"Cinder" by Marissa Meyer (published 2012)

In Marissa Meyer’s “Cinder”, older literary versions of the “Cinderella” story are thrown into a future science fiction world, where Cinder is about half-human and half-cyborg (machine), and is also something else… something mysterious that only one person on Earth knows. Other than being a mechanic fixing pretty much any technological object in New Beijing, she thinks she is nobody but a dirt covered, grease stained abomination. But looks can be deceiving. What is really underneath the metal and flesh? As New Beijing collapses under a plague called letumosis, Cinder discovers the truth about her history, and perhaps the fate of the Earth.

“Cinder” is a real page-turner. Much of Meyer’s writing reminds me of William Gibson (author of “Neuromancer”), but unlike his heavily stylized and conceptual writing (which is amazing), Meyer manages to tell a sharp, straightforward sci-fi tale that doesn’t have the reader reaching for meaning but rather, (hopefully) has the reader desperately wanting something simpler – which is to know what happens next.

Does everything work out for the determined, whip-smart, and genuine protagonist Cinder? Does she survive meeting the charming Prince Kai, soon to be Emperor, who for some strange reason takes a liking to her yet has no idea what, or who, she really is? Does she survive her step-mother’s callous feelings and actions towards her - a stepmother who thinks that Cinder is merely a burden, and worse, a cyborg, a disgrace to humanity? Cinder’s only friends include her little sister, Peony, and an android named Iko. Do the three complete their dream plan to escape the harsh dystopia of New Beijing and drive to the safe-haven of Europe?

“Cinder” is a whirlwind of excitement and a lot of heart. This book, the first in a series called “The Lunar Chronicles” has really convinced me to read the rest (“Scarlet”, “Cress”, “Fairest”, and “Winter”). Cinder is brought to a real-world level – she’s no longer the age-old symbol of moral virtue but someone who gets jealous, someone with gumption, someone struggling with the idea of trust, and someone with enough bravery to try and escape an awful situation despite the possibility of her falling into disastrous humiliation... and more. I believe Marissa Meyer’s 21st Century “Cinder” will continue to inspire those who read it to stay true to who they really are and what they believe in, as well as to continue to fight the good fight, just like the old Cinderella we all know has done for centuries.