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moni_reads 's review for:
Scarlett and the Dark Woods: A Red Riding Hood Retelling
by Mary Mecham
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book is part of the Autumn Fairy Tales Collection, which is made up of 8 standalone books by different authors. The book's blurb is straightforward and do be aware that, although it's a fairytale retelling, it's also a dystopian book so the story will have a dark tone to it. Look up dystopian books to get a better sense of what to expect. It's a wonderful Red Riding Hood retelling told through Scarlett's pov.
As one of the elect, Scarlett has grown up believing in the necessity of the annual Shunning,even if she has some qualms about it, and the warnings about the Darkwood Forest. When her grandmother is cast out, Scarlett ventures into the forest and has to confront the assumptions that she had. She's stubborn and holding on to what she knows, especially when she has no choice but to ask Greyson, a shunned shapeshifter, for help and he challenges her in more ways than one. He's flirty and loves getting a rise out of her but, the more time she spends with him, she's able to question her beliefs and take his words, and what he's showing her, to heart.
Because Scarlett was one of the elect and Greyson was one of the shunned, they both had assumptions about each other and saw each other as enemies. Scarlett was haughty in the way that she viewed Greyson and he didn't trust her. However, that didn't stop Greyson from flirting with her at every chance he got. Their banter was great and funny. I kept looking forward to what Greyson would say next to get under Scarlett's skin. I loved seeing how their banter started to shift more playfully, on Scarlett's side, as they became friendlier and began to care about each other. It's a bit of a slow burn for them to act on their feelings but the pacing of the novella is excellent and there's enough banter so you won't even notice. Their romance is a clean one with only kissing and no foul language used. I had a hunch about one of the reveals and liked how it happened. The conflict was interesting and the level of violence is pg-13. Aside from the romance and comedic moments, I also liked that this story was thought provoking but not in a way that made you feel as if the author was trying to push their ideas onto you. Personally, I liked the dark tone of the story and think the author did a great job at finding balance so the story wouldn't feel too dark. Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and it's one of my favorite reads of the year.
As one of the elect, Scarlett has grown up believing in the necessity of the annual Shunning,
Because Scarlett was one of the elect and Greyson was one of the shunned, they both had assumptions about each other and saw each other as enemies. Scarlett was haughty in the way that she viewed Greyson and he didn't trust her. However, that didn't stop Greyson from flirting with her at every chance he got. Their banter was great and funny. I kept looking forward to what Greyson would say next to get under Scarlett's skin. I loved seeing how their banter started to shift more playfully, on Scarlett's side, as they became friendlier and began to care about each other. It's a bit of a slow burn for them to act on their feelings but the pacing of the novella is excellent and there's enough banter so you won't even notice. Their romance is a clean one with only kissing and no foul language used. I had a hunch about one of the reveals and liked how it happened. The conflict was interesting and the level of violence is pg-13. Aside from the romance and comedic moments, I also liked that this story was thought provoking but not in a way that made you feel as if the author was trying to push their ideas onto you. Personally, I liked the dark tone of the story and think the author did a great job at finding balance so the story wouldn't feel too dark. Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and it's one of my favorite reads of the year.
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping
Ostracizing, mind control, & manipulating are minor things explored.