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Scarlet and the White Wolf #1
Scarlet and the White Wolf
Scarlet of Lysia is an honest peddler, a young merchant traveling the wild, undefended roads to support his aging parents. Liall, called the Wolf of Omara, is the handsome, world-weary chieftain of a tribe of bandits blocking a mountain road that Scarlet needs to cross. When Liall jokingly demands a carnal toll for the privilege, Scarlet refuses and an inventive battle of wills ensues, with disastrous results. Scarlet is convinced that Liall is a worthless, immoral rogue, but when the hostile countryside explodes into violence and Liall unexpectedly fights to save the lives of Scarlet's family, Scarlet is forced to admit that the Wolf is not the worst ally he could have, but what price will proud Scarlet ultimately have to pay for Liall's friendship?
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2006
57 people are currently reading
5364 people want to read
About the author
Kirby Crow
24 books383 followersKirby Crow worked as an entertainment editor and ghostwriter for several years before happily giving it up to bake brownies, read yaoi, play video games, and write her own novels. Whenever she isn't slaying Orcs or flying a battleship for the glory of the Amarr Empire, she can be found in the kitchen, her vegetable garden, or at the keyboard, tapping away at her next book.
Kirby is a winner of the EPIC Award and the Rainbow Award. She is the author of the bestselling "Scarlet and the White Wolf" series of fantasy novels.
Her published novels are:
Prisoner of the Raven
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Pedlar and the Bandit King
Scarlet and the White Wolf: Mariner's Luck
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Land of Night
Angels of the Deep
Hammer and Bone
Malachite
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The King of Forever
Meridian
Windward
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Temple Road
Novellas:
Turks Cay
Poison Apples
Circuit Theory
The Art of Fire
Chimera
For upcoming news of her future novels, visit http://kirbycrow.com
Kirby is a winner of the EPIC Award and the Rainbow Award. She is the author of the bestselling "Scarlet and the White Wolf" series of fantasy novels.
Her published novels are:
Prisoner of the Raven
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Pedlar and the Bandit King
Scarlet and the White Wolf: Mariner's Luck
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Land of Night
Angels of the Deep
Hammer and Bone
Malachite
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The King of Forever
Meridian
Windward
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Temple Road
Novellas:
Turks Cay
Poison Apples
Circuit Theory
The Art of Fire
Chimera
For upcoming news of her future novels, visit http://kirbycrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
January 3, 2015
Review edited on 27/2/2014
Did not finish this book.
Being gay, or accepting of queer people in general, is not an excuse for misogyny. I say it when bloggers like Perez Hilton sexually harass an actress claiming "I'm gay so it's okay" and I'll say it when a book is riddled with too much misogyny for my brain to process.
It's one thing to enforce gender roles in a society inspired by our own. It's another to create a society from scratch where polygamy is allowed, and each "wife" is essentially a slave. Not even necessarily a sex slave, because this book apparently assumes every man is secretly gay and/or homo-leaning bisexual. I guess women are inferior lovers on top of inferior beings, or something.
Oh, and it's one of these books where the heteronormativity is still present, apparently. Add the misogyny to that and the "passive" men in a same-sex relationship are mocked as much as women. I think one of the main characters is good because… he only mocks him instead of outright calling him a non-manly abomination? Yeah no. Thank you but no.
Also, I really don't need to be told on every page that the characters are handsome.
ETA: I don't know why it took me so long to notice, but I haven't even mentioned the worst part about those two chapters:
The premise of the romance in this book is rape.
I'm not kidding. Maybe it gets better later on, but when Scarlet and Liall first meet, Liall goes "I want to fuck you, but I won't physically force you, so instead I'll prevent you from taking this road which means I'm taking your livelihood from you".
Rape is not just physically forcing yourself on someone. Consent under pressure is not consent. So this is rape.
Did not finish this book.
Being gay, or accepting of queer people in general, is not an excuse for misogyny. I say it when bloggers like Perez Hilton sexually harass an actress claiming "I'm gay so it's okay" and I'll say it when a book is riddled with too much misogyny for my brain to process.
It's one thing to enforce gender roles in a society inspired by our own. It's another to create a society from scratch where polygamy is allowed, and each "wife" is essentially a slave. Not even necessarily a sex slave, because this book apparently assumes every man is secretly gay and/or homo-leaning bisexual. I guess women are inferior lovers on top of inferior beings, or something.
Oh, and it's one of these books where the heteronormativity is still present, apparently. Add the misogyny to that and the "passive" men in a same-sex relationship are mocked as much as women. I think one of the main characters is good because… he only mocks him instead of outright calling him a non-manly abomination? Yeah no. Thank you but no.
Also, I really don't need to be told on every page that the characters are handsome.
ETA: I don't know why it took me so long to notice, but I haven't even mentioned the worst part about those two chapters:
The premise of the romance in this book is rape.
I'm not kidding. Maybe it gets better later on, but when Scarlet and Liall first meet, Liall goes "I want to fuck you, but I won't physically force you, so instead I'll prevent you from taking this road which means I'm taking your livelihood from you".
Rape is not just physically forcing yourself on someone. Consent under pressure is not consent. So this is rape.
May 6, 2018
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
Once again, I’m going to gripe about authors who split novels into small parts. I don’t mind so much if the entire story is written and in my possession. I really dislike waiting forever between installments, cruel cliffhangers, and unanswered questions. Furthermore, when I pay $4.99 for a story, I want it to be complete. Otherwise, I feel I’m getting ripped off.
That said, I really enjoyed this captivating and atmospheric fantasy just as much as I did when I read it in 2011.
The author has created an intriguing world, with a variety of races and ethnicities living in close proximity. Scarlet is a young pedlar who is a member of the Hilurin, an ancient and dying race. Overrepresentation in government and fear of Hilurin magic has subjected them to undisguised resentment and hostility. Despite the fact that the Hilurin are a generally reclusive people, Scarlet is restless and enjoys the life of a traveling merchant.
Liall comes from the far and frigid Rshan and is chief to a tribe of Kasiri charging merchants and travelers a toll to access a busy mountain pass. As Scarlet has been travelling the pass for free since he was 14, he resents having to pay a toll, particularly one that involves sexual favors.
Though Liall is intrigued by Scarlet’s background and attracted to his pretty face, the two men don’t get off to a good start. I thoroughly enjoyed their conflicts and the tricks Scarlet played in order to bypass the Kasiri and avoid paying his toll.
Buried under Scarlet’s deep dislike for Liall is a smidgen of attraction for the White Wolf.
After Scarlet’s life is endangered, though, it is not too difficult to like Liall, especially as the reader gets perspectives on events from both characters and Liall is fully aware of how badly he screwed up.
I loved the slow burn of their growing relationship and their adventures, and Scarlet’s inner strength and innocence. There is a variety of interesting secondary characters and wonderfully detailed and vivid scenes from the world they live in. This story also explores friendship, family relationships, and discovering oneself. Bad things happen, Liall remains a mystery, and both men have serious challenges to overcome.
I very much look forward to joining Scarlet and Liall on their journey north.
Thanks to Lei from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
Once again, I’m going to gripe about authors who split novels into small parts. I don’t mind so much if the entire story is written and in my possession. I really dislike waiting forever between installments, cruel cliffhangers, and unanswered questions. Furthermore, when I pay $4.99 for a story, I want it to be complete. Otherwise, I feel I’m getting ripped off.
That said, I really enjoyed this captivating and atmospheric fantasy just as much as I did when I read it in 2011.
The author has created an intriguing world, with a variety of races and ethnicities living in close proximity. Scarlet is a young pedlar who is a member of the Hilurin, an ancient and dying race. Overrepresentation in government and fear of Hilurin magic has subjected them to undisguised resentment and hostility. Despite the fact that the Hilurin are a generally reclusive people, Scarlet is restless and enjoys the life of a traveling merchant.
Liall comes from the far and frigid Rshan and is chief to a tribe of Kasiri charging merchants and travelers a toll to access a busy mountain pass. As Scarlet has been travelling the pass for free since he was 14, he resents having to pay a toll, particularly one that involves sexual favors.
Though Liall is intrigued by Scarlet’s background and attracted to his pretty face, the two men don’t get off to a good start. I thoroughly enjoyed their conflicts and the tricks Scarlet played in order to bypass the Kasiri and avoid paying his toll.
““Calm down, it’s only a game, lad!”
Scarlet threw Liall off, wiping his mouth on his sleeve, and stood several paces away, his chest heaving and his eyes spitting hate. The silly cap had fallen off and revealed his midnight hair underneath, though his bangs and the fringe of disheveled hair around his face were grimed with the flour he had combed into it. With his legs tangling in the wide skirt and his padded bosom jiggling, he looked ludicrous, which only made the men laugh harder.
“No!” Scarlet shouted over them. “It’s only a game to you! I’ve lost work on your account. It may mean nothing to you if I go back to my family empty-handed, but I’m only a pedlar. If I don’t work, I don’t eat, and my parents are getting old. They depend on me. Unlike you and your kind, I can’t just steal whenever I need something!””
Buried under Scarlet’s deep dislike for Liall is a smidgen of attraction for the White Wolf.
“Yes, Liall was a handsome man, but a detestable one, and as compelling as he was, Scarlet would not be pressured or pushed.”
After Scarlet’s life is endangered, though, it is not too difficult to like Liall, especially as the reader gets perspectives on events from both characters and Liall is fully aware of how badly he screwed up.
I loved the slow burn of their growing relationship and their adventures, and Scarlet’s inner strength and innocence. There is a variety of interesting secondary characters and wonderfully detailed and vivid scenes from the world they live in. This story also explores friendship, family relationships, and discovering oneself. Bad things happen, Liall remains a mystery, and both men have serious challenges to overcome.
I very much look forward to joining Scarlet and Liall on their journey north.
Thanks to Lei from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
March 14, 2016
Hey there Little Red Riding Hood...
You sure are looking good
You're everything that a big bad wolf could want...
Well of course this song came to mind for me. Come on now...tell me you're surprised? I mean really we have a cute guy, named Scarlet, in a red hooded coat who travels through the woods...ok, he kind of travels all over the place he's a peddler and we have a big, hunky, aggressive, use to getting his own way bad guy...but not really who people refer to as a wolf but in fact goes by the name Liall. It's inevitable...right?
I really have no problem with this because 'Scarlet and the White Wolf' goes well beyond the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood. Kirby Crow gives us a whole different world for this story to evolve in and to be honest for the most part it's not a pretty world. It's filled with conflict and strife, often times the law of the land is survival of the fittest. This is not planet earth and our rules, values and morals don't apply. Anyone who reads fantasy with any regularity knows that's one of the first things you have to remember. It doesn't mean that there aren't values and morals to be found or followed, just that they may be different than what we would expect.
I was totally enchanted with this story it's two of my favorite genres fantasy + m/m and for me it was really well done. As is often the case with fantasy books set in a fictitious environment there were many new things to be discovered the least of which were some of the words used by the characters. I had no problem with this as I found that for the most part the words were used in such a way that their meaning was easily discernable from the content surrounding them...at least it wasn't Klingon because lordie I never did get a handle on that one or elvish, it totally eludes me. What I really would have loved would have been a map of this world. Mostly because geography was never my strong suit so visualizing this part of the story for me is the hardest part but give me a map and I'm golden.
'Scarlet And the White Wolf' is the beginning of this series and it was a fan-freakin-tastic beginning. I admit it I've already stuck my nose into the next book.
Last but not least a big thank you to my friend, Ma'rella for pushing me to read this book and for all the visuals of Scarlet and Liall. Lady you are awesome.
4.5 fantastical stars rounded up to 5 because...yeah, still no half stars here.
You sure are looking good
You're everything that a big bad wolf could want...
Well of course this song came to mind for me. Come on now...tell me you're surprised? I mean really we have a cute guy, named Scarlet, in a red hooded coat who travels through the woods...ok, he kind of travels all over the place he's a peddler and we have a big, hunky, aggressive, use to getting his own way bad guy...but not really who people refer to as a wolf but in fact goes by the name Liall. It's inevitable...right?
I really have no problem with this because 'Scarlet and the White Wolf' goes well beyond the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood. Kirby Crow gives us a whole different world for this story to evolve in and to be honest for the most part it's not a pretty world. It's filled with conflict and strife, often times the law of the land is survival of the fittest. This is not planet earth and our rules, values and morals don't apply. Anyone who reads fantasy with any regularity knows that's one of the first things you have to remember. It doesn't mean that there aren't values and morals to be found or followed, just that they may be different than what we would expect.
I was totally enchanted with this story it's two of my favorite genres fantasy + m/m and for me it was really well done. As is often the case with fantasy books set in a fictitious environment there were many new things to be discovered the least of which were some of the words used by the characters. I had no problem with this as I found that for the most part the words were used in such a way that their meaning was easily discernable from the content surrounding them...at least it wasn't Klingon because lordie I never did get a handle on that one or elvish, it totally eludes me. What I really would have loved would have been a map of this world. Mostly because geography was never my strong suit so visualizing this part of the story for me is the hardest part but give me a map and I'm golden.
'Scarlet And the White Wolf' is the beginning of this series and it was a fan-freakin-tastic beginning. I admit it I've already stuck my nose into the next book.
Last but not least a big thank you to my friend, Ma'rella for pushing me to read this book and for all the visuals of Scarlet and Liall. Lady you are awesome.
4.5 fantastical stars rounded up to 5 because...yeah, still no half stars here.
June 12, 2016
Review for the whole series (well currently including up until book #4, but there is more to come)
I don't have words for how much I loved this whole series. I love fantasy, but so far most fantasy I've read was lacking in the romance department. So to find a series that combines both, and in such a great way, makes me super happy. So happy I'll just have to add it to my small collection of favourites.
I found these books, because I was reading an anthology by the author and really liked her style. She also uses language so beautifully that I simply had to look for more books by her. And I was not disappointed. I'm a new fan and will read everything she ever writes. Everything. And I can't fucking wait for the next books in the series.
I can't even decide whether I love the high fantasy setting more or the lovely, lovely romance between two most amazing guys, Scarlet (I love that name for a man, by the way) and Liall.
So I'll start by gushing over the world and how extraordinarily it comes to life. We have different races, politics and intrigue, magic and beliefs, and mysteries in the past and unknown futures. We have the most beautiful places that give so much rich atmosphere to everything that is happening and Liall's home country is really growing on me. Well, I could do without most of the people there ;-) but the country itself... wow!
I'm in love with both Scarlet and Liall. They are very different and have very different roles to play, too, and while I first fell hard for cute, stubborn, proud Scarlett, Liall captured my heart right after.
I think their relationship is most rewarding for a reader. It is really, really romantic, there is (sexual) tension between them, there is conflict to overcome that is never annoying—and I get annoyed very easily, believe me. I love their banter, their declarations of love, their hopes and fears, their passionate sex. I just love them.
I love how Scarlet, who has a less important position in the scheme of things, is never set aside or becomes just an attachment to Liall. He's got agency, a role to play, although he isn't in the best position to do just that.
So, this is the perfect book/series for me, and I really, really want to read more right away.
You can find the notes I took for each book separately here, and there is also a teaser from the first book, a text passage that I loved very much and made me smile so very much.
“So you thought you could slip past the Kasiri, did you? Whence comes such confidence?”
The pedlar stood and stripped the severed-leather laces from his hands before he angrily kicked them toward Liall with the toe of his boot. “I’m not confident. I have to get to the other side of this mountain and you won’t let me by. That’s all.”
“Ah, but I will… for a price.”
“I don’t like your stinkin’ mucked price,” he snapped. Behind him, Peysho chuckled, then prudently coughed and looked away.
Liall dropped his voice and moved a little closer to the irate youth. “The price, or me?”
The pedlar met his eyes unflinchingly but did not answer immediately, and Liall saw that he was struggling with his answer. He fought down a surge of irritation. Princes had knelt at his feet once. Who was this illiterate merchant to refuse him? Who did he think he was?
“Come now,” he coaxed. “You will not injure my feelings. I am no charming prince, this I know. But still, am I an ogre?”
“No,” the pedlar judged after a moment, studying him. “You’re a wolf.”
“And you do not like wolves?”
“I like wolves fine, so long as they stay clear of my path. Wolves and men don’t mix.”
Or men and men, Liall supposed he would have liked to say. Peysho had shooed the tribesmen off and taken himself away with them, leaving Liall with the pedlar, the campfire, and the soft-snowing night around them.
“What about wolves and pedlars?” Liall asked softly, daring another step.
“I don’t…” the pedlar began. He stopped and swallowed hard, looking up at Liall. There was no fear in his eyes. “I don’t see why you’re vexin’ yourself, is all.”
“Vexin’?” Local dialects often threw Liall. He waited for the boy to explain.
“Why are you going to so much trouble on my account? I can’t be worth this much bother.”
Liall began to suspect that this one was not terribly experienced with the desires of men. “Are there no mirrors in Lysia? Give me your name,” he urged.
“I…” The boy closed his mouth. “Let me pass.”
Liall shook his head slowly. It made the pedlar angry again.
“Damn you, why not?”
“Because I’m not through vexin’ myself, I suppose.”
Notes Book 1:
- the writing is fantastic, as is the setting/world with it's races/cultures, magic, and entanglements
- the main characters Scarlet and Liall are both intriguing and lovable. I think I love young and forthright, stubborn Scarlet a little more—because cuuute—but Liall has already captured my heart, too.
- very slow-burning romance with an enemies-to-lovers theme that had me smile very much.
Notes Book 2:
- great development of characters, their love for each other, and the whole world and plot in the sequel
- beautiful language, vivid description of the voyage and Niall's home country
- OMG, such sweet and passionate love scenes
- believable struggle in the relationship, without it getting annoying, and the promise of a lot more to (over)come
- the new situation for Scarlet and Liall is a tricky one and I hope their relationship will not strain too much under it, but so far they got stronger through everything
- I hope Scarlet will not take the backseat too much, but I am confident the author will do right by him
Notes Book 3:
- everything cool I said about the first two books :D
- intriguing new secondary characters (loved the queen and Cestimir—I love him especially), (hated the bitch—what's her name?)
- Liall and Scarlet... sigh, they had some very lovely scenes together, but they needed to overcome a lot in this book, too, which was not always pleasurable to read, but... I still loved it. Maybe a little less drama would have been better for me, but it's all good. I love how they always make up and talk, and that's really mature!
- Liall might be surprised by turn of events in the end, but I wasn't, so I'm really looking forward to the next book; also Scarlet's future seems to be getting more and more interesting :D
Notes Book 4:
- *sigh* best ending ever
- I can't believe I have to wait for more books now :-/
- While the conflicts are not really solved, I loved how the story was paced, and I can't wait to find out more. I am so curious and excited for the next book.
- I love my guys. I love how they grow in their relationship. I even love how they struggle and hurt with each other. I love them. So much.
- I want the next book. Now.
I don't have words for how much I loved this whole series. I love fantasy, but so far most fantasy I've read was lacking in the romance department. So to find a series that combines both, and in such a great way, makes me super happy. So happy I'll just have to add it to my small collection of favourites.
I found these books, because I was reading an anthology by the author and really liked her style. She also uses language so beautifully that I simply had to look for more books by her. And I was not disappointed. I'm a new fan and will read everything she ever writes. Everything. And I can't fucking wait for the next books in the series.
I can't even decide whether I love the high fantasy setting more or the lovely, lovely romance between two most amazing guys, Scarlet (I love that name for a man, by the way) and Liall.
So I'll start by gushing over the world and how extraordinarily it comes to life. We have different races, politics and intrigue, magic and beliefs, and mysteries in the past and unknown futures. We have the most beautiful places that give so much rich atmosphere to everything that is happening and Liall's home country is really growing on me. Well, I could do without most of the people there ;-) but the country itself... wow!
I'm in love with both Scarlet and Liall. They are very different and have very different roles to play, too, and while I first fell hard for cute, stubborn, proud Scarlett, Liall captured my heart right after.
I think their relationship is most rewarding for a reader. It is really, really romantic, there is (sexual) tension between them, there is conflict to overcome that is never annoying—and I get annoyed very easily, believe me. I love their banter, their declarations of love, their hopes and fears, their passionate sex. I just love them.
I love how Scarlet, who has a less important position in the scheme of things, is never set aside or becomes just an attachment to Liall. He's got agency, a role to play, although he isn't in the best position to do just that.
So, this is the perfect book/series for me, and I really, really want to read more right away.
You can find the notes I took for each book separately here, and there is also a teaser from the first book, a text passage that I loved very much and made me smile so very much.
“So you thought you could slip past the Kasiri, did you? Whence comes such confidence?”
The pedlar stood and stripped the severed-leather laces from his hands before he angrily kicked them toward Liall with the toe of his boot. “I’m not confident. I have to get to the other side of this mountain and you won’t let me by. That’s all.”
“Ah, but I will… for a price.”
“I don’t like your stinkin’ mucked price,” he snapped. Behind him, Peysho chuckled, then prudently coughed and looked away.
Liall dropped his voice and moved a little closer to the irate youth. “The price, or me?”
The pedlar met his eyes unflinchingly but did not answer immediately, and Liall saw that he was struggling with his answer. He fought down a surge of irritation. Princes had knelt at his feet once. Who was this illiterate merchant to refuse him? Who did he think he was?
“Come now,” he coaxed. “You will not injure my feelings. I am no charming prince, this I know. But still, am I an ogre?”
“No,” the pedlar judged after a moment, studying him. “You’re a wolf.”
“And you do not like wolves?”
“I like wolves fine, so long as they stay clear of my path. Wolves and men don’t mix.”
Or men and men, Liall supposed he would have liked to say. Peysho had shooed the tribesmen off and taken himself away with them, leaving Liall with the pedlar, the campfire, and the soft-snowing night around them.
“What about wolves and pedlars?” Liall asked softly, daring another step.
