Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection (The Lunar Chronicles) Kindle Edition

The Lunar Chronicles is a fantastic series with an amazing storyline, characters, and writing, but you have to admit that there was a lot going on in all of the books. Not to mention the multiple unanswered questions piling up. So to officially wrap up the series once and for all, Marissa Meyer released an engaging, captivating, heartbreaking collection of short stories that tied up any and all loose ends. Thank god, because after Winter ended, I still needed more of these beloved characters! There are a total of nine stories included in this collection, one of them a completely separate story set in the same world, and one of them an epilogue describing the aftermath of the entire series. I'm going to review each of these stories separately, going in the order they were written.The Keeper: 3.5 stars. An interesting look into how Michelle Benoit cared for Cinder before she became a cyborg, and how Cinder's and Scarlet's stories are intertwined. This one was okay, considering it was about a minor character who was less involved throughout the series, and it was fun to read and pick up on Scarlet's little cameos. However, I kind of wish we got to learn more about Logan Tanner and how he came in contact with Princess Selene. But overall, it was a great story.Glitches: 4.5 stars. This one picks up immediately after The Keeper, and tells us how Cinder made her way to New Beijing, met Adri, Pearl, and Peony, and rebuilt Iko, simultaneously finding a knack in her crazy new world. It also tells us what happened to the mysterious Linh Garan, the inventor of the bioelectricity device, and Cinder's stepfather. It was really interesting to find out how Cinder ended up in New Beijing, and her reactions to meeting her new family for the first time. It was definitely strange reading about a Cinder who didn't exactly stand up for herself, and was weak, scared, and lonely. I was glad when Cinder first realized her talent for fixing objects, and to see a sign of the familiar Cinder. Peony was super kind from the beginning, and that makes her storyline even more sad. This was a really good story, with great, descriptive writing, and an intriguing backstory.The Queen's Army: 4.5 stars. This short story was about Wolf (or Ze'ev), and the challenges he had to face when becoming a part of Levana's mutated wolf-soldier army. This was an especially intense story, and gives us the background I was searching for with Wolf. Since he isn't a very outgoing character, I feel like this is a very important addition to his story, and I can relate to him more now that I know more about him.Carswell's Guide To Being Lucky: 5 stars. Thorne is one of my favorite characters in this series, mainly because he reminds me so much of Han Solo. And I also think that Han Solo would have a similar backstory. Of course Thorne's jokes and quips were awesome, but seeing and understanding his past and how it influenced his later personality was fun to read about. It was great making connections between his 13-year-old self and the man he was going to become, such as his type of girl. Those similarities were really what sold this for me, and I felt like I was reading about the same Thorne having adventures on the Rampion.After Sunshine Passes By: 4 stars. Even the title makes me tear up a little bit. Cress's imprisonment on the satellite is heartbreaking, but knowing that she gets her happy ending in the end somehow made the whole ordeal worthwhile.The Princess and the Guard: 4.5 stars. Now THIS is what I was hoping for in Stars Above. Winter and Jacin are probably the two main characters we know the least about, especially since Jacin is so internalized, and their backstory was desperately needed. This one was mostly based on the cruelty of Levana, and the relationship between Winter and Jacin. Non-hallucinating Winter is just as awesome as crazy Winter, and sort of reminded me of Cinder and Cress in certain ways. We also get to see a tremendous show of strength on Winter's part, when Levana forces her to carve up her own face, and she refuses to let even a tear fall during the event. And although it was horrifying, this somehow makes her craziness even more endearing.The Little Android: 5 stars. This one got me the most. Even though it has no relation to the rest of the Lunar Chronicles, aside from a small cameo by Cinder, this is a very heartbreaking, tearjerking story that will definitely tug on your heartstrings. It's a retelling of the original Little Mermaid tale, and just like the original, this story has a very bittersweet ending. It chronicles the events that follow after an android falls in love with a human engineer, and rejects her original programming. This android reminded a lot of Iko, just a little quieter. It made me wonder if there a lot of independent androids in the Lunar Chronicles universe, but it mostly just made me tear up a lot.The Mechanic: 4.5 stars. Not an extremely important story, but a pretty good one. This is the first meeting between Kai and Cinder told from Kai's perspective, and it is very lightweight. I know some readers aren't huge fans of reverse POV's stories, but it is a really interesting and insightful addition that sheds some light on Kai's early motivations and personality, and of course, why he fell for Cinder.Something Old, Something New: 5 stars. An amazing, fun, detailed epilogue of the entire Lunar Chronicles. It tells the story of Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew reuniting on Scarlet's farm for an unforgettable event. (cough, WEDDING, cough.) This is once again told from Cinder's POV, and is a really neat way to wrap everything up, although it did serve as a reminder that this fantastic, wonderful series is finally over. However, it was the best conclusion an author could have written, given the circumstances.Overall, this was a truly great, astounding short story collection that ties up all loose ends, and answers any questions a reader may have about the Lunar Chronicles. Each story was completely filled with action, adventure, emotional conflict, and descriptive, enticing writing. No one else could have done it better. Farewell, Lunar Chronicles.

