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This topic is open for discussion of Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Be prepared for spoilers!

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.

Reading Schedule

 Date Chapters Pages PPQCs*
 March 23 1 - 6 1 - 68 Sashana
 March 24 7 - 14 69 - 128 Sashana
 March 25 15 - 20 129 - 186 Lisarenee
 March 26 21 - 25 189 - 246 Lisa Kay
 March 27 26 - 30 247 - 301 Rachel
 March 28 31 - 35 302 - 357 Lisarenee
 March 29 36 - End 358 - 387 Rachel

*PPQCs = *Person Posting Questions & Comments
*

Discussion Questions

Chapters 1 - 6
1. Do you think that Cinder was responsible for Peony contracting the virus even though she showed no sign of having it? Were Adri's accusations valid?
2. Based on what you have read how are Cinder and Cinderella's story similar? How are they different?
3. What do you think of the story so far? Have you ever read a story about cyborgs before?
4. The series is called Lunar Chronicles, do you think Cinder is related to Queen Levana and the people who live on the moon?

Chapters 7 - 14
5. Do you think Cinder is Princess Selene -- the dead missing Lunar heir?
6. I'm getting mixed signals from Dr. Erland and I don't know what to make of him. What do you think, is he a sweet grandfatherly scientist with a soft heart? Or a scientist willing to do anything to find a cure?
7. Why do you think Dr. Errand isn't telling Prince Kai about the real reason Cinder is in the lab?
8. Dr. Errand did something that triggered a red flag for me. Is it possible that he himself could also be a cyborg or something else altogether?

Chapters 15 - 20
9. The plague is very fast acting killing people in 5 days. Don't most vaccines take a long time to create? Do you think Peony will be spared?
10. First impressions of Queen Levena? Could we be mixing up fairy tales here? She reminded me of Snow White's step-mother.
11. Why couldn't Prince Kai gracefully declined Queen Levena's request to come, stating the kingdom needed time to grieve alone?
12. Were you surprised by Kai's invitation to Cinder to attend the Ball? Do you think he'd dislike her if he found out she was a cyborg?
13. The mirrors were an interesting twist. I hope someone smuggles in a compact with a mirror to the ball if Queen Levena attends.
14. So if Prince Kai's father died does he need to wait until his coronation to officially become King?
15. I'm thinking the chips which were removed are going to have a larger roll later on in the story. Anyone else think this as well?
16. Since this is a rendition of Cinderella it's probably safe to assume Cinder will go to the ball in disguise and perhaps use one of those ID chips. Any idea what will change her mind? Will it be what Dr. Erland revealed?
17. We now know Cinder is definitely Lunar. Looking more and more like Sashana called this one. I would be shocked if she doesn't end up being the missing heir, Princess Selene.
18. Could Cinder have hidden powers (aka gifts) that her systems are overriding in order to keep her hidden or do you think she truly is a shell?

Chapters 21 - 25
19. Why is Cinder NOT afraid of her own reflection?
20. What would have happened if Cinder had “plugged in� to Nainsi? (The chip had already been removed by then.)
21. Are you positive about who put the direct communication chip into Nainsi? Will they be aware it has been removed? Will its possession be a danger to Cinder � or a help?
22. Do you think that Logan Tanner, the Lunar doctor who worked under the reign of Queen Channary and brought Princess Selene to Earth, really committed “bioelectric-induced suicide�? Who was the Earthen subject that received Linh Garan’s prototype?
23. So Prince Kai is looking for Princess Selene! Why?
24. Well, I’m trying to figure out the effect Queen Levana’s brainwashing/glamour, as seen on international netscreens, will have on the viewers. Does she think to control the world, though her glamour does NOT work via netscreens?
25. What is your take on Torin? Good guy, bad guy, or just someone going with the flow?
26. What a malicious witch Queen Levana is � to have the antidote to the letumosis disease and withhold it. To taunt Prince Kai like that with “might-have-beens�. Think it will work? Or is it a trick?
27. It is interesting: while Prince Kai keeps asking Cinder to the ball, I don’t get the feeling he is being pushy at all, do you? Shows how well set-up those characters are and how well written those scenes, right? Did you think he was going to kiss her in the elevator? Instead, he whispers a secret. Never have I been so satisfied with less. LOL! Comments.
28. Since this is a retelling of Cinderella, I was wondering who was going to be the Fairy Godmother. Who do you think has this role? Was it Cinder’s deceased guardian, Linh Garan, and his lock on her Lunar gift? Is it Dr. Erland? Or is it her Lunar gift itself?
29. What about why Cinder was affected � temporarily � by Queen Levana’s brainwashing/glamour? And Cinder’s fainting? Were they explained well enough by Dr. Erland’s removal of her lock?
30. So, some people’s suspicion that Dr. Erland is Lunar was correct! Though, his story was sad. Do you believe he hasn’t used his Lunar gift � with the exception of Cinder � while on Earth, or do you suspect him of duplicity? What was he about to reveal to Cinder before they were told of poor Peony?
31. What a place to stop! Will they be in time to save Peony? Will the smaller amount of antidote work?

