Scarlet

Meanwhile, in the city of New Beijing, Cinder, the cyborg mechanic from the first book, breaks out of prison with the help of a charming, boastful rogue named Captain Thorne. She is now the most wanted fugitive in the world, and she learns more about her true identity and the danger posed by the cruel Lunar queen, Levana, who has her own plans for Earth.

The two stories alternate and gradually come together as Cinder and Thorne fly towards France and Scarlet discovers that her grandmother's disappearance is linked to Cinder's secret. Wolf is one of the book's most memorable characters, torn between his violent training and his growing feelings for Scarlet. There are fights and tense chases, and the villains include genetically altered soldiers modelled on wolves. The humour of Thorne and the spaceship's chatty computer keep the tone lively.

Exciting, romantic and fun, with two strong heroines, a dangerous but lovable new hero and a story that builds steadily towards a dramatic confrontation. It is followed by Cress and Winter. About 512 pages in the Square Fish paperback.