Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: Book #2 in The Lunar Chronicles (See my review of #1, Cinder)
Release Date: February 5, 2013
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Imprint of Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Source: From Macmillan at ALA! (Thanks!)
Buy It: Amazon
Add It: Goodreads
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.
I have been thinking about Cinder for over a year now, and Scarlet picks up right where Cinder drops off. The exact day, actually. I loved that! We get to jump right back in and pick up where we were, while learning new things about this crazy world, the Lunars, and our favorite characters!
1. For some reason, I had no idea that Cinder was going to be in this book! I was delighted when I learned what a huge role she was actually going to play in it. And her android, Iko, was there... and we even got some Kai time! Yay! So glad to see them all again. :)
2. It was also so much fun learning about some new characters: Scarlet and Wolf. Scarlet is a strong, confident character who makes a great team mate for Cinder in this ongoing quest against the Lunar Queen. I love the emphasis placed an female heroes in this series. Marissa has created two equally feisty, brave, determined, charismatic, and smart ladies to drive the story on. Wolf is sexy and swoonworthy, and exactly the kind of bad boy this story needed. His sensitive nature and core instincts make him both a ticking time bomb and the most loyal companion you could ask for. Do not get on his bad side, though. Cinder has her own male counterpart, Captain Thorne, and he's kind of hilarious. I just kept picturing this completely oblivious, clumsy, cocky guy who is always slightly drunk. He lightened things up quite a bit, and also became a character I really loved.
3. I enjoyed the balance of humorous dialogue and serious, sometimes heartbreaking moments. Scarlet's banter with Wolf was utterly charming, while her discussions with her grandmother pulled at the heartstrings.
4. This is not your typical book 2 of a series, where nothing important happens. Scarlet has SO much going on! There's space flights, running from the law, romance, Lunar attacks, kidnapping, fights, and NEWS. So much news!
5. Yet again, the world building is immaculate. Last time, Beijing. This time, Paris. Yes, people. Paris in the future is amazing.
Overall, Scarlet is just as wonderful and captivating as Cinder. Clearly, Marissa is not a one hit wonder. I can't wait for the next book!
So I went to Marissa Meyer's signing totally last minute last week, and it was such a blast! She mentioned that we would get Cinder's view in this one, which makes me so happy. But I did not know about some Kai time!! This makes me extremely happy. :D And even more excited! Marissa also talked a bit about how she always wanted to write strong female heroines, so I'm glad to see that Scarlet did turn out to be so strong and kickbutt. And this banter between her and Wolf is making me want to read about their romance so much right now. And Captain Thorne! Marissa mentioned how her favorite character in the entire series was Captain Thorne, without a doubt. His personality seems fantastic.
ReplyDeleteFabulous review, Jana! You've gotten me even MORE excited to pick up Scarlet, which I didn't even think was possible. ;)
I ended up loving this sequel more than Cinder-so much more as it was definitely not your typical second book. My favorite part is the strong female heroes as both Cinder and Scarlet are awesome ladies!
ReplyDeleteI have this one on hold at the library! I was doubting Meyer at first with this sequel because when I heard it wouldnt have Cinder as it's main protagonist I was a bit confused and slightly mad. i love Cinder and i wanted to learn more about prince Kai, but everyones been lately gloating about it so i'm thinking of maybe even saying sorry to Marissa Meyer for ever even doubting her!
ReplyDeleteGreat Review
Lily
I was so happy when Cinder returned in this book, and I can't agree more: Marissa Meyer creates the best female characters! Both Cinder and Scarlet are total badasses who don't let people just tell them what to do, and I love them both equally. Other than that, I loved Scarlet (the book) even more than Cinder (the book) and I can't wait to see what's next in this series!
ReplyDeleteWolf is now my favorite Lunar Chronicles boy, though I will always have a soft spot for Thorne. Honestly, he just blew me away in this one!
ReplyDeleteAnd Marissa is SO talented. The world-building, the characters, the story - all of these things are amazing!
I really need to read Cinder and Scarlet! I'm so excited to know what all the hype is about!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I want this book so badly. I'm glad it's not a filler book and has its own plot. I'm psyched to "meet" wolf and "visit" Paris. Marissa Meyer definitely has to keep writing.
ReplyDelete