Mini review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

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.

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Expected publication date: 03/01/12


Cinder is an incredibly well written and imaginative re-telling of Cinderella, with a futuristic twist.

I immediately liked Cinder. Despite all the hardships that life has thrown her, she remains a strong and selfless character who never once backs down when faced with a challenge.

Cinder's best friend Iko -an android with a quirky personality- was one of my favourite characters. She was hilarious, especially when she and Cinder first met the Prince "Prince Kai! Check my fan, I think I'm over heating."

Cinder definitely has a cinematic feel to it. The world building is phenomenal and as a fan of sci-fi and books set in the future I loved all the futuristic references. The rich descriptions allow you to easily conjure up images of the futuristic world of New Beijing.

Cinderella is one of favourite fairytales so I really appreciated the quotes from the classic at the beginning of each chapter. They gave the book a charming touch.

Romance didn't play a heavy role in Cinder. The relationship between Prince Kai and Cinder was a sweet one, it developed slowly and Cinder's awkwardness towards Kai was just adorable.

Keep your eyes pealed for this book in 2012 as I have a feeling it's going to be HUGE!

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