A review by melanie_books
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten

adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Redarys has always known her destiny. In Valleyda, the First Daughter is for the throne and the Second Daughter is for the Wolf. So while her sister Neve is destined to rule their tiny nation someday, Red is to be sent into the Wilderwood on her 20th birthday, a sacrifice to the Wolf, in the hopes that he will be satisfied and release the god-like Five Kings of old. Red has long lost her faith in the Kings' return and doubts her venturing into the Wilderwood will make any difference. Nevertheless, she is eager to go. The spark of the Wilderwood deep within her is a power that she fears more than the Wolf, having seen the devastation it wrought 4 years ago. She needs to get away from those she loves so they can be safe. But, when she enters the forest and finds the Wolf, he is nothing like what she imagined. Meanwhile, Neve seeks power and powerful allies with the hopes of getting her sister back.

A reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, For the Wolf is magical story that goes beyond the traditional fairy tale. Red is a heroine worth rooting for: forced by birthright to be a sacrifice, she is determined to follow through with that sacrifice for the sake of those she loves. She makes it clear that this is her choice. Her relationship with Eamonn (the Wolf) is also one that requires a lot of determination. While he'd rather she leave him alone, she sees his sacrifices and can't help but stay. Their connection is as inevitable as Red's choices regarding the Wilderwood. The first 30% of the book is slow (a lot of background) and details and answers are slow to be revealed, but the story itself coupled with themes of magic vs. shadow, power, faith & religious abuse, etc. made this an amazing read! 
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