CANR
WORK TITLE: Heartless
WORK NOTES: Best seller
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 2/19/1984
WEBSITE: marissameyer.livejournal.com NOT THE SAME PERSON?
CITY: Tacoma
STATE: WA
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: LRC 2016
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
ADDRESS
CAREER
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist Aug. 1, 2016, Meyer” Contemporary Authors Online, Gale, 2016. Literature Resource Center, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=LitRC&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CH1000302476&it=r&asid=214395d976fcd68170c444425551c166. Accessed 10 Mar. 2017. Reagan, Maggie. “Marissa, “Heartless.”. p. 74.
Voice of Youth Advocates Apr., 2016. Meghann Meeusen, “Meyer, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection.”. p. 77.
Booklist Mar. 1, 2016, Frances Bradburn, “Stars Above.”. p. 84.
School Library Journal Sept., 2016. Jane Henriksen. Baird, “Meyer, Marissa. Heartless.”. p. 160+.
School Library Journal Apr., 2016. Marissa Lieberman, “Meyer, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection.”. p. 170.
ONLINE
Tor.com, http://www.tor.com (November 8, 2016), review of Heartless
Entertainment Weekly, http://ew.com (November 11, 2016), review of Heartless
Publishers Weekly, http://www.publishersweekly.com (January, 2017), review of Wires and Nerve
Bookspoils, https://bookspoils.wordpress.com (February 8, 2017), review of Wires and Nerve
TheFandom.net, http://www.thefandom.net (JANUARY 28, 2017), review of Wires and Nerve
Book Wars, http://thebookwars.ca (February 2, 2016), review of Stars Above
Novel Heartbeat, http://novelheartbeat.com (12 August, 2016), review of Stars Above
ID
One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.
When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).
When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.
Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER was my first completed novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around, too.
I married my husband in 2011, two months before the release of Cinder, and we adopted our two beautiful twin daughters, Sloane and Delaney, in 2015. Reading lots and lots of bedtime stories is most definitely a new favorite pastime.
FAQ
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a trilogy about teenage superheroes (book one is set to release in November 2017). I have plenty of other ideas a’brewing, too, including more graphic novels, a contemporary romance, another fairy tale retelling, and a couple of children’s books. We’ll see what inspires me the most!
How did you get the idea for The Lunar Chronicles?
I entered a writing contest a few years ago in which the host had listed about ten random prompts and writers had to choose two of them to include in their stories. The two prompts I chose: Set the story in the future and include a fairy-tale character. My contest entry was a sci-fi version of “Puss in Boots” and I had so much fun writing it that I thought I would try to do an entire series of science-fiction fairy tales! (The best part of that story is that only two stories were submitted for the contest—and mine came in second place. Ack!)
So I started to brainstorm what futuristic twists I could give to some of my favorite fairy tales. A couple months later I was drifting off to sleep when the lightning bolt struck: Cinderella… as a cyborg! My head instantly filled with all sorts of ideas and I had to crawl out of bed and start taking notes. That idea would of course go on to become Cinder and The Lunar Chronicles.
Was Cinder really a NaNoWriMo novel?
Yep! So were Scarlet, Cress, Fairest, and Heartless.
(Not familiar with NaNoWriMo? It’s a great program that encouraged writers to draft a 50,000-word novel during November. Check out their site for more information: http://www.nanowrimo.org.)
How long did it take you to write Cinder?
Oh, the crazy NaNoWriMo that was November 2008. That year I decided to challenge myself and instead of writing the expected 50,000 words in 30 days, I wrote 150,000. (150,011 to be exact.) This included the 70,000-word first draft of Cinder, so essentially I wrote the first draft in about two weeks. After that I set it aside for a few months, then would work on it a few months, then send it to beta readers and leave it alone for a few months, then work on it again for a while…
Between writing the first word and considering it ready to submit to literary agents took just under two years.
How long did it take you to get your agent and book deal?
I’m one of the very rare, lucky authors who had a relatively fast submission process. I started querying agents on August 16, 2010. Two months later I had three offers of representation and ended up signing with Jill Grinberg, who happened to be the first agent I’d queried. After a couple weeks of minor tweaking to the manuscript, we went on submission on Friday, October 29, and had our first offer the following Monday, November 1—on the two-year anniversary from the day I’d started writing the book.
About a week later, the series went to auction between two publishing houses and we finally accepted the offer from Macmillan’s Feiwel and Friends on November 11, 2010, less than three months after I’d sent my first query.
It was a really dizzying three months!
What do TE and FF stand for?
T.E. stands for Third Era—which, in the world of The Lunar Chronicles, is the period of time that starts after the Fourth World War. The time that you and I live in now is considered the Second Era, and what we refer to as B.C.E. would be the First Era.
FF is an abbreviation that means “and the following.” It’s used in modern-day indexes, or in the Lunar Chronicles, in net profiles to indicate that “the following” are all of the media posts known on that person.
Why did you choose to set Cinder in futuristic Asia?
Some scholars believe that the earliest Cinderella tale came from 9th-century China. Additionally, some believe that the iconic glass slipper (which was gold in the Grimm version) came to us from China’s tradition of foot-binding and a culture in which women were praised for tiny feet. So having Cinder set in China was my way of paying homage to the story’s roots.
It also seemed more interesting than setting another book in America!
Have you ever been to China?
I went to China for 10 days when I was 13. It was an awesome experience and I’d love to go again! Sadly, I didn’t realize at the time that I would someday write a book set in futuristic China, so I didn’t take very helpful setting notes. All cultural and setting details for Cinder came from research and my own imagination. If I got anything wrong, I sincerely apologize.
Why are names in Cinder backwards, and what’s up with the suffixes?
In many Asian countries, it’s customary to say a person’s surname or family name before their given name. For example: Meyer Marissa. So where western countries would say Cinder Linh, in the Eastern Commonwealth she’s Linh Cinder.
The suffixes are called honorifics. Generally they denote respect and are similar to our usage of Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc. The Chinese languages have tons of these honorifics and they can get very specific. For my futuristic culture, I simplified it to the following five honorifics used in the Eastern Commonwealth:
-dàren: for a high-ranking official
-shìfu: for an older male
-jūn: for a younger male
-jiĕ: for an older female
-mèi: for a younger female
Why is Scarlet set in France? Have you ever been there?
I wrote a whole blog post on why I chose to set Scarlet in France, which can be read here: Why France? Scarlet and the Beast of Gévaudan. (Hint: It includes werewolves!)
Sadly, I’ve never been to France. I hope to change that as soon as possible.
Is Cinder Asian? What color are Scarlet’s eyes? How tall is Wolf? (etc.)
Read all of my character descriptions here: A Guide to Lunar Chronicles Character Traits.
(And if you’re drawing fanart, have fun!!)
Did you know that your androids aren’t technically androids?
So says you!
Okay, actually, you’re right. The dictionary defines androids as humanoid automatons. With their squat stature, single sensor “eyes,” and treads instead of legs and feet, most of the androids in The Lunar Chronicles wouldn’t be considered androids by modern-day standards (with the exception of escort-droids, which are life-like humanoid robots).
But here’s my linguistic explanation: scientists are currently working on creating androids and are actually doing a fine job of it (see my Real-World Technology page for more information). Although robots come in all shapes and sizes, there is a fascination with making robots that look like us. True androids.
In the fake history of my fictional world, the first working robots available to the masses were true androids, with humanoid features. However, as the novelty wore off, robot manufacturers realized that the humanoid model was inefficient and not as useful as simpler, more compact body styles. So they started redesigning the robots and, over time, the common mass-produced robots became the robots you see in the books—treads and all. However, the term android was too ingrained in the language at that point, so the terminology stayed.
How much of the technology in The Lunar Chronicles could be real someday?
Almost all of it! Yes, even cyborgs! Check out the Real-World Technology page to learn about how close we are to this science-fiction future.
