Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

Goodreads Summary:
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the 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.


My Review:
Well, another book that I snubbed for so long, but should have read earlier.  I was not excited at all by the idea of Cinderella-one of my least favorite fairy tales-as a cyborg. It just seemed like it wouldn't work. The amazing thing is that Meyer creates an unforced story that really is enjoyable to read. Cinder is easy to see as a real person; she is witty and funny, hard-working and loyal. She also knows that there are many things about herself that are not perfect. 


This book has romance, but it isn't the suffocating center of the story. It is more about what makes someone a person. The political scheming, battles, and family issues propel the story to an exciting end that makes me sad that I have to wait for the next book (which is rumored to have Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood also making appearances).