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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
I love fairy tales! This book is based on the screenplay for the 2011 film. I've seen it but can't remember the details so I didn't remember who the wolf was. Problem is, the book doesn't really end! You don't actually find out who the wolf is. The book directs you to a web address, which no longer exists! Wah! Well, apart from that mess with the ending, I enjoyed the rest of the book.
Reading how most people are disappointed in that book I found myself reading it twice. Yes, it has a slow start but in the end, the book has something that I find compelling and haunting. I even like that the ending was left open.
So many horrible reviews and yet I still chose to read it. I can't say I wasn't warned.
This book is begging for an editor. There are ideas that are just written down without being built up or followed through at all. The book seems to try too hard to be an epic tale but it falls flat in delivery. The attempt at angst is laughable as is the myriad of emotions the writer(s) were going for (but were unable to deliver).
The basic story is about a girl living in a small village. A werewolf plagues the village (and always has). An old boyfriend (if you can call someone your boyfriend when you're 6) returns to town about the same time that the wolf starts killing people (rather than the sacrifices left out for it).
Everyone is a suspect now and people turn against each other.
The ending--the book doesn't end! Really. It is a non-ending. It ends w/out wrapping anything up. You must visit the website (provided in the back of the book) to read the final chapter. After reading the final chapter I can say this--the werewolf is revealed and it makes sense (It was a slight shock but it was something I had in my mind) but the final ending of the book was pitiful.
There are so many flaws and faults in the story it is hard for the story to flow as you read. The task of pointing them all out is overwhelming so I won't try.
Basically--this could have been good but it was bogged down by unfinished story plots, lines, and character development. Had an editor gotten their hands on this prior to release it really could have been good. Don't bother to read it if you've got any expectations at all. I was curious so I ignored the warnings. It wasn't horrible but it certainly wasn't good.
This book is begging for an editor. There are ideas that are just written down without being built up or followed through at all. The book seems to try too hard to be an epic tale but it falls flat in delivery. The attempt at angst is laughable as is the myriad of emotions the writer(s) were going for (but were unable to deliver).
The basic story is about a girl living in a small village. A werewolf plagues the village (and always has). An old boyfriend (if you can call someone your boyfriend when you're 6) returns to town about the same time that the wolf starts killing people (rather than the sacrifices left out for it).
Everyone is a suspect now and people turn against each other.
The ending--the book doesn't end! Really. It is a non-ending. It ends w/out wrapping anything up. You must visit the website (provided in the back of the book) to read the final chapter. After reading the final chapter I can say this--the werewolf is revealed and it makes sense (It was a slight shock but it was something I had in my mind) but the final ending of the book was pitiful.
There are so many flaws and faults in the story it is hard for the story to flow as you read. The task of pointing them all out is overwhelming so I won't try.
Basically--this could have been good but it was bogged down by unfinished story plots, lines, and character development. Had an editor gotten their hands on this prior to release it really could have been good. Don't bother to read it if you've got any expectations at all. I was curious so I ignored the warnings. It wasn't horrible but it certainly wasn't good.
I enjoyed the story but didn't find there was much chemistry between Valerie and Peter. Peter just shows up in town and after being childhood friends, just loved each other, but can he offer her a future? Then there's Henry who seems perfect, he has loved Valerie forever, he courts her and is nice to her, he's from a respectable family and Valerie acknowledges they could be happy together. Who do you think Valerie will end up with, Peter or Henry? Valerie is also dealing with the death of her sister Lucie, who was killed by a werewolf. For years the werewolf has been satisfied a monthly sacrifice by the town. Why is it now attacking the towns people? This book keeps you guessing, right up until the end you are wondering who is the wolf? There is no conclusive ending to the story but the final chapter is posted online at redridinghoodbook.com
This is certainly a beautiful, dark take on the classic tale. It's fantastical and strange, with originality that separates it from other versions. Valerie isn't the most popular or most liked girl in her village, but she is an ordinary girl who lives an ordinary life, who isn't ready to rush to grow up, like most of her friends. That is until she learns to love the wrong boy at the wrong time.
There is drama, teenage angst, jealousy, and raw humanity at the core of this story, despite the Big Bad Wolf that lurks in the shadows. It is a tale of understanding, of growing up, of warnings of evil. Friendships are tested, loyalties are challenged, people are changed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this version of Red Riding Hood. It is based on the screenplay of the movie directed by Catherine Hardwicke, starring Amanda Seyfried, but I haven't watched it yet, so my opinions of the book are pure and unbiased at this point in time. It felt true to the original tale we all heard as children, keeping hold of the themes and noteworthy characters, while also introducing new elements that gave it an eerie, almost untrustworthy atmosphere. I felt that every time I was starting to figure things out, something new would come twist up the plotline.
If you're a lover of fairy tale retellings, and more specifically, Red Riding Hood, this is a must-read for you!
There is drama, teenage angst, jealousy, and raw humanity at the core of this story, despite the Big Bad Wolf that lurks in the shadows. It is a tale of understanding, of growing up, of warnings of evil. Friendships are tested, loyalties are challenged, people are changed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this version of Red Riding Hood. It is based on the screenplay of the movie directed by Catherine Hardwicke, starring Amanda Seyfried, but I haven't watched it yet, so my opinions of the book are pure and unbiased at this point in time. It felt true to the original tale we all heard as children, keeping hold of the themes and noteworthy characters, while also introducing new elements that gave it an eerie, almost untrustworthy atmosphere. I felt that every time I was starting to figure things out, something new would come twist up the plotline.
If you're a lover of fairy tale retellings, and more specifically, Red Riding Hood, this is a must-read for you!
I first read this back in 2013, I loved it then and it was just as good this time around. The imagery and world building were on point I really felt like I was pulled into a foreboading and chilly late autumn night. The atmosphere was eerie and dark and hit my aesthetics in all of the right ways. I loved the really pagan & fairy tale atmosphere.
I liked Valerie as a narrator. She was no damsel and was a very interesting character. She was quirky and whimsical but with a somber undertone. Adventurous and bold but in a soft sort of way. I just enjoyed her. Overall I liked the characters. I feel like Solomon was a very effective villain a good example of an antagonist to rival the initial villain of the story. The sort that makes you ask who the real monster is.
I also like how the love triangle was ridiculous and immature and that it didn't overtake the main plot. It was well executed especially for a YA novel.
Just overall this was an impressive rad and I recommend it for a chill autumn or winter night.
I liked Valerie as a narrator. She was no damsel and was a very interesting character. She was quirky and whimsical but with a somber undertone. Adventurous and bold but in a soft sort of way. I just enjoyed her. Overall I liked the characters. I feel like Solomon was a very effective villain a good example of an antagonist to rival the initial villain of the story. The sort that makes you ask who the real monster is.
I also like how the love triangle was ridiculous and immature and that it didn't overtake the main plot. It was well executed especially for a YA novel.
Just overall this was an impressive rad and I recommend it for a chill autumn or winter night.
I'll be honest with you, i didn't like it much. there were moments that had me on edge with intense and exciting, but over all i found it kind of dull. The movie which i have not seen might be better in this case. (remember this is all my opinion. You read it and you decide for yourself if it was good or not.)
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The writing was rather shallow, but the ending, or lack there of, makes this story a worthless read.
Edit: There is a "bonus chapter" available online. I still stand by my review that this story is too shallow.
Edit: There is a "bonus chapter" available online. I still stand by my review that this story is too shallow.