Carol EatonBy Marissa Meyer
“I’m sure I’ll feel much more grateful when I find a guy who thinks complex wiring in a girl is a turn-on.”
Looking for an easy summer read that turns traditional fairy tales on their head with a dusting of steam punk?
Cinder from The Lunar Chronicles offers a fractured fairy tale loosely based on the classic Cinderella story. The inspired book cover engages the reader straight away with a close-up shiny red high-heeled shoe sporting a woman’s foot with traces of metal joints under her skin.
This young adult, dystopian science fiction novel takes place in New Beijing 125 years after the Fourth World War. At the tender age of 16, Cinder’s enhanced cyborg abilities have earned her a reputation as the best mechanic in the city. Despite her talents, she suffers mistreatment by her stepmother in a culture where cyborgs are despised as less than human.
To add to Cinder’s woes, a deadly plague with no cure rages through the continent. Weaponizing the “Blue Fever,” the moon’s Lunar Queen plots to terrorize her earthen enemies and force New Beijing’s Prince Kai to marry her so she can become Empress of the world. When Cinder meets the prince in a chance encounter, her adventure begins.
A royal ball, a prince’s invitation, a missing foot (slipper), and a pumpkin-colored car (coach) provide traces of the Cinderella tale. But Cinder does not fit the princess mold and her journey’s twists reveal her strength, intelligence and independence—all traits befitting a non-fairy tale role model for contemporary readers.
A perk of reading a book first published in 2012 is the half dozen sequels available in The Lunar Chronicles, including tales based on Rapunzel and Snow White. Another treat may be the chance to see an upcoming animated series based on the novels (Locksmith Animation optioned the books last year).
With no language or graphic content, the novel is appropriate for ages 12+.
Elise Haroldson
Gretchen Carlson
Great review! My granddaughter picked up this book this summer and I’ve been curious what it’s about. Does it have an ending, or do you need to continue with the series?
The first book brings closure for the cinderella royal ball story, but leaves much unresolved for the sequels to explore.
Thanks! I dislike books that leave the reader “hanging” for everything.
I feel the same about movies. Nice to wrap things up.
I have check out this book TWICE and it says on my TBR shelf until it needed to be returned. I really need to read it!
It’s a fast read once you start…but those TBR piles can be daunting. =)