Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1
Published: January 3, 2012 by Liewel & Friends
Rating: 

A forbidden romance. A deadly plague. Earth’s fate hinges on one girl...

Cinder, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She’s reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen—and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth’s future.

MacMillian was wonderful and offered a sneak clip of Cinder's audio to include in this review. You can listen here:

My Review:

Cinder is by far one of the BEST fairytale retellings I have ever read. Meyer has woven such a beautiful story, with charming characters, a gritty setting, and with all the workings of the original Cinderella tale. Never could I have imagined such a classic story being reworked into such an individually new book.

There are just so many wonderful aspects of this story. The characters are utterly fantastic! Cinder is one of my favorite MCs that I've read in a long time. She's sarcastic and witty but most of all she's a fighter. I loved the strength that her character so easily invokes. Being a cyborg makes Cinder a second class citizen in New Beijing, resulting in unfair jurisdictions and treatment. However, not once does Cinder read as depressing or 'woe is me'. Her spirit is invigorating and her humor was hilariously fun! I also loved the relationship Cinder has with her stepsister, Peony, and Iko the android. Even as secondary characters their personalities shone through.

And Kai, oh Kai. How is it that I can continuously fall in love with these characters? He is the epitome of charming. He's smooth and suave while still maintaining this sense of innocence. What's even more captivating is that he's a GOOD GUY!  For those who would think this is boring, believe me, Kai makes it swoon-worthy and oh so refreshing.

And of course, what 5 star story isn't complete without a 'blow-your-mind' ending?! Although I kind of saw the big revelation coming, its still a HUGE plot twist that just shakes this story up even more!

The story itself is absolutely captivating! A deadly plague spreading throughout the city with no cure- threat of war from the Lunar queen- hidden mysteries on the way to self discovery- budding romances between different classes- the list goes on and on. Every aspect of this book fits so perfectly with the Cinderella story while making it completely its own. You will honestly be sucked in by both plot and characters and not want to put this book down till the last page. Cinder stormed its way to the top of my favorites pile and I strongly recommend everyone going out and reading this book!