What do you think?
Rate this book
Scarlet: Chapters 1-5
Cinder is trying to break out of prison—even though she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive if she does.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2012
31 people are currently reading
1496 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Meyer
84 books132k followersI live in Tacoma, Washington, with my husband and beautiful twin daughters. Represented by Jill Grinberg. Learn more about me and my upcoming books at http://www.marissameyer.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 30, 2015
This is one of my favourite books of all time!
May 10, 2016
Wolflet is life.
November 11, 2016
Awesome! Every little thing about this series is above par! Way to go Marissa
January 25, 2013
Scarlet's grandmother is missing, but unlike the police she has not given up. While delivering produce to a local tavern, Scarlet meets Wolf, a street fighter who protects her from a bar room brawl and asks for a farmer job. He's shy and strange and Scarlet can't quite make sense of him. When Scarlet returns to her grandmother's house, she finds her absentee father turning her grandmother's room inside out searching for something. Only then does she learn that her father has been driven mad by her grandmother's captors, men with a strange tattoo not unlike the tattoo that she noticed on Wolf. In this preview, readers also get a glimpse of Cinder in prison and how she is trying to escape. I am glad that I have Scarlet on pre-order because this book sounds every bit as interesting as Cinder.
May 16, 2017
If your looking for a dystopian, thriller, SIFI romance, you have come to the right place!
April 12, 2019
Captivated immediately!!
May 21, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
I just think we shouldn't judge her, or anyone, without trying to understand them first. That maybe we should get the full story before jumping to conclusions. Crazy notion, I know.
Scarlet begins with a young woman living in Rioux, France whose grandmother has gone missing. I’ll admit here that Scarlet is probably the book I like least in the whole series, though considering how in love I am with these books that’s really not saying much. Especially since Scarlet is the book in which we first meet my all time favorite character in existence, above all other characters that have ever been written (the love of my life, I say, whenever I’m in even a slightly dramatic mood). Any scene in which Carswell Thorne is present and I find myself swooning and giggling and grinning like a madwoman.
I’ve often vehemently hated stories that subscribe to the insta-love trope, finding them thoroughly unrealistic and annoying. In a strange turn of events, I didn’t mind it with Scarlet. In fact, irony of all ironies, I didn’t even notice that this was a part of the book until it was pointed out to me a few years after I’d read it. And naturally I got exceptionally angry at the mere notion and was immediately primed to deny, deny, deny...until I re-read it and realized that the book did, in fact, have a very glaring and substantial amount of insta-love. But Meyer managed this so well that I was perfectly willing to accept it.
By the end of the book, considering the psychology of people and the factors involved, it doesn’t even feel surprising to me.
Anyone who knows their fairytales obviously knows which one the second novel in The Lunar Chronicles is inspired by. Though there are a great many similarities to Little Red Riding Hood, the surface level ones are basically where it ends. For the most part, Scarlet is hard to predict. There are several things one can infer, of course, when comparing with what they know of Little Red, but the differences are definitely enough that you could make any number of predictions and not necessarily arrive at the conclusion. I found that aspect quite fun.
Our Wolf is a street fighter we meet early on and manages to quickly enmesh himself into the unfortunate situation Scarlet is facing with her grandmother’s disappearance. While the police have deemed it that Scarlet’s grandmother has left of her own accord or committed suicide, Scarlet remains certain that something awful has happened and soon sets out to find her. Meanwhile, we meet Cinder just where she left off in the last book—which I will omit to avoid spoilers—and the most amazing character of Carswell Thorne, perfect and flawed in all the right ways, is quickly introduced in a way that gives readers a wonderful insight into his personality.
And herein lies my reasoning for Scarlet being my least loved—though still deeply loved—of all the books in Meyer’s exemplary series; there simply wasn’t enough of Thorne. Every time I read it, I find myself impatiently rushing through the Scarlet and Wolf chapters due to a desperate need to read the ones in which Cinder and Thorne are featured. The book begins with Scarlet and even in the first time I read it, I impatiently awaited the moment I would find out what would happen in Cinder’s portion of the story. I’ve always felt that the Scarlet chapters took too long, which is unfortunate since the book is primarily dedicated to her journey.
