Scarlet by Marissa Meyers, the second book in the Lunar Chronicles series has once again succeed everyone’s expectation. The main character Scarlet set out on a journey to save her grandmother, meeting near-death experiences on her way, and also meeting Cinder,  Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive. Scarlet’s journey began when her grandmother went mysteriously missing, and even when the police have given up, Scarlet didn’t. Scarlet seeked help from a street fighter known as “Wolf” and from there, they set out to save Scarlet’s beloved grandmother. However, what awaits them was a much deeper and darker secret that could change Scarlet’s life.
The book has brought back the mixed-fairytale and science fiction genre along with many dystopian elements, which makes it stand out from other books. The author had the main character being 18 instead of 16 this time, which makes the book more mature with more graphic violence and a sensual romance aspect that was not as accomplished in the first book, Cinder. The characters are well developed and even with the characters joining from both books, the author managed to not confused the plot but instead, a more reinforced plot. What can be quite intriguing is the fact that Wolf is recognized as being one of the most unique characters in this book, however, the readers aren’t allowed into his head at all, which in both ways makes the story more strange yet interesting. As far as the romantic elements goes, Wolf and Scarlet relationship is vaguely described however, there are many scenes in which their feelings are clearly drawn and strongly acknowledged. Scarlet still have the many elements of the futuristic utopian, which is quite ironic considering, it is ruled by dictators and evil overlords such as Queen Levana who is not as involved in this book compared to the first. Meyer brought in another fairytale into this book just like the first, with Scarlet being the beautiful red-hooded girl who lives with her grandmother, and traveling with wolf, the readers could relate to many of the elements here. The comedic elements are implied throughout the plot such as Iko, continuing to be her exact self, even in her new form and continue to entertain who comes to understand her words. Also, there is Captain Thorne who serves to be the “joker” of this book, in some cases even turning scary, violent scenes into funny ones, and is known to be “unscrupulous” when it comes to women and stealing.  Despite the book’s length, Meyer continues to leave the readers wanting for more and wondering about how will Scarlet’s romance with Wolf turns out since it was quite heated for the both of them, even in desperate situations. In conclusion, Scarlet is a page-turner that cannot be missed however, readers must be aware of the “adult-theme” elements written here and there, and know what to expect. Even so, this book is suitable for most readers who are into the fantasy and science fiction genre, and the writing style will keep readers begging for more.