“The world needs a new hero. A hero for this age. A hero to save us all.”
— Kai's thoughts on needing a new leader for Earth.
Archivist's Choice
Stars Above
Marissa Meyer (2016)
Genre
Fantasy / Science Fiction / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
369 min
Key Themes
See below
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This collection of short stories explores the hidden origins and connections of cyborg mechanics, soldiers, and hackers within the Lunar Chronicles universe, revealing its romantic core.
Synopsis
This book collects nine short stories and an excerpt from "Heartless," expanding the Lunar Chronicles universe. It includes prequels, side stories, and an epilogue that add to the main series. Readers learn how Princess Selene became Cinder in "The Keeper" and see Cinder's early struggles with the plague in "Glitches." We follow Wolf's transformation into a soldier for Queen Levana in "The Queen's Army" and a young Carswell Thorne's escape plans in "Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky." The collection shows how Cress became isolated on a satellite in "After Sunshine Passes By" and the early relationship between Winter and Jacin in "The Princess and the Guard." "The Little Android," a retelling of "The Little Mermaid" with an android, offers a new perspective. Kai's view of his first meeting with Cinder is in "The Mechanic," and the series concludes with "Something Old, Something New," an epilogue featuring a wedding. Each story adds backstory, character depth, and world-building, making the Lunar Chronicles more complete.
Reading time
369 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Variable
Mood
Nostalgic, Romantic, Adventurous, Explanatory
✓ Read this if...
You are a fan of The Lunar Chronicles and want to explore character backstories, fill in plot gaps, and enjoy an epilogue to the series.
✗ Skip this if...
You haven't read The Lunar Chronicles and want to avoid spoilers, or prefer standalone novels over short story collections.
Plot Summary
The Keeper
In the French countryside, young Scarlet Benoit lives with her grandmother, Michelle Benoit. One evening, a former Lunar medic named Lin arrives with an infant and an unconscious Princess Selene, severely burned. Lin explains that Selene is the true Lunar heir, having survived Queen Levana's nursery fire, and that Michelle, a former Earthen medic, must protect her. Michelle, seeing the danger, agrees to take the baby. Lin then takes the unconscious Selene, faking her death, while Michelle and Scarlet raise the infant Selene as their own, renaming her Cinder to hide her identity and protect her from Levana.
Glitches
Eight-year-old Linh Cinder lives with her stepmother, Adri, and stepsisters, Pearl and Peony, in New Beijing. Adri blames Cinder for her late husband's death and her own financial problems, forcing Cinder to work as a mechanic to pay off debts. During a plague, Peony falls ill. Adri, fearing Cinder's cyborg status makes her a carrier, forces Cinder to get tested at the market. There, Cinder has her first 'glitch' – a momentary loss of control over her cybernetic limbs – which reinforces Adri's belief that Cinder is an abomination. Peony, despite her illness, is kind to Cinder, but Cinder remains isolated by her stepmother's hatred.
The Queen's Army
Ze'ev Kesley, a young Lunar man, lives a simple life with his family on Luna. One day, he is forced into Queen Levana's elite guard, the 'Queen's Army.' He is taken to a training facility where he endures brutal physical and mental conditioning, along with genetic changes to increase his strength and aggression. He tries to keep his humanity amidst the brainwashing and the horrifying transformations of his fellow recruits into wolf-like soldiers. Ze'ev clings to memories of his family, hoping to resist complete mental control and keep some of his former self, even as his body changes.
Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky
Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne, living in Los Angeles, wants to escape Earth and become a respected space captain. He believes he is meant for greatness and needs a spaceship to achieve it. He carefully plans to 'borrow' a Rampion-class spaceship from a local junkyard, seeing it as his way to freedom and wealth. He gets a reluctant friend to help, convinced he can pilot the ship despite no training. Thorne's overconfidence and big dreams are clear as he bypasses the junkyard's security, showing his early tendency for bold plans and a deep desire for adventure and independence, even if it means breaking rules.
