Finally, my favourite character Queen Levana gets her chance to shine!
Dates Read: 18/07/2022 to 03/08/2022
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Word to describe: Tormented
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
After gaining insight into the tragedy of Queen Levana's past whilst reading The Lunar Chronicles it seemed only right that I buy and read the prequel to find out more. The story of Queen Levana is one that mirrors the fairytale of the Red Queen vs the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland. In this book, Levana is still a young girl, tortured by her own appearance as a result of a malicious act by her sister, and slowly falling in love with her guard despite his rejection of her advances. This book gives a through-the-looking-glass view of Levana's fragile mental state. Even as a child it becomes obvious to the readers that she was all too willing to please others even if it meant her own destruction. This, and many misfortunes that life dealt her with, had left teenage Levana broken and lost.
One thing I adored in this book was Levana's narration and point of view. Her character is brilliantly proud and strong. She is determined to help the people of Lunar - however, misguided her version of help may be - and she fights for her right to rule the people. In the shower of her older, and far more confident and promiscuous, sister Queen Channary, Princess Levana struggles to feel like a notable part of the Lunar Royal family. Often glamouring herself as an insignificant and difficult-to-remember person, Levana shrinks in the background for the majority of the book unable to overcome her fears of the naked flame and the scrutiny of the court.
As the story progresses it highlights one of Levana's biggest weaknesses (which was also a key theme in the Lunar Chronicles series), her overwhelming jealousy. First toward the deceased wife of her beloved Evret Hayle, then the young Princess Winter of Evret and Solstice Hayle, and finally her hatred towards the infant Princess Selene. This continued theme of fighting for attention and removing anybody that takes away their attention from herself truly represents how awful Levana's childhood was underneath uncaring parents and a vicious elder sister.
A lot of this story gave insight into the abusive past Queen Levana has, and ultimately helps readers justify her horrific actions. This pity towards Queen Levana is also teamed with a level of disgust. The relationship between Levana and Evret is another key factor in this book that brings about feelings of disgust. Teenage Levana abuses her gift of manipulation with Evret and forces him to love her, touch her, and satiate any sexual need she may have. Not only is this entirely within her character's capabilities, but it is also jarring to read about.
Marissa Meyer has written this book knowing that Queen Levana's past is dark and gruesome. She left no stone unturned and showed readers exactly how evil and twisted Levana has always been. The conflicting emotions that readers may feel when reading the young queen's history only highlight how talented Meyer is as an author. One word - spectacular.
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