Review | Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Stars Above

by Marissa Meyer

My Rating: 

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

I think you all know by now how much I love The Lunar Chronicles, so when the series finally came to an end I was thrilled to know I'd have one last chance to see these characters in this short story collection. Some of the stories I'd already read, but there were several others that were completely new to me and there was something so warm and comforting about finding myself once again in the company of characters I love and a world I know.

I've been a bit down recently, and ended up in a horrid reading slump, and I think this book is the one that pulled me out of it. Cinder is one of my favourite YA heroines, though I do love Scarlet, Cress and Winter, too, so reading about her is always a joy, as was reading about the other characters. In this collection we're given the chance to read a story about Michelle Benoit, Scarlet's grandmother, as well as stories about Cress's childhood and Cinder and Kai's meeting from Kai's point of view. There's even a very fun story that takes place after Winter which was such a joy to read.

I didn't fall head over heels in love with this collection like I thought I would. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and I'm so pleased it managed to pull me from my reading slump, but I felt like Marissa Meyer's writing wasn't as strong in this collection as it is in her novels. Personally I think Meyer is a better storyteller than a writer; like all writers she'll constantly be improving, and she's by no means a bad writer in the slightest, but I think her stories and her characters are more impressive than the way in which she writes them. That doesn't bother me - I'm generally much more interested in story than writing style anyway, though every now and then an author like Jessie Burton comes along who excels in both - but this was the first time I noticed it, particularly in the first story which felt a little too slow for a character as lively as Michelle.

I do think Meyer has a real talent for dialogue, though. I love the way her characters interact, particularly when they're joking; it's not easy to write humour, but Meyer has a knack for it.

Ultimately Stars Above is a really fun collection. My favourite story is probably 'Glitches' - like I said, I am a big Cinder fan - but 'Something Old, Something New' is a very close second. If you're a fan of The Lunar Chronicles then this book will make a lovely addition to your collection, and if you're not? I recommend you pick up a copy of Cinder!