More Than Just Magic

Series: Lunar Chronicles #2
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Genre: Fairy Tale, Science Fiction
Page count: 454
Source: Received copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: February 5 2013

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-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 and 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 has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own. As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My Review

Last year when Cinder came out I was blown away by it’s originality. Fairy tales and science fiction – why have these two genres not be combined  in such a way before? I didn’t think it could be any better but then came Scarlet.

Scarlet brings the Lunar Chronicles to a whole new level. Cinder was an enjoyable story with an interesting plot but all in all it was pretty straight forward. Scarlet’s plot is more layered, more complex. The characters are even more fleshed out. The whole book seems smarter and masterfully told. You always hope the sequel will be better than the original. That it will be a strong next step in the series. And Scarlet most certainly delivers.

Marissa Meyer is a master story teller. Hints of what’s to comes and inter-weaving plot lines. I’m so impressed with the way she can keep everything straight. This story has expanded so much from that of Cinder and Kai. Now Thorne, Wolf and Scarlet are wrapped up in it as well. There was so much planning and forethought put into this story I couldn’t help but think of J K Rowling and Harry Potter while reading.

Like I mentioned there are a few new characters, the most important of which is Scarlet (of course). I adored Scarlet. She is everything I love in a character. Attitude, dedication to her family, brave, takes charge of the situation and doesn’t take no for an answer. And she wears hoodies. I think it would be pretty hard not to like her. I’m interested to see where her head-strong personality takes her next and how Marissa will tie her into the following two books.

At the end of 2012 I awarded Kai the award for “Best Love Interest” ad while he still plays an important role in this book and is still sweet and adorable he has some competition now. Captain Thorne and Wolf are sure to win you over. Wolf is your dark and dangerous type but he has a heart of gold underneath his tough exterior. But personally, it was Thorne was his swashbuckling ways and fantastic sense of humour that stole my heart. I’m really anxious to get my hands on Cress and see what shenanigans are sure to follow him.

Recommendation: Scarlet is a fantastic sequel and one that takes The Lunar Chronicles to a whole new level of story telling. Highly recommended.

About the Author

Marissa Meyer lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her fiancé and their two cats. In addition to her slight obsession with books and writing, she’s big on road-tripping, wine-tasting, and hunting for antiques. She’s represented by Jill Grinberg.

More From Marissa Meyer

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Also Available For: Kobo / Kindle