Bookish Kingdom discussion

"Cinder" is the BOTM of September, for the theme/genre "Science-fiction"!
You can find the guidelines here.

Please sign up in this thread, if you want to join the readalong.


Cinder

So the idea of a 'Book of the month' is sort of a read-along. The BOTM thread (this one) will be for the people who want to do the read-along and share their thoughts after each goal (September 6/7 - I just read till chapter 4 and my thoughts are .... etc.). Spoilers must be marked of course!

Reading schedule
September 1/5 - Time to get your copies!
September 6/7 - read until (incl.) chapter 4
September 8/9 - read until (incl.) chapter 8
September 10/11 - read until (incl.) chapter 12
September 12/13 - Time to catch up!
September 14/15 - read until (incl.) chapter 16
September 16/17 - read until (incl.) chapter 20
September 18/19 - read until (incl.) chapter 24
September 20/21 - Time to catch up!
September 22/23 - read until (incl.) chapter 28
September 24/25 - read until (incl.) chapter 32
September 26/27 - read until (incl.) chapter 36
September 28/29 - Time to catch up!
September 30 - read until (incl.) chapter 38 (Book finished)
September 31 --> Time for more discussion :) This is also the best moment for people who have already read the book before to join in!


Have fun :D

Participants:

Regsly - Ilsen

I won't be joining, cause I'm on a book buying ban xD

I will join the discussion, but I won't be reading the book, because I already read it less than a year ago.

I'm joining the readalong :D

Omg yes! I've been dying to get to this!

Cordelianne wrote: "I will join the discussion, but I won't be reading the book, because I already read it less than a year ago."

Okay! :)

Regsly wrote: "I'm joining the readalong :D"

Yasss, thanks for joining, Regsly! :D

Ilsen wrote: "Omg yes! I've been dying to get to this!"

Thanks for joining, Ilsen!! :D

Ilsen wrote: "Omg yes! I've been dying to get to this!"

Yay! <3

Ayla wrote: "I won't be joining, cause I'm on a book buying ban xD"

Oh poor Ayla, I know that's harsh <3

Until Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[I know it's just the beginning and I don't want to rain on the parade... The idea for the retelling seemed alluring, but I've felt mostly boring during these 4 chapters. I actually took way longer than necessary to finish them...

I don't know how to feel about Peony. I guess we're supposed to like her because she's naïve, nice to Cinder and now she's sick. For me she's been mostly annoying, with that whole sugar-coated fangirl twirling around streak. She's shallow.

The step-sister and ahm foster mother (?). I don't know. They're both behaving like they should. So that's that.
I guess Iko may be amusing if the author doesn't push it xD (hide spoiler)]

Oh no Ayla. It's ok I'm on a book buying ban too. It's just I already had this book but either way I break my bans way too easily when it comes to this Goodreads group XD But I completely understand. I hope you join the next one though!

Until Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[ I know it's supposed to be a little slow in the beginning so I'm prepared for it. I can't say much because it is the beginning. I like Cinder. I want to know more about Iko.

I don't think Peony is that bad. I like her. She seems really nice and yea she's kinda spoiled but that's how she is raised. At least she's nice to Cinder other than bratty Pearl.

The fact that Kai automatically assumes Cinder is a man because she is a mechanic. GIRLS CAN BE A MECHANIC IF THEY WANT TO. Just making that known. Girls can do anything they want if guys can do it too.

Well at least I see a parallel to Cinderella already so that can keep me intrigued. Let's see how this goes. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 8

(view spoiler)[ I honestly thought Cinder had the disease because it would make sense but can a cyborg contract a disease from a person? I guess it can.

Adri may be cruel to Cinder but at the end of the day, she is protecting her children. Or at least she thinks she is. Or she may want the money and wants to get rid of Cinder because she doesn't like cyborgs unless they do their dirty work for her.

The Dr. Eerland is really creepy. I'm getting some weird pedo vibes here.

I'm interested into seeing what's going on. Like she's a test subject to a disease. Now what is going to happen in terms of plot. To be honest, I really don't know what it is about other than it's a sci-fi retelling of Cinderella but maybe I should actually see the synopsis. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 8

(view spoiler)[A cyborg has organic parts as well as cybernetic ones, so they can bleed, and I suppose they could catch a disease that their pharmaceutical augmentations weren't prepared for.
I haven't read that many stories with cyborgs but they certainly aren't immortal, also they could be infected by viruses - that's what comes with digital systems.

Nah I don't buy it. Adri is just another prejudiced bitter woman. All that talk but she explored her ward, all too keen to take all the money she made, and showed her nothing but disdain. She's just taking it out on Cinder and finally getting rid of her, since she'll still get money out it.
If they didn't get anything out of volunteering Cinder to the cause, she'd continue exploring and mistreating her, Peony or no Peony.

Hey, prince, guess who's not fixing your droid?

Dr. has visions - person in charge of the whole useless thing going crazy. Almost nobody cares if they're killing cyborgs unnecessarily... Great.
Dr. Erland entered the room with twitching fingers. Pedo alert?

they die a little slower each time. Oh goody, more time for suffering!

Is she gonna be immune or something? (hide spoiler)]

Also, I'm wondering if this book could count for the June challenge achievement: book set in another world, since this a completely different and fictionalized Earth (view spoiler)[and they have lunar people (hide spoiler)]...

Until chpater 12

(view spoiler)[ The sales from her control panel alone will cover the family payoff. *swears at Fateen* Cold-hearted

So she's immune, picture me surprised -_-

Dr. Erland's manipulating her "head"? Messing with her program? It's got to be it.

Everyone's just making me feel really creeped out about the Lunars.

So now we know what Kai was hiding about his android, Nainsi. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[ I am getting more intrigued into the story. I had a feeling that Cinder would be immune to the disease because she had so much contact with people with the disease. I mean it's kinda obvious that she was immune. Regsly you are not amused.

Is anyone worried about Iko? Because I am worried about Iko. Because I am worried about Iko. I know that she will be more in the story (because everyone raves about Iko so there must be a reason). I liked the scenes between her and Cinder before. I want to know more about her character.

Dr. Eerland being an old man makes the pedo thing even more creepier. Like I know Cinder feels safe around him but like eww I don't. For some reason I thought Dr. Eerland was like in his fifties and I thought Li was a woman. Oops...

I really hope we get more chapters from Prince Kai's perspective. I live for political intrigue. So the rumors are true. He has to marry Queen Levana to keep the peace. It's a terrible idea. There is no such thing as peace with the Lunars. They are awful. We haven't even met Queen Levana yet.

I have a pretty good feeling that Princess Selene is alive. I have been taught (by my favorite show Pretty Little Liars) that if we haven't seen the body, they aren't dead. It is also a pretty big trend in YA as well so I say it's a pretty good theory.

In the retelling execution, I know we haven't even reached halfway but I appreciate seeing the parallels to the original story. Obviously there are a lot of things different but you can see the original story. It's not like you couldn't recognize the story like a certain book.....

I'm enjoying the setting as well. It's poverty and futuristic at the same time. To answer your question Regsly, I think you can use it since this new world has it's own history that is different than our own. I think it could work. (hide spoiler)]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ I see you're not that impressed. I don't know. I think it's pretty good so far.

Honestly I forgot about the android. That completely slipped my mind. I don't know what Kai is hiding. Kinda forgot XD

I'm not saying Adri is not a good person. I'm just saying she must hate having Cinder as a daughter just because she's a cyborg. She's not entirely human. But other than that, she is a money hungry bitch.

