Theere have been lots of good buzz and review of the Lunar Chronicles and finally I have started the epic saga of Earth versus the Lunar society and the fairytale-inspired characters who unite to stop it.

Meyer acknowledges the influence of Sailor Moon among other sci-fi staples like Star Wars and it’s clear by the presence of Queen Levena who is remiscent of Queen Beryl and the whole Lunar society in the first place though this one is a lot more evil and oppressed than in the Sailor Moon anime.

Anyway, even though you can see the influences, Meyer does a lovely job in world-building with just the right amount of description and exposition that allows the readers to understand that this is a post WW5 world filled with technology such as hovers and androids and cyborgs that are considered second-class citizens and outcasts. Oh and there’s a big incurable plague, this is of major importance in the plot.

It is also Asian-fusion inspired as evidenced by the New Beijing name, the details about the pagoda inspired palace filled with Buddah statues, Japanese kimonoes etc. Now, I’m sure there are some critques about the meshing of several distinct cultures but since it was explained that they united afte the war, I will allow it. But I’m not Asian so what do I know.

As for the important part, the characters, they are well done. Cinder follows the usual Cinderella story tropes with a twist but she is much more stubborn and assertive than the original character so even though sometimes she makes mistakes that seem irresponsibly dangerous, it isn’t as annoying as it would be in others because she is trying her best in such a crazy and unique situation. Which I also applaud Meyer’s skill in suspense in hiding and forshadowing Cinder’s origins.

As for her love at first sight romance with Prince Kai, I didn’t buy, I felt it was superficial especially on Kai’s end as he was dealing with court intrigue and his father’s death among other responsibilities. But I did like how Cinder tried her best to balance her crush on Kai with the other more important information she found and the danger the kingdom was in. Even so, though I believe their “love” needs more time and development, I do like Kai as a characer for his intense moral loyalty to his kingdom and his compassion.

Cinder’s stepfamily was interesting fufilling the role of horrible, shallow people but Meyer doesn’t make them one-dimensional as she allows them to show grief over their daughter/sister even though they unfairly malign Cinder.

Overall, this is a great introduction to the world and the overarching mystery and I’m excited to see what will happen next with Queen Levena’s threats, Kai’s big decision and Cinder’s role in the whole thing as they find a way to stop the Lunar forces.