Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
Publishes in US: January 3rd 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
Genre: Dystopia
Source: library
Series? yes. 1st in Lunar Chronicles. The 2nd is Scarlet, the 3rd is Cress and will be published in 2014, the 4th is Winter and will release in 2015. There are novellas as well. Glitches (Lunar Chronicles, #0.5) , The Queen's Army (Lunar Chronicles, #1.5)
Buy it: Barnes & Noble Amazon IndieBound BookDepository.com
Find Marissa online: site twitter facebook blog
I wrote a post awhile back about negative reviews, and how I don't review if I don't finish, and a very wise blogger pointed out that knowing what a blogger doesn't like can be valuable to publishers and authors too. Then another blogger mentioned she did a did not finish post and I thought it was a great idea. That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end. So, here we go:
Stopped at page 57, chapter 8
I know, I know. I am like one of the only people on the planet who didn't like it. Hope ya'll still love me. :)
The beginning didn't grab me like I wanted. I can't put my finger on it exactly because it immediately shows us something unique about the world of cyborgs with Cinder taking off her foot. I put it down after four pages, and wandered around the house. But since I had read SO many good reviews about it, and it was voted by over half of the votes of what I should read next, I decided I would try to get through a few more chapters.
When we met the prince though, and the first talk about the draft and the plague was mentioned, I got into it a little bit more. But ultimately, I still didn't want to pick it back up when I stopped, and although Cinder was brave and talented, a character that I would normally adore, I just felt indifferent about what happened.
So, I didn't hate it but I just was ready to move on before I finished.
See some positive reviews:
Vegan YA Nerds
Readers in Wonderland 4/5
JC Book Haven 5/5
Daily Prophecy 5/5
Overstuffed Bookcase 5/5
So yeah, I feel like odd ball out. These are some of my favorite bloggers.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Vegan YA Nerds
Readers in Wonderland 4/5
JC Book Haven 5/5
Daily Prophecy 5/5
Overstuffed Bookcase 5/5
So yeah, I feel like odd ball out. These are some of my favorite bloggers.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
What drew you in if you have read this book? Was it love from first page?
If you haven't, what's stopped you from reading?
If you haven't, what's stopped you from reading?
Oh no! I'm sorry you didn't like this one. The first time I tried to read it, I wasn't a huge fan and gave up about 30 pages in. But I picked it up again a few months later and I was completely enamored by it. I loved the story and the world-building especially.
ReplyDeleteSlightly OT, but I am all for posting negative reviews and even DNF reviews. I think giving reasons why you didn't like a book, or why you couldn't finish it, is very valuable for readers who trust your opinion. And it also shows that you aren't just handing out positive reviews in hope to get review copies. Just my two cents :)
Maybe I will try again of these days!
DeleteI love you for your honest reviews ;)
ReplyDeleteI rarely post dnf's on my blog, but I do on Goodreads. There are too many reviews to squeeze in dnf's as well.
From this review it's obvious that it just wasn't your thing, and that's absolutely fine. There's a huge difference between a book being bad and not working for you.
Thanks :)
DeleteI usu am pretty good at picking out what I will like, but doesnt always work
I haven't read this book yet. It never caught my eye as I haven't enjoyed any retellings and a cyborg Cinderella turned me off. But I have seen AMAZING reviews so I have decided I will give it a try at some point. But don't feel bad I have DNF many popular books such as Throne of Glass, Grave Mercy, The Vincent Boys, Gone, The Maze Runner, Touched, The Glimpse, Beautiful Creatures, The Fallen series and so many! I'm a fussy reader. If by 10% in I'm not feeling it I just give up.
ReplyDeleteI usu don't get to 10% if I am not feeling it. I figured though it didn't catch my eye at first, being one of the most popular 2012 I should try :)
DeleteIt is nice to hear some other thoughts on this one. I am one who hasn't read it yet, so I like to take in all reviews, positive and negative. Really curious to see what I'll think. I'm hoping to give it a try in the next couple of months. :)
ReplyDelete~Sara @ Forever 17 Books
Will watch to see what you think.
DeleteI was disappointed in Cinder because I thought it would be more true to the Cinderella story instead of doing its own thing, which is why I didn't like it as much as a lot of people in the blogosphere. Scarlet was a much better read IMO!
ReplyDeleteMaybe that is more of what I expected as well
DeleteI post reviews on books I didn't finish, so no hard done :) I love seeing reviews on why people didn't finish them. But I must say, I'm one of the ones who loved the book lol! It sucks you could get into it, but hey some books are just not for everyone :)
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
That is true. I have loved some that most didn't so balances out somewhere
DeleteWe can't all love everything. I had a hard time getting into Cinder at first, so I can see where you're coming from. Sorry you didn't enjoy the story!
ReplyDeleteI liked Cinder, but I'm a firm believer that we can't all adore the same books. My friends were all sure I'd like Garth Nix, Abhorsen and I only read a chapter before losing interest. I didn't hate the story, but I simply got side-tracked by the other books on my shelf. I rarely provide negative reviews these days, but that's because I no longer force myself to finish reading books that I'm not into. I may just adopt your DNF format!
ReplyDeleteYeah, if I don't like it, then I don't want to put in the time to finish.
DeleteHow sad :/ I do want to try it though, but not to buy
ReplyDeleteIt happens and whether it was your mood, or it was a little to science fiction for you, I am sorry it didn't grab you, and that is what makes a story truly brilliant when it captures you and holds you. I personally do not post DNF's since I can be a moody reader, I do write on goodreads and to the publisher as to why I stopped, because i agree it helps them.
ReplyDeleteI figure it helps my readers too, know that I am not just stamping out positive reviews
DeleteHow sad that this didn't work for you. I loved the book. Maybe some day you'll be in the right mood to re-start it and it will work better. Or maybe not. I think the worst books to dislike are ones everyone else loved. I'm like that with Delirium.
ReplyDeleteI know! I feel like such an oddball
DeleteI wasn't a big fan of the cyborgs, but I did stick with the book and ended up enjoying it. I know how you feel about disliking a book that everyone else loves...it's hard to admit it, but I'm sure there are many more out there who didn't like it and need to hear that someone else didn't like it as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's true!
DeleteI am not sure if it was cyborg or just lack of connection..
Honestly I though that this DNF was acronym for something else when I saw it was about Cinder!! You're actually the first person I know that didn't enjoy this book..wow! I still haven't read it but my curiosity is killing me now!! :)
ReplyDeleteAww, yeah I am the oddball
DeleteI heard great things about this series and most likely will pick up a copy from the library once I catch up on my TBR list. BTW, I think the way you posted the DNF review was very professional and honest. Sometimes if something puts you off for some reason, it's hard to get back into the book.
