"Cinder" is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story set in a futuristic world where humans and androids coexist. The protagonist, Linh Cinder, is a talented mechanic and a cyborg, living in New Beijing, which is under the threat of a deadly plague and the looming war with the powerful Lunar Kingdom. Cinder struggles with her identity and the prejudice directed towards cyborgs, often feeling like an outcast in her own community.
The plot thickens when Prince Kai brings his broken android to Cinder's stall for repairs, leading to a chance encounter that changes both of their lives. As Cinder navigates her growing feelings for Kai, she also grapples with secrets from her past and her mysterious connection to the Lunar people. The political tensions and her unique abilities thrust her into a larger conflict where her true identity could play a crucial role.