4,5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, actually more than I did Cinder.

The first book had a great plot, lots of action and clever details, but I didn't enjoy the characters as much. I liked Cinder and Iko, and their relationship, but the other characters felt flat and under developed. In the second book, to new big characters are introduced; Scarlet and Wolf, based on the Red Riding Hood fairy tale. I really liked Scarlet, and thought her more interesting and genuine than Cinder. Wolf was also another great character, and I felt intruiged about him right away. The fact that he is very different is what makes him so interesting. He doesn't act the way you'd expect, which makes the story more unpredictable.

The perspective changes between Cinder and Scarlet smoothly, and comes together in a nice way. The plot is even better than the first book, perhaps mainly because it isn't that predictable. Marissa Meyer is really clever with all the little details that hint's to the Red Riding Hood, like Scarlet's red hoodie, and I don't have to mention the Wolf. I really like the spin, and the romance was a lot better than in the first book.

I didn't have any expectations when starting on the first book, but I have been pleasantly surprised so far.