My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Cinder, the first book in the Lunar Chronicles, but WOW: this book! Marissa Meyer has done such a wonderful job integrating new, complex characters and plot lines while still seamlessly continuing what she started in Cinder. Scarlet is a satisfying, rich read, full of thrills both horrifying and romantic; terror, adventure and swoon. The sci-fi world Meyer has created is unique and air tight. (Rare! I am a tough customer when it comes to YA world building... so many worlds, too many holes). Again, I love how she interprets classic tales (this time around, Red Riding Hood) with such a light, clever hand. I truly can't wait for the third book in this series. Bravo!
Shame-free TBF Promotion: Marissa Meyer is one of 33 YA authors appearing at the Rochester Teen Book Festival on May 18!
And, for those of you who have not read Cinder, here's my original review of that book from way-back-when. (Note, Dear Reader: you will need to read Cinder before jumping into Scarlet. And that's not a bad thing!)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I avoided this book for a bit because I'm a bit tired of YA fairy-tale/myth retelling/re-imagining. Though you can describe Cinder as a retake on Cinderella, that meager description doesn't do the book justice. It's great fun to imagine as you're reading how the author is going to incorporate the elements of Cinderella into her tale and she doesn't disappoint in her creativity or subtlety. I would describe this as very accessible yet classic sci-fi, loosely based on the Cinderella tale, with a kick-ass heroine and a satisfying tease of teenage romantic longing. Great character development, great intrigue, and a brisk, building action that will send you catapulting into a can't-wait sequel.
I recommend this series to readers who enjoy any of the following: science fiction, fairy-tale retelling, strong female leads, adventure, a perfect dose of romance-amid-action, page turners and series. Did I forget anything? -Kelley, (Your) Teen Services Librarian
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