Helpful Score: 3
I got an eGalley of this book to review through NetGalley(dot)com. It was an excellent read, incredibly creative yet it still remained true to the feel of the original Cinderalla fairy tale. It was a fairy tale with so much more added to the mix.
Cinder is a cyborg who works as a mechanic and has been adopted into a family; she has a foster mother and two sisters as well as a faithful android companion. All Cinder wants to do is fix things and build up enough money to leave at some point. When the Prince stops by to have his android fixed, things start to change for Cinder. Then when Cinder's youngest sister comes down with the plague, Cinder is blamed and sold off to research. There Cinder finds out many things about her past and ends up embroiled in politics and facing off with the evil Lunar Queen.
This story is part fairy tale, part steampunk, and part science fiction. Cinder was a wonderful character she is capable and technically saavy and is constantly chaffing at the restrictions placed on her by her foster mother. Prince Kai is also an intriguing character; despite his life of privilege he confronts things with an honesty that is refreshing and is non-judgmental until he knows the facts.
The world created is an interesting and intriguing one. This is a future Earth, the story itself takes place in New Bejing. Humanity is facing a horrible plague that has been going on for years and can't be stopped. In addition to this the Lunars, an alien race living on the moon, are ruled by a persuasive and evil Queen. This Queen wants Earth for her own and seeks to gain entry into Earth politics by marrying Prince Kai.
There are just a lot of very interesting elements here. Cinder is a second tier citizen because of her cyborg status; so there is a lot of discussion around second class citizens and what it means to be human. There is the plague; which is allowing questionable research to be carried out as well as forcing society to live under a veil of fear. Then there are the Lunars who can take over people's minds and are constantly trying to take over Earth.
There is just a lot going on and all of it is very interesting. The writing is well done and the story is paced well. In general it follows the original fairy tale pretty well; you have the wicked foster mother, the sisters, the missing slipper (in this case foot), and the Prince who needs a wife. Unlike the fairy tale Cinder and Kai actually build a solid relationship and their falling in love is gradual and sweet. They are alike in many ways and it is heartbreaking when any hope of a relationship between them is in jeopardy because of the Lunar Queen.
There are a lot of surprises throughout the book, the story flows nicely but is hard to predict. Things were wrapped up nicely in this book, but there is a lot that still needs to be resolved in the larger story.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It is a fairy tale retelling unlike any I have ever read before. The characters are easy to relate to and engaging. The world is creative and interesting. The story blends together a lot of elements: steampunk, science-fiction, fairy tale, romance, alien invasion, and the question of the humanity of machines. If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings definitely check this out. If you are a fan of steampunk, fantasy, or science fiction I recommend checking this out as well. It was just such an interesting story, I can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings.
Cinder is a cyborg who works as a mechanic and has been adopted into a family; she has a foster mother and two sisters as well as a faithful android companion. All Cinder wants to do is fix things and build up enough money to leave at some point. When the Prince stops by to have his android fixed, things start to change for Cinder. Then when Cinder's youngest sister comes down with the plague, Cinder is blamed and sold off to research. There Cinder finds out many things about her past and ends up embroiled in politics and facing off with the evil Lunar Queen.
This story is part fairy tale, part steampunk, and part science fiction. Cinder was a wonderful character she is capable and technically saavy and is constantly chaffing at the restrictions placed on her by her foster mother. Prince Kai is also an intriguing character; despite his life of privilege he confronts things with an honesty that is refreshing and is non-judgmental until he knows the facts.
The world created is an interesting and intriguing one. This is a future Earth, the story itself takes place in New Bejing. Humanity is facing a horrible plague that has been going on for years and can't be stopped. In addition to this the Lunars, an alien race living on the moon, are ruled by a persuasive and evil Queen. This Queen wants Earth for her own and seeks to gain entry into Earth politics by marrying Prince Kai.
There are just a lot of very interesting elements here. Cinder is a second tier citizen because of her cyborg status; so there is a lot of discussion around second class citizens and what it means to be human. There is the plague; which is allowing questionable research to be carried out as well as forcing society to live under a veil of fear. Then there are the Lunars who can take over people's minds and are constantly trying to take over Earth.
