Taking Red: A Little Red Riding Hood Retelling

by Liv Strom

BLOODY MURDERS, UNFORTUNATE ATTRACTIONS, AND MIDWINTER WISHES IN THE CITY OF THE DEAD.
The latest stand-alone installment in the award-winning Tales of Bones & Roses series is hotter and bloodier than ever before.

Mariska knows her duty—be the good healer princess, the dedicated daughter, and marry for money, because her family has a ruinous they’re broke. However, after stumbling out of a snowstorm with only a single boot, an impossible flower, and no memory of the previous night, and straight into the arms of her teenage crush, money is the last thing on Mariska's mind.

Kaz is trapped in the mountains with a broken leg, a beast under his skin, and a long list of dismembered murder victims. The last person he needs wandering into the middle of his investigation is Mariska Radanova, the little sister of his oldest and only friend.

When death follows Mariska and Kaz back to Tal, they are forced to confront bloody murders and the secrets they’ve carried since childhood. Will they dare to step off the path?

Taking Red is a best friend’s little sister, friends-to-lovers romantasy, full of mystery, bloody murders, and found family. This dual points-of-view story that can be read as part of the Tales of Bones & Roses series or as a stand-alone.

469 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

About the author

Liv Strom is a Swiss-Swedish writer of speculative fiction, often featuring strong women. Her stories have appeared in Apex, Hexagon SF Magazine, and Mystery Magazine, among others, and been included on Tor.com’s Must-Read Speculative Fiction and reviewed on Locus.

Her first novel The Last Spiritwalker is a dark contemporary fantasy road trip where no one is safe, while her Tales of Bones and Roses series retells fairytales in the city of Tal, where epic fantasy and romance meet.

When not writing, she raises her three wild children on stories.

Reviews

[Lydia Wulanastri · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh what a re(a)d!! brother’s best friend x red riding hood retelling romantasy.. I knew I would love it and I sure did <3


Riska and Kaz are such a great pair for this fairytale, they’re like so so precious to me. to put it simply, I love love LOVEE the romance. the slow burn, the build up... it’s like perfect. I also would like to thank Ms. Strom that the story is a brother's best friend without (much of) the brother there because that part’s always given me anxiety lol. so I very appreciate how it instead highlights more of Riska and Kaz’s each learnings and journeys with the help of the other. they are so soo good for each other, how Kaz understands her and vise versa, how Riska supports him and vice versa……. I love them your honor

story-wise, I found very little retelling plot at the beginning of the book, but through the course of the story (and especially towards the end!) I could see it; and whoa there might not be as many parallels as the previous ones but it’s so clever in here too! it’s a bit more gruesome than I expected (I’m a very visual person) but it adds to the charm of the book, of how it still relates to the grim original tale but not as much through its own story's twists and turns. the mystery is also very well-thought, I adore how much set-up it actually did before I eventually figure it out.

it’s my fifth time going in the Tal world, and it sure has been such a pleasant and rewarding experience. the plot and world-building is incredible as always, and I love how it continues to expand with each book so we get to meet and know more characters even though they stay as separate stories. I haven’t enjoyed stand-alones in the same fictional fantasy world as much as this, and I’m so thankful I can do it constantly through its ARCs. can’t wait for the next one!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Pretend long enough to be someone, and you forgot that it was pretense.”

“Taking Red,” by Liv Strom

Healer FMC and her temporary bodyguard was a great plot idea. I thought the slowburn build was really great. The characters were both so good, they drew me in and kept me interested. My favorite part of the book was the plot. I loved how the story unfolded and how it affected the characters. I really liked the magic system and the FMC being a healer. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Mages
-Healer X Temporary Bodyguard
-Slowburn
-Retelling
-Mystery
-Friends To Lovers

Thank you for the ARC, Booksirens.

“…for trust, freely given, was its own kind of chain, one I would do anything not to break.”

[Hila Jonker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sent to me as an ARC and my opinion is my own.

When I picked up Taking Red I was not expecting it to take me on such an adventure.

A retelling of Little Red Ridinghood that takes you on unexpected twists and turns. I missed all the breadcrumbs along the way but that made for an even more immersive experience as the facts dawned on me at the same time as they did the MCs (Although there was one clue I figured out just before they did)

To later read that the author had aphantasia made this book even more amazing in retrospect because she painted such vivid images in my head. I guess I will need to hop over the border one day and see the world she lives in which inspired such great things.

[Devon Gambrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable, and the setting was entertaining. Overall, the story gripped me; the only confusing part was the time period, with modern elements mixed in with older themes.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the love to Liv Strom for allowing me to read an ARC of Taking Red: A Little Red Riding Hood Retelling!

