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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
I finished this book this afternoon and ever since I've been thinking about how the hell I'm going to find words to describe what I thought of this book. Obviously, I did like it. I started this morning and I flew through it and before I knew it I was already halfway and really had to get some other things done. But it's one of those books where my head and heart can't come to an agreement. And usually I let my heart win, but in this case, I think I'm going with my head.
The strength of this book, for me, is without a doubt the atmospheric writing style. The writing style feels part of the plot and part of Rachelle, our main character. It clearly carries a certain feel. It aren't just the words telling the story, but it's also the way they're woven together, the way they form sentences and the way they create this unique and bizarre world.
The writing style also really feels like Rachelle's personality. For most of the book Rachelle keeps her distance. From other characters, from herself and from the reader. My heart therefore has a little trouble truly connecting with her and truly feeling for her. The chemistry didn't blow me away, because Rachelle was so afraid to let it all in and out. Because the writing enhanced that distance even more.
And the writing also really fits the plot. The world and story are in a way bizarre. Within this world everything makes perfect sense and the way all the different ingredients eventually come together in the finale is beautiful. And the writing never even tries to make the connection to our world and our minds. It doesn't do infodumps, it doesn't do explanations Rachelle would never do. It demands that you, as a reader, go with the flow and enjoy the ride.
It turned reading this book into a unique experience. One I'd happily repeat with other books of this author. Because the total package and how everything fits together and completes each other really impressed me and I'm curious if she can do the same in her other stories!
The strength of this book, for me, is without a doubt the atmospheric writing style. The writing style feels part of the plot and part of Rachelle, our main character. It clearly carries a certain feel. It aren't just the words telling the story, but it's also the way they're woven together, the way they form sentences and the way they create this unique and bizarre world.
The writing style also really feels like Rachelle's personality. For most of the book Rachelle keeps her distance. From other characters, from herself and from the reader. My heart therefore has a little trouble truly connecting with her and truly feeling for her. The chemistry didn't blow me away, because Rachelle was so afraid to let it all in and out. Because the writing enhanced that distance even more.
And the writing also really fits the plot. The world and story are in a way bizarre. Within this world everything makes perfect sense and the way all the different ingredients eventually come together in the finale is beautiful. And the writing never even tries to make the connection to our world and our minds. It doesn't do infodumps, it doesn't do explanations Rachelle would never do. It demands that you, as a reader, go with the flow and enjoy the ride.
It turned reading this book into a unique experience. One I'd happily repeat with other books of this author. Because the total package and how everything fits together and completes each other really impressed me and I'm curious if she can do the same in her other stories!
rebeccazh's review against another edition
3.0
i liked the feel of the book a lot; dark fairy-tale with evocative descriptions.
ellieg2604's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
I had a really hard time connecting this book with the first. I wouldn't even say they had that much to do with each other. You could read one without the other and be completely fine.
haileereads's review against another edition
5.0
This book surprised me! I loved Cruel Beauty but I think Hodge outdid herself with Crimson Bound. It’s a dark new take on Little Red Riding Hood. If this ever became a movie then it probably would be too scary for me to watch but the book did a good job of making it creepy but in a bearable and fascinating way. I loved it!!!
ambeesbookishpages's review against another edition
2.0
The full review can be found at The Book Bratz!
**Please note that I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own***
I won't lie Hodge is a beautiful writer, her words are gripping and descriptive and all around wonderful to read. With that alone I will read Cruel Beauty. But sadly Crimson Bound wasn't something I liked. I am not all to familiar with Little Red Riding Hood so I can't complain whether it matched up or not.
The characters in this novel weren't black and white. They were complex and developed. Which overall added to the enjoyment I did manage to have with this book. But I still managed to have issued with Rachelle, She was snarky which I liked but then she was whiny. She went on and on about horrible Bloodbounds are, how much she resents herself, how she hates the court, and how she can't find the sword. I found it incredibly annoying and just made me dislike her.
Crimson Bound didn't hold my attention well. I could only manage to to read for about a half hour before I would put it to the side. Mostly the reason for that is was how there were quite a few words that I had no clue about (actually, there were A LOT of words) and that pisses me off, especially when the plot line is majorly confusing to begin with. Plus, as beautiful as Hodge's writing was the whole Forest aspect was very cloudy for me. Overall I was dissapointed in Crimson Blood.
**Please note that I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own***
I won't lie Hodge is a beautiful writer, her words are gripping and descriptive and all around wonderful to read. With that alone I will read Cruel Beauty. But sadly Crimson Bound wasn't something I liked. I am not all to familiar with Little Red Riding Hood so I can't complain whether it matched up or not.
The characters in this novel weren't black and white. They were complex and developed. Which overall added to the enjoyment I did manage to have with this book. But I still managed to have issued with Rachelle, She was snarky which I liked but then she was whiny. She went on and on about horrible Bloodbounds are, how much she resents herself, how she hates the court, and how she can't find the sword. I found it incredibly annoying and just made me dislike her.
Crimson Bound didn't hold my attention well. I could only manage to to read for about a half hour before I would put it to the side. Mostly the reason for that is was how there were quite a few words that I had no clue about (actually, there were A LOT of words) and that pisses me off, especially when the plot line is majorly confusing to begin with. Plus, as beautiful as Hodge's writing was the whole Forest aspect was very cloudy for me. Overall I was dissapointed in Crimson Blood.
jacq_benoit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
So I absolutely adored this book, much as I adored her earlier fairy tale book, Cruel Beauty. I’ve never been a huge reader of fantasy, but her books have always been so amazing to me, so unexpected. It’s one of the few books where I truly never know where the plot is going and every twist blindsides me in the best way.
That being said, I just learned that Rosamund Hodge is staunchly anti-abortion, which is *not* a good look, and so I will be unable to read any of her books in the future or recommend her books to others, which is a bummer.
That being said, I just learned that Rosamund Hodge is staunchly anti-abortion, which is *not* a good look, and so I will be unable to read any of her books in the future or recommend her books to others, which is a bummer.
rlstrayer1's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book for one reason alone...the main character's name is Rachelle, and she is an assassin. I was like, "OH HELL YES". I told all my friends and family about this book, I got myself all pumped up and excited, I posted about it on Facebook, and I squealed when it finally made it's way to my Kindle through the library. It took me a couple of days to finish (silly thing called work got in the way), so I couldn't binge like I was hoping to.
Overall, a decent book. I had previous read Cruel Beauty , and thought it was okay. It was a bit dark for my taste, but the story was intriguing. I was hoping that Crimson Bound would be different, but it wasn't. It had the same dark overtone that permeated Cruel Beauty. One thing I did enjoy about this book is that it is based on the myth of werewolves and the Beast of Gévaudan. My little Teen Wolf heart leapt for joy at this.
I have a friend who is currently reading this, and she loves it, but her brand of book is dark fantasy. So if that is your thing, this is the book for you. Sadly, it wasn't for me.
Overall, a decent book. I had previous read Cruel Beauty , and thought it was okay. It was a bit dark for my taste, but the story was intriguing. I was hoping that Crimson Bound would be different, but it wasn't. It had the same dark overtone that permeated Cruel Beauty. One thing I did enjoy about this book is that it is based on the myth of werewolves and the Beast of Gévaudan. My little Teen Wolf heart leapt for joy at this.
I have a friend who is currently reading this, and she loves it, but her brand of book is dark fantasy. So if that is your thing, this is the book for you. Sadly, it wasn't for me.
keberwick's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't overly fond of this book. Admittedly, I did have the audiobook edition, and that may have had something to do with it. I found some of the book a little hard to follow and not as well thought-out as other fantasy novels I've read. This was my first Rosamund Hodge novel, and while I did enjoy Rochelle as a character, I was rather unimpressed with the love triangle, as well as Amelie's character. I felt that Amelie could have added so much more to the story than just being Rochelle's damsel in distress.
I found the writing to be very descriptive, but not overly so, which was a huge plus. Hodge did an excellent job of creating images with her words, even though I feel that it was a little convoluted. I would recommend this book, but with reservation. I wouldn't recommend it if you are tired of shallow characters and love triangles, however, if you can get past those two aspects, the storyline was very interesting and was very entertaining.
I found the writing to be very descriptive, but not overly so, which was a huge plus. Hodge did an excellent job of creating images with her words, even though I feel that it was a little convoluted. I would recommend this book, but with reservation. I wouldn't recommend it if you are tired of shallow characters and love triangles, however, if you can get past those two aspects, the storyline was very interesting and was very entertaining.
linwood's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book has an interesting magic system, a dark forest with evil trickster beings. However, I found it confusing at times and lacking descriptions that would have made it more enjoyable to imagine.