The Lunar Chronicles is a bestselling series of young adult novels by Marissa Meyer that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a futuristic world filled with magic, romance, and adventure. The series includes four books: Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter.
The Lunar Chronicles takes place in a dystopian future where humans and androids coexist in uneasy harmony. The moon, known as Luna, is home to a powerful and magical society led by the evil Queen Levana. When a deadly plague threatens the Earth, Cinder, a cyborg mechanic, finds herself at the centre of a conspiracy that could determine the fate of both worlds.
Cinder, the first book in the series, introduces readers to its titular character, Cinder. She is a cyborg, a being with both human and mechanical parts, living in New Beijing. After meeting the handsome Prince Kai, Cinder finds herself at the centre of a deadly political conflict that could determine the fate of the entire world. With the help of her friends and allies, Cinder embarks on a dangerous mission to save her world and bring down Queen Levana.
The second book in the series, Scarlet, introduces readers to a new protagonist, Scarlet. Scarlet is a farm girl from France who is searching for her missing grandmother. Along the way, she meets a street fighter named Wolf, and the two of them embark on a dangerous journey to unravel the secrets of Scarlet's family and take down Queen Levana.
The third book in the series, Cress, follows the story of Cress, a brilliant hacker who has been imprisoned by Queen Levana. When Cinder and her team rescue Cress, she joins them on their mission to stop Queen Levana and save the world.
The final book in the series, Winter, introduces readers to Winter, the beautiful and kind Lunar princess who refuses to use her powers for evil. With the help of her friends and allies, Winter sets out to stop Queen Levana and bring peace to the world.
What sets The Lunar Chronicles apart from other young adult series is its blend of science fiction and fairy tale elements. Each book in the series is inspired by a classic fairy tale, such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel. Meyer expertly weaves these elements into the story, creating a unique and captivating world that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
The Lunar Chronicles also features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Cinder is a strong and resourceful protagonist, Scarlet is brave and independent, Cress is intelligent and tech-savvy, and Winter is kind and empathetic. The male characters in the series are equally well-developed, with Prince Kai, Wolf, and Thorne all playing important roles in the story.
In addition to its well-developed characters and engaging plot, The Lunar Chronicles also explores themes of identity, love, and power. Each character must confront their own fears and weaknesses in order to save the world, making for a compelling and emotional journey.
Overall, The Lunar Chronicles is a must-read for any fan of young adult fiction. Its unique blend of science fiction and fairy tale elements, well-developed characters, and compelling themes make it a standout in the genre. Whether you're new to the world of young adult fiction or a seasoned reader, The Lunar Chronicles is sure to captivate and thrill.
Titles in this Set:
- Cinder
- Scarlet
- Cress
- Winter
Description from the publisher:
Cinder
Cinder, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.
Scarlet
Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. The police have closed her case. The only person Scarlet can turn to is Wolf, a street fighter she does not trust, but they are drawn to each other. Meanwhile, in New Beijing, Cinder will become the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive - when she breaks out of prison to stay one step ahead of vicious Queen Levana.
Cress
Cress grew up as a prisoner. With only net screens for company, she's forced to do the bidding of the evil Queen Levana. Now that means tracking down Cinder and her handsome accomplice Emperor Kai. But little does Levana know that those she seeks, and the man she loves, are plotting her downfall . . .
Winter
Princess Winter is admired for her grace, kindness and beauty, despite the scars on her face. She's said to be even more breath-taking than her stepmother, Queen Levana...When Winter develops feelings for the handsome palace guard, Jacin, she fears the evil Queen will crush their romance before it has a chance to begin.
About the Author:
Marissa Meyer is an accomplished American author best known for her widely popular young adult novel series, The Lunar Chronicles. She was born on February 19, 1984, in Tacoma, Washington, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. As a child, she was an avid reader and always had a passion for writing. She attended Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing.
After graduation, Meyer worked as an editor for a local newspaper before pursuing her dream of becoming a full-time writer. Her debut novel, Cinder, was published in 2012 and quickly gained attention for its unique retelling of the classic fairy tale Cinderella, set in a futuristic world with cyborgs and moon colonies. The book was an instant success, and Meyer followed it up with the sequels Scarlet, Cress, and Winter, which continued to build on the world she had created.
In addition to The Lunar Chronicles, Meyer has also written other novels, including Heartless , a standalone novel that reimagines the story of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. She is known for her creative takes on classic tales, blending science fiction and fantasy elements to create unique and engaging stories.
Meyer has received numerous accolades for her work, including being a New York Times bestselling author and winning the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.