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audiobookmel's review against another edition
3.0
I got this book as a limited time special free purchase from Amazon.
This story has a very interesting premise. You have literary characters showing up in real life. Red, is Little Red Riding Hood (bet you didn't see that one coming). This reminded me a lot of the TV show Once Upon a Time. This does include a wider selection of characters, including Dracula, Mr Darcy, Juliet and The Grim Reaper.
The story has promise, but I was never entranced in the story. I don't really love the characters, but I don't hate them. I do like the world that is built around them. I will be checking to see if I can find the other books through the library. I would like to see if the plot and character development get better.
This story has a very interesting premise. You have literary characters showing up in real life. Red, is Little Red Riding Hood (bet you didn't see that one coming). This reminded me a lot of the TV show Once Upon a Time. This does include a wider selection of characters, including Dracula, Mr Darcy, Juliet and The Grim Reaper.
The story has promise, but I was never entranced in the story. I don't really love the characters, but I don't hate them. I do like the world that is built around them. I will be checking to see if I can find the other books through the library. I would like to see if the plot and character development get better.
bridgets_books's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fun and entertaining story.
Due to a spell gone awry, members of the fairytale world are trapped in the real world.
Tess Little (Red) works for the Fairytale Management Authority as an enforcer in Chicago. She no longer the meek little thing she was in the paste. Now she’s a powerful, kick-ass woman who takes no guff from anyone.
When fellow fairytale characters are ruthlessly murdered. Tess & Nick (a grim reaper) need to put aside their independent ways and work together to solve the crime.
The author’s world-building game is amazing. She built an incredible world for her characters to play in everyday.
If you love a sassy, feminist heroine and a handsome hero with lots of dark secrets, then Red is definitely a book you should pick up.
I received a digital copy of the book for a blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Due to a spell gone awry, members of the fairytale world are trapped in the real world.
Tess Little (Red) works for the Fairytale Management Authority as an enforcer in Chicago. She no longer the meek little thing she was in the paste. Now she’s a powerful, kick-ass woman who takes no guff from anyone.
When fellow fairytale characters are ruthlessly murdered. Tess & Nick (a grim reaper) need to put aside their independent ways and work together to solve the crime.
The author’s world-building game is amazing. She built an incredible world for her characters to play in everyday.
If you love a sassy, feminist heroine and a handsome hero with lots of dark secrets, then Red is definitely a book you should pick up.
I received a digital copy of the book for a blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
bookfessional's review against another edition
2.0
2/7/18 - ON SALE for $0.99:
http://amzn.to/2nFkMI4
Alright, I've put this off long enough.
I'm sad to say that I don't have a whole lot to say about this book.
I should have loved it. I was expecting to love it. And the premise turned out to be even cooler than I had originally thought, b/c not only were fairy tale characters transported to the real world, famous literary characters were too.
Like Elizabeth and Darcy. And Dracula.
Pretty frickin' cool, right?
Unfortunately, premise can only get you so far, and while the characters weren't exactly stock, they definitely felt flat. I was unable to really connect to any of them, even and especially Red, our MC. All of the little insights that were given to add depth to her character felt . . . ordinary. Maybe even contrived. Again, not stock exactly, but not too terribly far from it either.
There was also cornball aplenty.
Like when the only suspects in the crime spree Red's investigating are her ex-boyfriends. Mighty big coincidence that.
Or how 'bout Red wearing big ol' red leather boots, but her leather coat was black, thank-you-very-much (b/c a red leather coat would have been a little bit OTT).
Red is also a big-time overreacter. Observe:
When a certain person reveals the truth about himself, she totally loses her mind, complete with the refusal to talk or think about it rationally AND exit-in-a-huff-of-fury.
She's been betrayed, DAMMIT.
Even if this secret was one he'd kept from EVERYONE, and even if he made himself absolutely vulnerable by telling her.
Narcissistic personality disorder, anyone?
That was bad enough. But then almost immediately after her, "Don't come near me. I don't want to see you again . . . There's nothing to talk about . . . We're done here," tantrum, she gets introspective and starts saying things like, "I'm not sure if I ran out on," wouldn'tyouliketoknowwho, "because I was angry--or because . . . [wait for it] . . . I was afraid."
*rolls eyes*
*groans AND rolls eyes*
And it's obvious from the beginning that she's supposed to be with this guy. Just like the big secret he told her was obvious.
So why does she hook-up with one of the exes she's investigating?
Well b/c she's both unprofessional and AFRAID.
Which doesn't jive, b/c Red is clearly supposed to be kick-ass. And that freak-out . . . only one of MANY (with similar introspections immediately following).
And I'm just over it.
So maybe I had more to say about this book then I thought.
Still there have been lots of good reviews for this book, so I wouldn't totally write it off. Just b/c it wasn't my cuppa, doesn't mean it won't be yours.
http://amzn.to/2nFkMI4
Alright, I've put this off long enough.
I'm sad to say that I don't have a whole lot to say about this book.
I should have loved it. I was expecting to love it. And the premise turned out to be even cooler than I had originally thought, b/c not only were fairy tale characters transported to the real world, famous literary characters were too.
Like Elizabeth and Darcy. And Dracula.
Pretty frickin' cool, right?
Unfortunately, premise can only get you so far, and while the characters weren't exactly stock, they definitely felt flat. I was unable to really connect to any of them, even and especially Red, our MC. All of the little insights that were given to add depth to her character felt . . . ordinary. Maybe even contrived. Again, not stock exactly, but not too terribly far from it either.
There was also cornball aplenty.
Like when the only suspects in the crime spree Red's investigating are her ex-boyfriends. Mighty big coincidence that.
Or how 'bout Red wearing big ol' red leather boots, but her leather coat was black, thank-you-very-much (b/c a red leather coat would have been a little bit OTT).
Red is also a big-time overreacter. Observe:
When a certain person reveals the truth about himself, she totally loses her mind, complete with the refusal to talk or think about it rationally AND exit-in-a-huff-of-fury.
She's been betrayed, DAMMIT.
Even if this secret was one he'd kept from EVERYONE, and even if he made himself absolutely vulnerable by telling her.
Narcissistic personality disorder, anyone?
That was bad enough. But then almost immediately after her, "Don't come near me. I don't want to see you again . . . There's nothing to talk about . . . We're done here," tantrum, she gets introspective and starts saying things like, "I'm not sure if I ran out on," wouldn'tyouliketoknowwho, "because I was angry--or because . . . [wait for it] . . . I was afraid."
*rolls eyes*
*groans AND rolls eyes*
And it's obvious from the beginning that she's supposed to be with this guy. Just like the big secret he told her was obvious.
So why does she hook-up with one of the exes she's investigating?
Well b/c she's both unprofessional and AFRAID.
Which doesn't jive, b/c Red is clearly supposed to be kick-ass. And that freak-out . . . only one of MANY (with similar introspections immediately following).
And I'm just over it.
So maybe I had more to say about this book then I thought.
Still there have been lots of good reviews for this book, so I wouldn't totally write it off. Just b/c it wasn't my cuppa, doesn't mean it won't be yours.
geauxgetlit's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite fairytale as a child was Little Red Riding Hood because I always found her mysterious and mystery always intrigued me. Red by Kate Serine is the retelling of this marvelous fairytale that packs all the mystery and fun in a grown up version.
Red is a crass and brassy fem fetal, is on the hunt for the perpetrators who are murdering tales. Nate, who has given his heart to unpure Red, teams up with her to uncover the mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the great character development by the author. I will definitely be reading more of the transplanted tales series.
Red is a crass and brassy fem fetal, is on the hunt for the perpetrators who are murdering tales. Nate, who has given his heart to unpure Red, teams up with her to uncover the mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the great character development by the author. I will definitely be reading more of the transplanted tales series.
maureensbooks89's review
3.0
In ‘Red’ we meet Tess Little, also known as Red or Little Red Riding Hood. Long ago a spell went wrong and now characters from fairytales are stranded inside the real world. Tess works as an Enforcer, and her job is making sure the fairytale community is safe. Tess is definitely nothing like you’d expect when you think of Little Red Riding Hood. She is tough, badass and she really knows how to do her job.
Then there is Nate Grimm, a lead detective at Tess’s work and part-time Reaper. He has a definite thing for Tess, but she is a bit clueless about it. I loved the tension between Nate and Tess. And I definitely rooted for them from the start. The chemistry between them was exciting and fun and I loved their story.
I really enjoyed the mystery, detective part. It had been awhile since I read a detective, and it made me realize I really need to read more of those. It’s not like I didn’t expect what was going to happen for the most part, but I just loved this setting enough to keep it interesting.
Although I definitely enjoyed Red, and really would recommend it.. I’m just a big sucker for the original fairy tales. And in this setting those fairy tales are all twisted and different. I enjoyed it.. but I guess I’m not very into new spins on those all-time favorites. But still.. I’m definitely intrigued enough to want to read more by this author.
Then there is Nate Grimm, a lead detective at Tess’s work and part-time Reaper. He has a definite thing for Tess, but she is a bit clueless about it. I loved the tension between Nate and Tess. And I definitely rooted for them from the start. The chemistry between them was exciting and fun and I loved their story.
I really enjoyed the mystery, detective part. It had been awhile since I read a detective, and it made me realize I really need to read more of those. It’s not like I didn’t expect what was going to happen for the most part, but I just loved this setting enough to keep it interesting.
Although I definitely enjoyed Red, and really would recommend it.. I’m just a big sucker for the original fairy tales. And in this setting those fairy tales are all twisted and different. I enjoyed it.. but I guess I’m not very into new spins on those all-time favorites. But still.. I’m definitely intrigued enough to want to read more by this author.
slc333's review
4.0
I left it too long between reading and writing a review so I can't really remember the details more that it was fun and I enjoyed it. And while I really like Tess & Nate together I must admit to a soft spot for her ex Nicky and was not happy about Juliet too sad especially as I think Tess and Nicky would have been happy together if not for Nate.
jadeshea's review against another edition
4.0
Red is the story about a the Fairy tale characters coming to live in the Here and Now. The Red, also known as little red riding hood, is an Enforcer for their local law enforcement. She's had a crazy life but things get worse when she has to team up with Nate, death himself, to help solve a string of murders that involve a few of her ex lovers.
Red was a wonderful kick ass heroine! I loved her. This book pulled me in from the start and had me wondering who dun it along with experiencing how awesome this fairy tale world was. I really enjoyed this book! It was very interesting, had some witty humor, romance, and a lot of trying to catch the bad guy. Now I can't wait to read more.
Red was a wonderful kick ass heroine! I loved her. This book pulled me in from the start and had me wondering who dun it along with experiencing how awesome this fairy tale world was. I really enjoyed this book! It was very interesting, had some witty humor, romance, and a lot of trying to catch the bad guy. Now I can't wait to read more.
krisrid's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. Loved the combining of fairy-tale characters with "real life", the story was pretty clever, and I really loved that all the female characters are strong and independent.
I generally am willing to give a fairy-tale retelling a shot, and this didn't let me down. I thought the characters were creative, and the addition of some literary characters - like Darcy and Elizabeth, and Dracula - was an extra-interesting twist. I also liked how the author made the fairy-tale and literary characters actual people with real personalities and issues and quirks, rather than being one-dimensional.
The plot was also pretty good. There's action and suspense, drama and danger. The pacing was solid and kept me reading well past where I intended at each sitting. I really wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Some of the other reviews I read took issue with so many men having pasts with Red, but for me, that made sense in the backstory provided for Red, and the context of the larger plot it was believable, so that didn't bother me. I did like that Red was a kick-ass heroine, and although she was painfully independent and stubborn, she has growth and development as the story progressed, which not only made sense based on what she deals with, but makes her more relatable as things resolve. Without giving spoilers, I was happy with where Red ends up, and where she appears to be going.
This is a fun, fast, easy read that would be good for paranormal fans, fans of fairy-tale retellings, and people who like action and suspense with strong female characters. I will definitely check out other books in this series.
I generally am willing to give a fairy-tale retelling a shot, and this didn't let me down. I thought the characters were creative, and the addition of some literary characters - like Darcy and Elizabeth, and Dracula - was an extra-interesting twist. I also liked how the author made the fairy-tale and literary characters actual people with real personalities and issues and quirks, rather than being one-dimensional.
The plot was also pretty good. There's action and suspense, drama and danger. The pacing was solid and kept me reading well past where I intended at each sitting. I really wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Some of the other reviews I read took issue with so many men having pasts with Red, but for me, that made sense in the backstory provided for Red, and the context of the larger plot it was believable, so that didn't bother me. I did like that Red was a kick-ass heroine, and although she was painfully independent and stubborn, she has growth and development as the story progressed, which not only made sense based on what she deals with, but makes her more relatable as things resolve. Without giving spoilers, I was happy with where Red ends up, and where she appears to be going.
This is a fun, fast, easy read that would be good for paranormal fans, fans of fairy-tale retellings, and people who like action and suspense with strong female characters. I will definitely check out other books in this series.
franjessca's review against another edition
4.0
Full Review posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
You'll read about Snow White, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Juliet, the werewolf (from little red riding hood), the Sandman, and so many others…but, of course, be prepared for not your regular stories because some of these characters have a dark side to them. Oh and let me not forget the bad guys who are involved in the killings…let’s say I was surprised to find out who it was. =) I really enjoyed reading “Red” and look forward to the next book. I liked how Kate SeRine kept me clicking my Kindle to turn a page to read. She has an exciting writing style and a wicked “cool” imagination. (taking my daughter’s saying) =) I recommend this book to urban fantasy and paranormal romance lovers out there. If you want the dark side of the fairy tale world…you definitely will enjoy this book. Can’t wait to see what happens next! =)
You'll read about Snow White, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Juliet, the werewolf (from little red riding hood), the Sandman, and so many others…but, of course, be prepared for not your regular stories because some of these characters have a dark side to them. Oh and let me not forget the bad guys who are involved in the killings…let’s say I was surprised to find out who it was. =) I really enjoyed reading “Red” and look forward to the next book. I liked how Kate SeRine kept me clicking my Kindle to turn a page to read. She has an exciting writing style and a wicked “cool” imagination. (taking my daughter’s saying) =) I recommend this book to urban fantasy and paranormal romance lovers out there. If you want the dark side of the fairy tale world…you definitely will enjoy this book. Can’t wait to see what happens next! =)