Monday, 28 January 2013
Today I have reviews of the first books in three dystopian YA series: The Lunar Chronicales, Legend, and Shatter Me. I never thought I'd read these three but, I am glad I gave them all a go.
Published January 5, 2012 by Penguin Australia
Source: borrowed from Shaheen
Rating: 4 paws
From the blurb: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer is set in a dystopian Beijing, now
called New Beijing. Humans live alongside cyborgs (humans who have had surgery
to include robot parts), though the cyborgs are treated as lower class
citizens. The world has united to form an alliance, but the Lunars, residents
of the moon, will not agree to the treaty. Cinder, a cyborg and a mechanic,
meets Prince Kai and is soon caught up in the race to find an antidote for a
virus plaguing Earth.
Cinder is one of those books that I kept hearing about last
year but I never had any desire to read. I don’t really know why, I just didn't think it was for me. Well, I was wrong. It was such an interesting idea and I
enjoyed the differences between it and all the other YA dystopians/sci-fi
books.
Cinder herself was a fantastic main character. She was sixteen, but I thought she acted in a much more mature way and I
pictured her as at least eighteen or even twenty. She’s selfless and does what
she can for those around her, even her mean step-mother. But at the same time,
she does what she has to for herself. When Prince Kai drops off an android that
he really needs fixed, does Cinder drop everything and do it for him? Nope, she
has a car to re-build so she can finally escape her crappy life and that takes
priority. I admired her for not falling all over herself the moment that Kai
appears in her life – you go, girl!
I did find the world hard to picture, I didn't know how real
the cyborgs would actually look and I wanted a better description of the
androids, I think I kept defaulting to the robots in Wall-E when I needed to
picture one.
I found myself realising things after they’d been hinted at
but other things, like the fact that Dr Erland was up to something, was obvious
from the beginning, though I was still curious about his motives. The Lunar
aspect was interesting; it’s not every day I read a book involving people
living on the moon.
I thought the ending was a little abrupt, I guess I was
hoping for more resolution but about an hour after I finished, I had an “ah-huh”
moment and I guessed at where the sequel will take us and I'm hoping that
Cinder plays a part in Scarlet.
Cinder is a unique and interesting star in a galaxy filled
with dystopian/sci-fi novels.
Want to get idea of what Cinder is like? Macmillan USA has provided us with a excerpt from the audio book - check it out here!
Want to get idea of what Cinder is like? Macmillan USA has provided us with a excerpt from the audio book - check it out here!
Published 2011 by Razorbill
Source: borrowed from Shaheen
Rating: 3 paws
From the blurb: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Legend by Marie Lu is set in a dystopian America. The west
coast is now known as the Republic and the rest, The Colonies. For some reason,
they are at war with each other. Fifteen year old Day lives in the slums of the
Republic and after failing The Trial, he managed to escape only his family now
believe him to be dead. June Iparis, also fifteen, lives a very different life.
She’s a military prodigy and soon her path crosses with Day’s.
I have seen this book around a lot yet it never appealed to me. The cover does nothing for me and I really didn't think it would be something I would like. I'm happy to say that it was a good read.
I liked both Day and June and enjoyed reading their
perspectives. Day is such a good kid, he’s doing it tough on the streets, along
with his friend, Tess, but he makes sure to continue to provide for his family.
And I could understand June’s heartbreak over the death of her brother,
especially as she lost her parents when she was young.
Often the issue with dystopians for me is the world
building. I always find it hard to believe that a world so far in the future
would have to revert back to basics when they still have advanced technology. I
also wanted to know why the country was at war. Despite that, I did have a
clear image of the slums in my head as well as the area that June and Matias lived
in.
I found the plot moved along well and it was fairly obvious
who had murdered Metias, but that didn't worry me because I was focused on June and Day. I am keen to see what
happens in the sequel, Prodigy.
Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi
Published: 2011 by Harper Collins
Source: purchased
Rating: 2.5 paws
From the blurb: No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has plans of her own. After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is set in what I believe is a
dystopian version of America. Juliette Ferrars is seventeen years old and
because her touch is lethal to others, she was taken from her home three years
ago. She has undergone years of testing and torture and has now been locked up
for 264 days by The Reestablishment. They have taken charge of the world,
apparently in an attempt to repair the damage done to the ruined Earth.
Shatter Me must have been one of the most talked about books
in the book blogging community last year. I had no desire to read it, mostly
because I find book with covers involving girls in big dresses to mean that the
book will be average. But, the positive and rave reviews didn’t escape my
notice and I finally purchased a copy only to let it sit on my shelf for
months. I decided to read it seeing as the sequel will be out soon. I don’t
have a lot of strong feelings about this book, I can see why people love it and I can see why
people really dislike it.
Juliette was a difficult character. On one hand, I wanted to
be sympathetic because she has gone through so much and is lonely. She really
hates herself and believes everything she’s been told about how awful she is.
On the other hand I found her reactions to everything a little on the annoying
side. I kept trying to imagine her whenever she reacts to something, and the
one thing I kept picturing was that sketch of Homeland and how over the top
Carrie is portrayed – that’s how I pictured Juliette for most of the book –
flailing about and over emotional like the girl from Mean Girls who wants to
bake a cake made of rainbows and smiles. But then I would remind myself that
she’s been through a lot and obviously isn't coping well. I also couldn't connect with yet another girl who is beautiful but doesn't realise it and has a
special power that makes her even more sought after – she is like so many other
dystopian main characters before her, and she is not a stand out example.
I did love Adam, he is a good guy through and through and I
admired him for putting himself into a dangerous position to help her. I really
disliked Warner, he felt like a caricature of a typical YA bad guy and I couldn't help but hear everything he said in an English accent what with all
the “my dears” and “loves”. Also, I'm a bit sick of the violent guy being
portrayed as a love interest, and while he wasn't in book one, I think he will
be in book two.
The writing style is probably what divides most readers in
their opinions of this book. There is a lot of crossing out; sometimes single
words, sometimes full sentences, and sometimes whole pages. I found it
difficult to read, I had to re-read sentences and it was really distracting.
The writing is also very descriptive, with an overuse of similes. This
interrupted my reading and it felt really repetitive; Juliette must have
described her heart over a dozen times.
And, the ending felt rushed, especially compared to the rest of the book
which was quite slow. It seemed a bit too easy in the end, but it also wasn't what I was expecting.
I also needed more in terms of world building, we’re told a
lot has happened to the world, but none of it was explained and it felt like the dystopian
aspect was just a blur in the background of Juliette’s love story. The fact
that Warner wanted to use Juliette as a weapon made little sense to me. She can
hurt people if she touches them, but obviously they’d need to be within reach
and surely she’s not immortal, so why wouldn't her intended target just shoot
her?
I know this review will disappoint some readers as people
seem to feel very strongly about this book, but it just was not for me. I do
have the sequel, it was sent to me for review, so I will be reading it soon.
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32 comments:
I was spot-on with you about all of these books, Mandee! You already know that I wasn't a big fan of Legend and Shatter Me didn't work out for me because of the writing style. Cinder I have mixed feelings for. I liked the characters, but the predictable plot line irritated me to no end and like you, I couldn't get a feel for the world AT ALL. Really, there was practically no world-building which was a shame. I do plan to read the sequel, though, so hopefully that works out a little better. Wonderful review, Mandee! :)
HaHa I love how you view the books with girls in big dresses being average. I never though of it that way. All three books are on my want list but Cinder tops the list and I'm glad to hear it's worth it. I tend to be the same way with these books. I've been on the fence about them and have kept an eye on all the reviews but your review has convinced me to give Cinder a chance. I like that the MC isn't a pushover.
A lot more of the world and the war is outlined in Prodigy. Sad you didn't enjoy Legend as much. Love that book. As for Shatter Me, it had its flaws but the writing was something that I enjoyed the most because it was different and it worked what it was intended to portray for me. Cinder, however, I still need to read. Am going to get onto that stat.
I had similar feelings about Cinder - I didn't think I'd enjoy it, but in the end I found it a lot more interesting than I thought I would.
And I think the line about big dresses = average book just made my evening. :)
Great reviews Mands! I have to agree with not really wanting to read these, despite the glowing reviews. Your reviews have made me interested, but not enough to skip the other books on my bookshelf first because this just isn't my favourite genre.
I felt the same way about Cinder. I was incredibly skeptical going into it and had a difficult time imagining some things, but I was pleasantly surprised with the story and the originality of the retelling. In terms of Shatter Me, I wasn't a big fan of that book. I felt like some parts were rushed and not completely thought out. That being said, I read Unravel Me this past week and LOVED it. I'll be interested to see what you think of that one!
Cinder is one of those books that it sounds really interesting but I just don't know if I would actually like it. I'm glad to see you gave it four paws! It makes me want to check it out. Same goes for Legend it seems interesting but I am not a huge fan of futuristic novels for some reason. 2.5 paws for Shatter Me? I've seen a lot of good reviews for that one but now your review has me a bit hesitant. I dont like it when the writing style gets distracting and I have to constantly re-read things. Great reviews Mandee! :)
Fun dystopian threefer reviews! Readers have very strong reactions to Shatter Me, and I can never predict who will like it. Hope the sequel is a little more enjoyable for you. Can't wait to hear what you think.
There's a little more world building background in Prodigy that you might find interesting.
Your Wall-E comment about Cinder made me smile. Hope you like Scarlet too!
This is so fun! The only one of these I haven't read is Legend. I need to get to it soon. I have Prodigy for review. Yikes! I am really sad you didn't enjoy Shatter Me more, but honestly, after reading Unravel Me, I felt a lot of the feelings you did with Shatter Me. Sometimes I just wanted to shake Juliette and be like -- PARTS OF YOUR LIFE SUCKED. YOU'RE DANGEROUS. MOVE ON. I will definitely be curious to see what you think of Warner after UM. I need emails from you, Mandee! :) And YAY YAY YAY for you enjoying Cinder! It's so good, right? Definitely little breadcrumbs of clues, but so good! :)
Loved Cinder and Shatter Me! I can't really fault those two books because I loved them so much so it's a pity about you not loving Shatter Me . . . I hope the sequel works better for you. Trust me . . . Unravel Me was . . . AWESOME!
As for Legend, I liked it but I didn't totally love it either like so many other readers did. But I'm getting a copy of the sequel soon, so let's hope it wins us over.
Great reviews!
Aw, I'm sorry you didn't love Shatter Me more. I LOVED that book. I thought the voice was brilliant. I can see how the cross-outs and repetitiveness could be irritating, but I thought they were spot on for Juliette's voice. I've also read somewhere that the author had NO intention of making Warner a love interest. It's not supposed to be a love triangle, but everyone is all TEAM WARNER, so, there you go. Personally, I love Warner as a character (much more interesting than Adam, imo), but I don't want him to BE with Juliette.
I haven't read the other two books. I'm not really interested in Legend, but I'm reading Cinder SOOOON! :D Great reviews, Mandee! Thanks!
Thanks for 3 wonderful reviews! Actually I haven't read any of these books but I have Shatter Me sitting on my shelf. I'm really looking to give Cinder a go, so I'm sooo glad you enjoyed it the most! :)
Awwww...it's a pity you didn't quite enjoy Shatter Me! I absolutely loved it when I first read it in 2011, but when I think back, it wasn't quite as amazing as I'd thought! I'm hoping the sequel won't disappoint :)
And YAY for liking Cinder! I also found the ending a little abrupt (and also predictable)...but I hope things play out well in the sequel! Fab reviews Mands<3
I'm sorry to see that you didn't like Shatter Me. I enjoyed that story! I hope you'll enjoy the sequel more. Cinder has been on my shelf forever but I've never got to read it. No idea why..and I know I should. For Legend I've seen mixed reviews, so it's the best to read it and see how it goes. Great reviews :)
I have only read Cinder but the other two are on my radar. I am sorry to see that they didn't appeal to you as much. I am so curious about the writing in Shatter Me, I think I will like it. Don't worry Cinder has a part in Scarlet and I think it was even better than Cinder. I was not a fan of the ending of Cinder either but overall I really liked the book.
Great reviews! I have only read Cinder and felt the same as you, Legend and Shatter Me are sitting on my TBR pile, I think my expectations are high for both because of the praise they have received so I am pleased to also read your honest thoughts.
Thankyou for sharing :)
I'm glad you enjoyed Cinder and Legend! I liked them too, but I enjoyed Legend slightly more than Cinder. I had the same questions about the world in Legend but Lu addresses them in the sequel - which is much better, in my opinion. I'm sorry Shatter Me didn't work for you. I really loved it, but I completely understand your points. It does seem to be a very love or hate kind of book. Great, honest reviews, Mandee!
Ah it's a shame Shatter Me was just average! You make me want to read Cinder more though - I'm a bit the same as you, I've seen it around but not compelled to read it for no apparent reason.
I liked Legend, liked Cinder even more and haven't read Shatter Me. Super reviews :)
I started reading Cinder today! I had to text my friend about cyborgs because for some reason, I kept picturing Rosie from the Jetsons. Haha. Let me know if you need me to send you Scarlet! And I totally agree with your assessment of books with girls in big dresses on the cover. :)
Great reviews, Mands!
-Maggie
I rated these pretty much exactly as you did. The only difference is I rated Shatter Me a little higher. But I think I gave it a 3 so not by much.
Cinder is in Scarlet quite a bit and her story continues there. I think Scarlet was even better than Cinder was so I hope you enjoy it!
I had issues with the world-building in Legend too. There just wasn't enough information.
I agree about the writing in Shatter Me. While it was beautiful, it really didn't work for me and I had to re-read A LOT of passages.
I really liked Cinder, mostly because I find it inventive and unique and totally awesome. Scarlet was really good as well!
I also ended up really liking Shatter Me, which is surprising since I'd been putting off reading it for so long. I'm curious to see where the author takes it.
And Legend, I still have to read! I'm curious about this world I've been hearing about, and to meet June and Day.
Shatter Me is a pretty divisive book! I keep on ping ponging on how I really feel about it but for all its problems, I did enjoy it. I think the sequel is better so I hope you like that more. :)
Oh I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Shatter Me, I always thought that if you were able to get past the strike through text and ramblings readers would enjoy this more, and I'm glad you picked up on Warner's my love comments, I hated that, it so got on my nerves! Great mini-reviews Mandee, I need to pick up Cinder immediately! :)
"I had no desire to read it, mostly because I find book with covers involving girls in big dresses to mean that the book will be average."
Preach it, girl. I feel the same way. I wasn't sure about Cinder either, but it was definitely original and I'm pumped up to read Scarlet. I had problems with the world-building in Legend as well, and I read part of the arc of Prodigy a few months back but just passed it on. I guess I'll go back to it. Never had much desire to try Shatter Me so I have no clue whether I'll like it. You're right that people seem split down the middle on it. Hmm.
I hate the cover of Shatter Me but I think I read an early ARC before the cover was even revealed. I loved the book, especially the style of her writing. But I know it isn't for everyone.
Legend felt average to me but I liked it and I got Prodigy so I will continue it.
I loved Cinder even though I thought it wouldn't be for me. That's funny you picture the androids like those on Wall e. I never realized it, but me too! Lol.
Yay! I'm so glad you got to Cinder, and I'm looking forward to your thoughts on Scarlet. I agree that there could have been more details in the world building, but Cinder was just a wonderful character.
I'm still not sure if I'm going to read Legend--it seems okay, but I'm burnt out on dystopians and I don't think it really stands out, but I don't think Shatter Me is for me due to the writing.
I love all of your pictures! :) I loved Cinder and am so excited for Scarlet! Legend is also on my TBR list. Great reviews!
Alice @ Alice in Readerland
This post is cuteness overload!!! I really enjoyed all three of these books and finally got my copy of Prodigy this week (thank you, Amazon!). I agree that Cinder ends somewhat abruptly and am eagerly waiting for Scarlet to come out next week. Cinder surprised me in a really good way because the premise just sounds odd and I'm wary about sci-fi, but I ended up loving it. I hear that Scarlet is even better than Cinder! We shall see!
Oh sorry Shatter Me didn't work out for you. It was one of my favorites, but not everyone will love the same books. :) I enjoyed Legend, glad to see you mostly did, too. Prodigy broke my heart. Can't wait to see what you think of it. Honestly, Cinder has never appealed to me, but maybe I should give it a go seeing as you ended up liking it more than you thought you would. Wonderful reviews, Mandee. :)
These are three books I want to read. Legend and Cinder more so than Shatter Me, so I shall definitely look forward to reading the previous two books much more now.
I think your review of Shatter Me covered the novel sufficiently and reflected your attitude to the novel as we can't all agree.
I'm glad you managed to enjoy Cinder more than you expected and you gave these novels a shot after all. Cinder does indeed sound the best out of them all.
Great reviews! :)
Oh wow - these are three books I have yet to read too!! The only one I own a copy of is Cinder and I have to admit I wasn't sure if it was a book I'd like either! But the rave reviews won over after I bit and I liked the Lunar aspect of it all. I'm hoping to read it very soon so I was pleased to see your review of it :)
Legend is one that I do want to read, but there's always other books I want to read more so I haven't even picked myself up a copy yet. People seem to be satisfied with Prodigy as well so I'm feeling more inclined to read it soon.
And your review of Shatter Me really brought out all the reasons why I don't even think I'll bother with this one. The strikeout font used was the first turn-off for me and honestly I just don't think I would care for the plot or characters...but I may cave someday haha
AWESOME & honest reviews Mandee! Thanks!
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