After Sunshine Passes By
Nine-year-old Cress, a gifted Lunar shell, lives in the palace with her mother, who works for Queen Levana. Cress has an extraordinary talent for computer hacking and data manipulation. Levana, seeing Cress's potential but also fearing her shell status, decides to isolate her. Cress is taken from her mother and exiled to a barren satellite in Earth's orbit, where she must monitor Earth's communications and develop hacking programs for Levana. Alone and scared, Cress hopes for rescue, using her hacking skills to cope with her deep loneliness and to connect, even distantly, with the outside world.
The Princess and the Guard
Young Princess Winter and her childhood friend, Jacin Clay, play a game called 'The Princess and the Guard' in the Lunar palace gardens. Winter, even as a child, shows her unique, unglamoured beauty and a budding kindness that sets her apart from other Lunars. Jacin, already very loyal, takes his role as her protector seriously. Their innocent play hints at their future roles and the strong bond that will form between them. The story highlights Winter's early resistance to Lunar glamour and Levana's influence, and Jacin's steady devotion to Winter, setting up their complicated and lasting relationship amidst the Lunar court's dangers.
The Little Android
An android named Mech6.0, working in a repair shop, becomes sentient and falls in love with a human merchant named Kai, who often visits the shop. She watches him from afar, charmed by his kindness and human emotions. When Kai falls in love with a human woman, Mech6.0 is heartbroken. Desperate to be with him, she seeks a way to become human, even temporarily. She ultimately sacrifices her existence to ensure Kai's happiness, disabling herself to save his beloved from danger. This retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' explores unrequited love, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity through a cybernetic lens.
The Mechanic
Prince Kai, burdened by his father's worsening illness and Queen Levana's threat, brings his broken android to Linh Cinder's stall in the New Beijing market. He initially dismisses Cinder, seeing her as just a mechanic, but is soon interested by her sharp wit and her ability to diagnose the android's problem. Their first meeting has subtle flirtation and growing respect, with Kai finding a brief break from royal duties in Cinder's presence. This encounter sets the stage for their future relationship, showing Kai's vulnerability and Cinder's unexpected charm and mechanical skill.
Something Old, Something New
Years after the war with Luna, friends and allies gather for the wedding of Empress Cinder and Emperor Kai. The ceremony takes place in New Beijing, symbolizing the new peace between Earth and Luna. All the main characters – Scarlet, Wolf, Cress, Thorne, Winter, and Jacin – are there, reflecting on their journeys and the sacrifices made for this new era. The wedding is a happy occasion, a conclusion to their struggles and a celebration of their hard-won victory and the bonds they formed. It signals a hopeful future for both planets, with Cinder and Kai leading.
An Excerpt from Heartless
This section is an excerpt from Marissa Meyer's novel 'Heartless,' introducing Catherine Pinkerton, a talented baker who dreams of opening her own shop in the land of Hearts. She is the daughter of the Marquess and Marchioness of Rock Turtle Cove and is being courted by the King of Hearts. Catherine is passionate about baking and wants a life beyond royal expectations, especially a future with the King, whom she finds dull. The excerpt shows her desire for independence and her initial resistance to her planned path, hinting at the tragic events that will turn her into the Queen of Hearts.
Principal Figures
Linh Cinder (Princess Selene)
The Protagonist
Cinder transforms from a subservient, self-doubting mechanic into the powerful and compassionate Empress who unites Earth and Luna.
Emperor Kai
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Kai grows from a reluctant young emperor burdened by duty to a confident leader who partners with Cinder to bring peace to the galaxy.
Scarlet Benoit
The Supporting Character
Scarlet evolves from a determined farm girl searching for her grandmother to a vital member of the Rampion crew and a key figure in the Lunar resistance.
