This continues a series of book reviews by reading-addict junior Darrian Breedlove. 

A Reading-Addict: CINDER

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 and 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.

CINDER is the first book in the LUNAR CHRONICLES series and is a retelling of the famous story of Cinderella. Personally, I grow tired of the never-changing story of Cinderella, but the author of this novel took the fairy-tale and retold it in a very amazing and creative way. First of all, Cinder is a cyborg. Half human and half machine. How cool is that? Not to mention how strong her personality is. Throughout the story her wicked step-mother repeatedly accuses her of not having a heart because she’s not completely human, but Cinder firmly refuses to believe that because she knows her emotions are real and sincere. Who doesn’t like an awesome protagonist?

Another aspect of the novel that I really enjoyed was getting to know Prince Kai. In the original Cinderella story, we don’t really know much about the prince. All we know is that he is charming and handsome and he sweeps Cinderella off her feet at the ball. In CINDER, we get much more character development from the prince and he becomes a very important character.

When I first picked up this book, I was a bit skeptical. Not only was I tired of repeated stories of Cinderella, but I was also a bit hesitant to read a story that involved robots and outer space. CINDER turned those discomforts around and made them into a really fascinating aspect of the story that I overall enjoyed. I rated this book 5/5 stars. CINDER was very different and it was a very enjoyable read. It completely took me by surprise and left me anticipating to read the sequels. If you love fairy tales and you also like action and even a bit of romance, the LUNAR CHRONICLES is definitely worth checking out.

Book Review by Darrian Breedlove