No one cares about cyborgs at all. It's kinda sad. I bet their mentality is that they can always make more. -_- (hide spoiler)]

@Ilsen

(view spoiler)[Yeah, I think I'll use it for that achievement. If someone disagrees they should let me know with good arguments xD Thanks <3

Idk I've mostly felt creeped out or anxious (due to Dr. Unsettling - that part when Cinder suddenly didn't feel like hitting him wasn't right) and when I'm not feeling that I'm craving for more information or for a brick to throw at someone's teeth (I don't wanna throw books xD)

It's really prejudiced because cyborgs are people who were hurt or sick, therefore it's the same as sacrificing someone with a pacemaker, a prosthesis, in a wheelchair, etc... So they can't make more, they just can fix more people up...
It reminds me of Hitler who didn't just go after the Jews, but also the handicapped, the homosexuals and the Gipsies (I don't think gipsy is considered a prejudiced term nowadays, is it?)
Also, despite not having read many cyborg stories, I love an old-school manga named Cyborg 009, so this offends me in the name of all the 9 cyborgs, specially the baby 001:



I assume princess Selene (very Lunar name btw) is alive too. It's so typical.
I wonder if everything about the Lunars is true -- and what was that whole Kai suddenly hearing voices thing. Was the Lunar witch entering his mind trying to condition him?
If the rumours are true Queen Levana is a black widow. Rip husbands (hide spoiler)]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ The poor cyborgs. I must be thinking of androids then when I said they could just make more. But cyborgs are people who just had to be fixed. I feel bad for them.

I want to know more about the Lunars as evil as they sound. I don't know what was up with Kai suddenly hearing voices. I'm hoping we will find out soon. Also the android thing. I want to know what he really wanted.

I'm kinda scared because I don't want this book to disappoint me. (hide spoiler)]

@Ilsen
(view spoiler)[ Exactly. Imagine using veterans of war for experiments. People who had cancer but could finally have full functional legs or arms again, just to be used like lab-rats. It's disgusting.

Either lunar witch was pulling some Jahandar s* or Kai has some telepathic abilities... What if he was half-lunar or something along those lines?
What I'm really wondering is if his android had found anything of relevance to princess Selene's whereabouts... (hide spoiler)]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ I love how we keep making jokes about The Wrath and the Dawn. It's forever our inside joke XD If Kai has some telepathic abilities, I want to know. It could be a possibility that he is half lunar. No one said anything about his mom. I bet the android found something interesting and then someone tried to destroy it. (hide spoiler)]

Until chapter 16

(view spoiler)[This doctor is one of those in the name of science creeps, huh? Let's screw the cyborg's systems weeee people are just toys
He also lies with an ease that I find troubling. Even if Cinder does not want prince Kai to know the truth, makes you wonder what the Dr. is planning.

So a chance to know if Kai's android collected any useful info is in the game again.

More unpleasant confrontations with step-mother. More Iko cuteness

Aaaand the king is dead.

Wow she doesn't even try to fake it. Queen Levana is thirsty.
Trying to take advantage of the inexperienced grieving prince. For shame

(I have no proper comments to give this time around. The chapters are much smaller than the ones Clare writes, so less info to dissect for now) (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 16

(view spoiler)[ The Doctor is creepy. Enough said. He's trying to hide something and like it's really weird how he is hiding the fact that Cinder is a cyborg and is immune to the disease? Is he actually evil?

More Iko and Cinder things. Now if only she can actually be part of the plot. If there is even a plot.

The king is dead and Queen Levana just asks for his hand in marriage. She is thirsty... for that crown.

It's starting to drag. Like I want to know what's happening please. (hide spoiler)]

I finished this yesterday but I'm so sick. I'm still going to read though.

Ilsen wrote: "
I finished this yesterday but I'm so sick. I'm still going to read though."

Get better soon <3

Yeah, something happened, but it's still going slowly? It's as if the plot hasn't been properly set yet. Idk

Thanks Regsly! :)

I know people have warned me about this but come on. There's slow and then there's dragging and no plot. Like seriously?

Is this supposed to be "slow burn" fiction? 🤔
Because it could at least give me more feelings! 😏

Btw here's an emoji that I never use becuz the struggle is real 🍳

#MollyAndAbby #UnderratedEmojiProtectionSquad #Hashtag

Until Chapter 20

(view spoiler)[ So finally things are happening. Only took half of the book but whatever.

So Cinder is a Lunar. I definitely didn't see that coming but it makes sense. Cinder is annoying me though. Like I know it's a shock but like if you don't remember anything then that probably makes the most sense.

I like knowing more about the Lunars and we met Queen Levana. Man she is evil. Like I got chills.