Wolf (Ze'ev Kesley)
The Supporting Character
Wolf transforms from a brainwashed Lunar super-soldier into a loyal, protective member of Cinder's crew, finding love and reclaiming his humanity.
Cress (Crescent Moon)
The Supporting Character
Cress overcomes her extreme shyness and isolation, becoming a confident and essential member of the Rampion crew, and finding love and belonging.
Carswell Thorne
The Supporting Character
Thorne evolves from a self-serving rogue into a reliable and brave hero, learning responsibility and finding true love and purpose.
Princess Winter
The Supporting Character
Winter endures mental illness and Levana's cruelty to become a symbol of hope and a beloved leader, ultimately finding peace and love with Jacin.
Jacin Clay
The Supporting Character
Jacin remains steadfast in his loyalty to Winter, navigating complex moral dilemmas to protect her, and ultimately becoming her devoted partner and a key figure in the new Lunar court.
Queen Levana
The Antagonist
Levana remains a consistent force of evil, driven by her unchecked ambition and vanity, until her ultimate defeat.
Michelle Benoit
The Supporting Character
Michelle's initial act of heroism sets Cinder's story in motion, and her enduring love influences Scarlet.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Acceptance
Many characters struggle with their identities, especially Cinder as a cyborg and hidden Lunar princess, and Wolf as a genetically modified soldier. Cinder must accept her mechanical parts, her humanity, and her royal lineage. Wolf fights his engineered aggression to regain his original self. Cress, initially defined by her isolation, learns to use her intelligence and find her place. This theme explores how characters come to terms with who they are, often defying expectations or past traumas, as seen in Cinder accepting her role as Empress despite prejudice against cyborgs.
“She was not a cyborg, not a Lunar, not a princess, not a mechanic. She was Selene. She was Cinder. And she was going to make them pay.”
Love and Loyalty
Love, in its many forms — romantic, familial, and platonic — drives many characters' actions. Scarlet's strong love for her grandmother, Winter and Jacin's steady devotion, and the growing romance between Cinder and Kai, and Cress and Thorne, are central. Loyalty is also a repeated idea, especially in Jacin's dedication to Winter, Iko's faithfulness to Cinder, and the Rampion crew's commitment to each other. These bonds are essential in overcoming Queen Levana's tyranny, as seen in Wolf's ultimate loyalty to Scarlet overriding his programming.
“He would not let her fall. Not ever. Even if it meant defying a queen, or an empire, or an entire planet.”
The Nature of Humanity
The presence of cyborgs, androids, and genetically modified humans consistently questions what 'human' means. Cinder, an enhanced cyborg, often feels less than human due to prejudice, yet she shows compassion and leadership more than many 'pure' humans. The story of 'The Little Android' directly addresses this, as Mech6.0 develops sentience and the capacity for love and sacrifice, blurring the lines between machine and person. This theme asks readers to consider empathy, consciousness, and moral choice as defining aspects of humanity, regardless of biology.
“Perhaps there was some truth to the old saying, that it was not what you were, but what you did, that made you who you were.”
Power and Corruption
Queen Levana's unchecked authority and vanity show how power can corrupt. Her use of glamour to manipulate and control her subjects highlights how power can distort perception and suppress truth. The story contrasts Levana's tyrannical rule with Cinder's reluctant but kind leadership, showing that true power lies in empathy and responsible governance, not coercion. Kai also deals with the burdens of power, aware of its potential for misuse.
“Power, after all, was not a thing to be given. It was a thing to be taken.”
Destiny Versus Free Will
Many characters deal with a sense of destiny, especially Cinder as the true Lunar heir and Kai as the emperor. However, their choices and free will ultimately shape their paths and the future. Cinder actively chooses to embrace her role and fight for justice, rather than simply accepting a predetermined fate. Thorne's belief in his 'luck' often hides his deliberate, though sometimes reckless, choices. This theme suggests that while circumstances may set a path, individual agency and moral decisions are most important in determining one's true destiny.
