The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer is a young adult sci-fi fantasy series that reimagines classic fairy tales in a futuristic, high-tech world. Set in a universe plagued by a deadly pandemic known as letumosis and threatened by the ruthless Lunar Queen Levana, the story follows an unlikely group of rebels fighting for freedom and peace.

The overarching narrative begins with Cinder, featuring a gifted cyborg mechanic based on Cinderella, who discovers she is actually the long-lost Lunar princess and rightful heir to the throne. As the series progresses, her path intertwines with other fairy-tale-inspired characters, each bringing unique strengths to the resistance. In Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood), a fierce pilot searches for her missing grandmother alongside a genetically modified street fighter. Cress (Rapunzel) introduces a brilliant, isolated hacker trapped on a satellite, while Winter (Snow White) focuses on a kind-hearted, visions-plagued princess living under the thumb of the evil queen.

The series also includes Fairest, a prequel exploring Queen Levana’s tragic past, and Stars Above, a collection of short stories that expand the lore. Together, this diverse crew navigates political intrigue, interstellar war, and complex romances as they attempt to overthrow Levana’s tyrannical regime. Meyer masterfully blends elements of technology—such as androids, bioengineering, and spaceships—with timeless folklore, delivering a fast-paced, action-packed saga about identity, rebellion, and found family.