HUNTED A dark re-telling of the old tale, where Red Riding Hood isn't so little, and mightn't be so good after all.
The villagers call her Red. It's the colour of her lips, her cloak, and the blood that stains her when she returns from the woods. The villagers call her Red for many reasons, but most of all, they're too afraid to call her what she really is. Witch. But when a wolf stalks the village, Red might be the only one who can save them from the beast...the beast who hunts her. Red races against the three days until the full moon to uncover the wolf's identity, find out what he wants from her, and save herself. To hell with the village, Red just wants to save herself. That's what good witches do.
Hunted is a twisted take on the old tale, with some magic sprinkled onto a young woman's journey to find herself in dark times. First in the FEARED FABLES series. Contains adult content and possible triggers. Formally titled 'Red Run'.
QUINN BLACKBIRD is a wanderer, a caffeine addict, a concern to her teachers & a bit of a dork. You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends. Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.
QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!
Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'
popular questions answered: *there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*
CONTACT: FB Quinn Blackbird FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds
♥UPDATED REVIEW♥ Here's the thing, a part of me thinks this is a 5 stars, another thinks is a 3. Another is afraid 'cuz this book no reviews. What if I overrate and then someone reads it and doesn't like it? What if I underrate and someone sees my review and skip it?
I'm going for a 4!!!
♥original review♥ Fairy tale retelling! *Tosses on TBR pile*
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author this has in no way influenced my review.*
Red Run is the first installment in a standalone series Feared Fables. When the author approached me for a review request, I couldn't resist because I love dark fairy tale retellings. As soon as I got my hands on it, I jumped into it. It was a quick short novella and I finished it in one sitting. It's been a very long time since I've read a Red Riding Hood retelling and I really had fun reading this book. It was a good retelling. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the plot. Red Run was the first book I've read by the author and I might check out her other works.
Nineteen year old Red is a hunter and also a village witch who makes magical healing potions with her herbs. She's an orphan and comes from the family of witches. People in her village aren't fond of her presence especially the village priest who pretends that she doesn't exist and only the desperate seeks her help. She often visits her grandmother who lives in the woods. When a werewolf starts to wreck havoc on her village by killing people, everyone begins to panic and Red is their only hope of saving them from the monster. When Red's grandma reveals the history between Werewolves and Witches, she plans to escape the village before the wolf finds her and realizes that she can't escape from him and decides to uncover the werewolf's real identity before the full moon approaches.
I really liked the character Red as a witch. She's smart, strong, determined, and beautiful. She is a clever hunter but don't expect her to be a kickass werewolf hunter. She's pretty skilled in making potions, but she doesn't have much knowledge in sword handling. Her character was very refreshing to read. We also have two handsome male characters in this book, A Broody Hunter named Coltan, and a sexy and charming aristocrat named Dante. Both of them were pretty interesting and I wish this book also has their perspectives. As expected, there is a very light romance in this book but it's really not the central focus of the story.
The plot was engaging throughout. The story had me captivated from the very beginning. In folklore, Werewolves always have a strong connection to witches, and the author did a nice job in writing her own version of Red. The pacing was good and there's never a boring moment. There are some plot twists in the book which really took me by surprise. Even though some parts became predictable at the end, it didn't hinder my enjoyment at all. I loved the writing style of the author. The whole book was told in Red's POV. There's not much world building in this book, but I really loved the whole setting of the snowy forest and the little village.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I wish it wasn't a novella because things happened pretty fast at the end. The ending was bittersweet yet satisfying. It left me a little heartbroken because I really didn't see that coming.
This book is written in the first-person present, which I find is one of the more difficult points of view to get into as a reader. Others believe that both present tense and first person make a work more immediate, but I don't find that to be so. To me, it is more distancing.
This dark retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is indeed dark with little light. Red, as she is known, is a local witch and herbalist to whom the townspeople come when they need magic, healing, or more deadly arts, like abortifacients. She is mostly shunned by the villagers except when they have these needs, but Red is fine with that.
When a wolf starts scaring the village, Red might be the only one who can save them. It is surprising who the wolf turns out to be. Will Red be successful against the wolf? I did find it interesting that this story turned the original one on its head, with Red being the active party in this book.
I didn't particularly enjoy this book for reasons beyond the point of view. I also didn't find Red either sympathetic or one I can have empathy for. She's got a real hard edge that made me not find her appealing, and for me, the main character has to be appealing in some way. I also tend to prefer my dark books to have at least some light, as I believe it is needed as a contrast to truly illuminate the darkness.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Red is the village witch, selling potions to those brave enough to venture to her door and risk the ire of their fellow citizens. She's tolerated rather than accepted, but that suits her just fine. She has her skills, her witchy Grandmother to visit, and a handsome lover. The wolf's arrival changes everything. Suddenly the townfolk need her, but the danger the wolf poses to Red herself may be worse than the fate the ordinary villager's fear.
First off, the character of Red (otherwise known as Ella) is a rare well-balanced heroine. She's kick ass without having to literally kick ass. She's not handy with a blade, nor unbelievably strong/fast/beautiful (well, maybe she's pretty but the book doesn't dwell on it). She's smart. She knows when best to stand back and let others sort things out. She's also not prone to fits of swooning/objectifying - there's a hint of grey-area aromanticism about her (she's not overly for or against; it'll just take more than a smouldering glance or promises of Hapily Ever After to win her heart).
Some odd language choice here and there (I always thought "lowering my lashes" meant looking down in a coy/demure way rather than scowling, but Red does it a lot early on) but the writing generally flows well and is of high quality. The story is paced well, told from Red's perspective. The only negative I can think of would be that the witch/wolf lore and how Red comes to some realisations aren't clearly explained. You can put two and two together, but it's perhaps still a little ambiguous. Otherwise it's an interesting take on the Red Riding-hood retelling that focuses on events rather than the lusting of the main characters. There is a hint of romance, but it's not in-your-face, and any adult scenes are more hinted at than described in any detail.
Overall a good read if you're looking for a more grounded fantasy retelling where wolves aren't all sexy shifters and where heroines can be strong without being unbelievable.
This is one of those books I probably never would have read if it hadn't been free because of the global crisis. And what a shame and pity that would have been. Because this story, even though it's not that long, is absolutely and totally worth a read, whether or not you like the original story of little red riding hood.
The first thing that stands out is the atmosphere in the story and the way it is written. Although there are descriptions and explanations it's quite minimal and it works. I liked that not everything was spelled out in details. I liked that the author trusted us to understand what she meant and wanted to say. I liked that she let the story, the atmosphere and the characters speak for themselves, without them defending themselves in lengthy explanations.
I also liked the characters in this story. Although we don't get to know them that close and personal, we get a good feel of who they are, who they want to be and what they long for. It fits the fairytale theme of the story. And although I could never really build a close connection to the characters, I did feel for them and with them.
The way the elements of the little red riding hood tale are used and twisted is also amazing. In a way they feel familiar and are all there. We have a hunter, we have a grandmother, we have a girl in a red cloak and we have a wolf. The elements however are all turned into something original and fresh and new. Which makes it a really exciting and intriguing read!
I really enjoyed this story. Really good plot to the story. Very well written. Would highly recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of stories. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Little Red Riding Hood goes dark. Not your typical story but o so good. Isla Jones writing is so good you cannot stop till the end. And what a ending you will just have to read it yourself to see.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Why authors make their books so difficult to find? I read a friend's review then clicked on the amazon link and didn't work. I looked up Isla Jones on Amazon and couldn't find this edition. It wasn't until I got back to Goodreads and realized that there's another author credited for this book that I could find this book under her name. Even now I'm not sure it's the same book because the amazon cover is different. I might have lost interest now.
She is called red by the people of her village but they rather that than her witch. A wolf appears and now they want her help. She will find out who he is as she has a feeling he is after her. Follow her and see if she finds out what is going on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
HUNTED is the first book in the Feared Fables series, and in this one we meet Red, her wolf, and please don't forget her Grandmother!!!
This tale is told first person, present tense, so you are with Red/Ella as she goes through her days, helping villagers, making discoveries, and trying to live her life. I loved that she was so independent, and helped those less fortunate than herself.
A few parts of the story were a tad unclear to me - such as which wolf attacked the neighbour, and why? After all, it appears they have both been in the village for years without any mishap. And the relationship with Red - lie or real? This is just me being picky though, and wanting more. Apart from those small things, the story was very well told, and rich in detail.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and look forward to reading more in the Feared Fables set. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A dark re-telling of the old tale, where Red Riding Hood isn't so little, and mightn't be so good after all. The villagers call her Red. It's the colour of her lips, her cloak, and the blood that stains her when she returns from the woods. The villagers call her Red for many reasons, but most of all, they're too afraid to call her what she really is. Witch. But when a wolf stalks the village, Red might be the only one who can save them from the beast...the beast who has his sights set on her already. Red races against the three days until the full moon to uncover the wolf's identity, find out what he wants from her, and save herself. To hell with the village, Red just wants to save herself. That's what good witches do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fantastic book by the author. The characters are realistic and flawed and fantastically developed. I truly enjoyed the writing and would recommend it to others!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Long story short this wasn't for me, I think it was mainly because I backed the wrong love interest. Also the ending was just meh for me So while this was a well written interesting retelling of Red Riding Hood it just wasn't my taste.
Oh boy....this was one of those... this book hurts. I have to admit I wanted Colton to be a hero, but behold ... plot twist!! If you are all in HEA type, please do not read this book.. I know that it left me a bit sad...
Witchy red riding hood - nuf’ said. Well paced, moody atmosphere with intriguing lore surrounding witches and werewolves. Good, quick read and available on kindle unlimited.
This is an adult version of Red Riding Hood. Red would be a gun-toting backwoods agnostic in modern days. She hunts for her own supper, gathers herbs to make and sell medicine. Unfortunately for her, the town labels her as a witch. While she does want to be a witch, her grandmother tells her she is a weak witch. Well, that is an ego burner.
Does it make her immune to criticism? No. Does it make her less likely to meet the wolf? No. Fate is the sweet smell of a deadly flower, but I love how Red deals with death head-on. And oh, yes, there is a twist to the story, or we would be bored. For a one-night story, it was very satisfying, and the ending was an interesting take on an HEA.
I do like first-person POV. I find this style easier to read.
I wasn't sure what to expect when starting this one, and overall I was pleasantly surprised. I've had this on my E-Shelf for awhile and pulled it off for a book club challenge.
I love retellings and this is a first for me with Red Riding Hood, and the Wolf. This is on the darker side and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I did feel this was too short and wanted the characters fleshed out a tad more. The three main characters, Red, Dante and Colton, did not have enough backstory for me. Another rarity for me when I WANT more. 😂😂
This is marketed as YA Fiction but there is some adult content, just as an FYI. Not great, but not terrible either. For those who love retellings I say give it a go and see where you fall.
Nell'insieme l'ho trovata una bella rivisitazione di cappuccetto rosso, ma tanti aspetti potevano essere approfonditi di più.
Non sono riuscita a capire dove volesse andare a parare con la trama se non nelle ultime 50 pagine dove poi si è sviluppato il tutto.
Tutti ciò che viene prima non mi ha interessata granché al punto che ero tentata di abbandonarlo (ho resistito solo perché mi dicevo che in fondo è un libro corto).
Sicuramente avrei preferito che la parte romantica/passionale avesse avuto più spazio, per non parlare del finale a cui non riesco nemmeno a dare un aggettivo.
Hunted A Dark Retelling of Red Riding Hood Feared Fables Book 1 Isla Jones Klarissa King
This was a great new version of Red Riding Hood. It was the first once I have read where Red goes dark like this, and the ending takes a turn that I never would have expected!! Not your happily ever after fairy tale anymore. This was a great take on it. So much fun!!
Hunted: A Dark Retelling of Red Riding Hood by Klarissa King is a wonderful story. This is book number one in this wonderful retelling of red riding hood. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading an old tell a new way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An excellent dark retelling of Red Riding Hood, not for the faint at heart. Well written, with excellent plot twists, and an unexpected ending. If you like your fairytale retellings with a darker than usual twist, then you'll absolutely love "Hunted". Can't wait for more books in the "Feared Fables" series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Compared to other books I have read from this author, this has been the best. I like retellings, something about them are comforting and easy to read.
First POV books are never my favourite, but this was okay, it wasn’t too jarring. If you’re interested in a red riding hood retelling and have kindle unlimited, it wouldn’t hurt to give this a go.
I liked the way the author approached the retelling of the fairytale in this book. She wasn't timid as I thought the fairytale was which made the story exciting. The action and suspense were easily felt by the way the author set the scenes. I liked it.
Great 'Little Red Riding Hood' retelling! The twists to the story were interesting, as were the characters. This is not really a love story, though it would have been nice to see that romantic HEA for Red and the wolf. Still a great read that keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more.
A good story that kept me reading till the end...it's not as dark as some of the authors other books but it's content had you guessing and hoping for certain outcomes...
Interesting take a the old fairy tale of Little Red RidingHood. I liked the magic touch and that she Ella aka Red was an outcast but at the end she was respected. I highly recommend this book if you like shapeshifting wolves, witches and a good suspense mystery!