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 mary on

3 of 5 stars

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Overall a very entertaining YA read. The world was interesting, I just wish there was more description on some of the science fiction aspects. I like good world building and this was slightly lacking in that department.

It is a fun retelling of the classic Cinderella story entertained with science fiction. Some parts were, however, cringe worthy. There was a lack of actually honesty with the characters and too many secrets that if said would have made life easier for all. But that seems to be the norm in most YA novels. But of course it works since it allows the story to continue in more books.

I really did like this book though and am looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 6 December, 2013: Finished reading
  • 6 December, 2013: Reviewed