Do you outline your books? Use critique partners? How many drafts to you write? (etc.)
For details on my writing process (and probably more insight into my organizational neuroses than anyone wanted to know), check out this series of blog posts: My Writing Process: 9 Steps from Idea to Finished.
If you’re wondering if you should outline your novel, I think it’s a good idea to give it a try and see whether or not it works for you. Every writer is different and there is no right or wrong way to write a novel—as long as you write it!
Is there going to be a Cinder movie?
I would love for there to be a movie, but this is out of my control. At this time, the movie / TV rights have been optioned and a script is in the works. Fingers are tightly crossed!
(Ally Carter has an awesome blog post on how books gets made into movies. Check it out here: http://allycarter.com/blog/how-movies-happen.)
If they do make a movie, can I be in it?
It’s unlikely that I’ll have much involvement with this, but if the studio decides to host open auditions I will post that information on my blog and newsletter.
What’s your favorite book?
My all-time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
If you’re looking for book recommendations, some of my favorite YA books and graphic novels are listed on the Recommended Reading page.
Do you have kids?
Yes! In 2015 my husband and I adopted beautiful twin daughters – Sloane and Delaney. They bring more joy than I ever thought possible.
Do you have any pets?
We have two cats: Calexandria Josephine and Blackland Rockwell III.
I’m writing a book! Will you read and critique my manuscript?
I’m sorry, but I’m too focused on my own writing at this time to be able to review the work of others. I encourage you to check with local or online writing groups to find a critique partner.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
I sure do, and you can read it here: My Best Advice for Aspiring Writers.
Also, check out the comments in that post. There’s a lot of great advice there, too!
Did you really use to write fanfiction?
Yes! I wrote fanfiction for the popular 1990s magic girl anime Sailor Moon for ten whole years, completing almost 50 fanfics in that time, many of which were novel-length. I met a lot of great people through the fanfic community, received tons of encouragement, and was able to learn about the craft and discipline of being a writer. My writing benefited from it immensely.
Can I write fanfic based on your books?
Absolutely! I believe that fanfic benefits both the creator and fans of a work, and encourage anyone to do with my characters and world as they wish. That said, for both legal and personal reasons, I cannot read any fanfics based on my books.
What is cosplay and who have you dressed up as?
Cosplay is fandom terminology for wearing a costume, typically of a fictional character. It’s mostly seen at fandom (sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, comic) conventions. I used to do lots of cosplay when I was a teenager (mostly because my mom was awesome and a great seamstress), but I rarely get to anymore. Back in the day, I cosplayed as Sailor Moon (both scout and princess version), Princess Zelda, Alice in Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts, Aoshi from Rurouni Kenshin, and, a long long long time ago, Princess Leia.
Will you come to my school / local library / bookstore, or do a Skype visit with my book club?
Check out the Connect page for information on setting up in-person and Skype visits.
Can I have a review copy of your books?
Check out the Connect page for information on requesting review copies, but please note that we do not send review copies once a book is available for sale. I encourage you to check with your local library.
Where can I buy Lunar Chronicles merchandise?
Litographs now has a fabulous line of CINDER and SCARLET posters, T-shirts, tote bags, and infinity scarves! You can also find some fun fan-made stuff on Etsy and Society6.
Marissa Meyer: The world isn’t made of only white people, so fictional worlds shouldn’t be either
Site member WordsAreLife got to ask sci-fi author Marissa Meyer about how it feels to say goodbye to the Lunar Chronicles series, writing diverse characters and why she is Ravenclaw through and through
Marissa Meyer
Marissa Meyer: Ending the series was very bittersweet. There are still days when I miss the characters and want to go hang out on the Rampion. Photograph: Julia Scott
View more sharing options
Shares
0
Marissa Meyer and WordsAreLife
Tuesday 2 February 2016 06.08 EST Last modified on Monday 6 February 2017 09.34 EST
Who or what is your biggest source of writing inspiration?
There really isn’t one major source of inspiration—it can and does come from absolutely anywhere! Obviously, for The Lunar Chronicles, I drew inspiration from the fairy tales that the books are based off of, as well as from science fiction epics like Star Wars and Firefly. I was frequently inspired by the technology of today, as well as news stories and magazine articles regarding where we are heading with technology, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and cybernetics. I was inspired by history – revolutions and the fall of dynasties, the civil rights movement, the bubonic plague. It goes on and on. Inspiration is everywhere. It’s the writer’s job to take all those little bits of ideas and mold them into one story.
The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder by Marissa Meyer - review
Read more
When you get an idea, what is the first thing you do with it?
Write it down! I keep a pen and notepad in my bedside table, because ideas have a habit of showing up in the middle of the night. And I’m constantly entering ideas into the memo pad on my phone. A lot of ideas never go anywhere – what seems brilliant today might seem ridiculous tomorrow. But I’d rather decide not to act on an idea later rather than risk losing it entirely.
How did you do all the research to find out about all the futuristic technology used in The Lunar Chronicles?
When I first decided to write this science fiction series, I went to the library and checked out a stack of Scientific American magazine. I spent hours poring through those, reading any story that caught my eye, just to get a feel for where science and technology is today and where’s it’s headed. I learned so much, and the futuristic world of The Lunar Chronicles started to grow out of those articles about real-world science. I wanted the technology in my books to have a foundation in reality. To feel, not only possible, but inevitable. Like this is the direction that humanity is heading. It’s really amazing what scientists are able to accomplish, and I can’t wait to see where we are ten, twenty, fifty years from now.
Cress
Are the characters of Thorne and Cress in any way inspired by Flynn and Rapunzel from the Disney movie Tangled?
Surprisingly, no! I had actually completed the first draft of Cress before Tangled came out, and I remember going to see the movie in theaters and having a jaw-dropping moment and thinking: Hey, that’s my cocky bandit thief! There are so many examples of similar things cropping up in the same time in our culture or media, and this was definitely one of them. It’s so weird how that happens!
The Lunar Chronicles has a cast of characters from all around the world… how do they all understand each other’s languages?
There is a universal language spoken on Earth and Luna – I imagine it to be mostly a mix of English, Spanish, and Chinese (although I don’t really know what that would sound like!). However, people from different parts of the world will still have their own slang and dialects, and some pockets of the world even maintain their own individual languages, which are hinted at throughout the books, particularly when the characters arrive in Africa.
What was your favourite part about writing the Lunar Chronicles, and how do you feel now that the series is over?
Winter
I really loved developing the characters and getting to spend so much time with them, and watch each of them grow and mature over the course of the story. Some of my favourite scenes to write were when the characters were all together, crafting dangerous plots and having playful banter. After writing the series for eight years, these characters came to feel like some of my closest friends and it was really difficult to see them go! Ending the series was very bittersweet. There are still days when I miss the characters and want to go hang out on the Rampion some more, but I also have a lot of new projects in the works that I’m enjoying, so that helps.
The final book in the main series, Winter, has a black protagonist. Do you feel like diversity is an important aspect of YA fiction and your writing?
I didn’t think so much about diversity when I was first crafting the story and the characters. I created the characters back in 2008, and I wanted the world to feel authentic and real, and the idea that all these characters doing amazing things would be white seemed ridiculous to me. The world isn’t made of only white people, so fictional worlds shouldn’t be either. It felt much more natural for me to include characters with a variety of skin tones and ethnic backgrounds. Now I hear from a lot of readers thanking me for including people of colour in central roles —but I can’t help but hope that someday soon that will just be the norm.
How do I get involved in the Guardian children's books site?
Read more
Who is/are your favourite character/s from your books?
I really don’t have one! I love all my characters. They’ve all come to seem like close friends. That said, Iko is probably the most fun character for me to write. I never know what she’s going to say or do next, and her vivacity keeps me on my toes.
Any plans to revisit the world of the Lunar Chronicles after Stars Above? I’d love to read more, they’re amazing!
