Cinder: a book recommendation
5 out of 5 stars.
What a fun read! Honestly, I was hooked from page 1–Cinder has such an appealing voice, and the world is so fascinating (I heard someone liken it to Sailor Moon, and that just made me DETERMINED to read).
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl…
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
Truly, I adored Cinder’s character. She’s tough, but still sensitive. Plus, she’s a cyborg–how can that be anything but SUPER COOL? But what I loved most was thatshe makes the plot happen instead of the plot happening to here. She’s active and brave–characteristics I love to see in a heroine.
As for the love interest, Prince Kai, he was a great match for Cinder. I loved how natural their relationship felt. He was a sweet, charming foil to her rougher-edged character.
The only thing I would have liked to be different was the world. I really, really wanted more of it! I wanted to see more places, meet more locals, and just sink into New Beijing. Fortunately, there’s a sequel to look forward to. 😉
If you like sci-fi, fairy-tale retellings, or strong heroines who propel the action, then be sure to pick up Marissa Meyer’s Cinder.
You tell me: have you read Cinder? What did you think?
♥
January 29, 2012 @ 11:46 am
Seconding this rec! Oh, I LOVED Cinder so much (even though I did find the revelation near the end a bit predictable). But I did love the unique feel of the story, its setting and its take on Cinderella so it was definitely a refreshing read.This book made me feel really giddy afterwards and wanting for more. I can’t wait for the next book!
January 30, 2012 @ 12:29 pm
Agreed. The revelation was telegraphed a little too obviously at the start…but I still enjoyed it. And I *really* enjoyed that the ending was NOT what I expected. Cliff-hanger, much? 😉
January 29, 2012 @ 4:43 pm
Oh I’ve heard good things about this book:P
Oh btw I recieved the books. Tommorrow when the war began makes me want to go camping:O Even though I do roll my eyes at a few thingsXD
January 30, 2012 @ 12:30 pm
Hahaha–I know what you mean about the camping. Although I’m no way near as hardcore as those kids…but yay! I’m glad the books came!! 😀
January 29, 2012 @ 5:26 pm
This sounds like a great book. I’m adding this to my list. Thanks!
January 30, 2012 @ 12:30 pm
Yay! Let me know what you think of it!! 🙂
January 30, 2012 @ 12:22 am
I just got this book this morning so I’m pretty excited! I looooove cyborgs, androids, and robots so a lot of that plays into the Jane Maxim book I’m working on. (I’m toying with the idea of a garden of cyborg-type plants/creations.) Anyway, I’m really in love with the cover, too. It’s beautiful and kind of creepy!
January 30, 2012 @ 12:33 pm
Ooooh, a garden of cyborg plants? That sounds WICKED. And the setting of cyborgs, androids, and robots (oh my!) is totally what did it for me in CINDER. It reminded me a lot of a video game–THE LONGEST JOURNEY…which I think has some cyborg-ish plants in it, come to think of it. I’m ALL about the futuristic sci-fi settings.
January 30, 2012 @ 1:57 am
I really liked the book. Mostly because of Prince Kai and his normalcy! You don’t get that often anymore
January 30, 2012 @ 12:33 pm
I know! For a prince, Kai was awfully down-to-earth and adorable. It was a refreshing change from the usually alpha-male princes in books. 🙂
January 30, 2012 @ 4:30 am
I got to read this in ARC format and I ADORED it. I’m really a fairy-tale retelling sort of girl, from the first time I read Ella Enchanted in fifth grade. But this took Cinderella to a whole new level. I can’t wait for the next one! 🙂
January 30, 2012 @ 12:35 pm
OH! ELLA ENCHANTED!! PRINCE CHAR! I *adore* that book. And I have to say, there are some similarities in the characters–in a good way. Prince Char and Prince Kai are total sweethearts while Cinder and Ella are no-nonsense heroines with hearts of gold.
February 3, 2012 @ 8:35 pm
I loooooved CINDER. I don’t know what it was, but just something about the characters had me completely entranced while reading this. Prince Kai <3 I loves him so much. And Cinder was just awesome, though and confused and absolutely relatable.
Totally recommend this, too! Even knowing the big secret fairly early didn't take away from the story, methinks, there were plenty of other mysteries to solve, and I found myself just wanting the secret to come OUT so that I could read everyone's reactions to it 😉 Can't wait for the second book.