Cinder FAQ & 13 Books Like It

Cinder FAQ & 13 Books Like It

March 31, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there bookworms! If you're a fan of science fiction, fairy tales, and kick-ass heroines, then buckle up because I've got a book recommendation that will blow your mind. That's right, I'm talking about "Cinder" by Marissa Meyer. This novel takes the classic tale of Cinderella and spins it on its head, setting it in a futuristic world where cyborgs, androids, and a deadly plague are all part of everyday life. Intrigued yet? Well, keep reading because I'm about to give you the lowdown on this page-turner. In "Cinder," we follow the story of our titular protagonist, Cinder, a talented mechanic who also happens to be a cyborg. Living in New Beijing, a city plagued by political tensions and a mysterious disease, Cinder's life takes a turn when she crosses paths with Prince Kai. Suddenly, she finds herself caught up in a world of political intrigue, secrets, and a forbidden romance that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Now, I know what you're thinking. A sci-fi twist on Cinderella? How does that even work? Trust me, it works brilliantly. Marissa Meyer weaves together elements of the classic fairy tale with futuristic technology, creating a world that is both familiar and captivatingly unique. With its engaging plot, compelling characters, and a healthy dose of romance, "Cinder" is a must-read for any fan of fantasy and science fiction. If you're dying to read more books like "Cinder," worry not, because I've got you covered. In the following paragraphs, I'll be sharing some similar recommendations that will satisfy your craving for more futuristic fairy tale retellings. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into a world where science and fantasy collide!
The Book Cover Image for Cinder
The Book Cover Image for Cinder
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Retelling

Scarlet

"Scarlet" by Marissa Meyer is an enthralling sci-fi retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, where a feisty young woman named Scarlet teams up with a dashing street fighter to search for her missing grandmother. As the pair delves deeper into a world involving secrets, danger, and the enigmatic Lunar Queen, they find themselves on a thrilling and suspenseful adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Author
Marissa Meyer
Year Written
2013
Scarlet
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Retelling

Cress

"Cress" by Marissa Meyer is an thrilling and imaginative retelling of Rapunzel, set in a futuristic world filled with lunar cyborgs and evil queens. This fast-paced adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat as Cress, a feisty hacker with long, flowing hair, joins forces with Cinder and her crew to overthrow the lunar tyranny.
Author
Marissa Meyer
Year Written
2014
Cress
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Young Adult

Winter

"Winter" by Marissa Meyer is a captivating science fiction retelling of Snow White, set on the moon and filled with political intrigue and a thrilling rebellion. It follows the story of Winter, a young princess with a troubled mind, who must navigate a dangerous world and fight for her freedom.
Author
Marissa Meyer
Year Written
2015
Winter
Fantasy
Retelling
Romance

Heartless

"Heartless" by Marissa Meyer is a captivating fantasy retelling that explores the origins of the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It weaves a tale of love, ambition, and sacrifice, delving into the transformation of a young woman who had once possessed a kind heart.
Author
Marissa Meyer
Year Written
2016
Heartless
Fantasy
Young Adult

The Lunar Chronicles Coloring Book

"The Lunar Chronicles Coloring Book" by Marissa Meyer is a beautifully illustrated coloring book based on her popular "Lunar Chronicles" series, featuring intricate scenes and characters from the books. It provides a fun and creative way for fans to engage with the captivating world of the Lunar Chronicles.
Author
Marissa Meyer
Year Written
2016
The Lunar Chronicles Coloring Book
Fantasy
Dystopian
Young Adult

Red Queen

"Red Queen" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a dystopian world divided by blood, where the color of your blood determines your social standing and superhuman abilities. The story follows Mare, a young woman who discovers she possesses a unique power that threatens to disrupt the balance of power and ignite a revolution.
Author
Victoria Aveyard
Year Written
2015
Red Queen
Fantasy
Adventure
Romance

Graceling

"Graceling" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world where certain individuals possess extraordinary abilities called Graces. The story follows a young woman named Katsa, a skilled warrior with a unique Grace, as she embarks on a dangerous journey that challenges her beliefs, exposes political intrigue, and explores themes of power, love, and self-discovery.
Author
Kristin Cashore.
Year Written
2008
Graceling

The Selection

"The Selection" is a captivating and romantic dystopian novel where a young girl is thrust into a competition to win the heart of a prince. The book delves into themes of love, social class, and the struggle for acceptance, making it an engaging read for fans of romance and dystopian fiction.
Author
Kiera Cass
Year Written
2012
The Selection
Fantasy
Adventure
Romance

Shadow and Bone

"Shadow and Bone" is an enthralling fantasy novel that follows an orphaned mapmaker named Alina Starkov as she discovers a dormant power that could save her war-torn country. As she trains with the Grisha, an elite group of magical soldiers, Alina must navigate dangerous alliances and face the dark forces that threaten to consume her world.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2012
Shadow and Bone
Dystopian
Adventure
Mystery

The Maze Runner

"The Maze Runner" is a gripping dystopian novel where a group of young boys are trapped in a maze, with no memory of their past, and must find a way to escape before time runs out. As they face deadly creatures and unravel the mysteries of the maze, the story delves into themes of survival, friendship, and sacrifice.
Author
James Dashner
Year Written
2009
The Maze Runner
Fiction
Fantasy
Fairy Tales

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast

"Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast" is a captivating and enchanting retelling of the classic fairy tale. With beautifully crafted prose and a unique perspective on the characters, this book offers a fresh take on an age-old love story.
Author
Robin McKinley
Year Written
1978
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
Fantasy
Young Adult
Fairy Tales

Ella Enchanted

"Ella Enchanted" is a captivating fairy tale that follows the journey of Ella, a young girl burdened with the gift of obedience. Through her determination and bravery, Ella embarks on a quest to break the curse, discovering love, self-empowerment, and her true inner strength along the way.
Author
Gail Carson Levine
Year Written
1997
Ella Enchanted
Fantasy
Fae
Intrigue

The Cruel Prince

"The Cruel Prince" is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, as she navigates the treacherous world of the fae, filled with political intrigue, deception, and a cruel prince who becomes her greatest adversary. With its immersive world-building and compelling characters, this book takes readers on an enthralling and darkly magical adventure of survival and power struggles.
Author
Holly Black.
Year Written
2018
The Cruel Prince

FAQ

Overview

In Marissa Meyer's "Cinder," we are transported to a futuristic New Beijing, where the classic Cinderella tale receives an electrifying twist. Meet Cinder, a gifted mechanic and a cyborg who finds herself entangled in a web of politics, a deadly plague, and a forbidden romance with Prince Kai. As their paths intertwine, Cinder must navigate a world filled with secrets, intrigue, and the fight for her own freedom. With its seamless blend of futuristic technology and thought-provoking themes, "Cinder" is a gripping page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Meyer's reimagining of Cinderella is a refreshingly original take on a beloved story, combining elements of fantasy, science fiction, and romance. The world she creates is both familiar and remarkably inventive, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to a future where cyborgs and androids are the norm. As Cinder's journey unfolds, we are drawn into a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity, love, and the power of choice. Whether you're a fan of fairy tales or a lover of science fiction, "Cinder" is a must-read that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next installment in the Lunar Chronicles series.

Length of Read

Main Characters

- Cinder: A skilled mechanic and cyborg, Cinder is the protagonist who is witty, resourceful, and hiding a secret that could change everything. - Prince Kai: The charming and charismatic prince who becomes infatuated with Cinder, he is torn between his duty to his people and his growing feelings for her. - Queen Levana: The ruthless and power-hungry queen of Luna, Levana will stop at nothing to gain control over Earth and its prince. - Iko: Cinder's loyal android companion with a bubbly personality and a penchant for fashion, Iko provides comic relief and unwavering support to Cinder. - Dr. Erland: A mysterious scientist who helps Cinder uncover her true identity and guides her on a dangerous mission, he holds key information about the Lunar people. - Peony: Cinder's kind and caring stepsister, Peony's fate sets off a chain of events that push Cinder further into the world of politics and rebellion. - Adri: Cinder's cruel and demanding stepmother, Adri constantly belittles and mistreats Cinder, fueling her determination to prove herself. - Pearl: Cinder's jealous stepsister, Pearl resents Cinder's skills and talents, leading to a strained relationship between the two. - Emperor Rikan: The ailing ruler of the Eastern Commonwealth, Emperor Rikan's deteriorating health creates tension and uncertainty in the kingdom. - Nainsi: A street vendor and Cinder's friend, Nainsi provides valuable information and support to Cinder throughout her journey.

Ending & Meaning

Hold onto your seats, folks, because the ending of "Cinder" is a rollercoaster of emotions! As the story reaches its climax, Cinder's true identity is revealed, and she must confront her past and make some tough choices. With the fate of New Beijing hanging in the balance, Cinder unleashes her inner strength and sets out on a mission to save not only herself but also those she cares about. The ending is a whirlwind of action, heartache, and unexpected twists that will leave you desperate for more. Now, let's talk about the themes and meaning that can be gleaned from this exhilarating conclusion. One powerful theme that emerges is the idea of self-discovery and embracing one's true identity. Cinder, as a cyborg, has spent most of her life feeling like an outcast and hiding her true self. However, as the story progresses, she learns to accept and embrace who she is, realizing that her unique qualities are what make her strong. This theme encourages readers to celebrate their own individuality and find strength in their differences. Another theme that resonates strongly is the fight against oppression and the quest for freedom. In "Cinder," we witness a society divided by prejudice and discrimination, where cyborgs are treated as second-class citizens. As Cinder fights for her own freedom, she also becomes a symbol of hope for others who are oppressed. This theme reminds us of the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for equality and freedom for all. So, buckle up for an intense and satisfying ending that not only leaves you craving more but also leaves you with some profound themes to ponder. "Cinder" is more than just a futuristic fairy tale retelling – it's a story that explores the depths of identity, resilience, and the power of fighting for what you believe in.
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