Cinder

by Marissa Meyer
Cinder cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 9978
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780141971742
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-01-05
  • Reviews: 3

Cinder is a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, but she's also a cyborg, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled with Prince Kai, leading her to uncover secrets about her past that could shape Earth's future. This is a gripping tale of duty, freedom, loyalty, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a deadly plague and a powerful, evil queen. /n/nCinder's journey is a thrilling blend of science fiction and fantasy, with a unique twist on the classic Cinderella story. As she navigates her complex relationships and the political intrigue of her world, Cinder must make choices that will impact not only her own life but the fate of Earth itself. This is a story that will captivate readers with its richly imagined world and compelling characters.

Reviews
The Princess Blog · 2022-07-18
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer finds Cinder to be a dark and gritty retelling of a classic fairy tale. They appreciate the complex characters and the exploration of darker themes.

The Princess Blog reviewer describes Cinder as a dark and gritty retelling of a classic fairy tale. They appreciate the complex characters and the exploration of darker themes such as death, disease, and lust. The reviewer finds the world-building to be immersive and the narrative to be engaging, making Cinder a standout read. They also note that the book is not for those looking for whirlwind romance and happy endings, but rather a more mature and thought-provoking story.

Quick quotes

    If you're looking for whirlwind romance and happy endings, The Lunar Chronicles is not for you.

    This is a dark world of death, disease, and lust.

    Cinder is a great character – down trodden by her life of cold drudgery but she still has fight in her.

Literary Elephant · 2016-09-27
good 3.50

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where society is desperate for a cure for a deadly disease. The reviewer appreciates the unique setting and the exploration of themes such as slavery and humanity.

Literary Elephant's reviewer sets the scene in New Beijing after the fourth world war, where society is desperately seeking a cure for letumosis. They delve into the book's exploration of themes like slavery, ownership, and humanity, noting that while these themes are superficially dealt with, they add a layer of depth to the story. The reviewer also appreciates the unique setting and the way it enhances the narrative, making Cinder a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Set in New Beijing after the fourth world war, this story features a society desperately seeking a cure for letumosis, which has swept the globe.

    It's a great opportunity for a deeper examination of slavery, ownership, and humanity.

    Though Marissa Meyer only superficially deals with these themes, they add a layer of depth to the story.

The Guardian · 2015-11-15
excellent 4.00

Cinder is a fun, action-packed sci-fi adventure that stands out from the crowd. It offers a unique twist on a classic fairy tale.

The Guardian reviewer highlights Cinder as a standout sci-fi adventure that is both fun and action-packed. They appreciate the unique twist on the classic fairy tale, making it a refreshing read. The reviewer also notes that the book's setting and characters are well-developed, adding depth to the story. Overall, they find Cinder to be a captivating and enjoyable read that offers something different from typical fairy tale retellings.

Quick quotes

    Overall, if you're looking for a fun, action-packed and wholly unique sci-fi adventure which stands out from the crowd, Cinder is the book for you.

    Cinder is a great character – down trodden by her life of cold drudgery but she still has fight in her.

    Marissa Meyer has written a fantastic retelling of a classic fairytale.

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