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anne__reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
justjeanettelee's review against another edition
5.0
Now this was a turbulent read: two months and four days to read, mostly because I didn't have the book in my possession for a whole month (thanks to its popularity and me being unable to find it in bookstores/me being too lazy to buy it online).
However, all is right with the world and I have finally bought my own copy and finished this explosive conclusion to the Lunar Chronicles.
This instalment is well worth it's 5 star rating. I lived for and loved every word that adorned every page. Every character. Every plot. Every twist and turn. Every shock. Every emotion. Everything about "Winter" completed gives credit to Meyer about her gift as an author: she is simply remarkable.
The thing I loved the best about this series, is that it artfully, tastefully and imaginatively retold the classic fairy tales that every single person on planet earth (and hey, maybe even the moon one day) has grown up on and fallen in love with, time and time again. Normally I'm hesitant about reimagined fairy tale novels, as they are often too carbon copies from the original (thus rendering them unoriginal in their own right). In my past experience of reading, only two other authors (Meyer excluded) have managed to capture the re-telling of classic fairy tales in an original concept: Rosamund Hodge for "Cruel Beauty", and Sarah J Maas for "A Court of Thorns and Roses", both are books I would consider my favourites. Now, Meyer can join the ranks of these two incredible authors as a gifted story teller.
I am so proud with how she has concluded this series. So unbelievably proud. I am content to say that my reading experience of the Lunar Chronicles will "live happily ever after".
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I wouldn't hesitate.
However, all is right with the world and I have finally bought my own copy and finished this explosive conclusion to the Lunar Chronicles.
This instalment is well worth it's 5 star rating. I lived for and loved every word that adorned every page. Every character. Every plot. Every twist and turn. Every shock. Every emotion. Everything about "Winter" completed gives credit to Meyer about her gift as an author: she is simply remarkable.
The thing I loved the best about this series, is that it artfully, tastefully and imaginatively retold the classic fairy tales that every single person on planet earth (and hey, maybe even the moon one day) has grown up on and fallen in love with, time and time again. Normally I'm hesitant about reimagined fairy tale novels, as they are often too carbon copies from the original (thus rendering them unoriginal in their own right). In my past experience of reading, only two other authors (Meyer excluded) have managed to capture the re-telling of classic fairy tales in an original concept: Rosamund Hodge for "Cruel Beauty", and Sarah J Maas for "A Court of Thorns and Roses", both are books I would consider my favourites. Now, Meyer can join the ranks of these two incredible authors as a gifted story teller.
I am so proud with how she has concluded this series. So unbelievably proud. I am content to say that my reading experience of the Lunar Chronicles will "live happily ever after".
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I wouldn't hesitate.
logan08's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely amazing!! There was never a dull moment, and though I usually don't like a whole lot of romance, I thought that was part of the reason I loved it so much. Meyer really has a way with words, and I hope to read many of the books she comes out with in the future. When I first started this series, I thought I was going to hate it, but Ms. Meyer's way with words convinced me otherwise and it is now my favorite book series. This book was intense from the first chapter, and I'm very sad it's over. again, this book was absolutely fabulous in every way, and I will definitely be reading it again soon.
araiapapaya's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jessicabrown's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
a wholesome and perfect ending to the series!! so much happened and lots of action and adorable moments between characters! love the found family created throughout the books and the futures suggested for the cast! so excited for the adaptations!
laurakh's review against another edition
5.0
I am a huge fan of this series and Winter didn't disappoint!
Things I loved about Winter:
1. The characters (individually). I love that the girls in this book are so well developed, distinct and just plain awesome! The best part is they each have their own individual skill that makes sense for them to have. Often in books or movies there is a kick-ass girl character that is just over-the-top amazing and always beating people up, but it often feels to me that her skills were added in for a dose of girl-power with little to no explanation as to how she actually developed these skills. In Winter, most of the girls have a really useful skill (usually associated with men) and it totally fits with their lives and personality. For example, Cinder is a great mechanic because she had to do maintenance on herself and Adri's household as a kid, and can look at blueprints at a moments notice. Scarlet is a good pilot because she drove her grandma's delivery podship every day for years. However, they also all have their weaknesses which adds a lot of character. Cinder and Cress in particular grow a lot in this book, becoming more confident in their own ways. Although Cress wasn't my favorite, I felt like she was the best developed--probably because I would react the same way as her in almost every situation. I liked that amid all these brave characters there is a girl who is just plain scared of everything, but still tries her best to come through for the people she cares about.
In my opinion, most of the boys pale in comparison. I liked Wolf, and Thorne definitely had his moments, but I only cared about Kai and Jacin because I wanted their girls to be happy! The boys were definitely more lovable as half a couple rather than on their own.
Another character I wasn't thrilled about was Iko. I liked her, and I get that her in a humanoid body was way more helpful to the crew, but I miss her as the cute clunky android. I thought the characterization of Iko in her smaller android body was excellent--her fan slowing or speeding up or her light sensor dimming somehow turned into really touching emotions. As a humanoid android she gets much more confident and suddenly becomes essentially another human member of the team. I couldn't help thinking that there should be a lot more distinction between her and the humans, even with her faulty personality chip. Her as a human was also a way to inflict a lot of violence on the team without it resulting in death. As an android, she really goes through the gauntlet (as she points out herself), and most of the things that happen to her would kill her human companions. It feels a little too much like a plot device to amp up the threats without real consequences.
2. The characters (as couples!). The couples were (mostly) amazing in this book! There are FOUR couples to follow, but the relationships are all so distinct it isn't overwhelming. The pacing of each character's "relationship status" was great. We finish Cress with Kai and Cinder finally reaching an understanding and getting to kiss and make up, with no more secrets between them. Although they are always in dangerous situations, it is nice that there is at least one couple that is on fairly solid ground. The other relationships develop at different paces and solidify at different times throughout the book. Although the nature and timing of each relationship is distinct, some of the events were definitely repetitive. Almost every review has mentioned that every couple is separated, captured, and reunited several times throughout the book and it gets a little stale. Scarlet and Wolf are definitely my favorite couple, with Winter and Jacin in second. However, although I like Cress and Thorne individually, together they don't make much sense. I totally understand why she likes him but not vice-versa. Thorne gets very few of his own chapters, so its difficult to see his side of the relationship develop. All the other relationships work so well. Winter and Jacin are childhood friends in forbidden love and Scarlet and Wolf are fiercely protective of each other. Cinder and Kai in particular work very well--although they aren't my favorite, it makes so much sense why he would like her. They had quite a few misunderstandings in other books but now that Kai knows everything, of course he admires her. Cinder gets to openly challenge everything he hates, and while he has to be diplomatic about it she is off wreaking havoc. I love the idea that Kai is watching all the events unfold, secretly cheering for Cinder while pretending to please Levana, a smirk on his face all the way.
Some of the friendship "couples" were great too. I love Cinder and Thorne's banter, and the sweet but exasperated friendship between Scarlet and Winter.
3. The fairy tales! I am a huge fan of what my favorite book blogger Enna Isilee would call "twisted fairy tales," and I think Marissa Meyer is the absolute master. She works in the fairy tale elements so wonderfully. When I first read Cinder, it was so easy to anticipate the plot that I was afraid the entire series would be that way. However, Meyer's world building and character development is so wonderful, and so different from what I expect from fairy tales, that I kept forgetting the story it was based on in Scarlet and Cress. Whenever a fairy tale detail popped up it was like a wonderful Easter egg, but there are so many other plots going on that the fairy tale plot doesn't dictate the entire book. I thought Cress in particular worked in the details in such an innovative way. Winter was a little more heavy handed, and the fairy tale elements were more obvious, like they were in Cinder. It definitely dictated Winter's story line, but didn't give away too much of the book because there are so many other characters and plots going on.
4. The storytelling. Meyer does a great job of handling so many points of view! There are at least ten characters, if not more, that narrate chapters and Meyer handles it wonderfully. All the characters have their own little quirks that add a lot to their story--Cinder has her cyborg brain giving her extra information, Cress has her fantasies that help her pretend to be brave, and Winter has her lyrical language and crazy hallucinations.
There were a few things that bothered me about the book. Several plot threads went undeveloped or felt unneccesary. Overall, though, I thought the book was EXCELLENT and am sorry it is over! The intricate plot, fairy tale moments and wonderful characters will long hold a place in my heart.
Things I loved about Winter:
1. The characters (individually). I love that the girls in this book are so well developed, distinct and just plain awesome! The best part is they each have their own individual skill that makes sense for them to have. Often in books or movies there is a kick-ass girl character that is just over-the-top amazing and always beating people up, but it often feels to me that her skills were added in for a dose of girl-power with little to no explanation as to how she actually developed these skills. In Winter, most of the girls have a really useful skill (usually associated with men) and it totally fits with their lives and personality. For example, Cinder is a great mechanic because she had to do maintenance on herself and Adri's household as a kid, and can look at blueprints at a moments notice. Scarlet is a good pilot because she drove her grandma's delivery podship every day for years. However, they also all have their weaknesses which adds a lot of character. Cinder and Cress in particular grow a lot in this book, becoming more confident in their own ways. Although Cress wasn't my favorite, I felt like she was the best developed--probably because I would react the same way as her in almost every situation. I liked that amid all these brave characters there is a girl who is just plain scared of everything, but still tries her best to come through for the people she cares about.
In my opinion, most of the boys pale in comparison. I liked Wolf, and Thorne definitely had his moments, but I only cared about Kai and Jacin because I wanted their girls to be happy! The boys were definitely more lovable as half a couple rather than on their own.
Another character I wasn't thrilled about was Iko. I liked her, and I get that her in a humanoid body was way more helpful to the crew, but I miss her as the cute clunky android. I thought the characterization of Iko in her smaller android body was excellent--her fan slowing or speeding up or her light sensor dimming somehow turned into really touching emotions. As a humanoid android she gets much more confident and suddenly becomes essentially another human member of the team. I couldn't help thinking that there should be a lot more distinction between her and the humans, even with her faulty personality chip. Her as a human was also a way to inflict a lot of violence on the team without it resulting in death. As an android, she really goes through the gauntlet (as she points out herself), and most of the things that happen to her would kill her human companions. It feels a little too much like a plot device to amp up the threats without real consequences.
2. The characters (as couples!). The couples were (mostly) amazing in this book! There are FOUR couples to follow, but the relationships are all so distinct it isn't overwhelming. The pacing of each character's "relationship status" was great. We finish Cress with Kai and Cinder finally reaching an understanding and getting to kiss and make up, with no more secrets between them. Although they are always in dangerous situations, it is nice that there is at least one couple that is on fairly solid ground. The other relationships develop at different paces and solidify at different times throughout the book. Although the nature and timing of each relationship is distinct, some of the events were definitely repetitive. Almost every review has mentioned that every couple is separated, captured, and reunited several times throughout the book and it gets a little stale. Scarlet and Wolf are definitely my favorite couple, with Winter and Jacin in second. However, although I like Cress and Thorne individually, together they don't make much sense. I totally understand why she likes him but not vice-versa. Thorne gets very few of his own chapters, so its difficult to see his side of the relationship develop. All the other relationships work so well. Winter and Jacin are childhood friends in forbidden love
Spoiler
that scene in the menagerie when he pretends to kill her?? SO MANY EMOTIONS MOSTLY SWOONING AND CRYINGSome of the friendship "couples" were great too. I love Cinder and Thorne's banter, and the sweet but exasperated friendship between Scarlet and Winter.