This gripping fifth installment of the Tales of Bones and Roses series follows the tale of Mariska, the healer princess of Tal, and Kaz the (smoking hot) grumpy Bone Soldier. After somehow stumbling out of a snow storm and into an inn on the mountain, Mariska finds herself in the presence of her teenage crush, Kaz. Kaz, who just so happens to be her older brother's best friend, and who also just so happens to have a broken leg, how ever will he repay her for healing it?
Both need to get to Tal, Mariska has a clinic to run, and Kaz has a long list of murder victims that he has been tasked to solve. With the help and dedication of Mariska, the two of them solve the crime and get closer to each other through it all.

3% into the book I was hooked, 9% in I had to force myself to put it down so I could do my homework. Although I first found the writing a bit to get used to, this book became a favourite REAL QUICK. The world building and magic systems are so thoughtfully complicated that they made perfect sense. I felt like I could see each scene as I read it.

I found that there were mmmaaannnnyyyyy nicknames that were hard to keep track of, and every once in a while the wording did not make a lot of sense, but honestly that is all of my criticism. This book is 5 / 5 stars for me, it is going on my list of favourites for SURE.

The relationship between Kaz and Mariska was mouth watering. They wanted each other SO bad but couldn’t give in. She’s his best friend's little sister, the one who he saw each summer all those years ago, she’s forbidden……right?
I appreciated that this wasn’t all smut, there was a juicy build up to their “relations,” and it took nearly 80% of the book. This yearning made the book addicting, I wanted them to just say fuck it and give in, but they WOULDN’T, which made it so much better.

All of the characters were sound, they were not flat. I was engaged even when I was reading about a small side character, and that small side character ended up helping BIG time when Kaz and Mariska needed help the most. There was a betrayal at the end by someone that I honestly should have seen coming, but somehow I was surprised. I think it was because Strom wrote this betrayer in a classic trope (I won’t spoil it), so I was like, well they’ve already got a specific archetype to play, so they surely aren’t the one!!! I look forward to reading the other books in this series so I can get a taste of the other characters that I didn’t get to learn about as much in Taking Red.

The pacing of the book was so perfectly done, it wasn’t rushed, and scenes were able to play out in satisfying chunks. There wasn’t a moment that went on too long, or too short (unless we are talking about THE chapter, IYKYK), everything was very thought out and you could tell that Strom really put time and effort into this story.

As I mentioned above, Taking Red is the fifth book in the Tales of Bones and Roses series, and although being labelled as a stand alone, I was missing out on some context. I knew I was going in with missing pieces, but I honestly didn’t have an issue understanding what was happening. Strom made sure to sprinkle in some context when necessary, conveniently enticing me to read the other four books, which I most definitely will put on my list.
I know this is a long review, but I wanted to do this book the justice it deserves, you need to read this book. Period.

Huge thanks to Book Sirens for giving me the opportunity to read Taking Red!

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, I'll be honest. I wasn't expecting a huge plot like that. I'm a sucker for Red Riding Hood retellings, so I was definitely thinking this was going to be a smutty book or something with a title like that, but I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a murder mystery/thriller/romance/mixture of everything! I was so hooked from the first page itself. I loved the characters, the way they were portrayed, the fantastical elements, the modern world building, the way magic was weaved into the story, everything was superb.

And the romance was a part of it, but it wasn't the MAIN part?! Amazing!

What confused me about this book was the mentions of different characters from previous books and their stories. I would have been okay with a bit more context about the characters (like the author did with Vanya a little), but I still don't know enough about the other characters that were mentioned from the past books. It was hard trying to keep track of who's who in the series. (Yes, yes, I could have gone to the index section and read about them, but the relationship with the main characters was still a bit confusing to me).

Anyway, this was a really interesting book. I might be tempted into reading Kola's book too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

eARC review

3,5 stars
A Little Red riding hood retelling with a lot of twists and turns.
Though this is a stand-alone in the Tales of Bones and Roses, I feel like I sometimes have missed parts of the plot since I don’t already know some of the characters or events from previous books. That there is a sentence missing, which makes it a bit confusing and incoherent at times.

I do however, like the magic system, the mystery combined with politics and the yearning. It’s a quite dark story with some gruesome parts. That is mixed with all day life of the princess/healer and the wish to help people. I’m not a fan of silly nicknames but in this story the reason wasn’t just to annoy the FC and start arguments, it’s part of their history. I like the mix of fantasy and mystery and it’s fun to read and discover the connections to the Red riding hood story. It wasn’t a “I-can’t- put-this-down”-story but I enjoyed reading it.

eARC from Booksirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking Red is the fifth book in Liv Strom’s fairytale retelling series, this time reimagining Little Red Riding Hood. The story follows a new couple while also weaving in a familiar character, Mariska, which was a nice connection to earlier installments.

