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sophjoy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Death
susanneverreads's review against another edition
4.0
I am going to be completely honest. I thought this book was going to be added to my DNF list. But yet, I finished it. If it wasn't for the audiobook, it probably would have been DNFed.
This book wasn't exactly what I expected. I knew it was a retelling but I didn't know in what capacity. Just like with the robotic touch, I knew of it but not what to expect.
Now, this book was not boring, even if it felt slow at times. I personally wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't so talked about before. The twist is interesting though, the biggest downfall was the fact I figured it out so quickly. It didn't take long in all honesty when we got certain information to figure out (like within the first 100 - 150 pages). I do wish I wasn't able to figure it out so quickly as it would have made the announcement so much better.
I still am on the fence about finishing the series. I really only finished the book to see if I was right. By doing this, I found myself actually looking forward to reading this book. Currently, I don't plan on finishing the series but who knows.
This book wasn't exactly what I expected. I knew it was a retelling but I didn't know in what capacity. Just like with the robotic touch, I knew of it but not what to expect.
Now, this book was not boring, even if it felt slow at times. I personally wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't so talked about before. The twist is interesting though, the biggest downfall was the fact I figured it out so quickly. It didn't take long in all honesty when we got certain information to figure out (like within the first 100 - 150 pages). I do wish I wasn't able to figure it out so quickly as it would have made the announcement so much better.
I still am on the fence about finishing the series. I really only finished the book to see if I was right. By doing this, I found myself actually looking forward to reading this book. Currently, I don't plan on finishing the series but who knows.
andrearutz98's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
maddie_orart's review against another edition
3.0
Review also posted on Of Reading and Random Things
When I started reading Cinder, I didn’t set high expectations because hyped books usually end in disappointment for me, but I’m happy to say that I actually liked Cinder. I love retellings and I love sci-fi so I think the story worked out pretty well, and even though it took me a long time to finish reading this book (it’s because of classes, but that’s another story), I really enjoyed it.
Just by looking at the title, you’ll know that Cinder is a retelling of Cinderella, so I don’t think I need to explain what the story is about. What makes it different from other retellings is that the story is set in a futuristic New Beijing and Cinder is a cyborg. I thought that the story is highly imaginative and unique, and it breaks the mold of retellings. As much as I love retellings with magic and fantasy worlds and mythical creatures, it does get boring after a while, especially when they’re so similar to each other. I love how Cinder is more than just another Cinderella story, but it encompasses other issues as well, like the politics between the Lunar people and Earthens, and the epidemic outbreak of letumosis.
I think that Cinder is a wonderful character, with wit and sarcasm that doesn’t come across as annoying. She doesn’t act like the typical Cinderella. Despite being mistreated by her evil stepmother (actually, I don’t think stepmother is the right word, but…), Cinder doesn’t sit on her hands and accept it like the other Cinderellas, she actually speaks out and even plans to escape. Also, she’s a cyborg, so that’s cool. I also like how Marissa Meyer lets the romance take the back seat. There’s no proclamation of undying love in Cinder, it’s more like: “hey, do you wanna go to the ball?”(Prince Kai), “Umm…yes not really” (Cinder).
As the first book in a series, Cinder does a wonderful job in making me want to read the next book. I say this because there were many questions in Cinder that made me curious, and want to know more about the world Meyer has created. Like the Lunars, for example. How did they get on the moon in the first place? How did they get theirmagic bioelectric powers of mind-bending? And questions about earth like how did World War IV happen? How many countries are left? Usually, when I read the first book of a series, there is some information about the history of the world in the story. But I didn’t mind the lack of information in Cinder because I enjoyed it nonetheless and I’m definitely going to read Scarlet.
Another question I have about Cinder is: why are cyborgs considered second class citizens/outcasts? Does having robot arms and legs make people less human, or not able to experience human emotions? I find this interesting because Cinder, who is a cyborg, shows more humanity/kindness that some characters who are ‘completely’ human, like her stepmother.
With retellings, it’s easy to guess what’s going to happen next, because it’s usually the same story told in a different way. But because Cinder is only loosely based on the story of Cinderella, it was a little disappointing for me because I guessed the ‘major’ plot twist very, very early in the story. There were too many hints about the whats/wheres/whos/whys so when the truth was revealed, I wasn’t surprised at all. And another thing I have an issue with is the setting of the story. Cinder takes place in New Beijing, so I’m assuming the community is mostly Chinese and they speak the language. But other than the names of the characters and places, it doesn’t feel Asian for me. I wish there is more Chinese/Asian culture in the story because it just reads like any other stories I’ve read before.
