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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
At the age of fifteen Rachelle Brinon was apprenticing to become her village’s next woodwife. As such, her job would be to protect her village from the evils of the Forest by weaving charms. Wanting to be more proactive than the seemingly mundane task of weaving charms all day, Rachelle sets out to forever save the world from the threat of the Devourer (a force that would swallow the moon and the sun and plunge the world into eternal darkness).
In order to accomplish this, Rachelle needs to find the two legendary swords that can bring about permanent death for the Devourer. Being fifteen and naïve, Rachelle seeks out the forestborn—those who follow the Devourer and await his return—for answers. Because of her actions, Rachelle ends up becoming bloodbound, think of it as a precursor to turning into a forestborn. As such, in her mind, she’s damned.
Three years later, Rachelle ends up working for the King who has a group of bloodbound as his guard. She still hasn’t given up on her objective. When she’s tasked with personally guarding the King’s illegitimate son in order to keep him from starting a coup, she discovers he may be able to help her solve the riddle of the long lost swords.
Writing the summary of Crimson Bound and trying to put it in the most basic words possible with the limited review space, the story seems pretty straightforward and easy. Well, reading Crimson Bound, for me, was anything but. It had some great moments of clarity that especially come through easily with Rachelle and her search for the swords. Her end goal is pretty straight forward, but Crimson Bound is so peppered with myths, legends, and what is believed by some and what is believed by others, that it tends to get confusing at times.
The story is told third person from Rachelle’s point of view. The reader is so much in Rachelle’s head and honestly for the majority of the book that consists of her musings on how she is, or will become, evil and how essentially she is damned and doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. Because of this, the book doesn’t really grow those relationships the reader is supposed to believe in. It makes certain declarations that occur within the story seem very out-of-the-blue and random.
There comes a point well past the halfway mark in the book where Rachelle, still believing herself damned, turns into this really kick-ass female character. If we could have seen her throughout more of the story, I think I would be writing a different review. Rachelle had the capabilities from the start; it was just her self-doubt/hatred getting in the way of progress.
I believe Crimson Bound could have benefitted from being a series rather than a standalone (which at this point it is). I would have loved more time to understand the world and know it. I would have liked more development between the characters before feelings were made one way or another. I appreciated the unique twists that Rosamund Hodge includes and the imagery, the idea of it all. Despite my rather rocky road with Crimson Bound I would definitely look in to reading something else by Rosamund Hodge.
At the age of fifteen Rachelle Brinon was apprenticing to become her village’s next woodwife. As such, her job would be to protect her village from the evils of the Forest by weaving charms. Wanting to be more proactive than the seemingly mundane task of weaving charms all day, Rachelle sets out to forever save the world from the threat of the Devourer (a force that would swallow the moon and the sun and plunge the world into eternal darkness).
In order to accomplish this, Rachelle needs to find the two legendary swords that can bring about permanent death for the Devourer. Being fifteen and naïve, Rachelle seeks out the forestborn—those who follow the Devourer and await his return—for answers. Because of her actions, Rachelle ends up becoming bloodbound, think of it as a precursor to turning into a forestborn. As such, in her mind, she’s damned.
Three years later, Rachelle ends up working for the King who has a group of bloodbound as his guard. She still hasn’t given up on her objective. When she’s tasked with personally guarding the King’s illegitimate son in order to keep him from starting a coup, she discovers he may be able to help her solve the riddle of the long lost swords.
Writing the summary of Crimson Bound and trying to put it in the most basic words possible with the limited review space, the story seems pretty straightforward and easy. Well, reading Crimson Bound, for me, was anything but. It had some great moments of clarity that especially come through easily with Rachelle and her search for the swords. Her end goal is pretty straight forward, but Crimson Bound is so peppered with myths, legends, and what is believed by some and what is believed by others, that it tends to get confusing at times.
The story is told third person from Rachelle’s point of view. The reader is so much in Rachelle’s head and honestly for the majority of the book that consists of her musings on how she is, or will become, evil and how essentially she is damned and doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. Because of this, the book doesn’t really grow those relationships the reader is supposed to believe in. It makes certain declarations that occur within the story seem very out-of-the-blue and random.
There comes a point well past the halfway mark in the book where Rachelle, still believing herself damned, turns into this really kick-ass female character. If we could have seen her throughout more of the story, I think I would be writing a different review. Rachelle had the capabilities from the start; it was just her self-doubt/hatred getting in the way of progress.
I believe Crimson Bound could have benefitted from being a series rather than a standalone (which at this point it is). I would have loved more time to understand the world and know it. I would have liked more development between the characters before feelings were made one way or another. I appreciated the unique twists that Rosamund Hodge includes and the imagery, the idea of it all. Despite my rather rocky road with Crimson Bound I would definitely look in to reading something else by Rosamund Hodge.
So much graphic violence. Quite appalling for a young adult book. Disappointed. Too long. Story dragged on.
3.5 at least, 4 at most. The half point is completely due to expectations not having been met, which is partially my own fault for interpreting an interview about this book in such a way. But it was entertaining and a generally good way to pass the time. I'm glad I had it with me to read.
This was a one star book for me until the last 1/4. There was little to no world building, and the writing was clumsy and awkward. The concept was good, and I had really high hopes, but they didn't pan out.
4.5 stars
This review was originally posted on my blog, Hiver et Cafe
I received an e-ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion whatsoever nor was I compensated in any shape or form in exchange for this review.
I think Rosamund Hodge has secured a place for her books in my heart.
I'm personally not that huge a fan on retellings, because sometimes it doesn't add anything new to the story and it'sfollowing the same usual fairy tale base story. What I loved about Cruel Beauty and what I love about Crimson Bound is that the fairy tales have a dark, fantasy twist to them.
Crimson Bound is about Rachelle who was the apprentice to her aunt, who helped keep away the encroaching darkness that is devouring the sunlight. However, as a naive and prideful girl, she walked into the forest and was charmed into becoming one of the dark beings that she was apprenticing to protect people from. So she ends up working for the king and killing the monsters that emerge from the Great Forest, a great and terrible forest that exists on a slightly different plane than the human world.
I love Rachelle and her character. She is ruthless and she has a one track mind in her regret over what she has done. She is fighting for her own beliefs, and to try and atone for her own past actions. I love that she is unrepentant for who she is and that she is (mostly) true to herself.
Armand confused me a bit in the beginning as to his purpose (since I forgot allll about the synopsis when I started reading this). He is one of the many illegitimate sons of the king and Rachelle is charged with guarding him. He lost his hands to the evil powers that are threatening to take over the world, so they were replaced with silver ones. Also, because he survived the evil powers and isn't damned, like Rachelle, everyone sees him as a saint.
There's also Erec D'Anjou. No matter what anyone says about him, I kind of really love him. He's the charming and playboy captain of the guard that Rachelle is on. Though the two are (somewhat) friends, he constantly teases her with kisses and with kind of just embarrassing her.
This book is dark. Dark. Crimson Bound is a cross between Red Riding Hood and The Girl with No Hands. It's bloody and violent and magical. The lore is gorgeous and it's interspersed throughout the novel. There's also a lot of French inspiration to the book with the names and also the clothing and makeup as well. I love this book. However, the one thing that bothers me about this book is that there's a lot of religious talk in this book. A lot of religious mentions and also a lot of morality questions too.
Crimson Bound is a gorgeous dark fantasy Red Ridinghood retelling that has me both satisfied and just wanting more of the gorgeous worlds Rosamund Hodge creates.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Hiver et Cafe
I received an e-ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion whatsoever nor was I compensated in any shape or form in exchange for this review.
I think Rosamund Hodge has secured a place for her books in my heart.
I'm personally not that huge a fan on retellings, because sometimes it doesn't add anything new to the story and it'sfollowing the same usual fairy tale base story. What I loved about Cruel Beauty and what I love about Crimson Bound is that the fairy tales have a dark, fantasy twist to them.
Crimson Bound is about Rachelle who was the apprentice to her aunt, who helped keep away the encroaching darkness that is devouring the sunlight. However, as a naive and prideful girl, she walked into the forest and was charmed into becoming one of the dark beings that she was apprenticing to protect people from. So she ends up working for the king and killing the monsters that emerge from the Great Forest, a great and terrible forest that exists on a slightly different plane than the human world.
I love Rachelle and her character. She is ruthless and she has a one track mind in her regret over what she has done. She is fighting for her own beliefs, and to try and atone for her own past actions. I love that she is unrepentant for who she is and that she is (mostly) true to herself.
Armand confused me a bit in the beginning as to his purpose (since I forgot allll about the synopsis when I started reading this). He is one of the many illegitimate sons of the king and Rachelle is charged with guarding him. He lost his hands to the evil powers that are threatening to take over the world, so they were replaced with silver ones. Also, because he survived the evil powers and isn't damned, like Rachelle, everyone sees him as a saint.
There's also Erec D'Anjou. No matter what anyone says about him, I kind of really love him. He's the charming and playboy captain of the guard that Rachelle is on. Though the two are (somewhat) friends, he constantly teases her with kisses and with kind of just embarrassing her.
This book is dark. Dark. Crimson Bound is a cross between Red Riding Hood and The Girl with No Hands. It's bloody and violent and magical. The lore is gorgeous and it's interspersed throughout the novel. There's also a lot of French inspiration to the book with the names and also the clothing and makeup as well. I love this book. However, the one thing that bothers me about this book is that there's a lot of religious talk in this book. A lot of religious mentions and also a lot of morality questions too.
Crimson Bound is a gorgeous dark fantasy Red Ridinghood retelling that has me both satisfied and just wanting more of the gorgeous worlds Rosamund Hodge creates.
I have made no secret of how much I loved Cruel Beauty and to say I was excited for this book would be putting it very mildly! :D I just knew I was going to love it and I was right. With a creepy yet romantic storyline and characters who are flawed yet sympathetic, Ms. Hodge has created a world that is unforgettable. This is not a story of happiness and rainbows, however. Much like its predecessor, it is a harsh and strange universe that is utterly fascinating. The reader starts Rachelle’s story and is hardly able to draw breath before being pulled into her wild and crazy journey with her.
Rachelle is curious mix of fierce strength and an inner vulnerability that she refuses to acknowledge. For one in her situation, being vulnerable can mean something almost worse than death. She is a character who makes choices that she hates, yet it cannot be helped. And deep inside is her true desire of being able to love and be loved, but she knows that's impossible for one in her situation. (Or is it?) And while she may think she can never even have friendship, there are those who refuse to let her believe that. Amelie is magnificent! She reminds Rachelle that her human emotions are worth holding on to and is such a wonderful friend. I loved their scenes together. And while there is much that could also be said about Armand and Erec, I believe I’ll let you discover them on your own.
Once again, I am in awe of Ms. Hodge’s writing skills. She is incredible at taking all these different details and ideas and intertwining them so solidly that once you step back and look at the entirety of the story, all you can do is be amazed at how they fit together. At first glance it seems a pretty simple set up, but once you’re into the story you realize that every detail is way more intricate than you thought. This world she has created is dark and foreign, with so much depth and complexity, yet at the same time there is much familiar here. When you create a world unlike anything real, it helps to stabilize the reader by inserting things they can understand. The world-building is wonderful, in my opinion! And the storylines twist and turn constantly. This certain moment may seem small, yet later on it turns out to have huge significance. It’s very clear that Ms. Hodge had the story well-plotted out from beginning to end. Nothing is there by chance, everything happens for a reason.
The theme of sacrificing for those you love is prevalent, as well as who is worthy of love and forgiveness. It’s a quandary that many of the characters struggle with, Rachelle especially. Watching her heart, so afraid of being shattered completely, slowly open up is a beautiful thing to see. Nothing comes easy for her, but you'll be cheering her on every step of the way.
Really, this is a story that ought to be experienced without a great deal of expectation of may happen. Nothing is ever as it seems, including the characters. I do admit that I wasn't left quite as breathless as when I first read Cruel Beauty, but my adoration for that one is pretty hard to top! :) Never doubt how amazing it is, though, and go read it!
Rachelle is curious mix of fierce strength and an inner vulnerability that she refuses to acknowledge. For one in her situation, being vulnerable can mean something almost worse than death. She is a character who makes choices that she hates, yet it cannot be helped. And deep inside is her true desire of being able to love and be loved, but she knows that's impossible for one in her situation. (Or is it?) And while she may think she can never even have friendship, there are those who refuse to let her believe that. Amelie is magnificent! She reminds Rachelle that her human emotions are worth holding on to and is such a wonderful friend. I loved their scenes together. And while there is much that could also be said about Armand and Erec, I believe I’ll let you discover them on your own.
Once again, I am in awe of Ms. Hodge’s writing skills. She is incredible at taking all these different details and ideas and intertwining them so solidly that once you step back and look at the entirety of the story, all you can do is be amazed at how they fit together. At first glance it seems a pretty simple set up, but once you’re into the story you realize that every detail is way more intricate than you thought. This world she has created is dark and foreign, with so much depth and complexity, yet at the same time there is much familiar here. When you create a world unlike anything real, it helps to stabilize the reader by inserting things they can understand. The world-building is wonderful, in my opinion! And the storylines twist and turn constantly. This certain moment may seem small, yet later on it turns out to have huge significance. It’s very clear that Ms. Hodge had the story well-plotted out from beginning to end. Nothing is there by chance, everything happens for a reason.
The theme of sacrificing for those you love is prevalent, as well as who is worthy of love and forgiveness. It’s a quandary that many of the characters struggle with, Rachelle especially. Watching her heart, so afraid of being shattered completely, slowly open up is a beautiful thing to see. Nothing comes easy for her, but you'll be cheering her on every step of the way.
Really, this is a story that ought to be experienced without a great deal of expectation of may happen. Nothing is ever as it seems, including the characters. I do admit that I wasn't left quite as breathless as when I first read Cruel Beauty, but my adoration for that one is pretty hard to top! :) Never doubt how amazing it is, though, and go read it!
Yet another predictable and forgettable novel where I was hoping that the protagonist would go to the dark side. I think there was a perfect set up here for an anti-hero and, like [b:Shadow and Bone|10194157|Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339533695l/10194157._SX50_.jpg|15093325], I was let down.
I think that the author had the right idea and I really loved the expansive "something else, something BIGGER is going on" subplot. The main character was a bit too sorry for herself for my taste, but I think some people may find that very humanizing.
The book was fine, the plot was fine, the characters were fine, it was FINE. Not great though, and I want to read great books.
I think that the author had the right idea and I really loved the expansive "something else, something BIGGER is going on" subplot. The main character was a bit too sorry for herself for my taste, but I think some people may find that very humanizing.
The book was fine, the plot was fine, the characters were fine, it was FINE. Not great though, and I want to read great books.
Lovely dark reworking of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale with great world building and creativity.