Chapters 26 - 30
32. "Now is that the one where the dominatrix queen throws a tantrum and threatens war every time she doesn't get her way?" Prince Kai's remarks always make me giggle. Why can't anyone else around him laugh at them? I know royalty is refined and such, but humor makes everything better.
33. What do you think the queen has all of those mutants for? Is it for war or something else?
34. Poor Peony. The nice(r) ones always die. :(
35. Would you have given the antidote to Chang? Or kept it?
36. Queen Levana, what an evil woman, setting Kai up with the mirror! Why would she do something like that? What do you think that test proved?
37. Adri makes me so mad! And poor Iko! What do you think Cinder is going to do now?

Chapters 31 - 35
38. So it doesn't look like there's going to be a fairy Godmother. Do you like the twist where Cinder is attempting to save Kai and all the Earthens?
39. So I don't know about you, but I wasn't feeling the love on Kai's part. Did you? He seemed confused and it seemed a little bit early to start declaring he loves her.
40. What did you think of Cinder's Ball attire?
41. What should Kai do about the Queen?
42. Who the heck is the girl who told Cinder about the Queen's evil plans? I'm thinking she'll play an important role in the future.
43. Cover comment-It seems misleading. It doesn't seem like the cyborg parts are covered. What's the deal with the normal looking leg with metal working underneath? Did I miss something?
44. I can't remember who first called it, but they were right about the orange car.
45. Any predictions about how this one will end?

Chapters 36 - End
46. Do you think Kai agreed to hold Cinder prisoner because he feels deceived or was it more of an act for the Queen? Or a little bit of both?
47. I can't believe Queen Levana was trying to make Cinder shoot herself. She stops at nothing does she?
48. Oh. Dr. Erland! A savior! Did you see this coming from him?
49. I can't believe Cinder is/did give escaping a second thought. Why wouldn't you want to escape? Would you have even given it a second thought?
50. So she is Princess Selene! Good job on those who called it!
51. Blasted cliffhanger! Not only was it a cliffhanger, but a really big one!
52. Final thoughts on the book? What star rating are you going to give it?
53. Who was your favorite character? Favorite part/chapter?

78th in line. We need to read older books :-P

I am number 9 in line for the audio.

Dang, I was just at the bookstore a few days before this was announced and I could have picked it up. I think I will need to visit the bookstore again soon, cause my WL place on this one hasn't moved in weeks.

Picked this up earlier this month. Looks interesting!

I agree about reading older books. I think I'm number 88 in line. I'm still waiting for Legend too.

I might get it! I'm #8 and there are 13 copies of the book at our library (all out right now). We'll see.

Kellyflower wrote: "I agree about reading older books. I think I'm number 88 in line. I'm still waiting for Legend too."

I'm still #518 in line for State of Wonder and #81 for Legend. I do not have luck with BOM books and I won't let myself buy them right now either.

Kellyflower wrote: "I agree about reading older books. I think I'm number 88 in line. I'm still waiting for Legend too."

I think it would be a good idea, but in order to get voted for the older books have to get nominated first lol. And from the nominations I've seen not many of them are older books.

Jex wrote: "I'm still #518 in line for State of Wonder and #81 for Legen..."

Jex maybe you and I can do a buddy read when we finally get these ones in lol

Stefani wrote: "I think it would be a good idea, but in order to get voted..."

well see if it was a rule to not have "Just released books" (within the last 6 months), then older books would get nominated. (Just saying)

It is on the way to my library.

I am 'guilty' for suggesting this book. Already have it, and will participate...

