Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I read it all in one big wolf-licking gulp (forgive the pun), and I have to admire a book that compels me to do that. I rarely give books my figurative five stars of approval unless they have some deeply intellectual underlying thoughts, or quotable life-altering messages, which this book doesn't.

However, it transported me into another world. - I was no longer just in my room reading a book, I was in France jumping-off a speeding train with some huge muscular Wolf-man, or on a huge spaceship navigating my way around radars, hiding like a fugitive. I was in this book, wrapped around its characters. - Eager to see them succeed and be true to themselves throughout their moral dilemmas.

The intricacies, all the character's seamlessly melding together, still blows me away. Its a very detailed story, with fairy-tales intersecting at all angles.

Scarlet is a feisty young lady with fiery red hair (couldn't help love her just for that) who lives in the south of France. She is extremely upset about her Grand-mere's disappearance, and convinced its fowl play. Most of the towns people think she's a little off-her-rocker. - Which reminded me a great deal of Beauty and the Beast. Interesting, too, they both have large "beasts" in them. - Scarlet can be extremely irrational, at times, its enough to make one want to ring-her-neck, and she goes on about her Grand-mere inexhaustibly. By the same token, she endears readers to her by this irrational passion. Especially, our dear Mr Wolf.

Enters Wolf. A strong dark street-fighter with an insatiable hunger, and an ominous tattoo. Before reading Scarlet, do read The Queen's Army, it will heighten your appreciation for Wolf, a deeply troubled and daunting character whom you shall come to love. I feel Meyer really did her homework on Wolves in this retelling of Red Riding Hood.

Most mesmerizing is how the above story is simultaneously with up-dates on Cinder's escape from Royal Guard, and how she continues to grow in her powers of Lunar glamour. And of course, Kai, who is, in my opinion, most to be pitied, just days into his Emperor-ship having to choose between true-love and saving the world. - Both of which seem to lead to his eminent death.

I couldn't suppress the constant thought that, done right, this series would make a fantastic movie. Which isn't as far fetched as it seems after a recent conversation I had with Marissa Meyer on twitter. - it appears movie rights are being discussed. I found myself creating a dream cast for the roles, like:

- Jennifer Lawrence as Cinder
- Tim Kang as Prince Kai
- Or Daniel Henney as Prince Kai
- Emma Stone as Scarlet (probably my 1st choice).
- Or Brittany Snow as Scarlet.
- Or Rachel McAdams as Scarlet, would be good too, very passionate.
- Joe Manganiello is the only actor coming to mind for Wolf.

Can't think of anyone for Captin Thorn at the moment... any suggestions?

For more of my reveiew see my blog: