My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: bought
Publication Date: February 5th 2013
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Point of View: 3rd Person & Alternative
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Science Fiction, FairyTale Retellings, Romance, Family
BLURB:
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.
REVIEW:
This series is quite special to me.
Some months ago, after struggling with SO MANY science fiction reads, I came to the conclusion that, perhaps, it may not a genre for me. Dur. I didn’t take it well, let’s say, because that meant the hundreds and hundreds hyped sci-fi books out there would most likely not appeal to me either. I know that not every genre can work for everyone, but it’s always unfortunate to learn something like this. I just realized how dramatic my confession must have sounded, but I can’t help it if that’s how I felt at that time.
But, the thing is, after reading Cinder, Scarlet and some of their short stories and LOVING all of them – Scarlet the most however – I realized that, in the book world too, it is not exclusively black or white. There are shades, exceptions. And thank god, because starting this series literally made me realize how there are certainly some other books of this genre out there that I might enjoy as well. Seeking them doesn’t hurt. Now that this ‘‘problem’’ has been resolved, I shall start working my way to – at least – tolerating horror reads, heh.
Why I preferred this sequel to the first book is probably due to the fact that this continuation to the Lunar Chronicles series contained multiple POVs, unlike Cinder did, of what I remember. We had Cinder’s – of course, Scarlet’s, Kai’s, Captain Thorne’s and even one chapter from Queen Levana’s point of view. With so many different events, plunging into a state of boredom was something impossible to achieve. But no one’s complaining, *wink* *wink*.
Something else that appealed to me was the (swoon-worthy, handsome, charming, unforgettable…) male leads. I know Prince Kai was wonderful – even though a little too simple and banal, prince status aside – in book one, but I definitely saw a second side of him, more mature and serious and loyal in this read. If I wasn’t convinced before, now I absolutely agree that he would make a great and honest leader that will only grow and rule with kindness and as much fairness as possible.
The only thing that could have been different is Scarlet and Wolf’s love for each other. It did take time before they warmed up to one another, but, when they did, their sentiments did not gradually evolve from that point. In the contrary, like a rocket, it is as if whatever sparkled could not be controlled and, well, it did not feel realistic. Although, I can understand, this being a fairytale retelling, that some elements were rather embellished to a magical and dreamy point. On purpose or not, that I do not know.
Nonetheless, Scarlet deserves every single star I gave it!
*I did an exaggerated amount of statuses for this book; you can see them all HERE.
I so need to read this! I loved the first book, I just need to make the rest of them a priority!
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If you loved the first book, this will blow you away! ^^
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I also love books that feature multiple POVs! It makes it more interesting and I love seeing different characters through each other’s eyes. I need to read this series already, I’ve been dying to read them for too long but haven’t been able to make any time to pick them up!
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I honestly normally can only take 2 POVs but this series seems to be an exception to so many of my book peeves! You definitely have to start this one 😀
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AHA! It is a special series isn’t it?! I just can’t wait till Winter! I love how she can mix fairy tales and sci fi so well together even though they’re completely different genres!
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Tell me about it! Winter…At first I thought it was going to be about The Snow Queen, but Snow White is good too. 😛
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I had to skim a little, as I haven’t read Cinder yet (probably the last YA reader who hasn’t). If a book is able to engage you, enthrall you and leave you wanting more in a genre that usually isn’t your type of read, then that’s one of the greatest recommendations you can really make. I’m thrilled you’re loving this series so much, reminds me to break open my copy and read it soon too. Lovely review Lola ❤
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BREAK OPEN YOUR COPY. Like, right now. 🙂 Thank you!
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Okay I didn’t want to read your review too closely in case in contained spoilers. I haven’t read any of that series yet but I want to so badly!
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I hope you’ll find it some time; it is MORE than worthy, it is foundamental to read this series. Okay, maybe not, but, still…
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Finally, FINALLY, you love something as much as I loved it!! I didn’t have any problems with Wolf and Scarlet though–I thought the whole thing was PERFECT 😉 Great review, dollface!
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Ah yes, the day has finally come. Lol, well, glad to hear that 😀 Love for a series can blind us of any peeves, right? 😉 Thank you!!
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I’m reading Scarlet now after racing through Cinder. I loved the first book and am really enjoying the second one, too.
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That’s amazing! I hope you loved it as much as I did!
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I have Cinder but still need to read it ! Ah yes, you sure used the statuses lol ! Glad you enjoyed it, hope I will enjoy it soon too 😉
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Awesome! Let’s hope you do. Hahhahah, I know, I never did this many statuses before XD
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I can’t believe I’ve yet to read these. I really need to make some time
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Yes, yes, and yes. ^^
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I absolutely LOVED Cinder!! I need to start this one pronto. I’m so glad you took the chance with The Lunar Chronicles seeing as you weren’t enjoying the sci-fi genre so much before. It’s all kinds of wonderful. Lovely review, Lola 🙂
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Agree! It’s the kind of series that stays with you and those characters, woah ❤ ❤ Thank you! Hope you enjoy this sequel!
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I love this series as well, though I prefer Cinder to Scarlet! Cinder is such a special book for me, it literally make me giggle or cry every single chapter! I’m waiting a little to start Cress though because I want Winter to be closer so I can read both of them at once!
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Will you read Fairest too, though? I heard it is a novella to NOT be missed, so I definitely will 🙂 Giggle? ahah, I don’t remember if I did that while reading. I think I had like a serious, concentrated face all along lol.
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I’ll definitely will be picking Fairest up and I can’t wait to do so!
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It’s wonderful that you had such a great time with this book. I really enjoyed book 1 but I still need to read this one. I’m curious! I hope I’ll prefer it as well. Great review!
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I’m so excited for you to read and love this! Thank you!
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I’m so glad you’re enjoying this series! It’s definitely one of my favorites! I love Thorne so much haha! He’s just too funny and adorable! I hope you enjoy Cress as much as Scarlet (Cress is my fav book so far)! Lovely review!
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So many people tell me this. I can’t wait to see what makes Cress so amazing. Thank you!
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It’s been so long since I read this one but I remember absolutely loving it…which is always the most important thing. So happy to hear you’re having a fun time with the series 🙂 I remember absolutely loving Scarlet! It left me a mess too!
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Yeah, that’s true. I’m just so glad it was better than Cinder and not underwhelming. One of the best sequels I’ve EVER read ❤ Thank you!
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I must start the Lunar Chronicles! These books have been on my list FOREVER! I need to get these and start them! Awesome review. 🙂
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Yes, you do, Jess!! Thanks a lot!
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I closed my eyes and scrolled to the bottom of the post. <– TRUE STORY. Why you ask? Because my friend was just telling me I need to start this series ASAP. She says it's that damn good!!! And you have book 2 at 5 stars!!! *throws confetti in the air* I need to get through three more books and I'm starting this series! *pinky promise* 😉
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hahahah, yay! Hope you’ll keep that promise 😉 I’m kind of REALLY sure you’ll love this!
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I LURVE this series! And I really liked this one, too. Wanted a bit more time with wolf but I like how she’s slowly pulling all the storylines together.
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She’s pretty brilliant, this author, uh? I think she wonderfully created a link between every character. Gald you LURVE this series 😉
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Yay I’m so glad you’re opening up to books that are a bit out of your zone! That happened to me too, at first I was like “ewww, sci-fi AND fantasy-retelling?! PASS.” Now I kind of love both 😀 I’m so glad you loved this and the story and the characters as much as I did. Just wait until Cress, it gets better. Lovely review, Lola <33
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It gets bette? How am I supposed to survive Cress, then? I will be such a mess, either for crying a lot or swoonment, because, yeah, there’s always that risk. XD
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I *just* picked up cinder from the library and I so need to read it! So many great things said about this series, I am just loathe to hop on the bandwagon because I’m usually pretty disappointed by popular fiction. Still, I’m excited about this series.
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You know what? I have that fear too…of being disappointed and feeling like I’m the only one not loving a hyped series, but you HAVE to take this chance, love!!
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I agree! I loved this book more than Cinder as well. I think because maybe I sympathized with Scarlet more? I don’t know. Haven’t read Cress yet though 😦
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Yeah? For me, it was definitely the multiple POVs and introduction to new character but, everything, really ahha.
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Oh one day I need to actually get to this series. I have book one and keep meaning to. Grrs at me for not trying them sooner.
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*Grrrs at Anna* 😉 Nah, but you certainly do need to give a chance…<3
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I’m so glad to hear that you loved it! This series has been on my to-read list FOREVER! This year I joined the Fairy tale retelling reading challenge in hopes that I’ll finally start this series! I’ve heard nothing but great things about it! Great review! 🙂
P.S. Tag, you’re it! I tagged you in a book tag (http://lili-lost-in-a-book.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-i-hate-taylor-swift-book-tag.html)! Feel free to do it as well 🙂
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That’s great! I hope your challenge will motivate you to read this series soon! Thanks, girl, and for the tag too 🙂
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So glad to hear you enjoyed this one! Cress is a thousand times more epic 😉
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Can’t wait to judge for myself!! 😀
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YES I AM GLAD YOU LOVED SCARLET! I think this series is one of the best in YA science fiction out there. 😀 😀
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You’re probably right! Thanks, Valerie!
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Yeah I will always love this series. And the best thing is that it just gets better and better! Sadly I didn’t truly appreciate Scarlet/Wolf’s love story as much I as did others. But they grew on me in Cress. Also, I think Cress is my favorite of this series. Can’t wait for Winter!!
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No? Well, I thought it could have been better but, so far, love them nonetheless. That’s what happened to me with Kai and Cinder! At first I was like, oh meh, but in this they became SO dear to me.
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I love this series too. I already have Cress and Fairest but I haven’t read them yet because I’m waiting for the last book. I’m gonna re-read the whole series when I completed them.
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I’m happy you feel the same about this series 😀 But I don’t think I’ll have the power to wait inside me haha
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I’ve already read the series and it’s epic! 🙂 I’m waiting for Winter to be published.
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Nice! Glad you feel this way about it 😀
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