YA Today Book Club discussion

So, what did everyone think of the book? I don't have any questions or talking points to start us off, but this is one of my all-time favorite fairy tale reimaginings. (That's mostly because I'm a nerd for sci-fi and post-apocalyptic novels.)

I really really liked it. I loved both Cinder and Kai. (BTW I listened to the audiobook so cut me some slack on spellings)

We're ok with spoilers on here right?

As soon as I heard about the lunar princess, I knew it was her. But that didn't really lessen my enjoyment because I was anxious for her to find out. When do you think the queen figured it out?

It was obvious to me throughout the entire story, but there were a few surprises. It was close enough to the original fairy tale to feel like Cinderella, but different enough to stand on its own two feet. I loved the inclusion of the plague and sci-fi elements. I appreciated how she didn't drop everything to be with Kai.

I think I may listen to the audiobook of this one in a few months. I bet it makes a great car story. :-)

The lunar princess thing definitely was not a surprise at all. I would be surprised if it came as a surprise to many readers. Still, it's awesome.

Cinder reminds me a lot of A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan, which is also a science fiction, dystopian, fairy tale retelling! If you liked Cinder, you should probably try that one. I really want authors to do more of these. They are so COOL.

I just joined and I'm not sure If I should comment yet, but here I go anyways... I recently received Cinder in a giveaway and cannot wait to start reading it! (I have skipped some of your comments because I didn't know if they had spoilers) I definitely like retellings :)

I really liked this book! I cannot wait for more. While I thought it was a bit too predictable (as others have mentioned), it was still very fun and enjoyable to read so I did not mind. I actually read it a while ago so my memory is a little foggy on it all, but I do know that it is still one of my favourites so far of 2012! :)

Kayla wrote: "...I appreciated how she didn't drop everything to be with Kai."
I appreciated that very much too! Cinder is a very strong female role from what I remember, and I loved the fact that while this the romance is subtle. I feel like so many YA books shove the romance part down your throat so much and so when a book does not do that I take note and like it that much more!

Welcome to the group, Lauren and Kali! Comment when and where you choose - be sure to vote, too!

Kali, I agree with you completely on the YA romance thing! Cinder really did have the perfect amount, in my opinion. Her life didn't revolve around Kai, and she had such a great story on her own.

What did everyone think of Iko?

Yeah, it was the perfect amount of romance!

Kayla wrote: "...What did everyone think of Iko"

Haha! In my review I actually say something (too lazy to actually see what I say) about how I wish Iko to get her bodacious robot body!

I'm not sure if book two will be two perspectives since I know it brings in Little Red Riding Hood, or if it will just be from her point of view with Cinder as more of a side character. I dunnooo.. I'm pumped either way. I love retellings and a series with my favourites packed into one? Heck yes!

I am new to the group too! Thanks for including me. I listened to Cinder on my ipod and loved it. I though it was very clever and entertaining. I was so sad when Cinder's sister died. I kept waiting for something miraculous to happen. Boo hoo. Can't wait for the sequel.

It is a fun retelling of the fairytale with a little twist. I find myself rooting for Cinder throughout the book and wincing every time she got scolded... Anyone feel the same way?

Welcome to everyone who is new!
We're so glad you're here!!

I LOVED this book.. But I didn't think I would. When I began listening to it (I borrowed Sarah's CDs of it) I thought "She is taking off a metal foot..? What?" But as I listened further I was enthralled.

I love Cinder's independence. I love that she is willing to leave Kai rather than stay and obsess over him. I loved Iko and was devastated when they took her apart.

I loved Cinder and I really didn't think I would. I don't like the whole cybor things, USUALLY, but this retelling was absolutely unique! And I loved the fact that she is strong, capable and independent and doesn't become a whining, self-centered emo girl for Kai.

Oh, and thanks for the invitation!

I wanted Kai to be the strong male lead to Cinder's female. Sadly, this was not the case.

Oh wow, I totally didn't know Scarlet was going to be playing with Little Red Riding Hood. It makes sense, with the title and all, but I just did not know. That should be awesome. I wonder how Meyer will pull it off.

Also awesome about the romance is that, as much as she was attracted to Kai, Cinder did not always immediately become a gibbering idiot in his presence, like so many YA heroines do when confronted with a cute boy.

Iko's awesome. So sassy!

I didn't have an issue with Kai, but I haven't bonded with him yet, either. It's kind of nice to see a case where the female lead is stronger than the male lead. Also, we don't get to see nearly as much of Kai as we do of Cinder.

What I do know about Kai I mostly like. He loved hi father, he doesn't trust Levana even if she looks hot (lies), he's sweet to poor girls, and he doesn't want to be king.

Thanks for inviting me to the group Kayla! I read Cinder a few months ago and I really liked it. I loved both Cinder and Kai, but I have to say I was really disappointed in Kai's reaction when the truth was revealed. I'm sure he'll come around when the truth about Cinder's heritage is revealed, but I had hoped he'd have a different reaction to finding out she was a cyborg.

That ending was killer! Makes me very anxious for the next book.

I'm hoping Kai was disgusted more by her having lied (by omission) than by the fact that she's a cyborg. That I would be more sympathetic towards.

I haven't bonded with Kai and am glad to see I wasn't the only one, but that's okay, it's just about time guys in YA aren't always so likeable and perfect. I really look forward to seeing how the story develops

I'm not really comfortable with Kai either, he annoys me somehow. But yeah, I guess I'll warm up to him. I just can't wait for the second book now!

I liked this book. It didn't push its way into my list of all-time favorites (it's a very exclusive list), but I have a soft spot for fairy tales. Some random thoughts...

1) Was very excited at the new setting. New Beijing? Seriously, how awesome is that? Way to ditch the European paradigm! And Africa in the next book, woot!

2) I agree about the bonding with Kai comment. He was okay. Nothing special, just the stereotypical good guy. Meh.

3) I totally saw all the twists coming from a mile away, so there was nothing in the book that shocked me even slightly. That didn't matter so much, though (see my aforementioned weakness for fairy tales).

Yeah, I think there was little she could do to throw in a twist if she wanted to maintain the Cinderella connection. We knew she was going to experience a reversal of fortunes, even if it wasn't through the Prince, so of course she was the missing princess.

I actually liked Kai. I guess it's because I've always liked "Prince Charming" in Cinderella. I feel like his reaction to Cinder's revelation was due to her keeping her cyborg nature secret from him. I mean, he was stressed enough with his father's death and the Moon Witch (okay, the word that rhymes with that) was breathing down his neck. Maybe it was badboy-burnout, but it worked for me that he was such a NICE love interest. I get so tired of heroines that put up with guys that treat them like dirt all the time.

As for the setting, I *love* that it was not set in Europe. There seems to be a surge in Asian-based stories, and I'm excited about it. Eastern cultures are so fascinating, and it's something fresh in YA. Also, I can't wait to see how Marissa Meyer handles Africa. :-)

Totally agree on the setting. Asian boys are so hot too, so I especially plan on loving Kai...eventually. haha. Yeah, I want to see how she manages the next book too.

Wow Sarah, this must be your lucky month. You were chosen by the mighty Random.Org to get a book. Email me (pherlaithiel (at) gmail (dot) com) your mailing address, and I'll send you a copy of Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic. If you've already read it, we'll work out an alternative. :-)

Wow! congrats Sarah! :)

I really enjoyed this book. I was expecting it too have that kinda cheesy fairytale feel to it, which I love, but i enjoyed how much more the was to the plot. my only problem was I wanted to keep reading when the book was done

Have you tried Scarlet yet?

no but it's on hold at the library so I should be starting it really soon