Feral: Villainous Retelling Anthology

by Cassandra Aston, Dawn Darling, Charlotte Mallory

Red was my prisoner.

Oh, I know. The irony isn't lost on me.

It all began with an apple, a murdered queen, and a blood oath neither of us should have made.

Her grandmother is dead, and I got her out before whoever did it came back to finish the job. She doesn't see it that way. She's convinced I'm the killer, that I stole her the night I saved her life, and every proof I offer just makes her trust me less.

She thought I'd stolen her to claim her the way every man in her life eventually tries. I swore an oath to prove I hadn' I won't touch her unless she asks.

I didn't plan on the bond. I didn't plan on falling for the one person in the kingdom who thinks I'm a murderer.

She was raised to be a crown, not a woman. I was raised to be a weapon, not a mate. She still thinks I'm the monster in this story. I'm not going anywhere until she stops believing it.

FERAL is a dark, fae-shifter one-sided enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, one bed, one bargain, and a hero who doesn't ask twice. Interconnected standalone with a HEA you won't stop thinking about.

Intended for readers 18+. Dark themes, morally gray characters, and spice that earns every bit of the "vicious" in the series title.

WHAT'S

One sided enemies-to-lovers / captor-captive romanceFated mate bond neither of them asked forPossessive, unhinged reluctant alpha heroSharp-tongued fae princess with a secret bloodlineForced proximity, one-bed tension, a blood oath he can't breakFairytale reimagining (Red Riding Hood)Dark fantasy world of fae courts and shifter packsFully standalone HEA, with a door left open for more
Feral is part of The Vicious Villains Anthology, a shared-world series featuring interconnected stories by multiple authors.

Books in the
Incarnate by Charlotte Mallory
Feral by Cassandra Aston
Darkling by Isabella Khalidi
Timeless by Amber Bunch
Delirium by Dawn Darling

Genres: Fae, Retellings

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2026

About the author

Cassandra Aston writes dark fantasy and romantasy packed with dangerous magic, court intrigue, sharp banter, and love that would burn the world before it lets go. Her stories feature morally gray men, stabby heroines, and brutal choices with consequences that bite.

She is the award-winning author of the completed Prophecies of Angels and Demons series and the Deadly Fae saga. She is currently expanding her interconnected universes with new fae stories, villain-led retellings, and gothic standalones that lean darker, sharper, and more emotionally ruinous.

When she can, she escapes to a cozy mountain cottage to write, fueled by hot chocolate and spite, and she believes there is only one rule that truly matters: love fiercely.

Connect with Cassandra through her website or on social media.

Reviews

[Kelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A queen who bends to her hunger has already lost her crown."

Red, a fae princess next in line for the throne, has been captured by Wulf, Prince of the wolf King. What she doesn't realize is that he is trying to save his mate (i.e. her) from an assassination attempt. She knows she needs to plot an escape to get back to the castle and complete the coronation with his father to ensure magic does not leave the kingdom. Who is trying to assassinate her? Who can she trust? Can she deny the chemistry between her and Wulf? Who is placed on the throne?

"Does my queen command it?"

Feral is told in dual POV, medium to fast paced by nature, plot driven, with some character building and closed door spice. Those story is built in a world we know as it's a twist to little red riding hood. While darker themed, I enjoyed the twists and undeniable chemistry between Red and Wulf. I loved Wulf and his morals, it was a nice touch to the villain. Talk about this slow burn turning into edging though; let us read that claiming! I can't wait to read the Dire Queen once released and hope to learn more about the secrets left untold.

If you like retellings, shifter romance, slow burns, captor vs captive, fae, betrayal, secrets and the villains story, this story may be for you.

Thank you to the authors and Crowns and Chaos PR for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to the release.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun twisted darker retelling of red riding hood! 🐺

Drawn to this story for it has all my fave tropes, dual POV, shifter romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, captor vs captive!

Story was pretty fast paced, allowing me to devour it within 24 hours.
The amount of tension in this book is it, and the chemistry between Wulf and Red is perfect! Plenty of twists and turns in the plot that left me wanting more and completely engaged the whole story.

[i_just_readalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Why were villains always the best looking?”

I read this entire thing within a few hours (RIP to my sleep schedule) and I have no regrets.

The chemistry and the tension between the Wolf and Red makes me, as the title states, feral. We get dropped right into a scene where we realize that the Wolf kidnapped Red. I absolutely devoured the forced proximity of the two of them having to share a bed while they viewed each other as enemies. I love that he’s actually just trying to protect her but there’s that misunderstanding between them about what happened before he kidnapped her.

Red is actually a fae princess who Wolf is protecting from an assassination plot against her. Meanwhile she’s trying to get back to her throne so she can take over as Queen now that her grandmother was killed. I really loved the betrayals and secrets of it all. Also, she’s betrothed to the Wolf’s father so that was fun to watch play out.

Minor thing that I wished was different was that I wanted more from all the reveals at the end. I think I would’ve liked a bit more foreshadowing throughout the book so that the impact of the reveal came through. Also, never thought I would say this but it needed a little more smut. This was a pretty epic slow burn though and I had such a fun time throughout.

The plot was engaging and the romance had such a great dynamic to build from with it being captor x captive. If you’re looking for a quick, shifter romance, that’s a little red riding hood retelling from the villains perspective you should definitely check this one out.

Thank you to the author and crowns and chaos pr for the eARC! All opinions are my own!

[Heathie · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This is my first Little Red Riding Hood retelling, and I have got to say, the bar has been set. This was such a great story with surprise villains, tension and outstanding banter. Definitely recommend

[Marie Harcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of an advance copy I received from the author

I love a tension filled slow burn with plenty of forced proximity and this book delivered! Feral takes the classic red riding hood story and imagines what would happen if the Big Bad Wolf captures Little Red for her own protection, and they reluctantly fall in fated love despite Red's political duty to breed with Wulf's father, the shifter pack's alpha. Don't worry, just like in the classic fairy tale Wulf devours and savors Red despite saving and protecting her.
This fairy tale retelling of red riding hood gave me moments of feeling cozy (yeah I know, in a dark romantasy?!), made me feel curious and invested, upset, shocked, and I even got goosebumps once! I sympathized and rooted for Wulf almost from the start which works beautifully for a story where the villain is the main character. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced storyline, and while I felt the romance was slow burn the forced proximity was present throughout almost all of the book with great romantic tension. It took me a little while to realize who the true antagonist was and I strongly disliked them, they kept earning my ire too, which is as it should be. The ending of the book had great closure and a HEA while leaving the possibility open for another book/s.

This truly felt like a retelling infused with some more lore and world building which made for a compelling quick dark romantasy read. If you love dark romantasy, shifter romance or fairytale re-tellings you should read Feral!

[Angel Lambert · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

Thank you very much for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was cute novella-length retelling of Little Red Riding Hood! I really enjoyed their love story and the plot was super interesting, I just wish it could’ve been longer! There was so much good plot lines and the beginning dynamic with kidnapping ate, but it all went by so quickly, and at some points I felt confused or like I was missing a piece of info I needed.

Since this a novella that is apart of an anthology I totally understand there being restraints or if it was simply how they wanted it to be! The main couple truly have such a fun and interesting dynamic that I just wanted to see more of, and all of the story with the two families and even world building was so good too.

There is word of a second book featuring a side character in 2028 that I would be very interested in reading!

Either way I did have a fun time with this read and def recommend it if you’re looking for a fun short wolfy retelling!

——> Recommended if you love:
- Little Red Riding Hood Retelling
- Wolf x Elf Queen
- Mates
- Kidnapping
- Badass FMC
- Novellas

[Brittni Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAWWWOOOOOOO!! This made me so freaking feral, just like the title suggests!! The chemistry here was scorching hawt!! I mean hot daamnnnn! Wulf and Red were SUCH delicious enemies that when they FINALLY got it right, it was chefs kiss. So satisfying! I was so here for the drama of the kingdoms survival and the breeding pack they have AND who the actual enemy was! And then when our princess renova was trying not be attracted to her hottie of a captor, xanthus, she really tried her best and my hats off to her. Shes stronger than me, I would have caved the second he brought me a chocolate croissant hahaha. There was such a good twist here too that had my jaw dropping!! And it wasnt even who the bad guy turned out to be but what had to be done to keep the kingdom from going into chaos, like dang, okay. Okay. I have to stop because this is a novella and I dont want to post spoilers. But phewwwwee was this a delicious retelling!!

Thank you Cassandra Aston for the ARC you are beautiful and perfect in everyway and I adore you

[Meredith || heymeremere · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark Little Red Riding Hood retelling with a morally gray wolf prince, a fierce fae princess, and enough tension to keep me turning pages? YES, PLEASE.

Red is a fae princess destined for the throne, and Wulf is the wolf prince who captures her. But what Red doesn’t realize is that the villain in her story might actually be the one trying to save her.

And isn’t that always the best kind of villain? The one who would do absolutely anything for the woman he loves?

This story has so many of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fated mates, captor/captive, shifter romance, and a delicious slow burn.

The chemistry between Red and Wulf was easily my favorite part. I love a morally gray MMC, especially one whose actions start making a whole lot more sense as the story unfolds. Wulf definitely delivered!

I also loved the darker spin on a familiar fairy tale. There are secrets, betrayals, political intrigue, and enough twists to keep you questioning everyone’s motives. Who can Red actually trust? And who is the real villain here?

My only complaint? I wanted MORE.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ARC read received from author

What a quick but exiting read this was!
In around 200 pages it still gave me all the vibes I was looking for!
There’s action, there’s tension, there are bonds and rituals, as well as betrayal and power plays.

I think this was a great fairytale retelling that kept clear known characters, but gave them a complete new spin.
The reader is thrown straight into the story, with no world building, but plenty action.

Wolf has kidnapped Red. He’s trying to protect her from an alleged coup, while also battling his own instincts.
While Wolf remains the known “big bad” character ready to fight and kill, this story gives him a good side also. He’s a rule follower, but is not shy of challenging people who go against agreed principles- alphas included.

Red is a born princess, but she’s not less sassy for it.
I loved how she pushed Wolf’s buttons page after page, and was direct in letting him know what she wanted.

Overall the story is a great pick me up for anybody who fancies something engaging, but without wanting to commit to a long read!

[Ruxi Avram · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Arc review

Thank you, Cassandra Aston for this book! It was hot,full of action and yearning! I loved it!
It is a retelling of Red Riding Hood, where Red is a young princess saved from death by Wulf, the shifter wolf, son of the Alfa.
The politics and his father's claim on the princess is a big issue in the story, even if it is what drives Wulf feral. The story is a dual POV, Wulf at first as the big bad wold who kidnapped the girl, and Red as the fae princess kept hidden by the wolf. The story progressed and the Red becomes the Queen, and Wulf the man that tries to save her life and keep her safe.
The world-build is interesting, and the politics from the background mar the characters' fates: they are bound to certain roles, and ony the few can surpass their condition and limitations and work toward a different future.
Fated mates, yearning, one bed, morally gray characters, shifter romance, are just some of the tropes of this book, and I loved it!
I have received this book as ARC from the author and I am leaving this review and my opinions voluntarily.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Be a good girl, and I’ll call you whatever you like, Red."

This was a quick read that immediately pulled me into the story! I need a bit of a break from one of my other books, and this was the perfect length. I realy liked the plot and the villainous retelling arc. I love retellings, but I think this was my first time reading a Little Red Riding Hood. I really enjoyed it and the world building/magic in the realm. I definitely did not expect the twist. I thought I had it figured out, but at the end I realized I didn't! I also really like the tension and chemistry between Red and Wulf hehe I loved the tension the blood oath added to their relationship and I really enjoyed the evolution of their bond throughtout the books. This was really well written; it didn't even feel like a novella. Plus, there is more to come in this world, and I am excited to read more!

Thank you Cassandra Aston for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are honest, and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[The Fated Shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝 ARC Review

Feral is Cassandra Aston's dark take on Little Red Riding Hood, part of the Vicious Villains Anthology, and I read it in one sitting. I really liked the main story, and the way it reimagines Red and the wolf made it a very interesting retelling: familiar enough to recognize, twisted enough to feel new.

The best part, without a doubt, was the chemistry between the two main characters. Red and Wulf have that push and pull that keeps you turning pages, and every scene between them crackles. The pacing is fast and the spice sits on the lighter side, which made it a perfect quick read.

What kept it from a higher rating is the last stretch. The story got busier and a little noisier toward the end, with elements I never felt got a full explanation, and the ending came up too fast without much development. I wanted a bit more room for everything to land.

Even so, it is a very fun short read, and if you love dark fairytale retellings with strong chemistry, this one is worth picking up.

🌶️ 2

Thank you to Cassandra Aston for the advance reading copy. All opinions are my own.

[Shelby Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC from Author

FERAL. And let me just say… this book really does live up to its name.

Feral is a villainous anthology retelling, and if you finish this book and don’t feel a little feral yourself, I’m gonna need you to go back and read it again.

We’ve got Red Riding Hood meets werewolf and fae, with Wulf and Red bringing ALL the tension. And then there’s a special little twist at the end that I absolutely did NOT see coming. 👀

The spice starts out here and there throughout the story, and then toward the end it’s basically WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA’AM… MAY I PLEASE HAVE SOME MORE?! 😂🌶️

And that ending?! EXCUSE ME?! I need to know what happens next because you cannot just leave me sitting here like this! 😭😂

Definitely a 5⭐️ read for me! If you like dark fairytale retellings, morally questionable characters, fae, werewolves, and a healthy dose of 🔥🔥🔥, add this one to your TBR!

[The Bibliophagist · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I love anything written by this author so I knew I had to read this when I heard of it. Feral was a easily a devour in one session book. I read it in roughly 2 hours.

Shifters and fae and enemies to lovers oh my! This is a beautiful retelling of the classic red riding hood tale...but one where the villain gets the girl. Don't worry, he really has to work for it. They are true enemies to lovers and that tension is high! I loved Red so much, she is very stubborn, much like me. I was sucked into this story so fast that it felt like I hit a wall at the end...I need more!

If you are looking for a dark version of a classic that is filled with banter, and tension but one that won't take a week or more to read, this is a must grab!

*I received an early copy from the author and this in no way impacts my thoughts or opinions.*

[Stacey Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well hello forced proximity 🔥🔥🔥

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Feral in name and I can confirm feral in literature. If that’s not already sold it to you, I shall continue.
A gorgeously dark and seductive fairytale retelling! With Red and Wolf being the stars of the show. For a little book just over 400 pages it was jam packed with a perfect blend of romance, fantasy, danger, a sizzling slow burn situation and do not even get me started on the YEARNING 🔥
The world building packs a punch and the twists kept me hooked.
Feral is the second book of 5 in the Vicious Villains Anthology…did I love it enough to finish the series……HELL YEAH!!!!

Favourite Quote:
"A queen who bends to her hunger has already lost her crown."

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading dark, twisted fairytale retellings, then this story is exactly for you!

Feral was so dark and intriguing. I loved the dynamic between Red and the Wolf, the fear, the hate, the desire, and all the struggles they had to face with the Crown, the Pack, and everyone and everything standing between them.

This is a short story, but the world-building was so well done, and the characters were so interesting that I was hooked from the very first line (IFKYK).

I love Cassandra's books. This is the fourth story I've read by her, and it did not disappoint!
Thanks for the ARC! My rating is 4.5/5 ⭐

[Guillen_reads13 · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy Recieved by Author thank you for the opportunity

If you love retellings then this one is perfect its a short story of the original Red Riding Hood if it had issues with wolves, just wait until you meet Xanthus. This dark, gritty retelling trades the basket of treats for blood oaths, kidnapping, and enough spice to make the Big Bad Wolf blush and it definitely  does. It’s a "good girl" trope turned up to eleven, proving that in this version of the forest, the only thing getting eaten is the tension. A deliciously unhinged ride for anyone who likes their fairy tales with a side of fangs and moral ambiguity.

[Megan Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟

This had me captivated! It was my first from this author and now I’m addicted! Such a cool Red Riding hood retelling full of tension, suspense, plot twists, and slow burn heat! I didn’t want to put the book down!

I’m so excited she is turning this into a series and can’t wait for more! In such a short read so much happens but it feels complete. I loved that the chapters were shorter and flowed so well. I think it really pulls you in and has you thinking “just one more chapter”.

Thank you to the author and Crowns and Chaos PR for the opportunity to arc read this!

[Kirsten Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the author took such a familiar, well-known fairytale and transformed it into something darker, more mysterious, and completely captivating.

This was such an easy and fun read with the perfect mix of romance, fantasy, danger, and intrigue. The slow burn between Wolf and Red was so good—the tension, the chemistry, the yearning…

And those twists and turns?! Feral is such a fun, dark fairytale retelling that kept me guessing until the end!

