I have to give credit for relational progress there. She repeatedly makes unrelatable, poor life-expectancy decisions-(view spoiler) And while one could initially mistake her hot-tempered demeanor (and willingness to throw the entire world under a bus in the name of saving her beloved granny) as strength, it doesn't seem an adequate counterbalance to her lacking in cleverness, emotional fortitude, and general likeability.Īs far as the romantic element goes, the chemistry between Wolf and Scarlet (despite my gnawing dislike for Scarlet) was leagues more believable than whatever was trying to go on between Cinder and Kai in the first book. Unlike the resourceful Cinder, Scarlet comes across as all brash and no brains. The greatest drawback for this reader, outside of certain nonsensical political moves, was the character of Scarlet. The story alternates back and forth-being told primarily from Scarlet's point of view, while also including chapters that catch us up on what's going on with the recently escaped Cinder from book #1 (and the occasional Emperor Kai thrown in.) Unfortunately, though Wolf is easily the most interesting character outside of Cinder's sidekick android, readers aren't allowed into his head at all.

But the continued simplicity to the structure and worldbuilding-along with the rash immaturity of Scarlett-still held more of an upper MG/younger YA lite-fantasy appeal.

The violence is a little more graphic, and the romantic angle a little more sensual. With the main character being 18 instead of 16, I'd hoped for a more matured YA feel to the storytelling. As they close in on their goal, it becomes clear that granny is hiding something that gives her far closer ties to the worldwide political upheaval than Scarlet could have ever guessed. Somewhere in Southern France, seemingly far removed from the Eastern Commonwealth and the events of the first book, we're introduced to Scarlet Benoit-a fiery farm girl with a hoodie fetish and a missing granny.ĭetermined to pick up where the police have given up, Scarlet enlists the aid of a mysterious street fighter known only as 'Wolf' (view spoiler) and together they set out to rescue her beloved grandmother. But this reader ultimately found the execution a bit exasperating. a futuristic/fantasy fairytale retelling with the bonus of a (potentially) redemptive take on an age-old villain.

Again, the concept itself was intriguing.

Scarlet lunar