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10thousand_megs's review against another edition
5.0
While each of the previous books in the Lunar Chronicles was pretty good, this last installment is pure magic. Some may complain about the 800+ pages, but I believe the length is reflective of Meyer's commitment to her characters and the stories she began in the four novels prior. I was so immensely satisfied at the end that I let out an actual sigh. The climactic confrontation between the heroes and Levana does not disappoint and each couple begins their happily-ever-after in a way that is both swoon-worthy and true to the characters. Stars above, this was a great read.
jessica_z's review against another edition
5.0
AHHHHHHH I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S OVER!!!! Winter was a fantastic book it might become my favorite in the series. A series that easily makes my top five favorite. My favorite part of these books are the characters. They might possibly be the most realistic characters I’ve ever read. Except Levana, Stars she’s evil. So I have a super power of guessing plot twist or things that will happen. To be honest I couldn’t do that with this book. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn’t figure out what was going to happen. I was so tempted to look at the back of the book and finding out if everyone makes it out alive because everyone was having the crap beat out of them. Cinder especially, but that was a given. Luna felt like a small area. We only really saw a few sectors, Luna felt contained. I would have liked a chapter of Jacin and Winter going around, so something like that. I’m trying not to spoil anything, and it is so hard.
I really liked Kai. I mean I liked him before, but I like his even more now. He really stepped up against Levana. I found it funny that all the aristocrats wanted to attend the events because of the drama that ensues. I don’t know it Marissa Meyer has something against fingers, but a lot people seem to lose their. The end battle between Levana and Cinder was great, everyone from the group was there, and it felt like it came full circle. I like Winter and Jacin and it’s weird to think about what happened in the beginning of the book because it’s seemed so long ago that Jacin was brought to trial. I like and dislike that non physicality of the relationships. I mean you could possibly die at any moment. I would be making out with my boyfriend when we had a moment to rest. Speaking of making out CRESS AND THORNE!! OMG that scene, that scene! I like how it was like they both liked each other, but just couldn’t admit to it.
Cinders/Selene changed when everything happened, and during the last three books (Scarlet, Cress, and Winter.) Cinder has had this weight on her shoulders, and in the end only more weight is added, and when she talks to Kai I understand her decision that she plans to put into action for the government. (So hard to word that and not have it spoil anything.) Because I was thinking the same thing as Selene. Sometime in the future there could be another Levana that comes, but I feel that’s a risk with every government, whether or not it’s a republic or not. The writing was…I wasn’t really paying any attention to the writing, I was too engrossed with the story to even care about it. When that happens it’s like the words disappear and it becomes a movie in my head. And that is why I like to read.
I like how we got closure with where the character will be going after all this, and I’m happy. And sad that this amazing series is over and I won’t be able to have the experience of reading this book for the first time again. Thank you Marissa Meyer for creating this amazing world and the characters that live in it, and thanks to my friend how made me read it!
I really liked Kai. I mean I liked him before, but I like his even more now. He really stepped up against Levana. I found it funny that all the aristocrats wanted to attend the events because of the drama that ensues. I don’t know it Marissa Meyer has something against fingers, but a lot people seem to lose their. The end battle between Levana and Cinder was great, everyone from the group was there, and it felt like it came full circle. I like Winter and Jacin and it’s weird to think about what happened in the beginning of the book because it’s seemed so long ago that Jacin was brought to trial. I like and dislike that non physicality of the relationships. I mean you could possibly die at any moment. I would be making out with my boyfriend when we had a moment to rest. Speaking of making out CRESS AND THORNE!! OMG that scene, that scene! I like how it was like they both liked each other, but just couldn’t admit to it.
Cinders/Selene changed when everything happened, and during the last three books (Scarlet, Cress, and Winter.) Cinder has had this weight on her shoulders, and in the end only more weight is added, and when she talks to Kai I understand her decision that she plans to put into action for the government. (So hard to word that and not have it spoil anything.) Because I was thinking the same thing as Selene. Sometime in the future there could be another Levana that comes, but I feel that’s a risk with every government, whether or not it’s a republic or not. The writing was…I wasn’t really paying any attention to the writing, I was too engrossed with the story to even care about it. When that happens it’s like the words disappear and it becomes a movie in my head. And that is why I like to read.
