"Scarlet" by Marissa Meyer

4.5 of 5 stars.

The Basics: Scarlet is the second book in the Lunar Chronicles series. The first novel is Cinder. This series is a play on fairy tales. At the end of Cinder we find out that Cinder is the "thought to be dead" Princess Selene. In Scarlet we are introduced to the metaphorical Little Red Riding Hood, who is named Scarlet Benoit in this book because of her hair color. Scarlet's grandmother is missing and she goes on a hunt finding her after the police have deemed her grandmother a runaway. In the process we meet Wolf, a mysterious young fighter whom Scarlet is weary of, but he volunteers to help look for Scarlet's grandmother.
As the search for Michelle Benoit continues, Scarlet learns that her grandmother has indeed been holding back secrets and Wolf certainly is what his name suggests.
As the story progresses, convict and runaway Cinder learns more about her past as Emperor Kai struggles to make a decision that will indeed bring Queen Levana great joy while bringing a feeling of defeat to the Earthen countries.

My Thoughts: ~Mild Spoilers Ahead~ I absolutely loved this book. The introduction of Thorne and Wolf were certainly welcomed. I also loved how Marissa Meyer intertwined the stories of Cinder and Scarlet as the book progressed. Scarlet is such a strong character and I love that she fights to figure out where her grand-mere is, and she's a quick thinker. The French influences in this novel are wonderful since we got the Asian influences in Cinder. The diversity within these novels is appreciated.
I hate Queen Levana, which is expected. She doesn't even fight fair. These beast-like creatures she is creating to have leverage over the Earthen civilizations is cruel. I hope Cinder learns how to use her abilities to overpower Levana. I can't believe Kai is going to marry her, but she left him no choice. I have hope that Cinder will live up to her full potential and destroy Levana.

~Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!