Ultimately, I still deeply adore the book. I reckon it is much more of a personal moment for me that makes me feel that the Scarlet and Wolf chapters drag, since I’ve pushed this book onto my friends every chance I get and they, so far, haven’t ever seemed to have the same opinion as I did. And no matter how I feel about Scarlet, I have to say it is thoroughly impressive how Meyer melded Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood into the series, mixing them in a way more perfect than I ever could have imagined.
| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |
I just think we shouldn't judge her, or anyone, without trying to understand them first. That maybe we should get the full story before jumping to conclusions. Crazy notion, I know.
Scarlet begins with a young woman living in Rioux, France whose grandmother has gone missing. I’ll admit here that Scarlet is probably the book I like least in the whole series, though considering how in love I am with these books that’s really not saying much. Especially since Scarlet is the book in which we first meet my all time favorite character in existence, above all other characters that have ever been written (the love of my life, I say, whenever I’m in even a slightly dramatic mood). Any scene in which Carswell Thorne is present and I find myself swooning and giggling and grinning like a madwoman.
I’ve often vehemently hated stories that subscribe to the insta-love trope, finding them thoroughly unrealistic and annoying. In a strange turn of events, I didn’t mind it with Scarlet. In fact, irony of all ironies, I didn’t even notice that this was a part of the book until it was pointed out to me a few years after I’d read it. And naturally I got exceptionally angry at the mere notion and was immediately primed to deny, deny, deny...until I re-read it and realized that the book did, in fact, have a very glaring and substantial amount of insta-love. But Meyer managed this so well that I was perfectly willing to accept it.
By the end of the book, considering the psychology of people and the factors involved, it doesn’t even feel surprising to me.
Anyone who knows their fairytales obviously knows which one the second novel in The Lunar Chronicles is inspired by. Though there are a great many similarities to Little Red Riding Hood, the surface level ones are basically where it ends. For the most part, Scarlet is hard to predict. There are several things one can infer, of course, when comparing with what they know of Little Red, but the differences are definitely enough that you could make any number of predictions and not necessarily arrive at the conclusion. I found that aspect quite fun.
Our Wolf is a street fighter we meet early on and manages to quickly enmesh himself into the unfortunate situation Scarlet is facing with her grandmother’s disappearance. While the police have deemed it that Scarlet’s grandmother has left of her own accord or committed suicide, Scarlet remains certain that something awful has happened and soon sets out to find her. Meanwhile, we meet Cinder just where she left off in the last book—which I will omit to avoid spoilers—and the most amazing character of Carswell Thorne, perfect and flawed in all the right ways, is quickly introduced in a way that gives readers a wonderful insight into his personality.
And herein lies my reasoning for Scarlet being my least loved—though still deeply loved—of all the books in Meyer’s exemplary series; there simply wasn’t enough of Thorne. Every time I read it, I find myself impatiently rushing through the Scarlet and Wolf chapters due to a desperate need to read the ones in which Cinder and Thorne are featured. The book begins with Scarlet and even in the first time I read it, I impatiently awaited the moment I would find out what would happen in Cinder’s portion of the story. I’ve always felt that the Scarlet chapters took too long, which is unfortunate since the book is primarily dedicated to her journey.
Ultimately, I still deeply adore the book. I reckon it is much more of a personal moment for me that makes me feel that the Scarlet and Wolf chapters drag, since I’ve pushed this book onto my friends every chance I get and they, so far, haven’t ever seemed to have the same opinion as I did. And no matter how I feel about Scarlet, I have to say it is thoroughly impressive how Meyer melded Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood into the series, mixing them in a way more perfect than I ever could have imagined.
| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |
July 4, 2019
Oh my god. Can't wait to have the physical copy that I ordered. Can't wait to read the whole story!