“I don’t…” the pedlar began. He stopped and swallowed hard, looking up at Liall. There was no fear in his eyes. “I don’t see why you’re vexin’ yourself, is all.”
“Vexin’?” Local dialects often threw Liall. He waited for the boy to explain.
“Why are you going to so much trouble on my account? I can’t be worth this much bother.”
Liall began to suspect that this one was not terribly experienced with the desires of men. “Are there no mirrors in Lysia? Give me your name,” he urged.
“I…” The boy closed his mouth. “Let me pass.”
Liall shook his head slowly. It made the pedlar angry again.
“Damn you, why not?”
“Because I’m not through vexin’ myself, I suppose.”
Notes Book 1:
- the writing is fantastic, as is the setting/world with it's races/cultures, magic, and entanglements
- the main characters Scarlet and Liall are both intriguing and lovable. I think I love young and forthright, stubborn Scarlet a little more—because cuuute—but Liall has already captured my heart, too.
- very slow-burning romance with an enemies-to-lovers theme that had me smile very much.
Notes Book 2:
- great development of characters, their love for each other, and the whole world and plot in the sequel
- beautiful language, vivid description of the voyage and Niall's home country
- OMG, such sweet and passionate love scenes
- believable struggle in the relationship, without it getting annoying, and the promise of a lot more to (over)come
- the new situation for Scarlet and Liall is a tricky one and I hope their relationship will not strain too much under it, but so far they got stronger through everything
- I hope Scarlet will not take the backseat too much, but I am confident the author will do right by him
Notes Book 3:
- everything cool I said about the first two books :D
- intriguing new secondary characters (loved the queen and Cestimir—I love him especially), (hated the bitch—what's her name?)
- Liall and Scarlet... sigh, they had some very lovely scenes together, but they needed to overcome a lot in this book, too, which was not always pleasurable to read, but... I still loved it. Maybe a little less drama would have been better for me, but it's all good. I love how they always make up and talk, and that's really mature!
- Liall might be surprised by turn of events in the end, but I wasn't, so I'm really looking forward to the next book; also Scarlet's future seems to be getting more and more interesting :D
Notes Book 4:
- *sigh* best ending ever
- I can't believe I have to wait for more books now :-/
- While the conflicts are not really solved, I loved how the story was paced, and I can't wait to find out more. I am so curious and excited for the next book.
- I love my guys. I love how they grow in their relationship. I even love how they struggle and hurt with each other. I love them. So much.
- I want the next book. Now.
January 30, 2016
"Deception," Fate said. "Be on your guard. You will be told a lie or you will fall in love with one, and you will follow it to the ends of the earth."
I've read The Pedlar and the Bandit King years ago, right about when I started my entry into M/M fiction. In the almost-three years since then, I've revisited this book several times, I can say for certainty that this series still holds a dear place in my literary heart. Yet for some reason of insanity, I haven't written a review. So here's me, and my review:
Scarlet is a pedlar, and has been since fourteen. With the wilding in his heart, his journey has brought him far and wide, but he always finds himself coming back to his hometown, Lysia, where other Hilurins dwell. And it's on one particular journey back that he meets a giant of a man with amber skin and white hair leading a band of bandits.
Kirby Crow has done something special with this book. She creates a world that's experienced instead of told, and the overall picture is more vibrant than one would expect at first. It's normal to be confused when reading about the different races, locations and politics. But as you read more into this book (and further into the series) your understanding of this world/universe will shape itself out to be something rather great.
While this series is what I would consider high fantasy, it's also romance. To be honest, I haven't had much experience finding a book/series that has a good combination of the two. Usually, high fantasy = very little, to no romance whatsoever. But the gravity between Scarlet and Liall is beautiful. There is no instalove here, but the relationship does develop over the whole book, and gets tested in future entries. I prefer my romance that way, as it creates a multilayered relationship built from the ground up.
Despite all my gushing and fanboying, I feel this book's greatest weakness is its pacing. Don't get me wrong, I still love it. But in retrospect, I realize that this whole book is nothing but a setup for things to come. I didn't realize this during my first read through, but on subsequent ones, I did feel like I wished things would hurry along quicker. Yet the more patient part of me realizes that doing so would most likely damage the overall world building and characterization.
So overall, if you like high fantasy, romance, and the start of something very intriguing, then look no further than The Pedlar and the Bandit King. I just hope you all love Scarlet and Liall as much as I do.
I've read The Pedlar and the Bandit King years ago, right about when I started my entry into M/M fiction. In the almost-three years since then, I've revisited this book several times, I can say for certainty that this series still holds a dear place in my literary heart. Yet for some reason of insanity, I haven't written a review. So here's me, and my review:
Scarlet is a pedlar, and has been since fourteen. With the wilding in his heart, his journey has brought him far and wide, but he always finds himself coming back to his hometown, Lysia, where other Hilurins dwell. And it's on one particular journey back that he meets a giant of a man with amber skin and white hair leading a band of bandits.
Kirby Crow has done something special with this book. She creates a world that's experienced instead of told, and the overall picture is more vibrant than one would expect at first. It's normal to be confused when reading about the different races, locations and politics. But as you read more into this book (and further into the series) your understanding of this world/universe will shape itself out to be something rather great.
While this series is what I would consider high fantasy, it's also romance. To be honest, I haven't had much experience finding a book/series that has a good combination of the two. Usually, high fantasy = very little, to no romance whatsoever. But the gravity between Scarlet and Liall is beautiful. There is no instalove here, but the relationship does develop over the whole book, and gets tested in future entries. I prefer my romance that way, as it creates a multilayered relationship built from the ground up.
Despite all my gushing and fanboying, I feel this book's greatest weakness is its pacing. Don't get me wrong, I still love it. But in retrospect, I realize that this whole book is nothing but a setup for things to come. I didn't realize this during my first read through, but on subsequent ones, I did feel like I wished things would hurry along quicker. Yet the more patient part of me realizes that doing so would most likely damage the overall world building and characterization.
So overall, if you like high fantasy, romance, and the start of something very intriguing, then look no further than The Pedlar and the Bandit King. I just hope you all love Scarlet and Liall as much as I do.
December 6, 2011
There's a reason why I waited to read this book... I'm stupid!!!
I am probably loving this book a bit more than it's rationally justifiable, because there is something about the world Scarlet lives in that is eluding me and there are things about Scarlet's parents that weren't perfectly consistent, in my opinion, but when I re-read it, I will probably clear my head about it.
I can't let go of this picture of Scarlet in my mind, of this slender, beautiful, brave, confused young man in the red-coat, wearing out his socks and boots in walking, making small but significant trades, alone and proud in this cruel world, this rare and precious soul, reserved and chaste, but with a small flame of passion.
Liall, the White Wolf, is more mysterious. Even when the story is in his point of view, he hides his secrets. Like Scarlet's father says, he keeps them locked down in his heart and he might shatter anyone who tries to take a look at them. Scarlet inspires trust in him and Liall begins to open himself to the young pedlar, recognizing a fellow soul, or possibly a mated soul. I'm looking forward to learning more about Liall's past and the traditions of his land.
When Scarlet and Liall first meet, the Wolf tries to exact a kiss as toll to cross a mountain pass. For Liall the dare is just a joke to provoke the stern and pretty pedlar, but he doesn't take into consideration the problems it may cause to Scarlet. Scarlet is too proud to accept, also because he thinks Liall is a sort of brute, a thief and a bandit and in his seriousness, instead of laughing off the joke, he offends Liall. It was very interesting to see how they both regretted their behavior later, how the similar traits of their personality made them collide.
There is a building and unresolved sexual tension in the book and it made every casual brush and touch incredibly significant. The attraction Scarlet and Liall feel for each other frustrates them, but they both kindle it privately; Liall does it with melancholy and remorse, it's an attraction tinged and molded in his past; for Scarlet it's a promise for the future, a fearful aspiration he is afraid he'll regret to let go.
If you like your books steamy, it might not be the book for you, but if you like to be swept away to another place, read it!
I am probably loving this book a bit more than it's rationally justifiable, because there is something about the world Scarlet lives in that is eluding me and there are things about Scarlet's parents that weren't perfectly consistent, in my opinion, but when I re-read it, I will probably clear my head about it.
I can't let go of this picture of Scarlet in my mind, of this slender, beautiful, brave, confused young man in the red-coat, wearing out his socks and boots in walking, making small but significant trades, alone and proud in this cruel world, this rare and precious soul, reserved and chaste, but with a small flame of passion.
Liall, the White Wolf, is more mysterious. Even when the story is in his point of view, he hides his secrets. Like Scarlet's father says, he keeps them locked down in his heart and he might shatter anyone who tries to take a look at them. Scarlet inspires trust in him and Liall begins to open himself to the young pedlar, recognizing a fellow soul, or possibly a mated soul. I'm looking forward to learning more about Liall's past and the traditions of his land.
When Scarlet and Liall first meet, the Wolf tries to exact a kiss as toll to cross a mountain pass. For Liall the dare is just a joke to provoke the stern and pretty pedlar, but he doesn't take into consideration the problems it may cause to Scarlet. Scarlet is too proud to accept, also because he thinks Liall is a sort of brute, a thief and a bandit and in his seriousness, instead of laughing off the joke, he offends Liall. It was very interesting to see how they both regretted their behavior later, how the similar traits of their personality made them collide.
There is a building and unresolved sexual tension in the book and it made every casual brush and touch incredibly significant. The attraction Scarlet and Liall feel for each other frustrates them, but they both kindle it privately; Liall does it with melancholy and remorse, it's an attraction tinged and molded in his past; for Scarlet it's a promise for the future, a fearful aspiration he is afraid he'll regret to let go.
If you like your books steamy, it might not be the book for you, but if you like to be swept away to another place, read it!
January 11, 2016
Just finished re-reading and loved it as much as the first time, maybe even more so, because the second time brings out the details that I didn't think significant before.
Moving onto book 2.
Moving onto book 2.
December 31, 2015
This is a clever, very loose, reinterpretation of the Red Riding Hood fairytale but with a young man named Scarlet as the lead character. Like Little Red, Scarlet (an odd name for man) feels the lure of adventure, of breaking away from the home hearth to dare into dangers of the world. And he meets his big bad wolf in the guise of a mysterious leader named Liall.
I want this to be all about the beautiful Scarlet hooking up with the virile Liall, but the author insists on building a rich, compelling world full of tribal rivalry and maneuvering to set their romance against. This is a journey of patience, not only for the innocent, almost asexual Scarlet or the determined Liall, but the reader as well. There is a lot of information to keep track of and there is the whisper of Liall’s mysterious background unfolding.
I do like that the author doesn’t take the easy way out with the romance. Both Liall and Scarlet remain true to their characters throughout; they must fight their way towards understanding and empathy. There certainly is an attraction on Liall’s part, but for Scarlet, it’s a very slow, rather reluctant awakening. I appreciate this build-up even as I want more, and want it sooner. In the end, the story development and world building are fluid and quite wonderful.
This is a bit frustrating read at times, but the story is so strong and these two are left in such a place that I just have to keep reading on to the next book in the series. To see how it all unfolds.
January 30, 2012
I'm writing this review after I've read Scarlet and the White Wolf for the third time. To say I enjoyed this story even more this last re-read is an understatement.
I loved Scarlet and his pride and Liall and his games. The fact that both of them can't help but desire each other, even with Scarlet in denial, made the story all the better. Especially since Scarlet has been searching for something for such a long time and doesn't realize until almost too late that Liall is what he's looking for.
I loved the world that was created for this series. It's so detailed and adventurous and I enjoy reading about it all. I really love the fantasy aspect of it and the fact that it's not tainted by technology.
This is one of my favorite series and I'm looking forward to re-reading the rest of them :)
Originally read 9/9/09 with a 4 star rating
I loved Scarlet and his pride and Liall and his games. The fact that both of them can't help but desire each other, even with Scarlet in denial, made the story all the better. Especially since Scarlet has been searching for something for such a long time and doesn't realize until almost too late that Liall is what he's looking for.
I loved the world that was created for this series. It's so detailed and adventurous and I enjoy reading about it all. I really love the fantasy aspect of it and the fact that it's not tainted by technology.
This is one of my favorite series and I'm looking forward to re-reading the rest of them :)
Originally read 9/9/09 with a 4 star rating
March 31, 2021
DNF @ 22%.
There is, dare I say it, too much world building in this. You almost need a glossary to understand what’s happening from one sentence to the next.
Also, there’s some things already rubbing me the wrong way.
Asking your mother to tell you your favourite story from when her village was raided, her baby thrown in a well, her husband killed, her friends raped and her son taken as a slave is unsettling.
Being puzzled as to why the boy you just threatened to rape would think you capable of rape.... seriously?
Women are for cleaning and sex. Men who bottom are seen as women.
How disappointing. I’ve had this on my TBR list for ages, and I can’t even bring myself to finish it.
There is, dare I say it, too much world building in this. You almost need a glossary to understand what’s happening from one sentence to the next.
Also, there’s some things already rubbing me the wrong way.
Asking your mother to tell you your favourite story from when her village was raided, her baby thrown in a well, her husband killed, her friends raped and her son taken as a slave is unsettling.
Being puzzled as to why the boy you just threatened to rape would think you capable of rape.... seriously?
Women are for cleaning and sex. Men who bottom are seen as women.
How disappointing. I’ve had this on my TBR list for ages, and I can’t even bring myself to finish it.
October 22, 2012
The Pedlar and the Brigand King is a tale that succeeds in entertaining the reader with otherworldly adventures where deep characterization has no part to play, certainly, but which offers interesting characters who fulfil their function to mirror human weaknesses.
The author builds an extremely rich world of kingdoms and people I still need to become familiar with but I liked feeling slightly disoriented; it’s part of the game, after all!
I enjoyed the story that may be without big surprise but provides a naïve and stubborn hero, a crownless king, big-hearted brigands, villains, honour debts, magic, love, a wandering quest and more!
Most of all, I loved the skill with which Kirby Crow can set an atmosphere, how she can depict gorgeous landscapes and exotic towns, how she can draw a scene.
To conclude, I initially rated this book 3,5 stars for my fluctuating patience with Scarlet and my moderate investment in the developing romance but finally couldn’t give less than 4 stars for the amazing imagery my mind was filled with, at least 2 breathtaking scenes and the pleasure to be estranged from reality.
The author builds an extremely rich world of kingdoms and people I still need to become familiar with but I liked feeling slightly disoriented; it’s part of the game, after all!
I enjoyed the story that may be without big surprise but provides a naïve and stubborn hero, a crownless king, big-hearted brigands, villains, honour debts, magic, love, a wandering quest and more!
Most of all, I loved the skill with which Kirby Crow can set an atmosphere, how she can depict gorgeous landscapes and exotic towns, how she can draw a scene.
To conclude, I initially rated this book 3,5 stars for my fluctuating patience with Scarlet and my moderate investment in the developing romance but finally couldn’t give less than 4 stars for the amazing imagery my mind was filled with, at least 2 breathtaking scenes and the pleasure to be estranged from reality.
February 16, 2014
This is a very strong beginning to the series. The world-building is especially good, with an intriguing mix of races and cultures, and tons of political conflicts between them. I especially admired the movement between city, rural village and the gypsy like encampment. Scarlet and Liall are terrific as the leads. The series of encounters with Scarlet trying to evade Liall's toll was one of the more original and satisfying meet-cutes I've found in a fantasy series. The author creates a great tension between the chaste (read uptight) Hilurin and the far more open Kasiri. The depiction Scarlet's relationship with his family is probably the best aspect of this book for me: I found it unusually sensitive and insightful, revealing Scarlet's character in a crucial way, and also Liall's though the implications will only really become clear in the third book.
All in all, I recommend the whole series.
All in all, I recommend the whole series.
April 23, 2012
4.5 stars
This book is brilliant.
The author has created an interesting world, and from the first few pages I was completely enthralled.
Scarlet is a great character, young and full of passion inside, but still smart and level headed on the outside. He's young in the story, but has worked since he was fourteen, and we have the image of a young man that's both still innocent and naive, and not at all.
The Wolf is another great character, full of mysteries that still have to be revealed.
What I appreciated here is that the other characters in the story are fully and well described, in the end I cared about every single one of them.
I'll definitely read the next one in the series.
This book is brilliant.
The author has created an interesting world, and from the first few pages I was completely enthralled.
Scarlet is a great character, young and full of passion inside, but still smart and level headed on the outside. He's young in the story, but has worked since he was fourteen, and we have the image of a young man that's both still innocent and naive, and not at all.
The Wolf is another great character, full of mysteries that still have to be revealed.
What I appreciated here is that the other characters in the story are fully and well described, in the end I cared about every single one of them.
I'll definitely read the next one in the series.
June 19, 2016
UPDATE: Old review, but I adore this series so much it get's fanart. This work is a part of my Project Disneyfy, so be sure to check it out for more LGBTQ+ book art!
I feel extremely lucky to have stumbled across this book. It has everything that I look for in a series; passion, action, drama, fluff, light comedy, and even a powerful reference to Red Riding Hood.
I was sucked into the emotions and felt the weight of a shift in mood. The contrast between scenes had me laughing out loud one moment, and stiff with anticipation the next. My heart sank when it was supposed to and I was thrown off guard at how well the suspense was treated. Very rarely can a book convince me to worry; even when you know the characters will make it to the next volume. Needless to say, I was quite impressed.
The sexual tension between the main characters was brilliantly utilized; their motives were evident, it was relatable, and mature - yet not unnecessarily erotic (mind you if it ever turned that way in later volumes I can already tell it would be tastefully done and more than welcome). Kirby takes her time building something real between the two boys. She knows how to please the audience without taking the risk of offending anyone.
I am excited to order the following books in this series, share the first volume with friends, and spread positive feedback to whomever I can. You will not regret picking it up!
September 9, 2015
Wow! I loved this book! I can't wait to get to the next book in the series so I'll be short in my review:
From the beginning we meet our red hooded pedlar, Scarlet of Lysia. He's an honorable Hilurin (the ruling nation of the world, but on the verge of being extinct). He is on his way to his family in the hilurian village Lysia. It's there that he hears of a Kasiri tribe (I guess that could be similar to gypsies caravans in our world?) led by Liall the Wolf (from the northern lands Rshan na Ostre, which I deduced are frozen lands, far, far away).
Scarlet and Liall's first meeting is not very polite and it puts them at odds with each other. This is where a battle of wits starts between them, with Scarlet trying to pass the bandit road without paying Liall the necessary fee: a kiss :D Their shenanigans were hilarious!
Lots and lots of thrilling but also sad things happen with an old Liall's enemy and with Scarlet's parents *wipes tears away* but in the end we prepare to embark on a new adventure with our boys. Liall's is being called to his home Rshan na Ostre, where danger awaits and has no choice but to take Scarlet with him.
Here's a drawing Scarlet and Liall I found online, probably made by a fan of the series. (though personally I picture Liall with longer hair and more manly :P)
From the beginning we meet our red hooded pedlar, Scarlet of Lysia. He's an honorable Hilurin (the ruling nation of the world, but on the verge of being extinct). He is on his way to his family in the hilurian village Lysia. It's there that he hears of a Kasiri tribe (I guess that could be similar to gypsies caravans in our world?) led by Liall the Wolf (from the northern lands Rshan na Ostre, which I deduced are frozen lands, far, far away).
Scarlet and Liall's first meeting is not very polite and it puts them at odds with each other. This is where a battle of wits starts between them, with Scarlet trying to pass the bandit road without paying Liall the necessary fee: a kiss :D Their shenanigans were hilarious!
Lots and lots of thrilling but also sad things happen with an old Liall's enemy and with Scarlet's parents *wipes tears away* but in the end we prepare to embark on a new adventure with our boys. Liall's is being called to his home Rshan na Ostre, where danger awaits and has no choice but to take Scarlet with him.
Here's a drawing Scarlet and Liall I found online, probably made by a fan of the series. (though personally I picture Liall with longer hair and more manly :P)
November 15, 2023
Edit: Reread, because I just learned Hoopla has the whole series so that I can finally finish it! Excuse me as I go binge this series. 👀
~•~•~•~
I loved this book. It's one of my first LGBT books, published by Torque and if the rest of their books are like this, then I will definitely need to get my hands on their other books.
I liked Scarlett and Liall (pronounced lee-all), and the plot, and everything. It was enchanting to read about these two characters who at first appearances hate each other but slowly grow closer to one another.
It's a fascinating take on the wolf in grandmother's clothing, and it's world-building is creative and magical.
I read through this book, and immediately went through the next. Now I need to wait for book three at my library.
It's an excellent series, and I highly recommend it.
Five out of five stars!
~•~•~•~
I loved this book. It's one of my first LGBT books, published by Torque and if the rest of their books are like this, then I will definitely need to get my hands on their other books.
I liked Scarlett and Liall (pronounced lee-all), and the plot, and everything. It was enchanting to read about these two characters who at first appearances hate each other but slowly grow closer to one another.
It's a fascinating take on the wolf in grandmother's clothing, and it's world-building is creative and magical.
I read through this book, and immediately went through the next. Now I need to wait for book three at my library.
It's an excellent series, and I highly recommend it.
Five out of five stars!
May 9, 2013
My goodness, this author is in love with info-dumps. You could have deleted 70% of this book and all that would have been left would have been story; it would have been a huge improvement. Every time something was starting to happen, some exciting event or interesting conversation, everything would grind to a halt so we could have 5 pages of info-dumping.
I wanted to like this book, I really did because I love fantasy and finding m/m fantasy that's half decent is so unbelievably hard. This was not one of those decent ones. It was one solid book of info dump of fantasy-esque world building: where there are a bunch of names you can't pronounce, a bunch of people you really couldn't care less about, and a plethora of events you quickly forget. I skimmed about half this book (I have a compulsive skimming habit when I reach info-dumps) and I can't imagine how much more boring this would have been if I'd actually read everything written.
And the ending ... anyone who whips out a deus ex machina deserves to have their stories taken away for the story's own good. I hate info-dumps, loathe them with quite a bit of passion, but deus ex machina has a special place of hatred in my heart. It's lazy, and it's *really* disappointing.
Somewhere in the future will be published amazing m/m fantasies, but I'll just have to keep waiting and hoping. Right now, pickings are slim, but I have faith.
I wanted to like this book, I really did because I love fantasy and finding m/m fantasy that's half decent is so unbelievably hard. This was not one of those decent ones. It was one solid book of info dump of fantasy-esque world building: where there are a bunch of names you can't pronounce, a bunch of people you really couldn't care less about, and a plethora of events you quickly forget. I skimmed about half this book (I have a compulsive skimming habit when I reach info-dumps) and I can't imagine how much more boring this would have been if I'd actually read everything written.
And the ending ... anyone who whips out a deus ex machina deserves to have their stories taken away for the story's own good. I hate info-dumps, loathe them with quite a bit of passion, but deus ex machina has a special place of hatred in my heart. It's lazy, and it's *really* disappointing.
Somewhere in the future will be published amazing m/m fantasies, but I'll just have to keep waiting and hoping. Right now, pickings are slim, but I have faith.
November 9, 2013
I've been wanting to start Scarlet and the White Wolf for a long time and not really sure why I waited so long. The series gets off to a great start, the world-building is exceptionally good, I love all the little details and the main characters Liall and Scarlet are going to be fantastic together, I just know it.
There's not much romance in this book, it's more of a slow building sexual tension between Liall and Scarlet but I have a feeling that's going to change in Mariner's Luck. Well I hope so anyway!
There's not much romance in this book, it's more of a slow building sexual tension between Liall and Scarlet but I have a feeling that's going to change in Mariner's Luck. Well I hope so anyway!
April 4, 2018
Don't hate me, maybe it's just me but it didn't wow me...
The world building was relatively interesting.
There were many descriptions, that were quite extensive, but didn't really build a big picture.
I LOVED Liall, but, excuse my French, Scarlet was quite often acting like a pinched maiden.
His resolve by the end kind of saved the day, otherwise that would be a two star read.
The world building was relatively interesting.
There were many descriptions, that were quite extensive, but didn't really build a big picture.
I LOVED Liall, but, excuse my French, Scarlet was quite often acting like a pinched maiden.
His resolve by the end kind of saved the day, otherwise that would be a two star read.
December 4, 2010
I loved this book! The strapline is 'A romantic retelling of a classic fairytale...' in truth, the story only has one scene that comes from Little Red Riding Hood and of course, Scarlet wears a red coat but that's where the similarities end. Set on the southern continent of Nemerl, Scarlet makes his trade and supports his family, as a pedlar. He mets Liall the Wolf at a toll road, Liall and his band of bandits are holding. Liall asks for a kiss as the toll, Scarlet refuses and a battle of wills and pride ensues...
The characters of Liall and Scarlet draw you into the story and don't let you go. Sure there are things in this book that I've seen in other fantasy novels, but it is original enough for it not to matter. I read in other review that the book would benefit from having a glossary, something I completely agree with!
I've ordered the next two volumes and the book covers look just as stunning as the first, which is a nice bonus ;-)!
The characters of Liall and Scarlet draw you into the story and don't let you go. Sure there are things in this book that I've seen in other fantasy novels, but it is original enough for it not to matter. I read in other review that the book would benefit from having a glossary, something I completely agree with!
I've ordered the next two volumes and the book covers look just as stunning as the first, which is a nice bonus ;-)!
June 4, 2016
Really enjoyed this m/m fantasy story. Kirby Crow is a talented author, great characterisation and world-building.
'"I know thee," Liall whispered urgently. It felt like all of his heart was pouring out into these few short words, yearning hungrily toward Scarlet like a flower does toward the sun..'
'"I know thee," Liall whispered urgently. It felt like all of his heart was pouring out into these few short words, yearning hungrily toward Scarlet like a flower does toward the sun..'
October 5, 2012
cliffhanger, this book haz it
NOW that it finished the adventure will start!
5 stars, can't give less
NOW that it finished the adventure will start!
5 stars, can't give less
August 23, 2015
Synopsis:
Scarlet of Lysia is an honest peddler, a young merchant traveling the wild, undefended roads to support his aging parents. Liall, called the Wolf of Omara, is the handsome, world-weary chieftain of a tribe of bandits blocking a mountain road that Scarlet needs to cross. When Liall jokingly demands a carnal toll for the privilege, Scarlet refuses and an inventive battle of wills ensues, with disastrous results.
Scarlet is convinced that Liall is a worthless, immoral rogue, but when the hostile countryside explodes into violence and Liall unexpectedly fights to save the lives of Scarlet's family, Scarlet is forced to admit that the Wolf is not the worst ally he could have, but what price will proud Scarlet ultimately have to pay for Liall's friendship?
My Thoughts:
I ended up liking this quite a bit. I do have a soft spot for M/M fantasy stories, so I shouldn't be surprised.
Scarlet is a feisty thing and Liall is a sophisticated brute. Scarlet's attempts to get past Liall were amusing until that last time when Scarlet used one insult too many and Liall lost it. Not so amusing, then. What followed wasn't amusing, either. I got really scared for Scarlet then.
Scarlet of Lysia is an honest peddler, a young merchant traveling the wild, undefended roads to support his aging parents. Liall, called the Wolf of Omara, is the handsome, world-weary chieftain of a tribe of bandits blocking a mountain road that Scarlet needs to cross. When Liall jokingly demands a carnal toll for the privilege, Scarlet refuses and an inventive battle of wills ensues, with disastrous results.
Scarlet is convinced that Liall is a worthless, immoral rogue, but when the hostile countryside explodes into violence and Liall unexpectedly fights to save the lives of Scarlet's family, Scarlet is forced to admit that the Wolf is not the worst ally he could have, but what price will proud Scarlet ultimately have to pay for Liall's friendship?
My Thoughts:
I ended up liking this quite a bit. I do have a soft spot for M/M fantasy stories, so I shouldn't be surprised.
Scarlet is a feisty thing and Liall is a sophisticated brute. Scarlet's attempts to get past Liall were amusing until that last time when Scarlet used one insult too many and Liall lost it. Not so amusing, then. What followed wasn't amusing, either. I got really scared for Scarlet then.
November 7, 2025
How is 2015 edition different from 2008?
I am asking because the price hike for the same amount of pages is crazy - it went from 4.99 to 7.99.
There must be some serious shake up somewhere between the pages, but I don't want to pay 8 bucks only to find out that all the commas have finally found their rightful place.
Anyone read both versions?
I am asking because the price hike for the same amount of pages is crazy - it went from 4.99 to 7.99.
There must be some serious shake up somewhere between the pages, but I don't want to pay 8 bucks only to find out that all the commas have finally found their rightful place.
Anyone read both versions?
July 27, 2013
I can't believe it took me so long to grab this one. Loved everything about it- the world building, the MC's, wonderfully rich and real characters. The snark, delicious chemistry and just the right amount of angst/hurt comfort.
Holding back on the fifth star 'till I've finished the series.
Holding back on the fifth star 'till I've finished the series.