I enjoyed the action and suspense throughout the book, and the pacing kept me turning pages, and Strom’s darker twist on the fairytale world continues to be creative. That said, this one didn’t grab me quite as much as some of the earlier books in the series. While I liked the concept and the moments of tension, parts of the story felt less memorable, and I didn’t connect with the new couple as strongly as I’d hoped.

Overall, Taking Red was an entertaining read with good action, but for me, it landed solidly in the middle of the series: enjoyable, though not a standout.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC and would recommend!

This is book five in the Tales of Bones and Roses series. Each book is a creative reimagining of a fairytale. There is a Cinderella inspired duology, a Bluebeard inspired novella, a Rumpelstiltskin inspired story and then Taking Red is a reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood. Each book focuses on different pairings/groups from the same friend circle and in the same world.

Mariska is one of my favourite characters, so I was excited to read a story where she was one of the main characters. She and Kaz both grow throughout the story. And it looks at themes such as: family, expectations, and being true to one's self. It's full of mystery and adventure!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been enjoying the Tales of Bones and Roses series since the first book and was so glad I was able to read this entry. It uses the Little Red Riding Hood elements to create a new retelling and make it feel like the same story. I was engaged from the characters and how they were used in this storyline, I enjoyed Mariska as a character. It had that overall feel that I was looking for and was glad I got to read this as it was everything that I was hoping for. Liv Strom wrote a great book and have enjoyed the entire series as a whole.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darker side to the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Without knowing anything about this series, I jumped right into book 5 and had no troubles following the story. While this does include mentions from previous stories, the mystery of murders, the fear of the mages, the mystique of the healers, the uncertainty of the animus, Marishka and Kazimir's journey from accidental meeting in the mountains to final party in Tal follows it's own path. I really enjoyed the more gritty and darker telling of the tale. Not all monsters are evil, and not all heros are good.

[Kaspar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting Little Red Riding Hood retelling set in the city of bones and roses. It's a romantasy midwinter murder mystery perfect for the gloomy seasons ahead. I especially love the recurring world and the connections to the previous books. The city of Tal feels alive, gritty and darkly charming.

I've read all the previous books, but this probably works well as a stand-alone or entry to the series.

[Pip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book. The murder mystery mixed with Little Red Riding Hood!? Yes please! I enjoyed the world building and atmosphere! I could see the frigid landscapes and Tal so clearly.
I wasn’t thrilled with the dialogue; it didn’t feel cohesive in some areas.

(Thank you for giving me an advance review copy for free! I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

I’m inclined to look into the authors other fairytale retellings.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! this is not the story you were told when you were little... love Mariska and Kazimir... this is their story... a fast paced action packed drama with murder and more... she must marry for money... and yet... he is surrounded by dead bodies... and yet... they have an accidental meeting or is it fate ? this is what happens... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lake Eerie Mermaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a little red riding hood retelling.
It can be read as part of the system or a stand-alone.

I recommend it being apart of the series as it feels you miss out on some of the relationships from reoccurring characters.

I liked the overall story. it was an easy read, the world was also well built.
the magic system was fun as well.

[Shantrellia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonder retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I have not read the previous books in this series but I can't wait to the rest. This story was a charming story. I could not put it down. I like the relationship between Mariska and Kazimir. I love a dark fairy tale and this hits the spot!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maya Hartleben · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book has so much promise but needs significant rounds of editing cut down to make it readable. I had to consult the character list constantly to remember who everyone was, given there were way too many involved actors. That being said the plot was very interesting and I was invested enough to want to see how it ended.

[T.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC of this novel and I couldn't put it down. I read it in two days. Deliciously tropey and a little spicy. This is the first novel in the Tale of Bones and Roses that I've read, but it won't be the last.

[Cheyenne Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I liked the characters and the plot is great. The storyline is excellent and worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ladnamal]

The world building was interesting and I liked the main characters. The plot had a few surprises which kept me turning page after page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this interesting, loose twist on red riding hood. These two have nothing in common but she needs him more than she realizes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Was hooked on the world-building and character depth from the beginning!

[Emily Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this rendition of the little red riding hood story! I’m so glad that Riska stepped out of her comfort zone and became the strong woman she was meant to be!

[Chloe Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly well written romance, fantasy, and mystery. I really enjoyed the world building and character stories as well as the complex society views on magic. Mariska and Kazimir quickly became interesting characters and the slow burn drew me in at very good pacing instead of being thrown together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Shawna Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always drawn to any sort of Little Red Riding Hood retelling, especially if it's got spice, and this is easily one of the best I've come across. The air between Mariska and Kaz sizzles with tension. Now I need to check out the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.