Goodreads Blurb: 

My Review:

Okay, this book took me by surprise. I hesitated reading Cinder for so long! I love fairytale retellings, but the idea of a fairytale retelling with sci-fi elements intimidated me. I kept seeing the Lunar Chronicles everywhere and went “Meh, a dystopian fairytale retelling? Not my thing” lol jokes on me, I am now obsessed. I quickly fell in love with the characters and the storyline. 

The story is set during the 3rd Era, the period after the 4th World War, in the futuristic city of New Beijing. In the series, Asia is an empire known as the Eastern Commonwealth and this is where our protagonist lives. After surviving a tragic accident, Linh Cinder had to undergo surgery that wired her internal organs to her body and gave her a prosthetic hand and foot- thus making her a cyborg. In the 3rd Era, cyborgs aren't allowed the same rights as humans, mostly because their “additions” give them unnatural strength and capabilities. Cinder stays with her nightmare of a stepmother Linh Adri and her two daughters, Pearl and Peony. Linh Pearl as expected is arrogant and selfish but Peony, on the other hand, is an absolute angel! There's another important member and that's Iko! Cinder's android, who's funny, adorable and incredibly smart. She's one of my favourite fictional characters ever! To support the family and herself financially, Cinder runs a workshop and works as a mechanic. She's the best one in all of New Beijing- so reputed that the heir to the throne, Prince Kai sought her out and requested her services to fix his android. Let me just say that from that point on, her life was never the same. And no, they don't fall in love right away which is the best part, in my opinion! I'm not a fan of insta-love, so I'm glad to see some slow-burn action. The next set of events that follow uncover some shocking hidden truths and turbulent episodes- all of which, she is the centre of. On top of it all, The Earth, especially the Eastern Commonwealth is plagued with a deadly disease called Letumosis, of which there is no vaccine or cure- relatable because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The star for me was the characters. I loved how fleshed out they were, enabling us to truly understand their personalities and intentions. My favourites were Iko, Cinder, Kai and Doctor Erland. On the other hand, I couldn't stand Adri and Queen Levana. Especially Queen Levana. The world-building was amazing, the Lunar Chronicles would be perfect for an animated series! If there's a producer out there reading this, PLEASE ANIMATE THE LUNAR CHRONICLES, I beg!! The book was predictable, for sure. A few pages in, I could already map out the whole story. However, it was still a joy to see it all unfold. 

To sum it all up, Cinder might not be one that's on your radar, but it definitely should be. Though predictable, it is still so much fun! You’ll quickly fall in love with their characters and the dystopian feel of it all. The book ends with a cliffhanger, you’ll no doubt want to pick Scarlet (Book 2) right away. Marissa's writing is very easy to read and most importantly-clean! Making her one of my favourite YA authors. 

If you're interested in the following elements/tropes, Cinder is the book for you! 

• marriage of convenience 

• hidden identity

 • chosen one 

• pandemic setting 

• diverse characters 

• Asian representation