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Damsels of Distress #1
Red X Wolf
Know when to hold your ground. When to walk away. But especially when to run.
Lily Red, known as ‘Little Red’, has trained her entire life to become a system-acknowledged scout under her Grandmother’s guidance. Hunting, tracking, and trap-making—she’s a master of her craft. But her dreams of joining the elite Scout forces are repeatedly blocked by a leader of the Wyld with a grudge against Grandmother.
When Lily uncovers an impending invasion by Wolf Warband, brutal raiders from the frozen north, a deadly challenge offered by their war leader sets her pulse racing. She's his partner in prophecy, so as far as he’s concerned she’s the only person in the way. Little Red races away to warn the Wyld, but the city’s rulers mock her warnings as fairy tales, dismissing the threat entirely. Undeterred, she vows to protect the people of Canu Moch herself.
But Lily isn’t about to back down. She’ll be the competent protector of the people of Canu Moch—whether they want her or not. With the three city-states planning to ignore the danger, she strikes out on her own, quickly finding herself on the razor’s edge between duty and ambition as Little Red pits herself against the Big Bad Wolf.
Stay on the path. Don’t stray or roam. Lest the forest decides you shan’t find your way home.
Lily Red, known as ‘Little Red’, has trained her entire life to become a system-acknowledged scout under her Grandmother’s guidance. Hunting, tracking, and trap-making—she’s a master of her craft. But her dreams of joining the elite Scout forces are repeatedly blocked by a leader of the Wyld with a grudge against Grandmother.
When Lily uncovers an impending invasion by Wolf Warband, brutal raiders from the frozen north, a deadly challenge offered by their war leader sets her pulse racing. She's his partner in prophecy, so as far as he’s concerned she’s the only person in the way. Little Red races away to warn the Wyld, but the city’s rulers mock her warnings as fairy tales, dismissing the threat entirely. Undeterred, she vows to protect the people of Canu Moch herself.
But Lily isn’t about to back down. She’ll be the competent protector of the people of Canu Moch—whether they want her or not. With the three city-states planning to ignore the danger, she strikes out on her own, quickly finding herself on the razor’s edge between duty and ambition as Little Red pits herself against the Big Bad Wolf.
Stay on the path. Don’t stray or roam. Lest the forest decides you shan’t find your way home.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published March 18, 2025
About the author
Dakota Krout
88 books2,922 followersAuthor of the best-selling Divine Dungeon, Completionist Chronicles, and Full Murderhobo series, Dakota Krout was chosen as Audible's top 5 fantasy pick of 2017, has been a top 5 bestseller on Amazon, and a top 6 bestseller on Audible.
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 24, 2025
Even though the description calls this romantasy, it’s more on the game-lit or fantasy side of things. Very light on the romance. That said, it was such a fun story! The whole family enjoyed listening to it on a recent road trip. It has enough action to keep my teenage son’s interest, but the awesome main character is female, which my daughter enjoyed.
September 24, 2025
Interesting, but not as compelling as the other books from this author i've read.
it's not so much of a retelling as a litrpg but more a book where ocassionaly you get a nod to the old fairytale in names or jokes.
All in all entertaining, but not very special.
it's not so much of a retelling as a litrpg but more a book where ocassionaly you get a nod to the old fairytale in names or jokes.
All in all entertaining, but not very special.
July 14, 2025
This book was action packed and ended up being cute, but it just wasn't for me. There is nothing wrong with it, but for whatever reason it just didn't hold my attention.
May 30, 2025
Romance:
August 9, 2025
Clever concept, mixed execution for this Krout fan
What initially drew me to Red X Wolf was the promise of an RPG version of classic fairy tale retellings—and Dakota Krout absolutely delivers on that concept. Having read most of the author's other works, I was excited to see how he'd tackle this genre blend.
What Worked: Krout's integration of various classics and nursery stories into the world-building was genuinely clever. The author's signature creativity in reimagining familiar tales within a system-based framework shows his storytelling evolution, and the premise itself is engaging.
Where It Fell Short: As someone who went in expecting a solid romance element, the ending left me feeling underwhelmed. The relationship development between Red and the Big Bad Wolf didn't quite land for me, despite knowing that was the intended direction. The climactic fight scene also felt overly drawn out, which affected the pacing in the final act.
RPG Mechanics Comparison: While the system integration serves the story, I found myself missing the tighter world-building and more engaging RPG mechanics from Krout's other series. The game elements here felt less polished compared to his previous work.
Bottom Line: A creative concept with moments of brilliance, but not quite up to the standard I've come to expect from this author. Krout fans might want to temper expectations, though the fairy tale reimagining concept has potential for future books in the series.
Recommended for: Fairy tale retelling fans willing to try LitRPG, completionist Krout readers
Skip if: You're looking for Krout's strongest RPG mechanics or a satisfying romance
What initially drew me to Red X Wolf was the promise of an RPG version of classic fairy tale retellings—and Dakota Krout absolutely delivers on that concept. Having read most of the author's other works, I was excited to see how he'd tackle this genre blend.
What Worked: Krout's integration of various classics and nursery stories into the world-building was genuinely clever. The author's signature creativity in reimagining familiar tales within a system-based framework shows his storytelling evolution, and the premise itself is engaging.
Where It Fell Short: As someone who went in expecting a solid romance element, the ending left me feeling underwhelmed. The relationship development between Red and the Big Bad Wolf didn't quite land for me, despite knowing that was the intended direction. The climactic fight scene also felt overly drawn out, which affected the pacing in the final act.
RPG Mechanics Comparison: While the system integration serves the story, I found myself missing the tighter world-building and more engaging RPG mechanics from Krout's other series. The game elements here felt less polished compared to his previous work.
Bottom Line: A creative concept with moments of brilliance, but not quite up to the standard I've come to expect from this author. Krout fans might want to temper expectations, though the fairy tale reimagining concept has potential for future books in the series.
Recommended for: Fairy tale retelling fans willing to try LitRPG, completionist Krout readers
Skip if: You're looking for Krout's strongest RPG mechanics or a satisfying romance
February 8, 2026
I admit that I was hopeful about this book because I miss when RWBY was a watchable show. Seeing someone else doing a sort of retelling of Red Riding Hood in the LitRPG world sounded worth trying out. And, I've read others of Dakota Krout's works and enjoyed them.
Lily Red did not disappoint about feeling a lot like the show's version of a retelling and my review might be leaning kindly on it due to that. The character was a much more appropriate retelling as a Ranger of the Woods being taught by her Grandmother about how to survive.
That leans into the elements which are inspired by the Fairy Tale; and they are there but in a loose way which shows that they were worked into the storytelling more than dominate it. In fact, sometimes they kind of feel tacked on while the story progresses, which was fine to me. Other times, such as where she gets help from a character who I will not discuss - was amusing since they followed the Fairy Tale but not in the way you'd expect. It's scaffolding for a story which is fun. And, if you notice it then the elements help the book a bit more entertaining. If not, then you're not really missing anything important anyways.
I have to admit that if you're more hardcore about the LitRPG elements where you get character sheets vomited up on pages to fill out space then you wont find this to your liking. Frankly, those parts of LitRPG are miserable and boring; I glaze over and skip them anyways. And, the system in the world helps force her to make decisions which Lily might not have made otherwise.
I'm interested in working my way through the others and cannot wait for the moment where I expect they all end up as a team somewhere. I'd bet money on it.
Lily Red did not disappoint about feeling a lot like the show's version of a retelling and my review might be leaning kindly on it due to that. The character was a much more appropriate retelling as a Ranger of the Woods being taught by her Grandmother about how to survive.
That leans into the elements which are inspired by the Fairy Tale; and they are there but in a loose way which shows that they were worked into the storytelling more than dominate it. In fact, sometimes they kind of feel tacked on while the story progresses, which was fine to me. Other times, such as where she gets help from a character who I will not discuss - was amusing since they followed the Fairy Tale but not in the way you'd expect. It's scaffolding for a story which is fun. And, if you notice it then the elements help the book a bit more entertaining. If not, then you're not really missing anything important anyways.
I have to admit that if you're more hardcore about the LitRPG elements where you get character sheets vomited up on pages to fill out space then you wont find this to your liking. Frankly, those parts of LitRPG are miserable and boring; I glaze over and skip them anyways. And, the system in the world helps force her to make decisions which Lily might not have made otherwise.
I'm interested in working my way through the others and cannot wait for the moment where I expect they all end up as a team somewhere. I'd bet money on it.
June 20, 2026
So that's Litrpg. There was another book that felt more like Anime then Litrpg but the classification was Litrpg and I thought I understood why. . .in a way. In this people get points with skills and the text makes the point system very obvious. Honestly it could have been a magic system, but they way the main character were given points made it more an RPG then a magic system. This book plays heavily with the tropes of Little Red Riding Hood story, and includes the lines this story is famous for. When it happens it's pretty eye-rolling. But the shape the story takes, eventually becoming a major battle between two characters. The ending was a little eye-rolling, but made sense for the conceit of the story and the characters as laid out. So it isn't completely out of no where or even insta-romance so many YA and Urban Fantasy books to too famous for. It was a good story with a lot of interesting twists and a really good climax. Since it's strengths over come it's weaknesses I'm giving it 5 stars. it was my first actual experience with LitRPG, I liked the main character and how she navigates her world. Pretty good end to the final boss battle, and except for what happens at the very end (I found that far more unbelievable, but it did not show anyone going out of character to make the ending happen. Just not the way I would have bone. I think most people will really enjoy this novel.
June 13, 2026
I wanted to love this book and enjoyed the premise, but I felt it could have been better edited to cut out unnecessary content and make the overall story flow more smoothly. It's hard to put into words, but at points it felt like there wasn't an overall story and just "... and then this random thing happened," and then at the end of the book suddenly it's "oh yeah, we got this bad guy and let's get back to the main story.
If this were a video game, most of the book felt like it was dedicated to unrelated side quests, and then, at the end, the player/author suddenly decided to focus on the main storyline.
Also, the coastals were painfully annoying and at times seemed pretty dumb. I almost thought they were supposed to be an allegory to a group of people, as they seemed more cartoonish rather than a group of people who'd exist. Yet at the same time our FMC puts up with them and feels obligated for their safety because... I understand it was the right thing to do, but the way she helps and treats them with kid gloves seems to infantilize them more than it helps.
If this were a video game, most of the book felt like it was dedicated to unrelated side quests, and then, at the end, the player/author suddenly decided to focus on the main storyline.
Also, the coastals were painfully annoying and at times seemed pretty dumb. I almost thought they were supposed to be an allegory to a group of people, as they seemed more cartoonish rather than a group of people who'd exist. Yet at the same time our FMC puts up with them and feels obligated for their safety because... I understand it was the right thing to do, but the way she helps and treats them with kid gloves seems to infantilize them more than it helps.
February 28, 2026
This was my first LitRPG. I loved the idea of the reimagined tale of Red Riding Hood.
The author did a very good job of incorporating some of the traditional story line but made it different.
I didn't realize what a LitRPG book was like. The main character kept focusing on her stats and how to level up. The other thing they focused on was the traps she set. Very monotonous.
The pacing of the story was slow. The few character interactions were shallow. Didn't make you fall in love with any of the side characters.
I thought the wolf would be a central part of the story but he was barely in it. The chase scene at the end was so boring and drawn out.
I had an idea what I thought this story was going to be but was disappointed. I won't be moving onto the next book.
The author did a very good job of incorporating some of the traditional story line but made it different.
I didn't realize what a LitRPG book was like. The main character kept focusing on her stats and how to level up. The other thing they focused on was the traps she set. Very monotonous.
The pacing of the story was slow. The few character interactions were shallow. Didn't make you fall in love with any of the side characters.
I thought the wolf would be a central part of the story but he was barely in it. The chase scene at the end was so boring and drawn out.
I had an idea what I thought this story was going to be but was disappointed. I won't be moving onto the next book.
June 23, 2025
Red X Wolf
Lily Red “Little Red” has been training as a scout and trapper under her Grandmother’s tutelage since she was only 4. Though she is far more skilled than most scouts, one of her Grandmother’s rivals keeps preventing her from joining the island’s scouts. This was when she discovered that the infamous Wolf Warband has just landed on their island. Lily decides to warn her people and pits herself against the Warband’s leader, Big Bad.
This is the start to a really fun LitRPG series that retells and blends classic fairy tales. It’s a stand alone, but I’m hoping that all of the Damsels team up at the end. Red is such a powerful character! She is just a joy to read. Since this is Dakota, the puns are woven masterfully into the story and not to the point where they detract from the experience. I’m looking forward to the next book! Emily Woo Zeller did a great job with the narration!
Content warning: none
Lily Red “Little Red” has been training as a scout and trapper under her Grandmother’s tutelage since she was only 4. Though she is far more skilled than most scouts, one of her Grandmother’s rivals keeps preventing her from joining the island’s scouts. This was when she discovered that the infamous Wolf Warband has just landed on their island. Lily decides to warn her people and pits herself against the Warband’s leader, Big Bad.
This is the start to a really fun LitRPG series that retells and blends classic fairy tales. It’s a stand alone, but I’m hoping that all of the Damsels team up at the end. Red is such a powerful character! She is just a joy to read. Since this is Dakota, the puns are woven masterfully into the story and not to the point where they detract from the experience. I’m looking forward to the next book! Emily Woo Zeller did a great job with the narration!
Content warning: none
March 19, 2025
New stuff from a favorite author!
This is mostly a fun fantasy story with some game mechanics added in. The “romance” portion only shows up at the very end, which is just fine with me. The story is mostly an exhausting chase back and forth across the island home of the main character.
I’m curious how the next editions of this will go, as the names sound like they will focus on other characters. But the final bits of this story make it clear there will be some connections in the future.
This is mostly a fun fantasy story with some game mechanics added in. The “romance” portion only shows up at the very end, which is just fine with me. The story is mostly an exhausting chase back and forth across the island home of the main character.
I’m curious how the next editions of this will go, as the names sound like they will focus on other characters. But the final bits of this story make it clear there will be some connections in the future.
March 21, 2025
Excellent fairytale reboot!
Unlike other fairy tale reboots, this one keeps you guessing! The actual bits about Red and Grandma are handled fairly early on, leaving a lot of book of "what's gonna happen?".
I love Dakota Krout's books, and this was no exception. The transition from lots of stats pages was great for keeping the story moving, but I was a little bummed that there wasn't a "log" that Red could look through.
The magic system was consistent, the puns made me snort, and the life lessons about balance and freedom refreshing.
Now hurry up with the next 4!
Unlike other fairy tale reboots, this one keeps you guessing! The actual bits about Red and Grandma are handled fairly early on, leaving a lot of book of "what's gonna happen?".
I love Dakota Krout's books, and this was no exception. The transition from lots of stats pages was great for keeping the story moving, but I was a little bummed that there wasn't a "log" that Red could look through.
The magic system was consistent, the puns made me snort, and the life lessons about balance and freedom refreshing.
Now hurry up with the next 4!
March 23, 2025
fuuuuuun, light, clean adventure, filled with somewhat familiar yet reinterpreted characters and the usual tropes for a damsel in (of) distress story.
In a world full of stereotypes, Red is a ranger, Wolf is a barbarian, the piggies' city states are fighting among themselves, on an isolated island, all while the evil witch skin-walkers are roaming amok and causing trouble in the world.
"Where is Romantasy? Me not find! Me searching?"
I'm curious how this story will evolve as both protagonists look to be overpowered already. onwards!
In a world full of stereotypes, Red is a ranger, Wolf is a barbarian, the piggies' city states are fighting among themselves, on an isolated island, all while the evil witch skin-walkers are roaming amok and causing trouble in the world.
"Where is Romantasy? Me not find! Me searching?"
I'm curious how this story will evolve as both protagonists look to be overpowered already. onwards!
May 17, 2025
3.5 stars. Part of the issue is I went in with super high expectations since I really enjoyed other Dakota krout books. The first 25% was a bit painful for me, I don't like getting too stressed out in my entertainment. It was't as funny as I had hoped overall, but still generally compelling as a story. Also wasn't thrilled with the end mostly because, *spoiler below warning*
it makes sense they'd have a crush on each other but getting married that quickly when so much is still not known about the other slightly horrified me
it makes sense they'd have a crush on each other but getting married that quickly when so much is still not known about the other slightly horrified me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
Amazing adaptation of classic fairy tales!
Epic rendition of interwoven traditional fairy tales recreated in a wonderful "coming of age" style story.
Not only did all the classic elements get consistently and comprehensively amalgamated, but it was funny, entertaining, and even with the reversal of roles between the big bad wolf and the huntsman, still kept intact the intrinsic morality tale of its origins.
Well done, I anticipate great things from this series!
Epic rendition of interwoven traditional fairy tales recreated in a wonderful "coming of age" style story.
Not only did all the classic elements get consistently and comprehensively amalgamated, but it was funny, entertaining, and even with the reversal of roles between the big bad wolf and the huntsman, still kept intact the intrinsic morality tale of its origins.
Well done, I anticipate great things from this series!
May 27, 2026
I liked the use of the wolf from all the fairy tales being tied into the same group. Fun idea. Book was good and enjoyable. Definitely not romantasy. More YA than anything else.
I was caught off guard by the marriage side of things. The only real connection between the two characters was Big Bad's enjoyment of the chase, but that didn't come across as romantically charged. And Red had no interest in him the entire time.
I was caught off guard by the marriage side of things. The only real connection between the two characters was Big Bad's enjoyment of the chase, but that didn't come across as romantically charged. And Red had no interest in him the entire time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
Review: Dakota delivers again with the best LitRPG world building out there.
Red is a solid character whose POV you share as she moves through the story line. The paths are varied but the culmination of those paths is not surprising. I still had a good time evidenced by early morning bed times.
4.5/5
Red is a solid character whose POV you share as she moves through the story line. The paths are varied but the culmination of those paths is not surprising. I still had a good time evidenced by early morning bed times.
4.5/5
August 25, 2025
DK-IS-GR-eight
I loved all the hidden gems in this book such as the DK is great hidden messages and all the puns. It was an interesting and exciting take on an old classic that left me excited to see what the future holds... And definitely wanting some bacon for some strange reason.
I loved all the hidden gems in this book such as the DK is great hidden messages and all the puns. It was an interesting and exciting take on an old classic that left me excited to see what the future holds... And definitely wanting some bacon for some strange reason.
May 22, 2026
2.5 I so so badly wanted to like this one. I had such high hopes that I downloaded the whole series to read this summer. I never do that! But the concept and the other high ratings gave me a false sense of hope. The idea behind this book is great, but it read like stereo instructions to me. I had to force myself to finish and even by the very end I wasn’t invested in the characters at all. ☹️
June 26, 2026
The Damsels of Distress series is a very novel combination of LitRPG and Fairy Tale themes. I ended up loving this series far more than I thought I would. I thought the integration of the system and skills into the world was very well done. And I loved the skill sets of the main characters and how they helped make up the characters we know from our childhood stories. My favorite aspect was how each main character in the series interacted with their skills — whether they developed them against all odd, grew alongside them, or fought against them. In RedxWold, Lily Red is very skilled, and she really makes the most of her system skills with expert execution.
I also really liked how the relationships between the characters developed. This series main characters are the women in fairy tales. And they are not saved by men, but it also doesn't try to push it fully in the opposite direction with men being completely useless and the protagonists having to do everything themselves. Both sides tend to be competent and skilled, work together well, and really respect one another. I think the relationship that develops in this RedxWolf book is especially humorous.
The world is amazing. The stories in this series are self contained for the most part, but have just enough hints at wider world conflicts and references to each other for me to see some hint at something and start jumping in excitement in a "hey! I know whats going on there!" kind of way.
Curious to see if the author does more. I really enjoyed this series.
I also really liked how the relationships between the characters developed. This series main characters are the women in fairy tales. And they are not saved by men, but it also doesn't try to push it fully in the opposite direction with men being completely useless and the protagonists having to do everything themselves. Both sides tend to be competent and skilled, work together well, and really respect one another. I think the relationship that develops in this RedxWolf book is especially humorous.
The world is amazing. The stories in this series are self contained for the most part, but have just enough hints at wider world conflicts and references to each other for me to see some hint at something and start jumping in excitement in a "hey! I know whats going on there!" kind of way.
Curious to see if the author does more. I really enjoyed this series.
March 20, 2025
Great start to what looks to be a fun series!
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. Love the different nursery rhyme tie-ins and the fun way Dakota Krout has with words. A thoroughly enjoyable read - can’t wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. Love the different nursery rhyme tie-ins and the fun way Dakota Krout has with words. A thoroughly enjoyable read - can’t wait for the next one!
March 21, 2025
fun twist of several old fairy tales
I was delighted to read this book the play and twist of so many old stories was very enjoyable. I highly recommend and even the lit-rpg aspects were light and moved the story forward. Check it out. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
I was delighted to read this book the play and twist of so many old stories was very enjoyable. I highly recommend and even the lit-rpg aspects were light and moved the story forward. Check it out. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
March 28, 2025
genius
I had never heard of this series before and stumbled onto this book. The inner weaving of the big bad Wolf Little red riding Hood, and the three little pigs was nothing short of genius. The end seemed a little rushed, but the rest of the story was greatly entertaining.
I had never heard of this series before and stumbled onto this book. The inner weaving of the big bad Wolf Little red riding Hood, and the three little pigs was nothing short of genius. The end seemed a little rushed, but the rest of the story was greatly entertaining.
April 17, 2025
A lot of fun!
This is more of a traditional LitRPG than I'm used to from the author, and I think it's an improvement. The plot is tight, the pacing good, and the rules consistent. The ending feels earned, which is a bit of an achievement given what it was! Definitely recommended.
This is more of a traditional LitRPG than I'm used to from the author, and I think it's an improvement. The plot is tight, the pacing good, and the rules consistent. The ending feels earned, which is a bit of an achievement given what it was! Definitely recommended.
June 2, 2025
I'm usually a big fan of Dakota's writing, but this one fell flat for me. It's a cute idea, but the litrpg elements didn't really feel like they did anything, and was more a afterthought than a feature. And the overall plot didn't make much sense.
January 12, 2026
Take four-ish fairytales and smush them together with some game mechanics, shake vigorously, and get the Damsels of Distress series.
Read for: Lighthearted comfort
Avoid if: You hate when a story sometimes chooses “humor” over “believability.”
Read for: Lighthearted comfort
Avoid if: You hate when a story sometimes chooses “humor” over “believability.”
January 19, 2026
Good read
Enjoyed this book immensely. Wonderful characters, the more despicable ones made for wonderful antagonists. The retelling of Little Red Riding Hood was a wonderfully unexpected find. Can't wait to read the others in the series.
Enjoyed this book immensely. Wonderful characters, the more despicable ones made for wonderful antagonists. The retelling of Little Red Riding Hood was a wonderfully unexpected find. Can't wait to read the others in the series.
April 3, 2026
Did not know this was litrpg. My expectations especially since this was promoted as romantasy were not met but the FMC was so cool and smart I hot over that. And the romance that pops ip at the end was fun and made sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
Dakota Krout at it again ^^ Fairytales, a hint of romance and a nice lit-rpg system. Cannot wait for the next books!!
March 22, 2025
enjoyed it
It was an enjoyable book. Not a huge fan of reboots, but this one was fun, I recommend it for a light read
It was an enjoyable book. Not a huge fan of reboots, but this one was fun, I recommend it for a light read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews