Scarlet: Book Review

Scarlet

Marissa Meyer

Feiwel and Friends

February 5th 2013

Young Adult | Science Fiction

Official Blurb - 
Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Much better than the first book. Kai is still an idiot. I wish I could bodily harm him. But the rest was much better. There is still that slightly wacky feel to the story but it isn't quite as pronounced. 

We still get to follow Cinder and Kai. But this time we get to meet a few new characters. Scarlet, little red riding hood, has to be the best version of her name sake I have come across. A red head in all her stereotypical glory. Fiery from top to bottom. She is so much fun to follow. Never a dull moment. Wolf, of course, adds to the fun. Maybe I just loved this book because of Wolf. I am so very partial to werewolves. These aren't your typical werewolves. Definitely more of a science fiction feel than paranormal. Built rather than bred, like Frankenstein. I liked Iko better as a ship. Somehow she didn't feel quite as inappropriate, for a machine. Or perhaps I am growing used to her. 

I really think all these good forces need to get together if they have any chance of success.

There is so much going on in this book. Action, romance, spunk, betrayal, deception, and a giant dose of stupid decisions. Very entertaining. Great characters for the most part. Let us hope that Kai will improve with age. Fascinating use of the Red Riding Hood story put in a science fiction world. Probably one of my favorite retellings of late and especially for this particular tale.

I am so glad I read this. The first book really disappointed and turned me off from the whole series. This one on the other hand was a delight to read and made me hungry for more. Now that the stage is set and we are going to have some fun. So if you likewise weren't the most impressed with the first consider giving Scarlet a try. You might just like it.

Content:
Language: Mild
Violence: Moderate to Heavy