Book Review: Cinder:The Lunar Chronicles

The first book of the Lunar Chronicles is titles Cinder. It is a twist on the classic tale Cinderella. In the story, the main character, a cyborg names Cinder, is living in New Bejing after the end of World War 4 (I'm going to call it WW VI) with her stepmother, Adri. Cinder was adopted by Adri's late husband and is thoroughly hated by her stepmother, who blames Cinder for her husband's death. There is a cyborg draft, as they are seen as 'lesser humans' and are needed to assist in finding a cure for the plague of letumosis.

Cinder is a renowned mechanic, though she never lets it get to her head. Even the prince, named Kaito, visited her to repair his android, which has valuable information concerning the looming threat of war between the Earthlings and the Lunars. Lunars are a species of human that developed from colonies on the moon, They have mind-controlling abilities, although sometimes, 'shell' or Lunars without powers, are born. Her sisters, Pearl and Peony, are incredibly snooty, mostly Pearl, though. Close to the beginning, Cinder and Peony are at the junkyard, looking for materials to salvage, when Cinder notices a bruise-like rash on Peony's neck. Cinder realises at once the her sister has caught the deadly plague. Cinder calls a hover to take Peony to quarantines, and Cinder is tested for the life-threatening pathogens. She doesn't have it.

When Cinder arrives at her apartment, the family has already been notified. Adri volunteers Cinder for plague research and Cinder is taken away. Later, we find out the Adri (shocker) blames Cinder for Peony's illness. Pearl and Cinder grow ever distant while Cinder and Prince Kaito grow closer. The Emperor falls ill with letumosis and the wicked queen of the Lunars tempts Kaito to create a marriage alliance with the cure.

I give this book a ****/*****(4/5) because although the plot is strong, the end felt weaker, as if it was rushed to be finished. A good book feels strong all around, especially the end. Also, the characters' description was rather weak, and a better vision of the people in the book may have been necessary. All in all, this is a book that deserves reading.

Recommended for: Strong readers with a love of fantasy or science-fiction.