This was the ending that, after all these years, still made me tear up! Since this is the finale (there also is one more novella that I plan to read very soon) of this series, I cannot obviously spoil anything, though I feel like many of you have read this series already, it was once such a staple!
The young adult (middle-grade reader friendly) series overall is a fantastic mix of classic fairytales in a science fiction setting. Many have mistakenly assumed that Cinder’s story (first book) would end with that first book; however, Meyer weaves an intricate, action-packed original story while slowly bringing in each of the characters and the various Easter eggs that are their fairy tale elements. It was so wonderfully done. I thought that after 12 years this series would pale, as twilight and many more series of that time has done, and yet the futuristic elements of this series continue to add a new element to these classic tales.
Cinder’s prosthetic parts and forgotten past, Wolf’s surgeries and mind invasions, the Lunars abilities for mind control, Levana's wrath and simply everything and all things about Iko, all helped to create such a fantastic story and completely brought these fairytales into the contemporary world. I still love them and I am glad I bought the new box set with the new cover art! These will be with me forever!
Re-Reading Cinder:
I am SO glad I decided to re-read this series! I definitely still loved it even 10 years later! This is a Young Adult science fiction & fantasy fairytale re-telling series that begins with our main character named Cinder (ie: Cinderella).
Cinders past is unknown and she lives with her guardian (step-mother) as well as her two step sisters, Peony and Pearl. Cinder works as a mechanic fixing androids as well as herself (she is a cyborg!) and one day New Beijing’s eligible Prince (Kai) makes his way over to her stall asking for her service in fixing his android, and our story takes off from there.
I also forgot that there is a deadly pandemic in this novel which I realized was triggering a bit for me this read through. I read this when it released back in 2012 and never thought anything about the pandemic in this story other than adding something spicy to the plot. I definitely don’t feel that way anymore. The pandemic In this story is called Letumosis, which New Beijing is desperately trying to find a cure for as the current king, along with the rest of the commonwealth, is dying from the virus.
The story line is action packed and it still completely had me absorbed. I loved reading about Iko and prince Kai again. I also noticed a few things this time around that foreshadows the later books in the series.
I cannot wait to keep going! I will be continuing on with the rest of the series for the next 5 months! Have you read this series? If not, please do! It has something for everyone and you’ll fly through it! It’s incredibly addicting!
Re-Reading Scarlet:
This sequel picks up right where we left off, with our MC, Cinder along with "Captain" Carswell Thorne, trying their best to escape their current situation, piece together all the shocking information that Cinder was just made aware of as well as try to save the commonwealth from the evil Queen Levana. Through her journey we also get some new characters introduced in this sequel, Scarlet Benoit (Red Riding Hood) and the mysterious Wolf.
I love how complex this storyline is, and we're only just getting started! Everything flows well and it all ties in together. Seeing the original characters continue on in each book is incredibly satisfying as I don't seem to see that often in series with as many characters as this one. The originals are often shelved for a later book and new characters take over the sequel which leaves the readers with so many questions and little to no answers until the third or fourth book. I also found this sequel much better developed than the first: The descriptions of the setting as well as setting different tones based on POV/situation. The first one felt like I was being told a story, this sequel made me feel like I was a part of it. I am so eager to continue on with Cress (Rapunzel) next, hopefully very soon!
Re-Reading Cress:
I’m this continuation, we get to see more of Cress, her satellite prison, her long blonde hair and we also get to meet Jacin for the first time.
We learn that Sybil (her mistress) has kept her imprisoned in a satellite orbiting earth for most of her life. We also learn that Cress is a shell and has been able to detect the ship (The Rampion) that Cinder and her band are on. She has been ordered by her mistress to do the Queens bidding and expose Cinders whereabouts. Instead, cress has been helping Cinders ship by disguising it and keeping it hidden from detectable lunars.
Since Cress (Rapunzel), has been having to research all things related to Lindh Cinder to obtain her location, Cress has found some interesting information: Cinder travels with a companion, Captain Carswell Thorne. His crimes, she learns, we’re done to help worthwhile causes and the tough criminal is really a big softy. Cress needs to meet this man and she finally does when a radio signal she used to attempt contact with the The Rampion finally connects!
All of the above occurs within the first few chapters and I won’t talk about the storyline since many of you want to re-read this series and I don’t want to remind you of the plot. It’s more fun re-discovering the twists on your own! I am absolutely loving this series re-read. I had forgotten most of the details. Cress story is heartbreaking and this book is surprisingly emotional!! I think fairest (novella) is next in line for me. I remember it being my favourite next to Cress so hopefully that opinion still stands in present time!
We learn that Sybil (her mistress) has kept her imprisoned in a satellite orbiting earth for most of her life. We also learn that Cress is a shell and has been able to detect the ship (The Rampion) that Cinder and her band are on. She has been ordered by her mistress to do the Queens bidding and expose Cinders whereabouts. Instead, cress has been helping Cinders ship by disguising it and keeping it hidden from detectable lunars.
Since Cress (Rapunzel), has been having to research all things related to Lindh Cinder to obtain her location, Cress has found some interesting information: Cinder travels with a companion, Captain Carswell Thorne. His crimes, she learns, we’re done to help worthwhile causes and the tough criminal is really a big softy. Cress needs to meet this man and she finally does when a radio signal she used to attempt contact with the The Rampion finally connects!
All of the above occurs within the first few chapters and I won’t talk about the storyline since many of you want to re-read this series and I don’t want to remind you of the plot. It’s more fun re-discovering the twists on your own! I am absolutely loving this series re-read. I had forgotten most of the details. Cress story is heartbreaking and this book is surprisingly emotional!! I think fairest (novella) is next in line for me. I remember it being my favourite next to Cress so hopefully that opinion still stands in present time!
Re-Reading Fairest:
Finally! Levana. This is the biggest anticipated re-read of this series for me. This book is why I decided to re-read this series in the first place. I remember just how much I enjoyed this and the way it made me empathize with the "evil" Queen Levana, respect her, fear her and completely hate her all in the same short little book.
Queen Levana's backstory is devastating, we learn how dependant she is on using her glamour, the reason she despises and bans all mirrors, her manipulation over the man she loves and her plot to kill the heir of the throne.
Even now, I was horrified by her action regardless of how much time has passed and how I was expecting the scene. I didn't seem to matter, it was still incredibly shocking and horrific. It's not just what we know she did. It's not what was done to her. It's what she does after all that and continues to do. Her own manipulation towards another, and the grief when that was suddenly ripped away from her, didn't leave her emotional, it left her angry and bitter. Knowing how this ends and also then, knowing what became of her is incredibly haunting.
she grew up a loveless child and never had the right idea of what real love is. So she fixates, manipulates and retaliates. After all of that, she still she doesn't get what she wants, she still isn't happy. Her determination would be admirable if it were put to better use. BUT, I wouldn't wish for her to change, or to redeem herself in any way. Every story needs a good villain, someone to rise up against and overthrow. Levana has always been one of the most reprehensible villains I have ever read. She is fictional, and yet I fear her. She is unbelievably dangerous.
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