Sequels are tricky things. It seems that they either surpass the predecessor or fall woefully short. They are either Empire Strikes Back or Grease 2; there’s very little in between. With the second book of the Lunar Chronicles, however, Marissa Meyer may have found that middle ground. While I don’t think this installment quite rises to the level of [b:Cinder|11235712|Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)|Marissa Meyer|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388186881s/11235712.jpg|15545385], it doesn’t fall that far short either.

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It had been over a year since I originally read Cinder, so it too a little time to get back into the story, remember all the small details, etc.
This book is divided up into 2. We still follow Cinder's story now that she has been captured and uncovered to be the Lunar Princess. We are also introduced to Scarlet, a farmer who's grandmother was kidnapped and no one has any more information about it than that.
Meyer flip flops back and forth between story lines ever few chapters so we get the sense that they are happening in the same timeline. Because of that, it feels a bit like you are missing out on part of their stories. The connection that you built with Cinder in book 1 is full and vibrant. In this book Scarlet almost feels like an afterthought, even though the book is titled after her.
I still really enjoyed the book, but you could tell it was a middle book and you need to keep reading the series to get your sense of completion.
I would say this is an own, but paperback would be fine. :) ( )

F********K!!!!
She is nothing here. Ick. ( )

I love rereading this series. I love the multi-POVs, the expansion of the world and characters, as well as the continued development of the characters we already know and love. This series truly has some of my favorite tropes of a sci-fi/fantasy series, but it doesn't feel like a copy paste of other sci-fi fantasies. This, along with the interwoven fairy tale re-tellings, just itch me as a reader in the best way. I think this book within the series is truly where the stakes become so much clearer, and the characters finally find their roles within the narrative they are given. Such a great series. ( )

I liked Scarlet as much as I enjoyed Cinder. Loved the new characters and I loved that Cinder didn’t immediately jump in to be the hero everyone wants her to be and took her time coming to that decision for herself. Can’t wait to start Cress now. ( )