Spoiler
I was surprised that there were barely any Cinder and Winter moments, considering they have a history, but Scarlet's attachment to her was an endearing surprise3. The fairy tales! I am a huge fan of what my favorite book blogger Enna Isilee would call "twisted fairy tales," and I think Marissa Meyer is the absolute master. She works in the fairy tale elements so wonderfully. When I first read Cinder, it was so easy to anticipate the plot that I was afraid the entire series would be that way. However, Meyer's world building and character development is so wonderful, and so different from what I expect from fairy tales, that I kept forgetting the story it was based on in Scarlet and Cress. Whenever a fairy tale detail popped up it was like a wonderful Easter egg, but there are so many other plots going on that the fairy tale plot doesn't dictate the entire book. I thought Cress in particular worked in the details in such an innovative way. Winter was a little more heavy handed, and the fairy tale elements were more obvious, like they were in Cinder. It definitely dictated Winter's story line,
Spoiler
and I anticipated the poisoning by Levana disguised as an old lady with sour apple petite since the candies were first mentioned at the end of Cress4. The storytelling. Meyer does a great job of handling so many points of view! There are at least ten characters, if not more, that narrate chapters and Meyer handles it wonderfully. All the characters have their own little quirks that add a lot to their story--Cinder has her cyborg brain giving her extra information, Cress has her fantasies that help her pretend to be brave, and Winter has her lyrical language and crazy hallucinations.
There were a few things that bothered me about the book. Several plot threads went undeveloped or felt unneccesary.
Spoiler
Wolf's new surgery was a strange addition. At first it felt horrific but almost in a good way, as it was the first action against any of the crew that actually worried me. The crew is constantly getting shot at and beaten up, and Scarlet even has fingers chopped off, but none of that worried me because I knew they would recover. I love Wolf, and his transformation terrified me! How would Scarlet react? Would he ever be able to come back from that? However, when he reunites with his friends NOTHING has changed, and Scarlet isn't even momentarily scared or disgusted. Cinder makes a point of saying the wolf mutant's energy is violent and impossible to control compared to the special operatives, who are still hard but not impossible to control and seemingly only violent because of the pack dynamics and when the Thaumaturge's make them. We are lead to believe that the wolf mutants are terrifying and gross looking and always violent. After Wolf is changed the Thaumaturge specifically brings up Scarlet and makes it seem as if Wolf doesn't trust her anymore and would kill her if asked. Then Wolf has literally no personality change, no moment of mental battle with himself, nothing. Another strange moment is the bioelectricity security device. I knew all along it would play an important role, but then it wasn't mentioned until the end of the book. Cinder suspects that Garan hid the plans in Iko, but then announces it at her meeting with the Earth leaders WITHOUT EVEN CHECKING FIRST! Also, even assuming that Kai and Cinder allocate lots of resources to developing it further, the device has to be installed with a really delicate and invasive procedure (plus 1/2 existing ones were installed on a cyborg, with little included info on how it would attach to a person without the same advantages) so it would be a LONG time before it was anywhere cheap or efficient enough to mass-install on Earthens. I think it should have been addressed earlier or left to a vague list of Cinder's queenly plans, not have a whole random scene to itself at the end.chaicedony's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
carlijnpsman's review against another edition
4.0
Unlike the other books in this series, this one held my attention from beginning ‘till the end. I really liked this series and the twist on the classic fairytales. The only thing that sometimes bothered me about this book was the fact that, because you switch between so many POV from characters, the cliffhangers didn’t really work. Where one character thinks the other one has died, we know said character is doing just fine. I would have liked if we as reader were kept in a bit more ignorance in these scènes. But otherwise, a great book with a great storyline
queenofthemoon111's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it!!! I can't believe that i've finished the entire series already!!!! It was an amazing journey that i won't forget that fast!