PJV Quickie: I was completely sucked in by ‘Cinder’ and did not want to leave! This book meshed fairy tale with science fiction in a perfect blend that has me heart-broken that I have to wait until 2013 to get my hands on ‘Scarlet’ (book two).
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
ISBN: 0312641893
Publication: Published January 3rd 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
Purchased copy provided by Sam’s Club Metaire, in exchange for cash money.
Links: Author Web >> Author Twitter >> Purchase Book >> Goodreads
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review
The first thing that won me over was ‘Cinder’ herself. What a great character! Cinder is a cyborg in a world where cyborgs are the discriminated upon minority. Underage and the ward of a stepmother that can’t stand her, Cinder’s life is nothing to be desired. Yet, her cyborg parts have allowed her to excel as a mechanic and at such a young age she has made a name for herself in the New Beijing marketplace. That talent draws the handsome Prince Kai to her booth in the hopes that she can fix his android. Between the mysterious android and her stepsister’s sudden illness life suddenly becomes very different for Cinder and she finds herself with much bigger problems than she ever thought would plague her. Political intrigue, romance, mystery and a deeply seeded background story had me entranced. Not to mention Marissa Meyer’s direct style of writing and interesting descriptions that kept the book flowing from page to page. It all added up to one great story and my desperate attempts to get my hands on ‘Scarlet’ in another year! Who must I bribe??
Now, yes, the story was excellent, but there were a few things that I had to take in stride. It was a “light” retelling of the Cinderella story, but it was nothing exact, like some retellings tend to be. The characters were much more complex and the science fiction setting brought the story into a new light. I think the only things that were Cinderella related was the step-mom (who when I think about it, really wasn’t a stepmom at all – wouldn’t she be the adopted mom?), two stepsisters (adopted sisters??) and the Prince (emperor). That’s about it. As you can tell from my (()) there were a few areas that I thought were questionable, but I didn’t pay them much mind. The story was entertaining and while the holes did stick out and I had the “mystery” figured out at the first hint, I paid that no mind, because Cinder and Kai were such great, compelling characters.
Props to the author for holding no punches with easy-outs and happily-ever-after scenarios “just because”. I think she did a phenomenal job of routing the story the right way instead of taking easy last minute saves which would make everything lighter. Did I mention this was a good book?
Recommendations:
Recommended for fans of science fiction and paranormal young adult romance. I wouldn’t classify this in the Dystopian category which I see it has been a few times, this is more science fiction. Recommended for 13+ age range, there is nothing questionable in this novel, but it does have more depth than most young adult titles so can easily be enjoyed by an adult.
Even More:
There are 4.5 books in the series, the prequel Glitches will be released later this month. Book 2, ‘Scarlet’ has an expected publication date in 2013.
Like This, Like That:
‘Across the Universe‘ by Beth Revis
‘Under the Never Sky‘ by Veronica Rossi
OK, that’s it. I’m throwing in the towel and adding Cinder to my to-read list. I’ve been resisting because the whole sci-fi cyborg thing totally doesn’t sound like something I’d enjoy, but there have been so many glowing reviews that it’s time to step out of my comfort zone and see what it’s all about.
What no scifi?? LOL This could be a good scifi conversion!
I was on the fence about this one when I first heard about it but it has been growing on me. It sounds like a great book and I like that you said that the author didn’t take the easy route in the storyline. I am starting to get a little bored with stories that throw in a HEA right at the very end when the story would have been perfect without it.
I hear ya, Kristin. The reinforcements arrive just when all is lost — or the Prince shows up just at the last minute to kiss her and make all the things better. I like HEAs but sometimes, if they are done just to give an HEA it makes things seem forced.
I, too, was completely sucked in to this book! Even though I felt that the world building could have been better, that didn’t change my complete love for this book. All of the plot twists, the realness of the characters, and the storyline pulled me in completely. This is a must read – don’t let the word ‘cyborg’ throw you off!
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
I was going to wait my turn on the library list, but now I’m ordering it!
You rock!
It was a great book, I hope you enjoy.
I heartily agree… not dystopian, very light, not too attached to the fairytale in a good way & fun for adults, too!
In fact, I have added Under the Never Sky & Across the Universe to my Wishlist by association!!
Thank you! Oh Under The Never Sky was wonderful — you should definitely give that one a whirl.
cool! thx!!
Cinder’s been on my to-read list for awhile now, and it’s all I can do not to run out and buy it right away! I just keep hearing so many wonderful things about it, and I love that you mention compelling characters. Good characterization is a must in a good book for me!
It was cheap at Sam’s if you are a member. About $2 cheaper than Amazon
Oh but that ending! I shook my fist at that! Grrrr….
I’m not afraid of cliffhangers…LOL
I can’t wait to read this one. It sounds so good!
It was.
I enjoyed Cinder and I did classify it as dystopian because of the era, the plague, but I can see it as a science fiction novel as well. Terrific job on the review! I look forward to the next in the Lunar Chronicles. I’d love to see Cinder’s story finished…perhaps it will continue in the next novels?
Hey Shirley, I can see where it does fall in the dystopian category. The oppressive government just was kind of benign. I know the Scarlet title confuses me and there is no synopsis. Argh! LOL
Going to read this one next, and am very excited after reading your review! I finally picked up The Scorpio Races after reading your rave review of it. I didn’t plan on liking it…ended up LOVING it! I now have high hopes for Cinder!
See — I’m sometimes right
Good luck with Cinder, I hope you enjoy it as much as The Scorpio Races.
Cinder is a remarkable story, one that will pave the way for new scifi readers. I am not sure about the prequel though. I almost never read a prequel. May just have to wait for next in series later this year.
