Book Review: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2)

After reading Cinder, I just couldn’t wait to jump back into that world and so I immediately picked up Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2). I don’t know how Marissa Meyer does it, but her books always have me hooked from the very first chapter.

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. 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.

There is just something so engaging about Marissa Meyer’s writing. She draws you in and makes you feel as though you are actually living alongside the characters. It’s not fancy or requires any deep thinking, it’s just plain entertaining. And I don’t know about you, but that’s the first thing I look for in a book! If I’m not having a good time reading it, then I’m not going enjoy it, even if it’s supposed to be the greatest piece of literature known to man… Does that make me a bad reviewer? Meh, I don’t care either way.

While Cinder was the kind of girl who is merely surviving by reacting to all of the problems thrown her way, Scarlet is more of the take charge type. She’s feisty and is definitely no-nonsense. I think she has a little bit of temper too, which in all honesty, I love. I also appreciated that she isn’t the typical damsel in distress. She’s all for doing whatever it takes to get the job done and save her grandmother, even though she’s still afraid of what could happen. Her relationship with Wolf was a little cheesy, but I still ship the hell out of those two! He’s the gruff, macho man type who’s got a mysterious past and some issues of his own. You know, the perfect bad boy love interest. I really enjoyed seeing him grapple with his internal struggle of doing the right thing or following the rules of his “pack”. I’m always down for the reformed bad boy trope that is saved by the girl. Okay, I’m trash for it! I don’t even care that it’s not realistic and sets up unattainable relationship goals. Gimme, gimme, gimme!! And last but certainly not least (especially in his own mind), we are finally introduced to fan favorite, Carswell Thorne. Or Captain Thorne if you let him introduce himself. This guy, y’all… I love him. I get why everyone is obsessed with him, I really do. He’s vain, conceited, a ladies man, and kind of goofy. I’m so here for it. Like, I really think he deserves his own spin-off series because he just oozes personality.

The plot in this book is really fast paced. It immediately starts right where Cinder ends and throws you right back into the world. You are never bored as things are constantly happening. I really enjoyed that we are given even more POVs to follow, so you can see how all of the moving plotlines are being affected and coming together. I felt it all blended seamlessly. It keeps you on your toes from start to finish. I honestly couldn’t put my book down because I had to find out what was going to happen next. This book had me even more invested in the story than Cinder did. I’m not even sure how that’s possible but it’s true!

Okay, I think I can officially say that I’m trash for this series. Is it perfect? No, not close. But do I love it all the same and want everyone else to enjoy it as much as I do? Absolutely. Pure entertainment, y’all. And I know that we all need those types of books in our lives!

Final Verdict 5/5 Stars

Have you read Scarlet? Did you enjoy it more than Cinder? Which book in the series is your favorite? Is Cress even better than the first two?