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own!

[Cassie DePlancke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving the Villainous Retelling Anthology! This was a fantastic Little Red Riding Hood retelling! I really enjoyed seeing the way the details of the original fairytale were woven into a completely unique story. In this version, Red is absolutely not a damsel in distress and I loved every second of her sass and rebellion. The fated mates trope was a fun touch and allowed for a spicy twist on the tale 🥵 I also loved the plot twist and the way the ending left the story open for more. If you can’t help but fall for the villain and love a good retelling, this book is for you!

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the familiar fairy tale was turned into something darker and more mysterious. The characters were interesting, and the relationship between Red and the Wulf kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The tension and chemistry was chef’s kiss!
It was an easy and fun read with a good mix of romance, fantasy, and danger. If you like dark fairytale retellings, this is definitely worth reading! That ending though?! Keen for the next book!! 5 stars ⭐️

[organisedchaosbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feral was such a fun, fast hit of romantasy. Cassandra’s writing style is gorgeous, and I loved the little details she included, especially the allergy representation. The plot moves quickly, the romance is delicious, and the MMC is absolutely divine. I just wish it had been longer because I’d have loved more time in the world and a bit more build‑up. It’s written as a novella, though, and it delivers exactly what it aims to.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting Little Red Riding Hood retelling!

I appreciated how fast paced this novella was. I’m always a big fan of any type of fated mates scenario! There were also a number of twists that I couldn’t guess. It sets things up for a new romantasy series featuring a next generation.

Be warned there is a good amount of descriptive violence/ gore.

Thank you to the author and Crowns & Chaos for eARC!

[Bakingbookdragon (Kinsey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super fast and a fun read. It's a Little Red Riding Hood retelling and I loved how the author rewrite the story. The FMC's nickname is given to her by the MMC, Wulf. And he calls her..."red". Cue squeals of excitement.

In all honesty, I waited too long to write this review after I finished the book, but I enjoyed it. He captures her to save her. She's engaged to someone else. Forced Proximity and Forbidden Love do their thing....

All around, a fun time.

[Brenda Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m all for shifter romances but had no idea I needed a Little Red Robin Hood retelling in my read list but I’m sure glad it’s here.

Forced proximity, dangerous encounters, double crosses a Princess/Queen and a Wolf ready to protect her, what’s not to love. Wulf’s wolf is brutal in his efficiency and Red is always ready to keep the human and the wolf on their toes.

Thank you to Cassandra for the ARC of your books. I’m looking forward to reading more.

[Sherlyn · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting!

We follow Red, a fae princess that’s been captured by the Wulf-shifter son of the man she’s promised to after coronation. While he claims it’s for her own safety, she claims he’s maddening and a liar. But after attraction and tension goes at an all-time high and he makes a blood oath to not touch her until she begs— who will bend first?

I had so much fun with this novella! It was fast paced, spicy, and overall a great short story.

If you’re looking for a good time and a well written retelling, look no farther!

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book!

[Tonje Lien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A retelling with a mix of snow white and little red riding hood. It was shifter, wolves and kidnapping, Forced Proximity and family intrigues.

Was this the best I have read, no. But it was very entertaining and a fast read! I think everyone who likes these werewolves stories with mates and touch her and die tropes are going to like this book!

Thank you for giving me an ARC of the book!

[Jenny Ganley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a Snow White retelling, it’s one of my automatic pick up to read!

This is part of an anthology so this was a short and quick read if you are looking for something fast but a fairytale retelling!

I personally really enjoyed it but reading is so subjective I can see why others might not enjoy it, but for me??
YES 💯🍎🐺

[Timea Rogina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what the doctor ordered! I was wanting something quick with wolf shifters and yearning and feral bonds and this scratched that itch perfectly. Also have to say that making a novella feel like a slow burn is difficult and she did it very well. Can’t wait to see what she releases next. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Summer Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, red riding hood FAIRYTALE RETELLING WITH SPICE 🔥where the villain gets the hea. Red is taken from her castle by wulf after finding her grandmother dead. She thinks he’s kidnapped her but he is really trying to keep her safe. The angst, the slow burn & the absolute plot TWISTS IN THIS BOOK WILL HAVE YOU HOOKED FROM THE BEGINNING. Never expected that ending