SCARLET, by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles
Year: 2013

(I apologize in advance, in the end I loved the book, but this is a rant!)

Yes, this is the sequel to Cinder. I was soo looking forward to it and devoured the first half of the book. Then it got silly. As in, cheesy romantic drama silly. A relationship a little too much like Twilight developed and I just got bored of it pretty quickly and left the book for a while. It sat on my coffee table for, what, a month or two, not really sure if I wanted to keep reading, or even bother with the whole series. But last night I decided to give it another chance and, boy! I'm glad I did!


*Spoiler Alert*

I still think that Scarlet and Wolf's relationship is kinda silly and too much like Twilight in the sense of "I'm-such-a-monster-(literally)-but-your-love-has-unnaturally-changed-me". Not that love can't change you or that genetically modified aliens that resemble wolves can't fall in love, it's just that the whole circunstances are too... umm.... I AM A KILLING MACHINE BUT THE SECOND I SAW YOU I BECAME YOUR LOYAL PUPPY FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY. And my species is monogomous.

It's too rush and definite. I believe in love at first sight, but this is a bit too much. Now, having said that... that's exactly the kind of relationship I'd expect from Scarlet and Wolf. They are both passionate, obstinate, stubborn and rush. And Scarlet is super impulsive. Don't get me wrong, I love these characters, but I wish the author would develop Scarlet into someone with a bit more caution and wisdom. She's super kick ass, but it wouldn't hurt her to develop a tiny bit more patience.

On the other hand, Cinder has developed into the tough chick she needed to be. I looove that character development, she's grown up the spine she needed. Sure, it has happened a bit unrealistically fast, but I do think that her change in character was needed. The Cinder at the beggining of the series wouldn't have made it this far and definately wouldn't stand a chance against Levana. Furthermore, she's aware that she still lacks the physical skill and knowledge to do it, so she's set her mind to achieve that first, instead of just rushing to defeat Levana.

And that's what makes her so different from Scarlet. The minute Scarlet was given the chance, she literally pounded on the bad guys' door. Cinder, instead, decided to acquire the skills (and do her research) before facing her enemy. I really like how she and Scarlet are both kick ass but so different. Kai, Wolf and Carswell too, I love how the male characters each have very different personalities and roles within the plot. That makes them actual characters instead of just the love interest of the girls - and I've seen that happen in other books and both in male and female characters.

Also, I thought the "Evil Queen from the Moon" was a side story that would end early in the second book, but it's actually what connects the series. I admit I initially disregarded it, but when I re-read Cinder before reading Scarlet I realized it's actually the major conflict that ties all these (kick ass) girls together.

The plot is still a bit predictable and I can see the major picture coming. I can still foresee WHAT is gonna happen but its the HOW what keeps me wanting more. This is what makes me forgive that awful cheesy romantic scenes in the middle of the book. Also, very good writing, I'm looking forward to Cress, the third book in the series. Thumbs up!

Here's a cool short story prequel to Scarlet!