Here's a short review of each of the nine stories included in this anthology.The KeeperI'm really glad that this story was included. I typically prefer novellas to be focused on the main characters of a book or series, but Scarlet and Cinder are both a big part of "The Keeper," and I actually like that Scarlet's grandmother takes the pilot seat (literally and figuratively) in this story. I think having the focus of the narrative on Michelle does three great things: 1. It expands the reader's view of the series as a whole. The consequences are so much more than just the primary group. There are other people, other stories, that are affected by Levana and the Lunars. 2. SO MUCH EXPLANATION. Obviously Cinder and Scarlet would not have been able to tell this part of their story because they wouldn't have known it was important. Michelle is able to tell the story they can't, and "The Keeper" answers so many questions that were raised in Cinder (the book) and Fairest. 3. In the main group, there are several Earthen/Lunar couples, and I'm sure one of the effects of the series overall will be more merging of these two societies in all ways, but I love that Logan and Michelle were among the first. At its heart, "The Keeper" is a little bit of a love story, and I adore those.GlitchesReaders who have already read this story will remember how heartbreaking it is. Cinder shows up in New Beijing and meets her new family, but Linh Adri and Pearl are exactly the same as ever (aka horrible) and through horrible circumstances, Linh Garan never has time to change the world. The best moments in this short are the introduction of beloved characters Peony and Iko and the early development of their important relationships with Cinder. I'd place a weight on Peony and Cinder's relationship as sisters similar to that of Katniss and Prim because of the catalyst the tragedies in their lives provides in both series. Peony is absolutely lovely, and I adore these early scenes with her. Iko receives only a short mention in "Glitches," but Cinder's discovery of her skills as a mechanic is also crucial to the series overall, and Iko, as always, is steadfast in her role as Cinder's number one supporter.The Queen's ArmyPour one out for Wolf because while all the main characters consistently have gotten the crap kicked out of them metaphorically in their lives, he's had it physically too. This story will never not make me cry. If any character in the series desperately needs a Happily Ever After, it's definitely Wolf. This story shows us the stark contrasts between his home with his loving family and the savage brutality of his life in a pack. Wolf is a really special character, and I am deeply impressed with the way he exerts control on his destiny. There's some good foreshadowing in this story for Wolf's arc throughout the series.Carswell's Guide to Being LuckyOh, Thorne. You will always be my favorite. Basically "Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky" is Thorne being Thorne: he's a sassy, incorrigible flirt with adorable delusions of grandeur that make you want to roll your eyes and simultaneously sigh sweetly, hoping he achieves his goals. Oh, plus he's a precious little tweenaged version of the adult(ish) Thorne we all know and love. Yes, Thorne is ridiculous, but this novella proves he's also smart, meticulous, and goal oriented. Also, I don't care what Thorne says (because he's full of crap), Cress is right to crush on him for being a heroic little do-gooder. Sure, Thorne is a planner and always has a way of making you feel that everything you do falls perfectly in his plans, BUT he also has a good heart and frequently Does The Right Thing. He's no Captain America, but maybe kind of like Peter Quill/Star-Lord (in addition to Marissa's intended Malcolm Renolds/Han Solo)? Like he's a bit of a rogue with a heart of gold. Also he likes cats so, you know. Yay, Thorne. Final note: this fun novella contains the awesome line, "I'm a teenager, Professor. I'm insecure all the time."After Sunshine Passes ByOof. This is another heart-string-tugger. Cress actually reminds me a strongly of Lily James's live-action Cinderella: she's sweet and kind and hard-working and JUST WANTS TO BE LOVED, OKAY? *clears throat* This story is fairly short, but like the others, sets up Cress's motivations pretty well. Not hard to see how she came to be a Good Guy at all.The Princess and the GuardLet me tell you: "The Princess and the Guard" will put you through the emotional wringer. There is all sorts of JayWin shippy goodness as Winter and Jacin's relationship develops from childhood best friends (SO adorable) to awkward crushes to full-blown I-love-you-but-I'm-afraid-for-you-because-Levana's-a-crazy-bitch star-crossed lovers. However, it's also supremely distressing because you see Winter with her dad Everett, (totally bittersweet), Winter dealing with his death, Winter discovering what her power means and the consequences thereof, Jacin attempting to keep his family safe, Winter attempting to keep Jacin safe, an INFURIATING subplot that leads to some serious character development as well as Winter's Lunar disease and mental instability. However, Jacin talking her through each attack is everything.Each character in TLC has had a hard life even when some have had privileged lives as well, but I think Jacin has received a raw deal because he's effectively a Bad Guy throughout Cinder, Scarlet, and much of Cress. "The Princess and the Guard," more than anything, shows that he's actually very much a Good Guy who has faced some unfortunate circumstances like his lack of station and lacking skill with the Lunar gift. Reading about young Jacin, who wants to help people, who loves and helps his best friend, and knowing how Levana and Sybil twisted him to become what they wanted really did break my heart while I was also impressed with his ability to not fall past redemption. Jacin is a character who is...well, strong of character. I think at times he's focused a bit too narrowly, but I respect his ability to survive in such a toxic atmosphere and protect Winter from it as much as possible. A++. Great, great story. As I said above, one of my favorites in the anthology!The Little Android"The Little Android" is the story that doesn't entirely fit into the anthology because it's the one most outside the primary plotline. Also it more heavily relies on the original source than any others, and since it's based on "The Little Mermaid," that makes this story pretty tragic. Anyone unfamiliar with the original fairy tale should take a look at that before you read this story because it's definitely no Disney version. The writing is absolutely lovely in this story, especially the descriptions of space, and it also features a sweet love story as well as a quick look at Cinder.The MechanicI think Kai is a lot of people's least-favorite mc from the series. I've heard a lot of criticism directed toward him, especially in reviews of Winter, because they feel he doesn't "do anything." I have to disagree. While obviously Cinder's leading her rebellion thing and doing things like escaping from prison, finding Scarlet, rescuing Cress, etc, Kai is a boy-man ACTUALLY leading his country and attempting to carefully navigate a political stage starring Levana of all people. Kai's pov scenes throughout the series are full of the conflicted feelings he has about wanting to protect his people and attempting to figure out if marrying Levana or defying her would best achieve that goal. Oh, and that whole Levana-constantly-controlling-him thing. Because that's totally Kai's fault. "The Mechanic" does a wonderful job of getting inside Kai's head as a seventeen year-old prince before he's saddled with the complete weight of his country as its true leader. Kai still knows he's going to become emperor sooner rather than later, but for a little while he's just a teenage boy who meets a pretty girl and goes a bit stupid. It's precious!Something Old, Something NewI really really really don't want to spoil this one so I will simply say it's absolutely perfect. You'll see ALL your favorite characters being utterly themselves (Thorne is sassy and full of quips, Scarlet & Jacin have zero patience with anyone (in a good way), Wolf is 100% Scarlet focused, Iko is the fashion expert, etc), and you'll swoon with all the adorableness. I would have preferred one couple be featured a bit more because I'm biased, but this story wasn't about them so I get it. This is the perfect extra ending to a beloved series, and fans will be able to say farewell with a feeling of absolute satisfaction.

Estou muito apaixonada nessas edições novas, sério!!

Siempre he adorado la edición de los libros de las crónicas lunares, son hermosas y no puedo creer que tenga Stars Above en mis manos, en general son retellings muy interesantes y me ha encantado encontrarlos a un precio más bajo del que se vende usualmente, quedé totalmente satisfecha debido a que además de eso llegó a mis manos sin ningún rasguño o maltrato

Bellissimo libro. Arrivato in orario ed in perfette condizioni.

Loved the short story format. Loved knowing the past and future of some of my favourite characters and also some of new people revolving around the story.

Complément à la série, des info supplémentaires sur quasi tous les personnages. Et la conclusion esquissée au tome Winter, pour notre petite Cinder ! Ravie de cet achat. Je continue de penser que l'auteur aurait pu développer un peu plus la profondeur politique... mais bon.