A Cinderific Story (or the Lunar Invasion begins!?)

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

You're familiar with the story of Cinderella, and Cinder (book one of the Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer has all the familiar parts. Cinder has a stepmother, and step-sisters. There is even a pumpkin (cleverly disguised). There is a prince, and a royal ball that Cinder is not allowed to attend because she has too many chores. Basically the story is summed up like this: 

"Cinder was not going to be the ball, because she is a cyborg"

Cinder lives in New Beijing, sometime in the future. She was originally human, but because of an accident that killed her parents, some of her body was replaced with cybernetic parts. She's half human - half robot, unlike her companion Iko who is an android - all robot, though Iko does has a quirky personality. 


I always believed Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine was the quintessential Cinderella retelling. It is so perfect. It makes so much sense and explains everything. Nothing could compare to Ella Enchanted, or compete. Why read another Cinderella story? And yet . . . Cinder works. Maybe it's not as perfect and classic, but somehow being a sci-fi fairy tale levels the playing field. 

I enjoy science fiction, (although I read space fantasy more often.) I don't usually see these two genres mixed. I'd definitely recommend the book, if only for the novelty. 

Although, I think the fairy tale elements might have limited the story. I realize it's odd for me to complain about this, but it's almost restricted. The characters and the story line had to fit inside the familiar, like forcing a foot into a too small shoe. I was ready to go somewhere else with the story, to see something different. There was potential for it too, with the Lunars showing up and their magical-psychic powers, the incurable disease called Letumosis. There is the the fact that Prince Kai will become Emperor someday, while Cinder is a nobody, a cyborg. How will they ever get together? It's a lot to cram into one book. 

And I have to warn you. This book is also Book 1 (of 4), and while the story sorta wraps up - a lot of mysteries are explained, and secrets are revealed - it doesn't really conclude. The next one Scarlet comes out in February.

I'm a greedy reader, it seems. I read books fast, sometimes within hours like a movie. I want the story to be exciting, a little adventure, and certainly romance, but not too predictable. A well told story. And sequels? To me they are a bonus. They shouldn't be necessary. Unless, of course, its available right now. I guess I hate waiting.

other reviews you might be interested in:
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland by Catherynne Valente
adventures in space ca. 1851: Mothstorm by Philip Reeve