Title: Stars Above
Author: Marissa Meyer
First published February 2, 2016
400 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250091840 (ISBN10: 1250091845)
Rating: 4.17
Overview
In Games of Command, the universe has changed, and Captain Tasha “Sass” Sebastian now serves under her former enemy, Admiral Branden Kel-Paten. Sass has a traumatic past that she is trying to keep hidden, but her efforts may be in vain when a wanted rebel, Jace Serafino, ends up in their ship’s sick bay, in the care of her best friend, Dr. Eden Fynn.
Jace carries information that could destroy the fragile Alliance and expose all of Sass’s secrets. Meanwhile, Kel-Paten, a biocybe, has something to hide as well – feelings for Sass, which were once thought impossible for his kind to possess.
As they struggle to navigate these dangerous waters, it becomes clear that their prisoner could bring down everything they hold dear, and they must fight to protect what they once believed was worth dying for – and everything they have to live for.
About the Author
My family and I call Tacoma, Washington our home. Alongside my husband, we are blessed with two lovely twin daughters.
My literary works are represented by Jill Grinberg. If you would like to know more about me and my upcoming publications, feel free to visit my website at http://www.marissameyer.com.
Editoral Review
Marissa Meyer has firmly established herself as one of the leading voices in the young adult science fiction genre, and the release of her latest novel Stars Above has only solidified that claim. Published in February 2016, Stars Above is a collection of short stories that span the Lunar Chronicles universe and provide a wealth of backstory and insights into the beloved characters that Meyer has created.
Meyer’s writing style is incandescent, intricately weaving together characters, plotlines, and themes with precision and grace. The overarching tale of Stars Above is set against a backdrop of political turmoil and social upheaval, and Meyer’s characters are all fighting for survival and agency in the midst of these struggles.
She explores themes of power, oppression, love, and loyalty with nuance and depth, and her characters are all fully-realized individuals with their own desires, strengths, and flaws. The collection is broken down into nine distinct stories, each of which offers readers a different perspective on the world and characters of the Lunar Chronicles.
Many of the stories center around the main characters of the series – Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Winter, and their respective love interests – but other characters also get their moments to shine. The final story in the collection, “Something Old, Something New,” is a joyous epilogue to the entire series that brings together all of Meyer’s characters for a heartwarming conclusion.
One of the strengths of Stars Above is how it expands on the established world and characters of the Lunar Chronicles, deepening our understanding and investment in the series as a whole. Meyer does an excellent job of filling in the gaps in her world-building and providing context for the events of the series, while also offering new insights and revelations that shed light on the characters we love.
Additionally, the collection offers a diversity of storytelling styles, including a mystery, a retelling of “The Little Mermaid,” and a sweet romance, among others, keeping the reading experience fresh and engaging. That said, some readers may find that an entire collection of short stories is not quite as satisfying as a full-length novel.
While the stories are all deeply interconnected and offer a rich reading experience, they lack the same level of narrative momentum and urgency that Meyer’s full-length novels have. Additionally, while Stars Above does offer new insights into established characters and relationships, it may not introduce enough new characters or storylines to fully stand on its own.
Overall, however, Stars Above is a must-read for fans of the Lunar Chronicles and a great entry point for those who are new to the series. Its rich world-building, well-drawn characters, and nuance storytelling make it a standout addition to the young adult science fiction genre.
With this latest release, Marissa Meyer has cemented her place as one of the leading voices in the genre and delivered another great read for her devoted fans. The Washington Post gives this collection a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
