Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles, Book 1)

Cinder by Marissa Meyer is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles series. The Lunar Chronicles is a fairytale retelling of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Snow White.

In Cinder, we are introduced to Lin Cinder, a 16 year-old cyborg girl. She’s a gifted mechanic in the city of New Beijing in the Eastern Commonwealth. She lives with her stepmother Audrey who blames her for her husband’s death, and her two stepsisters, Pearl and Peony. Audrey forces Cinder to work in the marketplace to support the family. It is there that Cinder meets Prince Kai, the only son of the Emperor of the Eastern Commonwealth.

Cinder and Kai immediately hit it off – probably because Cinder doesn’t swoon at his feet like the typical teenage girl but instead, is refreshingly honest with him during their discussions (except, of course, never telling him that she is a cyborg). The annual festival during which aspiring young women hope to catch the Prince’s eye is to be held at court in a matter of weeks. Kai asks Cinder to attend as his personal guest but she declines (no dress, no transportation, forbidden by Audrey, etc.)

Underlying the excitement of the festival and the potential for romance is the fact that thousands are dying each week from an incurable plague that has affected the Earthen people. Despite their best efforts scientists have been unable to create a cure for the disease; however, Lavana, the Lunar Queen, offers an antidote – for a price.

I listened to this book on audio as narrated by Rebecca Soler who did an awesome job with the various characters and personalities. Each was unique and recognizable. Once I complete this series, I will be looking forward to other books Ms. Soler narrates – I highly recommend her for audio.

Rating: 4 stars