Stars Above

Listeners will recognize Rebecca Soler, the narrator of Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series. This collection includes nine stories, five of which are new, and, together, they provide listeners with the backstories of beloved characters from CINDER, WINTER, CRESS, and others. Soler's narration fits the tone of each story and provides unique voices for each character, including a breathy, high-pitched voice for Winter and a harder, cruel voice for Mistress Sybil. A snippet from HEARTLESS, Meyer's forthcoming audiobook, is a bonus. The narration is well done overall but marred by a few poor edits. Nonetheless, it's perfect for listeners who can't get enough of the Lunar Chronicles. E.N. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

June 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-Fans of "The Lunar Chronicles" are treated here to nine short stories, seven of which flesh out seminal moments in the characters' young lives, including how Cinder came under the protection of Michelle Benoit, the traumatic incident that causes a young Winter to vow never to use her lunar gift; Cress's initial imprisonment in the satellite; and Wolf's conscription into the Queen's Army. The collection is rounded out with Cinder and Kai's first meeting from the prince's point of view and, finally, a story set two years after the events of Winter with the major characters reuniting for a wedding. Rebecca Soler once again lends her considerable talents to the series. As always, her pacing is excellent. VERDICT Series fans will be delighted to have expanded backstories, and they will be thrilled to hear about the happy endings in store for their favorite characters. ["This companion title will not disappoint fans and will make a worthy addition to libraries where the "Lunar Chronicles" are popular": SLJ 4/16 review of the Feiwel & Friends book.]-Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

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