The children's librarian told me she really enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to reading it when it finally comes in.

Yay! I've been waiting for my turn from the library, and I'm up next. They have 3 copies, so I expect my notice any day now... Looking forward to the discussion!

I just read this book last month and loved it, so I might peak in from time to time when you guys read. I actually have a real copy of this book, so I would gladly send it to anyone interested who can't get a copy from their library. I think it would make it in time.

gin wrote: "I just read this book last month and loved it, so I might peak in from time to time when you guys read. I actually have a real copy of this book, so I would gladly send it to anyone interested who..."

I'd love to borrow your copy and send it back when I'm done, Gin. My library doesn't have a copy and I was going to buy it but your offer just saved me a few bucks. Should I PM you my address?

Sashana wrote: "gin wrote: "I just read this book last month and loved it, so I might peak in from time to time when you guys read. I actually have a real copy of this book, so I would gladly send it to anyone in..."

Just PM me your address Sashana

I still don't have this one, but will purchase it if I don't get it in time.

I'm now #2 on my library's waitlist! Yay!

I have this one already. It is due next week, guess I will read it early and participate as best as I can.

I should get this one in time. Library states it's in transit to me.

Reading Schedule

Date Chapters Pages PPQCs*
 March 23 1 - 6 1-68 ?
 March 24 7 - 14 69 - 128
 March 25 15 - 20 129 - 186
 March 26 21 - 25 189 - 246
 March 27 26 - 30 247 - 301
 March 28 31 - 35 302 - 357
 March 29 36 - End 358 - 387

Let me know if the chapter breakdown is too much.

i'm so in, going to pick this up tomorrow. This is going to be my first read with you guys :)

LOVED! I can't wait until we start discussing it.

I'm #1 on the waitlist now! Yay!

Deborah wrote: "i'm so in, going to pick this up tomorrow. This is going to be my first read with you guys :)"

Awesome! We are glad to have you, Deborah.

Hi. Phoenix here. I'm new. I have an author page - Phoenix Reads. I just bought Cinder and will start ASAP (as soon as I finish the book I'm on.) I read 3-4 books a week, but recently bought a Kindle. I'm hooked. Love this thing.

I have a question? How do you decide what books to put up for a vote for the current reading projects?

We do Book of the Month Nominations and then put all those books in to a poll. That is how we determine what books will be read. You can find the nomination threads under the folder named BOM Series Nominations on the group homepage.

May's Books of the Month nominations end tonight. Here are the links if you have a minute to nominate!

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

Questions for Chapters 1 - 6

1. Do you think that Cinder was responsible for Peony contracting the virus even though she showed no sign of having it? Were Adri's accusations valid? 

2. Based on what you have read how are Cinder and Cinderella's story similar? How are they different? 

3. What do you think of the story so far? Have you ever read a story about cyborgs before?

4. The series is called Lunar Chronicles, do you think Cinder is related to Queen Levana and the people who live on the moon?

I won't answer some of these questions, because I am not confident that I could do it without spoilers.

2. Based on what you have read how are Cinder and Cinderella's story similar? How are they different?
I think its interesting how Cinder is so different from Cinderella and yet so similar. They are similar in that they are poor and that her stepmother hates her. They are different because one of the step sisters really likes her. In the movie she didn't get along with either of her step sisters. I also thought it was interesting that she is Cyborg and not really related to any of them at all.

3. What do you think of the story so far? Have you ever read a story about cyborgs before?
This was my first book that used the terminology "cyborg", but steampunk is similar in that those books normally have the mechanical body parts too just like Cinder. I have read several of those. I loved the book and will definitely be reading Scarlett when it comes out.

Questions for Chapters 1 - 6

1. Do you think that Cinder was responsible for Peony contracting the virus even though she showed no sign of having it? Were Adri's accusations valid?

No I don't think Cinder was responsible. It's obvious they do not know how the virus is spreading. I doubt the king ever came in contact with someone infected, and still he got it.

2. Based on what you have read how are Cinder and Cinderella's story similar? How are they different?

I like it how author added many of the motives from the original Cinderella story but still maintained originality of her story. From the obvious differences that original Cinderella did not have a metal leg and arm to the little ones like that big orange car in the junkyard (pumpkin?)...

3. What do you think of the story so far? Have you ever read a story about cyborgs before?

So far story is interesting. I never read a story where cyborg was a main character, only side-characters in some sf novels.

