) but it also just had more that I enjoyed. So far the books have just been getting better so I just can't wait to see what Winter is like. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I recommend reading Cress but obviously after reading Cinder and Scarlet, the previous 2 books in the series. It is a great book for those who enjoy some romance, dystopian fiction and fairy tale retellings, with a shrinking of save the world vibes. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

Another perfect novel with a whirlwind of an adventure and great romance to make you squeal. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

SCARLET by Marissa Meyer

“‘Even in the future, beware of the big, bad wolf...’ Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the best-selling Lunar Chronicles. She is 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. 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.”

What is the book about?

Cinder is stuck in prison after being put there by Kai, who she was only trying to protect, and will be handed over to the Lunar Queen Levana as a bargaining tool. If she doesn't escape she will face trial on Luna which means only one thing – her execution. However, if she doesn't succeed in escaping she will be the Commonwealth's (and likely Earth's) most wanted and she is unlikely to be able to stay hidden for long. Halfway across the world, in a small village in France, Scarlet Benoit is facing her own nightmare. After years living peacefully with her grandmother on her farm, her grandmother is missing and no one seems to care, they all just think she ran because she was a little eccentric (or crazy as they like to say). But Scarlet knows that she would never do that and that something bigger and much worse happened, especially when her father shows up after years of no contact looking for something. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information on her grandmother's whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him. He says he will help her find her grandmother, and, despite having known him for less than a day, she goes with him to find her and gradually they start to feel a connection. As they begin to unravel the mystery on why her grandmother was taken in the first place, their adventure overlaps with Cinder's and they find themselves having to work together to keep Queen Levana from taking over the Commonwealth and then Earth.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I'm not kidding when I say that I started reading this book immediately after I finished Cinder. I had the book ready to go and after the cliffhanger ending that left me wanting more I was certainly glad for it. Since I had already read the first book in this series and had really enjoyed reading it, my initial thoughts Scarlet were very optimistic. I was quite sure that this book was going to be just as enjoyable as the previous one and that I would find it just as interesting. I was really intrigued to find out what happened next and was desperate to figure out how things would go, as everything was really up in there. The blurb intrigued me even more as I was going to meet completely new characters and it wasn't just going to be all about Cinder. I was also excited to see how Little Red Riding Hood was going to come into the story. Once I started to read I was initially disappointed like with Cinder and found it a little hard to get into the book and let the real world fade, however the doubts lasted less than with the previous book. Soon I was enjoying the book and found that once again I finished it in 2 days, reaching for the next book seconds after. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

There were a few characters that I liked in this book but I would probably say that my favourite character was Thorne. Even though he was probably ridiculously annoying to the other characters who didn't appreciate his jokes and his carefree attitude towards everything, I loved it. He added some much needed comedy and entertainment to the book as all the other characters were much too focused on not dying and trying to find a way to stop Queen Levana. It was probably the reason why I also really loved Iko whose enthusiastic personality didn't falter even when they were in the middle of a war. And when you put both of these characters together not only did that mean a headache for Cinder and whoever else was on the ship but it also made for great comedic relief. I can't wait to keep reading about them. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was probably the scene where Scarlet and Wolf were together in that train carriage. Ever since the two characters had met, there had been a clear attraction between them and it was also clear that neither wanted to act on it. It was such an obvious connection because if it had been anyone other than Wolf I don't think Scarlet would have just followed him blindly to Paris, or have trusted him enough to have him help her all the times they found themselves in trouble. However, neither of them was dumb enough to act on it when they had only known each other for a day, no matter how badly I wanted them to. Fortunately, whatever they felt for each other clearly took over their brains in that train carriage and for a few moments they were just Wolf and Scarlet, two teenagers without a care in the world and nothing to think about other than the other person. I really loved this scene and was glad for the moments of happiness these characters got because it was obvious that after a few more hours their whole lives were going to be completely different and much less manageable. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Scarlet was a stunning book and I really enjoyed reading it. I enjoyed it for a lot of the same things as Cinder, clearly showing the author's talent for satisfying her readers. One thing I loved was the short chapters which definitely made me like the book more. I love short chapters and they always make me feel like I am flying through a book and I'm sure anyone else would feel that way. The fact that you can say you are on chapter 15 in less than half an hour feels like such a prize. It made me feel like the book was so easy to read and I'm sure it was part of the reason why I finished the whole book so quickly. Another thing I really enjoyed was how this book flowed so easily from the previous one. It was so clear that Marissa Meyer knew what she was doing and had intended even when she first started writing for this to be a 4 book series. I loved how I was easily transported back into the dystopian world and how everything fit together so well, with things that I had initially dismissed in Cinder becoming much more significant than I could have ever though in this book. One last thing was how once again the fairy tale story (this time Little Red Riding Hood) was so subtly incorporated into the story. I loved to see the similarities between the stories and I can't wait to see what fairy tale pops up next. 

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Although I enjoyed both Cinder and Scarlet and found that both were amazing, I would say that my favourite out of the two of them was definitely Scarlet. There are a couple reasons for this... Firstly, I really enjoyed having more points of view involved in the story and loved how this book was almost following 2 different storylines that were linked together in more ways than one. I found this much more engaging because it was much easier to read as I was always on edge hoping to get back to the next perspective so I could find out what happened next. Secondly, I found that the reveals throughout this book were much less predictable and I found myself being really surprised at some points of the story, really shocked to find out how certain things linked together. It was definitely more engaging and less predictable than the previous book and I found myself loving every second of it. Now I can't wait to read the next book of the series and keep going in this surprisingly amazing plot. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend Scarlet (though obviously read Cinder – the first book in the Lunar Chronicles series – first) and think it is a great book for romance, dystopian and fairy tale lovers. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling adventure set in the future with the perfect sprinkling of romance and the looming threat of war.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

CINDER by Marissa Meyer

“‘Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon A Time...’ 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... Sixteen-year-old 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. Because there is something unusual about Cinder, something that others would kill for.”

What is the book about?

This story is set in the future, after World War 4 where now everyone is dependent on androids and hovers. In New Beijing, the streets are always crowded with androids, humans and cyborgs (which are humans with metallic parts that have been placed in them after serious accidents occur to give them a second chance at life). Not only that but a deadly disease, a plague, also roams the streets of the whole of Earth, threatening the lives of the whole population with no cure in sight. Sixteen-year-old Cinder was adopted at age 11 by her stepfather, whose death she is blamed for by her stepmother. She is a cyborg, a second class citizen and treated as a slave by her stepmother and now also blamed for her stepsister's illness. Her life was already a disaster, but when the handsome, loved Prince Kai suddenly comes into her life, she finds herself in the middle of an intergalactic struggle for peace and a struggle through her emotions. She must now uncover the secrets about her past, the past she cannot remember, in order to protect the future of her planet. But she never asked for any of this and will have to choose between her freedom and loyalty to her country. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I bought the Lunar Chronicles series years ago (seriously!) and have had it sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. I kept meaning to read it, interested to see why so many people had enjoyed them. I had read a few books by Marissa Meyer before and had really enjoyed them so my initial thoughts were that this book would be great and I would really enjoy it. I love fairy tale retellings and have loved them since I was little and was really interested to see what this one would be like. I knew it was going to be a really wild retelling and I was really intrigued to see how the author would approach the iconic Cinderella in China in the future, but I had hope for it, especially after seeing how popular the books were. After reading the blurb I was even more interested as I wanted to see how the threat of war from an entirely different race of people living on the moon would become part of the story. Soon I started to read the book and initially I was a little disappointed as I found it difficult to really get into the story and become absorbed in the new dystopian world of New Beijing. However, after a few chapters, it really started to pick up and I began to really enjoy the story and find myself a part of the book. It took a little bit of time for me to get into it but soon I was soaring through and I finished the book in 2 days, realising that I shouldn't have waited so long to start the book.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was probably Iko, which may be a bit odd to some as she wasn't a main character really and was just an android, but I loved her. Her energy and personality was so sweet and energetic that it was almost impossible not to love her. The way she acted like an actual human and had the personality of a teenage girl simply because she had a ‘damaged’ personality chip. I loved how excited she got about the prince and how she was there for Cinder to keep her company and to kind of give her a glimpse into the life of a teenage girl and kept her from just being absorbed into her role as a mechanic and a slave for her stepmother. She was so easy to like and it made me smile how happy she always was and how much she liked all the things that I like all girls love. It was also clear that Cinder cared for her as I do and that she loved having her friendship. Even though I'm sure it must be annoying at times to have such a chatterbox to assist you, especially when you are busy with work, but I loved Iko and hope to see her soon in the next books. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was a really hard question to answer, not just because I had enjoyed the whole book but also because I finished the book 2 sittings, in 2 days and every part just blurred together and I could honestly only remember the story as a whole and not any specific parts. However, after some thought, I would probably say that my favourite part was when Cinder made up her mind on how she would use the money she had gotten. She had never had money to use as she pleased as everything she owned was her stepmother's as her stepmother owned her, however finally she had money and made the most significant decision of her life. She chose to work on the car, work on her escape from a life at her stepmother's beck and call, work on her freedom. I knew she'd never actually leave as that would make one depressing and pointless book if all the main character did was runway, but I loved to see that defiance and that after years being treated as nothing by her stepmother and stepsister (Pearl) and hundreds of others who thought her a disgusting no one because she was a cyborg. She finally chose to stand up for herself and I knew that it wouldn't be the last time. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I thought Cinder was a really great book and I enjoyed reading it. Initially I wasn't quite sure what to expect of a Cinderella type story set in China with the main girl being a cyborg, however I was pleasantly surprised and found that I really enjoyed it. I really liked how it wasn't exactly a fairy tale retelling and it was more like there were just elements of the Cinderella that I grew up with and that the actual story, the actual plot was a lot deeper than the simple fairytale that anyone could tell. The car that was a faint orangy colour (like a pumpkin), the name Cinder, the fact that she had an evil stepmother and stepsister, the foot lost on the steps, and (though this may just be my own little thought, which I will continue to believe even if told otherwise) Peony as her fairy godmother who gave her a dress. I loved the incorporation of these elements into what will clearly become a much bigger story. Another thing I really liked about the book was how easy it was to read. The short chapters, every single one of them, was like a breath of fresh air and made me love the book even more. If you are a reader you will know what I mean when I say that it felt like a reward to have a book with all short chapters and that it was much easier to read this way. One thing that did kind of annoy me was how predictable this book was and how I saw the big reveal from miles away, and it had nothing to do with the fact that I knew Cinderella's story inside out (though I predicted that she would lose the foot because of that). I would have liked to have been a bit more surprised as I love plot twists and big reveals, though I suppose it might have been a surprise to some. Either way I am excited to continue the series and so interested to see how the author will incorporate other fairy tales into the series and to see how the deeper story develops. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would recommend reading the book, it is a really interesting and enjoyable book, especially for over 14 year olds who enjoy romance, dystopian fiction and fairy tale retellings (especially non traditional ones).

