Cress is by far my favorite of the Lunar Chronicles. The first two books took me a while to get into, mainly because they are heavy on the descriptions of this dystopian world and the characters themselves. Cress certainly does not, it picks up from the first chapter and leaves you anticipating even more with the last.
Cress has never been outsider her pod, Mistress Sybil has seen to that. That changes quickly when Scarlet, Cinder, Thorne, and Wolf come to rescue her. They're all suddenly separated but feel as though its their job to protect Earthen from the Lunar's and stop Kai from marrying Levana.
My only complaint about this book is that it is a little long, nearing 600 pages and at points I felt it. Midway through, especially with certain POV'S and characters (there are lot in this one) I felt ready to be done with their storyline.
However, Cress and Thorne are by far my favorite characters of this series. Cress and her vulnerability to the new world was really felt. I especially loved the desert scenes between her and Thorne.
Marissa Meyer has certainly created something brilliant with this series. Who would have a thought you could so easily add that children's fantasy twist in a Dystopian setting. Absolutely genius.