the complete guide to marissa meyer’s books!!

Hi friends! Basically, while I was brainstorming posts, I realized something: I am absolute trash for Marissa Meyer. I mean, she could write an insta-love historical Chosen One story and I would still buy it. So, I decided to make a guide to her books*!!

*okay but like it was either this or me ranking all of ariana grande’s albums so…actually i might still do that nvrm

so…how many books does she actually have????

A four book series accompanied by a short story collection and a prequel, a standalone, a full trilogy, two graphic novels, and work in at least one anthology. And an upcoming contemporary novel with a dash of magical realism. Yeah.

so where do i start? because i’m lowkey overwhelmed?

Depends! I’m going to go over the pros and cons of each of her main work.

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If you like:

• Fairy-tale retellings with a twist
• A diverse cast of characters
• Great romance
• Lowkey sci-fi elements

Then I’d highly recommend trying out The Lunar Chronicles! Cinder is Meyer’s debut, so don’t expect the brilliant writing or cleverly plot of her later books. However, this series as a whole is full of foreshadowing, and a perfect introduction to the science fiction genre. The fairy-tale retelling elements are not overdone. In fact, as the series grows into its own, it becomes almost a game to unearth the expertly placed aspects of familiar fairy-tales. Basically, this follows a girl named Cinder who’s half-cyborg and half-human (which is looked down upon), and she wants to get away from her abusive stepmother. But then a plague breaks out and well…things happen.

Small note: Fairest is a prequel and Stars Above is a short story collection, both of which I’d recommend reading eventually but are also not neccessary for enjoying this series!

If you like:

• Standalones (less commitment!)
• Fairy-tale retellings (although this is a fairy-tale prequel)
• baking!!!
• lots of feels

Then I’d highly recommend Heartless! While I don’t think this is the strongest of Meyer’s works, it’s also such a great example of her storytelling prowess. This takes place in Wonderland, and I loved how there were so many elements from the original books? Like the Mock Turtle! Again, this is a story that’s entertaining of itself. I wouldn’t read this if you’re looking for something incredibly complex, but this can be a fantastic introduction to Marissa Meyer and YA in general.

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If you like:

• Marvel!
• Morally-grey characters/stories
• Unique worldbulding
• Again: a diverse cast of characters!!
• SLOW-BURN ROMANCE I ALMOST FORGOT

Then I definitely think you should try out the Renegades trilogy! This is another case of me going: “uh i don’t really like sci-fi but it’s marissa meyer so i’ll try it” and BAM! I loved it! Basically, in this world many people have superpowers. Ten years before the main events in this series take place, a villainous group called the Anarchists were overthrown and their leader, Ace Anarchy, killed by the heroic group called the Renegades. Now, Ace’s niece Nova wants to take down the Renegades with the help of the last remaining Anarchists, and so she poses as a Renegade. We also follow the perspective of Adrian, who’s the son of two of the most prominent figures of the Renegades. But he also has secrets of his own…

I can definitely see how some people might find this series slow. The finale is extremely exciting, but a lot of this book is character-focused. I also thought Meyer’s superpowers were extremely unique. And the relationship dynamics, as well as the morally-grey aspects are fascinating.

if you like:

• Again: standalones!
• Rumpelstiltskin
• And just generally Marissa’s great writing, Gilded comes out in November!

what about her other books?

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Because You Love To Hate Me is an anthology telling stories from the villains perspectives, and features essays by booktubers. I DNF’d this (oops) but Meyers story about the Sea Witch is one of the more interesting ones that I’ve read. I still need to properly read Wires and Nerve and its sequel, but I did read part of it and I liked that it focused on one of my favorite side characters from the Lunar Chronicles! Pus the art style is super appealing. Instant Karma is her first contemporary with a hint of magical realism! I personally haven’t read it yet.

That’s it! Hopefully this is helpful! Tell me:

What are your thoughts on Marissa Meyer’s books?

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