Thanks for stopping in to check out my thoughts on Cinder, the first book in the Lunar Chronicle Series. Read on to find out why I recommend this title! Be sure to watch the coordinating video on my Book Tube channel!
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Format: Audio MP3
Pages: Hardcover: 390 pages/ Audio Length: Approx 10 hours
Narrator: Rebecca Soler
Source: Library Borrow
Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Fairy Tale Retelling
Review Date: February 11, 2015
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Synopsis: 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.
After seeing the gorgeous cover art of the latest installment to the series, Fairest, and hearing all the positive chatter on the series I decided to take the plunge and try it out. Initially I was worried that this series would feel too "young" for me, but I wanted to check it out anyway. I was right about the young feel to the story, but I still enjoyed it despite that. Cinder is a really different and unique take on Cinderella and I always appreciate an unexpected retelling. Cinder is a 16 year old cyborg mechanic. She meets Prince Kai, the prince of the Eastern Common Wealth, when he approaches her to fix his android. Cinder has a deceased step-father that took her in, a evil step-mother and two step-sisters, but she has a slightly different relationship with one of her step-sisters than what you'd expect. | |
Essentially this is a coming of age story. As the plot moves forward we start to learn more about Cinder and what she is and who she is. It's ultra light on the romance, so this is more of a traditional YA story. As a side note, I just loved the Iko android character. If there is ever a time when we will be able to own an android and give it a personality, I'd love an Iko. She's so cute.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrator, Rebecca Soler. She did a good job of sounding young, but not baby-like. I always worry about a really childish sounding voice when it comes to YA audiobooks, but Soler was able to pull it off.
Cinder is a easy and fast paced read. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings. Whether you're reading or listening, it's good option for something light and fun.
Have you read Cinder? If so, please share with me what you thought of the book.
Happy Reading & Listening,
~Tamara
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