Scarlet and Cress by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet 
By Marissa Meyer 
YA Fantasy
#2 in the Lunar Chronicles Series

I'm not going to type out the synopsis on the back of Scarlet, as I typically do, so as not to spoil anything in case you haven't read the first book in the series, Cinder, yet. But if you have read that novel, then there's no doubt you're reading or have read Scarlet. One bleeds into the next like watercolor, all vivid and thrilling. I've found this to be true with each book in this delightful series. 

Scarlet is the story of Red-Riding Hood, but more than that, it's the story of Scarlet, a stubborn, strong-willed young lady and her love for her grandmother. When her grandmother goes missing, and a suspicious, yet handsome wolfish man appears who claims he can help Scarlet find her, Scarlet jumps into an adventure that will bring her in close contact with Cinder and her dangerous reputation. 

I love how Meyer introduces the reader to new characters while continuing to develop those in former novels. This requires true talent. 

The first time I read this book, my heart galloped in fear and pleasure at Wolf's and Scarlet's interactions. Their relationship spun out differently than I anticipated, and they both changed for the good at the end. I also enjoyed the French culture tossed into the book and into Scarlet's character; it was light enough to be charming. 

Although I thoroughly devoured this novel, I gobbled up the next one in the series much quicker. 

Cress 
By Marissa Meyer 
YA Fantasy 
#3 in the Lunar Chronicles Series

This novel explores the fairy tale of Rapunzel. Cress has been imprisoned in a satellite by a wicked Lunar to spy on Earthens. Until one man shows up and hurtles her into Cinder's and Scarlet's plot to save their world. 

Every chapter of this book was a feast! So much happens on every single page, that I definitely extended my lunch hour to longer than an hour just to get to the end of a climax. But then another one would begin, and my eyes kept swinging across the pages. 

Also, I love Cress. I love her more than any other character (so far). This is probably due in part to her utter innocence and how pitiable her position is at the beginning of the story. But more than that, I love her because she is so like me: enthusiastic and passionate, imaginative, and yes, because she loves to sing out loud (and in the shower). 

This book devotes more time to the other characters (due to there being more characters around), and Cinder and her friends are (finally) sharpening their plans and plots to protect their planet(s). Things are happening, and Meyer yanks you through the story with all of her plot twists, but it's so exhilarating that you just feel as if you're soaring through the action. It would be worthwhile to read the other two novels just to read Cress. 

The problem of the various languages spoken throughout the novel did niggle at me, and Meyer's quick explanation didn't tie it up neatly enough for me. Also, my husband, being the engineer/logic-brained one, questioned the anti-gravity on the ship, but those were our only obstacles. 

Both Scarlet and Cress deserve four gold stars. I recommend them for 15 year-olds and up. 

What I learned: People are more than their appearances, and a beautiful face does not equate to a beautiful heart.