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Thursday, January 12, 2012

2012 Debut Author Challenge: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Reading Song of the Day: "A Cinderella Story" by Mudvayne

Will you look at that? I've completed my first book of the New Year! Not only that, but it's the second book I've read for the 2012 Debut Author Challenge. And this is one that I'm sure many of you will enjoy. First, let's see what Goodreads has to say about Marissa Meyer's Cinder:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.


Interested yet? Well, let's see if this will do it for you:


The Top 3 Reasons You Should Read Cinder:


1. Not Your Average Fairy Tale Retelling: Let's be honest. Fairy tale retellings are pretty hot right now. I'm surprised that I've been so into ABC's Once Upon a Time. And the new Snow White and the Huntsman movie? Quita and I will be in theaters opening night (and not just so Quita can drool over Chris Hemsworth). But Cinder is MORE than just a retelling. Meyer creates new characters, new legends...hell, a new story. Sure, I saw traces of Cinderella a few times, but I'm impressed with how much Meyer didn't rely on the tale we all know and love. You better believe there is no fairy godmother to save the day.


2. Cinder is no Disney princess. Nothing against Disney. I mean, I still try to sing like Ariel in the shower. But Cinder isn't some damsel waiting for the prince to notice her. If anything, she has a goal beyond falling in love with the prince. In fact, the prince comes to her for help. How kick ass is that? As Destiny's Child would say: All the woman who are independent...


3. Likewise, there's no Disney ending. Now, I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that I was relieved that no one was riding off into the sunset. Don't get me wrong, I love a good love story...but only when it fits with the story. Meyer created a layered character with Cinder. Sure, she's charmed by the prince, but there are bigger issues at hand...and I'm curious to see how she'll tackle them in the future.


If you like...


Book: Girl Parts by John M. Cusick, or


Movie: Ever After


then you'll like Cinder!!


Have you read Cinder yet? What kind of fairy tale retellings would you like to see or read?


Note: Ahem, a contest MAY occur at the end of the month...and commenting on this post can increase your chances to win. :)

5 comments:

Lisa-Marie Jordan said...

I just started Cinder this week and I'm LOVING it! I'm excited to find out it's part of a series!

Mrs. Silverstein said...

I've been seeing a lot of recs for this one lately...I love love love fairytale retellings, starting from when I read Ella Enchanted as a kid and DID NOT REALIZE until like halfway through that it was meant to be Cinderella (durr) but man, that moment when I realized? Blew. My. Mind.

Jessica Love said...

I wasn't too interested in this one until I heard the MCs are Asian. (Well, as Asian as a cyborg can be, I guess) Now I'm soooo interested.

Marquita Hockaday said...

Pam did a good job of intriguing you all with her review! I, too, am wondering if I should read this book now...may have to snatch it from her. Thanks for stopping by, ladies!

Racquel Henry said...

Oh! This sounds good! I may add this to my list...I'll be contacting you guys to ask some more questions about it. I love the movie Ever After, so this may be my cup of tea. :)