Prince Kai just suddenly asking Cinder out though. Like they had like two encounters?? What? But at least Cinder said no. Also are they escaping now. Let's find out. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry I'm a bit behind but I will catch up. Also love that Upside of Unrequited reference XD

Until Chapter 24

(view spoiler)[ Of course Nainsi has information about Princess Selene. The fact that someone knows that he is looking for her. Probably why they moved so quickly.

I'm going to say it again. Queen Levana is a freaking bitch. She hidden away an antidote to letumosis just to use as a political device??? People are dying because you are selfish. They probably developed it years ago because the disease came from their planet!

Cinder, why are you an idiot? You should have left Nainsi in the palace and leave. Now Queen Levana is going to hunt you down and you got Prince Kai in trouble. All because you wanted to see him. Just tell him to meet you in mechanic room or something.

They are cute and all but like not feeling the romance. It's not my favorite. But it is getting better. Can't wait to see what happens next! (hide spoiler)]

Ilsen wrote: "Thanks Regsly! :)

I know people have warned me about this but come on. There's slow and then there's dragging and no plot. Like seriously?"

Get well soon!

Too bad the book has been so disappointing for you guys so far :(

Ayla wrote: "Ilsen wrote: "Thanks Regsly! :)

I know people have warned me about this but come on. There's slow and then there's dragging and no plot. Like seriously?"

Get well soon!

Too bad the book has bee..."

Thanks Ayla! It hasn't disappointed me and it actually got better right now. It just took a little long to get to the actual plot. But I'm open to anything. It's not bad though. I think it's just a little hyped up XD

Until Chapter 20

(view spoiler)[I know, right? It's like scientifically proven, deal with it!

I was thinking about Kai asking her to the party... I mean, we don't know for sure if she's a shell (interesting the use of this term, since I always say our bodies are just shells, to our souls. They're not really who we are.), so we don't know what Kai is seeing? Maybe the doc was hinting at the fact that her hand did seem to turn human in front of Kai. I just thought that she could actually have lunar powers and unconsciously changing her appearance a bit in her need to hide she's a cyborg.

And I guess she's always acted normal, instead of like a groupie, and talked to him like a regular person. He must appreciate that - and also wishing to keep several females at bay, Levana included, taking a date might help. Plus, she's the best in her field around here, that's interesting.
It was still really out of the blue, they talked 3 times? lol And it seemed like he didn't think she was gonna say no at the beginning xD

When Queen Levana appeared I was like "Gross." Because seriously, if anybody appeared in front of me completely perfect, symmetric and beautiful, trying to play the childlike charm and all that... Man. I'D BE CREEPED OUT!

But seriously, she could've come to Earth sooner and pulled this crap even before the king died! Why now? (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 24

(view spoiler)[ leaving Cinder trying to come up with a reasonable excuse as to why it was so important to see Kai hmmm maybe to ask him if he was the one who was listening to Nainsi's report, and talk about the chip? Like, you know, maybe some enemy heard what could possibly endanger Kai's life and his country?

Ta-da~! Cinder is not a shell because she reacted to Levana's s*! And I think the doctor may be a Lunar too. That's what he did, he manipulated Cinder into not attacking him that first time! :O I thought he had used his access to her interface or smtg, but it makes total sense!
Is he like suspicious that she's actually princess Selene?
(also, do you think every cyborg has that lie detector she has? I hardly doubt it!)

Kai fought back the control, so why is it so surprising that others could have the presence of mind to do it too? Is it unheard of for humans to be unable to do it?

Like the disease wasn't born in the moon... Anyway, I know what's she's doing, the whole backhanded gift thing, but Kai could just deliver the "cure" (if it really is) to his scientists and have them find the components and try to recreate it lol wtfrog

Ok, like what? Cinder why aren't you even thinking of reporting your findings?! I swear, these characters who know important suspicious stuff and just forget to mention it!

You're gonna make me eat my delícia angry!

picture of a delícia folhada (powdered sugar version, not chocolate one - I have no idea if there's an english term for it \_(º^º)_/ )


It's totally not a good idea for her to go the ball now, because the Queen has already seen her.

