Lovin' los libros

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)
   by: Marissa Meyer

Publication Date: Jan. 3, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Page Count: 387 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Why did it take me so long to read this book? Because I definitely thought it was so cool! I absolutely loved the storyline. It's awesome to see a fairy tale retelling done like this! I am a big sci-fi lover, so this book really worked for me. We get the classic tale of Cinderella, but with a crazy modern twist! It's set in the future after World War IV in New Beijing (after old Beijing was destroyed in the war). We have entered the world of androids, ID chips, and hovercrafts. The inner geek in me was screaming in excitement. Oh and Cinder? Yeah, she's a cyborg. I will admit at first I was confused. I was like ok, is she a human with cyborg parts? Is she a complete cyborg? (Cause I don't think I'd be into that). Once I figured it out (she's a human with cyborg parts), I felt a lot better because I was having trouble visualizing her. I did find some parts more gripping and engaging than others, but I was interested in enough in the overall story that I found it easy to work through those parts. (Not to mention I've heard a lot of people like Scarlet a lot better, so that was motivation enough to keep going)

Again, the biggest thing I loved is the idea behind the story. We not only have the retelling of Cinderella, but we also have a plague that is raging across New Beijing infecting and killing many, an evil queen that is bent on marrying the prince, and the fear that Lunars (a race of people from the moon who have magical powers) are living in New Beijing. The ending seriously bummed me out and I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on Scarlet!

I really liked Cinder. She was a tough heroine who, while under the guardianship of her 'step-mother', was forced to be obedient and help bring in income for the family. Yet, Cinder has spunk and attitude and I really liked that she wasn't this weak, complacent girl who couldn't take care of herself. She is very much a take charge kind of girl and even when circumstances are not the most ideal for her, she is not a damsel in distress. She is very conscious of the fact that she is different and that cyborgs are not looked too kindly on. It doesn't matter how much of her is cyborg or the fact that she can't even cry- her self consciousness really shows her human side. Cinder gets quite a bit thrown at her in this book. She is dealing with a less than ideal family situation, a prince who has taken an interest in her, and a plague that has taken one very dear to her. What's a simple mechanic to do?

Let's talk romance for a moment. As I said a certain prince has taken an interest in Cinder. Kai is young and handsome. He first meets Cinder at her booth after having heard she is the best mechanic in New Beijing. After a few more chance encounters, Kai invites Cinder to be his personal guest at the ball. I liked that there was no case of insta-love here. In fact, I was often left wondering- does he even really like her at all? Or is he using her to avoid Queen Levana? I know everyone was all like you're going to swoon over Kai... well, I didn't really. Sure, I liked him, but there wasn't enough between the two of them to make me really form an attachment to their 'romance'.

I am definitely looking forward to continuing the series to see how everything is going to take shape. I know we will be introduced to new characters essential to the plot and I am very curious as to the direction in which Meyer will take this series. Again, the storyline alone is enough to keep my interest piqued! Bring on Scarlet!

A big thanks to all the girls doing the #CatchUpClub! I can now finally say I've read this book and not feel left out when people are referring to it!