Science fiction · Young adult
Cinder
In a futuristic New Beijing, Cinder is a cyborg mechanic living with a cruel stepmother while a deadly plague spreads. When her path crosses with Prince Kai, she is pulled into a conflict with the Lunar queen.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2012
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 390
- Format
- Book 1 of 4 in The Lunar Chronicles
Read this if you like fairy-tale retellings that swap glass slippers for spaceships and androids.
Skip this if you want a standalone, since this is the first of a series that continues.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Cinder
- What is Cinder about?
- In a futuristic New Beijing, Cinder is a cyborg mechanic living with a cruel stepmother while a deadly plague spreads. When her path crosses with Prince Kai, she is pulled into a conflict with the Lunar queen.
- Who should read Cinder?
- Read it if you like fairy-tale retellings that swap glass slippers for spaceships and androids. Skip it if you want a standalone, since this is the first of a series that continues.
- How long and how fast is Cinder?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 390 pages, first published in 2012.
- Does Cinder have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Pandemic, Death.
- Can I borrow Cinder for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Cinder; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Cinder?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Ella Enchanted, The Selection, Red Queen.
Your shelf
Saved in this browser only. Open my shelf
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.
Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works
Share this pick
Because you might love it
If you loved Cinder
Science fiction