This Kai/Cinder attraction rolling too fast. I really want to know what is going on with Cinder - like is there some suppressor in here. And I'm pretty sure her appearance must've changed for a second! (hide spoiler)]

Ayla wrote: "Ilsen wrote: "Thanks Regsly! :)

I know people have warned me about this but come on. There's slow and then there's dragging and no plot. Like seriously?"

Get well soon!

Too bad the book has bee..."

Yeah, like Ilsen said, it hasn't disappointed me (I didn't come w/ big expectations this time xD). It's really just slow, with a lot of world building to do yet (I don't even understand the dates because no glossary) and probably way overrated.

But things are finally happening.

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ That actually sounds like a good theory. I have another theory of my own that I would like to share in a little bit.

That's true. Once you feel comfortable with someone, they start to open romantic feelings towards each other. But it's still sudden. Like they only had three meetings XD To be fair, there was one time that I had one conversation with a guy and then the next day, the guy had a crush on me. Confirmed: insta love (or crushes I guess) happens in real life

I imagined those ladies who look super pretty but creepy at the same time. And it just gave me chills. Like jeez. She is creepy.

I guess it's because she couldn't really take the emperor's place if he was alive but now she can. But she could have just hypnotized everyone and let her be empress. She has all the power!! (hide spoiler)]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ Oh yea. But she did do that. I mean I guess she did because she told Kai about the chip that malfunctioned it. And now Kai knows that someone knows that Kai is looking for Princess Selene.

I don't know why but I have a theory that Princess Selene is Cinder. She came unexpectedly. Someone tried to protect her and she also has a fake ID chip. Maybe someone wiped her memory to make it seem like she was a new person. She could be Princess Selene. It's possible. My theory could work.

Oh so she's not a shell but she can still see through the glamour. I mean can't only shells see through the glamour? I mean I thought that's what it said. Maybe she isn't. That lie detector is pretty handy. I don't think so because then every android would have it and they don't.

Maybe because it's really hard to fight back the glamour because it literally takes over all your senses. Some people just can't do it.

I didn't even think of taking the cure and just try to make a replica. That's probably smarter. Still. She is evil. Letting everyone die just so she can have the power to be empress.

Also, I knew Dr. Eerland was hiding something. Maybe he is a Lunar and that's why he never reported his findings of a cure to Prince Kai. Because he's not supposed to. He is just going to let everyone die and just keep testing on cyborgs to keep up the illusion of finding a cure. Or he's just an asshole Lunar and is also another fugitive on the run. Ooh so many theories. This is how you know it's getting good XD

At least she has enough sense to not go to the ball. I feel like Queen Levana will run into her at some other point. Now will be the time to run away with Iko and get the hell out of there. Also, very little Iko time but at least the plot is moving forward.

I thought Kai found out that she was a cyborg and freaked the hell out but maybe she did change her appearance unknowingly. Let's see what happens.

Man Regsly. You're making me hungry with that picture XD (hide spoiler)]

@Ilsen

(view spoiler)[ (it was good too, I ate it all xD)

I know she did tell him, but it took her long enough! And he actually had to ask! Can you believe her? Glob xD

I'm just thinking that there may be stronger humans at fighting it off than others. Why not? And Queen Lebitch (I'm sorry) could totally take over the entire Earth, but if info of princess Selene reached her twisted mind, then this might be one of the reasons she came now, like you said. She could've married Kai sooner too. If she really wanted to.

Let's think about this rationally. We have 2 factors: cyborg and lunar that have to be taken into account.
Being a Lunar, Cinder might have a stronger ability to fight off some of other Lunars' manipulation. They did say Lunars manipulate each other. And since Q. Levana keeps the glamour up 24/7 at certain times (headcanon that's she's ugly like a troll), it must take a lot of effort just to keep her beautiful persona perfect & charming, never mind the rest.
If Cinder is Lunar AND P. Selene, she may have a stronger ability that could rival Levana's. The Lunars that became royalty, probably did it due to their unmatching abilities (I'm assuming, since monarchy is not such a common thing right now).

