First things first, the concept is pure genius. Turning the childhood classic tale of Cinderella into a modern-age, futuristic story that not just young teens might enjoy, but by everyone, too. Putting that big of a twist on such a simple story, Marissa Meyer definitely did a great job. Can’t wait to read the other retellings she did.
In a small attempt to sum this up, this book includes: cyborgs; robot BFFs; people from the moon with mind-controlling powers; a missing princess (who was believed to be dead); “the plague” causing quite a number of deaths; a doctor who you don’t think he is; an adoptive family which I dislike (except for Peony and Iko); a getaway car; a handsome prince (soon-to-be-emperor) that every girl seems to have crush on (even Cinder because why not?) and his advisor; “stars”; a secret that will probably twist the whole story (but you kinda saw it coming). And so much more. (You’ll know if you read the book.)
Pacing. The start, for me, was kind of slow so I was kind of was bored. But after a few chapters in, I was engaged and excited for what could happen next, especially with the budding romance. The romance actually started in the first or second chapter of the book which lured me in even more so I was kind of disappointed when it progressed after a number of chapters. It’s fine. I’m fine.
Just a lil’ insert. I liked how there was a world leaders meeting which talked about Earth’s alliance to Luna. I appreciated Kai’s attempt to make the mood lighter by inserting a tiny joke but the leaders seemed too serious and had no time for such things. “There are much more important matters to discuss.”
Writing-wise. I am not used to a lot of flowery words and the third person’s POV but I guess it’s time to turn in a new leaf. Every seed needs to bloom. Yet, here I am, growing little by little by reading such books.
Character-wise. The characters were close and similar with their fairy tale counterpart. I love the idea that there were also new characters introduced in the story, such as Dr. Erland and Iko to support the story. I both adored them. Dynamic and interesting characters, I must say. Another insert. Cinder is an awesome mechanic and character, no doubt, who has developed throughout the story.
I need Prince Kai to have a special mention here somewhere. Because, stars, he is the total package. He’s nice, attractive, awkward, funny, and willing to sacrifice a lot for his people (Cinder included). The way his hair falls on his face. I CAN’T EVEN. Anyway, I might add him to my list of fictional boyfriends this time. He sure does deserve a spot. His relationship with Cinder is just adorable. Too bad she can’t blush.
I also have to talk about my distaste for Pearl, Queen Levana, and Adri. Wait, maybe just Queen Levana. Wait. Nope, Adri and Pearl kind of made the cut. I understand where they’re coming from because they are still grieving for Peony but that doesn’t mean that they can bully and push Cinder around just because they can and want to.
I also hate the fact that Adri constantly uses Garan’s death against Cinder, making it seem that she killed him by adopting her. Adri and Cinder fight about it and I always get annoyed because Adri dumps all of it on Cinder but it isn’t her fault. It’s no one’s fault. Why can't she understand that simple thing?! To me, it looks like Adri and Pearl are just miserable and they release it on Cinder.
As for Queen Levana, she is a phony, tricking everyone around her into believing that she is beautiful inside and out. And I don’t like her for it. I find it annoying, really. But I want to figure them out more, perhaps in the following books.
Time for some light comments. IKO AND PEONY. OH MY STARS.Iko is probably the best sidekick / best friend I have ever read. I wish I had a good friend like Iko is just light and easy to be around, not pressuring me into anything, but still cares for me. Peony, on the other hand, is like the sister I never had. I don’t get why she had to die. Maybe she just had to… but why? WHY?! JUST WHY?! R.I.P. Linh Peony.
The ending. Is not an ending. It is a cliffhanger. A FREAKING CLIFFHANGER. I AM LITERALLY HANGING ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT, ANTICIPATING WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PRINCESS SELENE! TO NEW BEIJING! TO IKO! TO DOCTOR ERLAND! TO PRINCE KAI! TO MY FREAKING SHIP!
Marissa Meyer knows how to leave a good cliffhanger. It evidently means that I should read the next book. And I will. Soon.
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