rubylovesu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
edelm's review against another edition
4.0
Full review up on my blog: The Irish Bookworm
Cinder is one of those books that you hear about EVERYWHERE, and when I heard it was a re-telling of Cinderella with cyborgs I was incredibly intrigued. I was looking for something that was different and not your everyday YA book and Cinder did not disappoint me there.
Lately, I have been disliking the female protagonists in the books I have been reading. They are usually far too reliant on male characters or are spoilt/pathetic/shallow etc. Thankfully Cinder was none of these things. I really liked the character of Cinder as she was strong and independent. She wasn't the usual YA protagonist that swoons every time she sees her crush. Cinder sticks to her guns and her motivations are not selfish. Her actions do not revolve around Prince Kai but more so what she knows is the right thing to do. She makes level headed decisions and doesn't lose her mind because of her crush on the Prince.
This brings me on to the romance. Being a YA book and a re-telling of Cinderella there is obviously going to be a romance, however, this one did not overshadow the plot line of the story. THANKFULLY. Now, the romance was a little rushed but it was not the be all and end all and, in fact, even though the feelings Cinder and Kai had for each other progressed very quickly, the romance itself didn't.
Now, while I really enjoyed the character of Cinder I was not too fond of Prince Kai. Now don't get me wrong he seems like a nice guy but I guess that is the problem, he seemed too nice. He was a little too boring for my liking. I loved the character of Iko. She was quirky and fun and basically the perfect sidekick for Cinder, who is far too serious. The Lunars were also incredibly interesting characters with the Queen of the Lunars playing the perfect antagonist.
One tiny little aspect I had a problem with was the setting. This story was set in New Beijing, which I was excited for as not many books are set in such locations. Unfortunately, this book, literally, could have been anywhere. To be honest I kept imagining the place like an American city (why American? Probably because most of the books I read and tv series I watch are set in America). However, this wasn't really a major problem for me, but if you are looking for an Asian setting, this book will probably not be for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot line and found it so refreshing from what I usually read. This is my first cyborg read and I would definitely pick up more after reading this. This was a really enjoyable read for me and so I give it 4 stars.
Cinder is one of those books that you hear about EVERYWHERE, and when I heard it was a re-telling of Cinderella with cyborgs I was incredibly intrigued. I was looking for something that was different and not your everyday YA book and Cinder did not disappoint me there.
Lately, I have been disliking the female protagonists in the books I have been reading. They are usually far too reliant on male characters or are spoilt/pathetic/shallow etc. Thankfully Cinder was none of these things. I really liked the character of Cinder as she was strong and independent. She wasn't the usual YA protagonist that swoons every time she sees her crush. Cinder sticks to her guns and her motivations are not selfish. Her actions do not revolve around Prince Kai but more so what she knows is the right thing to do. She makes level headed decisions and doesn't lose her mind because of her crush on the Prince.
This brings me on to the romance. Being a YA book and a re-telling of Cinderella there is obviously going to be a romance, however, this one did not overshadow the plot line of the story. THANKFULLY. Now, the romance was a little rushed but it was not the be all and end all and, in fact, even though the feelings Cinder and Kai had for each other progressed very quickly, the romance itself didn't.
Now, while I really enjoyed the character of Cinder I was not too fond of Prince Kai. Now don't get me wrong he seems like a nice guy but I guess that is the problem, he seemed too nice. He was a little too boring for my liking. I loved the character of Iko. She was quirky and fun and basically the perfect sidekick for Cinder, who is far too serious. The Lunars were also incredibly interesting characters with the Queen of the Lunars playing the perfect antagonist.
One tiny little aspect I had a problem with was the setting. This story was set in New Beijing, which I was excited for as not many books are set in such locations. Unfortunately, this book, literally, could have been anywhere. To be honest I kept imagining the place like an American city (why American? Probably because most of the books I read and tv series I watch are set in America). However, this wasn't really a major problem for me, but if you are looking for an Asian setting, this book will probably not be for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot line and found it so refreshing from what I usually read. This is my first cyborg read and I would definitely pick up more after reading this. This was a really enjoyable read for me and so I give it 4 stars.
mermaidmaity's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
aburnss's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a fun escape read, the narration was fantastic!
It was very clear that the book is intended for a younger audience, especially in some of the swooning language of the romance. I was also bummed that the plot "twist" could be clearly seen from early on in the book.
