Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) 
by Marissa Meyer 
Genre: Young Adult - Dystopia
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends 
Publication Date: January 3, 2012 
Source: Bought/Own copy
Author's website | GoodReads

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.

I can't remember how or when I stumbled upon this book, but honestly, I was sold right from that very short synopsis! I mean—a dystopian world where humans and robots/androids live together? Intergalactic affairs and Lunar (moon) people? The line "Earth’s fate hinges on one girl"? And a futuristic retelling of one very famous classic fairytale? What more could I ask! Marissa Meyer was able to fit each and every amazing idea perfectly in less than 400 pages. (The book probably had its own Lunar power because it was so good perfect to be true).

I had huge and I-thought-unachievable expectations for Cinder. And mind you, it did live up to those expectations—if not exceeded them. Seriously, it was everything I hoped a perfect YA book would be. I couldn't praise Marissa Meyer enough for being able to come up with this whole thing.

Cinder was certainly not the perfect protagonist. Sometimes I got irritated by her stupid actions and decisions, or got frustrated over her being too reserved despite the circumstances. However, her strength was what made her stand out for me. All the bad things were thrown to her (very Cinderella) and she still surpassed them—or at least tried to. As for Kai, his scenes with Cinder were hilarious and very endearing! I also thought him a strong character, given all the things that he had to bear at such a young age. Yet, I feel like he lacked exposure somehow because he didn't leave that much of a mark to me in this book.

Another thing that I admired was how Meyer made such inner-monstrosity-invoking, malevolence-provoking, atrocity-evoking antagonists. I couldn't decide who I hated more—the totally evil stepmother Adri or the wicked Queen Levana. They were able to arouse this monstrous anger inside me from a deep slumber for centuries. Just [cruelly] brilliant. I also liked how all the supporting characters were essential to the whole plot.

The plot was interesting, although somehow predictable. Being a retelling, there were turns in the story that I had definitely anticipated. But what's good was there were [lots of] additional twists and turns that made the story unique on its own. As much as there were foreseeable scenes, there were also ones that I could have never seen coming!

The writing was smooth and fluid. I was easily eased into the story, like I was being imperceptibly immersed underwater until it was too late for me to realize that I was drowning in words. The world building was gradually supplied to the readers and it was executed fairly well. Marissa Meyer successfully created a vivid image of a disturbing dystopian world in Cinder.

In conclusion, I certainly had an adventure while reading Cinder. I need more Kai & Cinder moments, though! I believe the 2nd book wouldn't be entirely about them already, so.. I don't know. I'm just hoping for the best (although with Marissa Meyer, I don't think hope is necessary!). Tell me what you think of Cinder (whether you've read it or not), and/or Scarlet!

THE NUB AND GIST: 5 STARS

Buy the book from: Amazon US / The Book Depository UK / Kindle