June 28, 2016
De esos libros que se dan una vez cada tanto. Complejo y sutil, es mucho más que los límites que le impone un género viciado por copias de copias de copias, que repiten estructuras y perpetúan clichés. Kirby Crow es un talento difícil de igualar.
April 11, 2018
Little Red Hood and Big Bad Wolf meet again and boy, the feels...
I really, really liked this book and I will read EVERYTHING in this serie. As you should too.
I really, really liked this book and I will read EVERYTHING in this serie. As you should too.
January 8, 2017
Listen: if you want a great queer retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fable with authentic character development and high fantasy, then this is the book for you!
I started reading this book at 11pm on Friday and finished it at 3am on Saturday like I was a 10-year-old girl again and wouldn’t hate myself in the morning. I literally could not put it down. The beginning of the book is a bit wordy with exposition, but the world-building is necessary to understand the ethnic and cultural turmoil that affects the character’s actions. For being a small, self-published book it broaches some pretty heavy topics like racial tensions, religious differences, the military complex, and the acceptance of LGBTQ people in different cultures. I was pleasantly surprised.
Scarlet, the protagonist, is a young Hilurin pedlar who travels across the southern continent, buying and selling goods to support his elderly parents and younger sister. Everything is fine until news comes that a Kasiri chieftain named Liall has set up shop on the mountain pass out of town, exhorting tolls from people for use of the only road. Scarlett refuses to pay Liall’s unconventional fees and tries his best to trick the chieftain. Liall finds himself increasingly intrigued by the young man who refuses him and acts rather hilariously boorish because of his crush.
The plotline is literally “Hey, I just met you and this is crazy, but you gotta pay a toll so kiss me maybe?”. It’s seriously amazing.
One of the things I liked the most about this book was the way that the character’s actions have consequences that make them change their behavior. Liall takes pleasure in teasing Scarlet until one day it goes too far and then he honestly regrets his behavior and seeks to do better. Scarlet considers Liall to be a murdering, thieving rogue because of his position in the Kasiri until he sees Liall’s true nature and amends his first impressions of him. I’ve read New York Times bestsellers who didn’t have that much character development!
“The Pedlar and the Bandit King” was honestly a pleasure to read. I’ve already ordered the other three books in the series and I look forward to seeing how the relationship between these two characters grows over the coming installments.
I started reading this book at 11pm on Friday and finished it at 3am on Saturday like I was a 10-year-old girl again and wouldn’t hate myself in the morning. I literally could not put it down. The beginning of the book is a bit wordy with exposition, but the world-building is necessary to understand the ethnic and cultural turmoil that affects the character’s actions. For being a small, self-published book it broaches some pretty heavy topics like racial tensions, religious differences, the military complex, and the acceptance of LGBTQ people in different cultures. I was pleasantly surprised.
Scarlet, the protagonist, is a young Hilurin pedlar who travels across the southern continent, buying and selling goods to support his elderly parents and younger sister. Everything is fine until news comes that a Kasiri chieftain named Liall has set up shop on the mountain pass out of town, exhorting tolls from people for use of the only road. Scarlett refuses to pay Liall’s unconventional fees and tries his best to trick the chieftain. Liall finds himself increasingly intrigued by the young man who refuses him and acts rather hilariously boorish because of his crush.
The plotline is literally “Hey, I just met you and this is crazy, but you gotta pay a toll so kiss me maybe?”. It’s seriously amazing.
One of the things I liked the most about this book was the way that the character’s actions have consequences that make them change their behavior. Liall takes pleasure in teasing Scarlet until one day it goes too far and then he honestly regrets his behavior and seeks to do better. Scarlet considers Liall to be a murdering, thieving rogue because of his position in the Kasiri until he sees Liall’s true nature and amends his first impressions of him. I’ve read New York Times bestsellers who didn’t have that much character development!
“The Pedlar and the Bandit King” was honestly a pleasure to read. I’ve already ordered the other three books in the series and I look forward to seeing how the relationship between these two characters grows over the coming installments.
October 9, 2011
Scarlet and the White Wolf, at the beginning was pretty boring and I couldn't get into it. There were used many new words without explanation, so it didn't help with understanding the story.
But then, something has changed. We got to know Liall and suddenly, also the main character, Scarlet has become different. I loved reading the banter between them and I impatiently waited to see how their story was going to end.
Overall, it's an interesting fantasy story (I won't say "well-written", because some mistakes were discouraging) that is based on Little Red Riding Hood tale. To be honest, I didn't see any connection to it, except for the Scarlet's Red Coat and Liall being called "Wolf".
However, there were also few things that I didn't like/understand. Why would a woman who lived through a massacre tell the story of it as a bedtime tale to her kids? And her daughter asked for it. Besides, she supposedly didn't want to leave her land that was in danger, because her previous family was killed. Well, if I was in her shoes, I would run as far as possible.
To sum it up, I recommend this book to people who like both fantasy and m/m romance. Although, the first part consisted mostly of sexual tension. I suppose we'll see more of the romance in the next part. I'll definitely read it, too.
But then, something has changed. We got to know Liall and suddenly, also the main character, Scarlet has become different. I loved reading the banter between them and I impatiently waited to see how their story was going to end.
Overall, it's an interesting fantasy story (I won't say "well-written", because some mistakes were discouraging) that is based on Little Red Riding Hood tale. To be honest, I didn't see any connection to it, except for the Scarlet's Red Coat and Liall being called "Wolf".
However, there were also few things that I didn't like/understand. Why would a woman who lived through a massacre tell the story of it as a bedtime tale to her kids? And her daughter asked for it. Besides, she supposedly didn't want to leave her land that was in danger, because her previous family was killed. Well, if I was in her shoes, I would run as far as possible.
To sum it up, I recommend this book to people who like both fantasy and m/m romance. Although, the first part consisted mostly of sexual tension. I suppose we'll see more of the romance in the next part. I'll definitely read it, too.
September 8, 2013
Need.More.Stars. MORE! Loved it!
Review to follow.
Updated:
Upon finishing this book, my initial thoughts were... I need more stars to rate it properly!
I really loved this one. Scarlet was such a wonderful character, he won my heart very early on. And Liall... OhMY! How much do I love Liall?! I want to keep him for my very own!
This was my third time reading Kirby Crow. Kirby's writing just knocks my socks right off. So vivid, so packed full of emotion, just so all around fabulous. With this book it was no different. The character development was exceptional and the world building so wonderfully done I often found myself wondering if the author wasn't pulling from some real, far away place of old. Descriptions so vivid and colorful; so well done I would find myself deeply lost in the story, seeing and feeling just what the characters were.
Bottom line: A wonderful tale. Fabulously written. Perfect book to kick back with for a weekend read.
Review to follow.
Updated:
Upon finishing this book, my initial thoughts were... I need more stars to rate it properly!
I really loved this one. Scarlet was such a wonderful character, he won my heart very early on. And Liall... OhMY! How much do I love Liall?! I want to keep him for my very own!
This was my third time reading Kirby Crow. Kirby's writing just knocks my socks right off. So vivid, so packed full of emotion, just so all around fabulous. With this book it was no different. The character development was exceptional and the world building so wonderfully done I often found myself wondering if the author wasn't pulling from some real, far away place of old. Descriptions so vivid and colorful; so well done I would find myself deeply lost in the story, seeing and feeling just what the characters were.
Bottom line: A wonderful tale. Fabulously written. Perfect book to kick back with for a weekend read.
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