Review: Cinder

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

Why did you choose this book? I enjoy retellings of fairy tales...oh, and I like the cover! 

When did you read this book? January 2012

Who should read this book? readers who enjoy retelling of fairy tales. readers of futuristic sci-fi

Here is a synopsis of ‘Cinder' from Goodreads, where it rates 4.20 stars.

Source: borrowed from my local library

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.

My Review 

This is a good book and there are so many reasons why. This is a story loosely based on the story of Cinderella. Cinder is a cyborg (part human, part mechanical) living with her step-mother and 2 step-sisters. Like the step-mother in Cinderella, this one is cruel and resents Cinder, treating her as 2nd class and making her work and turn over her earnings to support the family. However, in this story, the youngest sister is loving and kind, and Cinder loves her. There is also a handsome prince about to throw a ball.

The family lives in New Behjing in the Eastern Commonwealth, about 120 years after the end of WW IV, and Cyborgs are feared and reviled by most of society. The Eastern Commonwealth is one of 6 post-war kingdoms. The earth is experiencing a widespread epidemic of letumosis, a highly contagious, fast-acting plague that is always fatal, with no known cure. Cyborgs are drafted for experimental treatments, since they are considered less than human, thus expendable.

In addition, there are strained relations between the Earth and Luna, which is governed by a wicked queen who has her mind made up to marry the prince to form an alliance. Her alternative is to declare war!

I was drawn to this book because of the tie-in with Cinderella, but I have to admit, once I found out it was about Cyborgs, I did not expect to like it. However, I could hardly put it down! The only downside it that this is the first of a four book series, and book 2 is not due out until early 2013! See the trailer for Cinder below.

My Rating:  ★★★★1/2   4-1/2 Stars