Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, #1)

by Marissa Meyer

Sixteen-year-old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interface has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it “a matter of national security,” but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on.

Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an “honor” that no one has survived.

But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for.

Reviewed by inlibrisveritas on

5 of 5 stars

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Oh my gosh! Where to even start with this? I'm in love, plain and simple.Everything from the cover to to the amazing ways it's written is just phenomenal!

I thought the cover was beautiful and intriguing, and to be completely honest when I saw it I was so drawn to it I simply had to request it from Netgalley. I'm so glad I chose to read this, because I was in such a reading slump. Nothing was interesting, nothing seemed to hold my attention. But this changed everything, it has me super excited for it's release and I'm practically itching to make all my friends buy it. *breathes* Okay, now...to review.

As you can see from the little blurb this is an odd and unique retelling of Cinderella, and it's probably something that you might be a little unsure about at first. I mean Cinderella, cyborgs and lunar people? What a combination! But you must trust Ms. Meyer, you are in wonderful hands and she won't let you down. The story was beautifully written, easy to understand, and absolutely gripping. The writing style is so refreshing and flows with such an ease, not to mention the details that make this story come to life. It is of course similar to Cinderella but it doesn't follow so closely that you get bored, sure you know some aspects that will happen but it doesn't ruin it at all. Instead you find yourself reading more just to see how she'll get to those points. Cinder is a fantastic main character and is probably one of the most human characters I've had the pleasure of reading about. She doesn't try to be overly tough or complain about everything under the sun, her reactions are real and you can feel them with her. I loved the detail put into describing her cyborg interface, it's so rich and easy to picture. I love Prince Kai, and I'm fairly sure I can be added to his 'fangirl' list. I loved Iko and Peony, and even somewhat loved Levana...but that was more in a "this is an awesome character" kind of way.

I can't say that there was anything I didn't like. I mean sure I hated some of the characters, but I only hated them in the way they were supposed to be hated. In fact I haven't felt that much hatred toward a character since Umbridge from Harry Potter. Other characters and situations I found myself getting upset and anxious for them.

Simply put...it was wonderful and I'm buying this when it comes out.

I received this from Fiewel and Friends and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 November, 2011: Finished reading
  • 29 November, 2011: Reviewed