{Review: Series Reread}: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Hey, guys!

I had already decided that for 2019 I would splurge and reread more books -- especially my favorite series. The past six months have been really rough. I have to be honest. Going back to some of my favorite series has been so therapeutic. Visiting The Lunar Chronicles, especially, has been like visiting a good friend. I absolutely adore this series. It has one of the best cast of characters and being with them again is so nice. 

Here are my thoughts when it comes to rereading the series!

First things first, I decided to pick these up via audio and I definitely do not regret it. I love these audiobooks! Sometimes I'll be a little iffy about the audio and pick the book up physically, but I've only picked up the physical books to see if I've hit the halfway mark and check out name spellings.

Cinder (#1)

This is the third time that I have read Cinder. Back when it first came out in 2012, I quickly picked it up from the library and loved it. I gave it five stars. Three years later, in 2015, I picked it up again and gave it 5 stars. This year is no different and I gave it 5 stars. I originally picked the audiobook up on a whim and I definitely do not regret it. I absolutely adore every part of this book. Marissa Meyer's method of creating characters is so much fun and I love how she develops them throughout the book. She's such a fantastic storyteller. You can just tell that she put so much work into the world building and the character building. She's so wonderful. 

Scarlet (#2)

I've also read this 3 times:

March 2013: 5 stars

February 2015: 4 stars

May 2019: 4 stars

I honestly do not remember rereading this book in 2015 and giving it 4 stars. I vaguely remember rereading the series to continue the series, but I don't remember docking the book a star. 2015-me had the right idea, however. Scarlet did not stand the test of time. The characters, Scarlet and Wolf, were just not as compelling as Kai and Cinder. They were dynamic and really well fleshed out, but their behaviors are just kind of annoying sometimes. 

Scarlet has this persona that she's really tough and brave, but she was just constantly screaming, sulking, and crying. Granted, she goes through a lot of crap that no one should have to go through, but sometimes it was just so repetitively tragic. I wish she had been more complex than what she portrayed. Also, the voice that the audiobook narrator gave her is annoying as hell. Fake French accents just grate on my nerves. It wasn't fun. 

Wolf, however, I understand. I think I enjoy him more than I have in the past. I think this reread really cemented the demented-ness of the mutation experiments that occurred on Luna. It's really messed up! I don't think it had fully sunk in how terrible Luna's actions were until now. Let's chalk that up to the lack of development and understanding in 15/17-year-old Olivia. 

Also! Carswell Thorn is amazing and I adore him. He's so flawed, but I can't help but root for him. He's just so fun.

Cress (#3)

2016: 5 stars

{Original 2016 Review}

2019: 4.8 stars

Cress never disappoints. I absolutely adore the character Cress and I especially love the interactions between Cress and Thorn. I love their romance and I love how they help each other grow as people. They're precious beans and need to be protected. 

I loved how there were so many perspectives throughout the book. It really added the extra depth and dark vibes that the series is so well known for. Each character goes through so much, but they always grow into themselves and learn from their mistakes. I love these characters.

Wolf and Jacin really annoyed me in this addition, however. Wolf was being a mopey asshole and was putting the team in jeopardy. He just wasn't acting like himself and it was annoying. Jacin is just a grump, but I appreciate that he doesn't change himself for others. He's a bit dense, but he's fun.

This book is so action packed and fast paced. I really didn't want to stop listening to it. There's a reason that it's one of my favorites of the series. (However, we will see which one is my new favorite after I finish the series.)

Fairest (#3.5)

This was actually my first read of Fairest! 

4.5 stars

Back when this first came out, lots of people were telling me to just skip it because it didn't really add to the story....WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? I love it when authors include additions that develop other characters -- especially the villains! This was so good! 

This didn't make me sympathize with Levana's cause, but I definitely understand her more now. I hate that she had to go through what she did, but she could have done something to make her life better and make the lives of others better because of what she experienced. Instead, she consistently made terrible choices, didn't learn from them, and then made even worse choices. 

She's so self-centered and self-absorbed. She's a narcissistic asshole and she's straight up evil. Her character is so frustrating and it just made me feel sad for her because she didn't want to change and she didn't want to make an effort to be kind. 

She's evil. 

You definitely should read this if you're going to read the series.  

Winter (#4)

2016: 5 stars

2019: 4. stars

{Original 2016 Review}

This was the longest audiobook that I've ever read, but it was also so freaking fun. By the end of it, I was making the most ungodly noises as things were happening and I managed to wake up my dog as he sat in my lap while I listened. This book was just a fantastic roller coaster of emotion and character development. I am so freaking happy that I reread this series. 

Of all of the Lunar Chronicles books that I've read, this was the book that I had read only one time. Because of that, I hardly remembered it. This was as close to first-read do-over that I could get and I'm so glad. 

I love these characters and I love how the series ended. I'm eager to see what I think of Stars Above.

*written as soon as I finished this book June 25*

 Stars Above (#0.5, 0.6, 3.1, 4.5)

Rating: 4 stars

The Little Android: This was so sweet. I was quite confused at first because I thought it was an Iko story, but I really love how Meyer tied in the story of the Little Mermaid. It was tragic, but still hopeful and heartwarming. I really liked how we got to get a glimpse into the world of the Lunar Chronicles before Cinder was even introduced. 

Glitches: Oh my goodness. This was so sad, but so cute. I loved seeing how Cinder's life began after the surgeries. It was so fascinating to see the family dynamic of the Linh family before the plague struck.

The Queen's Army: Wow. This was one of my favorites. It was so fascinating to see who Wolf was before his transformation and after he was transformed. It's sick how Levana treated her people. This was just so good.

Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky: Oh my goodness. This was really fun too. It's so interesting to get the chance to see such a pivotal moment in Captain's life. I love him still.

The Keeper: Scarlet is probably one of my least favorite characters, but reading this novella gives me a new perspective to why she is like she is. I like her a little more, but I still don't like her as much as I like the other characters. 

After Sunshine Passes By: Oh. My. Gosh. I love Cress. A precious bean who doesn't deserve any bad in her life. A literal sunshine.

The Princess and the Guard: Winter is such a strong character, but she's so misunderstood by the end of the book. Winter goes through so much, but she still remains so wholesome and good. She deserves the world.  It was also really nice to see Jacin before he became the hard guard- dude that he is. I loved his interactions and adoration for Winter. A wholesome duo. 

The Mechanic: This was honestly probably my least favorite of the novellas. I understand why so many enjoy this novella - Kai is beautiful and lovely and deserves the world - but I wish that this had been a retelling from his perspective and a different scene. It just didn't feel so different from the actual scene. 

Something Old, Something New: This was my favorite by far. AAAAH it almost made me cry. I am so happy with this ending. I wish that there was another wedding novella to follow this one, but I'm so happy with this novella! I want more!

Favorite of the series: Cinder or Winter
Favorite romantic pairing: either Cress and Thorne or Cinder and Kai
Favorite character: Cinder or Cress
Favorite non-romantic relationship: Thorne and Iko

What's your favorite of the series? Let's discuss in the comments!

Happy reading!
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Short Stories/Novella Reviews} January-July 2018

Hey, guys!

     Short stories are always kind of awkward to review. Because they are so short and they aren't complete novels, I find it hard to write more than 100 words about my general thoughts. Typically, the novellas or short stories that I read are a part of other series. Because of this, the stories usually follow some aspect of the series that would spoil someone or something. This is why I won't go into too much detail when it comes to summarizing the synopsis and reviewing it. 

What I'll Be Reviewing:

• A Visit to the Impossible Lands by Holly Black (included in the Barnes and Noble edition) 
• The Demon in the Wood (The Grisha Trilogy #0.1) by Leigh Bardugo
• The Mirror and the Maze (The Wrath & the Dawn #1.5) by Renee Ahdieh

~~~

Mini Review #1: A Visit to the Impossible Lands by Holly Black 

I really really enjoyed this little short story. This story focuses on the Roiben and Kaye Fierch. This story takes place both in the mortal world and the fae world. It follows the relationship of Roiben and Kaye and further develops the world that Holly has created. It also shows one of the final scenes of The Cruel Prince from their perspective. 

It was so much fun to get to know Roiben and Kaye in this little story. I absolutely fell in love with their relationship and I really really enjoyed how Holly has further developed her world. I'm so excited to read more about this world. I've had The Wicked King pre-ordered since early-April. I'm just too freaking excited to read it. I'm dying inside. I'm so impatient. 

My Rating: 5 stars

Other Holly Black Reviews:

The Cruel Prince {review}

The Darkest Part of the Forest {review}

Spiderwick Chronicles #1 {review}

Spiderwick Chronicles #2-5 {review}

Bailey's Series Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles #1-5 {review}

The Nixie's Song (Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles #1) {review}

Mini Review #2: The Demon in the Wood (The Grisha Trilogy #0.1) by Leigh Bardugo

Goodreads synopsis:

Before he became the Darkling, he was just a lonely boy of extraordinary power. Get a look into the past that forged a brutal and brilliant leader.

~~~

Oh, my goodness. This was so wild. I absolutely loved being in The Darkling's head when he was a young child. He's honestly so wonderful and I still really love him. I just really want more from him. I'd love to just read all of The Darkling's history. I just loved this novella. I highly recommend that you read this if you adore the Grisha world. 

My Rating: 4.75 stars

Other Leigh Bardugo Reviews:

~ Shadow & Bone {review}

~ Siege and Storm {review}

~ The Tailor {review}

~ Six of Crows {review}

~ Crooked Kingdom {review coming soon!}

~ Language of Thorns {review}

Mini Review #3: The Mirror & the Maze (The Wrath & the Dawn #1.5) by Renee Ahdieh

Goodreads synopsis: 

The city of Rey is burning. With smoke billowing, fires blazing and his people fleeing, Khalid races back to defend his city, and protect his queen. But Khalid is too late to do either. He and his men arrive to find the city in ruins, nothing but a maze of destruction, and Shahrzad is gone. But who could have wrought such devastation? Khalid fears he may already know the answer, the price of choosing love over the people of Rey all too evident.

~~~

Okay, this was free on Kindle, so of course, I had to pick it up. I absolutely adored The Wrath and the Dawn, but I really was disappointed by The Rose and the Dagger. I also wasn't too impressed with The Mirror and the Maze. I was kind of bored and unimpressed. Though the writing was gorgeous, the story was just too short to completely impress me. I absolutely adore Khalid. I love him so much, but I was just bored. It probably doesn't help that it's been a hot minute since I read TW&TD and TRATD. 

My Rating: 3 stars

Other Renee Ahdieh Reviews:

The Wrath and the Dawn {review}

The Rose & the Dagger {review}

Flame in the Mist {review}

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you'd like me to write more reviews like this, let me know! 

Happy reading!

Olivia 

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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Cruel Crown (Red Queen 0.1 & 0.2) by Victoria Aveyard

Page Count: 208

Published on: January 5, 2016

Published by: Harper Teen

Genre(s):  YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Short Stories, Novellas
Source: Print: Paperback

Age Rating: PG-13

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Twitter: @VictoriaAveyard

My Rating: 3.75 stars

Day Started: January 12
Day Finished: January 16






Goodreads synopsis: 

Two women on either side of the Silver-Red divide tell the stories no one else knows.

Discover the truth of Norta's bloody past in these two revealing prequels to #1 New York Times bestseller Red Queen.

Also includes an exclusive excerpt of the hotly anticipated second book in the Red Queen series! Glass Sword transports readers to the world of Silver tyranny, a Red dawn rising, and one girl's resolve to break down the system that will hold her back no longer.

Queen Song
Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary—how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.

Steel Scars
Diana Farley was raised to be strong, but being tasked with planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job than expected. As she travels the land recruiting black market traders, smugglers, and extremists for her first attempt at an attack on the capital, she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire operation—Mare Barrow.

~~~

Hey guys!

       My friend Julia bought me this amazing book for a late Christmas present after I told her about how our local Books-A-Million had put out copies of Cruel Crown. When I saw them, I didn't get a copy automatically, because I had other bookish wants at the moment. Julia, bless her, bought me my own copy of this lovely book, and I really liked it.

      The biggest problem that I had with this novella bind up, was that it didn't add much to the Red Queen story. Now, I liked Red Queen when I read it in May of 2015, and I was really hoping to get some more information to add to my "Red Queen" memory bank. I had my qualms about this book, because there were some bits of the book that I felt weren't very original, but I loved the characters, the plot, the world, and the magic/science fiction aspect to it. 



I felt like Queen Song was probably my favorite of the two novellas in this bind-up. Queen Coriane was a really intriguing character, but towards the end, I felt like she totally gave up on her passions, her dreams, and her basic personality. I also felt like the characters should have been fleshed out a tiny bit more. I mean, I know it's a novella, but I feel like the characters should have been better, since  it is a novella. I also didn't like that the story kept skipping parts of Coraine's life. I wish that I could known Coraine more. She was such a cool character.

My Rating: 3 stars








Steel Cars...I didn't really enjoy it... I was actually kind of confused about who Farley was just because it's been so long since I read Red Queen. I thought the characters were interesting, and the plot was cool. I felt like Farley was really one dimensional, but I really hope she makes up for it in Glass Sword. I think I'm going reread Red Queen before I read Glass Sword. 

My Rating: 3 stars








Overall, this book added to the world building and explained the history of the world a bit. I really hope there's more character growth, more explanations of the world building, and some more progress with the plot. I cannot wait for Glass Sword! 2 weeks! ASDFGHJKL!!!

I hope you enjoyed this review! Happy reading and happy Tuesday!
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~
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{CLOSED] The Sugarspear Chronicles THE COMPLETE COLLECTION by Nicole Arlyn GIVEAWAY

Hey guys!

I was approached by Full Fathom Five (Publishing company) to help host a giveaway on my blog to celebrate the release of Nicole Arlyn's bind up of her 26 novellas. I haven't read the novellas yet, but they look to be really really good. In honor of the release of the bind up, Four Fathom Five is offering the first 3 novellas free to 20 winners! Here's how you can win!

START THE SUGARSPEAR CHRONICLES - GIVEAWAY

After many years and thousands of pages, the complete bind-up of Nicole Arlyn’s dark fantasy saga has finally arrived. Follow Sadie Sugarspear’s story from start to finish in THE SUGARSPEAR CHRONICLES: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, available January 27!

The Sugarspear Chronicles is a fantastical epic saga unlike any fantasy series you’ve ever read before. It’s filled with romance, adventure, horror, and drama. And in honor of the complete collection finally being available, Full Fathom Five is offering the first three novellas in the series for free to twenty winners!

How do you win, you ask? Just enter using any (or all) of the methods listed in the Rafflecopter below. The more ways you enter, the higher your chances of winning three fantastic free novellas!

Rafflecopter HTML:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read a bit more about The Sugarspear Chronicles: The Complete Collection…

The Sugarspear Chronicles begins with young Sadie suffering intolerable cruelty at the hands of her brutal stepfather. When she is alone with no one to protect her, Sadie turns to the memory of her real father, Sam Sugarspear, and the one possession he left behind: a book about an imaginary land ruled by a king who grants wishes.

One day when the abuse reaches unimaginable heights, Sadie runs away and hides inside a crevice in her beloved willow tree, where she goes to escape from the nightmare of reality. But to her surprise, the tree opens up, sending Sadie falling down, down, down into a land she’s only ever read about.

But that land is not at all like what her father described in his storybook. Instead of a blissful escape, Sadie finds herself face-to-face with the beginning of what will become a long, terrifying journey home.

Throughout her travels, she battles evil foes, giant serpents, and an evil queen, explores disappearing islands and caves filled with wonders, sails an unending ocean alongside adventurers and cowards. She grows and learns and faces her demons. She discovers love and heartbreak.

Join Sadie Sugarspear on her epic adventure, and start the series for FREE by entering to win novellas 1-3!

This giveaway ends on February 3rd, so don’t hesitate – enter to win THE SUGARSPEAR CHRONICLES today!

Curious about Sadie’s story? Read a first chapter excerpt at Full Fathom Five’s website, or download the first novella PERMAFREE from any retailer!

Check Out the Book Trailer!

Author: Nicole Arlyn

Nicole is a writer and an actress born in Brooklyn, New York. She has worked in films such as Clay Pigeons, opposite Joaquin Phoenix; The Wedding Planner; and Brooklyn Bound, among many others. She has also performed, written and directed theatre productions in New York, Los Angeles, and Europe. She has also read her poems in many poetry lounges in Europe and America. She also is a song lyricist for musicians.
Nicole lives back and fourth between New York City and Rome, Italy, where she is at work on more novels.


I hope y'all enjoyed this giveaway, and I hope y'all enjoy the giveaway! This is the first giveaway that I've ever done on my blog, and I hope it's a success. Enjoy y'all!

Good luck and happy reading!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

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