There is just a lot going on and all of it is very interesting. The writing is well done and the story is paced well. In general it follows the original fairy tale pretty well; you have the wicked foster mother, the sisters, the missing slipper (in this case foot), and the Prince who needs a wife. Unlike the fairy tale Cinder and Kai actually build a solid relationship and their falling in love is gradual and sweet. They are alike in many ways and it is heartbreaking when any hope of a relationship between them is in jeopardy because of the Lunar Queen.
There are a lot of surprises throughout the book, the story flows nicely but is hard to predict. Things were wrapped up nicely in this book, but there is a lot that still needs to be resolved in the larger story.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It is a fairy tale retelling unlike any I have ever read before. The characters are easy to relate to and engaging. The world is creative and interesting. The story blends together a lot of elements: steampunk, science-fiction, fairy tale, romance, alien invasion, and the question of the humanity of machines. If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings definitely check this out. If you are a fan of steampunk, fantasy, or science fiction I recommend checking this out as well. It was just such an interesting story, I can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings.
Helpful Score: 3
I really like the idea behind this book, a new take on the classics sign me up. Also, I think having the lines from the Cinderella story on the breaks between sections was a great touch.
I'm giving this book 4 stars.
As I said I really liked the idea, and as good as I think the book was, there were somethings I didn't like. Although some of my complains with the story could very well be explained in the next book. The Lunars, for example, I would have liked to know more about them. Honestly I saw the ending coming, but it really didn't take away from the book too much. It was a good book and I'm excited to see what's to come of the characters in the next book.
I'm giving this book 4 stars.
As I said I really liked the idea, and as good as I think the book was, there were somethings I didn't like. Although some of my complains with the story could very well be explained in the next book. The Lunars, for example, I would have liked to know more about them. Honestly I saw the ending coming, but it really didn't take away from the book too much. It was a good book and I'm excited to see what's to come of the characters in the next book.
Helpful Score: 2
I have to say, Meyer puts an interesting perspective on fairy tales. She takes a simple, obvious plot-line and adds a little twist to surprise the reader. The futuristic Cinderella story wasn't complicated, but the author's knack for detail and her extensive culture and medical research was obvious. The romance between Cinder and Prince Kai was a bit cheesy and reminded me quite a bit of the movie "Ever After" with Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott. Seen from the main character's perspective, however, the romance is sweet and simple as Cinder tries to find her place after several Earth-shattering self-revelations. And talk about a cliffhanger! I saw most of the plot-line coming, but the drop-off at the end was unexpected. Do not read this book if you don't want to continue the series.
Helpful Score: 1
A futuristic cyborg retelling of Cinderella sounds outrageous, but Marissa Meyer really takes the timeless tale and makes it her own with CINDER, first of a four-book series. Imaginative and action-packed, with likable characters, CINDER will appeal to readers looking for a dose of creative adventure.
Where do I start in gushing about how enjoyable CINDER was? Cinder the protagonist was a lovely protagonist. She is smart, resourceful, and brave. Cinder belongs in that small group of YA heroines who do not possess any extraordinary survival tactics and yet is a fighter: she deals with her troubles in a way that many of us can imagine us doing if we were ever in her position.
My next point is contentious, as many great reviewers have felt this part underdeveloped, but I felt that CINDER did a great job of creating a unique future world. No, its not quite a dystopian, and its not hard sci-fi: if it were either of those, the worlds connections to our present-day world would need to be more convincing. However, I was able to enjoy CINDERs setting of New Beijing as almost a fantasy world, set on a planet with a similar layout to ours, with new technology but similar problems of politics and society. Story and setting complemented each other well: the plot never dragged in order to appease world-building, and the world-building was enough such that the story was supported well.
Overall, CINDER may not win any literary awards in the near future, but it is an utterly enjoyable retelling of a classic in a futuristic fantasy world, with recognizable elements from the old tale but enough new elements to keep things fresh. I was surprised at the abruptness of the ending, until I learned that the Lunar Chronicles is a four-part exploration all about Cinder and her adventures, not separate stories each. Oh. Okay. There will be resolutions in the future, then! You can bet Ill be tuning in to the next books in this fun series.
Where do I start in gushing about how enjoyable CINDER was? Cinder the protagonist was a lovely protagonist. She is smart, resourceful, and brave. Cinder belongs in that small group of YA heroines who do not possess any extraordinary survival tactics and yet is a fighter: she deals with her troubles in a way that many of us can imagine us doing if we were ever in her position.
My next point is contentious, as many great reviewers have felt this part underdeveloped, but I felt that CINDER did a great job of creating a unique future world. No, its not quite a dystopian, and its not hard sci-fi: if it were either of those, the worlds connections to our present-day world would need to be more convincing. However, I was able to enjoy CINDERs setting of New Beijing as almost a fantasy world, set on a planet with a similar layout to ours, with new technology but similar problems of politics and society. Story and setting complemented each other well: the plot never dragged in order to appease world-building, and the world-building was enough such that the story was supported well.
Overall, CINDER may not win any literary awards in the near future, but it is an utterly enjoyable retelling of a classic in a futuristic fantasy world, with recognizable elements from the old tale but enough new elements to keep things fresh. I was surprised at the abruptness of the ending, until I learned that the Lunar Chronicles is a four-part exploration all about Cinder and her adventures, not separate stories each. Oh. Okay. There will be resolutions in the future, then! You can bet Ill be tuning in to the next books in this fun series.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
Helpful Score: 1
This book was not at all what I expected! Forget the fairy tale reference, this has much more substance than any fairy tale! Some sci-fi/dystopian elements. The earth has been divided into alliances forming 6 countries following the 4th World War and they are threatened by a plague with no cure and an uneasy peace with the dangerous and powerful Lunars residing on the moon. The characters are fascinating and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
Helpful Score: 1
Summary: A play on the Cinderella story, Cinder is a cyborg in New Beijing. Cyborgs are basically second class citizens, so her adopted mother treats her like dirt. The great thing about Cinder is that she is an expert mechanic, so she has some freedom to run her own booth at the market. While she is working, the prince, Kai, drops in to have her fix his android. It is apparently a matter of national security. Shortly after the prince leaves, there is a plague sighting in the market which closes everything down. Once Cinder gets home, she walks in to find her two stepsisters getting brand new dresses for the ball. The slight shift from the Cinderella story is that one of her stepsisters is actually a sweetheart. After the fitting, Cinder and her stepsister go to the junkyard to find spare parts. While there, Cinder's sweet sister breaks out in spots, showing that she has the plague. This is one of the turning points of the story. After this, Cinder's life is sold into plague research and she finds out all sorts of new things about herself. It still has aspects of the Cinderella story, but strays more to make Cinder an intriguing character that you can't wait to find out about. Her relationship with Kai blooms with short, interspersed run-ins, and the villain presents herself. The villain is Queen Levana of Luna. She wants to marry Kai to become empress, and will do just about anything to have those wishes come true. If needing to know what happens between Levana, Kai, and Cinder doesn't make you interested in reading, then you need to know that there is a killer of a cliffhanger at the end. It is wrapped up enough that you don't think the book was worthless to read, but definitely makes you crave the next installment of the series.
My thoughts: I've already strayed into my thoughts a bit. I really enjoyed this novel. I was skeptical going in and had put it off for awhile. I've read a lot of re-imagined fairy tales and some are just not worth the attention. This one definitely is. It strays away from the typical tale enough that you don't really know what is going to happen, but stays close enough to the tale that the fairy tale elements are in place. The good thing about me putting it off is that I have less of a wait for the next novel. There are only two criticisms that I have.
First, there are parts that are extremely predictable. Cinder's true identity is like a neon sign flashing above her head. I can't imagine any reader being surprised about who she turns out to be. This didn't both me that much. There are a lot of very predictable novels that are still entertaining.
The second bit of criticism bugged me more. There is not enough world building for me. The setting is described a little, but part of the fun of science fiction and fantasy is being transported into another world. I was disappointed by how glossed over the setting was. Luna and the Lunars are barely described. Also, Earth has changed and I want to know what I should be thinking about while the story is going on. I think that Meyer spent more time developing Cinder and her personality than the world around her. Since Cinder is a very good character, this holds the novel together, but I'd like to care more about the surroundings in the future books. There are four more and I'm not sure that just loving Cinder is going to hold my interest through the story if I can't fully picture where I am.
My thoughts: I've already strayed into my thoughts a bit. I really enjoyed this novel. I was skeptical going in and had put it off for awhile. I've read a lot of re-imagined fairy tales and some are just not worth the attention. This one definitely is. It strays away from the typical tale enough that you don't really know what is going to happen, but stays close enough to the tale that the fairy tale elements are in place. The good thing about me putting it off is that I have less of a wait for the next novel. There are only two criticisms that I have.
First, there are parts that are extremely predictable. Cinder's true identity is like a neon sign flashing above her head. I can't imagine any reader being surprised about who she turns out to be. This didn't both me that much. There are a lot of very predictable novels that are still entertaining.
The second bit of criticism bugged me more. There is not enough world building for me. The setting is described a little, but part of the fun of science fiction and fantasy is being transported into another world. I was disappointed by how glossed over the setting was. Luna and the Lunars are barely described. Also, Earth has changed and I want to know what I should be thinking about while the story is going on. I think that Meyer spent more time developing Cinder and her personality than the world around her. Since Cinder is a very good character, this holds the novel together, but I'd like to care more about the surroundings in the future books. There are four more and I'm not sure that just loving Cinder is going to hold my interest through the story if I can't fully picture where I am.
Helpful Score: 1
Have you ever sat down and thought, how can I make a classic fairy tale even better? How can I reimagine it? No? Well, Marissa Meyer has and she did just that. In this reimagining of Cinderella, we meet Cinder. She is a cyborg and the region's best mechanic during a volatile time when plague is running rampant through the world. She does have an evil stepmother, or in this case adopted mother, and two stepsisters though only one of them is evil. When one of her sisters becomes ill, she finds herself at the heart of a battle to save her, a stepmother who wants to get rid of her, and a prince who needs her help. What is a cyborg to do?
The characters in this novel are absolutely riveting. They are imaginative and natural. You want to know more about these people. You have Prince Kai who is witty, sarcastic, charming, but can be a bit pushy when he wants to get his way. Cinder is intelligent and bright and seems to shrug off her burdens and not let them get to her. You even have Iko, an android who is more expressive and amusing than the human or partly human characters. But these characters are never really explored to their full potential. The fact that Cinder is a cyborg is just taken at face value and we never fully explore what that means. Does she still have human emotion? Is it all artificial intelligence? Does she consider herself to be still human? We never get the answers to those questions and it disappointed me.
The world Meyer has created is full of possibility. There is the possiblity of war with the evil Lunar Queen who wants to take over the Eastern Commonwealth in any way she can. There is the possibility that the Prince is falling in love with a cyborg, who has secrets not even she knows exist, without realizing it. You have a community with a fear and prejudice against cyborgs and has deemed they are not really human. But again, we only get to scratch the surface of these things and not explore them fully. I have no idea why this world is that way or why these things are facts. Why is there tension with the Lunars? Why is there such a prejudice against cyborgs when they have fully integrated androids into their society? I don't know and I wanted to know.
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. I was engaged with it and wanted to see where it went. I was excited to see what secrets the book would hold. The only thing that prevented me from rating it higher is that certain aspects of the book were painfully predictable and that the possibilities for this world were not explored to the extent I would have liked to see.
Note: All reviews are also posted to my Goodreads profile.
The characters in this novel are absolutely riveting. They are imaginative and natural. You want to know more about these people. You have Prince Kai who is witty, sarcastic, charming, but can be a bit pushy when he wants to get his way. Cinder is intelligent and bright and seems to shrug off her burdens and not let them get to her. You even have Iko, an android who is more expressive and amusing than the human or partly human characters. But these characters are never really explored to their full potential. The fact that Cinder is a cyborg is just taken at face value and we never fully explore what that means. Does she still have human emotion? Is it all artificial intelligence? Does she consider herself to be still human? We never get the answers to those questions and it disappointed me.
The world Meyer has created is full of possibility. There is the possiblity of war with the evil Lunar Queen who wants to take over the Eastern Commonwealth in any way she can. There is the possibility that the Prince is falling in love with a cyborg, who has secrets not even she knows exist, without realizing it. You have a community with a fear and prejudice against cyborgs and has deemed they are not really human. But again, we only get to scratch the surface of these things and not explore them fully. I have no idea why this world is that way or why these things are facts. Why is there tension with the Lunars? Why is there such a prejudice against cyborgs when they have fully integrated androids into their society? I don't know and I wanted to know.
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. I was engaged with it and wanted to see where it went. I was excited to see what secrets the book would hold. The only thing that prevented me from rating it higher is that certain aspects of the book were painfully predictable and that the possibilities for this world were not explored to the extent I would have liked to see.
Note: All reviews are also posted to my Goodreads profile.
Helpful Score: 1
Much better than I expected. Very well done, good job of blending the age old take of Cinderella, Cyborgs and Earth in the Future. Story is paced really well, characters are engaging. Looking forward to book 2
I didn't expect much from this book but I so wrong. I loved it so much that I ordered the second in the series from my library. This is an outstanding version of Cinderella from beginning to end. I loved the characters - each and every one of them beginning with Cinder, a young woman who is so injured in an accident that she is labelled as a cyborg because of her mechanical parts.
Speaking of mechanics, she's a mechanic, too. And, she has a horrible stepmother (guardian) and two sisters, just as in the story of Cinderella. Her prince does indeed fall in love with her but how can she compete with the beauties of the country? If I were to say more I'd give up too much of the story. My best advice is to grab a copy and read it for yourself. It's unique, creative and a darn good tale.
Speaking of mechanics, she's a mechanic, too. And, she has a horrible stepmother (guardian) and two sisters, just as in the story of Cinderella. Her prince does indeed fall in love with her but how can she compete with the beauties of the country? If I were to say more I'd give up too much of the story. My best advice is to grab a copy and read it for yourself. It's unique, creative and a darn good tale.
I absolutely loved this book. I bought it and finished it in the same day. Meyer really ties in a lot of the cyborg element and her characters and the world of New Bejing are completely believeable. I love new takes on classic tales and this one add a fresh twist on one of the most classic tales of our time. The Cinderella theme seems to be a bit overdone with remakes, but this one keeps true to the story with some added twists to keep it interesting. The ending though made me want to throw the book at the author for leaving it hanging like that though. But that just makes me want to read the next book when it does come out all the more! Overall this was an enjoyable read and I recommend it for anyone looking for a good well, written YA read.
Can I just say, Wow. This is such a refreshing take on the classic children's tale. Geared for young adults (and maybe young at heart older adults!) this book has secrets, love, family disputes, and friendship. I love it. I would most definitely read this book again and again.
I can't wait to read more of the lunar chronicles
Dont you just hate the haters. I am not trying to be a hater, but I do want to pass on my experience. While I was reading this, I felt like I was reading a kids book. Wait, I knew this was a young adult book. Something just seemed very off and very simplistic about it. After some google searching, I found this book is deemed a 5 th grade reading level. I do really enjoy some of the other authors who do fairy tale retellings. Those are listed as a higher reading level about a 7th grade level. I could tell the difference.
I decided to enjoy this book for what it is. A fun retelling of the Cinderella story. Cinder. And there are many more books in the series, Scarlett will be little red riding hood, with a wolf. The next book is also a 5th grade reading level. I dont think overall that you are wasting your time, I think the series only gets better as we meet more characters.
I decided to enjoy this book for what it is. A fun retelling of the Cinderella story. Cinder. And there are many more books in the series, Scarlett will be little red riding hood, with a wolf. The next book is also a 5th grade reading level. I dont think overall that you are wasting your time, I think the series only gets better as we meet more characters.
Cinder is a cyborg reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale. I opened the book certain that I wouldn't like a cyborg story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
Cinder is a cyborg reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale. I opened the book certain that I wouldn't like a cyborg story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
Cinder is a cyborg reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale. I opened the book certain that I wouldn't like a cyborg story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
Cinder is a cyborg reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale. I opened the book certain that I wouldn't like a cyborg story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
Cinder is a cyborg reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale. I opened the book certain that I wouldn't like a cyborg story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
I was wrong. This book is very well written.
My only qualm with the story is it is too predictable. I saw the major twist coming from the very beginning of the story.
i fucking love these books
