Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Publication Date: 1-3-2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Pages: 400

Format: ebook

Source: Netgalley

Challenge: 2012 Ebook Challenge, 2012 DAC

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Goodreads Summary:

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.
In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.

Where do I begin besides saying this retelling of Cinderella was AMAZING! The elements that made it similar to Cinderella were all there and I was constantly comparing.  This new updated version though is definitely a must-read.

Cinder is a cyborg.  She is considered a second-class citizen, she’s only part human and her past is a mystery to all of those around her.  Her stepfather who brought her home passed away before telling her new stepmother anything about her past.  She doesn’t remember the accident that brought about the change into cyborg.  She doesn’t remember anything expect waking up after the surgery at age 11. 

Her life consists of being a mechanic and fixing things.  There is a ball coming up at the palace that her stepmother won’t let her attend (imagine that).  Her two stepsisters are mean and degrading (surprised?).  Cinder finds herself mixed up with Prince Kai when asked to fix an android of his.  She gets to know him better, and finds out things she never would have otherwise known.  Cinder is a strong-willed heroine who is looking out for others.  She focuses on being the best she can be and protecting those she cares about.  Cinder’s personality is not that of a servant, but rather that of a young girl determined to find her place in the world.  She learns more about herself through this story, but still leaves many questions unanswered. 

I absolutely loved this retelling of Cinderella, except for the ending! I hate that we have to wait so long to find out what happens next.  The cliff-hanger was just that, a great cliff-hanger.  I was left wanting more of Cinder and Prince Kai’s story.  I wanted to learn more about what happened in Cinder’s past and how exactly the future is going to be changed.  The future depends on Cinder and a take down of the Lunar people, but how exactly is one young girl going to do that?  I was entranced by this novel.  I couldn’t put it down, and even read it while at work!  It was so amazing that I just wanted to know how it would end.  Of course, now I’m just unhappy with the ending!!  Anyway, pick up this novel and give it a read.  I don’t think you will be disappointed. It’s a must-read for 2012 debuts!