I am upset??? I don’t understand how this is so hyped when barely anything happens other than incredibly predictable things and a blatant overuse of the lack-of-communication trope

I own like the entire series tho so I guess I’m continuing LOL ( )

Initial Thoughts

I loved this book the first time and I really hoped I’d love it the second. I read it quite a whole ago so this re-read was actually a great idea because I didn’t remember as much as I thought.

My New BFF

Can I please be BFFs with Cinder? Plleeeeeease? She’s just such a great character! She’s in a really bad situation but she still makes the best of it and does what’s right. She’s also extremely brave doing all those things she did. Not many people would have the courage to take on a queen in front of that many people.

My Crush

Who could read this book and not fall in love with Prince Kai? It’s basically mandatory. He’s nice and mysterious to draw you in and then you see little parts of his life and see how unhappy he is. You start to feel for him and then slowly fall in love with him. That’s exactly how a love interest is supposed to make you feel! Well done to the author for pulling it off!

Writing Style

I love that even though this is a fairy tale retelling, it’s not that predictable. The biggest chunk of the plot has nothing to do with Cinderella and I’m very grateful for that. The plot is fast paced and designed to suck you in immediately, which it does of course, and the characters are what keep you reading. I can’t say anything bad about this book.

Closing Thoughts

I think this is a book everyone should read no matter how hyped up it is. I know everyone isn’t going to like it but I think it’s something everyone should at least try because it’s so different that it might just spark something in you. I love fairy tale retellings even if they are predictable, that’s just who I am. I can say that this is easily my favorite retelling because it’s not predictable and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love that it’s set in the future and that it’s set in China. I can’t say I’ve read a lot of books that took place in China. I love the dystopia feel of it while not being your typical dystopia book. I love all the genres that are mixed into this book that really do make it possible for so many people to enjoy. I love everything about this book (as you might have noticed) so I recommend it to everyone! ( )

I really wanted to love this story. Cinder was interesting to read about and her cyborg additions were just fascinating to hear about (I did both audio and book for this one). The world was so immersing (the plague, the holograms, the old vs new cyborg, even the "car" find at the dump, "New Beijing"...all of it was just fun to explore!!)

but, at the heart of it, it was just a retelling of a fairy tale we already know. Had these characters had the ability to jump OUT of their programmed role and be really great characters - I think this would have been an amazing story!

But, they had to follow the story line to it's not surprising twists and turns and then ending....

If the 2nd book lets Cinder & Kai out of their pigeon holed roles and let them live in the creative and interesting world, then I think it would be a very good read. ( )

You gotta love a Cinderella who not only builds her own car to get her to the ball but also hotwires it. ( )

Why oh why did I wait to read this amazingly good book? The characters were enchanting in a post world war with cyborgs and lunar people. Actually now that I think about it the Lunar People were what originally turned me away from the book. I don't do moon people often, actually at all. This story was amazing I didn't expect that twist at the end. Don't worry I won't give it away. But this story takes place in New Bejing and Cinder is a cyborg. Different twist for Cinderella. She does have a step-mother and step-sisters, but only one sister is cruel to her. Honestly, I cannot wait to read the next book! ( )