Book Description
Series: Lunar Chronicles | Publication Date: January 3, 2012
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.
About the Author
Marissa Meyer was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, home of Almond Roca and Stadium High School, which was made famous when Heath Ledger danced down the stadium steps in 10 Things I Hate About You. Marissa didn’t actually go to Stadium High School, but she did attend Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. She still lives in Tacoma, now with her husband. Cinder is her YA debut.
Details
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312641893
ISBN-13: 978-0312641894
Her step mother would do Disney proud since she is a real cross that Cinder must bare. Cinder’s step sisters are not that bad and she cares for them, especially her younger sister, so when she succumbs to the plague, her step mother blames her and turns her over to the Palace’s scientific community to use her as test subject. She survives her encounter with the testing and while in there, she learns about her true identity. Nope, not gonna give that one away here! There are lots of little twists and turns mixed in with the science fiction details while remaining pretty much true to the Cinderella fable. The Lunar queen is an excellent evil foil to Cinder’s goodness.
I really thought the whole pace of the book was perfect, it kept moving forward at a breakneck pace and when I finished it, I really wanted the next one to find out exactly where Cinder ends up. The world building is quite natural and I was completely swept up in the dialogue and details. Meyer easily mixes old and new technology while blending different cultures into a wonderful place to visit. I am so glad there are more young adult authors making inroads to science fiction with strong female characters. This one is pretty safe for most teens with some mentions of alcohol, a few chaste kisses and some violence which is really nothing more than what kids see on television today.
I tend to stay away from the remakes of fairy tales into YA books, but I can’t help but be kind of intrigued by this one. I’m glad you liked it! I’ll have to find time to read it for sure 🙂 Great review!!
Krista – Nawanda Files
This book was all that are more…great review..hope ya checked out mine too 🙂
Hey, I’ve been curious about this book. I may have to check it out. Great review!
Amber
Fall Into Books
When I first heard of this book I wasn’t really interested but after all the hype and wonderful reviews my curiosity for it has peaked. I will be picking this up in my next book haul. Loved the review.
Omg I can’t wait to start this one I just got my copy last week! Wonderful review!
Giselle
Xpresso Reads
Lovely review. Couldn’t agree more. I thought the pacing was excellent, loved the “world” and that evil Lunar Queen….
Excellent book. Can’t wait for more…
I just bought this book!! So good to hear that you enjoyed it. Can’t wait to read it myself!!! Thanks for sharing your review!!!