4. The series is called Lunar Chronicles, do you think Cinder is related to Queen Levana and the people who live on the moon?

Yeah because of the name of the series I have doubts that there is some connection between Cinder and Lunars. although I do not see her still...

Questions for Chapters 7 - 14

5. Do you think Cinder is Princess Selene -- the dead missing Lunar heir? 

6. I'm getting mixed signals from Dr. Erland and I don't know what to make of him. What do you think, is he a sweet grandfatherly scientist with a soft heart? Or a scientist willing to do anything to find a cure? 

7. Why do you think Dr. Errand isn't telling Prince Kai about the real reason Cinder is in the lab? 

8. Dr. Errand did something that triggered a red flag for me. Is it possible that he himself could also be a cyborg or something else altogether? 

Questions for Chapters 1 - 6

1. Do you think that Cinder was responsible for Peony contracting the virus even though she showed no sign of having it? Were Adri's accusations valid?

You're thinking of her being a Typhoid Mary type character? I don't know. I would think not.


2. Based on what you have read how are Cinder and Cinderella's story similar? How are they different?

1) Cinderella wasn't a cyborg
2) Cinderella wasn't adopted
3) Cinderella didn't have to contend with the plague
4) Cinderella wasn't a mechanic
5) Cinderella didn't work outside of the home
6) Both have a Ball and a prince and an evil mother, although she isn't really a Step-mother she's an adopted mother.

I think the author could have gotten away without making the connection and seen what people thought.

3. What do you think of the story so far? Have you ever read a story about cyborgs before?

Yes, I've read a story with cyborgs before -- The Girl in the Steel Corset. Is Cinder considered Steampunk? I like the story so far.

4. The series is called Lunar Chronicles, do you think Cinder is related to Queen Levana and the people who live on the moon?

Interesting thought. You might be on to something.

Questions for Chapters 1 - 6

1. Do you think that Cinder was responsible for Peony contracting the virus even though she showed no sign of having it? Were Adri's accusations valid?

I don't think it was Cinder. I suppose anything is possible but I would guess that she contracted it from someone else. Unless Cinder is somehow immune then I don't think it was her, just a convenient excuse.

2. Based on what you have read how are Cinder and Cinderella's story similar? How are they different?

Some of the obvious ones are the names, and the stepmother and stepsisters, and the prince and his ball. But those are about the only similarities that I have seen so far.

3. What do you think of the story so far? Have you ever read a story about cyborgs before?

I have not read a cyborg story before, so far I am enjoying it. But this is just the beginning so we will see how it progresses.

4. The series is called Lunar Chronicles, do you think Cinder is related to Queen Levana and the people who live on the moon?

I hadn't even considered that, but its a good assumption. I think you might have caught onto something there.

Lisa Kay’s Answers to Sashana’s Questions for Chapters 1 � 14

1. Do you think that Cinder was responsible for Peony contracting the virus even though she showed no sign of having it? Were Adri's accusations valid?
I don’t believe so. It is possible she is like “Typhoid Mary� � and just a carrier of the disease, but I hope not. Adri? She is just a mean, jealous, vindictive witch.

2. Based on what you have read, how are Cinder and Cinderella's story similar? How are they different?
I LOVED that she took her foot off at the beginning of the book and is searching for a new one that is just the right fit. Too clever and too funny! The evil step-mother, the two step-sisters who are indulged while she is denied and over-worked, the prince and the “bride hunt� ball, the pumpkin colored car are all echoes of the original. The whole disease of pandemic proportions is different. And something else I suspect, which I will keep to myself, for now.

3. What do you think of the story so far? Have you ever read a story about cyborgs before?
Nope. So far I am enjoying it. The closest I can think of anything like it that I LOVED was the movie Wall-E, who was a robot with a very human heart.

4. The series is called Lunar Chronicles, do you think Cinder is related to Queen Levana and the people who live on the moon?
Yes!