ReplyDeleteOuch, I'm glad that you decided to do this, though! It's really surprising that you didn't like Cinder, but we all have different tastes, right? And I still love you! ;)
ReplyDeleteUmm, I think for me that it was love from the first page...I read it in one sitting in about four hours, so I didn't have any problems with it...but I just got lucky, right? ;)
Loves,
Megan@The Book Babe
I completely understand where you are coming from. I still <3 you. I have one that I read a while back that I did not like at all, the only good thing was the writing style, but most people loved it. So I felt horrible giving it a negative review, but I did anyway. I haven't read this, I have the audio of it right now but I haven't had the time to start it yet. We can not all like the same things, it would be a boring world. :)
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
Yeah, it would be boring! That is why so many different books and genres
DeleteCinder did have sort of slow build-up, so I could see how perhaps it wouldn't grab you right away. I remember thinking that when I first read it. You know, there have been books that I have not liked but everyone loved. It happens and it certainly doesn't make you weird :)
ReplyDeleteHmm... Yeah me and slow buildups dont agree with me and 2 kids :)
DeleteI think it's always interesting to see all the opinions. I confess I was so curious about this one so I'm a little sad you didn't like it but I can also understand. I think I'll have to read it to know how it is for me
ReplyDeleteYes! Def try, so many love it
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honest review. I have never posted a DNF before. Anyway, I read the blurb of cinder expecting to find an exciting storyline (especially with all of its hype), although I didn't start it it just didn't seem like my type of book. I occasionally read Paranormal but I'm really the cyborgs and robots type of girl. Happy Blogging :)
- Sunny @ www.asupersunnyspot.blogspot.com
It didn't seem like my thing either but tried since so popular
DeleteI have to agree with you. I have this one on audio and I never DNF audiobooks simply because I don't have enough of them and I spend an awful lot of time in my car, but I DID struggle with it a lot, and I didn't think it had any substance. People keep telling me Scarlet is much better. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteI have heard the same thing
DeleteI think that DNF reviews can be helpful. No book is for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like the romance in this book that a lot of people seemed to love. I just didn't warm to the prince and nor did I think he was so in love with Cinder. I still am curious about the second book tho.
He didn't make my heart skip either
DeleteI'm sorry you couldn't get into it Brandi, but I think it's always useful to write a review for a DNF book.
ReplyDeleteI heard that a few people found the start of this quite hard, I haven't read it yet, but I hope I enjoy it.
Hopefully your next book will be better! :)
Maybe I should have started in the middle ;)
DeleteI agree that reviews from both sides of the fence definitely help readers. I've been wondering about this one and now it's good to have differing opinions.
ReplyDeleteI agree wA your friends take on dnfs. Those are important to other readers, and I should do them. I'm sorry you didn't care for Cinder, I'm not entirely sure I would either. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking me up :) I am glad you brought up that you DNF this, as it did not meet some of my expectations either. I actually did enjoy the beginning, so we are almost the opposite. I lost interest when the "moon" people were brought in, I think the story would have worked without them. Seems like too many ideas were in the author's head and there wasn't enough room or plot to adequately talk about them all.
ReplyDeletethe moon people prob would have completely done it in for me
DeleteI totally know what you mean. I gave Cinder 3 stars. I finished it and enjoyed it some but it never really grabbed my attention like it has others. But that's okay, we can't all like the same thing. Love your honesty.
ReplyDeleteThanks, glad to know I am not alone
DeleteI felt the same way about Divergent! Great idea for a post.
ReplyDeleteI liked Divergent but it wasn't as spectcular as others seemed to think to me. I did like 2nd much better even still had issues
DeleteI was totally sure I wouldn't like this book when I read it but I absolutely loved it! It's been a long time now, so I can't say if it grabbed me right away, but I'm pretty sure it was pretty quickly. I'm sad you DNF'd. If it's just not pulling you in I guess it's not worth putting in the time but since I loved it I want to say try again! Of course I've been in that place again and with so many books to read it's hardly worth it. (Though I still think it is for this one. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think your unexpected love might have convinced me a bit, but it didn't work for me
DeleteIt wasn't love from first page for me but I kinda liked Cinder being this cyborg needing to change the size of her foot :)
ReplyDeleteI guess we all have our unique preferences about what books we love and Brandi, I like your honesty. Thanks for sharing!
I thought that was a neat take too
DeleteLike I said on your STS post I started this book 3x and it was a total DNF. I just couldn't get into it. The characters or the plot never grabbed me! So glad you shared your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI will prb try again, but good to know I am not alone
DeleteI just haven't had the time to read it and now I have Scarlet so I really, really hope I like them or I guess I'll be having a giveaway when I can get to them. But you know, I never liked the Vampire Academy and I didn't like the Wolves of Mercy Falls nor the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand and I know that's sacrilegious to a lot of bloggers out there. It's just a matter of taste. In this case, it doesn't mean it's a bad book, it's just not your taste. And it's best to be honest because those that follow you like your taste so they may not like it either. Nothing worse than shelling out 18$ for a book you don't like!