-FABR Steph@FiveAlarmBookReviews
I’m unsure about the prequel too, mainly because it is set when she comes to consciousness at eleven.
I’ve been on a sci-fi mood lately, and this sounds like a great read! Must find a copy!
I would like to first say: HI! Semi new follower here and definite first time commenter.
I loved your review for this book. It’s left me itching to read this book even more so than I already do. I love it when authors stay true to the story instead of chickening out and giving a happy ending when the story doesn’t call for it.
Also, you are fabulous. Your friday meme has changed my life and my blog. I got nine followers on my first go!
I need to read this. I shied away from it initially because so many fairy tale retellings haven’t impressed me. This one though….
I’ve already been lusting after this book and your review only makes that stronger! I’m also psyched to know there will be more in the series – when you read something so good, you don’t want it to end.
I want this books so bad!!!
I love how this book has been popping up everywhere. It reminds me of what happened with Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book and read about Cinder and Kai. I desperately want to know how the machines (cyborgs, androids) fit into their world. I am loving the influx of sci-fi lately, it’s been missed.
Great review!
Sounds like an amazing book!
Only a loose re-telling, huh? Does that mean this is series with a yucky ending? Oh I hope not. I need more stand alones in my life and I really do like the happy ending thing with fairy tales.
Valerie
Wow. I am so excited to read this book. I don’t mind that it’s not an exact retelling. As long as I’m entertained.
I’ve been dying to read Cinder ever since I first heard about it. I’ve been debating whether to wait until my library has a copy or just buy it, but after reading so many glowing reviews I might just have to buy it already! lol Great review.
I cannot WAIT to read this book! I’ve heard only great things about it, and that’s pretty rare! I am happy to hear about the ending so I know what to expect when I read it. Thanks so much for the very cool review
Cinderella has always been my favorite fairy tale, and to see this science fiction take on it really has me excited to read it. Thanks for the review, it gives me a better idea of what the book is about.
Ah, cyborgs… They have my heart forever with their half-human, half-machine ways. This book is at the VERY top of my wishlist. I want. Very much want.
Great review, and I’m that much more in want of this book!
I’m glad the author took some artistic license with the Cinderella story–I get bored when it’s almost the exact same thing, just in a different setting. Sounds awesome!
I added this book to my to-read as soon as I heard about it. I love the story of “Cinderella” (and fairy tales in general) and I love the sci-fi genre. I’m glad I keep hearing good things about it and I can’t wait to read it for myself.
The more and more I read about this book the more and more I want it! I really like the idea behind the story. It’s been on my tbr list for a while.
This sounds like such a great read. I’ve read so many great reviews of this book and its at the top of my to read list right now!
I have to be honest,this is the second time I I’ve seen this book mentioned in the last week and as a non sci-fi reader I wasn’t interested at first. Your review however may have changed my mind! Great one!!
Thanks for such a great review that got me thinking about fairy tales differently:)
I’m about 1/3 of the way thru this and loving it!! Great review!
I have been interested in reading this book since I saw the first cover releases. I love the blend of Sci-Fi and Fairy Tale.
Thanks for the review!
Love your review!! I’m so excited to read this one! I really like it when the retellings are loosely based off the originals (not to the exact) and when the characters are more complicated! It looks like it’ll be my type of book!!
I have no idea why I haven’t read this yet. I’m glad to see she didn’t go the happily ever after route and I had no idea about the prequel so thank you.
Fantastic review! I love how you specified that this was not a dystopian. I’ve been seeing people classifying it as such because of the futuristic setting and the scientific elements, but no, it’s just a futuristic, sci-fi-ish retelling. I also love that you pointed out it was a light Cinderella retelling. I kind of love this because it allowed the author to add so many other elements. I also just recently discovered that the very first Cinderella tale comes from China, which is why Marissa based it there. I think this is why I want to read this book so much – you can really tell so much research went into it! And of course, I want to read it because I’m dying to see how Sailor Moon influenced it. Great review!
I can’t wait to read this book.
Sounds interesting, but I’m not a huge cinderella fan so I’m not sure about this one. Great review though!!
GAHHHHHHHH I want this book!
I enjoyed reading your review. It was very easy and fun to read. I especially like the format.
Initially I didn’t think this book sounded like my thing but I keep hearing some many great reviews and would really like to read it now!
Sounds like a great concept and I like the retelling in the cyborg format. So cool!
I have been intrigued by this book since I first saw the cover. I am very curious to read it myself and see how the cyborg take plays out. Thank you for sharing your review with us today.
Damn! Makes me want to read it so much!! great review:)
I really want to read this book! I love fairy tales so it’s awesome to see a unique retelling. A cyborg Cinderella? Awesome.
Oh, now you have me worrying about the ending. Is it a cliffhanger? Or is it more or less resolved since the next book is about a different fairy tale?
Anyways, I need to get this book!
I am so excited to read this book! Hope I win it =)
Now I really want to read this book…:D It sounds better then the original one. Nice review, it sounds very good.
Love the review made me hooked right away. Hope I can get it soon
This is on my too read list, hope to get to it soon!!!!
I cannot wait to read this book! It sounds amazing! I love fairy-tale remakes
I’ve been telling my husband about this one. I’m always trying to get him to read the books I’ve read – although I’m sure YA Paranormal Romance isn’t exactly his cup of tea.
I think Cinder is the first book he might give a shot. In some ways, it kind of reminds me of what Gregory MacGuire (sp?) did with Wizard of Oz – turned it into Wicked…except with freakin’ science fiction AWESOMENESS! I really can’t wait to get my hands on this book and read it. I love that it doesn’t immerse itself in the Cinderella fairytale wholly and it just uses that as a spine to the story, really. 