Cinder (review)

Singing mice and glass slippers are replaced with snarky androids and mechanical feet in this richly imagined and darkly subversive retelling of "Cinderella." Part human, part robot, Cinder is considered a second-class citizen by the Eastern Commonwealth, so when her malicious stepmother volunteers her as a test subject for the latest (and most likely fatal) experimental antidote for the plague that ravages New Beijing, she can do nothing but comply, even if it means missing the annual royal ball. The results of the test, however, reveal that not only is Cinder immune to the plague but that her origins—which orphaned Cinder has never known—place her squarely in the middle of the political battle that threatens to send Earth into war with the Lunar colonies of the moon. Savvy readers will see where this is headed long before the story gets there, but they will nonetheless delight in catching the cleverly disguised references to the traditional tale along with a few nods to other classics (including one that hints at the direction of the series' next installment). The focus on both the abilities and limitations of Cinder's body is particularly interesting as a contrast to the fairy tale's emphasis on beauty; although the link between Cinder's struggle and body image issues is never directly made, the scene in which she shows up at the ball entirely herself and unapologetic for it will resonate deeply with teen readers. The science behind Cinder's cyborg condition isn't always convincing, but the prejudices against her are clear, as is the social hierarchy that guides the motivations of secondary characters and makes for an engrossing setting. Sci-fi buffs and fairy-tale fans will find the genres easily compatible in this mash-up.