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A review by anhedonia2
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book carries such sweet nostalgia for me, so my feelings are likely filtered through rose-colored glasses. Technically speaking, Meyer's writing is comfortable and continually kept me on the edge of my seat, breezing through lines to reach the delicious plot development. *chef's kiss* She borrows enough from the Cinderella tale to give you a glimpse into the future, but not so much that your arrival is lackluster.
Personally, I am a sucker for narratives with neglected, ostracized characters. Especially if they are androids (or cyborgs)! AND the main characters are (East) Asian! (I take small issue with the pan-Asia Commonwealth, but for the sake of sci-fi/fantasy worldbuilding and it's minimal involvement in the plot of this installment of the series I can allow it. For now.) The interactions between abuser and the abused are written so accurately and tangibly, they were a little triggering; but the story effectively soothes the wound. And the interactions between Cinder and the people who care about her are sustenance between the many different forms abuse going on...
I ALSO love the transfem subtext so much! I'm not sure this was intentional, but it really solidifies my identification with Cinder. Her worry of her body's perception , preoccupation with the bodies of "real women", insecurities of reproducing...
The cliffhanger ending has also trapped me into planning to read subsequent installments. I so desperately want to see Cinder rebel and get the boy. Well played, Marissa...
Personally, I am a sucker for narratives with neglected, ostracized characters. Especially if they are androids (or cyborgs)! AND the main characters are (East) Asian! (I take small issue with the pan-Asia Commonwealth, but for the sake of sci-fi/fantasy worldbuilding and it's minimal involvement in the plot of this installment of the series I can allow it. For now.) The interactions between abuser and the abused are written so accurately and tangibly, they were a little triggering; but the story effectively soothes the wound. And the interactions between Cinder and the people who care about her are sustenance between the many different forms abuse going on...
I ALSO love the transfem subtext so much! I'm not sure this was intentional, but it really solidifies my identification with Cinder. Her worry of her body's perception , preoccupation with the bodies of "real women", insecurities of reproducing...
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse