Song of Moonrise: A Little Red Riding Hood Retelling

The Singer Tales #4

by Deborah Grace White

Princess Rosa wants to be royal about as much as Prince Emmett wants to be a mindless wolf Rosa never wanted to become a princess through her mother’s marriage to Teren’s king. She especially doesn’t want the pressure to marry according to her new station. She’d rather be running wild on her grandmother’s property in the Forest of Ilgal. Neither the rumors of giant wolves nor the growing danger from the forest’s thickening magic especially trouble her. Prince Emmett of Medulle is intimately familiar with the dangers of the forest’s magic. His disastrous attempt to alleviate it has already led to four years of fear and shame. And now the wolf in his mind is taking not only his body, but his life. His parents think his limited time should be spent marrying and producing an heir, but romance is the last thing on Emmett’s mind. Who would marry a wolf? Besides, the vivacious princess and the serious prince don’t even like each other. Of course not. Their only point of alliance is their shared desire to resolve the crisis of the magic in Ilgal. Unfortunately, powerful forces are working against that goal. And as the magic of the forest grows, so does the magic holding Emmett in its grip. Time is running dangerously short for them to find out what’s really at work in the forest…before the wolf consumes not only Emmett, but Rosa as well. Song of Moonrise is the fourth installment in The Singer Tales, a series of interconnected standalone novels set on the continent of Providore, where magic is harnessed by singers. Each story follows a different heroine navigating everything from miniature elves to brutish giants as she chases her own happily ever after. If you enjoy strong heroines, clean romance, and fantasy worlds with a dash of intrigue, discover the world of The Singer Tales today.

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retellings, Fairy Tales, Retellings, Romance

392 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2023

About the author

Deborah Grace White was more or less born reading. She grew up on a wide range of books, from classic literature to light-hearted romps. Her love of fantasy was inevitable from the time her father read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to her and her siblings when she was four years old.

The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.

But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.

Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.

Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars ✨ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling

Most stepfamilies are horrible in books—particularly terrible in fairytales (Cinderella? Snow White?) so it was so heartwarming to see Rosa interact with her stepfather and stepbrother. Rosa and Otto’s relationship was absolutely great. Otto is a hopeless romantic and a perfect pestering brother, so I can’t read to read his story soon! Because of Rosa’s common mother marrying the king, certain elements reminded me of Sophia the First and as someone who really liked that show when it began, I really liked those elements in this book as well.

I also really liked Rosa’s grandparents and seeing her relationship with them. That said, I didn’t care for how prideful and haughty Rosa treated Emmett at first and her attitude of “you don’t understand” about how those born in the forest feel. That last one was harped on a bit too much for my tastes. 😅 But she realizes some important things about that by the end of the book, which was good to see her realize.

Matchmaking moms is a favorite trope of mine, so I was quite happy when that came into play when their mom met, haha!

It was really the family relationships that made this book for me as both Rosa and Emmett were flawed characters that had to learn some important lessons by the end of this book. They definitely had the whole enemies-to-more thing going at times, which isn’t really my cup of tea, but I was happy with the ending. I think I followed along well enough with the magic elements, but please don’t quiz me.

I’m pretty sure this was my first retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and I liked a lot of elements that this author did for this retelling! Having the prince be cursed into the wolf is much better in my opinion that the half-wolf/shapeshifter MMC that I’ve seen other retellings boast about. I’m not sure where I would put this book in my ranking if the series as it feels pretty tied with Books 1 & 2. The 3rd book is still my favorite so far, but this one had a lot of parts I liked. I do feel like it was a little long, but I can’t complain about that because there was action and humor thrown in with some romance here and there that kept me entertained and reading this book within a day.



Main Content-
In the prologue, Emmett and his brother sneak into the forest to see if they can do something about trapping the excess magic there, but instead magic is triggered to cause Emmett to be cursed and become a wolf (up to a handful of sentences); This is a major part of the plot and mentioned many, many times with all the elements of it (including magic, his transformations and how it seems to work, enchantments/curses, those who can harvest magic (Elves), those who can control magic (humans called Singers), and items that store magic (talismans)); Magic that takes over a land can turn deadly for those without magic in their blood or bodies; Main characters feel magic and are affected by it (including feeling a pressure on their chest from it); Emmett was seen by a healer-Singer and was toward that the magic on him is stealing from his lifespan; Emmett feels as if the wolf part of him is trying to take over even when he is a human (and he fights the urge to do wolf-like things like growl, pace, and scratch himself), but is aware of himself when he is a wolf and fights for control again the wolf-brain (particularly making sure he never hurt a human or goes hunting an animal); Emmett is afraid that the wolf will take over him one day; Rosa sees a Singer use magic for an everyday purpose and is fascinated.

*Major Spoilers* The villain has worked for years to be able to turn himself into a wolf to terrorize people in the forest to leave so he will be the one in control of the forest; He is able to change at will and Emmett accidentally had the original unfinished spell/enchantment placed on him when he activated it; The villain is killed in his wolf-form by Emmett in his wolf-form; Rosa finds a magical plant that instantly turns Emmett back to his human form permanently *End of Spoilers*.

Many mentions of magic and theories about the giant wolves; Mentions of a magical plant; Mentions of stories of evil men turning into wolves; A few mentions of superstitions.


No major language, words/phrases like “thank the stars” and “stars above” are said instead; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.

Emmett recalls the shameful feeling of hunting a rabbit in his wolf form (finding it appalling that he had savage joy in hunting and killing which he’s never had as a human); *Major Spoilers* Emmett sees Rosa nearly attacked/killed by another magical wolf & fights and kills the wolf which reveals it was a human (up to a few sentences) *End of Spoilers*.

Being attacked (by a wolf), Being surrounded by wolves, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to a few sentences); Seeing someone attacked and cornered by a wolf (up to a few sentences); A man nearly strikes Rosa; Rosa often sneaks out to visit her grandparents (despite her mother’s worry) & has acts of defiance at times because of it (she feels guilty a couple times, but argues with herself that she’ll be careful and back before they know); A woman makes negative comments about women who work at the taverns.

Mentions of possible wars & fighting; Mentions of deaths & grief (including for parents); Mentions of wolf attacks, injuries, & pain; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of hunting, hunts, & humans aiming to kill a wolf; A few mentions of someone killed by a bear (Book #3 in the series); A few mentions of drunks; A couple mentions of thinking a family member is dead (Emmett’s family for Farrin after he disappeared in the first book); A couple mentions of prejudice; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of relieving one’s self.


1 kiss lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
2 kisses lasting a few sentences;
Remembering kisses & embraces (up to a few sentences);
Touches, Dancing, Embraces, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Noticing (including lips, up to a few sentences).

Emmett thinks that for a king, “having a son and heir who was afflicted as Emmett was must be almost as bad as being childless”; Emmett’s mother pushes him to get married and father a child because they don’t know if the curse will render him “…ineffective”; This is brought up a handful of times more and Emmett doesn’t want to force any woman to marry him or have a child with him (his mother doesn’t think a girl would have to be forced); Emmett is fully clothed when he transforms back into a human; Rosa isn’t against getting married one day, but knows that being married is not synonymous with being happy; Rosa’s mother says that a man being almost forty (to Rosa’s nineteen) isn’t an “insurmountable barrier” for a relationship between them; A man corners Rosa and she feels paralyzed by his “hypnotic gaze” as he touches her hair.

Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of dalliances & rumors/gossip of a couple meeting secretly; A mention of flirting; A mention of jealousy.

[Tricia Mingerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been SO EAGER for this book ever since book 1 of this series teased Emmett's story! And it did NOT disappoint! I was so wrapped up in this book that I ditched my responsibilities and read instead of getting stuff done.

This is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling, but it uses that more as inspiration than sticking to the tale too closely. The romance is so lovely, with a pair of leads who banter and are determined NOT to fall in love, a pair of match-making queen mamas, and protective brothers.

Now how am I going to wait until December when the next book releases????

[Lisa Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far of the Singer Tales by Deborah Grace White, which is a more innovative and cohesive series than her previous collection of fairy tale retellings. For my next read, I picked Song of Moonrise to explore her take on "Little Red Riding Hood," a story often misinterpreted in other adaptations. Ever since the Red Riding Hood film came out in 2011, almost every new interpretation of this fairy tale turned it into a mystery story about a werewolf curse in the protagonist's family instead of an innocent coming-of-age story about learning who to trust. In fact, I got so frustrated by this trope that I wrote my own adaptation of the fairy tale back in 2013. While the Singer Tales version of "Little Red Riding Hood" does incorporate werewolves, it does so in a way that stays true to the themes of the story along with a princess twist and a heated romance.

Rosa was an adventurous girl living in the forest until her mother married a king, making Rosa a princess in a similar manner to Sofia the First. She struggles with the strict regulations of palace life and desires to be free to ride with the wind and go wherever her heart takes her, usually to her grandparents' forest estate. When the wild magic surrounding the forest becomes so potent that it could be a danger to those living near it, a royal courtier proposes a full evacuation of everyone living there. This turns Rosa into an activist to save the forest as she continues to frequent her grandparents' estate despite sighting one of the giant wolves rumored to roam near it. It is during one of these visits that she runs into Emmett, the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. She takes spite of his concern for her safety, convinced that he is overreacting and that she will always be safe in the woods and wants nothing more to do with him. Unfortunately for Rosa and Emmett, their mothers see their acquaintance with each other as a matchmaking opportunity.

Meanwhile, Prince Emmett has been afflicted by a werewolf curse for years, struggling to keep it a secret while his brother searches desperately for a cure. Due to his naturally protective nature, he hates the idea that he might pose a threat to anyone and keeps the wolf well under control despite being inexplicably drawn to Rosa and her grandparents' estate. When he is forced to accept that he cannot stop Rosa from riding into danger at every available opportunity, he does his best to keep her safe from any dangers that lurk in the forest whether she likes it or not. Emmett and Rosa share a Bridgerton-style romance, constantly arguing and denying any romantic feelings they might have for each other even though it is plain to their families and anyone else around them that they are madly in love. This dynamic does not always work for love stories, but it does here because Rosa's main objection to Emmett rests in his determination to protect her, which comes from a place of genuine caring.

The twist at the end of the book was easy to see from a mile away, but that did not make it any less enjoyable. In fact, I appreciated that the author was more focused on the story and characters than she was on trying to outsmart her audience. I also liked that the book stayed true to the essence of "Little Red Riding Hood" while simultaneously making it a princess story by making Rosa both a girl from the forest and a princess later in life. Much of the book revolves around her learning to balance both sides of her life and finding a place where she can belong with the support of her mother, Emmett, and Otto, her well-meaning stepbrother. Though not important to the main story, I thought Otto was an excellent addition to the book. It is so rare to have strong brother or stepbrother characters in fairy tale adaptations. He comes off as a genuinely good person who does his best to get to know Rosa in the short time since she became part of his family and to be a supportive brother.

Song of Moonrise stands out as an innovative reimagining of "Little Red Riding Hood" and another excellent addition to the Singer Tales. The narrative skillfully intertwines familiar fairy tale elements with innovative twists, presenting a heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and courage. Through the compelling journey of Rosa, readers are drawn into a tale that honors the essence of the original story while adding layers of depth and emotion. The complex romance between Rosa and Prince Emmett lends an authentic charm to the narrative. Furthermore, the thoughtful inclusion of characters like Otto enriches the story, offering meaningful dynamics beyond the central plot. Song of Moonrise shines as a resonant princess tale that embraces tradition while carving its own path, leaving readers eager for more from the captivating world of Deborah Grace White's Singer Tales.

[Shawna Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay, Emmett’s story! And it was worth waiting for.

Emmett, the Crown Prince has been seen less and less around the kingdom and when he does pop up he’s looking tired and worn. But why?

Rumors around the castle say he’s been sick, but he’s actually been sequestering himself far from the capital in the kingdom’s old castle alongside the forest that the kingdom shared with its neighbor. When Emmett asks to stay away for good it’s under the guise of figuring out what is happening in the dark woods that is allowing wild magic to rapidly grow to harmful levels.

Emmett’s arrival at the border sets Rosa’s mother into action as she wants to find a husband for her wayward and headstrong daughter. Having been born and raised as more of a commoner without any true duties, Rosa’s mother has married the King, so Rosa has no choice but to become a Princess whether she wants it or not.

Emmett’s parents, fearing how far his affliction has been in effect are insisting he wed and bear the kingdom an heir before his time runs out, but how could be bear to shackle a woman to a man most likely to leave her a widow?

Now add in themes of Red Riding Hood with a Big Bad Wolf lurking about the woods and biting the residents within and you have the makings of a very clever retelling that will twine its way around your heartstrings and pluck every single one.

What a charming tale to teach how sometimes it is better to stop running from life and face up to your demons.

I’m sad Emmett’s story is over- maybe he and Rosa will turn up again, but I couldn’t be happier with how the HEA comes to its conclusion.

ON TO THE NEXT BOOK!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author’s work, but this series is falling a little flat for me.

This story was very slow in starting, and the plot was not as suspenseful as it could have been. And I am also not sure of why, but the writing was sometimes not up to it’s usual par. The same nouns and verbs were repeated too much..like chivvy. And how many times does the word ‘magic’ need to used in a paragraph?. So maybe the editing wasn’t done too throughly in this book because the writing didn’t seem to flow smoothly like it usually does.

It was nice reading Emmett’s story, and Rosa was a different kind of princess. I don’t think I have read a more stubborn character in awhile. She was feisty, and was honestly lucky not to have been in more trouble.

Regardless of this 3 star review I am still going to finish the series, and I will reread it all again someday. So maybe my rating the next time I read Emmett and Rosa’s story will be better. I am open to the possibility.

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

This is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling with enemies to lovers and an interesting one at that. Rosa is an enjoyable character and I really liked her right off of the bat. The MMC is Farrin’s brother. Emmett, well, I was a bit confused with the circumstances surrounding him. It was very weird to say the least and similar to the previous book. The magic was a bit much and confusing a lot like the last book. But I really liked Otto and the sibling banter and relationship! Emmett and Rosa getting to know each other was delightful! Their banter was hilarious! It was very strange with Emmett and the wolf and I didn’t really care for it. This wasn’t the best Little Red Riding Hood nor my favorite. But I did enjoy it and I’m excited to see how the rest of the series turns out.

Quote that I liked:

🌕 "I love you with all my heart." Emmett had no hesitation in saying it. "More than I ever dreamed I could love someone."

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dynamic Story

The story was interesting and was the most intense of the series. Both characters felt very different from the other heroes/heroines. That's mostly a good thing, although there were times that Rosa just simply seemed mean. It happened enough times that it made me question why Emmett fell for her. There should have been more to build a favorable emotional connection before declarations, especially with the severity (even cruelty) of accusations Rosa launched.

Emmett was interesting, but fell into standard hero rhetoric at the end. Rosa was more problematic. She was interesting, intense, and drove a lot of the story, but she could be petty and cruel. She often had overblown and biased rather than reasonable reactions. Sometimes she acknowledged this and apologized, but was prickly enough that it kept happening... not great behavior for a future queen.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s ok

This isn’t my favorite series from this author however this was one of the better books in it. So far this one and book two are the only ones I’ve managed to read to the end. I will say I did NOT like Rosa. She was stupid, rude, reckless, and a brat. She seemed to do things (like escape to the forest by herself after being told it was dangerous and why) for the sole reason that she was told not to. There was no reason she couldn’t just take a guard and go instead of sneaking off. The other characters, especially Otto I really liked. Hopefully a future book will be about him! Other than the ending (which I found too sappy, and with too much being told how it went rather than just finding out) the book was very well written, easy to read, and kept my attention throughout.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmet’s story revealed!

Excellent thrilling conclusion to the mystery of Farrin’s brother that we heard about earlier in this series. Rosa was an interesting character; I liked her tenacity, but sometimes her decisions made me want to growl in frustration like the wolves. I liked the scheming queens; what fun they introduced to the plot! Rosa, her mom, her stepbrother, and stepfather got along really well; I’m glad this time the trope of wicked stepfamilies didn’t appear. The storyline was great! The romance seemed a bit fast for me, but I thought the two characters were well-matched. Clean in both language and content. Would recommend, especially to readers who like shapeshifter stories, Little Red Riding Hood retelling, and/or want to know more about Medullan royal family.

[Sonya Kamell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Best retelling of little red riding hood!

I loved this book. I have enjoyed the whole series, but I particularly loved this book. Not sure if it was the hilarious way granny, the love between all the married couples and the love and respect between nobles and servants written with so much sass... this book is just full of moxie and joy and plain speaking and acceptance of tactful gold as well as plain speakers. Truly a lovely, enjoyable read. I want more time with all these characters!!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Couldn’t Put It Down!

