Review: Winter by Marissa Meyer
Publication Date: November 10, 2015
Synopsis:
The gang has been split up.
With a plan to overthrow Levana that may or may not work, Cinder and her friends are desperately trying to believe that there can be a better future for everyone.
Princess Winter is the well-loved, beautiful princess of Luna, admired by all. Despised by her step-mother and angry with Levana for how she's running Luna, Winter might be a helpful asset in Cinder's plan.
Thoughts:
Before I read this, I read Fairest because so many people said that it gave them more insight and backstory to Levana's life and Luna's history and politics. Now, I can say that I'm so glad I read that first. It really did help when I read this book because of all the history I already knew. I've had a couple of people ask me if reading Fairest is really necessary before they read Winter, and while I don't think you're missing out on any major plot points if you don't read it, I do think that you'll find it nice to have some more prior knowledge before going into Winter. It's really up to you whether or not you read it.
The only complaint that I had about this book is that Winter and Cress are both more naïve than the rest of the cast of characters. While that didn't affect my overall rating of the book, I did occasionally find them to be annoying. I completely understand why they're more innocent and naïve, so it's not a big deal, but I did want to mention it briefly.
It's really hard for me to talk about this book without getting spoiler-y or getting really emotional about the series being over now. I spent almost a month reading this because I didn't want it to be over, and I ended up reading the last 350 or so in one day. And the truth is, I don't know how to talk about this book.
Naturally, I loved the plot, the characters, and everything that was happening. There is so much sass in this book, perfectly paced amidst the action that was happening at the same time. Even though this book is crazy long (824 pages), I loved every single moment of reading it. It can do no wrong.
There were a couple of plot twists that happened that totally caught me off guard and actually made me gasp out loud, something that doesn't happen very often when I'm reading. Each plot twist kept me reading, especially during those last 350 pages. I have no idea how Marissa Meyer continued being able to throw us curveballs, but she did, and I applaud her for doing so.
In the end, I cried happy tears when the book was nearing the end. I cried and laughed and could barely read the words through my blurry sight. It was all perfect and I couldn't have asked for anything more. It goes without saying (but I'm saying it anyways) that I loved the ending. Even after I thought I was done crying the happy tears, I turned to the last page of the book and cried again because it dawned on me that one of my favorite series in the world just ended. Of course, if you count the novella bind-up Stars Above, then the series isn't over yet. But, just think, we aren't getting any more books in the Lunar Chronicles. *cue the happy tears again*
I think I heard somewhere that there might be a graphic novel series starring Iko, but don't quote me on that.
Character(s):
Before I start going into how I feel about these characters, can we take a moment to think about how 3 out of the 4 guys (in my opinion) are perfect boyfriend material? How is that even possible?
I have always loved Cinder. Ever since the first book, I've absolutely loved her. I know that there have been several people who don't like her ask much, but I've always liked her attitude and personality. She has grown so much over the course of the series and become such a strong character. I'm so proud of the person she's become, and I feel like it's such an odd thing to say because she's fictional, but I don't care. She and Scarlet tie for my favorite female protagonist in this entire series.
If it weren't for another male protagonist, I'd definitely say that Kai is my favorite guy. Maybe because it's because I have a bias toward that name, but I love this guy so much. He's absolutely fantastic and I feel like this guy could do no wrong in the world. If he was real, I would have the biggest crush in the universe on this guy and be perfectly fine with that.
Scarlet has sass that no one, and I mean no one, in the world (see what I did there?) can ever compare to. This girl has the fiery personality, confidence, and perfect sarcasm that I aspire to have. She is so level-headed, logical, and willing to rough it through pretty much anything and everything thrown at her. MASSIVE props to this girl for putting up with everything she's had to go through since she appeared.
I spent the entire book picturing Wolf as a giant puppy. Which perhaps has something to do with my Instagram feed constantly being doused in puppy photos, but you have to admit, Wolf can be really freaking adorable at times. Some people might think that his protective nature toward Scarlet and his insane loyalty to her is kind of creepy, but I'd honestly love to have a guy who is as loyal, kind, sweet, protective, and caring as he is. Okay, maybe I'll just get a dog. #shade
Cress has grown on me a lot since she first appeared. I can't say that I loved her in her own book, but she has grown on me a lot since then. She's become such a great, independent person over the course of her introduction, which I always think is awesome. She's also super sweet, and while she occasionally has her sassy moments, the true appeal to her character is how sweet and lovely she always is. I also have to say that I love where she ends up with her character development.
Yet another sass master that we all have to appreciate, Captain Thorne has a place in everyone's heart, whether romantically or not. There's something about guys who can lighten the mood, be serious when the situation calls for it, and maintain a sense of humor throughout that really appeals to be, whether it be in fiction or reality. Thorne has been one of the most delightful characters to read about in the series, and he never fails to make me smile, no matter what is happening in the book.
Of all the girls, I like Winter the least. While I did find her interesting, I wish we developed her storyline and character a little more. I understand that it's hard, given that this is the last book and the kind of character she is, but I feel like maybe I don't see the greatness and strength in her that I do in the other girls. Feel free to disagree with me on that.
Jacin is my least favorite of all the guys. I totally forgot who he was in between reading Cress and this book. He also kind of creeps me out, or at least makes me uncomfortable a lot more than the other guys do. I do appreciate his loyalty, but I find him the most unreliable.
Levana might be one of my favorite villains ever. I can't say that I enjoy reading about many villains, but I enjoyed her. There's so much about her that's so complicated, and yet, it can all be so simple if you took a moment to understand her. It's great.
Overall:
5 stars. If you haven't picked up this series by now, or if you're thinking about it, please, PLEASE, pick it up. I've loved this series from the moment I started it and it's one of the few books that has ever made me cry happy tears.
