Book of the Week: Cinder, by Marissa Meyer

Cinder, by Marissa Meyer
Science fiction

First line: “The screw through Cinder’s ankle had rusted, the engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle.”

Booktalk: In this science fiction retelling of “Cinderella”, sixteen-year-old Cinder is a cyborg – part-human, part-robot – living in New Beijing many years in the future. Cinder spends all of her time working in her repair shop. Even though she singlehandedly supports her family, her stepmother and one of her stepsisters loathe Cinder, and would do anything to get rid of her.

Meanwhile, big things are happening in New Beijing. A plague is spreading rapidly among the population, killing everyone it infects – including the Emperor. Queen Levana, the queen of the moon, looks like she’s preparing to attack Earth with her massive armies. And – of course – every citizen of New Beijing is invited to the ball where Prince Kai will announce the woman he plans to marry.

When Cinder and Prince Kai meet at Cinder’s mechanic shop, it’s like at first sight. But if they’re going to be together, they have a lot to overcome – and first, they have to make sure that Prince Kai survives the ball.

Similar titles: For other unconventional Cinderella retellings, try Ash (Malinda Lo) or Ella Enchanted (Gail Carson Levine). For a sci-fi romance, read Across the Universe (Beth Revis).

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