Book: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Article Type: Book Review, Audiobook Review
Author
Goodreads/Library Thing
About the Book: 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.
Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating 4.75
Story Rating 5.00
Character Rating 4.50
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: This was a fantastic story that I was totally surprised I liked so much!
Story Talk:
“Even in the Future the Story Begins with Once Upon a Time.”― Marissa Meyer, Cinder
This book has been reviewed a thousand times so I thought I would approach it a little differently. I am not really a YA reader (only 12 out of my 205 read books for 2012 were YA). This is going down as one of my favorites. There was zero angsty drama, zero triangles, and the story was fantastically rich and full. Even though the story starts with Once Upon a Time, it is not your typical fairytale retelling. In fact, it has all the elements but then takes you on a journey that you won’t soon forget.
Character Talk:
“Do your kind even know what love is? Can you feel anything at all, or is it just… programmed?”― Marissa Meyer, Cinder
The whole cast of characters were very well done! The only draw back (if there was one) was the quickness of the end of the story. I felt that all the characters were in 1.5xx time. They felt rushed so I did a little bit too. Plus, I was left wanting more about 2 particular characters (not saying who) and so that was the only reason for a slight knock down in the rating in that area.
Audio Talk
Narrated by Rebecca Soler/Running Time 10 hrs and 6 mins
I highly recommend this book in audio format. Rebecca did a great job with the pacing, voices, and emotion. I will be continuing this series on audiobook.
Final Thought: I recommend Cinder to any reader young and old alike!
During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.
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I felt the same as you did about this book. I don’t like the teen angsty mambo jumbo and this one was refreshing because of the omission. I JUST hear that each book in the series will be a take on a different fairy tale. I’m kind of confused now. I want to know about Cinder.
hmm, you liked Cinder.. I may have read/listen to this one…. I’ve heard great things about it, but since I rarely read YA, I never paid too much attention. Thanks for the great review, I’m off to check it out on audible… Book Savvy Babe
I loved Cinder because it read a little less dramatic than most YA (or at least YA that I have tried). It doesn’t have a big romantic element which probably helped because it was more about Cinder and her struggle/awareness. It was such a unique spin on the fairytale.
I COMPLETELY agree with the audio format! I was so impressed and so engaged because of the narrator! I cannot wait to hear Scarlet!
I am saving one of my audible credits for Scarlet next month. I think it will be interesting to see where the story goes.
No angsty drama or love triangles? YES!!! I’ve had a copy of this book on my shelf for awhile now, but after all the hype…I was kind of scared to read it. At the same time though, you know I read a lot of YA, and the idea of one that doesn’t adhere to the popular tropes is very appealing. Glad to hear that you liked it so much!
None! I am telling you this was the type of YA series that I can get behind. I am even using one of my audio credits for the next one Scarlett (next month). It is different and the ending will leave you wanting BUT well worth it!
Oh I’ve heard so many love this one! And I really do want to get it one day. Thank you for sharing and so glad to see you loved it. 🙂
It was a wonderful story! I was really surprised about how well it was done.
I think I am officially the last person on Earth who hasn’t read this now! Glad to see another rave review.
Nah I think there are a few more but I do highly recommend it!
Agreed. The Audiobook was delightful. She really made the characters 3D.
She really did! I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it.
Fab, right? Definitely worth a 5 on the story. Can’t wait for Scarlet!
Totally FAB! I can’t wait for Scarlet either 🙂
I so wanna read this one!
I think you would LURVE it!
I enjoyed this one too, but I didn’t like the romance. I’m hoping that part I will enjoy more in the second book. Still, loved the character of Cinder!
I was glad that there was very little romance. I thought it was appropriate for it to be more “crushy” than “love forever”. I expect it to grow into that (this is Cinderella) but I am glad they didn’t go there first!
This was one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2012 and I can say it didn’t disappoint! I just got the ARC of Scarlet in the mail and I can’t wait to dig back in. I was disappointed in the ending as well and the other thing that bugged me about this one was the way CInder backed down to her stepmother at the end it didn’t go with her previous behavior. Still it was very creative and fun. I am super excited for Scarlet!
It didn’t disappoint me at all! Jenny says Scarlet is awesome so now I am looking forward to that one even more 🙂
I gotta gotta gotta get this off my shelf and listen to it soon.
You do! The Audiobook was so very well done!
I really liked this too – and I listened on audio. 100% agree – the narrator did a great job.
The narrator probably made me love the book instead of just liking it. It was really well done 🙂
Felicia, I’m so excited that you loved this book. It’s really one of those books that will appeal to a large audience. The ending was a little abrupt. Once I figured out how Marissa Meyer is writing the series romance-wise, it makes sense. Even if it’s not what I wanted.
Thank you for convincing me to give it a shot! It was well worth a spot on my very limited YA shelf! I will be using my credit next month for Scarlet!
YEAH!!!! So glad you loved this one Felicia! It was a favorite of mine last year as well, and I can’t wait to see what you think of Scarlet! I read it recently and LOVED it. I was worried since it introduced a whole new character and her story and I really just wanted more of Cinder, but it all worked perfectly in my opinion:)
I am thrilled to hear Scarlet is as well written and told! I am going to use my audible credit next month to get it 🙂