Cinder by Marissa Meyer
📅 Published: January 3, 2012
👩💼 Author: Marissa Meyer
Overview
Cinder reimagines the classic Cinderella fairytale in a futuristic, dystopian world. The story follows Linh Cinder, a teenage cyborg mechanic in New Beijing who is treated as second-class because of her mechanical parts. While struggling with prejudice and societal limitations, she unwittingly becomes entangled in political tensions, a deadly plague, and a budding (and forbidden) connection with Prince Kai. As the plot unfolds, secrets about her past emerge, and Cinder must grapple with identity, loyalty, and her role in a conflict that affects the fate of Earth and its lunar colony.
Marissa Meyer’s Cinder is a refreshingly bold blend of science fiction, fantasy, and fairy tale that elevates a familiar story into something completely original. The novel’s strength lies in its world-building: the fusion of high-tech futures with classic themes of power, prejudice, and belonging makes every twist feel earned and impactful. Cinder herself is a compelling protagonist — resilient and clever, yet vulnerable in ways that make her deeply relatable.
What sets this book apart are the surprises. Cinder’s evolution from a mechanic trying to survive daily life to someone at the heart of interplanetary politics is full of shocking reveals, shifting alliances, and emotional highs and lows that keep readers hooked from chapter to chapter.
The pacing is swift, with enough action and tension to satisfy fans of both YA fantasy and sci-fi. And although it’s technically a retelling, Cinder never feels predictable — it honors the Cinderella roots while confidently charting its own path. All in all, it’s the perfect mix of heart, adventure, and intrigue.
