Fairest, a novella by Marissa Meyer, serves as a prequel to the Lunar Chronicles series. It delves into the backstory of Queen Levana, the primary antagonist of the series. The narrative explores her troubled past, revealing the origins of her vanity, cruelty, and obsession with Princess Winter. The novella provides critical context for understanding Levana’s motivations and the development of her tyrannical reign over Luna.
This exploration of Levanas character adds significant depth to the Lunar Chronicles. It humanizes a seemingly irredeemable villain by showcasing the traumatic events that shaped her. Understanding Levana’s past enhances the readers appreciation for the complex dynamics between her and other key characters, particularly Cinder and Winter. It enriches the overall narrative of the series by offering a nuanced perspective on the conflict between Earth and Luna.