May 27, 2012

REVIEW: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

The Debut novel by Marissa Meyer, Cinder is the first in a collection of fairytale re-takes and the first book of the Lunar Chronicles.

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.


I was really excited when I received a copy of Cinder to review thanks to Penguin, and I have finally gotten around to reading it; and I am so glad that I did!

Cinder is described as being a re-take on the fairy tale of Cinderella, which, for me is what I thought was clever about it. Meyer manages to incorporate elements of the classic fairytale, sometimes twisting and changing them to fit the story; while at the same time building an amazingly unique world that has a life of its own.

The plot is imaginative and cleverly intertwined with all elements of the novel to create a complex, futuristic, semi-dystopian world brimming with characters reminiscent of old and new archetypes. 

The beginning of the novel sets up a dilemma, slowly but steadily dropping clues throughout the novel. Some obvious, some more subtle, but I did find myself predicting some of the plot events quite early in the book. Here I was thinking that I had figured out the direction the story was going to take, when Meyer sprung more intriguing twists to the plot; this is what made it so enjoyable. When you think that you know what's going to happen, you are suddenly dropped into a new situation full of secrets of its own. 
I did find thought that there was a lot  going on, enough to be spread between probably one and a half books. But I think that was half the charm, the complexity of the plot was what made it all work; if it had been simplified or split in two, the moment where it came together wouldn't have worked as well, and you would have been left on a huge cliffhanger. 

Cinder is like an owner leading a cat to food. The biscuits are laid out, you find yourself eating them on the path to the bowl of food (metaphorically!), but you are soon taken on a more exciting path - past the cake, to the ice cream and sprinkles. (Cheesy, I know, but it demonstrates my point.)

I loved the relationship that Cinder had with Iko and how Cinder dealt with her 'family'. While I was frustrated at some times by the relationship between Cinder and Kai, the touch of realism is what made it believable. I know what you're saying: how can a prince falling in love with a mechanic/ cyborg/ girl be considered realistic? Well, that's where the series of events comes to play.
I didn't find myself saying: "Oh! You're in love now? Okay!??" 
However, this doesn't make it a romance book - not at all! So don't be put off by the little romance that there is in the book.

I was satisfied with the ending; it revealed some secrets, played out others, and managed to tie up the novel while leaving it open for a sequel at the same time. 
One of the things that I really liked was similar to what Nomes over at Inkcrush said:
 As with most retellings, the characters have a defined role to play (as in: the role of the evil stepmother, the shallow sister, the arch nemesis, the charming prince). I loved watching out for plot elements that matched the classic Cinderella story and enjoyed the twists Meyer gives them (ie, instead of Cinder losing her shoe at the ball ~ she loses her (cyborg) foot. In some places, characters are little more than their role, but in others, Meyer succeeds in going further than the stereotypes and layering her characters, so you feel their unique hopes, dreams, aches, love and loss. I loved the relationship between Cinder and her (nice) step-sister, Peony, and Iko (Cinder’s android bestie). Prince Kai had his moments too, he was charming, sure, but it is not an overly romantic kind of book. 

If you're 13/14 - 19 years old, a girl or a teenager, then Cinder is a must read for you!


I know this review is a bit long, so I shall sum it up for you in a few dot points:
  • Plot: "intriguing twists to the plot"
  • Character Relationships: "I didn't find myself saying: "Oh! You're in love now? Okay!??""
  • Ending: "revealed some secrets, played out others, and managed to tie up the novel while leaving it open for a sequel at the same time. "
  • Fairy Tale Re-Take: "Meyer manages to incorporate elements of the classic fairytale, sometimes twisting and changing them to fit the story; while at the same time building an amazingly unique world that has a life of its own."
  • Check out Nomes' review.

You can also check out some cool links here:

An funny post by Marissa Meyer about being a crazy shoe lady and the upcoming novels!



May 26, 2012

Questions??

Are you a fan of Jessica Shirvington, author of Embrace?
I will be interviewing her soon and will consider questions submitted by readers.


Here is your chance to ask her anything that you want to know about the book/ characters/ the writing process!


** Note: The final decision ultimately comes down to what Jessica Shirvington wants to answer and questions with profanities etc will not be accepted.

Have your say in the comments section below, via twitter (@BookSlooth) or via email (thebookslooth@gmail.com)

Cover Art

I found this cool strip of classic children's stories covers re-made/ modernised/ I don't know what?! I think Snow White might be my favourite! Oh, or The Aristocats! I don't know!













Which one's your favourite?
Why not tell everyone in the comments section?

Isme


via The Meta Picture.

May 24, 2012

Variety Hour... No, not the Brady Bunch!



Stacey Kade

I enjoyed Kade's first book The Ghost and The Goth and am looking forward to reading her second and third books Queen of The Dead and Body and Soul, respectively...


If you're a fan, make Sure to check out Stacey Kade's twitter page and tumblr page.


The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

The Vlogbrothers, Hank and John Green, have undertaken the project of re-making Pride and Prejudice - modern day. I have to say - it's awesome!



Even if you don't know much about Pride and Prejudice, you should still watch it... Viewing is enhanced by a knowledge of the books though.


Some Cool new Blogs that I like


BOOK BLOGGERS:



Nice Girls Read Books - I have read this blog for a while, but I love the new design - awesome choice Brittany!



AUTHOR BLOGS/ WEBSITES


Stacey Kade - author of The Ghost and the Goth

Maggie Stievfater - Author of The Mercy Falls Wolves series and the Faerie Series

Richelle Mead's blog is always funny. I especially like the posts about her 'neighbours'!


Highly Random and Unrelated to the book world, yet still a lot of fun...

All I can say is... Rex Velvet... What a great name.
Meet Rex Velvet, Seattle's self-proclaimed "people's villain." I admit, I was surprised to learn that Seattle had a supervillain who was challenging our city's superheroes because I hadn't known we had those either. But, apparently unbeknownst to me, Seattle's been a battleground for costumed superheroes walking our streets. Their leader is named Phoenix Jones, who appears to be the main target for Rex Velvet's villainy. Rex released a video on YouTube earlier this month, calling out Phoenix and stating that Seattle would no longer put up with costumed antics. - Richelle Mead


via Richelle Mead - Even Redheads Get the Blues

Stephanie Perkins - Links

Stephanie Perkins, author of Anna and the French Kiss & Lola and the Boy Next Door, has put up a bunch of awesome links that she likes, as well as a heap for writers. Be sure to check them out here... It's the cool thing to do!

That's all for now folks! Stay Tuned for more...

May 20, 2012

Golden Wallpapers

If you're a fan of the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead, then you'll be excited to know that Penguin Teen Australia has released some really cool wallpapers; go here to download them in various shapes and sizes...



And if you want to read an interview with Richelle Mead and and excerpt of The Golden Lily, then go to Entertainment Weekly.com here...

May 17, 2012

Disharmony

With the upcoming release of Disharmony by Leah Giarratano on the 23rd of May, Penguin Teen Australia has released the first chapter for release, along with a book trailer.


I don't know about you - but it looks cool... and thanks to the folks at Penguin Teen Australia, you get a sneak peak at the first chapter here.


Enjoy! Isme

May 02, 2012

Bookalicious

Some great quotes, pictures, and pictures with captions that I love!






literary map of the US

ahhhh, Taschen - how I do love thee!



I always knew that I liked Colin Firth. Now I am certain. He he.


Any great book quotes you have?
Tell me in the comments section!

(pictures via English Muse)

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