Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

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Source: c/o Raincoast Books (thank you! <3)
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Format: Hardcover, 464 pages
Release Date: February 5, 2013

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.

Readers who enjoyed Cinder will fall right back into the rich fairytale world while newcomers are sure to discover a new favourite.
 
One of the things that I came to appreciate the most about Marissa Meyer's debut novel Cinder was the fact the fact that 'Cinderella' was about 1000x more awesome than her traditional counterpart. Well, ladies and gentlemen, meet Scarlet Benoit, the red-hoodie-wearing, gun-wielding girl that sticks to her beliefs and won't take 'no' for an answer on her quest to find her beloved grandmère.

While definitely a thick read, the pages flew by as I read through it. There's an abundance of action and tension from the intersecting storylines and the stakes just kept raising (that ending!!). Meyer handles the almost overwhelmingly meaty plot with skill. Scarlet is definitely a change from the more quiet and reserved Cinder but I found her just as likeable. While her tendency to jump into situations without thinking could have turned out more annoying under different circumstances, it was a lot less frustrating given the crazy situations the characters were constantly in.

And speaking of characters... We're introduced to two new (and fabulous!) ones: Wolf and Thorne. I thought Thorne was hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed every chance I got to read about him. I quite enjoyed Wolf's presence as well but I can't help feel as though I'm not as in love with him as I should be. I mean, he was great, but not quite up to Kai-level for me just yet ;)

With the same excellent world-building that hooked me on the series in the first place, Marissa Meyer delivers in the sequel to Cinder. Now as long as the next book gives me some proper Cinder/Kai interaction, I'll be happy! (But really... Please? I'm not above begging...)

Cover Comments: I love it! Nice and simple, but still eye-catching. I wonder, will Cress feature hair?

5 Golden Crowns!