ŷ������

How does this work?

Oooo, can I join? Never done a buddy read before...
I've started only a chapter of this and I haven't got into it yet so I could wait :)

Cool :P

I just finished reading this. you guys are gonna have a lot of fun :D

Can't wait for September! This is one of my favorite YA series as of late, and the series read will help hold me over until the Winter release :-)

Cool I can't wait til September, I've been dying to read this series.

I'll be joining this too! I want to get caught up before Winter comes out

I've already read this book and the other two books in the series. you guys are going to love it and want to get the second book right away. it's such a good book, especially because it allows your inner child to come out since it's a retelling of cinderella!

Soonds aczing!

I can't wait for winter to come out! I also want to read Fairest: Levana's story but i just haven't gotten around to it. Levana is the antagonist in this story and Fairest is about her side of the story and her past. I love how the author did that!

Omg! I just read the three in the series!!! Can not wait for Winter to be release but will join discussion if that ok.

Hope you all love this one. I'm really enjoying the series. Just waiting for Winter now.

Can I join too? This is on my list as my 'characters that are nonhuman' book for the 50 book challenge. I keep pushing it off.

I've wanted to read this trilogy for so long!!!!! If I have the money for the book I'd be happy to participate?

Thank you! And true, if I don't have enough I'll have a look in the library for it ☺️

Can I please join? I have been wanting to read this series. I also have never done a buddy read before. I am a newbie :)

Jessi wrote: "Aly wrote: "Can I please join? I have been wanting to read this series. I also have never done a buddy read before. I am a newbie :)"

Yes, please join us!"

Thank you!

Aly wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Aly wrote: "Can I please join? I have been wanting to read this series. I also have never done a buddy read before. I am a newbie :)"

Yes, please join us!"

Thank you!"

Looking forward to having you join us =)

This is starting soon, yay! I feel a touch guilty :) because I actually couldn't hold out and read Cinder a week ago, though I'll try and get into the discussions. I really liked the book so I have high hopes for the series. I hope you guys do one for Scarlet because I only just started it and may not be going back to it soon.

MB wrote: "This is starting soon, yay! I feel a touch guilty :) because I actually couldn't hold out and read Cinder a week ago, though I'll try and get into the discussions. I really liked the book so I have..."

I'm getting excited too! And I almost did the same thing. I've been shoving other books shamelessly into my hands, trying to wait until tomorrow or Tuesday to start =)

Elise wrote: "MB wrote: "This is starting soon, yay! I feel a touch guilty :) because I actually couldn't hold out and read Cinder a week ago, though I'll try and get into the discussions. I really liked the boo..."

Haha yeah :D
Oh lol I looked at your review and we gave it the same rating :)

Up to Chapter 2 (pg 17)

Right off the bat, I fall in love in Meyer's story telling. You start feeling empathetic with Cinder right away, even though it becomes obvious that others aren't quite so friendly with her (and perhaps that is why). I also like Iko right off the bat as well, even though she's a robot! For a robot, she has a funny personality that seems to mesh well with Cinder right away.

I also like how Meyer incorporates the "Ashes, ashes, we all fall down" song. I didn't know when I used to sing it as a kid, but I learned later that this song is about the black death and/or plague, which Meyer uses in this world as well to deal with the plague on hand.

Pleasant surprised. With the crazy number of teen fantasy/sci fi series that have been flooding the shelves, I was worried this might have been so popular because it's a cute story but had no originality. Glad my assumption was so far off. Yes, it's a play in Cinderella, but you can easily forget that. And the story would have thrived even without the popular fairytale background. Meyer takes risks that muddle chances at a happily ever after for everyone, which is something I greatly respect in an author. Just over 25% left and I've already got Amazon shipping me the next two.

@Elizabeth, that is not a problem!

I am through Book One. I really enjoy Meyer's writing style. I enjoy all of the technology references.

(view spoiler)[ Right off the bat, there is a prince, Prince Kai. There is a ball, step sisters, and a step mother. Like the original Cinderella, Cinder can't go to the ball unless she completes her chores. A major difference, to me, is that one of the step sisters actually gets along with Cinder. They are really good friends. Of course that is put in jeopardy when Peony gets taken away because she receives the plague. Cinder's step mother blames her for Peony receiving the plague because she is the one who went to the junkyard in the first place. (hide spoiler)]

One interesting concept for me was the concept of the Lunars. I found it interesting how Meyer incorporates other planets.

Oh! So good, I finished it in 2 days just couldn't help myself.
Would love to join in the discussion if that is ok?

Alison wrote: "Oh! So good, I finished it in 2 days just couldn't help myself.
Would love to join in the discussion if that is ok?"

I wouldn't mind if you would join us!

Jessi wrote: "Yes, I liked that she did use that nursery rhyme at the very beginning...you're right, it fits the story quite well. I'd almost forgot about that...glad you caught that! :) Did you like the little quotes from the Grimm's tale at the beginning of each part? That was also a unique little parallel...it reminded me that this story while different is essentially a retelling of Cinderella. I think the Grimm quotes also serve as a foreshadowing of sorts...since we are familiar with the original story, we know what's to come... "

I love the little blurbs at the beginning of the books in each novel in the series. The one selected here is even a little ironic, even, since we find out early on that Cinder (view spoiler)[is a cyborg and that she has a mechanical foot (hide spoiler)]. Classic point of how Meyer weaves the fairy tale elements into her story.

One parallel I've seen between Cinder and the Cinderella story is the step mother and the two step sisters. One (Pearl) she obviously doesn't get along very well with. The other (Peony), however, she seems to be a little closer. Unlike in Cinderella, where both her step sisters are dreadful to her. Her step mother is not the best character either.

For those who have read through to the end of Cinder, I also noticed in this reread (view spoiler)[that while they are in the junkyard looking for the belt thing, Meyer makes clear foreshadowing to the future of the old car. It is a "yellow-orange shade" and Iko even comments, "It looks more like a rotting pumpkin" (hide spoiler)], creating another parallel to the Cinderella story.

- How do you like the writing style of the book so far?
I love the concept as for the writing style it's good. I'm not particularly picky about writing styles so if it's normal I just don't care.

- Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite?
Naturally My favorite character is Cinder (I'm a bit biased on that one) and of course my least favorite is the Step-Mother. Which is typical seeing how the story is played out. If I had to choose a characters that weren't the obvious characters we were supposed to love and hate I would say I love the doctor because he has been kind and open to Cinder. I'm still a bit suspicious of him, but he seems to have good intentions so far. And my least favorite would be the bread seller because she openly despised Cinder, but still asked her for help in the end. I know she was desperate, but hate how she expected Cinder to help her when all she has been discriminatory and rude to Cinder.

- There is quite a bit of advanced technology in the world of the story. Which is your favorite and why?
EVERYTHING. Haha really though I think the use of Cyborg is awesome. It sucks that they are discriminated, but it could have so much use in our society for amputees and those born without all their limbs.

- What do you think of New Beijing? Utopia? Dystopia? Would you want to live there?
I don't consider it a utopia of dystopia. It's just a speculation of our far off future! A bit dark future where China has been (I would assume) taken over by Europe and the monarchy is reinforced (after fighting for democracy for so long... but hey it works in Britain so I guess).
I would consider living there IF there was no scary raging disease going on. To be honest I'm more curious about the lunar city (though I would NOT like to live under that tyrannical queen).

- Discuss the parallels between this story and the original Grimm fairy tale/ and/or the Disney version.
Well obviously there's the evil stepmother similarity, but instead of two evil stepsisters there is one. It's nice to see someone is on Cinder's side. The whole adoption thing caught me off guard, but I have a theory that she's the lunar princess that was killed in a fire.

- Are there any parallels with our world?
As I said early I think this is our world, but just in the future sooooo I'm just going to skip this question.

- Discuss the concept of Glamour. Does it make an interesting magic system?
Glamour is a common fairy skill (or magic I don't know what to call it) that basically deceives human perception. Interesting magic system? I don't really get what that's supposed to mean. But for the magic itself it's great for striking deals and influencing people so I would love to have it~

Discussion questions/topics for Cinder Book 1 & 2 Ch 1-20


- How do you like the writing style of the book so far?
I love how she wrote the book. This is not the typical I know what going to happen before it happen set up.

- Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite?
I love Cinder. Although she got a crazy life, she still make the best of it and don't let people walk over her.


- There is quite a bit of advanced technology in the world of the story. Which is your favorite and why?
I like the bots! I would love to have one by my side.

- What do you think of New Beijing? Utopia? Dystopia? Would you want to live there?
I think it like a futuristic China but with Royalty. I would live there but not with that evil lady in charge. I would try to rid her.

- Discuss the parallels between this story and the original Grimm fairy tale/ and/or the Disney version.
The evil step mother and sister, although one was not evil. The evil queen, I think of the queen from Alice in Wonderland.

- Are there any parallels with our world? 
Other then the Europe/China, I don't see it.

- Discuss the concept of Glamour. Does it make an interesting magic system? 
To me, Glamour is what most people do now with the make up, fake hair, nails and body parts. (The beauty aspect) And the persuading is just really sweet talking and getting one to do and see as you wish. (That would be called charm)

I am currently at Chapter Ten

How do you like the writing style of the book so far?

I love Marissa's writing style. It's both fast paced, poetic and very YA. Mostly, it's chock-full of emotion with is the best kind!

Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite?

My favorite character is probably Iko, my least favorite character is Peony. (I'm deciding these from where I'm at in the story, erasing prior knowledge of this series!) Iko is definitely the comic relief in this book, and I love her personality! As far a Peony goes, I'd imagine I'd be getting quite a few rebuffs for that one. But, I don't think she's a bad character or a bad person, just that she didn't get time to develop into being a likable person, beyond being friends with Cinder.

There is quite a bit of advanced technology in the world of the story. Which is your favorite and why?

Hmmm. I'd say the Androids. I'd always been fascinated (and jealous) with the robots in all these Sci-Fi books, particularly the ones with a personality as big as Iko's. Then at a least not all my social life would be fictional ;)

What do you think of New Beijing? Utopia? Dystopia? Would you want to live there?

I would not like to live in New Beijing, as it seems very crowded and polluted, and just not in a good place, realistically. Fictionally, sign me up as Cinder's new side-kick!
I don't think I'd ever classify New Beijing as either Utopian or Dystopian, more of a country in a bad place and doing something about it, but if I had to choose I'd definitely go dystopian.

Discuss the parallels between this story and the original Grimm fairy tale/ and/or the Disney version.

I haven't gotten to this story in my Grimm Fairytales book yet, so I'll go movie. Cinderella works for the step-family (similar), "Cinder" is in the name (similar), Cinder's a cyborg (difference), it's a Sci-Fi/Fantasy story (difference, not a sci-fi movie), Cinder's a mechanic (difference, just a scullery maid), etc. There are tons of parallels to be drawn and I can't possibly list them! I absolutely adore fairytale retellings, they'd probably be in my Top Ten favorite tropes, definitely.

Are there any parallels with our world?

The people of New Beijing are pointing fingers at minorities in the world to blame for their problem. Sickness and loss is another one, as well as the basics of the story; this New Beijing relates more to our past (plus technology and sci-fi/fantasy elements).

Discuss the concept of Glamour. Does it make an interesting magic system?

Yes, of course! I'm infinitely curious on how the Moon Colonies managed to get such a curious power...


I love this series, and I hope you all are enjoying it, too! xxx
Kat

Hey everybody! *waves* Just checking this out; almost forgot about this! ;)

I'm probably not going to answer all the questions, if that's ok.

2. Favourite characters: Cinder, Iko, Kai
Least favourite: Adri, Pearl

3. The sci-fi part of this novel was one of my most favourite things about it. I found androids, and the netscreens and portscreens technology interesting. Also, as Cinder is a cyborg she has an internal thingy which can get news and can check stuff which was cool.

4. I liked how the author set it in New Beijing. There were some Asian aspects. It is quite dystopian and the people aren't very good so I wouldn't want to live there.

5. Well the name and Cinder's family is similar as well as the inclusion of a prince, and the recurring foot problem, but the author really diverges the novel from the story, which I liked without losing the main aspects of Cinderella.

7. Yeah! I find the Lunars really interesting, and how they come from the moon and all. The concept of the glamour is really different as well. I'm currently reading Fairest, which is a novel from Levana's point of view. Seeing how that goes, and hoping to learn more about the Lunar people.

I haven't joined a buddy read before, but this book was already on my TBR, so I was able to start it yesterday! I'm at the halfway point now.

-How do you like the writing style of the book so far?
I'm surprised that I like it. In the beginning (and often my problem with sci-fi or fantasy) I was worried that she wouldn't spend enough time building the world and explaining all of its intricacies. There are some things that I wished had been fleshed out more, but I'm enjoying the read.

- Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite?
My favorite so far is Iko. I love how Iko has a "flawed personality chip" and therefore doesn't fit the typical expectation for an android. My least favorite character is the stepmother, although I'm also a little suspicious of the doctor.

- There is quite a bit of advanced technology in the world of the story. Which is your favorite and why?
I like Cinder's orange light that blinks when someone is lying. I think that would be very useful, especially in this kind of narrative where you don't know who to trust.

- What do you think of New Beijing? Utopia? Dystopia? Would you want to live there?
With the plague, I feel like it's a dystopia. Without the disease, I think it would just be a typical country ravaged by discrimination, fear, and political corruption.

