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egurgens's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down! Main character Rachelle was a normal, pious girl, who just wanted to help save the world from the eternal darkness that Durendal would bring. Her innocence and soul were taken from her, so she uses her damnation to help protect the innocent from the monsters Durendal created. When assigned to guard a man she hates, she has to discover his truths, the truth of her friends, and the secrets at court. She may be condemned, but she isn't heartless... yet. With the looming threat of Durendal coming back to life, Rachelle must make decisions about who she wants to be. Supposedly based on Little Red Riding Hood, but I can only see the similarities in the references to Durendal as 'wolfish' and the fact that her uniform cape is red. A tale of redemption, betrayal, lust, damnation, magic, love, and fear. It has wonderful world building, wonderful lore, and is a world that I wish I could jump into. Definitely recommend. 100% an enemies to lovers book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Hate crime, Murder, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Stalking, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Domestic abuse, Gore, Racism, and Torture
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gore, Medical content, and Police brutality
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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