From the Bookshelf of YA Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction…

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2)

Marissa Meyer

Start date: February 1, 2016

Finish date: February 29, 2016

Discussion: Group Series Read

Discussion leader: Amy (DemonKittie)

Why we're reading this: February Series Read
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Sep 23, 2012 Christina (Ensconced in Lit) rated it really liked it

I've had Scarlet in my possession for a long time because I absolutely loved the first book Cinder by Marissa Meyer, which was one of the most fascinating and inventive spins on the Cinderella story I've ever seen.

Scarlet is a sort of adaptation of the Little Red Riding Hood story, and unsurprisingly, takes us to France, where it originated. We also get to see hints of Cinder and what's going on with her during this time as well. Scarlet's grandmother is missing and it appears that she may be h I've had Scarlet in my possession for a long time because I absolutely loved the first book Cinder by Marissa Meyer, which was one of the most fascinating and inventive spins on the Cinderella story I've ever seen.

Scarlet is a sort of adaptation of the Little Red Riding Hood story, and unsurprisingly, takes us to France, where it originated. We also get to see hints of Cinder and what's going on with her during this time as well. Scarlet's grandmother is missing and it appears that she may be hiding secrets, which is why she was abducted in the first place, and Scarlet is determined to find her. Along the way, she meets a rugged fighter named Wolf, who she finds herself drawn to in more ways than one. At the same time Cinder is trying to escape prison, and does so, with a dashing convict, Thorne, who is probably my newest favorite character in the series. These two stories finally collide at the end, and we are set up for Cress, the next installment.

The best parts of the book are about Cinder, who still remains a great character with an intriguing backstory, one that we find out more in this book, as well as get introduced to the new character Thorne, who is hilarious and hot at the same time. He's this world's bad boy, and you can't help but love him. The writing is still great, and we also see glimpses of poor Kai as he struggles to keep his world together against the evil Levana. At the end, I definitely wanted to pick up Cress immediately!

That said, I really had trouble with the Scarlet half of the story. This part for me really dragged because the whole thing could be summarized in a line or two-- missing Grandmother, new love interest Wolf introduced, find Grandmother. There's really no more to her story than that until we reach the end. It definitely felt like filler, and she and Wolf weren't interesting enough by themselves to carry the story.

Overall, I think this book is not as compelling as the first, but is mostly important to find out Cinder's backstory, which is essential. Thorne is a great addition, and Meyer is undeniably a talented author. There's no doubt in my mind that I'll be picking up Cress to see what happens to these characters. ...more

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Jan 22, 2017 Lindsay rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2017, 4stars, ya

3.5 stars

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Jun 19, 2012 Tiffany rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle

A little better even than the first book. If cyborgs and moon people weren't out there enough for you, you can now add werewolves to the mix.

"Scarlet" resembles the story of Little Red Riding Hood about as much as "Cinder" did the story of Cinderalla, so there's a cross-over of characters and themes, but it's obviously vastly different as well. Scarlet, with her red-hair and red hoodie, is a fantastic new character with a lot of spunk who is easily as likeable as Cinder (and yes, her grandmothe ...more

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Jul 10, 2013 Tony rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Picking up were Cinder left off, Scarlet deepens the Lunar Chronicles by adding a 'Little Red Riding Hood' twist.

The Good
Scarlet adds a new set of characters to those already established in Cinder, and believe me, they're awesome. They're believable and gripping without coming off as cliche.

As with Cinder, I was worried how Marissa Meyer would twist in the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. But, just like Cinder, I didn't have to worry. The story is well told and the 'fairy tale' elements never det ...more

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