Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Published: January 3rd 2012

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.

When I finally finished Cinder, I was in awe. I couldn’t believe I got through that book so quickly. Granted I know it’s not the biggest book out there but it’s got a bit of heft to it. I loved Marissa Meyer’s writing. It was just so whimsical and she managed to blend together so many elements just flawlessly.

The first character I fell in love with was Iko. Absolutely. No questions asked, hands down. I love how she wasn’t supposed to have feelings but she has the personality chip that makes her so snarky and so adorable and lovable I couldn’t get enough Iko! Honestly!

But other than Iko being my absolute favorite, I have to say I did really enjoy Cinder and Kai. I didn’t think I would, I thought maybe it’d get a bit too cheesy but it didn’t! I loved their playful romance and their coyness with each other. It was great. I think one of my favorite romances in a while, they weren’t completely down each other’s throats and didn’t just insta-love. Which also made me wish we had a LIIIIIITLLEEE more Kai?

But who did I not like? Is that even a question? UGH LAVANA. WHAT A CREEP!! I think the thing that freaked me out the most was the whole mind manipulation and glamouring. I think the glamouring freaked me out more. But how could someone be so cold to kill their own sister?! She’s awful and I can’t tell if it’s justified or not or whether she’s just straight crazy.

Just going to drop these names here under the “Ouch, my feels” category : Peony and Iko.

But there were a few things that were kind of well…obvious and for the sake of spoilers I won’t say what was so obvious.

But I loved this book. I loved it so so so much. And can easily hand over 5/5 stars to Marissa Meyer for doing such a wonderful job a great whimsical writing style, easily read, wonderful pace, great humor and wit and a great bit of romance. Ah! I could go on and on for hours on how amazing it is. Definitely picking up the rest of The Lunar Chonicles.