Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) Review

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Puffin

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...

Cinderella set in the future! I love my fairy tales and this is a fantastic interpretation of a classic story. You know the story but the joys in reading this is the differences from the original tale while still keeping to the same spirit. Cinder is a cyborg and as such is legally owned by her stepmother who expects her to support the whole family with her mechanical workshop. However, Cinder has dreams of being free and is a strong woman who just hasn’t been given the chance to grow. I really liked her character and the balance between being a strong character and accepting how her life is a fine one. Her charming prince is a very likeable character, who is going through so much with his Dad’s illness and picking up the reigns of leadership, the idea he is still able to spend time with Cinder makes him seem so ordinary and approachable. Cinder’s sister Peony is very sweet as well while her android friend is a joy to read about.

However, what was the best part of the story for me are the differences to the classic story. The world of New Beijing with the plague causing fear and paranoia, the political uncertainty with the lunar Queen and ambassador, the way cyborgs are treated as second class in the society. This really makes the world come to life and gives great colour and texture to Cinder’s story. I’m really intrigued by the way the world works with the Lunar ‘magical’ skills an interesting twist on mental abilities.

Great world building, likeable characters, intriguing longer arc and a spice of politics make this a very easy to love book and I’m glad I don’t have to wait too long to start reading Scarlet. I’m really curious how the other classic fairy tales are going to weave into Cinder’s story. If you want a fairy tale with a kick, this is a great read.

Recommended for fans of Ever After film and Malinda Lo. 9 out of 10