Ok, on with the cyborg part. It appears that Cinder had more alterations done than maybe the ones that were necessary. Also, it appears the work was high quality as well as progressive (Lunar? - it was a lunar dr who brought the princess), seeing the nervous system input & all that. Then she has a chip that says she's from Europe (possible place where P. Selene was taken)
So maybe some of the augmentations were done to help her blend in, or to give her a leverage against the queen's glamour or both. Like, her lie-detector even warns her when ppl are using glamour in a way. And I'm thinking maybe one of those alters her appearance slightly so they don't see the resemblance in her features - possibly something between Q. Levana and Q. Channary. Maybe it even locks her potential to use the glamour herself.
Whatever it was, it always seemed too suspicious for her step-father to adopt her like that, when he was a scientist himself, if he didn't see some potential in her cybernetic work or in her true identity.

Also, I just realized Queen Levana is sort of the evil step-mother from Snow White: she made her step-daughter cut her beautiful face due to jealousy and killed her husband... which makes the step-daughter Snow White which makes me curious since this is a fairytale retelling.

I still don't know where Dr. Eerland's loyalties lie. But he did seem to recognize too much of Cinder's cybernetic augmentations, know too much about Lunars, and he did manipulate her. Although, he wanted her to stay away from Levana. So he may be working against "us", or he may just be a refugee (or a half-Lunar half-human, who knows).

Iko says the most outrageous things xD (hide spoiler)]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ Queen LeBitch is her new name from now on XD Yea it's weird that she didn't say it the minute she saw him. Like come on, this is important. Worry about your crush on him later! Queen LeBitch probably came because of the information on Princess Selene.

It's weird that this has a lot of allusions to Snow White considering this is supposed to be a Cinderella retelling.. Maybe it's a mixture of both. But it is doing a good job of knowing the fairytale mostly because of Disney but we should know the whole story before going into the book. Not like a certain retelling I know. coughs The Wrath and The Dawn coughs

But anyways I don't trust Dr. Eerland as I never did since he seemed like a creepy perv. I feel like he is Lunar as well because he knows way too much to not be a Lunar. It isn't common knowledge like he said. But if he was a Lunar and immune to the disease, why hasn't he figured out a cure? Also, WHY TEST ON CYBORGS IF YOU ARE IMMUNE? Half human/half Lunar. I would love to know how that happened XD

Ok let's go into theory time! Cinder is a Lunar and cyborg. Like you said, she probably has some strength into fighting out the glamour but she still got affected by it. Maybe because she isn't a shell but if she isn't a shell then why would Dr. Eerland send her away? I know he said Lunar fugitives are still bad and I imagine Queen LeBitch isn't ok with people just escaping her reign, but why did he assume she was a shell? He could have just told her she was Lunar and that's it. If it turns out she is Princess Selene and maybe he knows it, then that would be why he would say she was a shell to make her leave.

And now the cyborg part. Obviously she had to be done by a doctor with way more technological advancements than the regular doctor because the wiring is something they have never seen before. If she is Princess Selene, then it must have been that Lunar doctor who got her out and put her in Europe with a fake ID chip. The lie detector could be to see people using glamour. Maybe that's why she has it. She unintentionally has glamour and she doesn't know it.

I'm wondering how Iko plays into all of this. Also, she's pretty funny. Like I'm assuming Cinder tells her that she's Lunar and something happens and then chaos. Who knows? I just want some more. It's getting good. (hide spoiler)]

@Ilsen
(view spoiler)[ Like I'm giggling like a child everytime I see Queen LeBitch now x'3
(if she has a sad story, we may regret this xD but I didn't get any spoilers so sorry, not sorry)

Maybe the doc is not immune or he isn't affected by the disease but is a possible carrier (like those HIV carriers who don't contract the disease)? Idk how many Lunars can do what Cinder does, her immune system destroys it really fast and she does not become a carrier afterwards.

Maybe is based on Snow White. The apple, winter/snow and the series has been planned way ahead so that the author had already been preparing the field for future characters. For instance, is probably about Rapunzel due to the long braided hair.

