Cinder Review: A triumph of a fairytale retelling
I've been trying to get my hands on this book, Cinder (and The Selection), for months and months, but they're on hold for so many people at the library that I haven't been able to get them. This review is dedicated to my cherished best friend, girlfriend, and fluffball, April. Thanks for the wonderful book recommendation. Love you! And, to everyone else reading this who isn't her, thanks for joining me here on Brighton's Bookshelf today, and I hope you enjoy this article!
First, the negatives. My only tiny critiques with this book are: 1) it could've used more of Cinder processing her grief, as the plot skimmed over a few major tragedies a tad too fast—almost like it was trying too hard to emotionally restrain Cinder to avoid melodrama. And 2) since Marissa Meyer signed a major deal to continue the series, the ending felt a teensy bit rushed. It didn't quite feel like a complete, standalone experience. I'm mostly good with it because it hooked me and made me want to keep reading, but the ending was a little less satisfying than the rest of the book led me to believe.
But the positives overwhelmingly prevail in Cinder. Firstly, the premise is absolutely bonkers: it's a retelling of Cinderella, but far more tenebrous, packed with cyborgs, dystopian governments, a magical moon colony, a pandemic, racial prejudice, and so much more. It easily stands out as one of the most unique and gripping fairy tale reimaginings I've ever seen. This story earned its massive hype for a reason: it takes an approachable entry point (Cinderella) and spins it into something downright wild.
Secondly, the characters were iconic and so distinct from one another. Sure, maybe the audiobook narration helped, but Cinder, Kai, the Doc... They were all personalities I was invested in from the jump! I'm really excited to see where each of their arcs goes in the sequels, because there's still so much more to explore.
Cinder herself is a well-rounded, relatable, snarky, and fantastic protagonist. While I was initially worried she would lean too heavily into the chosen one archetype, the narrative cleverly avoided it. I liked that she was more of a nobody at first, and the plot twists about her identity end up being really good. They're not impressively unpredictable, per se, but they are deeply moving and lead to some truly heartbreaking drama.
Kai is a great counterbalance to Cinder. He's a lot less cynical and damaged, but he's also not quite as emotionally strong or intelligent as he needs to be to step into his father's shoes. The build-up throughout the story and the eventual payoff of where the two of them end up at the finale are equal parts intriguing and emotional.
While she isn't a big part of the plot, the android Iko was an adorable addition as a side character. She always made me crack up and brought a smile to my face. As one of my personal favorites, I'm really hoping she gets some good screentime (page time?) going forward, if she does end up coming back. On the flip side, Queen Levana, the villain here, was remarkably conniving, interesting, and uniquely sinister.
My favorite side character was the Doc, Dmitri Erland. His morally gray yet realistic decisions—along with his unique perspectives and personality—added a lot to the book. He's funny, quotable, and unexpectedly deep: a truly well-rounded side character! He, Kai, Iko, and Queen Levana were all fantastic, and rounded out the world wonderfully.
The sci-fi world here was also marvelous. As I mentioned with the premise, this is a fresh take on worldbuilding. Cyberpunk New Beijing with mechanics and magical moon people hidden about the country? Count me in—I loved that! However, I would have loved to see more consistent development regarding the systemic discrimination against cyborgs. The worldbuilding details were solid, but I hope these themes expand more in the sequels, or I might retrospectively consider this an underbaked flaw in the first installment. Thankfully, secondary elements like this often take center stage in sequels, so I'll give Meyer the benefit of the doubt.
The romance here was absolute fire. Budding YA romances are often unbelievably hypersexual, supersonically speedy, and wildly whirlwind-esque. Sure, some relationships are like that, but the broader genre would lead you to believe romance is always defined by insta-love. In contrast, the connection here is rooted in cute angst and curious conversation that builds slowly. It feels like a breathing, realistic relationship with genuine nuance. I appreciate that in a world where YA frequently overcooks or underbakes romance.
Cinder's platonic relationships are just as compelling, as the plot expands beyond the typical Cinderella story with a brilliant stepsister subversion: one of her stepsisters, Linh Peony, is everything but evil, instead being sweet and supportive. Furthermore, Cinder's love for all Earth races clashes with her qualms about the Lunars, keeping her cynical but compassionate.
The Brighton's Bookshelf Verdict
Brighton's Bookshelf Score - 9/10
Letter Score - S
Cinder might have needed a little less emotional restraint at times, but otherwise, this is a paragon in the world of fairy tale reimaginings. With creative characters, an unbeatable amalgamation of narrative and worldbuilding elements, and unmistakable series potential, this is easily one of my favorite debut novels in recent memory.
Interested in checking out some of my other fantasy, sci-fi, and YA novel reviews? Check them out below!
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