- Discuss the parallels between this story and the original Grimm fairy tale/ and/or the Disney version.
I don't remember the Grimm tale. With the movie version, there's obviously the similarities of Cinder(ella) being the outcast, being looked down upon, the family dynamics, the possibility of the prince being a love interest, and the royal ball.

- Are there any parallels with our world?
Everything seems similar to our world, except with updated technology.

- Discuss the concept of Glamour. Does it make an interesting magic system?
Glamour sounds like brain washing. It's making people believe that you are the best version of yourself and removing your flaws. Which sounds like a type of fear in itself.

Jessi wrote: "Wow! Great discussion. I love reading everyone's responses! :) I know many of you like Iko as a character! She is pretty funny...I think she balances out Cinder's seriousness and sarcasm. "

I really do think they are perfect foils for each other. Cinder is very "tomboyish" and focused on work and family. Iko doesn't mind fantasizing about dancing at a ball with the prince and gushing about him in the marketplace. They balance each other well. I also like how protective of Iko Cinder is. Even though she's a robot, she still feels more like a friend/ally than just a machine =)

Jessi wrote: "Wow! Great discussion. I love reading everyone's responses! :) I know many of you like Iko as a character! She is pretty funny...I think she balances out Cinder's seriousness and sarcasm. Yeah...I ..."

I think she's protective of Iko because although she a bot she loves her as her family should. And the infamous doctor. He is rather sneaky and and misleading. I think Kai is an OK dude to be what he is. Most with his status would act nothing of the sort.

Up to Book Two/Chapter IX (pg 87)


Dr. Erland at one point references Cinder as Juliet, as she awakes. To me, this is a reference to Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, which brought an interesting thought to mind. Even in this alternate universe, we are over one hundred years in the future. Do you think Shakespeare's tales/plays would withstand the test of time and still be read as literature that far into the future? Do you think any fiction written in our current era will withstand the test of time?

Though we've known Cinder is a cyborg since the beginning of the novel, we find out that she is (view spoiler)[36.28% "not human" (hide spoiler)]. Do you think that actually makes her any less human? To me, it almost makes her more human, because it seems like it would always be a doubt you would have to contend with, especially with the prejudices people in this world have against cyborgs as Jessi pointed out. You would always question your own humanity, which is a human trait itself.

I like Cinder and Kai. And for like the first half of the book I thought Dr. Erland was really really suspicious. He was so shifty and when they introduced him I thought he was evil. But then... you know, stuff happens.

Jessi wrote: "Do you think there are any parallels with Shakespeare in the story? "

Hmmm, now I haven't put too much thought into that. I don't have a whole lot of experience with Shakespeare. I was forced to read a couple of plays and a handful of sonnets in high school, so now I've developed a bit of an aversion to his works unfortunately lol. But I'll keep that in mind as I go through and if I see any, I will definitely point them out =)

Random question: I know that Winter will be released soon, but do we know if that is the end of the series, or is Meyer planning on writing more?

Brittany wrote: "Random question: I know that Winter will be released soon, but do we know if that is the end of the series, or is Meyer planning on writing more?"

I believe it is going to be the last in the series.

-How do you like the writing style of the book so far?
I really enjoy Meyer's writing style. I am really getting a sense of what is around and how the characters are feeling.

- Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite?
My favorite so far is Cinder. I know that she is one of the main characters, however, she is very likable. You can really relate to her. My least favorite character is the Adri. I don't like how she blamed Cinder for Peony and how she signed Cinder up for testing. She got rid of her just like that.

- There is quite a bit of advanced technology in the world of the story. Which is your favorite and why?
I like Cinder's orange light that blinks when someone is lying. I wish I had one of those right now. It would be easy to see who to trust and who I should not trust.

- What do you think of New Beijing? Utopia? Dystopia? Would you want to live there?
I like New Beijing as a city.It seems like a typical city with big buildings. However, I would not want to be around with the plague going on.

- Discuss the parallels between this story and the original Grimm fairy tale/ and/or the Disney version.
Of course the main character goes by Cinder and the other versions has the main character going by Cinderella. The ball and the stepmom/stepsisters ties in with Cinderella. However in Cinder she is very close with one of her stepsisters (Peony). Cinder has to do chores around the house like the original. Cinder also is an outcast in her family.

- Are there any parallels with our world?
I think everything is similar. There are different diseases popping up and people trying to find a cure. Of course, the technology (cyborg,android,hover,etc.) are more advanced.

