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The Red Cape Society #6

Lycans and Legends

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Someone is trying to assassinate the Queen.

After stopping a mysterious preternatural assailant wielding an enchanted dagger, Clemeny is on the hunt. Why is someone after Victoria? To find answers, Clemeny Louvel must travel to the one place she’s been avoiding, the Summer Country. Among the mist and standing stones, secrets about her case—and herself—are hiding. An ancient grudge with roots deep in the heart of Britannia is about to unfold on the Victorian stage. Unless Clemeny can stop it first.

Dive into the exciting final chapter of Clemeny's adventures in Lycans and Legends. Journey to gaslamp London in the 19th century in this steampunk retelling of the classic Red Riding Hood fairy tale by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2019

125 people are currently reading
545 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Karsak

90 books1,718 followers
New York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

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5 stars
439 (56%)
4 stars
270 (34%)
3 stars
61 (7%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for rayhanah.
438 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2024
this series was such a fun time! Every book felt like going on a little adventure, and it was my introduction to steampunk novels, which i can now say I'm a fan of. I'm glad we got richardclemeny endgame cause God knows we have suffered enough this series. They're everything, and seeing their little family was so precious! Felt like we came full circle.
However, this book was kinda meh in comparison. Started off great, but too much was introduced and going on for this to be the final book of the series. There was way too much talk of magic, druids, faeries, unseelie, and King arthur that wasn't even hinted at in the previous books. But apart from that, this series was pretty fun. There was romance, action, mystery, it's fast-paced, each book is short and easily devourable in under 3 hours and has a little bit of fantasy thrown in there. So if all that sounds up your alley, definitely give it a try :)
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,204 reviews37 followers
May 5, 2019
First off a shout out to the author, this is such a marvelous and delightful series. I will never be fully ready to say goodbye… but if I am this was the story to end on. I will always hold Clem in my heart.

Now… I loved this story as it concluded all the questions I had for Clem, all my hopes for her where granted and I loved the outcome. I could not have picked a better ending. Oh, and she has really great taste in men, LOL.

This story has splendid poise, wonderful dialogue, and intense action (for me, there is nothing better than a smart, sassy and dangerous woman to idealize). As with this entire series the story is filled with action and steampunk elements. The book is the final story, but it contains elements from other stories that are like little love notes from the author to her dedicated readers. I would say that you can read this as a standalone, but you would get so much more enjoyment if you read the other stories first.

I have not enjoyed a series like this is years and I cannot explain how much I loved this adventure. I cannot wait for more stories from this author, whatever they may be; and if I could be so bold as to suggest a series featuring Agent Rose, I would be forever grateful (I mean if you are taking requests…). This will be a forever cherished series for me! I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
April 30, 2019
I have absolutely loved every one of Clemeny’s journeys! She is brave and fearless! She knows how to go on one heck of an adventure! And this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is no exception! It was exquisite! This whole series been wonderfully written and entertaining! I am sad to see her adventures end!
Profile Image for †⋆CokeySmurf⋆♍️.
48 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2024
So this series was my first taste of Melanie Karsak, and I love her writing style so much! Also my first dip into steam punk and I can honestly say that I enjoyed these novellas far more than I was expecting! They're fun, action-packed, full of all of our fantasy & mythological beasts & easy to read! I flew through this series and can't wait to deep dive into more of Melanie Karsak's worlds 🖤
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,428 reviews181 followers
July 30, 2021
Series: Steampunk Red Riding Hood #6
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!

Clemeny is on another hunt to stop an assassin from killing the Queen. Along the way she finds the truth about her family and unlocks her true potential.

This was a wonderful end for Clemeny’s story. She finally has love, learns about her history, and she saves the world. I adored Clemeny and Richard in this book, especially when they were taking care of Jericho, who was adorable. Her heritage was fascinating and unexpected. I really wish we were getting another book that would explore more of her heritage, but I am glad we got at least some closure.

