Review: Cinder | Marissa Meyer

This review is spoiler free.

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

Series: The Lunar Chronicles
Published: 2012, by Puffin.
Pages: 387
Format: Paperback
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Dystopia, Retellings, Fiction, Fairy Tales
Contains: Death, Violence, War, Blood/Gore, Abuse, Child Abuse, Mutilation

‘Cinder’ follows the story of a girl of the same name, who is a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, whilst hiding her identity as a cyborg. She’s reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s sudden illness, but when her life becomes involved with New Beijing’s future Emperor, she finds herself caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal.

This book has been on my To Read pile for quite a few years now, having discovered it a very long time ago as a university student yet never gotten around to reading it. Finally, the fates felt as if it was time, and I’m so glad that they came to that decision.

Cinder made for a brilliant protagonist, being strong-willed and determined to find a cure for her sister’s illness. It was truly inspiring to read of the relationship she had with her family, it not being the best and yet it never brought her down: it just made her even more determined. She continued to prove her love for her sister time and time again, and that was incredibly admirable of her. And whilst her fate’s were being decided for her, she continued to impress the reader by her strength and devotion towards those she loved.
Iko, however, was my favourite character, being almost the comic relief of the novel with her wit and charm. Her innocence was wonderful to read, managing to melt your heart, whilst her compassion was admirable. She was truly the type of character who made you smile just from her nearby presence in the tale.
Prince Kai was also another favourite of mine, his character development shining through the pages as he accepted his role within the kingdom as emperor and rose up for his beliefs. His relationship with the other characters was wonderful to read, holding your breath with every interaction and ‘aww’ing in delight.

The novel itself is incredibly fast paced, managing to complete in just a few short sittings. The chapters are short, making for easier progress whilst the language was classic Meyer, luring you into the world and captivating you with every sentence. The book is split into different sections, making for a more intriguing read as you reach every plot point in the novel.

Overall, I adored this novel, loving every twist and turn the story evolves into, and I’m desperate to get my hands on the second as soon as possible to venture further into the world of The Lunar Chronicles.

5/5