This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 Last year when Cinder came out I was blown away by it's originality. Fairy tales and science fiction - why have these two genres not be combined in such a way before? I didn't think it could be any better but then came Scarlet. 
 Scarlet brings the Lunar Chronicles to a whole new level. Cinder was an enjoyable story with an interesting plot but all in all it was pretty straight forward. Scarlet's plot is more layered, more complex. The characters are even more fleshed out. The whole book seems smarter and masterfully told. You always hope the sequel will be better than the original. That it will be a strong next step in the series. And Scarlet most certainly delivers. 
 Marissa Meyer is a master story teller. Hints of what's to comes and inter-weaving plot lines. I'm so impressed with the way she can keep everything straight. This story has expanded so much from that of Cinder and Kai. Now Thorne, Wolf and Scarlet are wrapped up in it as well. There was so much planning and forethought put into this story I couldn't help but think of J K Rowling and Harry Potter while reading. 
 Like I mentioned there are a few new characters, the most important of which is Scarlet (of course). I adored Scarlet. She is everything I love in a character. Attitude, dedication to her family, brave, takes charge of the situation and doesn't take no for an answer. And she wears hoodies. I think it would be pretty hard not to like her. I'm interested to see where her head-strong personality takes her next and how Marissa will tie her into the following two books. 
 At the end of 2012 I awarded Kai the award for "Best Love Interest" ad while he still plays an important role in this book and is still sweet and adorable he has some competition now. Captain Thorne and Wolf are sure to win you over. Wolf is your dark and dangerous type but he has a heart of gold underneath his tough exterior. But personally, it was Thorne was his swashbuckling ways and fantastic sense of humour that stole my heart. I'm really anxious to get my hands on Cress and see what shenanigans are sure to follow him. 
 Recommendation: Scarlet is a fantastic sequel and one that takes The Lunar Chronicles to a whole new level of story telling. Highly recommended.