Clockwork Readers discussion
Cinder
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Vy, I agree, I also liked the fact it was a fast paced read - I finished it in two days as well :)Sarah, I agree that while the world building wasn't great, like you said it is just the beginning and surely the world will become more substantial as the story goes on.
Alex, I will check out your review :) I posted a short one as well.
I also agree with you guys when you say that the plot twist was very predictable, as soon as they mentioned a lost Princess I thought it was Cinder. But nevertheless I still enjoyed the revelation and Cinder's reaction. Someone mentioned that it reminded them a bit of Sailor Moon, I agree!
The sailor moon thing is really interesting and now that you mention it, it makes sense!
I called the plot twist from the beginning but half the time I'm always wrong so I was like "noo way!" when it actually happened lol!
as I'd read the summary of one of the future books I'd actually thought Cress was the lost princess....haha.I kind of loved the scenes between Cinder and Adri. the emotional parts like that. The pain and blame . I wanted to scream at Adri. she's a very good bad stepmom....hahaha. I always like scenes when I want to scream at characters. it means I'm totally in the scene. I hated Adri way more than Levana.
And, as Jessy said, I want to see more of Dr Erland. What's his plan???? He seems indeed a tiny bit manipulative and I admit I didn't like him from the start.And do you all hope Cinder finds a body for Iko?? An escort droid body??? ahahaha
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agree Sarah, definitely hate Adri more than Levana but I'm sure that'll all change. I think I need to give this book a re-read as everyone has given me lots to think about! Although I know nothing of sailor moon so I don't get the reference
I agree with you guys about hating Adri more! That might be because with Winter and Fairest you get a lot more of Levana's backstory, and that makes her more human. Adri has a little bit of backstory but not nearly as much, so she seems more like just a generally mean person.
Adri is the Umbridge of the series. That very real person that you hate just because they're a constant source or torture and woe for you, despite being such a prominent part of your life, yet someone you also can't fight, not really. Where as Levana is the Voldemort. Someone everyone fears, but this body of power that is almost mythical. No one quite believes all the stories that surround her, but parts of her story are tragic and you can't help but feel for her in fleeting moments, despite her evil and her being the antagonist.
That's the perfect comparison Lauren.
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Haha yes, that early "plot twist" seemed so obvious that I wasn't sure I was right. I wish the author had kept us guessing for a while longer. But I did want to continue immediately after I finished it, so I guess the story hooked me after all.PS: Steph, Cinder's story does continue in book 2, although it's only one of the storylines :) I liked some of the new characters there more than the ones in the first book.
Vy (thelibrocubicularist) wrote: "Haha yes, that early "plot twist" seemed so obvious that I wasn't sure I was right. I wish the author had kept us guessing for a while longer. But I did want to continue immediately after I finishe..." Ohh, that's good to know, Vy! I hope I like the new characters better too. :D
I've just started Scarlet and I like it so far. It seems like another fast-paced read with things happening very quickly.One thing I loved about Cinder was the idea of a civilisation on the moon. The conflict between the Lunars and the Earthlings is a really good sci-fi concept and I wish it was explored more in the book, but I guess the author didn't want the story bogged down with extra details.
I agree with what you say about the lunar civilization - I hope the following books will take us there. When I've finished JP1 I'll start in scarlet
We are reading scarlet for the bookclub in febr - yes?
we're gonna have Jane Austen February Caroline, were you pick any of her books to read
Ah, ok, good to know - a free choice which one?
Oh I just love Jane Austen, would have a preference for P&P, Northanger Abbey or Persuasion - but the others are cool as well. I should get around to reading Mansfield Park and Emma oneday.
Lauren I like that Harry Potter comparison too!! I KNEW IT that Cinder had to be the lost princess!!! Despite guessing that early on, I really enjoyed the book and how fast paced it was as well. I'm interested to see where the next books go since we were left with such a cliffhanger!!!
Also, ditto on bringing back Iko!!! I cried when Adri smashed her into pieces!
The HP comparison is so good, it just makes perfectly sense!
Just some final words on Cinder:On the whole I liked this book. The world-building could have used some work, as it didn't really feel substantial enough to be immersed into. But I loved the sci-fi concepts incorporated into the story, as well as most of the characters.
Cinder is a great heroine - strong, smart and resourceful. There was depth in Kai's decisions and behaviour, really establishing his motivation and personality. Iko was an entertaining addition and Levanna was a suitably nefarious. Peony suprised me by being more than the wicked step-sister.
Although I saw most of the twists coming that didn't ruin the book for me. I also felt that the story was well-paced with very few dull moments.
I enjoyed being able to discuss this book with you guys - I also wrote a short review :)
Guys! I have JUST finished! I am so late to this party... I'm so sorry. January has been manic. But with all the editing I've been doing, this was the PERFECT book for me at this time. It was fun, it was fast and it was original. I know that's a weird thing to say about a fairytale retelling but, come on, a cyborg Cinderella?! That's pretty genius.
Honestly, I was really impressed with the plotting. There were plenty of twists - and maybe my brain was overtired but I really didn't see most of them coming! I considered that Cinder might be Princess Selene but I assumed that was the 'Snow White' tale covered in another book. And it must be TOUGH to stay true to the overarching original plot and still put your own spin on it. But I think Marissa Meyer absolutely did that.
There were some really lovely (and funny) touches. Um, the pumpkin coloured car?! Even her foot falling off as she ran down the stairs. It just managed to feel so fresh and yet so familiar at the same time. This was just what I needed!
Looking forward to the next book when I need another light read
Lara, I didn't even get the pumpkin colored car
and I'm really looking forward to the next book, too. I think there's much more to come in terms of world - building. The Doc mentioned Africa. And there's Luna. I have read the first book of quite some of those "hyped YA series " this year and honestly, this one was the book that surprised me most, in a good way.
Sarah (sarahlostbutfound ) wrote: "Lara, I didn't even get the pumpkin colored car "Haha, those are the kind of details I love! Although I can't quite figure out who the fairy godmother character is... Iko, because she gave Cinder the dress?
yeah, I think Iko is the fairy godmother. The dress, helping to repair the car.what do you think about Dr Erland Lara? I think he's a bit "above the story". He knew so much, throughout the whole story. And he could have acted way ealier. Of course you can't reveal who Cinder is midway through the book (yeah, let's ruin the surprise), but I just feel that this Dumbledore-y dude is somewhat controlling the plot....like Dumbledore.
Sarah (sarahlostbutfound ) wrote:what do you think about Dr Erland Lara? I think he's a bit "above the story". He knew so much, throughout the whole ..."
I think that's a great comparison. I read a few comments criticising the author for the way the plot was revealed, when clearly Dr Erland knew it all already. But I don't think it was just to build suspense. As you say, he is a Dumbledore-esque character (at least in an awareness sense) and I think he is playing a longer game. He can see the big picture and it is more important than a young girl's identity crises or a prince's crush. I think he realises that the information he holds has to be released on a need to know basis, when the players are ready to hear it.
Yes, exactly Lara. I'm really excited to see what he's up to in the next books. He must have a huge backstory too, like Albus. One that is somehow personal (he must have a personal interest in fighting the queen) and connected to the bigger picture. But, and this is just a theory: we all know what happens to 'wise old men characters' in the last book
Ummmm... They're made honorary grandfathers to the protagonists' children?! Say it's so...
I didn't catch that bit about the pumpkin coloured car - very cute :)
I think the storyline with Erland's daughter makes it a very personal thing for him to overthrow Levana and that we'll hear more about that
I didn't notice the car color either!! Good catch Lara!!! Glad you loved the book too :)
I didn't hate Cinder, so I'm still open to trying the next book. :)