Android
An android is a robot with a human appearance. In the novel, Iko and Nainsi are androids.
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Cyborg
A cyborg is a human being who also has mechanical or robotic body parts. Cinder is a cyborg who has a prosthetic hand, a prosthetic foot, and a mechanical brain interface that allows her to…
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Earthens
Earthens are citizens of Earth. They contrast with Lunars, who are citizens of the moon colony Luna.
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The Eastern Commonwealth
The Eastern Commonwealth, where Cinder lives, is one of the major nations of Earth in the novel (its real-world counterpart is the continent of Asia). The Eastern Commonwealth’s capital is New Beijing. Emperor Rikan is…
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Glamour/The “Gift”
Glamour (also known as the “gift”) is the Lunar ability to manipulate other people’s bioelectricity. This allows Lunars to telepathically control others’ thoughts and actions. However, glamour does not work over screens or through mirrors…
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Hover
Hovers are the primary means of transportation on Earth in the novel. These vehicles are designed to hover above the ground using a magnetic device called a magbelt to propel it off the ground.
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Letumosis
Letumosis is a deadly airborne disease that has killed millions of Earthens. The disease has four stages: the first stage is an incubation period, and the second is characterized by large bruise-like patches on…
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Luna/Lunars
Luna is the society on the moon in the novel, and Lunars are the people who reside there. Queen Levana is their leader. Though Lunars were initially human, they have since evolved into a different…
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Netscreen
A netscreen is a device with a screen that’s used for entertainment and media broadcasts, similar to a television.
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The Quarantines
The quarantines are a facility where people with letumosis are segregated from the population and treated. After Peony comes down with letumosis, an ambulance takes her to the quarantines, and Cinder visits her there.
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Shell
Shells are Lunars without the “gift.” They cannot control others, nor can they be controlled by others. Because shells cannot be controlled, Queen Levana and Queen Channery despised them, labelled them dangerous, and…
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Thaumaturge
A thaumaturge is a person of power in the Lunar government. Sybil Mira is Queen Levana’s head thaumaturge. The word “thaumaturgy” is derived from Greek, meaning magic or miracle.
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