So maybe I'm a bit late reading this book... and after finish this, I really don't know why I put it off for so long. Maybe it was the sci-fi elements since I'm not really a fan of sci-fi; it actually took a few chapters for me to get used to the idea that Iko was a robot! And here I thought robots didn't have personalities. Anyway, Cinder borrows a few elements from Cinderella (like the name) but is most definitely not a retelling. Though there is a very handsome prince. It takes place quite a few years after World War IV, which united Earth into a few nations/kingdoms/etc(?). There is also Luna, which is basically on the moon and is ruled by an evil Queen. Cinder, a cyborg, lives in the Commonwealth and work as a mechanic and it follows her story as she becomes entwined with Prince Kai.
This is the first ever YA book that I've read with a bunch of science fiction elements in it since I usually steer clear of science fiction, but the fantastic plot and the lovely characters was more than enough to overlook the prominence of sci-fi in this. Its also categorized as a dystopian, which is quite interesting because it does have many dystopian elements, yet I'd hardly compare the Commonwealth to Panem or anything. In fact, Kai is a rather cute just and fair ruler. I think Marissa does a wonderful job creating a futuristic world that we may see as realistic.
Next up: the romance! There isn't a love triangle! Woohoo. How many YA books these days don't have a love triangle?! Cinder and Kai's relationship developed pretty fast, but they make such a cute couple. I definitely bought in to the romance and it was actually one of my favorite aspects of the novel.
Overall, I'd definitely reccommend this to anyone that likes dystopia, sci-fi, fantasy, or are just looking for a nice read with wonderful characters! Bring on book 2.
