Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Review of Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Rting: 4.0/5 Stars

“Check my fan, I think I’m overheating.”

Overall, I really enjoyed this introduction to The Lunar Chronicles series and I’ve heard it only gets better. There were some things left to be desired, but it was good, real good. The last 1/4 of the book moved at lightning speed and I could not wait to finish it, but there were points in which it slumped in momentum and overall it was predictable.

That said, I LOVE the sci-fi Cinderella and Snow White retelling aspect of this book! Of course, that aided its predictability, but Meyer’s setting and twist on the story was fun and interesting.

Cinder’s character is great, I found her sarcasm to be entertaining and felt for her when she battled with people’s reactions to her. I was pretty sure about her secret around halfway through the book, but the depth is in the details of it, which are still a mystery. I’m curious to learn more about Cinder’s cyborg-ness and whether there are any more surprises in store for us regarding her.

Kai is the perfect prince charming, but this prince charming is struggling to lead a country, avoid a war and fight a plague. He is faced with some decisions that will cause harm no matter his choice and I hope he is able to find another option than the ones he’s faced with.

“Imagine there was a cure, but finding it would cost you everything. It would completely ruin your life. What would you do?”

I’m interested in seeing Cinder and Kai’s characters grow and to learn more about them. Some of their interactions with each other were forced and a little typical YA, but hey – I still enjoyed it. *shrug* It only gets better, right?

The secondary characters in this story really helped to drive the plot. Queen Levana is the epitome of the Evil Queen and the whole Lunar glamor concept is intriguing. What is it? Where does it come from? Why do some Lunars not have it? DR. ERLAND is the fairy Godmother! Admittedly, it took me awhile to see this, his role was cleverly placed. I hope Cinder has the chance to learn more from him in the future. Adri and Pearl were easy to hate, they really got the evil-stepmother and stepsister part down pat. And sweet, innocent Peony. I am grateful to Meyer for making Peony a friend to Cinder. I cannot imagine how Cinder’s life would have been without her. I’m very curious about Torin and whether there is more to him than meets the eye. Lastly, my favorite character is Iko! I hope to experience more of her quirky personality in the future installments. I got a lot of R2-D2 and WALL-E vibes from her.