Thank you! Never say never – I have lots of projects in the works right now, but I wouldn’t be opposed to exploring the world more if the right idea came to me.
What did you love to read when you were growing up? Got any book recommendations for us now?
I read a lot of children’s classics when I was really young – Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was probably my favourite book growing up. Then when I was a little older I fell in love with fantasy fiction like The Hobbit and The Belgariad. There wasn’t really a “young adult” genre back then – it’s amazing how YA fiction has taken off! For more modern recommendations, I would say anything by Leigh Bardugo or Rosemary Clement-Moore. I also am crazy in love with the His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers and The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski.
STARS ABOVE cover image
If you could live in any sci- fi or fantasy world, where would you live and why?
Hogwarts!!!! (I’m Ravenclaw.)
Marissa Meyer’s latest book Stars Above, A Lunar Chronicles Collection is available from the Guardian bookshop, as are the rest of the Lunar Chronicle series: Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Fairest and Winter.
Must-read YA: 'Heartless' by Marissa Meyer (plus interview and audio excerpt!)
26
SHARES
SHARE
TWEET
EMAIL
By: Jessie Potts | November 22, 2016 12:00 am
heartless-by-marissa-meyer
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
What it’s about (courtesy of Feiwel & Friends):
Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.
Long before she was the terror of Wonderland, she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.
Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.
Q&A WITH MARISSA (courtesy of publisher Feiwel & Friends)
Q: Have you been a lifelong fan of Alice in Wonderland? How old were you when you first read it?
Marissa: Surprisingly, though I watched the Disney movie many, many times as a child, I didn’t read the actual book until I was in college! I thought it was finally time, and I’ve read it a number of times since, especially as I was writing Heartless. I remember having mixed feelings when I read it the first time — on one hand the characters were every bit as bizarre and off-the-wall and wonderful as I’d expected, and I was (and am still!) enamored with Lewis Carroll’s mind-blowing ability to write such clever wordplay. On the other hand, I found my eyes going glossy with all of the many poem recitals, and at some point started to wonder if there was going to be a plot. Of course, the nonsense storyline is a part of what has made this book such a classic!
Q: Which character in Wonderland would you be and why?
Marissa: Probably the white rabbit. He’s a little on the obsessive and neurotic side, and seems to be always trying to please everyone! And, in my version at least, he’s very averse to any sort of confrontation. And now I realize that I just listed all my worst qualities, lol! So maybe he’s, like, my shadow self. In rabbit form. Who carries a pocket watch.
At least I’m punctual?
Q: If you could share one passage of Heartless with Lewis Carroll, what would it be?
Marissa: Definitely one of the wordplay passages! Though I don’t equate myself to Lewis Carroll in this department, I do like to think that he would have appreciated my attempts, and even tolerated my geeking-out over my own cleverness.
One of my favorites is:
“We are a parliament of idiots. A murder of fools.”
“No,” said Jest, his voice soft. “That would be an unkindness.”
(Explanation: parliament, murder, and unkindness are all grouping terms for ravens, rooks, or crows.)
And, because I can’t help myself, I really love this passage, too:
“Is Rook a very high rank in Chess?”
He pressed his lips and seemed to be considering the question. “Actually,” he said, “it’s on equal ranking to a marquess.”
(Explanation: there was a time when the rook on a chessboard was called the marquess.)
And /end showing off.
Q: What’s your favorite riddle?
Marissa: Confession: I hate riddles!! I could never, ever figure them out, and then I feel so dumb afterward, when they were so obvious. Having to write a couple riddles in Heartless was one of the parts of writing this book that I dreaded the most, but in the end, they almost wrote themselves. I’m particularly pleased with the riddle Hatta tells Cath at the tea party.
Hey … maybe that’s my favorite, then!
Q: Why IS a raven like a writing desk?
Marissa: Because Edgar Allan Poe … and now Marissa Meyer … have written on both.
(Full disclosure: This was the answer that my good friend Gregory Maguire told me, that he had heard somewhere else. Well, except the Marissa Meyer part.)
(Really full disclosure: OK, I am not actually good friends with Gregory Maguire, but he did blurb Heartless, and I sincerely hope he never hears how much I squealed like a giddy fangirl when he did.)
“Lunar Chronicles” Goes Graphic: Marissa Meyer on “Wires and Nerve”
By Shelley Diaz on January 31, 2017 Leave a Comment
Photo by Julie Scott
Photo by Julie Scott
The YA world is certainly familiar with Marissa Meyer’s “Lunar Chronicles,” a sci-fi adaptation of fairy tales with cyborgs and mutant wolves. After five titles, a short story collection, and a coloring book, the author decided to expand the series with a graphic novel, Wires and Nerve (Feiwel & Friends; Jan. 31, 2017), centering on Cinder’s best friend, Iko. The author chats with SLJ about her inspiration, the importance of diversity, and her plans for the series.
Why did you decide to tell this story from Iko’s perspective? Will the rest of the volumes highlight her side of the story?
Yes, the second volume will remain in Iko’s point of view, though there are a handful of chapters throughout both books that focus on other characters. Generally, though, I knew from the start that this was going to be Iko’s story. She always thought she was the hero in the main books, so it was only fitting to let her shine on her own for once! I also loved the idea of being able to examine her backstory and how she became so different from other androids, and to also see how she changes after the events in Winter. I felt like she still had something to prove to the world, and it would be interesting to see how far she would go in her efforts to be seen and treated as a human.
Though this is a fun series about friendship, romance, and fairy tales, these books also touch upon serious issues, such as trauma, slavery, power in the wrong hands, and more. Why do you think YA—and this particular book—is the right vehicle for these topics?
I don’t really believe in sheltering our young people from horrible realities in the world—many of them are familiar with real-world trauma and problems, and it would be irresponsible of us to not have fiction available for them that allows them to explore these issues in a place outside of their own reality. That said, I don’t usually go into the writing process with these big, serious issues in mind, but they tend to be a natural byproduct of series that have epic, sweeping story lines, such as wars and revolutions. I aim to build a world that is interesting, exciting, and dramatic, and once those bigger themes start to reveal themselves, I do my best to give them the thought and respect they deserve.
What inspired you to continue the “Lunar Chronicles” in a graphic novel format?
Writing a graphic novel has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. I love the format and the various storytelling options it offers, and I do think that some stories are better told with visual elements. I hadn’t planned a “Lunar Chronicles” graphic novel from the beginning, but as I was wrapping up the series in Winter, I started having ideas about a possible continuation—a story that would take place after the series finale and be a complete story in its own right. I knew there would be enough loose ends left in the books that I would have some conflict to work with, and I loved the idea of giving Iko, the fan-favorite android character, her own heroic tale. From the start, I was envisioning this spin-off story as a graphic novel and seeing it told in a visual format. I hoped it would be a good chance to further explore the themes of humanity that played a big part in the books and how much a physical body plays into our perception of being human, both with Iko’s androidness and the wolf-mutant soldiers she is hunting.
WiresandNerve_coverDid you work closely with Doug Holgate to create the art and plot out the panels? How did you decide to keep this in a monotone, two-color palette?
Not as close as I expected to! For the most part, I completed the script and handed it over to Doug, who then completed a series of sketches for me to review—and he was so amazing at nailing the artwork on the very first try that there needed to be very little back-and-forth. He really has a knack for bringing the artwork to life just how I envisioned it or implementing changes that make the story stronger and the world and characters more dynamic.
As for the two-color palette…. I’m not sure how that was decided! My publisher thought it was a smart choice for the story, and once I saw the initial colored pages, I fell in love.
I love the diversity of these characters. Why was that important for you to weave into the narrative?
When I first started writing the series, the importance of diversity in fiction wasn’t the big discussion topic that it is today. But back then, as now, it was important for me to write the world as realistically as possible, and, well, the world is made up of all people from all different ethnicities and backgrounds, so it seemed silly and narrow-minded to write a story that didn’t reflect that. I was aiming for authenticity and believed that creating a futuristic world in which prejudices tend to be toward cyborgs, androids, and Lunars, rather than [based on] race or culture, made sense.
Are there any more plans to expand the “Lunar Chronicles” universe?
With the exception of Wires and Nerve Vol. 2, which is scheduled to publish in early 2018, I don’t have any current plans to continue expanding this universe. However—I’ve said that before! But with a prequel novel, a short story collection, two graphic novels, and a coloring book having all grown beyond my original plans for the series, I’ve learned to never say never. If another idea struck me for this world and characters, I would definitely pursue it.
Exclusive: ‘Lunar Chronicles’ author Marissa Meyer will write her first graphic novel — with androids
By Michael Cavna February 1, 2016
MARISSA MEYER is bringing her intergalactic characters into a new dimension.
Meyer is the author of “The Lunar Chronicles,” the series of YA sci-fi novels that sits atop the bestseller lists, in stellar company with “The Mazerunner,” “Divergent” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” And now, surely to much rejoicing soon by her legions of fans, the Washington state-based author is entering the graphic-novel market.
Meyer and publisher MacMillan have set the course: She’s writing a two-book graphic-novel duet. “Wires and Nerve,” with illustrations by Douglas Holgate, is set to debut next January. Set after the events of the “Lunar Chronicles,” it will feature many of the same characters, including Iko the android, as well as: Cinder, the teen cyborg who has a wicked stepmother; Scarlet, the space pilot who works with street-fighter Wolf; Cress, the hacker who is imprisoned like some satellite Rapunzel; and Winter, the princess who loves a commoner.
“Writing graphic novels has been on my ultimate writing dream list since I was a teenager,” Meyer, 31, tells The Post’s Comic Riffs, “and I’m so thrilled to be able to make the dream a reality, while also expanding on the story of ‘The Lunar Chronicles.’”
Artist Douglas Wolgate’s character sketch of Iko, the featured android in Marissa Meyer’s original graphic-novel tale. (courtesy of MacMillan)
Meyer notes that her window into comics, as with so many fans of the form, was mostly manga.
“I used to spend hours hunting down English translations online for some of my favorites — or when a translation couldn’t be found, analyzing every detail of the artwork to try to piece the story together in my own imagination,” Meyer tells us. “To this day, comics and graphic novels are one of my favorite forms of storytelling, and I can’t wait for readers to experience the world of the Lunar Chronicles in such a wonderfully visual format.”
The announcement comes just hours ahead of tomorrow’s release of the “Lunar Chronicles” short-story collection “Stars Above.”
Marissa Meyer
Born: February 19, 1984 in Tacoma, Washington, United States
Other Names : Blade, Alicia
Nationality: American
Occupation: Novelist
Contemporary Authors Online. Detroit: Gale, 2016. From Literature Resource Center.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2017 Gale, Cengage Learning
Updated:Mar. 4, 2016
Table of Contents
Listen
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Born February 19, 1984, in Tacoma, WA; married Jesse Taylor. Education: Pacific Lutheran University, B.A., 2004; Pace University, M.S.
CAREER:
Writer, editor, and novelist. Marquand Books Inc., book editor for five years.
WORKS:
WRITINGS:
NOVELS
Glitches, Tor (New York, NY), 2012.
The Queen's Army, Tor (New York, NY), 2012.
Heartless, Feiwel and Friends (New York, NY), 2016.
"LUNAR CHRONICLES" YOUNG ADULT SERIES
Cinder, Feiwel and Friends (New York, NY), 2012.
Scarlet, Feiwel and Friends (New York, NY), 2013.
Cress, Feiwel and Friends (New York, NY), 2014.
Fairest, Feiwel and Friends (New York, NY), 2015.
Winter, Thorndike (Waterville, ME), 2016.
Contributor to books, including the Fierce Reads Anthology, Tor (New York, NY), 2012.
Sidelights
Marissa Meyer is a writer, editor, and novelist who works in the young adult genre. She served as a book editor for five years. Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Meyer holds a B.A. in creative writing from Pacific Lutheran University and an M.S. in publishing from Pace University.
Meyer's first novel, Cinder, is a young adult science fiction story and the first book of her "Lunar Chronicles" series. The novel provides a futuristic twist on the classic legend of Cinderella, and Meyer makes no attempt to hide or even downplay her source of inspiration. In this book, however, "debut author Meyer's brilliance is in sending the story into an entirely new, utterly thrilling dimension," commented a Publishers Weekly reviewer.
Cinder is a young woman living in the future society of New Beijing long after World War IV. Life there is difficult, made even worse by the disease letumosis, which is taking a substantial toll on the six remaining countries on Earth. In Cinder's world, cyborgs--people with mechanical limbs, parts, and prostheses--are looked down upon and considered lower-class citizens. Cinder's own prosthetic foot and hand, plus the alterations to her brain and heart, put her in that unfortunate social class. She doesn't remember anything of her life prior to becoming a cyborg, and she hates her current life with her vile stepmother and stepsisters. A talented mechanic, Cinder has been forced to work as a near slave, using her skills to make the family's living ever since her stepfather died.
When Cinder happens to encounter New Beijing's Prince Kai, who visits her marketplace booth to have an android repaired, both are instantly attracted to one another. Kai invites her to attend an important ball with him, one that her two sisters are supposed to attend and she is not. As the story progresses, Cinder's actions and behaviors further parallel that of the classic Cinderella, including the use of an unlikely coach to get her to the ball and the loss of her prosthetic foot on the steps of the palace. The situation becomes even more complicated when evil Queen Levana, the matriarch of the mind-controlling, moon-dwelling Lunars, arrives on Earth with the intent of making Prince Kai her own.
Meyer "brings a good deal of charm and cleverness to this entertaining, swiftly paced read," remarked Booklist contributor Ian Chipman. "Cinder's personal tenacity and skill, as well as Meyer's deft application of Cinderella nuggets ... are riveting," commented a Kirkus Reviews writer. School Library Journal reviewer Tara Kehoe commented favorably on Meyer's "skilled, concise writing style" as demonstrated in the novel.
In the second book of the "Lunar Chronicles" series, Scarlet, Cinder, Prince Kai, and Queen Levana reappear in the story of Scarlet Benoit, a "young French woman who enlists the services of a street fighter named Wolf when she finds her grandmother, a former military pilot, gone missing," reported Brian Truitt, writing in USA Today.
The "Lunar Chronicles" series continues with Cress and Fairest, and concludes with Winter. In the series finale, Cinder continues her plan to stage a revolt against the evil Queen Levana, and she teams with Levana's stepdaughter, Winter. Cinder's new ally suffers from terrible visions, and her guard, Jacin, uses his powers to protect her from them. Winter and Jacin are in love, but it is illegal for royalty to marry commoners. While the people hate Levana, they love Winter; yet, Cinder is the true heir to the throne, part of the bloodline meant to rule over the Lunars. If Winter allows Cinder to take her place, she will be able to marry Jacin.
Reviews of Winter were largely positive, and critics noted that the sprawling epic saga is entertaining and well-written, Indeed, Booklist correspondent Frances Bradburn advised that "Meyer's series has sold well and achieved a degree of acclaim. This conclusion's cinder-block size should only drum up further interest." Echoing this sentiment in Publishers Weekly, a columnist announced that "the explosive final confrontation with Levana is gratifyingly tense, and Meyer expertly ties up any and all loose ends." Marissa Lieberman, writing in School Library Journal, was equally laudatory, and she felt that "Meyer excels at transitioning back and forth between multiple story lines and holding readers' interest." As a Vilma's Book Blog reviewer put it, "Winter's exciting, action-packed plot will have you devouring all 824 pages fast and furiously. You'll relish in the romances, gasp at surprising plot twists and bite your nails as everything that could possibly go wrong does. It's a worthy, spellbinding finale." The reviewer went on to assert that "fans of the series will relish every tension-filled second, as each character races toward their own happily ever after." Offering additional praise in Katie's Book Blog, a critic declared: "I want to say that while this book is huge, not one page is wasted with excess information. Everything included in Winter is necessary to the story. So much has been leading to this finale and there were so many little things that had to be tied up. Marissa Meyer succeeded in leaving no loose ends. All the romances, the fights, the villains, the heroes, everything is there. I also want to mention that I love the futuristic twist to Snow White. There are some parts of the book that really reminded me of the original story but with a unique twist that made it all Marissa Meyer's."
FURTHER READINGS:
FURTHER READINGS ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
PERIODICALS
Booklist, October 15, 2011, Ian Chipman, review of Cinder, p. 56; October 15, 2015, Frances Bradburn, review of Winter, p. 46.
Horn Book, January-February, 2012, Cynthia K. Ritter, review of Cinder, p. 94.
Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2011, review of Cinder.
Publishers Weekly, November 7, 2011, review of Cinder, p. 68; August 24, 2015, review of Winter.
School Librarian, autumn, 2012, Carolyn Copland, review of Cinder, p. 184.
School Library Journal, January, 2012, Tara Kehoe, review of Cinder, p. 122; April, 2014, Marissa Lieberman, review of Cress; April, 2015, Amanda C. Buschmann, review of Fairest; November, 2015, Marissa Lieberman, review of Winter.
USA Today, July 5, 2012, Brian Truitt, interview with Marissa Meyer.
Voice of Youth Advocates, December, 2011, Diane Colson, review of Cinder, p. 516.
ONLINE
Katie's Book Blog, http://katiesbookblog.com/ (February 3, 2016), review of Winter.
Los Angeles Review of Books, http://www.lareviewofbooks.org/ (October 30, 2012), biography of Marissa Meyer.
Lunar Chronicles Web site, http://www.thelunarchronicles.com (February 3, 2016).
Marissa Meyer Home Page, http://www.marissameyer.com (February 3, 2016).
Teenreads, http://www.teenreads.com/ (October 30, 2012), biography of Marissa Meyer.
Vilma's Book Blog, http://vilmasbookblog.com/ (November 9, 2015), review of Winter.*
Heartless
Maggie Reagan
Booklist.
112.22 (Aug. 1, 2016): p74.
COPYRIGHT 2016 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Heartless. By Marissa Meyer. Nov. 2016.416p. Feiwel and Friends, $19.99 (9781250044655). Gr. 912.
Catherine Pinkertons dreams may be complicatedafter one, she wakes to find a lemon tree has grown in her bedroom
overnightbut her hopes for the future are not. Cath, who crafts exquisite tarts and cakes, just wants to open a bakery,
until the kindbutidiotic king of their kingdom, Hearts, expresses an interest in her, and her socialclimbing parents
refuse to acknowledge her reluctance to be wife or queen. But when she meets the compelling new court joker, Jest,
Cath is swept off her feet, daring to dream of the life she wants, even as she unwittingly sets off on the path that leads
to her inevitable future as the feared, enraged, and notorious Queen of Hearts. Readers familiar with Carroll's classic
will notice all the details of Alice's Wonderland falling ominously into place, but newcomers, too, will be swept up in
Cath's doomed quest for freedom. Clever, whimsical, and mournful, this story of an infamous villain who was once just
a girl will capture plenty of hearts of its own.Maggie Reagan
[HD] HIGHDEMAND BACKST0RY: Meyer's Lunar Chronicles grew progressively more hyped with each release,
and this highinterest standalone boasts an extensive prepublication marketing campaign.
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
Reagan, Maggie. "Heartless." Booklist, 1 Aug. 2016, p. 74. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA460761843&it=r&asid=3ad5a0c02654ae23b36fa088335f8990.
Accessed 10 Mar. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A460761843
3/10/2017 General OneFile Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1489152736720 2/5
Meyer, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar
Chronicles Collection
Meghann Meeusen
Voice of Youth Advocates.
39.1 (Apr. 2016): p77.
COPYRIGHT 2016 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC
http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
# 4Q * 5P * M * J * S
Meyer, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection. Feiwel & Friends/ Macmillian, 2016. 400p. $17.99. 978
1250091840.
Meyer complements her Lunar Chronicles series with Stars Above, a collection of nine short stories, including five
new tales (as well as four stories previously released online). This variety of short pieces enriches the series, using
several different approaches to add to Meyer's fantasy world and its fascinating characters. "The Mechanic," for
example, toys with perspective by describing Cinder and Kai's first meeting from his point of view, while several
prequels delve into character backstories and provide more detail to incidents alluded to in Meyer's other works. Many
of the stories explore childhood experiences to develop characterization, and in a few instances, the tales consider some
of the questions of selfhood and social responsibility that Meyer's fulllength novels delve into more deeply.
An especially unique inclusion is the previously released "The Little Android," which diverts from the Lunar
Chronicles's cast of characters (except a brief interaction with Cinder) to offer an enchantingly unique Little Mermaid
retelling. Most popular, however, is likely to be the title piece "Something Old, Something New (or Stars Above),"
which provides an epilogue to Winter (Feiwel & Friends, 2015/ YOYA 2015) by describing Scarlet and Wolf's
wedding, an event that reunites the key characters of the series and is sure to delight fans. While most of these short
stories cater toward audiences already familiar with the Lunar Chronicles, those who have enjoyed Meyer's scifi fairy
tale retellings will relish the chance to dip their toes more deeply into this rich world. Meghann Meeusen.
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
Meeusen, Meghann. "Meyer, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection." Voice of Youth Advocates, Apr.
2016, p. 77. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA450504950&it=r&asid=185b0abe1913624dcaf1b520e2335578.
Accessed 10 Mar. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A450504950
3/10/2017 General OneFile Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1489152736720 3/5
Stars Above
Frances Bradburn
Booklist.
112.13 (Mar. 1, 2016): p84.
COPYRIGHT 2016 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Stars Above. By Marissa Meyer. 2016. 400p. Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (9781250091840). Gr. 710.
Did you ever wonder what Cinder's childhood was like as a cyborg? How Scarlet came to live with her grandmother,
and what exactly was the connection between Scarlet, her grandmother, and Cinder? Meyer reveals these backstories
and more in her latest Lunar Chronicles volume. More short stories than seamless story line, this collection answers
those niggling questions readers inevitably asked themselves as they read each of Meyer's fairy tale riffs. Winter's
scarred face and refusal to use her glamour? Cress' isolation on the Lunar satellite? Even Iko's transformation from
discarded android to Cinder's best friend? All is revealed. Whether to read at least some of these as an introduction to
each novel or wait to savor them after reading the series is debatable; reader satisfaction, however, is not. Meyer ties up
the loose ends in a final happilyeverafter story that allows all the good onesEarthens, Lunars, androids, and cyborgs
alikea chance at peace, love, and a welldeserved happy ending.Frances Bradbum
HIGHDEMAND BACKSTORY: Just when the insanely popular Lunar Chronicles looked finished, this piecemeal, but
still quite weighty, book will pull readers right back in.
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
Bradburn, Frances. "Stars Above." Booklist, 1 Mar. 2016, p. 84. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA447443685&it=r&asid=809c7978b6d2f442c9f050d944a59fe9.
Accessed 10 Mar. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A447443685
3/10/2017 General OneFile Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1489152736720 4/5
Meyer, Marissa. Heartless
Jane Henriksen Baird
School Library Journal.
62.9 (Sept. 2016): p160.
COPYRIGHT 2016 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution
permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
* MEYER, Marissa. Heartless. 464p. ebook available. Feiwel & Friends. Nov. 2016. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781250044655.
