Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) in YA Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction

Jan 15, 2013 Katy rated it really liked it

3.5 stars - I really liked the first book, and I was really hoping the second book would continue the story. My first thought after reading the first few chapters? Who the heck is Scarlet, and where in the world is Cinder? Why not continue the story? Why introduce a story story into this? I felt Meyer should have written a whole new book/series based on Scarlet. Instead, I was introduced to new characters, a slightly above average plot and frustration that it kept interrupting the story I really 3.5 stars - I really liked the first book, and I was really hoping the second book would continue the story. My first thought after reading the first few chapters? Who the heck is Scarlet, and where in the world is Cinder? Why not continue the story? Why introduce a story story into this? I felt Meyer should have written a whole new book/series based on Scarlet. Instead, I was introduced to new characters, a slightly above average plot and frustration that it kept interrupting the story I really wanted to read about.

I had a really hard time liking Scarlet. I'm always a fan of feisty, sassy characters, but I couldn't stand Scarlet. Her temper was a bit too hasty and a bit over the top. To be overall blunt, she was a straight up bitch. And what a hypocrite! She got mad at the public for giving Cinder a hard time, yet she was judgmental about Wolf before even giving him a chance. And Wolf himself was a decent character, but I didn't like him nearly as much as I had liked Kai.

Like I said, the story I was really interested in was what happened next to Cinder. I really liked her story, but I was disappointed that Meyer did not give her the spotlight, only a quarter or a third of the book. And I was mad every time Meyer switched back to Scarlet's story because I hadn't cared for it. I remember thinking, "I know the two stories are connected, but I would be pissed it if was some lame explanation."

I had a guess about how the story was connected, but it had been a vague one, and I think the story failed to go in depth about the explanation (view spoiler)

Once the connection was made, the story flow was a lot smoother, and I wasn't so frustrated with Scarlet's story. However, I still felt that her story wasn't all that special (maybe because I had decided I didn't like her very much thought she grew on me just a little, tiny bit by the end). And I was hoping for Cinder to actually get somewhere - progressed further along. She escaped, but she did not get any closer to solving the problem with the Lunars. I guess only time will tell what will happen next. I just hope that Meyer does not plan on introducing yet another story that's an adaptation of your classic fairytale in book 3.

Overall, I really liked the story once the connection was made and once the story started coming together. It's just that it took me so long to get into it because the two stories felt so detached at first - even with the guess of how it was connected. I think if it was made a lot sooner, at least just for confirmation, readers would be more engaged in getting to know Scarlet and reading about her adventures. Still it's a great read. I was just kind of thrown off at first. ...more

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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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Sep 01, 2014 marlene rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015

Finally had time to finish this one!

Scarlet definitely was a really good continuation of Cinders story. I absolutely loved how Meyer tied Scarlet and Cinders stories together. Also really like the new characters that was introduced in this book (especially Thorne) though I'll admit I still favor Cinder. I can't wait to see what she'll do next!

All in all a very enjoyable read even though it did drag on a little bit. But it really built up the story and I'm super excited to read Cress now! ...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Hmr28 rated it did not like it

Good lord what a train wreck. What the heck happened to Cinder? Why on earth a new character become the narrator? Blech.

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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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Dec 30, 2012 Anne Tipton rated it really liked it

I love that this book is part of a four book series instead of the standard trilogy these days! Forced the book to be stronger and stand more on it's own. A bit slow at the beginning but overall very enjoyable. ...more

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