Reading Response: Fairest

          Fairest is the 4th installment and the prequel to The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. The novel is set about a decade before the events of Cinder, the first installment in the series. The story follows Levana Blackburn and her life before she was Queen of Luna, as well as her rise to power. Therefore, Fairest provides the necessary background information to solve a few mysteries about the Blackburns that arose throughout the series. In addition to the final scenes in Winter, the finale of the series, some light is finally shed on Levana's motives and mind. Although it may not completely justify Levana's cruel methods of rule and leadership, readers may find that Levana is a much deeper antagonist than she exhibits.
          As the novel moves forward, Marissa Meyer attempts to portray Queen Channary as the larger antagonist in the story, where Levana is the oppressed victim who looks for revenge. This creates a nice contrast to the story in the main series, where Levana is the perpetrator. However, although it does stir a sense of curiosity in the reader to solve Levana's past, the novel has not created the same impact on me as the rest of the series. The plot's action seems to be hinting at a steady rise, but it doesn't seem to have a significant effect on the plot and characters' development, at least early in the novel. As I continue to read, my opinions may change, but I have a stubborn sense that I will not be able to enjoy this novel as much as the others in the series.