I love when I find a series that keeps getting better and better! This book can be read independently, but pairs well with the first book in the series since the protagonists are brothers.

I loved Prince Emmett and Princess Rosa, and the way that Little Red Riding Hood was woven into the story. There was suspense, magic, romance, and humor. I absolutely adored the two queens and their matchmaking ways! If you love fairytales you need to read Deborah Grace White’s books!

[Sennin Kellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique Red Riding Hood retelling

The wolf is not who you think he is… or is he? I could not put this story down. Not only because I have been so excited to read more about Emmett but also Rosa is amazing and it was such a fun read. Emmett and Rosa definitely do not get off to a great start but their interactions are so fun to read, as are the interactions with the other characters. Characters interactions made this book and it’s a must read for those who enjoy banter, honesty, and good people growing into themselves and striving to do the right thing!

[Susan O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I love all the Singer tales, but this one had some twists I didn’t expect. Plus, the female MC (Rosa) was so likable and witty; a princess that’s not really princess-like, meaning she’s a real person and doesn’t really care about how she “should” behave. I recommend this along with all the Singer Tales. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains: kisses and some animal on animal violence. This was an interesting take on little red riding hood. I wanted more interaction between the MCs. The first half is just her sneaking out and being belligerent and him hiding away. Most of their conversations are them being kinda rude to each other.

[Amena · Rating 5 out of 5]

an interesting spin on a fairytale classic

I had a lot of fun reading Rosa’s perspective in this book — while also becoming exasperated with her slightly careless ways. Emmett’s protective and dutiful voice was a pleasure to read. 4.5 stars though (rounded to five) as some elements felt a little less developed than the other books of the series.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

a novel easy to devour!

Full of magic, intense emotions, enemies-to-lovers (clean romance, though), and issues of trust, rightful place, and choices, this installment makes this series of the fairy tale retellings very proud.
The engaging style, the story flow and endless nods to the original fairy tale create a delightful read.

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I absolutely loved this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosa is irresponsible, endangering herself as others just for some idea of whatever she thinks is freedom. She's also an incredible bitch too anyone who offers her help. I'm not ever a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, but this was unnecessary because she didn't have to be a total cow.

[Deanna Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and most of the characters, especially Emmett. However, Rosa made so many dumb decisions that it was harder to like her. I wonder why her parents didn't give her more guards to try to limit her bad decisions tbh.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant take on red riding hood

I have really enjoyed this whole new world of the Singer tales. Very well written, with characters that seem so real. I can't wait for the next book.

[Tenna Chatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked

Deborah Grace White is doing an amazing job with this series. Each book is masterfully written. I was cheering Rosa on to figure out what was really going on. And I was cheering for Emmett for a completely different reason also. Great chemistry while also clean.

[Deb Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Passionate and powerful. Just like a good wolf story should be. I loved that Rosa was so different from every other princess — total trouble. And the balance between the two was enchanting.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel-good adventure story

The story of Rosa and Emmett is one of starcrossed lovers, pride and prejudice, and red riding hood all rolled into one. This is a very satisfying adventure/romance/happily ever after tale.

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The forest at night

Excellent retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. The author continues to lay down hints of the conspirators that are showing up in every story. I liked Emmet, and though Rosa isn't my favorite female lead, I still liked her.

[LaShunda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

A headstrong princess and a dutifully honorable prince embark on an adventure into love. This is a memorable tale, and an exciting read.

[Caleigh Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

How are you going to call this the singer tales but neither of the main characters were singers

[Alita Parke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun and engaging little red riding hood retelling! Fantastically done!

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

This was a good retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and I enjoyed reading it! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Viola Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosa was a spunkier character than the other FMCs in this series but it worked and Emmett was an excellent match for her. Can't wait for more of the series.

[Adrianja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little red riding hood retelling! I would not describe myself as a fan of books with werewolves, but I loved this one!

Rosa was a fun, spunky, and reluctant princess! I loved her spirit and some of the twists with the classic elements of the original fairytale. I was glad to finally have resolution to Emmett's story that was hinted in the beginning of the series.

I recommend reading this series!