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.
(Cover photo and synopsis provided by GoodReads)
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 Stars!
I completely loved this book! Ever since I first saw Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, I completely loved the story of a girl who overcomes adversity and finds her Prince Charming.
This book was an incredible retelling because the character that represent’s Cinderella is a strong heroine who desires greatness. I really enjoyed Cinder’s character development throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing her go from feeling worthless to gaining the courage to stand up to her stepmother.
The Prince Charming, Kai, had amazing view of the world. I had sympathy with the struggles he had to face. He had to deal with his father’s death and being forced to become a leader of a kingdom. He was not ready but he was able to stay calm and make smart decisions. I love how he saves one of the servants that Queen Levana is ready to punish horribly. He deeply cares about his kingdom and I just plainly could connect to him easily.
The best part of this book was the villain, Queen Levana. She combines the brilliant evil characteristics of an intimidating exterior, devious mind-controlling and haunting beauty. She rivals the incredible Lord Voldemort in the best villain competition!
I also liked how the plot rolled steadily along the pages. Ever scene had a purpose and enticed my interest. I was rooting for Cinder to find a cure for Peggy and for Kai to figure out how to save New Beijing.
There is one factor about the book that I wish was different: its predictability. I was completely right about the person Cinder was before she was a cyborg.
Still, I love the cohesive writing, wonderful characters and the incorporation of Cinder actually being close friends with one of her stepsisters!
Thanks for reading!
thanks for the review. Did you enjoy the romance of this book? I love fairy-tale retellings.. this one sounds unique! I also love a good villain. The title and the cover are catchy too!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Thanks for commenting! Well, I did like the romance but what stood out exceptionally to me from the book was how amazing Kai and Cinder were as their own independent character.
DeleteGlad you've enjoyed the book too. I've also enjoyed your review. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle!
DeleteGreat review! I read this book a couple of months ago, and felt exactly the same way about Cinder's pre-cyborg identity - I thought it was incredibly obvious, and that kind of dampened my enjoyment. But overall I still thought it was a pretty good read, and fairytale retellings always intrigue me!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really wish it was less obvious too. but at least it was an enjoyable book!
DeleteSometimes I don't mind predictability but if it's something huge then it can be annoying and I wonder why someone did point it out before publishing it.
ReplyDeleteI have read a lot about this book and I'm still not sure if it's for me, but I guess I need to read it and find out!
It was a pretty huge secret. You should try. I wasn't that sure if i would like this book either before I read it because I tend to dislike dystopian and sci-fi books. Thankfully I was able to love this book!
DeleteThanks for commenting!
PRINCE KAI <3 I love reading books with princes in them because as a little girl, it was kind of rule to want to marry a prince, but my favourite thing about Kai had to be how much he genuinely cared for his kingdom too! He was willing to sacrifice so much for them! :') And now you've got me thinking about an epic showdown between Queen Levana and the creepy guy with no nose LOL! x)
ReplyDeleteAmazing review, Rachel! I could guess exactly who Cinder was from the beginning too, but it didn't lessen the enjoyment at all! I'm still super-excited for Scarlet! :) <3
Ooo! Maybe I should create a poll next week on the best book villain! I love your nickname for Voldy!!!!!!!
DeleteI can't wait for Scarlet too!
Thanks!
Ooh it sounds really good! Gonna have to put it on my to-read list, I think :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteI agree what you mean about the predictability. I spotted some of the twists a mile away. Nut other than that, I really enjoyed this book! I'm glad to see you did too. Awesome review! :)
ReplyDelete