5. Do you think Cinder is Princess Selene -- the dead missing Lunar heir?
Definitely.

6. I'm getting mixed signals from Dr. Erland and I don't know what to make of him. What do you think, is he a sweet grandfatherly scientist with a soft heart? Or a scientist willing to do anything to find a cure?
I think Dr. Erland is more multifaceted than I first realized. He is possibly both those things. I really like that he appreciated Cinder’s rebellious streak, but was baffled by her at times (i.e. that she didn’t at first want to stay and help). Why did Cinder get the orange light lie indicator when he didn’t say anything, but did whatever he did to make her drop her “weapon of choice� at the end of Chapter 10? We have more mysteries to discover about Dr. E, methinks.

7. Why do you think Dr. Errand isn't telling Prince Kai about the real reason Cinder is in the lab?
I’m not sure. Maybe he wanted to keep her secret due to “patient confidentiality� (though I doubt it) or maybe he suspects she is Lunar. Maybe he is looking forward to the “big reveal� when he comes up with a cure; maybe he doesn’t want interference or nagging to hurry things before then. Maybe he doesn’t want Prince Kai to be prejudice against her b/c she is cyborg � or Lunar. He’s pretty smart, so he might see the attraction between the two and want those feelings to grow b/f Prince Kai finds out what Cinder is.

8. Dr. Errand did something that triggered a red flag for me. Is it possible that he himself could also be a cyborg or something else altogether?
Could very well be! Might be part of his reason why he didn’t tell Prince Kai about Cinder. I’d really like to know what he did to her spine. Did it do something, activate something, or reveal something?

Thanks for doing the DQs today, Sashana!

@ Laura

#2 � Did you see the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore? In that one she got along with one step-sister.

#3 � Yes, I’m liking this one too and will have to check and see when Scarlett comes out.

@ Dragana

#1 � Good point about the Emperor Rikan contracting it.

#2 � Yes, I’m hoping Cinder gets back to the pumpkin colored junkyard car!

#3 � Me neither.

@ Lisarenee

#1 � Mind Meld! LOL!

#3 � Oh, I’ve thought about reading just because I'm a book-cover-ho and loved that red dress; didn't realize it was a book about a cyborg. Interesting. I'll have to check out your review.

I just read this book, loved it. Its different frm most of the other stuff coming out..that seem to be all about angels or vampires or spirits

Lisa Kay wrote: "Thanks for doing the DQs today, Sashana!"

No problem, LK.

@Lisa

#3 - You are right about The Girl in the Steel Corset, I didn't realize that Sam was a cyborg until now. This book is classified as Dystopia and Steampunk.

@Lisa Kay

"...took her foot off at the beginning of the book and is searching for a new one that is just the right fit.'
#2 - I can be so dense sometimes! I didn't catch the significance. Thanks for pointing it out. I also didn't make the connection between the orange car in this story and the pumpkin until you pointed it out. It's good to read with other people, isn't it?

Sashana wrote: "#I can be so dense sometimes! I didn't catch the significance... It's good to read with other people, isn't it?"

Me too! I do a lot of forehead smacking sometimes. And, YES, it is fun to read with others. �

Questions for Chapters 7 - 14

5. Do you think Cinder is Princess Selene -- the dead missing Lunar heir?

Yes, I think it she is.

6. I'm getting mixed signals from Dr. Erland and I don't know what to make of him. What do you think, is he a sweet grandfatherly scientist with a soft heart? Or a scientist willing to do anything to find a cure?

I don't think he is sweet and grandfatherly, I think that's just the image he tries to project. I think he has some goal, but because he turned down some of the cyborgs, I think that maybe that goal is not finding the cure but something else...

7. Why do you think Dr. Errand isn't telling Prince Kai about the real reason Cinder is in the lab?

No clue. But I think it is connected to the his secret goal for his research... Maybe he does not need Cinder for vaccine at all but for something else?

8. Dr. Errand did something that triggered a red flag for me. Is it possible that he himself could also be a cyborg or something else altogether?

He is something definitely. But I don't think that he is a cyborg.

Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Lisarenee

#1 � Mind Meld! LOL!

#3 � Oh, I’ve thought about reading just because I'm a book-cover-ho and loved that red dress; didn't realiz..."

The Girl in the Steel Corset isn't a cyborg, but one of her friends I think is, although now that I think about it I think I'm incorrect. I think a cyborg needs to have some electrical interface with his/her mind, so I might be wrong. Think bionic boy.

: A cyborg, short for "cybernetic organism", is a being with both biological and artificial (e.g. electronic, mechanical or robotic) parts.

So I think Sam is a cyborg. Just not as techy spiffy as Cinder.