Looking for a classic YA science-fiction fantasy series? Love retellings of timeless fairytales like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood? Then I would highly recommend The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.
This four-book series, set in a futuristic and technologically advanced world, follows a group of female protagonists as they attempt to navigate the impending threat of war between Earth and Luna. Additionally, Earth is experiencing a pandemic due to a mysterious disease that is spreading across the globe.
The first novel—based on the story of Cinderella— centers on Cinder, a cyborg who lives in New Beijing with her stepmother and stepsisters. After one of her sisters, Peony, contracts the plague, Cinder is forced to volunteer as a test subject for scientists to experiment virus cures on. Once she does so, she starts to learn that her actual background is different from what she has been told. Also, while working as a mechanic at her local marketplace, she meets Prince Kai, who eventually invites her to his annual ball. As Cinder’s world continues to change and become more complicated, she must decide between protecting herself and doing what is right. The following books are centered around one of the four main characters, but there is an overarching narrative throughout all the novels. There is also a novella and short story collection for readers who want more content from the series.
The Lunar Chronicles has well-written characters, lots of positive, diverse representation, engaging action sequences, and plot twists. Plus, this series utilizes traditional tales in unique ways that are fitting for the books while not straying too far away from the source material. If you’re interested in reading an engaging and fun series, then this work is for you.