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carlisajc's review against another edition
4.0
Cinder by Marissa Meyer is one of the most iconic fairy tale retelling. It’s the story of Cinderella (I hope you were able to figure that out from the title) but with some major differences. Differences which make the book so lovable and unique. So here I am, telling you the reasons why you should read Cinder by Marissa Meyer.
1. Cinder is a cyborg. Sci-fi Cinderella. This is such a unique concept and I love it. It takes place in the future in New Beijing with cyborgs and androids and hovercars. Not exactly the classic horse-drawn carriage scenario.
2. Cinder isn’t the dainty little princess we know and love from Disney. – She’s awesomely sarcastic. She’s a mechanic who isn’t afraid to get dirty. In fact, grease can almost always be found on her face or arms. And she doesn’t need a fairy godmother to save the day. She does it herself. And that’s pretty cool, I think.
3. This quote:
“Vanity is a factor, but it is more a question of control. It is easier to trick others into perceiving you as beautiful if you can convince yourself you are beautiful. But mirrors have an uncanny way of telling the truth.”
4. And this one:
“Cinder twisted up her lips. ‘Do you think it could have a virus?’
‘Maybe her programming was overwhelmed by Prince Kai’s uncanny hotness.’” [lol]
5. And this one:
“They were beautiful. The most beautiful things she’d ever owned. But if there was one thing she knew from years as a mechanic, it was that some stains never came out.”
6. The secondary characters are wonderful. Sometimes the small, secondary characters are my favorites in a book. And in Cinder, I just love Peony and Iko. Peony is one of her step-sisters and Iko is her android. Both have such lovely personalities and Iko, though a robot, is hilarious.
7. Prince Kai. *cough* ‘Nough said.
8. The original fairy tale magic. Even though it’s a retelling and has a lot of new additions, this story still retains the magic that is Cinderella. Fairy tales are classics for a reason. They’re magical stories.
9. At least one of the “Ugly Stepsisters” isn’t so ugly. Like I said before, I love Peony, Cinder’s stepsister. In the classic tale, the sisters are both horrible people…so I like that Meyer kind of changed things a bit. She made one of the sisters lovable and fun and bubbly and sympathetic and just overall wonderful. Peony loved Cinder and Cinder loved Peony. And I think that relationship helped Cinder to become the strong girl she is.
10. Because I said so. Yeah, this should be reason enough…Just kidding, but not really.
1. Cinder is a cyborg. Sci-fi Cinderella. This is such a unique concept and I love it. It takes place in the future in New Beijing with cyborgs and androids and hovercars. Not exactly the classic horse-drawn carriage scenario.
2. Cinder isn’t the dainty little princess we know and love from Disney. – She’s awesomely sarcastic. She’s a mechanic who isn’t afraid to get dirty. In fact, grease can almost always be found on her face or arms. And she doesn’t need a fairy godmother to save the day. She does it herself. And that’s pretty cool, I think.
3. This quote:
“Vanity is a factor, but it is more a question of control. It is easier to trick others into perceiving you as beautiful if you can convince yourself you are beautiful. But mirrors have an uncanny way of telling the truth.”
4. And this one:
“Cinder twisted up her lips. ‘Do you think it could have a virus?’
‘Maybe her programming was overwhelmed by Prince Kai’s uncanny hotness.’” [lol]
5. And this one:
“They were beautiful. The most beautiful things she’d ever owned. But if there was one thing she knew from years as a mechanic, it was that some stains never came out.”
6. The secondary characters are wonderful. Sometimes the small, secondary characters are my favorites in a book. And in Cinder, I just love Peony and Iko. Peony is one of her step-sisters and Iko is her android. Both have such lovely personalities and Iko, though a robot, is hilarious.
7. Prince Kai. *cough* ‘Nough said.
8. The original fairy tale magic. Even though it’s a retelling and has a lot of new additions, this story still retains the magic that is Cinderella. Fairy tales are classics for a reason. They’re magical stories.
9. At least one of the “Ugly Stepsisters” isn’t so ugly. Like I said before, I love Peony, Cinder’s stepsister. In the classic tale, the sisters are both horrible people…so I like that Meyer kind of changed things a bit. She made one of the sisters lovable and fun and bubbly and sympathetic and just overall wonderful. Peony loved Cinder and Cinder loved Peony. And I think that relationship helped Cinder to become the strong girl she is.