“The threads of fate were tangled, but they were not unbreakable.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Prequels and Epilogues
Short stories filling in backstory and providing future glimpses.
The collection uses prequels to deepen the understanding of major characters' origins and motivations, such as Cinder's early life ('Glitches'), Wolf's conscription ('The Queen's Army'), and Cress's isolation ('After Sunshine Passes By'). These stories provide crucial context for their later actions and relationships. The epilogue, 'Something Old, Something New,' offers a satisfying conclusion to the main series, showing the characters' lives after the war and reinforcing the themes of hope and new beginnings.
Retellings and Fairy Tale Tropes
Reimagining classic fairy tales within a futuristic, sci-fi setting.
The entire Lunar Chronicles series is built upon the framework of classic fairy tales, and 'Stars Above' continues this tradition, most explicitly with 'The Little Android,' a direct retelling of 'The Little Mermaid.' These retellings allow the author to explore familiar themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation through a fresh, science fiction lens, adding depth and resonance to the characters and plot. They also create a sense of familiarity while subverting expectations through the futuristic setting and cybernetic elements.
Multiple Perspectives
Shifting viewpoints to offer diverse insights into events and characters.
The collection frequently shifts perspectives, giving readers insights into the thoughts and feelings of various characters. 'The Mechanic' offers Kai's perspective on his first meeting with Cinder, while 'The Queen's Army' delves into Wolf's traumatic transformation. This device enriches character development, provides a more comprehensive understanding of the overarching plot, and builds empathy for characters by revealing their inner struggles and motivations that might not be apparent from an external viewpoint.
Foreshadowing
Hints and clues about future events and character developments.
Many of the prequel stories contain subtle and overt foreshadowing. For example, 'The Keeper' explicitly reveals Cinder's true identity as Princess Selene, setting up the central conflict of the series. 'The Princess and the Guard' foreshadows Winter and Jacin's lifelong bond and their respective roles in challenging Levana. This device builds anticipation and adds layers of meaning to the main narrative, allowing readers to connect early events with their later consequences, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Even in the future, some things never change. Like the human heart.”
— Linh Cinder's reflection on love and human nature.
“Perhaps there was no such thing as a good choice, only a less terrible one.”
— Scarlet Benoit contemplating difficult decisions.
“Sometimes, the smallest act of rebellion can spark the biggest revolution.”
— A general theme about starting small to achieve great change.
“She wasn’t just a cyborg. She was a weapon. And she was ready to be used.”
— Cinder embracing her true identity and power.
“There was a fine line between bravery and idiocy, and sometimes she wasn’t sure which side she was on.”
— Cinder's internal struggle during a dangerous mission.
“Hope was a dangerous thing. It could make you believe in the impossible, even when all logic screamed otherwise.”
— Wolf's perspective on the power and peril of hope.
“He knew, with a certainty that chilled him to the bone, that he would do anything for her.”
— Kai's deep feelings for Cinder.
“The greatest battles are not always fought with weapons, but with words, and with heart.”
— A philosophical reflection on different forms of conflict.
“It was amazing how much trouble one small, unassuming girl could cause.”
— A general observation about Cinder's impact.
“Sometimes, the family you choose is stronger than the one you're born into.”
— A theme explored through the relationships between the characters.
“She was a queen, whether she wanted to be or not, and the galaxy needed her.”
— Cinder's destiny as Luna's true heir.
“The stars were always there, even if you couldn't see them. Just like hope.”
— A metaphorical statement about enduring hope.
“There was a difference between being broken and being bent. She was bent, but not broken.”
— A character's resilience in the face of adversity.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
In 'The Keeper,' after the tragic fire and assassination attempt on Luna, Princess Selene was brought to Earth by Linh Garan. Garan entrusted the infant Selene to Michelle Benoit, a former Lunar medic and friend, to protect her from Queen Levana and ensure her safety and anonymity.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
