Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

     

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer

Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
Pages: 384

Publisher: Puffin
Release Date: January 5th 2012 (UK)
Source: For Review
Rating: 5 stars
100 Book challenge: #2

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 

In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.

I was so excited to get this book for review but for some reason when I did have it, I was a little hesitant to start it. I am kicking myself for holding off as this book was INCREDIBLE. The concept is so unique and the writing and plot was phenomenal. I don't quite know what genre to describe it as because it fits in to so many different categories. It is a bit of dystopia, steampunk, romance, fantasy. It just wowed me.

Cinder is a cyborg, left to live with her guardian Adri, after the man who brought her home died. Cyborgs are of a lower class in society and when Peony, Cinder's stepsister, catches the plague, Cinder is seen as responsible. Whilst this is going on, Cinder becomes acquainted with the prince and an unusual relationship surfaces.

I loved Cinder as a character. She was loyal, strong and hotheaded. I would rather read about this 'Cinderella' any day. Prince Kai was lovely. He was just so normal and real and I loved that about him. I also adored how their relationship didn't start with "OMG HE IS SO HOT. I WANT TO RIP HIS CLOTHES OFF". There was a development of feelings, just like in real life.

The plot was amazing. I did suspect the major twist from early on but this didn't bother me at all. Watching it unfold provided so much satisfaction that I couldn't care less that I knew what may happen. Despite knowing what the twist was, there were still mysteries and the ending provided me with plenty of surprise. 

I could gush and gush but I shall stop. I loved everything. The ending was left fairly open and a lot was left unresolved. The next book in the series is about Little Red Riding Hood so I am not sure if any of the loose ends in Cinder will ever be tied up. I will be rather disappointed if this is the case though.

All in all, Cinder is an incredible debut. The standard of 2012 debuts are incredibly high and if this is any judge of what to expect for the year I am so in! Go buy it. No, really. Like, right now. GO!