Monday, June 24, 2013

Book Review: Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)


The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the 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 or 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 is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.


(Summary from Goodreads.com)
BEWARE SPOILERS 

Right after I read Cinder I knew I had to read Scarlet. I'm glad I did because Scarlet was great! It left off just where Cinder ended which is great since sometimes sequels set out a time span a bit from where the previous book ended. We dove right into the action and introduced new characters!

The New Characters!

I loved how fiery Scarlet was and how she was able to hold her own. Sometimes overcoming her own fears to do what she wanted. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and defend those in need showing how she is kind-hearted.

I loved Wolf and how awkward he was at times, he was so sweet and very well meaning considering his upbringing. I was please to see that he grew into a strong, clever, and good character. Still it was wonderful to see how he was also vulnerable at times.

Captain Thorne, oh man, he was a hoot. I love characters like him. They are always there for comic relief but he grew into quite the character himself. I thought he was self-absorbed but while he was indeed that he also did not try to back stab Cinder or anyone else which was interesting to me. Instead he helped her when he could have easily abandoned her or turn her back in so that says something about him.

The Old Characters!

Cinder, Kai, and Levana are all back. It was good to see them all!

Cinder is the same but a little stronger in my opinion. She learns to control her abilities a little more without letting Kai distract her too much from escaping.

Kai who is all sorts of confused tries to figure out his own feelings. I am a little disappointed in him, I wished he was more active in investigating Cinder and her past. I felt like he could have done more but he didn't...

Then Levana is back with a vengeance still bent on getting what she wants. Love how she's the leader of the pack so we shall say and it's a clever way to tie her into a certain Wolf's life.

One qualm I did have about this book is since new characters were introduced it meant new story lines added. It seemed to end without as much of a satisfaction than Cinder in my opinion. It was still good and had a resolution but for some reason I felt it didn't leave as much of an impact on me like Cinder did. It's probably because there was more story lines to follow and cover so it seemed like everything was happening at a faster pace.

It's a great sequel to Cinder and one I'd recommend. I can't wait for Cress now! >w<;;

(This review was written several months after reading so the review may not be as accurate since I'm recalling the story from memory.)

4 out of 5 rating for me.