I enjoyed the stream punk new age world of Cinder. It was clearly a fairytale version of a dystopian world- way more lighthearted / less graphic than I'm used to. Which was fun to read.. but also I don't think I was the target demographic.
The book was clearly setting up for more of the series. I enjoyed this read but don't see myself continuing the series any further.
It was very clear that the book is intended for a younger audience, especially in some of the swooning language of the romance. I was also bummed that the plot "twist" could be clearly seen from early on in the book.
I enjoyed the stream punk new age world of Cinder. It was clearly a fairytale version of a dystopian world- way more lighthearted / less graphic than I'm used to. Which was fun to read.. but also I don't think I was the target demographic.
Spoiler
I thought the magic / science system of Lunar people could have been used more throughout the story, and maybe it is a bigger element of the later books. The idea of mind control limited by direct sight was cool and I wish there was more clarity of how Cinder started to discover her power towards the end of the book. It felt like a missed opportunity. The society treating cyborgs as sub human was also bizarre, since humans use prosthetics all the time. It would have been cool to dive into the levels of being a cyborg, and potential discovering levels of discrimination based on the amount of the body replaced. Possibly more mature topics but I feel like YA readers could handle it.The book was clearly setting up for more of the series. I enjoyed this read but don't see myself continuing the series any further.
rubyshmuby's review against another edition
4.0
Cinder is really interesting and normally I'm not one for retellings but this was fantastic. I relate to Cinder's hate for her stepmother and how powerful Queen Levana can me...I always look for the relatable or understandable quality in books. Kai is an awesome character and I can totally see why Peony is crushing on him..he reminds me of Maxon in The Selection. As for Cinder, well she's a total, full-out tomboy. And, I absolutely LOVE it that she's a mechanic. I think this book and the characters were great! Amazing book!
irisinbooks's review
4.0
It's so interesting reading this a few years later,
I enjoyed it a lot more I think
I enjoyed it a lot more I think
a_book_addict's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating: 4.5
I'm going to be honest here. I was really reluctant to read this book. Despite all the amazing reviews that this books has had, and how many booktubers have mentioned this book and how much they loved it, it never really grabbed my attention. Sure, it sounded cool but it didn't really interest me.
Now that I have read it I'm sitting here scolding myself for not having read it sooner! It's amazing, not the best book in the world but still fantastic! The author did a great job of recreating Cinderella and bring the whole cyborg aspect into it.
The only thing that disappointed me a little is that about half way through the book it became kinda obvious to me that Cinder was really the princess. I don't know if any one else figured it out earlier, but it frustrated me a little. I wish it would have come as a bit more of a shock, but still a great twist in the story.
I'm hoping to pick up the second book in the series soon.
I'm going to be honest here. I was really reluctant to read this book. Despite all the amazing reviews that this books has had, and how many booktubers have mentioned this book and how much they loved it, it never really grabbed my attention. Sure, it sounded cool but it didn't really interest me.
Now that I have read it I'm sitting here scolding myself for not having read it sooner! It's amazing, not the best book in the world but still fantastic! The author did a great job of recreating Cinderella and bring the whole cyborg aspect into it.
The only thing that disappointed me a little is that about half way through the book it became kinda obvious to me that Cinder was really the princess. I don't know if any one else figured it out earlier, but it frustrated me a little. I wish it would have come as a bit more of a shock, but still a great twist in the story.
I'm hoping to pick up the second book in the series soon.
artyemis's review against another edition
4.0
“Even in the Future the Story Begins with Once Upon a Time.”
Lo avevo nella mia lista di libri da leggere da un pezzo ma non lo volevo cominciare perché mi ero fatta un'idea completamente sbagliata su questo libro e mi aspettavo che non mi piacesse/prendesse poi molto. Poi un'amica mi ha detto che lo aveva appena finito e che meritava, quindi l'ho preso in mano e devo ammettere che lo avevo giudicato troppo in fretta.
Alcune cose sono decisamente troppo scontate (Cinder che è una lunare, o ancora meglio che è la principessa lo avevamo capito subito TUTTI fin dalle primissime pagine ammettetelo) e quando un colpo di scena è scontato per me non rientra più nemmeno nei colpi di scena ma va beh.