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An interesting science fiction twist on a traditional fairy tale.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES by Suzanne Collins

“‘Ambition will fuel him. Competition will drive him. But power has its price.’ It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmanoeuvre his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the area it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute…and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.”

What is the book about?

After the districts rebelled against the Capitol and lost the war, the Capitol started the Hunger Games, an annual competition where a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 picked at random from each of the 12 districts would fight to the death in an arena until a sole victor remained. However, the Hunger Games is not having the impact the creators were expecting and in order to increase the interests of the public each tribute in the tenth Hunger Games will have a mentor, who will be one of the top students from the Academy. Coriolanus Snow is one of the mentors and his only goal is to do everything in his power to beat the other 23 mentors and end up with the winning tribute because, since the war left his family with nothing, he has no other way to get the money he needs to go to university and make a name for himself, possibly even become the president. However, when he is given the most humiliating position as the mentor for the female tribute from District 12, he believes there is no hope for him until he finally sees the girl on screen and realises that Lucy Gray Baird may still win him a money prize. Their fates are now intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes outside the arena will determine Lucy Gray’s chance of survival and his own academic future and every move Lucy Gray makes inside the area could lead to her own death and determine Coriolanus’s chance at a real future. Coriolanus must do everything he can to help himself and his tribute, but how far is he willing to go to win and is he willing to give up his integrity and need to follow the rules in order to do so?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I honestly had completely forgotten I had bought the book and had it on my kindle for at least a couple of years and I think it would have remained unread for another couple of years if I hadn’t had seen it on my friend’s bookshelf and been reminded of the fact that I still hadn’t read it. This still wasn’t enough to get me to read it as I got home and once again forgot about it, but when I found out the movie was in cinemas I was desperate to start reading it so I could watch the movie (as there is no way I ever watch a movie before reading the book). Once I made up my mind that I would read the book I was so excited to start reading it as I had loved reading the Hunger Games trilogy and was so excited to read the prequel and find out what led President Snow to become the tyrant leader Katniss was determined to destroy. Reading the blurb only fuelled my interest in the book as I grew even more intrigued by the development Hunger Games and the mentoring by students that I hadn’t seen in the original trilogy. However, when I started to read I found The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was not nearly as interesting and well-written as the main series books were, which may be due to the 10 year gap between the publication of this prequel and Mockingjay (the third and final book in the trilogy) and also the trilogy was in the first person (in Katniss’s point of view) and the prequel is written in the third person, making it more difficult to really understand Coriolanus and really get involved in the story as it felt less personal and more like watching from the side-lines. But, after the first several chapters, when there started to be more violent and dramatic events taking place in the book, things started to get more interesting and the book as easier to read. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character would probably have to be Sejanus because of how much I admired his actions. He certainly wasn’t perfect and a lot of the time I thought he was a gullible idiot who didn’t know what he wasn’t doing. His actions destroyed his future and the whole time he thought that Snow was his best friend, he was really alone. However, despite these flaws (which were really just things that we are all guilty of doing from time to time) he was really brave and was willing to stand up to the Capitol when no one else would. He did and said things that no one else would ever even think of doing and definitely not for the reasons he did it. He never wanted anything more than to get them to stop torturing the districts and to get to go back home to District Two and the fact that he never got to do that broke my heart. I admired him throughout the whole book and will always hate Snow for not seeing how much Sejanus needed him and how much he needed Sejanus. If he had never done what he did to Sejanus maybe he would have seen that some things are more important than power and money, however he never trusted Sejanus who only ever wanted to help and that was his biggest mistake. Sejanus was the first person to speak his mind to the people in charge of the Hunger Games and he never even though about the repercussions because he just wanted them to know what they were doing was monstrous and because of that I will always admire him and his courage. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I didn’t really have a favourite part of the book as the whole book kind of blurred into one and wasn’t the easiest thing to read. But I will say (mainly to fill in this space) that I did like a lot of the parts where Sejanus did something stupid and rebellious because it showed me that not everyone living in the Capitol was corrupt, only thinking about power and how to get more money. I always thought about how idiotic it was for him to do some of the things he did because, if the Capitol was willing to kill 24 innocent children every year, they wouldn’t even blink an eye at ordering him to be killed for his rebel sympathising acts. However I also admired him deeply because he was willing to do what no one else would, to speak out when no one else would and to show these people that what they were doing was wrong. They may not have listened to him and it may have taken them another 65 years to change but things will never change unless we let people know we aren’t happy with them as they are and are willing to do something about it, which is what Sejanus was willing to do. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I found that the book was a bit of a disappointment and wasn’t nearly as good as I was expecting, however it was still rather interesting and I enjoyed learning more about Snow and how he became the villain of the trilogy. One thing I enjoyed about the book was the fact that I got to read about Snow’s story and learn how he ended up becoming the tyrannical president Katniss was so intent on defying in the trilogy. He was truly evil – I read the books and there is no point trying to argue in his defence – however, evil is made not born and I was always interested in finding out Snow’s story and discovering why he because the psychotic man I was familiar with. Reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes helped me understand him a bit and how his fear of becoming insignificant and not living up to the Snow family name led him to believe that the only way out was to betray those closest to him. He went crazy for power, which can happen to any one of us, and he let that ambition drive him away from the love, friendship, loyalty and integrity he had been so proud of at the start of the book. He was just 18 – barely an adult – and yet he was expected to do so much and he let himself become corrupt and as a result he lost everything that made him good. I loved seeing this and, though I may feel sorry for the guy, I know that what he did can never be forgiven. Another thing that I liked about this book was seeing the development of the Hunger Games. I found it so interesting that the extravagant spectacle that I had read about in the trilogy and saw on the TV through the movies started out as 24 tributes fighting for their lives in a dirty, collapsed arena in the Capitol, barely being fed and not being treated as well as Katniss and Peeta were for their games. Right at the end of the book you see how Snow was the one to propose several of the changes to the games that we saw in the other books, such as Victor’s Village, the series of grand houses saved for the victors and their families. The fact that someone so young could suggest something to make people more willing to be involved in the killing of young children is just shocking and when I found out that the Hunger Games were initially suggested (not really intentionally)  by another young man horrified me. It was so intriguing and disgusting to see young people willingly suggesting ways to torture children just because they come from the districts who rebelled many years before. Although all of this was very interesting and I did like this information, I didn’t think the book lived up to my expectations. I loved reading The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay and found them so easy to read and I had been expecting the same for the prequel however it took me far too long to get into the book and I never fully did because it was nowhere near as good as I thought it would have been. Maybe it was the years between the books, or the change in perspective or the new characters but I was very disappointed in Suzanne Collins writing and really expected more from her. It felt like the book really dragged on (which it kind of did as it was rather long), however I do understand that there was a lot that needed to be covered, though it could have been done in a more interesting manner. The writing could have been much better, however I did like learning about Snow and I know that if I got a chance to go back in time and pick up the book for the first time again I would probably make the same decision (though I definitely won’t be reading the book a second time).

Would you recommend this book?  

If you enjoyed reading the Hunger Games trilogy, I definitely recommend reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as it is a good book that gives you a detailed addition to the events that led to Katniss winning the 74th Hunger Games and leading the rebellion. However, on its own it isn’t the best book and, although I think anyone over 14 who loves dystopian fiction, action and adventure will enjoy it, I wouldn’t recommend reading it unless you are willing to stick through the more difficult moments. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An interesting addition to the world of Panem and the Hunger Games, full of love, friendship and betrayal, 64 years before the events of The Hunger Games. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE FATES DIVIDE by Veronica Roth

“Cyra and Akos have been ruled by their fates since they were determined at birth. Now, they are inescapable. Despite his fate, Akos is in love with Cyra, and is willing to die in service to her family. So, when Cyra’s thought-to-be-dead father, Lazmet, reclaims the Shotet throne, Akos is sure his end is close. As Lazmet ignites a barbaric war, Cyra and Akos must work together to stop his tyrannical reign. For Cyra, that could mean taking the life of her father, and, for Akos, it may mean giving his own. In a stunning twist, the two of them will discover how fate defines their lives in the most unexpected ways. Fate brought them together. Now will it divide them?”

What is the book about?

Cyra Noavek and Akos Kereseth have been ruled by their fates since they were determined at birth and know that they are inescapable. There is no chance that they will be able to escape it and their fates define how they live their lives. But, despite his fate, Akos still loves Cyra even though it may mean his destruction. Cyra and Akos thought that all the pain would be over now that there was no Noavek leading the Shotet, but when Cyra’s supposedly dead father, Lazmet, returns and reclaims the Shotet throne, they realise that it isn’t the end yet. As the Shotet and Thuvhesit begin a war, Cyra and Akos must work together to stop Lazmet’s tyrannical reign. For Cyra, this may mean taking the life of the only family she has left, and, for Akos, this may mean fulfilling his fate and giving his own. In an unexpected twist, Cyra and Akos will discover how fate truly defines them in the most bizarre ways and will need to be strong to get past their incredible discoveries. Fate is the reason that they are together, now will it be the reason they divide?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Once I had finished Carve the Mark, I was really excited to start The Fates Divide. Carve the Mark had left me with tons of questions and I was desperate to start reading The Fates Divide so I could continue with the story. The blurb left me even more interested and intrigued at what would happen in the book and I was anxious to discover what the twist would be. As soon as I started to read I was transported back into the wonderful galaxy Veronica Roth created in Carve the Mark and immediately loved every single word. The book started quicker than any book I have ever read and I was already on the edge of my seat after reading only the first chapter. I loved how quickly the book began because it then felt as if I had never left. The first few chapters were incredibly interested and I had already added about 100 extra questions to my list. I absolutely loved the book from the very start and was already both excited and upset that the adventure would soon be ending.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I found it really hard picking a favourite character because there were so may amazing ones in The Fates Divide that it was impossible to pick just one, so this time I have two favourite characters: Akos and Cyra. I really liked Akos because, despite his fate, he still loved Cyra and tried his best to show her that she was better than what she thought she was. He was able to see past the brave warrior that Cyra presented herself as and see that deep down inside there was a good person that deserved mercy. When Akos found out the truth about his fate I was rather disappointed and annoyed with him because of his reaction, but once I realised that he was doing it so that no one would have to live in fear again I began to understand his actions and I was relieved once his mission ended. The other character that I liked was Cyra because of how resilient and brave she was. She was probably one of the characters who had been through the most pain and had suffered the most, but she still kept looking forward and was strong enough to get past it all. Cyra really stood out to me during 2 parts of the book. The first part was when she decided that it was worth giving up everything she had to save everyone else. Even though she wasn’t sure what would happen or even if it would work, she risked her life for everyone else and was strong enough and selfless enough to do it. The other part was when she reminded Akos of how he showed her mercy when she didn’t even think she deserved it. She also forgave him for what he did and reminded him that she understood the pain he had gone through and helped him see that he was worth it, just like he helped her in Carve the Mark. In both these parts Cyra was selfless, brave and kind, and was able to look past her own pain to help others. I really liked Cyra and Akos and I think that they are perfect for each other because of how they are both similar and different and are always there to help the other back on their feet.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Despite the book being absolutely amazing, there weren’t really any parts of the book that stood out to me, so, if I had to choose, I think that my favourite part would probably have to be the ending. Although I was sad when reading the end of the book because it meant that there would be no more adventures with Cyra and Akos, I still really liked it because even though I knew that there was a lot left to do for Cyra and Akos to have a truly happy ending, they were as happy as they had been in the whole series and I was glad that they got to experience happiness together, as it was what they deserved. I also liked the ending because the end of the book meant that, hopefully, there would be no more life threatening situations and that Cyra and Akos could just have some time to think of themselves, instead of being heroes and not having the time to relax and spend time with each other. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Fates Divide and think that it was an incredible book. There isn’t anything that I would want to change about the book other than the ending. One thing that I really liked about the book was that I got to hear from more than just Cyra and Akos which meant that I got a couple more perspectives about the story and that there were more than 2 storylines to follow. I also liked getting to hear from more people because I got to get to know some of the characters more and understand more about them as well as Cyra and Akos. Another thing that I liked about the book was that there were a lot more characters that were more involved in the story and more new characters were introduced. I liked this because I got to meet more good people and see that there weren’t just horrible people in Akos’s and Cyra’s world. I also really liked the twist in the story which I did not see coming. The twist made some huge changes in the story and, even though I didn’t really like some of the changes, I really loved the surprise. The book was really wonderful and I loved reading it, however, the ending, though it wasn’t bad, still left me wanting more. I really wish that The Fates Divide hadn’t ended like it did because it made me wish that I had more time with Cyra and Akos and made me really dread that the story had ended. The end made me think about the future and that I would get to read about anything else about the characters and that I wouldn’t get to read about what their lives would be like once all the issues have been sorted. But, apart from the ending, everything in the book was remarkable and I loved reading it. 

Which was your favourite book in the Carve the Mark series? (1 or 2)

I really enjoyed reading Carve the Mark and The Fates Divide and I think that both books are quite similar, however I think that Carve the Mark was the better book. The main reason for this choice is that Carve the Mark had a much more interesting storyline because of how many twists and turns there were. It felt like every few chapters there would be a new mission but it also always felt like they were are linked. I liked how Carve the Mark kept me on my toes and, although The Fates Divide also had an interesting story and a stunning twist, it was the more intriguing adventure. I also enjoyed the romance in Carve the Mark a lot more than in The Fates Divide. I liked how the romance between Cyra and Akos started and how they began to understand their feelings and at the end they knew that they would always be there for each other. In The Fates Divide, their romance really annoyed me because of all the ups and downs and I got frustrated because I knew that they belonged together but they sometimes didn’t feel that way. Other than these 2 things, I think that Carve the Mark and The Fates Divide were both just as amazing as the other and I loved reading them both, I am very sad to see the end of Cyra’s and Akos’s adventures.

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend The Fates Divide to any reader, particularly over the age of 12, who enjoys a good fantasy adventure with a pinch of romance. I suggest reading Carve the Mark first, or you will be incredibly confused, and I am sure that anyone who tries this book will love it.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A stunning, breath-taking and out of this world adventure with an incredible twist.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

CARVE THE MARK by Veronica Roth

“Cyra and Akos grew up in enemy countries on a vibrant yet divided planet. Cyra’s ability to transfer extraordinary pain with a simple touch makes her a dangerous weapon for her tyrannical brother. When Akos is kidnapped and forced to serve Cyra, it’s clear that their hatred is mutual. But, as Akos fights for his survival, he recognises that Cyra is also fighting for hers, and that her true gift – resilience – might be what saves them both. Their world is on the brink of political chaos, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what’s right, even if it means betraying their families and countries. When the time comes, will they choose loyalty or love?”

What is the book about?

Cyra Noavek and Akos Kereseth both live in the same divided planet but live in enemy countries. They are both from fate favoured families and have been stared at their whole lives. Cyra developed her currentgift far earlier than usual, an extraordinarily dangerous power to transfer pain to anyone with one touch. When Akos is kidnapped by Cyra’s brother, Ryzek, and forced to serve Cyra by keeping her pain at bay with his own currentgift that cancels other gifts, he realises that Cyra is just as trapped as he is. Ryzek sees his sister only as a weapon he can use to his advantage. But, despite her reputation as Ryzek’s Scourge, Cyra’s true power is her resilience and her ability to survive. Their world is on the brink of chaos with their countries close to war, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what they believe in and betray their families and countries in the process. When the time comes, will they chose to stay loyal or fight for what is right?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first saw the book I was immediately excited about reading it. Carve the Mark is by the same author as Divergent, and I absolutely loved Divergent and am completely obsessed with it, so I sure that Carve the Mark would be just as incredible. After I read the blurb, I was even more intrigued in knowing what the book would be like and I was really interesting in joining Cyra and Akos in a new magical world. When I started reading, I was a bit disappointed because the book started quite slowly and wasn’t as amazing as I has thought. However, after reading a few more chapters, I started to enjoy the book a little more and found that, although it wasn’t as wonderful as Divergent, it was still a really good book. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Akos because of how, despite everything he went through, he still had hope. Throughout the whole book, Akos never gave up on his brother, Eijeh, even when everyone told him that he was gone and it wouldn’t be worth saving him because he wouldn’t be himself anymore. Another reason why I really liked Akos was because of how he saw the good in people even when they didn’t think there was any. He proved this when he helped Cyra see that she was not just a tool for Ryzek to use, that she was her own person. Because of Akos, Cyra’s currentgift changed and she started to believe in herself more. He saw that she wasn’t a murderer like everyone thought and that she was really in just as much pain as everyone else, maybe more. The best thing about Akos was that, even though he knew what his fate was, he didn’t let that stop him from doing what he wanted and being with whom he loved, and he never gave up on anything or anyone.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was probably when Cyra’s currentgift changed because it was when she finally saw that her power was not a curse like she had always thought. This part is when Cyra truly accepts herself and begins to see why her ability is called a gift. I also liked this part because Akos is the one who helps her see the strength her currentgift has given her and how she has learnt to deal with the pain it causes her. He shows her that she can do anything and that she is strong enough to bear the pain without having to share it with anyone. Once Cyra realised that she had the strength to survive, she was able to pull back and keep Akos from experiencing the pain she knew he didn’t deserve. Even though she had to go through excruciating pain to keep Akos safe, Cyra knew she could survive through it, since survival was one of her best skills. I loved how Cyra’s love for Akos really shone in this part and how she knew that he deserved to be free from her brother even if it meant that she would most likely die; Cyra wanted to risk her life for Akos and knew that it was worth it.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I think that the book was really good and I really enjoyed reading it. One thing that I really liked about the book was that we got to hear from both Akos and Cyra and understand their thoughts and feelings in certain situations. I also liked that the book was split into 4 parts, showing and highlighting the different sections of the story. Another thing that I both liked and disliked was that sometimes the book changed perspective and left me wanting to know more about a certain person. This was really effective of the author as it kept me, as the reader, hooked and waiting to know more, but also very annoying for me as I was very impatient to discover what would happen next. One thing that really made the book stand out was how the whole book was based in whole new galaxy created by the author with planets all incredibly distinct and magical. I loved how I got to travel around in a universe that doesn’t even exist, but while reading Carve the Mark it was as real as Earth. Reading Carve the Mark really made me think about the main reason I love to read: to be able to travel the world and have adventures with incredible characters in places that don’t even exist but are real to me, all from the comforts of my own home. I really liked reading Carve the Mark and cannot wait to read the sequel: The Fates Divide.

Would you recommend this book?  

I really enjoyed Carve the Mark and recommend it for anyone over 12. If you have read Divergent I am sure you will enjoy Carve the Mark, although it isn’t as incredible. I am sure any readers who enjoy fantasy, thriller and a bit of romance will love reading this book.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An out of this world, incredible read full of brutal but wonderful twists.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

RETURN TO ZERO by Pittacus Lore

“Ten years. Ten extraordinary books. And this is where it ends… The FINAL chapter. The LAST battle. Questions will be answered. All Lorien Legacies will be revealed! But with the UN decreeing all humans with Legacies must wear inhibitors to take away their powers, the Earth is set for a violent showdown between ordinary humans and their Garde defenders. Will it end with the Garde versus humanity? Or can we find a way to work together?

What is the book about?

After the battle in Switzerland, the world is a mess. No one feels safe with the Garde around and many just want control. The Academy is nothing but problems, with the Earth Garde trying to get a different person in charge to be able to get rid of Nine. The UN has decreed that all humans with Legacies must wear inhibitors that can take away their power, in order to keep humanity safe. Now the Fugitive Six has been split in half, but they are still looking out for each other. With the world ordering Garde around and trying to get control, people are only causing more issues and setting up for a violent war between ordinary humans and the Garde that were meant to defend them. Will they be able to settle things in a peaceful way and look past their differences? Will the Fugitive Six be able to stop people from trying to destroy or control the Garde, before it’s too late? Or will it end with a major battle with the Garde versus humanity? Is all hope lost, or can they find a way to work together?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The ending of Fugitive had left me with only one thought: WHAT IS GOING ON?! I had been left so shocked and as soon as I recovered, I was anxious to know what would happen next. The blurb of Return to Zero was actually very good, even though some parts weren’t very descriptive, I still like every part of it. It was sad to see that this would be the end of Lorien Legacies, especially having it written so clearly on the back of the final book. I loved getting reassurance that all questions would be answered and I couldn’t wait to begin reading. The first few chapters were amazing, even though they weren’t that exciting. I found the book really easy to get into and I was soon lost in the world of the Garde. I loved having the Fugitive Six leading two different adventures because it kept me on edge but I also disliked how they were separate as I think they are better together. From the very start, I was already excited for the anticipated final battle, or to finally see the Human Garde treated properly and equally, not like aliens that should be excluded from humanity. Once I started to read, I was impatient for it to end and to finally have a perfect ending (because United as One had ended terribly), but I also desperately wanted for the book to never end, because that would mean that I would never be able to go on any more adventures with the incredible characters that I have grown attached to. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character in this book and most likely in the whole Lorien Legacies Reborn series was Ran. I really liked her in the first and second book but she really stood out to me in Return to Zero and at the end she proved she definitely was my favourite character. Ran was selfless and brave and always looked for what was right. Her Legacy was being able to charge things and make them explode, and she saw this as destruction. She vowed to never use her powers again unless it was truly necessary. She didn’t like that she had the ability to hurt and kill people and didn’t think it was right for any Human Garde to kill any innocent person, or any person really, unless it was truly the only way to survive. Even when everyone hated the Garde and thought they were monsters, Ran still thought that they shouldn’t hurt anyone because that would just make them as bad as their enemies. Even though she sometimes saw her Legacy as a terrible power with no other use than murder, she was able to see that it could also be used to help people, if she used it correctly. When everyone thought that all was lost and it was the end Ran was able to see that it was her chance to show people what her Legacy really meant and she did the unexpected and saved them all. She was a truly amazing, kind, selfless and brave person willing to risk everything for her friends.  She cared about everyone and didn’t think anyone deserved death, even those who hurt her. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

If I really had to choose my favourite part it would probably be the ending. It would start at the Human Garde Academy when they started to put their plan in motion and everything was looking good. Then things began to change but I still liked it because I knew that there was a backup plan – an incredible one. The end few chapters were really incredible, apart from the very end, but it was also a bit sad. I disliked how the more emotional part was written as it seemed a bit cruel but I did think that it was a sweet ending and gave certain characters the chance to do good for others and prove themselves, not just to everyone else but also to themselves. The end was full of action and I loved how it got me really attached to the story. Even though it’s upsetting, it’s also wonderful when a book makes you feel emotions because it means that you were really there and that the story will always be inside you. I also love it because then I know that it was worth the read, as I loved the story and the characters and become heartbroken when their story ends. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall the book was really, really good and enjoyed almost everything about it. One of the few things that I disliked about Return to Zero was the ending. The book goes forward in time a few months or so and ends almost exactly like United as One. I was hoping to get a proper ending and be able to ignore the first terrible ending to the series and focus on the new one, but that certainly didn’t happen. I seriously doubt the author’s ability to end series and I think that it kind of ruined the book. The book also skipped to a few months later risk after a very shocking and heart-breaking moment and it really ruined it. Sad moment are meant to fully destroy a reader and make them feel incredibly attached to a character but Pittacus Lore just skips it all and doesn’t properly emotionally destroy the readers, I am beginning to think he just cannot properly process emotions into his writing because this has happened a lot and I really despise it. However, despite the ending, I really enjoyed the book. There were a lot more of the original Garde in the book and I got to see a lot of my favourite characters even if it was just for a little bit. One thing that really stood out was Five. He was one of my least favourite characters for a long time because of what he did and how he betrayed everyone, but he really made it up to everyone at the end of Return to Zero and I think that it was the best ending for him. Another thing I liked was New Lorien and how beautiful and amazing it was. It was a safe haven for all Garde and let them do what they were always meant to do – help people. The worst thing about Return to Zero is that it is the last book of the series. It really shocked me when I finished because now I know that it is truly finished. I will never learn more about the amazing characters that I learnt to love and no matter how many times I choose to reread the series there will never be new information or new adventures to go on; it really is THE END.

Which was your favourite book in the Lorien Legacies Reborn series? (1, 2, or 3)

I think that, although Generation One and Return to Zero were good books, Fugitive Six was the best book in the series. I think that the ending was what ruined Return to Zero for me and Generation One was way too introductory and didn’t have any action until the end (and that part went by quite quick). However, Fugitive Six was almost perfect and had the characters leading separate adventures which meant that you were always on edge impatient for the next part of one of the adventures. There was also a lot of dramatic irony in the series as the character were going on separate adventures that sometimes had moment where the characters were puzzled or thought they recognised something or a had some questions, and usually one of the other characters had the answer. It was really quite funny that they all thought they were on own but really they were just playing a small part, however it also showed teamwork and how the Fugitive Six weren’t just connected when they were together, but also when they were apart. Fugitive Six had a bit of everything and apart from a small part at the end, I loved everything about it. I just loved almost everything about Lorien Legacies and I can’t believe it’s actually finished. 

Would you recommend this book?  

This book was amazing and I believe that all readers will enjoy it. I particularly recommend it to reader over 13 who enjoy action, adventure or science fiction, but if you don’t typically read these genres I suggest you give the Lorien Legacies series a try, starting with I am Number Four – I am confident you will not regret it. If you read them, try out the Legacy Chronicles, stories with Sam and Six happening at the same time as the events in the Reborn series.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An unbelievable and heart-breaking ending to one of the most extraordinary and out of this world book series that I have ever read, certainly an adventure which I will never forget.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

FUGITIVE SIX by Pittacus Lore

“The Garde Academy nurtures. The Foundation destroys. Who will win? Taylor Cook and the ‘Fugitive Six’ guard their Legacies against the murderous Foundation. They know trouble is coming. A mole inside the Academy is stealing secrets. They must be found and stopped, because gifted teens are still disappearing. Between the trials of training and the tensions among Earth’s defenders, Taylor and friends know they must work together to bring about the Foundation’s fall. But the Foundation has its own plans. And the Fugitive Six are in their sights…”

What is the book about?

After escaping the Human Garde Academy and experiencing a life threatening adventure, the ‘Fugitive Six’ (a nickname now all of the students at the Academy know) find themselves in even more problems. Their little adventure has caused a lot of trouble and the consequences aren’t just a few weeks of extra early training. Now the murderous Foundation has a mole inside the Academy and the Fugitive Six don’t just want to find and stop them from stealing secrets but also get an inside agent of their own. If the Foundation has a mole, why can’t the Garde? Between training and schoolwork, the Fugitive Six have barely enough time to come up with a plan, but they must try by working together. There is a lot at risk and the Fugitive Six must try to keep everyone safe, including themselves. But while they have their own plan in motion, the Foundation has its own ideas. The Foundation has eyes on the Fugitive Six and won’t be stopped from achieving their own plans…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Generation One was incredible and I finished it in less than a day, enjoying every word. The book had ended in a very interesting cliff-hanger, an idea that could turn into a whole new dangerous adventure. As soon as I finished reading it I was desperate to get my hands on the next book in the series – Fugitive Six. The first thing that I did when I picked up Fugitive Six was read the blurb, as I always do, and finally I got what I was looking for. Pittacus Lore finally had the genius idea of writing a proper blurb, one that inspires a reader to pick up a book, one that gives a brief and mysterious summary of what will happen in the story, rather than the war propaganda messages that have been written on the back of all the other Lorien Legacies books. The blurb made me even more curious at what would happen and gave me more questions to consider, making me leap towards the book with even more ambition. The first chapter was quite interesting, with a new character that I had never even heard of introduced to the story. The next few chapters had the characters I already knew and was very anxious to learn more about – the Fugitive Six. The chapters at the start got me straight back into the story as though I had never left, every single chapter form the very start making me ask more questions and making me very curious at what would happen next. The start was very interesting and I soon found myself near the end of the book, hanging on to every word.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

In Fugitive Six, my favourite character was probably Isabela. I had also liked her in the first book but she seemed a little too wild and another character stood out to me more. However in this book I saw a change in Isabela and her personality and I liked her a lot more. At times I find Isabela very annoying as her constant rude comments and her not taking things seriously really got on my nerves. But, at times, I like how she always says the first thing that comes to mind because it means she sometimes says what I really want to say to an annoying character, and when she says something that is actually right it is good to see a character get knocked down a bit. The first thing that made me think of her as my favourite character was when, in Fugitive Six, she mentioned that she did not think of herself as a hero. She said that she knew that her friends thought of themselves as heroes and thought that their little group as the next generation of the original Loric Garde. I liked how she didn’t care about that and didn’t think of herself like that because of how it contradicted the personality that she seems to have – confident, self-centred, etc. I liked this about her because it showed that she didn’t help her friends to get the attention of doing something heroic but because she was loyal to them. Then, the ending really stood out to me and showed me how Isabela’s personality had developed. She was always hiding her true self because she didn’t want to look like that and even if she claimed she did it for herself it still showed that she was sort of pretending to be someone else. At the end of the book, she lets go of her Legacy and shows the scars that she was always hiding. I liked this because it showed she was beginning to accept herself and that she wasn’t ashamed of herself. Isabela is a great example of proper character development.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part is probably the majority of the book because I like everything that happens after the Fugitive Six set their plan in motion. I like everything after that, except the end of the fight in Switzerland, because everything is really interesting and exciting. During those chapters we get to learn a lot of new information, especially seeing as most of the Fugitive Six are separate so they are all leading their own part of the adventure. I love how they all play a part in the plan and all have something to contribute even if some of them don’t know it. It’s funny how in the end their own little plans lead them together and that they all end up in the same place at the same time, not expecting the others to be there – it almost looks planned (though it obviously was planned by the author). They all feel alone but really they are just playing a small part in a big story and they are never actually alone. I didn’t like the very end because of how the fight was resolved and where they all chose to go, but I have a feeling that Return to Zero will bring them all together again.

What was your overall impression of the book?

As a whole, Fugitive Six was just unbelievable. Ever chapter left me stunned and on the edge of my seat waiting to learn what would happen next. The ending to the six main characters adventure wasn’t exactly the best, but the epilogue really made up for it, ending with the most shocking and crazy thing you could possibly imagine. The first chapter was rather strange but fascinating as it had a new character that I knew nothing about and didn’t really expect. The next few chapters had the characters I had really grown to like after reading Generation One, but something was being planned and I had many questions that were not being answered. Then, finally, the book got to the really good parts when the huge plan the Fugitive Six had prepared was finally in motion and I couldn’t wait to see the outcome of all the preparation. The book was written from many different sides and every character was in their own little world so there was lot going on at the same time, and I didn’t want to miss any of it. It was frustrating to have so many different people to follow but also gave me a lot to look forward to as a lot of the characters were discovering new things. Other than the end of the battle, everything in the book was wonderful and I cannot wait to read the last book of the Lorien Legacies Reborn series. 

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

I am 100% sure that Fugitive Six was better than Generation One. Although I enjoyed reading both of the books, I think that Fugitive Six is definitely my favourite. Generation One was pretty good, but I think it was too slow to start and a large part of the book was more introductory and, though I enjoyed the easy switch to the Human Garde Academy and the new characters, it wasn’t as interesting and thrilling as Fugitive Six. The whole book was an incredible adventure and plan. It started with setting the plan in motion and ended with a major battle. Fugitive Six kind of reminded me of all the books in the first series because of how the start was calm, mainly just setting up for a fight, and then at the end there would be a huge fight and something bad or sad would happen, and this pretty much sums up the whole of Fugitive Six. One other reason why Fugitive Six is the better book is how in Generation One most of the characters are together so there isn’t much new information or much use of Pittacus Lore’s cliff-hangers. But, in Fugitive Six, literally all of the main characters are leading their own side of the story so every chapter ended in an annoying cliff-hanger, leaving you anxious to know more. 

Would you recommend this book?  

There is no doubt in my mind that anyone could not love this book and I absolutely recommend it for any reader, particularly action lovers over 13. I think that its best to read the other books in both the Lorien Legacies series and the Reborn series before Fugitive Six because everything will make a lot more sense. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A mysterious and thrilling book with the ‘Fugitive Six’.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego