The Lunar Chronicles, written by Marissa Meyer, adapt the most classic fairy tales into a scene of the future, complete with Cyborgs (part human part machine) and Lunars (moon citizens).
The series is three-fourths of the way complete. The first novel, Cinder (an obvious Cinderella), struggles with her horrible stepmother, and her awkward crush on Prince Kai. But this Cinderella story has so much more depth (and does not end with a wedding or even a happily-ever-after).
Cinder, the mechanic, deals with daily life as a cyborg, and more importantly, an immense plague sweeping the earth that successfully wiped out millions of people. Earth is also in conflict with the moon, or as it is called in the series, Lunar. The vicious Queen Levana will stop at nothing to control both the moon and the earth.
Despite this odd futuristic world full of unknown electronics and moon people, Cinder’s story is easy and enjoyable to follow. The novel ends in not what you would call a cliffhanger, but in a way that so obviously demands more information.
The second book, Scarlet, features the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Other than having an old grandmother and befriending a dangerous street-fighter named Wolf, Scarlet shares little of her life story with that of the fairytale girl. Cinder’s and Scarlet’s paths cross, as they find common ground in their goals. (No spoilers!)
Cress, the main character in book three, plays the part of Rapunzel, although her tall tower actually happens to be a very lonely satellite orbiting Earth. Finally, the fourth installment of the Lunar chronicles will be titled Winter. This girl named Winter, (with skin so white) will fulfill the role of Snow White. Despite some family ties, and perhaps an evil queen, Winter’s story is bound to be nothing like the fairy tale.