Read
July 23, 20191 5
November 26, 2019
Best book! if you are going to read this one make sure to read Cinder first!
January 4, 2022
Another incredible masterpiece ❤️💙
March 9, 2017
I liked this book so much more than "Cinder." No offense...I still don't care for Cinder's character. She seems to lack so much, even still, and it's downright bothering me.
However, Scarlet's character is tangible, and real. I felt like I could completely relate to her if I were in the same predicament. She acts like a real human being. Maybe that's why Cinder can't act normally...
I loved the twist of Wolf, and totally did not see it coming once his true identity was revealed. It makes TOTAL sense, but apparently I was too wrapped up in everything going on that I simply wasn't paying enough attention. I was like, "He's a wha...?!" *gasps* then smacks self in forehead.
The fact that the wolf in the original "Little Red Riding-Hood" has a similar role in a way, but another completely opposite of the original tale is SO...brilliant.
And sorry, but this...
"Wolf, are you asking me to be your alpha-female?"
...is so funny and skin-tickling-ly awkward. (Just like that word.)
All-in-all, the book was fast pace as more characters and situations are added to the equation at every turn. I'm looking forward to meeting Cress in the third installation, and see how it continues to unfold.
This review can also be viewed on my blog: She's Going Book Crazy
However, Scarlet's character is tangible, and real. I felt like I could completely relate to her if I were in the same predicament. She acts like a real human being. Maybe that's why Cinder can't act normally...
I loved the twist of Wolf, and totally did not see it coming once his true identity was revealed. It makes TOTAL sense, but apparently I was too wrapped up in everything going on that I simply wasn't paying enough attention. I was like, "He's a wha...?!" *gasps* then smacks self in forehead.
The fact that the wolf in the original "Little Red Riding-Hood" has a similar role in a way, but another completely opposite of the original tale is SO...brilliant.
And sorry, but this...
"Wolf, are you asking me to be your alpha-female?"
...is so funny and skin-tickling-ly awkward. (Just like that word.)
All-in-all, the book was fast pace as more characters and situations are added to the equation at every turn. I'm looking forward to meeting Cress in the third installation, and see how it continues to unfold.
This review can also be viewed on my blog: She's Going Book Crazy
September 3, 2015
Wow. This is going to be a very great five star book! I just know it!!! The plot and setting is so well done. When Scarlet is in France, word is going around about Cinder and The ball. Then we get introduced to Wolf. The badass street fighter who's shy on the inside. The next thing you know Cinder atempts to drill her way out of jail and ends up in wierdo dude Captain Thorne's jail cell instead and he starts flirting with her. Then Scarlet's dad is all wacked up on wacky gass and doesn't make any sence. One of the things I did manage to catch from Scarlet's dad was "something happened on the moon" with Scarlet's grandmother. Bingo. Lunars. Finally, Scarlet's dad give out a hint to Scarlet that Wolf was one of the dudes who kidnapped him and her grandmother. Sigh* and i have to wait one month and eleven days for the whole book to come out. TORTURE!!!! D:
Lets just say I am very extreemely super dupper excited to read Scarlet!!!!!!! I'm gonna preorder it online SOON!!!!
Lets just say I am very extreemely super dupper excited to read Scarlet!!!!!!! I'm gonna preorder it online SOON!!!!
March 31, 2014
Unbelievably good! I read the first book a while before picking this up in my public library. I thought that I would quickly lose interest, due to short term memory loss on the first book. Shame on me. The ending left me wanting more.( It's very hard for a book to do that to me, especially one in a series.) When I pick up a book, I have really high expectations. I can't even read a book twice, because it should be good enough to blow me away the first time I read it. Now I can really picture myself reading this book a second time. Like I said with Cinder, Scarlet took my mind on a journey to a world not so different from ours. Just you know an evil queen from the moon, history repeating itself with a plague wiping out a bunch of people, and a really cool twist on the story of little red riding hood.
February 22, 2013
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one!! I fopund the story line so infatuating it really takes you to a whole other place I loved how the 2 stories intertwined and kind oif became one! Mariisa meyer thankyou soo much I loved ythis book this book was a little hard to keep up with the change of story lines but it was an amazing bok I sugest readers read the queens army before thy read this it helps you get a better understanding even though Dr. Erland was a traitor to the crown I highly enjoyed him as a character, I enjoyed how at the begginning of the book it was a contium of the book Cinder because I had wanted to know what would happen next which I think we all do I loved loved loved this book and was happy top se it out before march! Can't wait until Cress comes out!!!
-L
-L
November 2, 2016
So I loved, loved, LOVED, the first book, and it seems that I love the second even better! You know, people always say that "nothing can out do the original"-but oh man. This one did. In this book, you get to see Cinder and Kai grow as characters-and meet NEW characters! How awesome right?! Getting to see Cinder and Kai grow up and develop deeper personalities was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also really enjoyed a set of new characters-Something she will continue doing in each book- because it mixed things up. Scarlet and Wolf's personalities are just so compatible...it's amazing. I love the two. This book was a great sequel to Cinder and I recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Cinder!
January 23, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. Such a great twist on the Red Riding Hood story and then mixed in with the rest of the Cinderella story in Cinder. I can't wait to see which fairy tale she puts in the next one. I loved the romance in this one even though I would have liked to have seen more of that because the romance is my favorite, but the story is so interesting and fun that I didn't miss it too bad. Scarlet and Wolf are so cute together and the added character of Captain Thorne with Cinder is quite funny.
June 10, 2013
I loved this one almost as much as he first one. It goes on to introduce new characters and intertwine the Cinder storyline with Scarlet who wears jeans and a red hoodie and is in love with a wolf-man. It definitely has the marks of a "middle-of-the-series" book. Although a new storyline is introduced, it really doesn't go anywhere. It's kind of a place holder for book three. Nevertheless, I couldn't put it down. It was fun and imaginative.
February 3, 2015
Another re-read (the actual full book not just these chapters but I wanted it to count towards my Reading Challenge). This is definitely one of my all time favorite series! Re-reading made it so much better. This is a very impressive sequel. Scarlet is probably one of my favorite book characters ever and I love Wolf! The action is intense and the world is impressively put together. Queen Levana is a real bitch which is epic! Very excited to finally read Cress!
April 4, 2016
This book grabs your attention and is a great follow up to the first book, Cinder. The story is a great twist between the futuristic theme and fairytales. In the book, Scarlet's grandmother goes missing one day without warning. Determined to find her, Scarlet accepts the help of a stranger named Wolf. As they travel in search of her grandmother, the plot turns into a mystery that makes you want to keep reading.
April 18, 2013
I really enjoyed Scarlet and Wolf's story. I found myself rushing through the Cinder parts just to get to, what I thought, was the more exciting of the two's plot lines. I recommend it to those who enjoyed Cinder, but caution that she is not where the excitement is at.
July 20, 2013
I loved this inventive take on an old fairy tale. The first book was amazing and although this book was not as intriguing as "cinder" I still read it a second time after finishing my first read of it. Looking forward to the next two books.
March 3, 2015
So far so good. Looking forward to finishing the rest of the book.
Meyer has noticeably matured since Cinder was published. Her characters are rounding out and becoming more real. Lovely writing. Glad to see the improvement to support a wonderful plot and catchy characters.
Meyer has noticeably matured since Cinder was published. Her characters are rounding out and becoming more real. Lovely writing. Glad to see the improvement to support a wonderful plot and catchy characters.
December 30, 2012
Really aggravated to realize that the book itself doesn't come out until February 2013...I enjoyed the first five chapters though!
February 1, 2013
Can't wait to read the full book!
February 2, 2013
So ready for this awesome story!
February 3, 2013
omg I seriously can't wait to read the whole book gosh omg I'm thankful for this preview faj;jafjajslfjaj SCARLET IS FEISTY LOL
February 6, 2013
ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Can't wait for the entire book!
November 3, 2013
Must read.. Very good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews