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harshibuvan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I haven’t been this invested in a standalone fantasy novel in years. The world-building is amazing, and I love the concept of the Forest, and how it appears right ontop of the normal world. The way Rosalind Hodge uses the old tale of little red riding hood and twists it into this magical, dark, world is astounding and honestly had me hooked from the first line. The best part of this book is definitely the main character(which, I’m sad to say I can’t claim often) Rachelle. Even when one thinks she loses, even in defeat she never loses her agency and I think that is very important. Compared to something like the s&b trilogy where Alina follows the plot, Rachelle’s actions and feelings create the events which make the plot. She’s morally grey, not wholly good or bad but at the same time, isn’t emotionless and just a “femme fatale” character. There’s a reason and depth to each choice she makes, even the first one that is the cataclysm to the rest of the book. Before getting into spoiler category, I just want to say that what I love most about this novel, and what is going to bring me back again and again to reread it is how Hodge shows love between characters. We see platonic love, familial love, and romantic love portrayed in all of their beauty, and pain. If you’re looking for a new fantasy world but don’t want to invest in reading a 3-part or more series, I’d heavily recommend this book!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Sexism
Minor: Blood and Death
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Gore, Grief, Murder, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Religious bigotry
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