The Last Battle for Destiny

As a child, we’ve all experienced reading fairytale stories with our parents at bedtime. Perhaps it is about Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, or Sleeping Beauty. But what about a story with a little cyborg twist and dystopian tension? Well, Winter by Marissa Meyer is the last book in the fantastical series The Lunar Chronicles. It is an adaptation on the legendary story of Snow White, and is a continuation on the adventures of Cinder or (spoiler of the preceding books) Princess Selene, and her friends as they plan to battle back for the throne against Cinder's aunt, Queen Levana. While you read this book, you’ll go on a magical ride through Winter’s, Selene’s, and her many friends’ journeys as they battle through obstacles like escaping from Levana’s traps in this cunning plot that Meyer has written.

Born as an ordinary citizen of Luna, Winter isn't originally a princess until her father marries into the royal family. Living on her homeland Luna, or the Moon, however, Winter isn’t a “normal” Lunar. Lunars have the power to manipulate/force others to do what they want and glamorize themselves to look prettier/more attractive or even like someone else. However, if not used for a long period of time, these powers can cause the Lunars to suffer and experience hallucinations. Although Winter could use her powers, she only tries it once and regrets it her whole life. One of her servants tried to commit suicide because of being mistreated by Levana’s guards, but is stopped because of Winter’s powers. However, it came to Winter’s realization that this had only lead to the servant getting mistreated even more, so she does not intervene with the servant’s second suicidal attempt. Since she doesn’t use her powers, she hallucinates a lot during the book and she describes a lot about how she is feeling, what she’s seeing, and what she is smelling during these insufferable times. “It was all around her. On the walls. Dripping from the chandelier…The walls are bleeding. The chandelier too, and it got on my shoulder, and I think it's staining my shoes, and I can smell it, and taste it, and why-” (152-153) I love how I am able to really feel how she felt, as if I am actually her in the scene.

After searching for her lost dear cousin, Princess Selene/Cinder, who is supposedly killed in a fire as a toddler, Winter soon finds out that this is all a show, and that Levana knows she is alive. As the time came for Cinder to announce her rivalry against Levana, she leaves the castle, and departs from everything she knows to find her own army to rebel against Luna’s unrightful Queen, her own mother. During the process, she develops a fondness for her guard Jacin Clay, and as their relationship develops throughout the book, it is delightful to see how they grow together and realize that they were meant for each other. They share the same humor, care for each other, and would risk their lives as long as their significant other is safe. It is such a delight to read and join in the twists and turns that occur with their relationship.

While reading Winter, I came to find that it's about bravery and taking risks although it's tough. Sacrificing yourself for your country is a big and daunting task, and in this book, there are so many dangers involved with rebelling against Levana- her thaumaturges, wolf soldiers, and glamor/manipulation. It takes great courage and guts to do this, and is so powerful to read about all of the characters coming together, fighting for a better queen even though their lives were at big risk. You could definitely feel and sympathize for all of the characters' journeys and where they came from, especially Winter, whose life is so distorted and unplanned from the moment she is born.

Although the theme for this book is quite hidden and hard to recognize, the meaning or theme that I found in this book is to never give up and to keep going even when it seems impossible. Since Cinder is a cyborg, her parts are not waterproof. After she falls into a river trying to defeat Levana, her control panel is badly damaged, driving her into a frenzy. But, she realizes that she has to get back up, win for her people, and to rewrite a new history, one that will for sure be significant. “Cinder pleaded with her control panel to wake up, to fight back, to be stronger than her, to win- ‘I am Princess Selene” (691). Although her body was slowly disintegrating in health and power, this quote shows her perseverance, knowing she had to keep pushing forward and never give up. The future of Luna rests on her shoulders, and the Lunars all depend on her to win this battle. This also shows the determination that Cinder and her friends had, and that they gave it their all until the last second.

Hands down, this is a must-read for readers who like fantasy books, mild love relationships, and teamwork. Aside from this, however, this is a book that is best for readers that can keep up with many different characters, along with understanding the plot that each character is going through. Each chapter(s) alternate from character to character and contains the points of view of Cinder’s friends as they venture into the new world of Luna. To be completely honest, it is a long read, but it's a book that you’ll want to keep reading over and over again and keep reading in the fight for the battle of destiny in Lunar History.