‘Cinder’ by Marissa Meyer is a young adult, dystopian science fiction. The plot takes place in the 126th year of the Third Era in the future.
The book starts off with our protagonist, a cyborg, working in her booth in a marketplace in New Beijing, Eastern Commonwealth. Humans are as developed as ever; with ID chips, androids and even a lunar colony on the moon. The people on Luna are called Lunars. They use Glamour, a power that involves controlling the bio electricity of humans alike.
No matter how developed things seem, Earth has a deadly plague, Letumosis, for which no cure has been found. Cinder is a reputed mechanic and Prince Kaito goes under cover to meet her to fix his android - Nainsi.
As Peony, Cinder’s stepsister, contracts the plague, her enraged stepmother sends Cinder as a cyborg draft to the research group at the palace. She has many encounters with Kai at the palace. Soon, the Queen of Luna, Levana Blackburn, reveals a Letumosis antidote which can only be found on Luna, to Kai. Levana is known for her cruelty. Kai agrees for a marriage alliance, so that she doesn’t declare war against Earth.
Cinder finds a chip in Nainsi and has to warn Kai about Levana’s ulterior motives. She confronts Levana at the Annual Ball and resists her glamour. But, Levana orders her to be imprisoned, and Kai must oblige. In prison, Dr Erland visits from the palace and informs her that she is the lost princess of Luna, Selene, and has to escape.
I loved this book. It is written in a simple and elegant way. The android Iko is my favourite character. The story had an exhilarating plot. It has been inspired by Cinderella, one of the classic fairy tales. I’ve read many science fiction books and this is definitely one of the books that caught my attention.
Meyer’s different approach on fairytale tellings is a noteworthy fact. I would definitely recommend people to read this spectacular book. Out of the many dazzling books, this is another unique and beautiful story that takes place in a beautiful world.
— The reader is a student based in Dubai.