ReplyDeleteI admire your honestY!
Heather
Very true about taste. I liked VA. And Unearthly okay, but not enough to have already finished the series.
Deleteoh wow, i haven't seen many dnf's for this book. I haven't read it yet, but i've heard lots of great things. Don't worry, though! Everyone likes different things!
ReplyDeleteI heard so many too, almost wonder what's wrong with me, lol
DeleteOh no, sorry you didn't enjoy this one! But it is so much better to put a book you're just not feeling down and pick up one you are. Life is too short! And I'm glad you were honest and not afraid to go against the grain. Nothing's worse than feeling "meh" about the characters everyone is loving, but it happens. Thanks for your thoughtful honesty :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, life is too short :)
DeleteThat's a bummer you didn't like this one. I have yet to read it but I have heard a lot of great things. I will probably check it out at some point.
ReplyDeleteI have been on the fence with this one. So many people love it but there is just something about it that keeps me from starting it. Thanks for the honest review.
ReplyDeleteI didnt much think it would be for me either but wanted to try since so popular
DeleteI defo think it's a good idea to do negative reviews or comment on books you didn't finish. Sometimes it's good to see that certain books aren't getting 5 stars from EVERY blogger!
ReplyDeleteThanks for including my review in your list :)
True story. I am the black sheep proudly on this one
DeleteHmm, sorry to hear this! I haven't read Cinder myself yet, but I am always worried I am going to be the odd man out when it comes to these hugely popular books. But, to each his own, I guess! Thanks for sharing your point of view, Brandi!!
ReplyDeleteYou can join my ship if you end up not liking
DeleteAwww, I'm so sorry you didn't love this one! Thanks for including my review! :D
ReplyDeleteYou know, I have to say that when I first picked up Cinder, it took me a little bit to get into the story. At first I thought it was because I had just finished A Million Suns and I was still in that world, but now that you mention it, maybe it was something else...
And don't worry, we all still love you! :D
It is hard if you are stuck in another world, could've honestly been my issue too
DeleteGasp!
ReplyDeleteI was so surprised by how much I loved this book... BUT... I get why you DNF'd it. Despite how much I enjoy the book I understand why it's a little challenging to get engaged to the story. I feel this way with some sci-fi books too.
I still love you, Momma!
P.S. Sorry haven't been around. Got a little busy. Will make up for sure!
No worries girl. Slow week for me too. Scifi can be hit of miss with me
DeleteIt's to bad you couldn't get into this one. When I first started Cinder it took me ages to get into it (I ended up listening to the audio book), and I think it took me a while before I was really engaged in the story. But I did, I loved it. I think because it was SO different than what I would have normally picked up- If you ever have the chance or feel so inclined finish it, cause the sequel- Scarlet- is fantastic, better than Cinder I think.
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading.
Sara @ Just Another Story
It is pretty different from my norm
DeleteI have it but i haven't read it yet! will have to let you know what i think when i get round to it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your honest thoughts. <3 Sorry you didn't finish Cinder :\ I loved it so much. But, well, you didn't really read enough of it to know if you liked it or not (A) at least in my opinion :D So I'm hoping you might pick it up at a later time, but I do understand it if you don't :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, sorry the book wasn't what you'd hoped. I personally loved the book, but I totally get that not everyone is going to end up loving the same book and I agree that talking about why you didn't finish a book is great idea. If you do ever feel like going back to Cinder though, I think you should finish it just to read the next book because it's super good!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review Brandi! :)
I still love ya :D There are quite a few books that everyone gave glowing reviews that for some reason or another just were not my thing. I DNF'd A Game of Thrones, The Power of Six, His Dark Materials (The Golden Compass), Hidden Gates, and Witch & Wizard to name a few. I am sorry that you didn't get the pleasure that I did from reading this one, but as you know well we can't all like the same things. I appreciate your honesty for sure :D Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDelete