If you’re a fan of Marissa Meyer’s Cinder, you’re probably looking for other great young adult books with similar themes and elements. Cinder is a captivating and thrilling retelling of the classic fairy tale Cinderella, set in a futuristic world where cyborgs and androids are a part of everyday life. But where can you find other YA books that blend fairy tale retellings, science fiction, and romance into a cohesive and exciting story?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best YA books like Cinder, so you can continue to indulge in your love of futuristic fairy tale adaptations (If you’re looking for a great new YA series to sink your teeth into, check out our favorites right here).
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
If you loved Cinder, you’ll definitely want to check out the rest of the Lunar Chronicles series. Scarlet is the second book in the series and follows the story of Little Red Riding Hood. It introduces new characters while continuing the journey of Cinder and Prince Kai. Find it here.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Marissa Meyer has a talent for creating captivating and compelling retellings of classic fairy tales. In Heartless, she tackles the story of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. Fans of Meyer’s writing style and intricate world-building will love this standalone novel. Check it out here.
Ash by Malinda Lo
Ash is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story set in a world of magic and fairies. With stunning prose and a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, this book is a great choice for those looking for a new take on a beloved fairy tale. Available for purchase here.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Cinderella Is Dead is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story set 200 years after the events of the original tale. In this world, young girls are forced to attend a ball to be chosen as a wife, just like in the story of Cinderella. But the main character, Sophia, has other plans. With a focus on social justice and a diverse cast of characters, this book is perfect for fans of Cinder who want to see classic fairy tales with a modern twist. Find it here.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is known for her captivating writing style and unique worlds. A Court of Thorns and Roses is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in a world of faeries and magic. This book is perfect for fans of Meyer’s blend of fairy tale retellings and science fiction. Pick up a copy here.
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Selection is a dystopian romance that follows the journey of America Singer as she competes to win the heart of the prince and become the next queen. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s romantic plotline and engaging characters. Scoop it up here.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
The Iron King is a retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in a world of faeries and magic. With beautiful prose and intricate world-building, this book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of science fiction and fairy tales. Add it to your bookshelf today.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Spinning Silver is a retelling of the classic Rumpelstiltskin story, set in a world of magic and political intrigue. With beautiful prose and complex characters, this book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of romance and science fiction. Get a copy here.
Renegades by Marissa Meyer
Renegades is a superhero novel that follows the journey of Nova, a girl who seeks revenge against the Renegades, a group of superheroes who failed to save her family. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s action-packed plot and unique blend of genres. Find it here.
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
The Hazel Wood is a dark and twisted fairy tale that follows the journey of Alice, a girl who must enter the world of her grandmother’s fairy tales to save her mother. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of science fiction and classic fairy tales. Buy a copy here.
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
SnowLike Ashes is a high fantasy novel that follows the journey of Meira, a refugee of a kingdom that was destroyed by a powerful enemy. Meira seeks to reclaim her kingdom with the help of a small group of rebels. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s focus on strong female protagonists and unique worlds. Pick up a copy here.
The Beast’s Heart by Leife Shallcross
The Beast’s Heart is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast from the perspective of the Beast. With stunning prose and a focus on character development, this book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of romance and fairy tale retellings. Find it here.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone is a high fantasy novel that follows the journey of Alina, a young girl who discovers she has the power to control light. She becomes embroiled in a dangerous world of magic and politics, and must learn to navigate her newfound power. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of science fiction and fantasy. You can buy it here.
Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Enchantment of Ravens is a dark and twisted fairy tale that follows the journey of Isobel, a painter who finds herself whisked away by a powerful faerie prince. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s focus on strong female protagonists and unique worlds. Snag a copy here.
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Cruel Beauty is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast that features a strong and independent female protagonist. With a unique twist on the classic story, this book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of romance and fairy tale retellings. Add it to your TBR pile!
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
The Wrath and the Dawn is a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights, featuring a young girl who must marry a powerful ruler who takes a new bride each night, only to have her executed at dawn. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s focus on strong female protagonists and unique worlds. Get it here today.
Everless by Sara Holland
Everless is a high fantasy novel that follows the journey of Jules, a young girl who discovers the dangerous secrets of the world she lives in. With a focus on world-building and complex characters, this book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of science fiction and fantasy. Check it out here.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a high fantasy novel that follows the journey of Elisa, a princess who is chosen by God to fulfill a dangerous prophecy. With a focus on character development and political intrigue, this book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s unique blend of genres. Click here to purchase!
The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston
The Princess and the Fangirl is a contemporary retelling of The Prince and the Pauper that features a strong focus on fandom and pop culture. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s blend of science fiction and romance. Available here.
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Daughter of the Pirate King is a swashbuckling adventure that follows the journey of Alosa, a fierce and independent pirate captain. This book is perfect for fans of Cinder’s focus on strong female protagonists and action-packed plotlines. Get your copy here.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Marissa Meyer’s Cinder, there are plenty of other young adult books out there that you’re sure to love. From classic fairy tale retellings to high fantasy novels, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, settle in with one of these books and get ready to be swept away into a world of adventure, romance, and magic.
FAQ
Can a 12 year old read Cinder?
Yes, Cinder is generally considered suitable for readers ages 12 and up.
What grade level is the book Cinder?
Cinder is typically considered to be a middle-grade to young adult book, and is usually recommended for readers in grades 6-12.
What is Cinder a retelling of?
Cinder is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Cinderella, but with a unique twist that blends science fiction, romance, and political intrigue.
Is The Lunar Chronicles getting a movie?
As of now, there is no official news of a movie adaptation for The Lunar Chronicles. However, author Marissa Meyer has expressed interest in seeing her work adapted for the big screen.
Who is Winter’s love interest in The Lunar Chronicles?
Winter’s love interest in The Lunar Chronicles is Jacin Clay, a royal guard and childhood friend.
Will The Lunar Chronicles become a show?
As of now, there is no official news of a TV series adaptation for The Lunar Chronicles. However, author Marissa Meyer has expressed interest in seeing her work adapted for television.
- 20 Best YA Books Like Cinder (Top Fairy Tale Adaptations) - February 28, 2023