Il mondo di Cinder è incredibilmente dettagliato e complesso per uno YA, anche se i personaggi che girano attorno a Cinder non sono veramente approfonditi non sono nemmeno accennati e basta come succede nella maggior parte dei libri YA e questa è cosa buona e giusta. Il love interest di Cinder non mi ha entusiasmato (non è stato nemmeno odio a prima vista quindi immagino sia già qualcosa!). Devo ammettere che il principe Kai ha un che di... noioso. Non sembra in grado di regnare, ed anche se è piuttosto giovane e non era pronto all'improvvisa morte del padre è stato comunque tirato su tutta la sua vita come unico figlio del Re quindi sapeva che prima o poi avrebbe regnato quindi vederlo titubante ed indeciso su ogni decisione mi fa un po' storcere il naso. Come mi sa di ingenuità ogni cosa che fa, ad esempio dire tutto a Cinder che non conosce nemmeno semplicemente perché si interessa a lei. Cinder è in buona fede ok ma questo lui non lo poteva di certo sapere. E se fosse stata una spia lunare? infondo sapeva perfettamente che di spie a palazzo ce ne erano. La loro storia d'amore in generale non mi ha mai preso troppo: lui sembrava troppo preso da lei improvvisamente e senza quasi motivo, e lei pure. Insomma se fino a ieri non sapevi quasi chi fosse e ridevi delle tue sorelle per la loro infatuazione per lui come mai ora gli muori addosso ogni volta che si avvicina? avrei voluto che sviluppassero questo sentimento in maniera più... reale.
Mi è piaciuto molto come Marissa Meyer è riuscita ad integrare i pezzi della fiaba di Cenerentola nel suo libro, con tanto di piede meccanico perso al posto della scarpetta. Lihn Cinder infatti è un personaggio molto più interessante della Cenerentola della fiaba, ed appena letta la trama del libro non ci avrei mai scommesso. Insomma una Cenerentola meccanico ed oltretutto cyborg? beh si, ed anche se non sembra devo ammettere che è stata una gran bella idea e che Cinder è stata un personaggio piacevole per tutto il libro senza risultare mai troppo forzata nella sua parte di eroina della storia. L'unica cosa negativa che posso trovarle è che è un po' tocca. Si perché le danno sempre un sacco di informazioni grazie a cui ogni lettore arriva a capire la soluzione, ma lei non ci arriva mai. Anzi quando le danno la soluzione è sconvolta, insomma così la fa solo passare per un po' stupidina e non credo fosse quella l'intenzione.
Leggerò sicuramente il seguito e mi aspetto grandi cose.
Lo avevo nella mia lista di libri da leggere da un pezzo ma non lo volevo cominciare perché mi ero fatta un'idea completamente sbagliata su questo libro e mi aspettavo che non mi piacesse/prendesse poi molto. Poi un'amica mi ha detto che lo aveva appena finito e che meritava, quindi l'ho preso in mano e devo ammettere che lo avevo giudicato troppo in fretta.
Alcune cose sono decisamente troppo scontate (Cinder che è una lunare, o ancora meglio che è la principessa lo avevamo capito subito TUTTI fin dalle primissime pagine ammettetelo) e quando un colpo di scena è scontato per me non rientra più nemmeno nei colpi di scena ma va beh.
Il mondo di Cinder è incredibilmente dettagliato e complesso per uno YA, anche se i personaggi che girano attorno a Cinder non sono veramente approfonditi non sono nemmeno accennati e basta come succede nella maggior parte dei libri YA e questa è cosa buona e giusta. Il love interest di Cinder non mi ha entusiasmato (non è stato nemmeno odio a prima vista quindi immagino sia già qualcosa!). Devo ammettere che il principe Kai ha un che di... noioso. Non sembra in grado di regnare, ed anche se è piuttosto giovane e non era pronto all'improvvisa morte del padre è stato comunque tirato su tutta la sua vita come unico figlio del Re quindi sapeva che prima o poi avrebbe regnato quindi vederlo titubante ed indeciso su ogni decisione mi fa un po' storcere il naso. Come mi sa di ingenuità ogni cosa che fa, ad esempio dire tutto a Cinder che non conosce nemmeno semplicemente perché si interessa a lei. Cinder è in buona fede ok ma questo lui non lo poteva di certo sapere. E se fosse stata una spia lunare? infondo sapeva perfettamente che di spie a palazzo ce ne erano. La loro storia d'amore in generale non mi ha mai preso troppo: lui sembrava troppo preso da lei improvvisamente e senza quasi motivo, e lei pure. Insomma se fino a ieri non sapevi quasi chi fosse e ridevi delle tue sorelle per la loro infatuazione per lui come mai ora gli muori addosso ogni volta che si avvicina? avrei voluto che sviluppassero questo sentimento in maniera più... reale.
Mi è piaciuto molto come Marissa Meyer è riuscita ad integrare i pezzi della fiaba di Cenerentola nel suo libro, con tanto di piede meccanico perso al posto della scarpetta. Lihn Cinder infatti è un personaggio molto più interessante della Cenerentola della fiaba, ed appena letta la trama del libro non ci avrei mai scommesso. Insomma una Cenerentola meccanico ed oltretutto cyborg? beh si, ed anche se non sembra devo ammettere che è stata una gran bella idea e che Cinder è stata un personaggio piacevole per tutto il libro senza risultare mai troppo forzata nella sua parte di eroina della storia. L'unica cosa negativa che posso trovarle è che è un po' tocca. Si perché le danno sempre un sacco di informazioni grazie a cui ogni lettore arriva a capire la soluzione, ma lei non ci arriva mai. Anzi quando le danno la soluzione è sconvolta, insomma così la fa solo passare per un po' stupidina e non credo fosse quella l'intenzione.
Leggerò sicuramente il seguito e mi aspetto grandi cose.
racheldare14's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lawbooks600's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Representation: Asian main character
Score: Seven points out of ten.
So. This was originally going to be the first book I would read from Marissa Meyer. It's now the third after I read Renegades and then Gilded. I enjoyed both, but I'm not rushing to finish the series, and that also applies to the Cinder series since Meyer, as far as I know, can't write immersive world-building or relatable characters. I can't connect to Cinder, Peony or any other characters. It starts with the main character, Linh Cinder, or Cinder for short, a mechanic who lives in New Beijing in the Eastern Commonwealth and nothing much happens to her until, for some reason, Prince Kai goes to her shop to get his robot fixed (I think they call robots androids) then the action builds further when someone kidnapped her and took her to the hospital for some medical experimentation if I got that right. Cinder then discovers that she is 60% human and 40% machine. This begs the question: is Cinder still a human, or is she still a machine? The author left that question for me to interpret, but I think it's the former. Also, there is a pandemic of a plague called letumosis which is like the modern bubonic plague, but other than the fact that people first saw it in North Africa, I don't know where that came from. The mention of World War IV implies the existence of World War III, but details are vague except that afterwards, there were only six countries left and that kicked off the "Third Era." The book slowed from that point, with nothing much happening except Cinder living uneasily and investigating Queen Levana out of all people, which led up to the end. Long story short, there was an epic scene where Cinder lost her mechanical foot, then she is revealed to be the long-lost princess and a cliffhanger. The bonus content was alright, but as I said, I can wait until I'm in the mood to read the following book, Scarlet, but now I'm not feeling like it.
Score: Seven points out of ten.
So. This was originally going to be the first book I would read from Marissa Meyer. It's now the third after I read Renegades and then Gilded. I enjoyed both, but I'm not rushing to finish the series, and that also applies to the Cinder series since Meyer, as far as I know, can't write immersive world-building or relatable characters. I can't connect to Cinder, Peony or any other characters. It starts with the main character, Linh Cinder, or Cinder for short, a mechanic who lives in New Beijing in the Eastern Commonwealth and nothing much happens to her until, for some reason, Prince Kai goes to her shop to get his robot fixed (I think they call robots androids) then the action builds further when someone kidnapped her and took her to the hospital for some medical experimentation if I got that right. Cinder then discovers that she is 60% human and 40% machine. This begs the question: is Cinder still a human, or is she still a machine? The author left that question for me to interpret, but I think it's the former. Also, there is a pandemic of a plague called letumosis which is like the modern bubonic plague, but other than the fact that people first saw it in North Africa, I don't know where that came from. The mention of World War IV implies the existence of World War III, but details are vague except that afterwards, there were only six countries left and that kicked off the "Third Era." The book slowed from that point, with nothing much happening except Cinder living uneasily and investigating Queen Levana out of all people, which led up to the end. Long story short, there was an epic scene where Cinder lost her mechanical foot, then she is revealed to be the long-lost princess and a cliffhanger. The bonus content was alright, but as I said, I can wait until I'm in the mood to read the following book, Scarlet, but now I'm not feeling like it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Medical content, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Blood
Minor: Car accident, Death, and Fire/Fire injury