RATING: 
Genre: Young Adult > Fantasy > Fairy Tales | Sci-Fi > Steampunk
(Cinder #1)
Cinder, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She’s reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen – and a dangerous temptation.
Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth’s future.
*****
I do not read fairy tale spinoffs often. Beastly & A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn were okay but it never sparked my interest to continue reading the same theme. Cinder changed that. The premise is unique and entertaining. Halfway through, I found myself falling for this book… but not quite at the end. I thought it was stretched long, or did the story started to drag on the 2nd half? Maybe. Still, Cinder is worth checking out.
Cinder was not a pushover, but… she does have a slight tendency to cower down (only a few times) because of guilt. Guilt over her sister’s illness. Guilt over her being so different from everyone else. I loved it when she speaks up against her stepmom (such a bully). Cinder as a cyborg helped to take away the idea of “fairy tale Cinderella” per se. Cinder’s sarcasm was also enjoyable. Prince Kai was in all ways charming. And befitting to be the Emperor of East Commonwealth. I thoroughly liked his scenes with Cinder. Electrifying and smile-inducing. =)
The concept of Lunars is the highlight for me. It was exciting to read about these moon people. I love the character of the Lunar queen – so dominant and badass! This sci-fi element was just right, along with the androids and cyborgs. Overall, the story was conceivable. It was a fun read!
Cinder is a good start for a series. The vulnerability brought about by the fairy tale retelling was balanced by the strength portrayed by cyborgs/Lunars. Could “happily ever after” happen to Cinder? I hope so. Let’s see on the next installment, Scarlet. 😉
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Imprint: Feiwel & Friends
Pub Date: 01/03/2012
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s for granting my galley request.
reading is the ultimate aphrodisiac. 
Hi Maria! As for me, I love fairytale spinoffs/fairytale related novels. Recently read Enchanted and I loved it. 🙂 I got this from netgalley too but…wasn’t able to read it. 😦
Glad that you liked it though! Everyone I know loves Cinder – now, including you. I hope to read this soon! Thanks for the great, honest review!
Hi Precious! You’ll definitely love Cinder, then. It is enjoyable 😀 So pick it up already! thanks 🙂
I have been SO hesitant to start this, despite all the fantastic reviews, but I finally got the audiobook and started listening to it on my lunch break – wow, people were not wrong. I was a little put off by the cyborg, science fiction element but even though I know it’s there, it’s not so prevalent that it’s weird. Granted I’m not reading it but the language is fresh and fun, not something I’d expect from science fiction. Can’t wait to listen to the rest of the book!
Hi Candice! I read the eGalley but I listened to an audiobook as well. It was a fun experience! there are flaws, but still it is a fun read. good luck!
I also massively enjoyed this book! I can be a bit skeptical as well when it comes to fairy tale retellings. I was really disappointed in Beastly, but Cinder just sounded so awesome, and I loved it thoroughly!
yey, Vyki! *high five* Cinder is not perfect, but it is enjoyable. Thank you!
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