Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

Overview from Barnes and Noble:

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



I confess - I judge books by their covers.  I really liked this cover - look how intriguing it is!  That ruby high heel caught my eye as well as the name of the book.  I enjoy books that have links to fairy tales and was excited to read this one.


You might have seen this book on a list of books that are like the Hunger Games. You must understand, the book pales in comparison to Hunger Games - but Hunger Games is an outstanding book series.  On its own, Cinder is an overall good book.  Just don't compare it to Hunger Games and you will enjoy it more.


Cinder is the first book in a book series (I think it will eventually be 4 books total).  The book did not hook me immediately the way I expected it to.  I think a large part of this is the traces of Anime found in the book.  I read the author's bio and found that one of her interests is Anime which is not something I am interested in.  However, I did not give up on the book and a few chapters in I was drawn in - specifically when the plague hits her step-sister.  Some secrets are uncovered about Cinder and the timing which the author discloses the information is perfect to keep the reader engaged. This is not a parallel of Cinderella, but readers will enjoy finding the small parallels of the classic fairy tale.


What I felt the book lacked was a connection with the characters.  I didn't feel like I was able to get to know Cinder and Kai (the prince).  I also didn't think the characters developed a very deep romance.  The romance seemed built on an attraction and lacked the depth that I thought it deserved.  I anticipate that as more books are released in this series that this may develop further.  Overall this was an interesting book to read and worth your time if you enjoy young adult fiction.

3.5 Stars

Erin