In the end, I’m giving Cinder 3.5 stars because despite some issues I had with it, I really do like this book. I find it very creative and easy to read. The story is interesting, and while the world-building could use some improvements, there is definitely great potential in the series. I’ve heard that the series gets better with every book, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. If you’ve read Cinder, I’d love to hear what you think about it!
When I started reading Cinder, I didn’t set high expectations because hyped books usually end in disappointment for me, but I’m happy to say that I actually liked Cinder. I love retellings and I love sci-fi so I think the story worked out pretty well, and even though it took me a long time to finish reading this book (it’s because of classes, but that’s another story), I really enjoyed it.
Just by looking at the title, you’ll know that Cinder is a retelling of Cinderella, so I don’t think I need to explain what the story is about. What makes it different from other retellings is that the story is set in a futuristic New Beijing and Cinder is a cyborg. I thought that the story is highly imaginative and unique, and it breaks the mold of retellings. As much as I love retellings with magic and fantasy worlds and mythical creatures, it does get boring after a while, especially when they’re so similar to each other. I love how Cinder is more than just another Cinderella story, but it encompasses other issues as well, like the politics between the Lunar people and Earthens, and the epidemic outbreak of letumosis.
I think that Cinder is a wonderful character, with wit and sarcasm that doesn’t come across as annoying. She doesn’t act like the typical Cinderella. Despite being mistreated by her evil stepmother (actually, I don’t think stepmother is the right word, but…), Cinder doesn’t sit on her hands and accept it like the other Cinderellas, she actually speaks out and even plans to escape. Also, she’s a cyborg, so that’s cool. I also like how Marissa Meyer lets the romance take the back seat. There’s no proclamation of undying love in Cinder, it’s more like: “hey, do you wanna go to the ball?”(Prince Kai), “Umm…
As the first book in a series, Cinder does a wonderful job in making me want to read the next book. I say this because there were many questions in Cinder that made me curious, and want to know more about the world Meyer has created. Like the Lunars, for example. How did they get on the moon in the first place? How did they get their
Another question I have about Cinder is: why are cyborgs considered second class citizens/outcasts? Does having robot arms and legs make people less human, or not able to experience human emotions? I find this interesting because Cinder, who is a cyborg, shows more humanity/kindness that some characters who are ‘completely’ human, like her stepmother.
With retellings, it’s easy to guess what’s going to happen next, because it’s usually the same story told in a different way. But because Cinder is only loosely based on the story of Cinderella, it was a little disappointing for me because I guessed the ‘major’ plot twist very, very early in the story. There were too many hints about the whats/wheres/whos/whys so when the truth was revealed, I wasn’t surprised at all. And another thing I have an issue with is the setting of the story. Cinder takes place in New Beijing, so I’m assuming the community is mostly Chinese and they speak the language. But other than the names of the characters and places, it doesn’t feel Asian for me. I wish there is more Chinese/Asian culture in the story because it just reads like any other stories I’ve read before.
In the end, I’m giving Cinder 3.5 stars because despite some issues I had with it, I really do like this book. I find it very creative and easy to read. The story is interesting, and while the world-building could use some improvements, there is definitely great potential in the series. I’ve heard that the series gets better with every book, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. If you’ve read Cinder, I’d love to hear what you think about it!
“We have the ability to love each other, no matter our differences. To help each other, no matter our weaknesses.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder
nikki52010's review against another edition
5.0
I had forgotten how much I loved this story. I am so glad I decided to reread the entire series in preparation for Winter. This is one series that I know I can continue to read throughout the years and never tire of.
natalieyanka's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
thepetitepunk's review against another edition
3.0
First read: finished July 2nd, 2014
Second Read: finished June 5th, 2021
Definitely not bad at all. It’s just a very typical YA book. There’s an an unnecessary transphobic joke in it...but yeah. The audiobook was good background noise lol.
Second Read: finished June 5th, 2021
Definitely not bad at all. It’s just a very typical YA book. There’s an an unnecessary transphobic joke in it...but yeah. The audiobook was good background noise lol.
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely needed this after reading a serious book. Some cute parts and ideas. I'd read on for answers when I'm looking for something light-hearted.
kat6724's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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? No
5.0