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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
A dark, violent fantasy. Nominally a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, but in a far larger, more imaginative world.
In many ways, this was really well-written. I loved the complexity of the characters. Rachelle is both consumed by guilt for what she's done, but also constantly striving for more. She's willing to die, but furiously and defiantly alive.
What I didn't like and the reason this is 3 stars for me (and this is a personal quirk, not an actual problem) was the level of religion. This felt deeply catholic with continuous current of guilt and shame and confession. This ties in perfectly with red riding hood because of course female curiosity and adventure is to be punished, but it was not what I expected. On the plus side,
In many ways, this was really well-written. I loved the complexity of the characters. Rachelle is both consumed by guilt for what she's done, but also constantly striving for more. She's willing to die, but furiously and defiantly alive.
What I didn't like and the reason this is 3 stars for me (and this is a personal quirk, not an actual problem) was the level of religion. This felt deeply catholic with continuous current of guilt and shame and confession. This ties in perfectly with red riding hood because of course female curiosity and adventure is to be punished, but it was not what I expected. On the plus side,
Spoiler
kudos to Hodge for having Rachelle sleep with Erec both in anger at and rejection of Armand and in genuine desire. So rarely are heroines allowed to have sex with the "wrong" man (at least in the middle/end of a story, past "sins" are more common) and not be punished by the main love interest.
"training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.
Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?"
HS
Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?"
HS
This was a good book. The charcaters were well written and the plot was astounding and left you guessing. That being said I would very much rate it in the middle the main reason for this being the fact that I found my self board at time with the characters and the Aristocratic dealings at court. I understand that the social graces in this book need to be followed but I feel like the character was forced to do it to much.
Actual rating: 2.5
Despite the similarities between the covers and the fact that both titles start with C.B., [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] is a standalone story in a completely separate universe from [b:Cruel Beauty|15839984|Cruel Beauty|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1371652590l/15839984._SY75_.jpg|21580669], not a sequel to it. This book is also a blended retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and The Girl Without Hands. For a richer reading experience, you may want to do some background research on The Girl Without Hands and older, grimmer versions of Little Red Riding Hood, like The Grandmother (a very old French version of Little Red Riding Hood), but it is not required to understand or enjoy the story.
Also, forewarning: This book is rated YA, but it's definitely geared more toward older teens and 20-something adults. [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] has some heavily implied sex scenes, fair amount of violence with some gore, and covers some gruesome things and subject matter that younger teens and tweens may get perturbed by – like what Old Mother Hunger's house is made of (hint: it's not gingerbread and candy; think Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters).
In my opinion, [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] was okay (meh at worst), and I don't think that it deserves the hype that is associated with it. This book had potential and the premise was appealing, but the execution…well, executed the potential and the appeal of the premise.
To give you three examples of poor execution, firstly, there is a general consensus among the Goodreads reviews of fans and detractors alike that the romance could have been better written. A lot of people hated the unnecessary love triangle, spotted some insta-love, and felt that the romance was corny and forced at times. Secondly, there is also a general consensus that [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] could have been shortened because some parts of the plot were too slow-paced and other parts were confusing and difficult to follow. Worst of all, there were also a lot of face-palm-worthy tropes that could have very easily been avoided or done differently to make [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] a much better book.
That being said, I hesitate to recommend [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] because it requires a certain kind of reader – the kind of reader who enjoys Sarah J. Maas' [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495278054l/7896527._SY75_.jpg|11138426] series and [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102] (and its sequel), Robin LaFevers’ [b:Grave Mercy|9565548|Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)|Robin LaFevers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320269319l/9565548._SX50_.jpg|14452295] (and the rest of His Fair Assassin series), and, of course, [b:Cruel Beauty|15839984|Cruel Beauty|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1371652590l/15839984._SY75_.jpg|21580669].
For readers who don’t fit into that niche, like me, Rosamund Hodge's [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] will likely be a disappointment.
Despite the similarities between the covers and the fact that both titles start with C.B., [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] is a standalone story in a completely separate universe from [b:Cruel Beauty|15839984|Cruel Beauty|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1371652590l/15839984._SY75_.jpg|21580669], not a sequel to it. This book is also a blended retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and The Girl Without Hands. For a richer reading experience, you may want to do some background research on The Girl Without Hands and older, grimmer versions of Little Red Riding Hood, like The Grandmother (a very old French version of Little Red Riding Hood), but it is not required to understand or enjoy the story.
Also, forewarning: This book is rated YA, but it's definitely geared more toward older teens and 20-something adults. [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] has some heavily implied sex scenes, fair amount of violence with some gore, and covers some gruesome things and subject matter that younger teens and tweens may get perturbed by – like what Old Mother Hunger's house is made of (hint: it's not gingerbread and candy; think Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters).
In my opinion, [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] was okay (meh at worst), and I don't think that it deserves the hype that is associated with it. This book had potential and the premise was appealing, but the execution…well, executed the potential and the appeal of the premise.
To give you three examples of poor execution, firstly, there is a general consensus among the Goodreads reviews of fans and detractors alike that the romance could have been better written. A lot of people hated the unnecessary love triangle, spotted some insta-love, and felt that the romance was corny and forced at times. Secondly, there is also a general consensus that [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] could have been shortened because some parts of the plot were too slow-paced and other parts were confusing and difficult to follow. Worst of all, there were also a lot of face-palm-worthy tropes that could have very easily been avoided or done differently to make [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] a much better book.
That being said, I hesitate to recommend [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] because it requires a certain kind of reader – the kind of reader who enjoys Sarah J. Maas' [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495278054l/7896527._SY75_.jpg|11138426] series and [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102] (and its sequel), Robin LaFevers’ [b:Grave Mercy|9565548|Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)|Robin LaFevers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320269319l/9565548._SX50_.jpg|14452295] (and the rest of His Fair Assassin series), and, of course, [b:Cruel Beauty|15839984|Cruel Beauty|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1371652590l/15839984._SY75_.jpg|21580669].
For readers who don’t fit into that niche, like me, Rosamund Hodge's [b:Crimson Bound|21570318|Crimson Bound|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413217438l/21570318._SY75_.jpg|40902835] will likely be a disappointment.
if you want a fairy-tale retelling that sticks to its original, this isn't the place to look. No, this is a story that takes elements of the Red Riding Hood fairy-tale and makes an entirely new folklore out of it. As usual Hodge's writing style and way of storytelling is incredibly captivating, although i didn't enjoy this one quite as much as Cruel Beauty, i still found myself unable to put the book down.
I've mentioned this before I am not an avid reader of fantasy unless it's somehow linked with fairytales/urban legends. I like characters and reading about their slow journey into growth and development (which is why I loved Cruel Beauty so much). This book has a lot of action, political chess pieces to move around and a quest! It's the perfect book for lovers of fantasy, assassins and royal court politics. Unfortunately, neither of those things i've listed are my thing, BUT Hodge's writing style fuelled my interest 'till the very end.
I've mentioned this before I am not an avid reader of fantasy unless it's somehow linked with fairytales/urban legends. I like characters and reading about their slow journey into growth and development (which is why I loved Cruel Beauty so much). This book has a lot of action, political chess pieces to move around and a quest! It's the perfect book for lovers of fantasy, assassins and royal court politics. Unfortunately, neither of those things i've listed are my thing, BUT Hodge's writing style fuelled my interest 'till the very end.
I enjoyed this story line, but I wish I had connected more with the characters. The romance was there, but just on the outskirt for me. I was surprised at end with a connection I didn't see coming!
This felt like it took me too long to get into and I had to pull myself through it. Only in the last handful of chapters did I actually want to keep reading (and part of that might have been the knowledge that I was almost done with the darn thing). I feel like this story had a lot of potential but didn’t bring it home. The love triangle was stupid, I felt like I suddenly had to like a character that the narrator lead me to dislike or be indifferent to and I never quite latched on to liking Erec in the first place. Overall I was just very underwhelmed by this book. I had heard a lot of great things about Cruel Beauty and since that one wasn’t available at the library I figured this would be the next best thing but now I’m even debating on reading that one.
Edit: I did end up finishing this novel and amend this to a 2.5/5... the ending got a bit better.
So poorly written I did not finish. Cliche-riddled novel with dialogue that clunks along like a car with square wheels. On an aesthetic note... I really disliked the text used for the book as well. Something about it was too whimsical (but in a Comic Sans whimsical) and it was distracting. Considering the wooden characters and poor editing, you'd think a distraction might be good. I rarely write cutting reviews like this one but I found no redeeming factors regarding this novel. YA fantasy can do so much better.
So poorly written I did not finish. Cliche-riddled novel with dialogue that clunks along like a car with square wheels. On an aesthetic note... I really disliked the text used for the book as well. Something about it was too whimsical (but in a Comic Sans whimsical) and it was distracting. Considering the wooden characters and poor editing, you'd think a distraction might be good. I rarely write cutting reviews like this one but I found no redeeming factors regarding this novel. YA fantasy can do so much better.
I liked this book. I love Rachelle and how she pushes on through everything thrown at her. I hate how she is forced to kill her aunt and end their suffering. I hate how easily she starts killing after. I hate how Armand betrays her but I'm glad they figure out how to free the bloodbound. I hate how she falls in love with Erec and ends up losing him in the end. I'm glad she was able to save everyone and return to normal. Overall this book wasn't too bad but definitely not my favorite. 4 stars.