I like how we got closure with where the character will be going after all this, and I’m happy. And sad that this amazing series is over and I won’t be able to have the experience of reading this book for the first time again. Thank you Marissa Meyer for creating this amazing world and the characters that live in it, and thanks to my friend how made me read it!
theloveofinches's review against another edition
Too simple but like it was purposely trying to be overcomplicated. Too many romantic subplots and all the characters felt the same.
princessrobotiv's review against another edition
4.0
A solid conclusion to an imaginative series.
Though not without its flaws, Winter was bittersweet and well-paced. Thematic elements from the previous three novels coalesced in the final installment (with varying degrees of successful execution). At this point, I think it'll be most beneficial to break down the separate arcs by protagonist/LI.
Cinder
Cinder's struggle with self-acceptance, particularly regarding her physical disabilities and her sociopolitical status as a cyborg, had the most page-time to develop. This is partially why I feel that - of all the character arcs introduced - Cinder's felt most resolved by the end of book four. Narratively, however, I also think that Cinder was granted a central conflict based more heavily in the self than some of the other protagonists. Cinder's central conflict focused on her identity, and even without the intervention of Emperor Kai as her love interest, this would still remain a compelling narrative of self-discovery and self-actualization in the face of prejudice and corruption. The gradual way in which Cinder began to accept her role as Queen - but more importantly, how she ended Winter displaying the cyborg enhancements she had spent so many books compulsively hiding -- felt realistic and gratifying.
Kai
I love Kai. I love Cinder and Kai. (I love Konn Torin - this isn't related to anything else I'm about to say, but I love him all the same.)
Nevertheless, I often found myself frustrated by the way Kai's character arc played out in Winter. As always, every scene where he interacted with Levana made my skin crawl. I was able to sympathize with him. I understood his motives - it has always been in Kai's greatest interest to minimize the suffering of others, particularly the people in the Commonwealth. Every action he takes is in pursuit of this goal, despite his actions being . . . Not that helpful, ultimately, considering the utterly skewed power dynamic between him and Levana. Still, when faced with his choices (the immediate, albeit temporary, cessation of war casualties or an unprepared and possibly disastrous resistance) . . . Well, what else can you do?
My main objection is that we never saw him grapple with his eventual rape.
Yeah, rape. The word was used once in Winter, and (I think) not at all in previous books - not even in Fairest, which was literally ALL ABOUT RAPE. And in Winter, the mention of rape is a generalized statement about the danger inherent in Lunar/Earthen relationships.
To me, this was a massive mistake on Meyer's part. Considering Levana's disgusting and iniquitous use of psychological control over her betrothed/husband, it was absolutely necessary that we see Kai grapple with the impending horror of being forced into physical relations with a woman who repulsed him, a woman who he was effectively forced to marry in order to save thousands of Earthen lives. And not only that, but being forced and manipulated into believing that he wanted this; into enjoying it. Yet we never got this, and Kai as a character was weakened by it. I just wonder . . . Why? We all know it's rape. Why not call a spade a spade?
Scarlet
I'm still, like, not really sure what Scarlet's central conflict is? Her search for her grandmother acted as a really fantastic plot, sure, but . . . Idk, like a search for family in general? Is that it?
Scarlet is a compelling character, to be sure, but I think she was a bit underutilized. Or, rather, I think that she was used as a tool to enhance the narratives of other characters - like her LI Wolf/Ze-ev. I also really didn't dig her casual and repetitive use of the word "crazy" when addressing Winter, even after they became allies and friends. Like . . . Girl, chill. That's so rude.
Wolf/Ze'ev
Unlike in previous installments, I actually enjoyed Wolf's arc. It was tragic to see his abuse at the hands of his government reach its conclusion, but his horror at what was done to him finally overshadowed the less interesting ABO themes that were so prevalent in previous parts of his story. His alterations also provided focus to his relationship with Scarlet, which was previously lacking (in my opinion) - we moved away from a sketchy sort of proprietary insta-love and into something that drew more heavily on the themes of found family, unconditional loyalty/desire, and - again - grappling with perceived "monstrousness."
Cress
Despite her novel coming after Scarlet's, I always had a better feel for Cress's central conflict. We were introduced to a girl who, by virtue of her birth, had been treated as a prisoner and a slave by her government and then isolated and abused for years. Her search for freedom, place, and human connection was palpable in Cress, though those themes were somewhat dropped in Winter in favor of carrying on the miscommunication drama between herself and Thorne. There was room for improvement, but ultimately we got a lot of great scenes in which Cress struck back - despite her fears - at the very regime that stole everything from her at birth.
Thorne
Thorne is a super likable character. Always has been. He's very clearly the Han Solo of The Lunar Chronicles: a lovable rogue doing what's right despite everyone thinking his natural response will be to selfishly protect his own interests. Even Thorne believes this to be the case, despite constantly acting in the complete opposite way when given literally any opportunity?
Anyway - miscommunication drama with Cress notwithstanding - I found the culmination of his arc to be pretty satisfying. That last speech he gave to Cress - about striving to be a better man - was really well done. The irony is, of course, that even when giving this speech, Thorne doesn't realize that he already is that man.
Winter/Jacin
I'm combining these two characters into one blurb because we simply didn't have enough time to get to know them - especially Winter - as well as I would have liked. I do think Jacin was handled incredibly well in this volume, considering I didn't like him as a character in the previous installment. His motivations were very well defined and the narrative didn't "cheat" around them in any way. Meaning, his voice and actions were consistent with these motivations, and the narrative never had him acting contrary to them for the sake of plot/romance progression.
Winter, on the other hand, was harder to get a grasp on. I liked her character, and I appreciated the focus on mental illness in her arc. But there were a lot of scenes that I felt were just . . . Sort of poorly-written? Like Meyer strayed too far into writing a "crazy" character and lost opportunities to demonstrate Winter's charisma and diplomacy - traits she must have, if the population of Luna loves her so much. It can't all be about her looks, that isn't . . . Satisfying. And it runs contrary to her own relationship with her appearance.
Iko
Y'all know I can't forget my girl!!! Iko had one of my favorite arcs outside of Cinder, which isn't that surprising considering they share many similarities. While Cinder struggles visibly - internally and externally - with her cyborg characteristics, Iko's conflict seems more related to autonomy and peer acceptance. She wants to feel that her body matches her soul/her consciousness, and struggles through a series of bodies that don't meet this need. And ultimately, she wants to be treated with the respect due to a fully autonomous human being - it isn't just about looking pretty, at its roots.
Winter gave Iko a POV for (I believe) the first time, and this was a much-overdue service to her character. Though I do have to say, I'm not sure if I'm a fan of Kinney, who is clearly slated to be Iko's (future) LI?
Anyway, I've got no more thoughts on this for now! I was pleased with this installment and the series as a whole. It was a very fresh take on the classic Disney-princess reimagining shtick, and some very lovable and memorable characters were created as a result.
Though not without its flaws, Winter was bittersweet and well-paced. Thematic elements from the previous three novels coalesced in the final installment (with varying degrees of successful execution). At this point, I think it'll be most beneficial to break down the separate arcs by protagonist/LI.
Cinder
Cinder's struggle with self-acceptance, particularly regarding her physical disabilities and her sociopolitical status as a cyborg, had the most page-time to develop. This is partially why I feel that - of all the character arcs introduced - Cinder's felt most resolved by the end of book four. Narratively, however, I also think that Cinder was granted a central conflict based more heavily in the self than some of the other protagonists. Cinder's central conflict focused on her identity, and even without the intervention of Emperor Kai as her love interest, this would still remain a compelling narrative of self-discovery and self-actualization in the face of prejudice and corruption. The gradual way in which Cinder began to accept her role as Queen - but more importantly, how she ended Winter displaying the cyborg enhancements she had spent so many books compulsively hiding -- felt realistic and gratifying.
Kai
I love Kai. I love Cinder and Kai. (I love Konn Torin - this isn't related to anything else I'm about to say, but I love him all the same.)
Nevertheless, I often found myself frustrated by the way Kai's character arc played out in Winter. As always, every scene where he interacted with Levana made my skin crawl. I was able to sympathize with him. I understood his motives - it has always been in Kai's greatest interest to minimize the suffering of others, particularly the people in the Commonwealth. Every action he takes is in pursuit of this goal, despite his actions being . . . Not that helpful, ultimately, considering the utterly skewed power dynamic between him and Levana. Still, when faced with his choices (the immediate, albeit temporary, cessation of war casualties or an unprepared and possibly disastrous resistance) . . . Well, what else can you do?
My main objection is that we never saw him grapple with his eventual rape.
Yeah, rape. The word was used once in Winter, and (I think) not at all in previous books - not even in Fairest, which was literally ALL ABOUT RAPE. And in Winter, the mention of rape is a generalized statement about the danger inherent in Lunar/Earthen relationships.
To me, this was a massive mistake on Meyer's part. Considering Levana's disgusting and iniquitous use of psychological control over her betrothed/husband, it was absolutely necessary that we see Kai grapple with the impending horror of being forced into physical relations with a woman who repulsed him, a woman who he was effectively forced to marry in order to save thousands of Earthen lives. And not only that, but being forced and manipulated into believing that he wanted this; into enjoying it. Yet we never got this, and Kai as a character was weakened by it. I just wonder . . . Why? We all know it's rape. Why not call a spade a spade?
Scarlet
I'm still, like, not really sure what Scarlet's central conflict is? Her search for her grandmother acted as a really fantastic plot, sure, but . . . Idk, like a search for family in general? Is that it?
Scarlet is a compelling character, to be sure, but I think she was a bit underutilized. Or, rather, I think that she was used as a tool to enhance the narratives of other characters - like her LI Wolf/Ze-ev. I also really didn't dig her casual and repetitive use of the word "crazy" when addressing Winter, even after they became allies and friends. Like . . . Girl, chill. That's so rude.
Wolf/Ze'ev
Unlike in previous installments, I actually enjoyed Wolf's arc. It was tragic to see his abuse at the hands of his government reach its conclusion, but his horror at what was done to him finally overshadowed the less interesting ABO themes that were so prevalent in previous parts of his story. His alterations also provided focus to his relationship with Scarlet, which was previously lacking (in my opinion) - we moved away from a sketchy sort of proprietary insta-love and into something that drew more heavily on the themes of found family, unconditional loyalty/desire, and - again - grappling with perceived "monstrousness."
Cress
Despite her novel coming after Scarlet's, I always had a better feel for Cress's central conflict. We were introduced to a girl who, by virtue of her birth, had been treated as a prisoner and a slave by her government and then isolated and abused for years. Her search for freedom, place, and human connection was palpable in Cress, though those themes were somewhat dropped in Winter in favor of carrying on the miscommunication drama between herself and Thorne. There was room for improvement, but ultimately we got a lot of great scenes in which Cress struck back - despite her fears - at the very regime that stole everything from her at birth.
Thorne
Thorne is a super likable character. Always has been. He's very clearly the Han Solo of The Lunar Chronicles: a lovable rogue doing what's right despite everyone thinking his natural response will be to selfishly protect his own interests. Even Thorne believes this to be the case, despite constantly acting in the complete opposite way when given literally any opportunity?
Anyway - miscommunication drama with Cress notwithstanding - I found the culmination of his arc to be pretty satisfying. That last speech he gave to Cress - about striving to be a better man - was really well done. The irony is, of course, that even when giving this speech, Thorne doesn't realize that he already is that man.
Winter/Jacin
I'm combining these two characters into one blurb because we simply didn't have enough time to get to know them - especially Winter - as well as I would have liked. I do think Jacin was handled incredibly well in this volume, considering I didn't like him as a character in the previous installment. His motivations were very well defined and the narrative didn't "cheat" around them in any way. Meaning, his voice and actions were consistent with these motivations, and the narrative never had him acting contrary to them for the sake of plot/romance progression.
Winter, on the other hand, was harder to get a grasp on. I liked her character, and I appreciated the focus on mental illness in her arc. But there were a lot of scenes that I felt were just . . . Sort of poorly-written? Like Meyer strayed too far into writing a "crazy" character and lost opportunities to demonstrate Winter's charisma and diplomacy - traits she must have, if the population of Luna loves her so much. It can't all be about her looks, that isn't . . . Satisfying. And it runs contrary to her own relationship with her appearance.
Iko
Y'all know I can't forget my girl!!! Iko had one of my favorite arcs outside of Cinder, which isn't that surprising considering they share many similarities. While Cinder struggles visibly - internally and externally - with her cyborg characteristics, Iko's conflict seems more related to autonomy and peer acceptance. She wants to feel that her body matches her soul/her consciousness, and struggles through a series of bodies that don't meet this need. And ultimately, she wants to be treated with the respect due to a fully autonomous human being - it isn't just about looking pretty, at its roots.
Winter gave Iko a POV for (I believe) the first time, and this was a much-overdue service to her character. Though I do have to say, I'm not sure if I'm a fan of Kinney, who is clearly slated to be Iko's (future) LI?
Anyway, I've got no more thoughts on this for now! I was pleased with this installment and the series as a whole. It was a very fresh take on the classic Disney-princess reimagining shtick, and some very lovable and memorable characters were created as a result.
arojo1's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful and captivating ending to one of my favorite series! I will miss Cinder, Iko, and the rest of the crew!
ghad33ri's review against another edition
3.0
Much too long. But alas I’m attached. Throne carrying the whole series fr.
kghill002's review against another edition
5.0
OMG!!!!!! This book is absolutely AMAZING!! I thought it was a great way to end the story!( though, I wish it had an epilogue, and more Kaider( just one of my MANY otps))
noor_sidhu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Just as perfect as the first time ❤️
bertiethefern's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
etinney's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 out of 5 stars
Oops. It may have taken me 2 months to read this book. But that's what I get for trying to read an 800+ page book during a very busy semester.
I am still glad that I read this book. This series is a lot of fun. It is silly and fantastical. Meyer writes a great action story. I do like how each of the characters has a unique voice, and it is easy to tell them apart. I had a good time reading this novel and the ones before it.
However, I do think I would have liked it more if I had remembered things from the previous novels. I did not feel as attached to the characters as I would have liked. For this reason, I will probably not read the novellas. I know there is an epilogue to the series in Stars Above but I know what happens and am not really interested in reading all about it.
I did have a couple of other issues with the novel. A lot of plot points, especially towards the end, felt very convenient and easy. Secondly, the writing was a little strange at some points. Some of the dialogue felt unnecessary, cheesy, or awkward. I think the book could have been cut by a couple hundred pages if the unnecessary dialogue was cut out. The characters were also completely idiotic with Levana. They knew that she lied and manipulated people all the time and yet they believed her.
These books are fun, and I recommend that people read them for a fun action story.
Oops. It may have taken me 2 months to read this book. But that's what I get for trying to read an 800+ page book during a very busy semester.
I am still glad that I read this book. This series is a lot of fun. It is silly and fantastical. Meyer writes a great action story. I do like how each of the characters has a unique voice, and it is easy to tell them apart. I had a good time reading this novel and the ones before it.
However, I do think I would have liked it more if I had remembered things from the previous novels. I did not feel as attached to the characters as I would have liked. For this reason, I will probably not read the novellas. I know there is an epilogue to the series in Stars Above but I know what happens and am not really interested in reading all about it.
I did have a couple of other issues with the novel. A lot of plot points, especially towards the end, felt very convenient and easy. Secondly, the writing was a little strange at some points. Some of the dialogue felt unnecessary, cheesy, or awkward. I think the book could have been cut by a couple hundred pages if the unnecessary dialogue was cut out. The characters were also completely idiotic with Levana. They knew that she lied and manipulated people all the time and yet they believed her.
These books are fun, and I recommend that people read them for a fun action story.