Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interference has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it "a matter of national security," but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on.

Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived.

But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for. 

“Vanity is a factor, but it is more a question of control. It is easier to trick others into perceiving you as beautiful if you can convince yourself you are beautiful. But mirrors have an uncanny way of telling the truth.”

I want Rebecca Soler to narrate my life. I thought she did an amazing job when I listened to the audiobook for Heartless, so I didn't think twice about requesting the audiobook for Cinder from my library. She has such a wonderful range of voices, and I'm never confused by who is speaking. She. Is. Incredible. The story is fabulous on it's own, but her voice really awakens the characters in my head.

I loved Cinder. I should have read it ages ago when it first came out, but now I get to read the entire series without a wait! I guess silver linings and all that jazz, but... it was a wonderful read regardless of when I read it, and it's sure to be one that I read again. The writing was phenomenal, and Marissa Meyer's twist on Cinderella was breathtaking and beautiful. Cyborgs! There were cyborgs and robots, a futuristic world with new rules, and a plague. Meyer really went above and beyond with the creativity of her world and characters. I never felt like I was somewhere unfamiliar, it was just someplace I hadn't been before, but knew all about.

Cinder made me feel so much. There were times when I was horrified and so very angry, and other moments my heart broke for these characters. My emotions were all over the place with this one, and I felt compelled to give hugs to some and stab others repeatedly.

I seriously will forever read anything this author ever writes. She's an auto-buy for me now! "Oh, my stars!" The story is fabulous, too. (Yes, I know I said this earlier, but it's worth repeating.) I was so invested in the characters and engaged in their struggles and triumphs. I thought something might be something while I was reading it (vague, I know), but the reveal was nicely done. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here! I have so many questions, but more importantly, I want to immerse myself in this world again.

Should you read this? Yes! Absolutely! Are you free right now? 😁