Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) {Book Review}.

I had been itching to read this book after finishing Scarlet (and Cinder before that) and of course after meeting her. I just can't believe that this is Marissa Meyer's first series because she is so talented. Holy stress! If I thought the first two books were stressful, this one was even more so. I can't imagine what the last book, Winter, will be like, but I can't wait to find out.
Memorable Quotes "I promise, I will not let you die without being kissed."
"Maybe there isn't such a thing as fate. Maybe it's just the opportunities we're given, and what we do with them. I'm beginning to think that maybe great, epic romances don't just happen. We have to make them ourselves."
"It always came back to love. More than freedom, more than acceptance - love. True love, like they sang about in the second era. The kind that filled up a person's soul. The kind that lent itself to dramatic gestures and sacrifices. The kind that was irresistible and all-encompassing."

Book Summary from Goodreads
In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.
My Thoughts Aside from Harry Potter and Hunger Games, I can't think of any characters that I've just become so invested in. There are a lot of characters to keep up with in this book, but they're all so significant that it isn't hard to keep up with them. Cinder has changed from a timid, confused and lonely girl to someone who is willing to put her life on the line to save the world. There is a ton of character development in all of the main characters in this book, and it's impossible not to fall in love with every single one of them. 
There was no shortage of action in this book. Everything was moving so quickly and so fast-paced. I found myself sitting up and talking to the book (did I really just admit that?) because I was so stressed or confused or in awe. There are a ton of unexpected twists and turns in the best way. All of it is exciting. 
I'm just picturing this beautiful and awesome world that Marissa Meyer created in her mind, and man, can someone please buy the rights to this movie? It would be absolutely brilliant. I would love to see the vision in her mind come to life. 
I love that all of the books in The Lunar Chronicles are based off of Disney characters that I absolutely loved. The introduction of Cress was perfect. At the beginning of the book, I just felt so sad for her - trapped up in her satellite (as opposed to a tower in Rapunzel) just wanting to escape. Then I started getting annoyed by her because I just wanted her to do something, be good for anything. She definitely redeemed herself by the end of the book, giving me another main character to love. Every character is so unique, and it's hard to not love them because they're based off of characters that we all grew up with. 
For those who have read my reviews before, you know I love me some teenage romance in YA novels, and there was no shortage of that in this book. Three potential love stories in one book - yes, please! Though there is some underlying romance in this book, it is, by no means, the main focus of it. The main plot is all about the five of them - Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Wolf and Thorne - trying to overthrow Queen Lavana, but I love the little bits of romance that Marissa throws in there. 
On top of the action and romance, Marissa also threw some humor in there. There is a lot of sarcasm in this book, and I loved it. Not to mention the hilarious cockiness of Thorne and the adorable naivety of Iko. This book made me laugh, smile, get angry, stress. Rollercoaster of emotions to say the least.

Definite 5 out of 5. The best book in the series so far. To everyone who hasn't read this series (which I literally know no one who has), you need to read it now. It's amazing, and once you've finished each book, you'll be wondering why you've been wasting your life doing silly things like eating or breathing. I'm super pumped to see how Marissa Meyer brings Winter (aka Snow White) into the mix and how she brings all four stories together to create an epic ending. No pressure, Marissa! Too bad it doesn't come out till 2015.
For more information on Marissa Meyer and The Lunar Chronicles series, visit her website, like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter!
Also, for my fellow lovers of YA novels, check out this Buzzfeed article! Too funny.

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