I'm imagining Iko goes on adventures into space with Cinder like R2D2 xD

It would really make sense for the doctor to have seen whatever Kai saw a glimpse of when Cinder collapsed again. Because the last time, it was more intense. So if she really is the princess, I'm assuming he put 2 and 2 together. And, I agree, he told her the easiest thing to make her leave: you're a shell, she kills them, run.

I also remember the doctor thinking she had more modifications than necessary for the supposed accident. I think that may be relevant.

Anyway, I'm finally getting into it now that more questions keep popping up and stuff is actually happening. One thing though: in the book, Cinderella actually goes to the ball. Oh-ho

P.S.: I'm imaging Princess Kai as a cute Thai, even if its Beijing so he could be Chinese or an assorted number of Asian ethnics. Don't ask me why, it just works in my head (hide spoiler)]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ There is a novella of Queen LeBitch but no one liked it. It just seemed like another way to make money off the Lunar Chronicles so I'm not bothering with it XD

Maybe all Lunars are immune or maybe not. I don't know. I just find it weird that Dr. Eerland knows all this information and doesn't do shit so I don't trust him. And maybe he has a glamour up to look like a 30 year old to everyone but Cinder saw through it as an old man. But it also made her not hurt him. Yep I'm 100% sure he's a Lunar now. What's his story?

I heard Winter was all the characters from the previous books mashed together to one fantastic finale. Safe to say, that I'm continuing with this series because it's pretty good. Cress is about Rapunzel and then Scarlet is about Red Riding Hood. So that's a pretty good mix of fairytales. Wondering how they all play out into this story.

It was way more intense last time so he probably saw something. Or maybe he suspected it because he was the one to try something out. But what is it? Is it like a trigger or something? Like what makes her appearance suddenly change? Yep the modifications also have an important part. It must be she needed a lot of modifications so she won't be Princess Selene.

Omg do not tell me that she actually goes because if she goes, shit will go down. And in a bad way. Like she is screwed. I have a feeling it might happen though XD

Iko is probably going to be her best friend android doing shenanigans and getting away from trouble. Like Shaggy and Scooby Doo.

Also I imagine Prince Kai as dark and tall even though I know he's from Beijing but like I don't see much Asian in him which is weird. Also Dr. Eerland is American because he speaks with a "weird" accent. (hide spoiler)]

@Ilsen
(view spoiler)[ He doesn't look like a 30-year-old, the cyborg he discarded was the one around that age. Remember? He acts like a crazy old man xD
Actually... wasn't he the one who perked up at female cyborgs? Maybe he's been looking for P. Selene all along - how he knew she was cyborg, idk?

Yeah! Right now what I want to know most is what triggers that. I thought it was from the place and way Dr. Erland had touched her, but Kai was just holding her arm, close to kissing her, right?
Peony grabbed her before and nothing happened

I hope she doesn't go, but at the same time, we know some way bad stuff is going to happen.

Iko is just gonna invade expensive wardrobes and pull some extreme makeover business. I can just see them trying to enter some place and snoop around for something, like at Queen LeBitch's chambers, and Iko putting on a tiara and stuff.
'Oh Cinder, does this not favour me so?'

I picture really bronze skin like some Thais or Filipinos have. I thought Dr. Erland was pulling a Russian or Ukrainian accent because his first name's Dmitri? (hide spoiler)]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ Oh oops. I probably thought Dr. Eerland was a 30 year old when I first read about him XD But yea he is a crazy old man. Nah I just think he's a perv. How would he know Princess Selene is a cyborg? Like that's some serious assumption.

Odds are she is going to that ball and shit will go down XD

Iko the fashion diva and Cinder the mechanic XD

I always thought the accent was American. That's it!! Kai has to be Filipino! It makes sense. That makes sense in my head now. (hide spoiler)]

@Ilsen
(view spoiler)[ Idk, I'm just throwing theories here. When we first meet him, he's thinking something like how he can't explain why he has no need for the male cyborg. He seems to care for the fact the man has a son, and he tells the assistant to placebo him.
He seems to really want young female cyborgs, and he got really serious when the chance of Cinder and Q. LeBitch meeting came up. Cinder's not a shell and we are thinking she might be P. Selene.
Maybe the doc is part of the group of people who helped the princess escape/hide and modified her, since we are sure he's a Lunar refugee too. And he needs to find her, or she'll never know who she is and she'll never try to save their planet from the infanticide. Or he joined the cause and gathered all info he could on what happened to her and the last place she was taken to.
... Is this too far-fetched?

The B-team (for beauty). *the A-team theme starts playing*
Cinder will be the grouchy mechanic driving her car & telling ppl to not mess w/ her car. Iko will be the pretty silly humorous character with the punch-lines that sometimes drives Cinder mad, but for which she secretly cares for. I'm undecided if Iko should be Faceman or H.M. Murdock. (hide spoiler)]

I just thought something along these lines: don't tell me the fainting is some weird lunar puberty thing xD

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ Damn Regsly. Your theories are good XD Watxh how we are over thinking this and it turns out to be something super anti climatic. I hope one of our theories is correct though.

Cinder and Iko the dream B team. What a concept. People should make a fanfiction of that XD

If is Lunar puberty I swear... (hide spoiler)]

@Ilsen
(view spoiler)[Merci x3 If it's anti-climatic, I'll definitely be disappointed then xD

Don't look at me. I have an over-active vivid and realistic imagination, I was already in stitches just from the mental picture with ost to booth! (Iko in pearls and lipstick invading your home for FACE EXTREME MAKEOVER! YOU'RE GONNA LOOK AMAZING~!)

I'm sure it's not. I hope? But if it was this book would turn into crack fiction and I would be lying on the floor. Dead. xD (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 28

(view spoiler)[ Yay!! It's getting more high stakes and political intrigue! So the reason why Cinder is being like that is because someone used her as a prototype to affect the bioelectricity. And it's hiding her gift. But she is getting it back. And we were right. Dr. Eerland is Lunar. That's kinda sad that his daughter was killed. How did he escape?

Prince Kai has some more political drama going on. Having to deal with Queen LeBitch and he might have to marry her. Well gee I hope not because she's a monster. Plus she pretty much hinted that they are going to go into war at some point. And that whole mirror thing just so she could test him. What a vindictive little bitch. She's evil. She literally was about to take someone's life for her own deed. Just can't deal with her.

Cinder why? Why do you have to be so dumb? So you couldn't save Peony. I felt no emotion towards that fact by the way. I had a feeling she wouldn't save her. But you had to make a scene? You are a Lunar and people are probably looking for you. Like why. What a mess. And now Kai knows that Dr. Eerland gave the antidote to Cinder. Well at least we now know it's a real antidote. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 28

I thought I freaking sent this but it didn't so I have to start again :(

(view spoiler)[ Yay for more high stakes political drama! Although this is looking less like a retelling and more of something that can stand on its own and that's nice. So it's not Lunar puberty (thank god). It's bioelectrical system that some guy made and she has a lock for her Lunar gift which is so cool. It's getting way better. This totally makes up for that slow start.

Prince Kai and the war with Queen Lebitch. Technically she hasn't declare war but she's waiting for it. Poor Kai. He has so much pressure on being emperor and he misses his dad and he's not sure what to do. Like poor guy. Can we give Kai a hug?

I don't feel any sympathy towards Peony considering we barely know her. I'm surprised the antidote is weird. I had a theory that it would turn them into those beast mutations thing instead and it was only to trick the prince. But at least we know it's real. Now to duplicate it. And also we were right. Dr. Eerland is a Lunar. His story is pretty sad but I still don't trust him. Oops.

Also Queen LeBitch almost killing a person just for her twisted mind games. Planting the mirror in the dish just so she can test Kai. EVILLL

Honestly I thought Cinder was an idiot for attacking the android because she already has to be in hiding because of Queen LeBitch and now you just got Kai in trouble with the antidote. I understand why and I know you're in trouble but like priorities!! You're hunted and you're a Lunar and you can't attract much attention to yourself. Just why Cinder.

And Iko saves the day with the automobile and fashion diva ways XD (hide spoiler)]