Reviews with content warning for Gore - Scarlet

Scarlet was a really good, action-packed sequel to Cinder. Did it remind me a little of the second instalment of the Twilight series? Yeah, kinda. But I have to admit I’m more #teamWolf than I’ve ever been #teamJacob (don’t get me wrong, I considered Twilight pretty good when I was a teen). I’m a sucker for fairytale references/retellings and it was a really interesting take on Red Riding Hood. Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. 🐺

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corvicore's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

the whole omegaverse schtick really got on my nerves and the prose isn't all that good so it was a bit of a chore to read through. at least the first book had an interesting premise and strong characterization, while the characters in this installation felt corny and cliche. i did not buy the romance between scarlet and wolf, especially since every few chapters there was another layer to the betrayal onion. at least Thorne is here... whatever, here's hoping that cress is better.

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carysbeesbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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comopanini's review against another edition

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adventurous

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

First read [May 7-8, 2015]
5 stars

This book is amazing! If the quality of the last two books will at least be on par with the first two, or even better, then this series will definitely be one of my all-time favorites. Marissa Meyer is just such a wonderful storyteller. She makes you not want to put down her book because it's that gripping, and even if you do, you won't stop thinking about it--personal experience here.

Unlike Cinder, with its dual (Cinder's and Kai's) POV, Scarlet is told from different perspectives: Scarlet's, Wolf's, Cinder's, Kai's, Thorne's, and even Queen Levana's. I think this is a great strategy because it widens the scope of the story and you see how everything comes together through these different characters. If this had been told only in Scarlet's perspective, I think I wouldn't have liked this book as much as I actually did. It's not that I don't like her per se but that she was so focused on finding her grandmother that it left little space for me to really see through her personality.

The characterization is just spectacular. I witnessed Cinder develop well and grow stronger as a character without leaving behind her witty remarks and kick-ass personality. I am in awe with how Kai proved himself to be a competent leader, with all his passion and ever-present flaws. Queen Levana is even more evil and bitchy here--no surprise there. And Iko is, what can I say, sassier than ever, the ultimate fan girl.

And the new characters are incredible. Scarlet is fierce, stubborn, and determined. She has her moments of recklessness but then, don't we all?

Now that her objective of finding her grandma is nada, I really hope I'll get to know her better in Cress because she has so much potential to be this fantastically awesome heroine.

Wolf, to me, is a really endearing character. He isn't what I had expected him to be, which is great. He is shy and awkward, yet painfully protective and aggressive. As a couple, I really like them, but not as much as Kai and Cinder. I wish I had seen more development between them but they're still cute and I enjoy their awkward interactions.

And Thorne.

This guy's downright hilarious! He eases tension really well and gives such great comic relief, I can't even. He is completely narcissistic, and for some reason, he reminds me of Flynn Rider from Tangled.

Cress will be paired up with Thorne, right? Cress is Rapunzel. Tangled! Omf this is so amazing i can't even

Oh and I immensely enjoy his banters with Cinder. They'd be great best friends.

"A relieved grin filled up Thorne’s face. "We’re having another moment, aren’t we?"

"If by a moment, you mean me not wanting to strangle you for the first time since we met, then I guess we are."

I absolutely enjoyed Scarlet, just like I enjoyed Cinder. I'm also glad that Meyer chose France as a new setting instead of just staying in New Beijing because it makes this intergalactic war thing more real, you know? That the whole world is actually involved in this, and not just a single country, against the Lunars.

How Marissa Meyer crafted such well-thought sci-fi fairy tale retellings and wonderfully weaved each story to make an epic story arc is beyond me but I'm awfully glad she did. Now I know why a lot of people rave about and love this series. It's just so good! And, uh, I haven't read Cress--which I hope I'll be getting into next week--but, wow, even the short stories are amazing.

I'm sooooo glad I waited this out for so long because now I don't have to wait a long time for Winter to be released!!! I can't wait aghhhhh

Second read [Dec 6-8, 2021]
4.5 stars
I know the romance isn't central to these books, but I just want to say that I definitely like ScarletWolf better than CinderKai this time around.

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tkatt20's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

While I did enjoy this book more than the first one, I still feel like it was missing something. The characters are extremely interesting and the addition of Thorn, Wolf, and Scarlet kept me entertained through the whole story. While I did enjoy the direction of the plot in this book compared to the first in the series, I'm still feeling like the world building is lacking. I would have loved this book so much more if there were more details on the history and technological advancements of the earth since it set in the future. I wish I knew more about the androids and how the medical field advanced enough to support the creation of cyborgs. I also feel like there could have been more information on the wars and the people on Luna.

I still find myself unsure of whether or not I want to continue this series. If I do it will only be to see everything wraps up, I love the characters and the plot but I just wish I didn't have so many question. It is a fantastic series and it is probably a good choice for others, it just might not be for me.

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sjchoe1234's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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emmasbookdiary's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

3.25

This book tore me apart. EMOTIONS. 😭

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