I was so excited when I ordered Cinder and couldn't wait to read it but for some reason I postponed it. I don't know why it took me so long to actually start it. I'm just glad I finally got the chance to read it because it's amazing! I loved every little scene of it! Marissa Meyer's imagination is brilliant, her descriptions of the characters and the surroundings are fantastic and so detailed. I had absolutely no problems to vision everything. Sure, at first I didn't know what to think of all the cyborgs and androids but now, after all, it makes perfectly sense.

"Even in the Future the Story Begins with Once Upon a Time."

Cinder Linh is a total badass! I loved her from the very beginning and my opinion of her didn't falter. Not one bit. She's brave, strong, sarcastic and so, so clever! She doesn't need a guy to watch out for her and yet she's still so lovely and cute. Does that make sense? Her entire image enthralled me ... Cinder(ella) being a mechanic and oh, also a cyborg? That's awesome! Honest, passionate, caring, loyal - she's ALL that and so much more! I would want someone like her as a best friend, I mean seriously, who wouldn't?

And then there's Prince Kaito. My dear, Kai. Oh how I love him. He's so handsome and sweet. I could imagine him PERFECTLY. Flirting with me Cinder, smiling his gorgeous smile at me her and just being himself. He's great and I understand why everyone of those 200.000 single girls (according to Cinder) fell for him. Make that 200.001, Cinder, because I did too. What I really liked is that it isn't about the typical "insta-love". Yes, there's a strong attraction and chemistry between those 2 but they're not immediately head over heels in love. It's a slow development with super cute ups and then there are massive downs. It's great.

Cinder twisted up her lips. "Do you think it could have a virus?"
"Maybe her programming was overwhelmed by Prince Kai's uncanny hotness."

Generally I have to say that I liked and/or disliked every character as it was intended. Disliked the obvious evil and cruel characters, such as Queen Levana and her entourage but also Adri and Pearl and liked the others. Peony warmed my heart and I was glad she and Cinder got along well. Iko is also a very lovely person android and besided Peony someone who managed to bring a smile to my lips. Dr. Erland is another character I liked a lot! Especially because he encouraged Cinder and tried to help her and towards the end ... oh well, I just like this "crazy" old man! I hope to see him again! I didn't trust the emperor's/prince' advisor although there was no real reason? So far at least, I don't know about the other books yet. At times he seemed very suspicious but then again not so much. He just confused me.

The plot was a bit predictable but still very entertaining. The ideas of the author were interesting and refreshing and altogether with the characters, the scenery and everything else it was a pleasure to read "Cinder"! I enjoyed it immensely and never got bored. Quite the opposite! I couldn't get enough once I started and even read it in a day and a half. It just captivated me. So, if you like fairytales/retellings, great characters, cyborgs and lots of awesomeness, I totally recommend this! And now I'm more than read for book 2 - I'm looking forward to read it as soon as possible!

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