The enemies and monsters in this book were great because they were things that I didn’t even realize were possible in this world. I really enjoyed the mystery of finding the enemies and the battle at the end. Seeing the Red Capes and all the other allies unite to fight was exciting, especially since they rarely work together with the monsters. As I said in previous reviews, I really want to see more about the other members of the Red Cape Society because they are all fascinating, especially Agent Rose.

This was definitely my favorite book in this series. It had everything I love to read: a great heroine, family, love, and a big battle. Also I just loved how content and happy Clemeny was in this book. Even when things were bad, she still was happy because she knew Richard would be waiting.

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Profile Image for SpaceAmanda.
12 reviews
October 27, 2025
Such a fun series and a great wrap up story! I still have some questions about Clem and I wanna know how they’re all doing together but regardless it still ended in a very satisfying way!
Profile Image for Karissa.
4,325 reviews215 followers
December 23, 2020
Series Info/Source: This is the sixth (and final) book in the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series. I borrowed this through Kindle Unlimited.

Story (4/5): When Clemeny finds out a dark elf is trying to kill the Queen for a magical artifact, she ends up having to journey to the Summer Country to track the dark elf down. There she not only helps to save England but finds out the secrets of her past. I enjoyed this quite a bit. I loved that Clemeny finally learns about her past and thought the incorporation of various Arthurian elements was well done. My only complaint is that this huge climatic reveal happened so quickly and abruptly that it felt almost anti-climatic.

Characters (4/5): As mentioned above I loved that we finally get to find out Clemeny’s secrets, although they were huge secrets that were revealed in a somewhat anticlimactic way. I do wish that Loveheart had been in the story a bit more; he supposed to be the love of Clemeny’s life but he kind of pops in and out of the story. I felt like I didn’t know him as well as I would have liked to, we got to know Edwin way better and he was just kind of brushed to the side. Harper is also kind of off on the sidelines, which was a bit disappointing as well.

Setting (3/5): The setting was a bit confusing this time, Clemency does a lot of traveling between various places in England and they aren’t easy to distinguish. I was happy that she finally got to travel to the Summer Country but then disappointed that it was very well described and that we spent so little time there. The settings were fine but probably the weakest in this series so far.

Writing Style (3/5): I felt like this whole book was rushed and that maybe Karsak just got sick of writing about Clemeny. Everything feels a bit slapped together. The major elements of the story are wrapped up fine and I really loved the inclusion of the Arthurian elements. I also love that the Pellinors are back in the story (these characters are from Karsak’s “Golden Braids and Dragon Blades” novel). The action is still decently done and the pace is fast (too fast at some points). I have mixed feelings about this book; I loved some stuff about it but found other elements kind of disappointing.

My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a decent conclusion to this series but a weaker book in the series as well. I love some of the secrets that were revealed and really enjoyed where the story went but felt like everything was really rushed. There are some seriously big revelations that just feel like they weren’t given a lot of weight in the book and it made a lot of the story feel anti-climatic, when it should have been exciting. Of course read this if you are finishing up the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series.

Right now I am uncertain on whether or not I will continue reading Karsak’s books. I enjoy them but the writing quality is also really uneven. I wanted to check out both her Airship Racing Chronicles and her Chancellor Fairy Tales, but now I am not sure if I want to get involved in another series by her or not.
213 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2023
Very sad this is the end of the series!

What a great book! I'm very sorry that the series has ended. Would love to read more about Clemeny, Lionheart, Jericho, Grand-mere and the Red Capes! There are so many potential stories about Repunzel, Harper and Edwin, Aurora and Constantine, etc.

If you love an action packed book, then this book and series are for you!

This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,927 reviews13 followers
April 26, 2019
Are we ready to say good-bye to Clemeny Louvel? Is it time for Little Red to step away? Perhaps. At least this is the last in this series. If we, as readers, are lucky, she may yet find some mischief to quell. As fairy tale retellings go, this steampunk rendition of Little Red Riding hood has to be amongst the very best. One would expect no less from Melanie Karsak!

The remainder of the Conklin pack of werewolves is disrupting London’s streets. This would normally be Clemeny’s focus, but not at the moment. Someone has attempted to assassinate the Queen on more than one occasion. It seems the culprit has been barely narrowed down to some sort of preternatural.

Not much to go on, but enough to have the matter turned over to the Red Cape Society. Before they can apprehend the culprit they must determine what he is. No easy task it seems.

Clemeny could use a bit of quiet time, but that doesn’t appear to be on the horizon. She recently broke things off with Edwin Hunter in favor of Sir Richard. Once Grand-mere overcame her heartbreak, she as always, is Clemeny’s most staunch supporter. Some time to find out where things are headed between them would be lovely. If not peace, then at least they fighting evil together to bond over.

All clues of this current case lead to the Summer Country, the one place Clemeny has avoided. It is the only place she may be able to find answers about her parents, and maybe even what she really is. For Clemeny Louvel is decidedly something more than human!

Will Clemeny’s destiny collide with her culprit? Are the answers to keeping the Queen safe really with the Druids? Come along on one final adventure to save the kingdom!

Kindle Unlimited edition
Profile Image for Donna.
1,404 reviews9 followers
May 5, 2019
This sixth and (for the moment at least!) final book in the Steampunk Little Red Riding Hood series is a thrilling read, full of action, drama, all kinds of mythical and magical creatures, fighting, fabulous Victorian and steampunk elements (including the royal family themselves), a sprinkling magic, and a touch of romance. It makes for an awesome finale, though I REALLY hope the author writes more books for Clemeny - there's still so much for her to do, so many adventures still to have! But in the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing what fairytale will be brought to life next, and thoroughly recommend both this series and all the other steampunk fairytales the author has written to anyone looking for a rollicking steampunk adventure with a sprinkling of magic and a twist of romance.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
9 reviews
May 3, 2020
Amazing take on Fairytales.

I loved this series, at the end of each book I wanted more. I loved all the characters. I want books for each one. So worth it!
Profile Image for sasha manojlovic.
112 reviews
July 10, 2024
3.25/5 ⭐️
def the best one out of them, and it made me so happy. the writing is meh, but that’s ok. i’m content
Profile Image for Lisette Kristensen.
Author 37 books269 followers
October 4, 2024
A wonderful series and book six did not disappoint. Amazing story bring in all the elements of steampunk and the Otherworld. Thank you for a great series Melanie!
Profile Image for Hannah.
348 reviews
October 29, 2025
This whole series was such a fun read and I was hooked on what was happening!
Profile Image for Christina Morley.
Author 5 books21 followers
May 2, 2019
The final book in the steampunk Red Riding Hood retelling by the talented author/storyteller Melanie Karsak is another exciting adventure! While on a mission to stop an evil fae, Clem discovers the answers about her past and gets her HEA (happily ever after). I love Karsak's characters and I am looking forward to seeing her include them in future books. I received an eARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
April 27, 2019
FANTABULOUS!!!
Oh my! Talk about revving things up a little tighter. Melanie doesn't miss a beat. This installment really got the blood flowing. With every part of this series I read the more impressed I am with the talent Melanie shows throughout the entire series. Most of the time I find some series lacking the gusto or just dragging it out to fill the pages. Not so here. Melanie shows the same intense passion hasn't lagged at all. She keeps it steady, packed with action and hard hitting. The characters are authentic, believable and so realistic with depth and qualities that blend and plays off one another perfectly. An exciting storyline and gripping plot flows smoothly without missing a beat. With a keen eye for detail she brings each installment bursting to life brilliantly. Incredible job Melanie, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Profile Image for Daphnne.
1,317 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2019
Happy with the final book

I have loved this series from book 1! Clemeny is such a strong character, sure of herself, fair minded and intelligent. In this final book we finally get the answers to what Clemeny is but true to form she doesn't let this deter her from her mission of saving everyone. I love that the orphan ends up with the family she always wanted but was never sure she would get. I was always Team Lionheart and their love story takes a sweet turn in this final installment. Overall this was a nice wrap to this story arc but I hope we get more of Clem, Richard & Jericho in the future. Now if we could just get the details on agent Rose......
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
6,269 reviews116 followers
April 29, 2019
What a fabulous ending to a great arc!!!! I will say that I would never turn down more interactions with the entire Rude Mechanicals and Red Cape world, but this was a very satisfying conclusion. Also, I totally called that Little Red had something to do with fairies in like book 1, but I got the specifics TOTALLY wrong. I thought she was a changeling, and I think Melanie Karsak's plan was way cooler! But if Melanie would like a suggestion, I will say that the female line needs to continue and Jericho would be so adorable with a baby sister!
Author 8 books16 followers
April 30, 2019
Amazing conclusion to a fantastic series

I love how the gang came.together in this on. I was wondering what happened to Constantine and Rose. Agent Harper was good for the laughs and Sir Richard good for swooning over. Jericho is such an amazing, adorable character that I wish there was one more book just for him. I was shocked and amazed at Clemeny's heritage and back story. Totally not what I was guessing. Ugh I can't believe we have.to say goodbye to these characters for now.
16 reviews
May 2, 2019
All fairies tails should be given the MK treatment

I picked the series up by accident. The most fortuitous accident i ever had.
I love a love all the "red riding hood" series, and an just about to start all over.
Melanie could rewrite all of our fairy tales as streamline and keep many of unhappy for the rest of our lives 😃

24 reviews
April 28, 2019
Excellent series, nice wrap up

I rarely read past the second or third book of these genre series, but I have enjoyed this one all the way through. The writing is quite good - likable main and interesting secondary characters, good pacing, no aggravating disconnects, well written all around. Believable plot and character development. All little romance but nothing racy. Suitable for all ages. Recommended
Profile Image for Ken Robson.
340 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2019
Sadly this is the last of Clemeny's books. But this is filled with lots of action and twists. She gets sent to the "Summer Country" and finds out more about her parents. Can she kill the person who is attacking the Queen and protect the country?

As always this is a quick book to read, as you will want to keep reading ;-)

I received a free copy of this book
8 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2019
Love this series!

What a great series! It’s wonderfully written and has a great plot. I was hooked right away and couldn’t put the series down. I hope we get to see more of Clemeny’s adventures in the future!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,625 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2019
Incredible!

I love the fast paced incredibly detail story. Little Red and her Wolf finally one together for the best way to wrap up this series. Will be reading the other book too!
Profile Image for Izzy.
450 reviews43 followers
May 11, 2019
Forgot to add an extra star due to the great editing. The majority of the previous instalments suffered from poor editing, which meant it lowered my rating, but this one was great.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,534 reviews
April 24, 2019
I can't believe this is the end of this series. I love Lionheart and Clemeny and don't want this series to end. I also love the Red Cape Society. You do get a lot of answers in this book about Clemeny's past, her relationship with Lionheart. You also get to see how everyone else has fared in the love department. As with all past books in this series a lot happens and Clemeny is right in the middle of it. This series will be truly missed. I hope we see these characters again in a different book if only briefly.



*I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
1,739 reviews10 followers
April 28, 2019
I received an ARC and the opinions and views are my own. Yes! Waiting for this book to come and wasn’t disappointed. It had everything. All the characters were there and there was a preternatural assailant who wants to rule over the humans and one of the great legends come to life also Clemeny gets her man! A really good read. So sorry to see this series ends. I love Clemeny and Lionheart, would recommend this series to all.
31 reviews
April 27, 2019
Today Lycans And Legends are issued and read it in one evening!
Excellent finish for little Red adventures! But I do hope for more stories of agent Louvel ( May be form sir Richard POV)
Another hope , to have stand alone story of agent Rose ( and her vampire partner and Prince Albert!!) . it’s just not fair to tease us!

389 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2019
Wonderful ending for this great series!! Love the characters and the fast action steampunk story!! OUTSTANDING!!
Profile Image for Lisa Koetsch.
74 reviews
March 28, 2021
I enjoyed this series very much. I’m glad Clemeny’s heritage was revealed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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