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?