POP
Gr 8 UpThe author's best fantasy yet. In her inspired reimagining of Lewis Carroll's inimitable adventures in
Wonderland, Meyer has explored the world that existed before Alice fell down the rabbit hole. All Lady Catherine
wants to do is open her own bakery with the help of her maid. She has no wish to wear beautiful dresses or go to balls,
and she certainly has no desire whatsoever to marry the goodnatured, bumbling, childlike king. But that seems to be
her fate until she meets the king's handsome and mysterious new joker, Jest. Although his mission is to steal Lady
Catherine's heart and take it to the White Queen, who would use it to overcome the enemies of her realm, he falls in
love with her instead. Employing all the best aspects of Carroll's bookthe White Rabbit, croquet with hedgehogs and
flamingos, suits of cards, and the JabberwockyMeyer has woven all the elements of darkness and Wit, fate and free
will, and love and hatred into an unforgettable story of the evolution of the Red Queen from a young girl who dreamed
of true love and freedom to a madwoman best remembered for the phrase Off with his head. VERDICT If you only
read one fractured fairy tale this year, make it Heartless. A musthave title.Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public
Library, AK
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
Baird, Jane Henriksen. "Meyer, Marissa. Heartless." School Library Journal, Sept. 2016, p. 160+. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA462899803&it=r&asid=c5566f411ed41dc42307291f3cb34a0e.
Accessed 10 Mar. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A462899803
3/10/2017 General OneFile Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1489152736720 5/5
Meyer, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar
Chronicles Collection
Marissa Lieberman
School Library Journal.
62.4 (Apr. 2016): p170.
COPYRIGHT 2016 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution
permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
MEYER, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection. 400p. (The Lunar Chronicles). ebook available. Feiwel
& Friends. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781250091840.
Gr 8 UpIn this short story collection, recommended to those who have already read the author's Cinder, Scarlet,
Cress, and Winter, readers will be delighted to leam more about the history of their favorite "Lunar Chronicles"
characters. Each of the nine entries provides further context, characterization, and worldbuilding to the popular, bestselling
series. The introductory stories show how baby Princess Selene ends up in the care of Scarlet's grandmother and
describe her early life with the Linh family. From there, readers witness Z taken from his Lunar home as a child to fight
in Queen Levana's wolf army, and then peek into Carswell's childhood as he uses his charm to persuade his classmate
to tutor him in math. Readers will sympathize with Cress and the shells who are forced to donate blood for Lunar
research, and then cheer Princess Winter on in her battle to keep her sanity while refusing to use her gift. The final tale
takes place two years after Winter and begins with the group reuniting in France for Scarlet and Wolfs wedding. With
the monarchy abolished on Luna and peace between Luna and Earth on its way, this collection ends with a happily ever
after for everyone. VERDICT This companion title will not disappoint fans and will make a worthy addition to
libraries where the "Lunar Chronicles" are popular.Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
Lieberman, Marissa. "Meyer, Marissa. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection." School Library Journal, Apr.
2016, p. 170. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA448686394&it=r&asid=7aa3cb3334d0a338f241d54794c84bd4.
Accessed 10 Mar. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A448686394
The Trouble With Being Queen: Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Mahvesh Murad
Tue Nov 8, 2016 11:30am 1 comment Favorite This
Marisa Meyer is known for her Young Adult fairy tale retellings. Her first novel was the NaNoWriMo phenomenon Cinder, the story of a cyborg sort-of Cinderella and the start of the Lunar Chronicles sequence, which includes new versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Meyer’s work, however, is very loosely based on the fairy tales—she develops new worlds, brings in new characters and does not use the classic familiar plot lines. With Heartless, her first stand alone novel, Meyer takes us back to when the violent, furious Queen of Hearts was a warm, sweet young girl who wanted something more—albeit smaller, simpler and full of sugar and butter—than what was on offer for her.
Catherine is just another young well to do girl with hopes and dreams. Society demands that her hopes and dreams be specifically about getting married to the wealthiest man she can, but she has other ideas. Even though it seems that the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom is rather interested in her, Catherine would rather be baking professionally. She and her best friend and lady’s maid have grand plans of running a bakery in town, though they have yet to work out just how they will manage this financially and remain socially acceptable—this is the Kingdom of Hearts, where societal norms are Victorian, where magic is part of the every day, where Catherine’s most vivid dreams lead to great trees of fruits and roses growing in her room, and where the King would very much like her to be the Queen of Hearts, and give up this silly nonsense of selling cakes for ever.
Catherine, ever the dutiful daughter and polite young lady of the court, attempts to hold true to her dreams, baking as best she can and working up the courage to ask her parents for her dowry money to buy a shop. Her plans go awry very fast though, when one day at a palace ball when she’s trying desperately to avoid a royal proposal, she meets the mysterious new Jester the King has hired.
Catherine then has to contend with a whole new set of problems. Her growing feelings for Jest, her confusion at what he’s really doing in Hearts or where he’s come from, her inability to dissuade the silly, foolish King or reject his offer of marriage and break his and her parents’ hearts, her still desperate desire to leave it all behind and become a baker and her growing frustration as curiouser and curiouser things start to take place around her. ‘It is a dangerous thing to unbelieve something only because it frightens you’, says the Cheshire Cat to Catherine, who now must wrangle far more than she had had thought to, including a Jabberwocky at large and a mythic Vorpal sword that will only show itself for a Queen. But as with many fairy tales where we already know the end, there is a prophecy foretold, and altering one’s own fate isn’t something even the girl who may be Queen can do, even if she is brave and impulsive as Catherine.
Heartless takes a familiar world and builds upon it, liberally sprinkling all things Alice through the story, quite charmingly. From ‘I’ve sometimes come to believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast’, to ‘perhaps we know each other in the future and you’re only remembering backward’, there are many phrases and bits of dialogue that are either obliquely, or directly, referencing Carroll’s predilection for literary nonsense. There are other literary references too, most obviously Poe’s Raven, who takes the form of the Jester’s constant companion (to play a larger role later in the story), and often spouts the refrain ‘Nevermore’. It’s fun and whimsical and quite easy to willingly suspend disbelief for. But there are also some strange dark elements in Heartless, some that may leave readers with a stronger bent for the dark thirsting for more. A version of the Fates appear as three sisters hiding in a well who pronounce prophecies for each of the main characters; the Hatter appears as a bitter but fiercely intelligent man waiting to go mad; Peter Pumpkin Eater and his sickly wife are crucial to Catherine’s fate, though their occasional (but creepy) forays into the story are a slow burn suspense.
Catherine’s story isn’t a familiar one, though of course we know where her life is headed, even before she hears the prophecy that tells her what the Fates see. We already know the adult version of the Queen of Hearts. She’s the Big Bad of Wonderland, she’s the perennial villain, she wants off with poor innocent Alice’s head—and everyone else’s too. She is, as Carroll himself said, ‘a sort of embodiment of ungovernable passion—a blind and aimless Fury.’
Disney’s Queen of Hearts, often the image many recall first when the character is mentioned, is ridiculous. She isn’t taken very seriously, her frequent and illogical death sentences are pretty much never carried out—in fact, neither were Carroll’s Queen’s. In Heartless, Meyer stops before the Queen becomes ridiculous. Here, she’s still full of a very clear eyed and specific fury, a cold calculated need for vengeance. It isn’t hard to imagine how she will end up, when she must give up the life she had imagined as a valid alternate—full of a cold, heartless hatred that clouds all judgement. The young girl who felt so much, who felt strongly enough that ‘…it felt as though her heart had outgrown her body. It was the size of her house now. The size of the entire kingdom’, ends up as the heartless villain we all know.
Meyer references Carroll’s own description of the Queen of hearts at the very start of Heartless. She reminds us that the young girl we are about to meet and know is, ultimately, the cruel Queen we’ve known since childhood, the one who was insane, lost in her fury and absurd in her constant shrill demands for death. That these demands go unheard, that young Catherine who wanted so much more is the Queen who ends up a joke, is the saddest part of Meyer’s story.
Heartless is available from Feiwel & Friends.
'Heartless' by Marissa Meyer: EW Review
JESSICA GOODMAN@JESSGOOD
POSTED ON NOVEMBER 11, 2016 AT 12:00PM EST
WE GAVE IT A
B+
In her new novel, a prequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Lunar Chronicles author explores the Queen of Heart’s early life: What, exactly, made her so murderous? In Meyer’s reimagining, teenager Lady Catherine Pinkerton—the best baker in all of Hearts—is the kind of girl who’d rather whip lemons into tarts than marry a king. But her life is upended when she falls in love with Jest, a mysterious joker who harbors dangerous secrets. Through wild tea parties with the not-yet-Mad Hatter and terrifying trips through the looking glass, Meyer evokes the best whimsies from Lewis Carroll’s classic while giving the Queen of Hearts a backstory that may soften her most fearful haters.
Wires and Nerve
Marissa Meyer, illus. by Doug Holgate. Feiwel and Friends, $21.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-250-07826-1
MORE BY AND ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
A muted palette of black and denim blue lends a bleak, sooty undertone to the world of Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles in this graphic novel spinoff. This time, Meyer focuses on Iko, Cinder’s cheeky sidekick and an assassin agent sent to hunt down the wolf-soldier hybrids that are plaguing Earth. Unlike some of the previous novels, this story doesn’t require preexisting knowledge of the series, easily catching up fans and new readers alike with capsule introductions to Cress and other members of the Rampion crew in a prologue. Iko is an entertainingly flippant yet formidable heroine, a former servant droid who now inhabits an escort’s body and takes on bloodthirsty enemies as though she were invincible. (And compared to her other fairytale friends, she is.) Yet, Iko is left questioning her own humanity, misreading romantic tension with a royal guard and perhaps finding disturbing commonality with the wolf-soldiers who have one goal in mind: to force Cinder to cure the mutations that turned them into monsters. Holgate’s dynamic, stylized artwork handily balances the story’s action and humor while bringing Meyer’s world to vivid life. Ages 12–up. (Jan.)
REVIEW: WIRES AND NERVE, VOL. 1 BY MARISSA MEYER
February 8, 2017
I’ve been waiting for over a year for this graphic novel to come out, so to say that I had high expectations would barely begin to cover it. But I’m glad to say that this volume did not disappoint.
Wires & Nerve follows Iko, the beloved android from the Lunar Chronicles, on a dangerous and romantic new adventure – with a little help from Cinder and the Rampion crew (which had me over the moon excited).
When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers’ leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity.
Iko was one of my favorite members of the group, so I loved that her wit and humor was translated so well into this graphic novel format. She’s as brave and loyal as ever fighting for her true friend and queen. And my love for this crew is exhilarating.
Speaking of love, here are some of favorite moments:
wires-and-nerve-volume-1-11-bookspoilsLove her side commentary more than ever!!
wires-and-nerve-volume-1-1-bookspoils
wires-and-nerve-volume-1-2-bookspoilsIko’s not kidding around!! To quote the blurb, she’s a badass with a heart of (mechanized) gold. wires-and-nerve-volume-1-3-bookspoilsI was glad to see that good ‘ol humor of hers along with her love for Kai hadn’t changed.wires-and-nerve-volume-1-4-bookspoilsI loved Thorne with every bit of my heart in TLC. But I found that his trademark snark and direct remarks seemed kind of forced in here.
But thankfully his love for Cress is still alive and well!!wires-and-nerve-volume-1-6-bookspoilsAnd so is her love for the net dramas!wires-and-nerve-volume-1-7-bookspoilsAs well as Iko’s:wires-and-nerve-volume-1-9-bookspoilsThough said love didn’t always bring them into the best situations.
wires-and-nerve-volume-1-5-bookspoilsMy queen, Selene Blackburn of Luna, educating the world!
Side note: the art style took a bit to get used to because it wasn’t even close to how I’d imagined the characters, especially the way Wolf was depicted. But over time it became less noticeable once I got into the swing of the story.
wires-and-nerve-volume-1-10-bookspoilsAH!! Wolf’s still the sweetest!!
Speaking of…wires-and-nerve-volume-1-8-bookspoilsI loved this moment so much!!!
All in all: I would say that even though it took me a bit to get through this volume, my love for the Rampion crew slowly but surely resurfaced. Iko & Cinder & Winter & Cress & Thorne & Kai & Wolf & Jacin all have a special place in my heart. And I simply cannot wait for volume two to come out!!
4/5 stars
Book Review: WIRES AND NERVE By Marissa Meyer Is A New Format Of Fun 0
BY KAIT ON JANUARY 28, 2017 BOOK REVIEWS, BOOKS
THE LUNAR CHRONICLES graphic novel offers up a new fantastical adventure with old favorites!
We’ll start this review with an admission: We haven’t read a graphic novel since the Dark Ages. It’s not that we never enjoyed the medium– in fact, we’ve relished in graphic novels, comics, and their storylines plenty– but as we got older, we became readers who enjoyed interpreting text with our own imaginations. When we got the chance to dive back into the world of Marissa Meyer’s beloved series The Lunar Chronicles through the new graphic novel Wires and Nerve, we couldn’t pass it up. And we definitely were not disappointed!
Wires and Nerve isn’t just an illustrated adaptation of The Lunar Chronicles, which is a trend for other big YA novels. It’s a wholly original storyline that takes place after the end of The Lunar Chronicles novels and focuses on new antagonists that rise up after the war: Levana’s rogue wolf soldiers abandoned on Earth. As the title certainly suggests, our main protagonist is Iko the android. Iko was always equal parts humor, heart, and enthusiasm, so following her as she becomes a wolf-hunting, Earth-saving badass is an absolute delight. Of course, the more human side of her “defective personality chip” is also explored, giving the character plenty of range and vulnerability.
Though the story prominently focuses on Iko in ways the series didn’t, there’s still plenty of our other favorite characters from the series. Iko is still a loyal friend to Cinder, who has taken up the mantle as Queen of Luna, but struggles with her royal obligations and changes she wants to bring forward. When Iko isn’t around, Cinder still has the support of Earthen ambassador Winter and her loyal guard, Jacin. And when Iko is hunting around the Earth, she’s traveling in style with some help from Cress, Thorne, and the good ol’ Rampion. There are interactions with other favorites like Scarlet, Wolf, Kai, as well as the really fun reappearance of the Kinney siblings, minor characters from Luna who played a small but important role in Winter.
Now to the unusual part for us: The artwork! This tale is told through character dialogue, a bit of narration, and lots and lots of art by Douglas Holgate, who has quite a few credits to his name. The artist did a great job, creating a vibrant world within a limited color palate and really bringing out the individual feelings and personalities of the characters in each drawing. The illustrations are also used to tell some parts of the story that the dialogue doesn’t. We paused plenty of times just to look more closely at a panel and take in the little details. It also make it a super quick, carefree read– We devoured the book in one sitting.
But the ease of the format was also a minor problem for us: Yes, this book is super fun and we got all aflutter seeing our favorites back together again, but we just didn’t invest in the characters and the story quite as much as we would have in a full-length novel. It’s a minor quibble, at best, because we’re still happily on board for Volume #2 when it hits shelves, reportedly sometime in 2018.
RATING: 4.25 OUT OF 5 STARS
In her first graphic novel, bestselling author Marissa Meyer extends the world of the Lunar Chronicles with a brand-new, action-packed story about Iko, the android with a heart of (mechanized) gold. When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers’ leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. With appearances by Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew, this is a must-have for fans of the bestselling series.
85%
Review: Stars Above by Marissa Meyer (A Lunar Chronicles Collection)
POSTED ON FEBRUARY 2, 2016 IN COLLECTIONS, FAIRYTALES, RETELLINGS, REVIEW, REVIEW COPY
25782255
Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: February 2nd 2016 by Feiwel & Friends
Source: Publisher
The Lunar Chronicles is received by a mix of feelings: some people love it, some people are indifferent, others dislike it intensely. I fall somewhere between the indifferent and love category. I quite enjoyed the novels on their but after reading this collection, I wish I had read the short stories in the order they were supposed to be read because they offer glimpses of Meyer’s world that showcase both the charming and poignant bits of it.
The Keeper
In “The Keeper,” the readers are treated to a glimpse of the amazing Michelle Benoit who kept Cinder safe while she was in stasis and growing old enough to undergo the cyborg-making procedure. We also get a glimpse of Scarlet and see how much she endured with a father who cared very little for his daughter. The most heartwarming thing about this short story was the clumsy but endearing way in which Michelle and Scarlet finds homes in each other.
Glitches
Oh Iko. You remain awesome. Though Iko is the star of this one, the story is mostly about Cinder’s adoptive parents and her first few days with them She meets them and tries to find her way among them. I was hoping that the stepmom would exhibit some kind of humanity in this piece but unfortunately she doesn’t. Her circumstances shape her and her losses and later greed make her into the person she ultimately becomes–not to become the prejudice with which she views the world–especially, Cinder. I do love how we see Cinder find something that she is good at and work at it to create Iko.
The Queen’s Army
This was particularly heartrending. Seeing Wolf–Ze’ev transition from the boy he was into the soldier he became is particularly painful. His determination not to cede over his humanity no matter what they do to him makes for a wonderful read and revealing of the person we meet in Scarlet.
Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky
Look, I like Thorne as much as anyone but this short story gave me pause and made me not like him so much. :\ I preferred to see him as innately awesome but this short story tore down the pedestal of Funny I had put him on. Oh well.
After Sunshine Passes By
OH MAN. This was painful as well. Cress’s journey from the institution in which she lived with the other shells to the satellite where she was imprisoned for such a long time is brutal to read especially since Cress is so innocent and prone to believe in the best of people. The moment she realizes that the satellite is to be her prison is…sad. Still. The story reveals the steely strength at her core which I appreciated very much.
The Princess and The Guard
I absolutely adored this story. Winter and Jacin are wonderful characters but didn’t have as much story time as the others did because of their position in the series. This story serves as a wonderful way to see their beginnings and spend a little more time learning them as people so that we can better understand their future actions and motivations.
The Little Android
This one slayed me. Why didn’t anyone tell me that Meyer enjoys drinking reader tears? A Little Mermaid retelling in the Lunar Chronicles style.
The Mechanic
Kai’s version of The Fateful Meeting that Changed His Life and Led to A Happily Ever After.
Something Old, Something New (Or Stars Above)
I won’t give away who got married but just know that the FEELS are all there. And squad goals. A lovely ending to a lovely series.
So look, I enjoyed these books a lot and I’m glad Stars Above exists because it is a grand sendoff to beloved characters. Meyer manages to large avoid sentimentalism and melodrama (especially in Winter) and she creates lovable characters who are all individuals and full of verve.
If you are a Lunar Chronicles fan, definitely get yourself a copy of Stars Above. You will enjoy it a whole lot.
Review: Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
Posted by Jessi (Geo) on 12 August, 2016 | 2 Comments
Review: Stars Above by Marissa MeyerStars Above by Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4.5
Genre: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Published by Feiwel and Friends (2.2.2016)
Hardcover, 369 pages
Source: I own it
3.5 Stars
The enchantment continues....
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.
MY REVIEW
THE KEEPER
I didn’t really get much out of this one, since it was stuff we already knew about, but it was kinda cool to get a bit more backstory on Scarlet’s grandma and her time spent hiding Selene’s body. Mostly it just gave us insight into how Cinder was named. Not much else I can say about it!
Cinders. Embers. Ashes. Michelle hoped that whatever strength had allowed the child to survive the fire all those years ago was a strength that still burned inside her. That it would go on burning, hotter and hotter, until she was as bright as the rising sun.
3 heartbeats
GLITCHES
Again, this one didn’t really do much for me. Neat little backstory, with some insight into how Cinder felt as a child coming to her new family. And fixing Iko, yay! And of course, Adri is a raging bitch. But we already knew that.
3 heartbeats
THE QUEEN’S ARMY
I liked this one a little better, because Wolf was always one of my favorite characters, and I feel like we never really got that much background on him and the events that led to his being Alpha. The story showed us that he’s certainly no hero – there’s blood on his hands, and he doesn’t balk at killing when necessary. It also showed us that Brock was a douche.
3 half heartbeats
CARSWELL’S GUIDE TO BEING LUCKY
I rather liked this story! I always liked Thorne, mostly for his humor. And this short story had plenty of that! I must say that it made me dislike Thorne just a little bit, though, because he’s such a hopeless womanizer. Charming, sure, but kind of…manipulative. Selfish. It was pretty adorable that he stood up for Kate, though!
He had wondered why she liked books so much, and if it had anything to do with why he liked spaceships. Because they could take you somewhere far, far away from here.
3 half heartbeats
AFTER SUNSHINE PASSES BY
Cress’s story was kind of depressing, in a way. There’s really not much to it, just Cress getting locked away for the rest of her childhood, which we knew. I suppose there is a certain amount of emotion to the story, but I felt it kind of unnecessary. Filler. We already knew what happened to Cress, and why, and I didn’t feel like this one added anything else to that. It felt like a deleted scene – and deleted scenes are deleted for a reason.
2 half heartbeats
THE PRINCESS AND THE GUARD
I feel like Winter’s story was the most meaningful, because it gives us insight as to why she chose to refuse her Lunar gift. (Or was that in the main series? I don’t remember it at all, if it was…) This story actually made me like and respect Winter as a character a lot. She’s viewed as weak by the Lunars because she can’t (doesn’t) use her gift, but I was impressed by how strong she was. Even when Levana was manipulating her into holding a knife to her own throat, Winter didn’t back down. She stayed true to herself and refused to use her gift, no matter what. I loved that! I loved that she stuck to her guns.
“It has to be this way. I will accept this side effect. I will accept any amount of monsters my mind wants to give me, but I will not become a monster myself.”
It was also cute to experience the moment when Winter realized she loved Jacin, and to see the dynamic between them as they grew closer together.
4 heartbeats
THE LITTLE ANDROID
Jeez, talk about depressing! I mean, I think this has been my favorite so far, but damn. I love that this is an original story, not an add-on or deleted scene. I kind of loved seeing Star’s story, how she wasn’t just a mindless android, how she saved Dataran’s life and fell for him. Her brief but meaningful run in with Cinder.
But, like I said, it was pretty depressing. This story is based off of the original story of The Little Mermaid. If you know it, you’d know that it is nothing like Disney’s version. Hence the depressing-ness.
She would tell him that she was the one who had saved his life, because something about him made her unpredictable, and maybe dangerous, and she couldn’t exist in a world without him.
That ending?!?! View Spoiler »
4 heartbeats
THE MECHANIC
This was kind of pointless too – the scene where Kai and Cinder first met, only in Kai’s point of view. I mean, his thoughts and impressions of her were totally adorable, but it didn’t really add much to the story because we’ve already seen it.
He was optimistic as he left the weekly market behind. More optimistic than he had been in weeks. That mechanic was going to change everything.
3 heartbeats
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
This was by FAR my favorite story of them all, and honestly the only reason I picked this book up in the first place. Because when I heard talk of a marriage, I knew it was going to be my favorite couple of the series getting married.
AND IT WAS SO ADORABLE, YOU GUYS. I absolutely loved it, and it gave me all the feels! View Spoiler »
Wolf smiled around his canine teeth. “You are the most beautiful sight I have ever laid eyes on.”
Oh don’t mind me, I just have an eyelash or something stuck in my eye….
4 half heartbeats