megs_bookrack's Reviews > Cinder

Sooooo, Cinder is basically my life now.

I am absolutely kicking myself for not starting this series earlier. Why didn't y'all tell me!?



This is actually my first Marissa Meyer book and I am completely blown away by her imagination. We stan.

The cyberpunk feel was exactly what I needed to become fully immersed within this world.



Our protagonist, Cinder, is a mechanic in the city of New Beijing.

She's also a cyborg, a fact she's kept hidden from the world; the exception being her adoptive family.



She doesn't recall any of her life prior to the operation that resulted in her cyborg status, but has never questioned it much either.

After all, what is the point of trying to remember? The past is the past.



When a highly contagious plague sweeps over the city, her beloved stepsister, Peony, becomes infected.

Peony was visiting a market with Cinder just prior to coming down with the illness, so of course Cinder's wicked Stepmother blames her for Peony's infection.



In the most heinous of acts, one she considers a righteous punishment, the wicked Stepmother donates Cinder to be used for scientific research finding a cure for the disease.

Apparently, in this world, cyborgs are considered no more than property. Add in the fact that people have not been surviving the research process, and it is clear her Stepmother never wants to see Cinder again. She's basically handed her a death sentence.



Cinder feels alone and betrayed, but in a way, she blames herself for Peony's sickness.

Once experimentation begins however, it is revealed that (view spoiler)[Cinder is immune. Something in her body's chemistry destroys the plague immediately. (hide spoiler)] How could that be?



Prince Kai is intrigued with Cinder from the moment he drops off his android at her shop to be repaired. In fact, he asks her to the royal ball, but of course she cannot accept.

The cutest crush ever ensues and once (view spoiler)[ the Prince's father, the Emperor, dies, another victim of the plague, they are pushed together even further. (hide spoiler)]



Our villain, Queen Levana, descends from the moon, otherwise known as the 'planet' Luna. She is an extraordinary enemy with a ton of power, only rivaled by her ambition.

She discovers something about Cinder, before Cinder even knows herself, and will stop at nothing to take her down, as Cinder's true nature threatens Levana's power.



I adored this. I loved all the delicious SciFi elements that somehow paid perfect homage to the original tale.

You could definitely tell this was the story of Cinderella, just bumped far into the future.



I thought the pace was great. I enjoyed Cinder as a character and also loved her relationship with Dr. Erland and Peony; and of course, her android, Iko, who was hilariously sweet.

I cannot wait to continue on with this series. Scarlet is calling to me!