10. Because I said so. Yeah, this should be reason enough…Just kidding, but not really.
boo_the_ghost's review against another edition
5.0
Marissa Meyers has convinced me that nothing is cooler than a cyborgs, and secrets. A dear friend of mine suggested that I pick up a copy of Cinder and I’m so glad that I did. With a diverse cast, dynamic and interesting world, and phenomenal writing, Marissa Meyers swept me away into one of the best retelling I’ve ever read.
clowdywings's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars
"She was 36.28 percent not human." (1)
"She could be anyone." (2)
"She was not worth fighting a war over." (3)
"She had to get away. And she knew just how she was going to do it." (4)
-------
Cinder is a sci-fi/fantasy retelling of the classic fairy tale "Cinderella." It takes a commonly known story, adding unique elements and making the old story new again. The characters got a major revamp and exhibit elements that show the novelty of each one. Features and scenes from the original story show up but not quite in the ways you would think they would.
-------
" 'Yeah,' she said, 'Extreme danger. I heard you.' " (5)
Cinder is both the title and the protagonist of the book. She is a skilled mechanic, along with being an adopted orphan who is mistreated by her stepmother and step-sister.
Her voice is featured in the book to be strong, confident, and enduring. Marissa Meyers writes in a flowing straightforward way that introduce readers into her world slowly but steadily. The first paragraph of the book is a great introduction to this new era that is full of action, technology, and humor.
-------
"It's just... you're easy to talk to." (6)
"Take it, he said... "And think of me." (7)
"Would you consider being my personal guest at the ball?" (8)
Kai is New Bejing's Prince. He is smart, thoughtful, and charming. He does not force Cinder into anything, which is a major boost in my eyes. Kai goes through a lot in the book, but stays brave even through hard times.
Cinder and Kai's relationship starts off sweetly but with untold important information. Cinder is lying to the prince, which leads to a disastrous turn for not only the two of them but his country too.
--------
"I am saying you MUST escape." (9)
The stepmother and one of the step sisters were very similar to the original story, being cruel and verbally and emotionally abusive to Cinder. The other step-sister, Peony, is a kind sister who disapproves of her mother and sister's actions. She is madly in love with Prince Kai, which makes her want to go to the Royal ball. But disaster rages in the family, sparking more hatred towards Cinder.
Cinder dreams of a time where she could go to the ball and maybe dance with the prince, but she knows that her stepmother will not let her go.
-----
Overall, I really enjoyed rereading this book again. I was able to find new elements of the classic tale this time through. Along with everything I have mentioned, I have noted that the biochemistry and science included in this book is very close or completely correct.
---------
Quote Locations:
1- page 82
2- page 387
3- page 368
4- page 131
5- page 180
6- page 228
7- page 297
8- page 164
9- page 328
"She was 36.28 percent not human." (1)
"She could be anyone." (2)
"She was not worth fighting a war over." (3)
"She had to get away. And she knew just how she was going to do it." (4)
-------
Cinder is a sci-fi/fantasy retelling of the classic fairy tale "Cinderella." It takes a commonly known story, adding unique elements and making the old story new again. The characters got a major revamp and exhibit elements that show the novelty of each one. Features and scenes from the original story show up but not quite in the ways you would think they would.
-------
" 'Yeah,' she said, 'Extreme danger. I heard you.' " (5)
Cinder is both the title and the protagonist of the book. She is a skilled mechanic, along with being an adopted orphan who is mistreated by her stepmother and step-sister.
Her voice is featured in the book to be strong, confident, and enduring. Marissa Meyers writes in a flowing straightforward way that introduce readers into her world slowly but steadily. The first paragraph of the book is a great introduction to this new era that is full of action, technology, and humor.
-------
"It's just... you're easy to talk to." (6)
"Take it, he said... "And think of me." (7)
"Would you consider being my personal guest at the ball?" (8)
Kai is New Bejing's Prince. He is smart, thoughtful, and charming. He does not force Cinder into anything, which is a major boost in my eyes. Kai goes through a lot in the book, but stays brave even through hard times.
Cinder and Kai's relationship starts off sweetly but with untold important information. Cinder is lying to the prince, which leads to a disastrous turn for not only the two of them but his country too.
--------
"I am saying you MUST escape." (9)
The stepmother and one of the step sisters were very similar to the original story, being cruel and verbally and emotionally abusive to Cinder. The other step-sister, Peony, is a kind sister who disapproves of her mother and sister's actions. She is madly in love with Prince Kai, which makes her want to go to the Royal ball. But disaster rages in the family, sparking more hatred towards Cinder.
Cinder dreams of a time where she could go to the ball and maybe dance with the prince, but she knows that her stepmother will not let her go.
-----
Overall, I really enjoyed rereading this book again. I was able to find new elements of the classic tale this time through. Along with everything I have mentioned, I have noted that the biochemistry and science included in this book is very close or completely correct.
---------
Quote Locations:
1- page 82
2- page 387
3- page 368
4- page 131
5- page 180
6- page 228
7- page 297
8- page 164
9- page 328
greenknightemrys's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
lovely_fantasy's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
brisingr's review against another edition
3.0
More like a 3.5 stars out of 5, though.
Ok, I was in the mood for a light read and since usually this also equals YA books, this is what I decided to read. I also have a burning passion for fairy tales, and if those are twisted, than even better.
The world has been 126 years in peace, after World War IV. Cinder is a mechanic in New Beijing, the reconstructed capital of the nation now known as Commonwealth. Her best friend is a robot and she loves her little sister. She doesn't try to think too much about prince Kaito, everyone's secret not-so-secret love, or the plague that kills the population of Earth. Instead, she dreams of escaping, and as usual, her dreams are not something that become reality.
This was everything that I expected from a YA book. Really, I don't think I can come with any other way to describe my experience with Cinder. The setting and time was, though, pretty interesting and I enjoyed reading about this new world, so very changed from the original fairy tale we know. I can at least give this to the author, it was an unique world. And yes, I might have a soft spot for retellings.
Unfortunately, plot wise, it was a disappointment. It was horribly predictable, I could tell the main plot key from the first 50 pages, which kind of takes from the enjoyment of continuing reading. And given that you already have some things you have to keep in mind, since it's a retelling, I feel like the author already took a lot of freedom with this story. I got it that it was supposed to be action-packed and with all the political intrigues and fights for power, but if she decided to write about several themes, then at least develop them equally. Because god, the romance was so, so horrible. I couldn't see any development, any way in which they could fall in love with each other! It simply was not believable, under no circumstances I will accept their feelings as real. Uhm, no, thanks, take the romance from me. I would have loved to see more of Cinder's relationship with her sister, because really, we need more female relationships in books as in general.
You know how in the classical tale Cinderella has the lil mices around her? Here, Cinder has a very opinionated robot named Iko, and Iko was my favorite character. It says a lot about how much I disliked the more human characters in this book. I couldn't personally connect with any of the characters, they weren't developed enough for me to see something worhty in them (even in prince Kaito, I felt he was the common perfect boy trope and I just couldn't like him, no matter how gentlemanish he was or how much he smiled). Cinder was somewhat likeable, but even that was washed away. Iko was literally the only one who seemed human of all of them. Kind of sad.
I would have also liked for the emotional scenes to actually be emotional?? Like, ok, this sad thing happends but... If I, as a reader, can't feel it, then what's the purpose of it? Some scenes came as excuses for the behaviour of some characters, others were just there. I would have expected more feelings and more displayed emotions from both Cinder and Kai in their past tragedies.
I appreciated the humour though, those parts I really liked. Also the sarcastic comments.
But overall it was a nice read. It got me interested and kept me interested through the read, I had fun and enjoyed myself while reading it and although a little bit slow in places, I was so giddy over the last 30-40 pages! Apparently I do enjoy my books to be action-packed or at least to bring me something to gasp at every other page. Those pages were actually the ones where I actually cared what was happening with the characters.
It also ends in a clifhanger and I decided I will continue on with the series, whenever I am in the mood for a light and mostly fun read. I hope the next volumes will get better and I am pretty curious to see what will happen next. 3 stars overall, the 0.5 was added after those sparks at the end. Not the end-end, because that felt sour and I didn't particulary enjoy those last 2 chapters. But the 5-6 before those, yep, those I really liked.
Ok, I was in the mood for a light read and since usually this also equals YA books, this is what I decided to read. I also have a burning passion for fairy tales, and if those are twisted, than even better.
The world has been 126 years in peace, after World War IV. Cinder is a mechanic in New Beijing, the reconstructed capital of the nation now known as Commonwealth. Her best friend is a robot and she loves her little sister. She doesn't try to think too much about prince Kaito, everyone's secret not-so-secret love, or the plague that kills the population of Earth. Instead, she dreams of escaping, and as usual, her dreams are not something that become reality.
This was everything that I expected from a YA book. Really, I don't think I can come with any other way to describe my experience with Cinder. The setting and time was, though, pretty interesting and I enjoyed reading about this new world, so very changed from the original fairy tale we know. I can at least give this to the author, it was an unique world. And yes, I might have a soft spot for retellings.
Unfortunately, plot wise, it was a disappointment. It was horribly predictable, I could tell the main plot key from the first 50 pages, which kind of takes from the enjoyment of continuing reading. And given that you already have some things you have to keep in mind, since it's a retelling, I feel like the author already took a lot of freedom with this story. I got it that it was supposed to be action-packed and with all the political intrigues and fights for power, but if she decided to write about several themes, then at least develop them equally. Because god, the romance was so, so horrible. I couldn't see any development, any way in which they could fall in love with each other! It simply was not believable, under no circumstances I will accept their feelings as real. Uhm, no, thanks, take the romance from me. I would have loved to see more of Cinder's relationship with her sister, because really, we need more female relationships in books as in general.
You know how in the classical tale Cinderella has the lil mices around her? Here, Cinder has a very opinionated robot named Iko, and Iko was my favorite character. It says a lot about how much I disliked the more human characters in this book. I couldn't personally connect with any of the characters, they weren't developed enough for me to see something worhty in them (even in prince Kaito, I felt he was the common perfect boy trope and I just couldn't like him, no matter how gentlemanish he was or how much he smiled). Cinder was somewhat likeable, but even that was washed away. Iko was literally the only one who seemed human of all of them. Kind of sad.
I would have also liked for the emotional scenes to actually be emotional?? Like, ok, this sad thing happends but... If I, as a reader, can't feel it, then what's the purpose of it? Some scenes came as excuses for the behaviour of some characters, others were just there. I would have expected more feelings and more displayed emotions from both Cinder and Kai in their past tragedies.
I appreciated the humour though, those parts I really liked. Also the sarcastic comments.
But overall it was a nice read. It got me interested and kept me interested through the read, I had fun and enjoyed myself while reading it and although a little bit slow in places, I was so giddy over the last 30-40 pages! Apparently I do enjoy my books to be action-packed or at least to bring me something to gasp at every other page. Those pages were actually the ones where I actually cared what was happening with the characters.
It also ends in a clifhanger and I decided I will continue on with the series, whenever I am in the mood for a light and mostly fun read. I hope the next volumes will get better and I am pretty curious to see what will happen next. 3 stars overall, the 0.5 was added after those sparks at the end. Not the end-end, because that felt sour and I didn't particulary enjoy those last 2 chapters. But the 5-6 before those, yep, those I really liked.
outoftheblue14's review against another edition
5.0
How much do I love fairy tale retelling? Let me tell you: a lot. I particularly like Cinderella retellings. I don't know why, but this is by far my favourite fairy tale to be retold. And what better than Cinderella with cyborgs? Yeah. Cyborgs.
In the future, New Beijing is peopled by humans and cyborgs living together, even though cyborgs are still considered second-class citizens. So is Cinder, a seventeen-year-old cyborg who works as a mechanic and lives with her stepmother, who can barely stand her, and two stepsisters. When her younger stepsister falls terminally ill with the illness that is decimating New Beijing, Cinder's stepmother tries to sell her as guinea pig to find a cure. At the hospital, though, the scientist in charge will discover an incredible truth about Cinder's past and offer her to cooperate with his team.
Due to her job, Cinder also gets to meet Prince Kai, the heir to the throne. He's under a lot of stress to find a bride and about to get coronated, as his father is dying. To keep intergalactic peace, Kai is pressured to get engaged to the queen of the Moon, ruthless and scheming Queen Levana. But he's far more attracted to Cinder herself.
I loved this book, especially the two main characters. Cinder is strong and determined. Her relationship to her younger stepsister is tender and sweet, and especially heartbreaking when the girl gets ill, since Cinder blames herself. The chemistry between Cinder and Kai was so strong it made the air sizzle. Their almost-kiss in the elevator... sweet heavens. I also loved it that Kai is a generous person and wants to do what is best for his people, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. This novel has dystopian undertones, but that is because of the epidemic threatening the whole population, not because the governants are corrupt.
On the other hand, I must say that the big revelation coming at the end of the book was quite predictable, or at least, I was able to see it coming ever since the alternative heir to the Moon throne was mentioned. Still, it's a good, enchanting book. I loved the ball scene, when Cinder enters the ballroom in her ruined dress and is acknowledged as the prince's personal guest.
And Princess Selene of the Moon kingdom? Sailor Moon reference, anyone? Hehehehehehehe.
I'd recommend this book if you love a good, inventive fairy tale retelling; if you like sweet romances; and if you don't mind the story being a bit predictable. I promise it makes up for it. Too bad it is the first book in a series (of three? Four books?), so you are left wondering what happens next to our favourite cyborg. I understand the next books are supposed to focus on different fairy tale retellings, while continuing Cinder's story. The next book will be titled Scarlett. I'm confused about the fairy tale it's supposed to be about. Little Red Riding Hood, maybe.
Cover attraction: I love the detail of the iron parts in her leg and the red shoe. I also like the font of the title. It looks... lunar to me. I've also included in this post the Italian and Spanish covers. The Italian cover is a very pretty lilac, and I love the moon in the shadows that you can see in the background. The little stars on the "C" of Cinder are also very pretty. Under the title, you can read, "In the future, too, stories begin with Once upon a time...". I'm not a big fan of the girl on the cover, though. With hair like that, she looks more like medusa to me than cyborg, and she's very different from what I imagined Cinder to look like. She's way too girly. Isn't Cinder some sort of a tomboy? (And no, even if the book is out in Italian already, I didn't read it in translation. I requested if through inter-library loan, but the queue was so long I wanted to bang my head against the wall in frustration.)
The Spanish cover is also very pretty. Maybe the prettiest cover of them all. It's very feminine, and I love the detail of her ball gown, but there's still a hint of her being a cyborg in the exposed leg. I love the red bow on the back of her skirt which recalls the red font of the author's name. Very nicely done.
In the future, New Beijing is peopled by humans and cyborgs living together, even though cyborgs are still considered second-class citizens. So is Cinder, a seventeen-year-old cyborg who works as a mechanic and lives with her stepmother, who can barely stand her, and two stepsisters. When her younger stepsister falls terminally ill with the illness that is decimating New Beijing, Cinder's stepmother tries to sell her as guinea pig to find a cure. At the hospital, though, the scientist in charge will discover an incredible truth about Cinder's past and offer her to cooperate with his team.
Due to her job, Cinder also gets to meet Prince Kai, the heir to the throne. He's under a lot of stress to find a bride and about to get coronated, as his father is dying. To keep intergalactic peace, Kai is pressured to get engaged to the queen of the Moon, ruthless and scheming Queen Levana. But he's far more attracted to Cinder herself.
I loved this book, especially the two main characters. Cinder is strong and determined. Her relationship to her younger stepsister is tender and sweet, and especially heartbreaking when the girl gets ill, since Cinder blames herself. The chemistry between Cinder and Kai was so strong it made the air sizzle. Their almost-kiss in the elevator... sweet heavens. I also loved it that Kai is a generous person and wants to do what is best for his people, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. This novel has dystopian undertones, but that is because of the epidemic threatening the whole population, not because the governants are corrupt.
On the other hand, I must say that the big revelation coming at the end of the book was quite predictable, or at least, I was able to see it coming ever since the alternative heir to the Moon throne was mentioned. Still, it's a good, enchanting book. I loved the ball scene, when Cinder enters the ballroom in her ruined dress and is acknowledged as the prince's personal guest.
And Princess Selene of the Moon kingdom? Sailor Moon reference, anyone? Hehehehehehehe.
I'd recommend this book if you love a good, inventive fairy tale retelling; if you like sweet romances; and if you don't mind the story being a bit predictable. I promise it makes up for it. Too bad it is the first book in a series (of three? Four books?), so you are left wondering what happens next to our favourite cyborg. I understand the next books are supposed to focus on different fairy tale retellings, while continuing Cinder's story. The next book will be titled Scarlett. I'm confused about the fairy tale it's supposed to be about. Little Red Riding Hood, maybe.
Cover attraction: I love the detail of the iron parts in her leg and the red shoe. I also like the font of the title. It looks... lunar to me. I've also included in this post the Italian and Spanish covers. The Italian cover is a very pretty lilac, and I love the moon in the shadows that you can see in the background. The little stars on the "C" of Cinder are also very pretty. Under the title, you can read, "In the future, too, stories begin with Once upon a time...". I'm not a big fan of the girl on the cover, though. With hair like that, she looks more like medusa to me than cyborg, and she's very different from what I imagined Cinder to look like. She's way too girly. Isn't Cinder some sort of a tomboy? (And no, even if the book is out in Italian already, I didn't read it in translation. I requested if through inter-library loan, but the queue was so long I wanted to bang my head against the wall in frustration.)
The Spanish cover is also very pretty. Maybe the prettiest cover of them all. It's very feminine, and I love the detail of her ball gown, but there's still a hint of her being a cyborg in the exposed leg. I love the red bow on the back of her skirt which recalls the red font of the author's name. Very nicely done.
didireadthat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is nothing like I thought I was going to be. It’s a great sci-fi retelling of Cinderella, an easy and entertaining read that I will definitely continue recommending.
evjohn13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
queen_perfection's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0