- Discuss the concept of Glamour. Does it make an interesting magic system?
With the concept of Glamour, the Lunars do not like mirrors. They do not want to see themselves. They want to be beautiful all the time. Others, like Kai, seem to get brainwashed or overcome with their beauty. I find this an interesting system.

Book Two:

I find it interesting how whoever made Cinder thought so many things through. It was interesting how the microbes (view spoiler)[ disappeared in twenty minutes. The doctor believes that Cinder is immune to the plague. (hide spoiler)] I wonder why the doctor lied to the prince when he asked about developments. Prince Kai (view spoiler)[ definitely does not want to marry Queen Levana. He also wants to look more into the death of the princess. (hide spoiler)]

I wonder how the Queen knew about the Emperor's death so soon. I also wonder why Cinder wants to fix up the gasoline car so badly. Cinder is very caring. Cinder (view spoiler)[ went back to the apartment to save Iko. (hide spoiler)]

Discussion questions/topics for Cinder

- How do you like the writing style of the book so far?
I like it; it's very easy to read. The writing is so clear that it doesn't bog me down like some of the stories I've read.
- Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite?
I like Cinder and Iko. They both make a very awesome dynamic duo. I enjoyed reading the parts when they are both together interacting. They both balance each other out very well. One would not be the same without the other.

- There is quite a bit of advanced technology in the world of the story. Which is your favorite and why?
Honestly?
I like most to pretty much all of the tech mentioned in the book. Especially those hover cars, retina tech, portscreens. I wish that we had hover cars like that. I like the idea of being able to fly while traveling to places.

- What do you think of New Beijing? Utopia? Dystopia? Would you want to live there?


- Discuss the parallels between this story and the original Grimm fairy tale/ and/or the Disney version.

- Are there any parallels with our world?

-How do you like the magic in the story?

Discussion questions/topics for Cinder

- How do you like the writing style of the book so far?

I like it. It's very easy to read. The writing style is so clear that it doesn't bog you down like some of the other stories I've read.

- Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite?

I like Cinder and Iko. They both make an dynamic duo. They both balance each other out. One would not be the same without the other.

- There is quite a bit of advanced technology in the world of the story. Which is your favorite and why?

Honestly? I like most to all of the tech in the book. Especially, those hover cars, portscreens and retina tech. I like the idea of having you own personal transportation being able to fly while traveling to different places without the jet lag.

I'm in but start in a few days.

Up to Chapter XII (pg 104)

I've fallen a wee bit behind where I want to be in the story right now (which is actually kind of crazy because the first time I read this book I binged through it in a day). I did, however, notice another parallel/similarity to the Disney version of the story today while I was reading. In the Disney Cinderella, Cinderella passes her time by conversing with her talking pets/animals. While Cinder doesn't have rats/mice she talks to, her best friend/companion is a robot, which I kind of same as being a spin off of the same idea, but unique to the futuristic world Meyer has created for the setting.

Up to Chapter XVII (pg 143)

What do y'all think of Kai so far? It seems like, so far, we really haven't gotten much development into his character, even though we've had a couple chapters that have followed him as opposed to just Cinder. With his father struck by the illness, all his efforts seem to be set on trying to find the cure. For one, he obviously cares for his father. For another, he doesn't seem ready to rule.

The other glimpse we get into him is with respect to (view spoiler)[the marriage proposal (hide spoiler)]. He seems rather determined on finding a way around it, though it doesn't look like he has many schemes prepared yet.

Since this novel is loosely based off Cinderella, it's obvious there is going to be some kind of romance between Cinder and Kai. After all, she's got to get her prince in the end. But even with the few interactions they've had, they really haven't gotten to known each other at all, just as I don't feel readers have gotten to known Kai much yet either.

@Elise, I definitely agree with you, those were very much reactions the first time I read this book. I think that, even throughout the rest of the series, Kai gets the least bit of character of development as Meyer kind of assumes that we've gotten to know him enough in Cinder.
They're romance, I believe, is also one of the least developed in the series thus far. However, this may be purposeful, for its staying in the spirit of the original Cinderella rendition more.
I'm on p. 325

@Jessi, Yes, Kai's definitely much improved in the second book! I don't even think I liked him during my first read through of Cinder...

Jessi wrote: "@Kat, the relationship between Cinder and Kai is not as developed as the others... I think she has more of a rapport with Iko even... I can't wait till we start discussing the second book by the ..."

Hey, who's this character? I'm reading Scarlet currently... can you tell me?

@Jessi, *That character*, definitely! <3 *that character*