Fairest by Marissa Meyer
Review by Lauren
Source: personal copy; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Pure evil has a name, hides behind a mask of deceit, and uses her “glamour” to gain power. But whois Queen Levana? Long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress in The Lunar Chronicles, Levana lived a very different storyβa story that has never been told . . . until now.
Review: If you have read the first three books in the Lunar Chronicles, then you obviously know Queen Levana, and how she always wears a mask, never showing her true face. Well, Fairest is where we get a peek “behind the curtain” if you will and learn more about Levana before she was Queen, and even a bit after. I won’t write too long of a review because I don’t want spoilers for those who haven’t read the books, but this is actually more of a novella anyway, so no use going on and on.
I know some people didn’t really care for Fairest, or haven’t even read it. I think it’s a good addition to have between Cress and Winter though. While I have not read Winter yet (coming soon!), I do think it will ultimately be nice to know how Levana rose to power, as well as some of the backstory of other important characters.
One thing people seemed worried about is that Fairest would ruin Levana’s evil nature for them; that they would find themselves feeling sorry for her instead. I don’t think this will be the case though. Sure, I felt bad for things that Levana had to deal with, but at the same time, much of what occurred is due to her own actions and these were often horrendous, awful actions. So no, I think Levana is still very much the villain and I can’t wait for Winter!
One day I'll have to read book 2!
Yeah, this was a great interlude while we were all waiting for Winter and also gave us a lot of insight into Levana as a character. I liked Marissa's depiction of her as somewhat sympathetic, but still as you say pretty horrendous and awful! It was interesting having all this knowledge about her going into Winter and I'm sure you'll appreciate it too π
I read Winter before picking this up so I'm curious to see how that will affect my reading of this. Glad you enjoyed this short novella and I'm curious to see what you make of Winter! π
I must catch up on this series, I think I have all the books I just need to actually read them now. I'm glad this was a good addition to the series though. I think I will like it too.
Ha! I ended up hating her more, which I guess was the whole point of the book. I loved getting a look into her twisted brain, though… that was fun. Great review!
Marianne @ Boricuan Bookworms
http://boricuanbookworms.com
I'm afraid I'm one of those people who haven't read the book.
I liked this one, I appreciated getting inside Levana's head. I felt a bit sorry for her, but she was still an awesome villian.
I haven't read this series yet, but the first one is on my to-read list. It sounds interesting how in this book you get to know the villain a bit. I hope you'll enjoy the last book as well!
I think Fairest is absolutely necessary if you want the full picture. Her backstory was so fascinating and dark which I think helped adjust me for her role in Winter!
I can't wait to see what you think of Winter!
I've fallen behind this series, but I think it's the best retelling in the market.
I've read the first three books in the series and love them π
I've been hearing a lot about how a reader might feel a bit sympathetic towards Levana after reading this book, but I'm not quite ready to be generous yet. Lol.
Glad you enjoyed this one!
I need to get around to reading this series! Glad you enjoyed!
I have been wanting to read this series for a long time, you have now increased my desire to do so! OK, I am going to go and download book one and get to work!
Oh and make sure to link this fab book over on the Happy Now today if you get a chance π
I have mixed feeling s about the series but I loved Fairest. You do understand Levana more but like…nope lol
Karen @For What It's Worth
I have mixed feeling s about the series but I loved Fairest. You do understand Levana more but like…nope lol
Karen @For What It's Worth
That's exactly how I felt after reading it. I understood her better, felt sorry for her at times but I forgive nothing! She choose her path.
This was almost my fav. book of the series (even though it's not really a "book" in the series). I loved the backstory and the history of Luna. I could have read a few hundred more pages on it actually. I did find myself feeling sorry for Levana at times, but she was definitely a psycho, so those feelings went away quickly π
I'm working so hard to get through this series so I can finally read "Fairest"! I still have "Cress" and "Winter" to read through. I got a super late start in the series, so I'm way behind.
I'm even more excited now to finally read this book! Eeeeeck.
I'm glad you enjoyed this book! I've read Cinder, of the series, but that's it. One day I will reread that one and binge-read the rest of the series, now that Winter is published!
Great review. π
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I haven't read Fairest or Winter yet, but I definitely plan to catch up on this series soon! I didn't realize that some people were worried about reading this one and feeling too sorry for Levana – that never occurred to me. Glad that didn't happen for you!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I'm the same as you, I STILL haven't read Winter yet. But I did think it's a good bridge between Cress and Winter. I liked that we got to see a side to the villain as most the times we don't really get to see their background or their thought process, we just see that they're 'bad' and sometimes hear why but of course it's not from their own point of view. It's not essential but it's definitely the better of all these type of short stories coming out from series!
http://www.rare-opal.blogspot.com
I still haven't read the series yet, but have a few reviews for this, and I think a lot of people had the same problem with not wanting to feel sorry for her, but I love when you're given more of the past of the villain, and I don't think it makes you feel sorry for them, but maybe you understand them a lot more? But I like evil characters anyway, so…