Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

In New Beijing, humans and androids make up the population. As a deadly virus plagues it's citizens, the ruthless Lunar people are ever present in the kingdom waiting to make their move.

Cinder is an android with a mysterious past. Her stepmother resents her and is blamed for her stepsister's illness. But Cinder's life is about to change when she crosses paths with Prince Kai and she becomes apart of an intergalactic struggle and forbidden attraction.

This is a unique spin on the classic tale of Cinderella. I absolutely loved the science fiction twist having our heroine as an android and the Asian characteristics of the New Beijing reminded me of Joss Whedon's show, Firefly, where it's inhabitants aren't necessarily Asian, but they take on a lot of their cultural aspects.

The characters are well written and the relationship between Cinder and the Prince reminded me of the movie, Ever After, so I felt like I knew where things were going in that sense. But even though it was a fairly practicable story, it definitely kept me intrigued and wondering exactly what was going to happen and how.

The science fiction played a big part of course, otherwise it would be just another Cinderella story. The use of a deadly virus is different and a nemesis other than the evil stepmother helps with giving Cinder and the Prince's relationship more depth and meaning which is much appreciated when most young adult books are filled with instant love.

Even though Cinder has a lot of changes to the story we all know, the fairytale of unjust oppression and the triumph over it is still the embodiment of it and I can't wait to read the second installment.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)