Cinder

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished this book at dawn and I was gawking every minute of it. This was unbelievable, amazing, truly entertaining and interesting. First of all, hands down on a world where cyborgs and androids exists, let's not forget about the Lunars! Ugh, how I hated Levana. A disease that is plaguing the world, an imminent war about to take place if the whims of a queen are not met, and the young love that befalls our two protagonists.

I started reading this book with low expectations and this is the reason: I am wary of books set in dystopian settings, particularly science fiction mixed with fantasy books because I've had terrible experience with them. Therefore, I wasn't expecting this book to be a killer, or a five-star rating. However, as I started reading I got excited, my expectations escalated (though something in the back of my mind urged me to pull back in case I was met with disappointment). Somewhere during the middle section of the book, I was nervous if I continued reading, especially since the book was so strong that any mistake would be fatal towards my automatic hatred and disappointment. Gladly, nothing happened.

The plot wasn't as strong as the character development, but it was there, subtly entwining with the setting. Character development was critical in this book, because I was forced to like and sympathize with Cinder since the beginning. And for Kai as well. I felt the end of the book to be rushed and kinda confusing, especially with all the action going on and adrenaline surging through my veins and Cinder's as well. I was expecting that Meyer would rush through the last bit because I was 1/8 of finishing and a conclusion hadn't been reached yet.

A couple of things annoyed me from the book, which I am willing to overlook because the book was kickass. Anyway, I did not enjoy the heavy reference to fairytales, such as Cinderella (if you did not noticed, Cinder comes from Cinder[ella]. And Levana reminded me of the Queen in Snow White). The scene at the ball was rushed and I wasn't particularly enjoying that, especially since Prince Kai finally got Cinder to assist to the ball.

Oh yeah, another thing that kinda threw me off (though I was expecting it and really hope this would not turn this way) was the fate of Princess Selene. I was hoping Cinder had nothing to do with her, but turns out she has everything to do with her. Of course, I knew it from the minute I read that there were rumors that Selene had escaped from Luna and taken to Earth. Since that moment, everything clicked into place. Which is unfortunate because for once, I was really looking forward for this outcome to be different.

Cinder and Kai's relationship became of my favorites of the written world. However, I did not like how it was inconclusive at the ending. Damn you Meyer, not I have to wait till next year to read the second installment. I desperate need to know what will happen to both of them! Kai is gallant and I liked him immediately. I loved loved how he flirted with Cinder and Cinder tried to appear indifferent because of the differences of their origin.

I found it really annoying (in a good way) that Cinder didn't have tear ducts or couldn't blush. Really helpful, but I really, I wanted to see her shed tears for Peony. Not that I was blaming her not to, but I just wished she could because she wanted to. I like Cinder. She has become one of my favorite heroines.

Cinder is a mechanic, how cool is that! She is independent and strong. Oh my, Iko, I loved her and her personality chip. I was angered when Adri destroyed her and relieved when Cinder found her faulty chip.

I am grateful that Kai is not marrying that witch Levana. Those last words he said to Cinder hurt me to the soul. It was as if he was telling them to me and I was feeling Cinder's pain.

Yeah, I liked this book very much. Recommended.

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