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Fairy Tale Fatale #1

Crimson Hunter

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She's not afraid of big, bad WEREWOLVES. They're afraid of HER.

The War of Eternal Hunger freed witches from the rule of werewolves, ending a patriarchy only to create a matriarchy. A thousand years later, Oriana, Matriarch of Steelcross and Crimson Hunter, is a young, untried ruler who seeks to bridge the divide between witches and werewolves. But how can witches trust werewolves not to hurt them when Rage Disrupter collars are needed to control their lust for witch's blood and magic? And how can werewolves trust witches to treat them as equals when they've built metal cities and armed themselves, literally, with iron weapons of werewolf destruction?

Marrok is a Clan of the Black Moon werewolf. When he meets and falls in love with Oriana, he knows action must be taken to stave off his lust for her blood and magic. However, witches are the warm sun to werewolves' cold moon. Is it possible for them to share the same sky? Or will Marrok betray Oriana - his bloodlust stronger than his love?

Claws and fangs.

Magic and metal.

Will one side devour the other, or will they find a way to peacefully coexist?

Welcome to Earth Rift, where the moon is black, and the sun is crimson.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2019

51 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

N.D. Jones

47 books440 followers
N.D. Jones, Ed.D., is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of fantasy, speculative fiction, paranormal romance, and historical fantasy. She lives in Maryland with her family, where she creates emotionally resonant, character-driven stories rooted in imagination, depth, and heart.

She has written more than a dozen books across multiple series, including Winged Warriors, Death and Destiny, Dragon Shifter Romance, Feline Nation, Fairy Tale Fatale, and the contemporary romance trilogy The Styles of Love. Her historical fantasy novel Harriet’s Escape won the 2024 BookLife Prize Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Category.

A lifelong educator, N.D. brings a deep understanding of emotional development and identity to her storytelling. She is currently expanding into middle-grade fantasy with a new series that carries her signature blend of heart, humor, adventure, and emotional truth to younger readers.

Whether writing for adults or children, N.D. creates stories that explore courage, connection, legacy, and the power of imagination. She calls her work Novels with Soul — fantasy that resonates long after the final page.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews634 followers
November 3, 2019
Sure, there are many paranormal books out there, but there is something about N.D. Jones’ style that just calls to me every single time. In a world where witches and werewolves have a love/hate relationship and a history of changing the power of control, CRIMSON HUNTER takes on love, hate, family power plays and the lengths to which these species must go to coexist.

A young, yet powerful witch ruler will seek to close the divide between the werewolves and witches, but the temptation of drinking a witch’s blood must be tempered by a collar, making the werewolves seem almost subservient to the witches. When Oriana falls in love with the powerful Marrok, not only must they battle for acceptance by her family and her clan, but Marrok must be willing to control the blood lust by any means necessary to be with her. Will he find it too much for his alpha ways?

This is so much more than a paranormal tale, it is a story of power, control and the power of love and trust, of letting go and hanging on. From start to finish the tension runs high between characters, as we are taken through both the past and its effects on the present, good or bad.

Wonderfully intense scenes, deeply detailed characters that come to life and a twisted plot that brings us to a finish that feels exactly right. Ms. Jones knows how to make fantasy feel real with just enough drama to have me completely invested in each page!

Be sure to take advantage of the glossary for terms expressed in this well written and richly detailed story, I cannot thank N.D. Jones enough for providing it! And look beyond the story to a deeper meaning in what she writes, there is always a message in the entertainment. Just another way this author goes above and beyond for her readers.

I received a complimentary copy from N.D. Jones! This review is honest and voluntary.

Series: Fairy Tale Fatale - Book 1
Publisher: Kuumba Publishing (October 31, 2019)
Publication Date: October 31, 2019
Genre: Fantasy | Fairy tale reimagining
Print Length: 242 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Brithanie Faith.
313 reviews169 followers
June 3, 2020
3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐.5

e-book provided by BookSirens and the author in exchange for an honest review.

While I'm still figuring out what I like and don't like in romance, I've come to the conclusion that I'm definitely a fan of couples who choose to be together in spite of the odds that are stacked against them.

N. D. Jones wastes no time jumping straight into the action in this unique fantasy romance that is equal parts magic, suspense, and angst.

It took several chapters for me become fully invested. However, once I was, I knew there was no turning back. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Leah Ford.
629 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2019
This action packed book has something for everyone. Witches and werewolves, an age old war, true love, friendship, family arguments and heart-felt betrayal.

I definitely had to refer to the helpful glossary until i got used to the different cities. The backward and forwards story was a little distracting but once i got used to the format it was a great read. I enjoyed the characters and the great descriptions of the different cities.

Once again a well written, thoroughly enjoyable read from ND Jones. Hopefully there will be more to this series.
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,902 reviews749 followers
September 27, 2020
In a world where female children are born witches and male children born werewolves, a pair of them falls in love and tries their best to make it work.

Oriana isn't just a witch but also a Matriarch ruler and a Crimson Hunter. Marrok is her chosen mate and a black wrewolf. No one is very optimistic about their union as werewolves have an intense hunger for the blood and magic of witches and ultimately end up leaving their mates to protect them...or worse.

It's Oriana's mission to make witches and werewolves equal but there's people on both sides who aren't making it easy for her. After all, in the past it was werewolves who ruled over witches and now that the tables have turned why would anyone life a hand to help?

One of the ways the werewolves are subdued is by wearing special collars that trigger a calming effect when the wolf starts to get riled up. Occasionally, those who couldn't control their hunger and tasted a witch's blood got turned into feral white werewolves who lost all sense of who they were before. They're mostly isolated from everyone else...until they aren't.

The book took me a while to get into, but it got much more interesting after 35% or so. I didn't get immediately attached to the characters like I did in some other N. D. Jones books I read but they eventually grew on me. Keira is my favourite and Zed the most annoying.

I liked the metal inclusion, that was a nice touch. And the glossary, the map and the illustrations were awesome too. It didn't feel very Little Red Riding Hood-ish but that's fine.

The ending was very satisfying, I almost thought it wouldn't work but it did. I'd like to think all the relationships got repaired post ending though.

I enjoyed this story, it was a welcome escape from the real world.

*Thank you to Booksirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
12.7k reviews189 followers
November 1, 2019
Unbelievable fabulous version of Little Red Riding Hood. Completely different to keep you reading and wanting more.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,597 reviews165 followers
October 5, 2021
TW/CW: Subservience, blood and gore, executions

This book did not go the way I thought it would at all… and I loved it. This book constantly surprised me, loved the mythology and world building and the romance! It is incredibly fast paced. The book takes place over the span of roughly three years and each chapter has a date that is helpful to pay attention too.

So this once was a patriarchal society with werewolves feeding off the magic of the witches. Now, after a hard fight, witches are now on top with a matriarchal society and werewolves wear this collar to help disrupt the hunger they have for witches magic. Our MC Oriana doesn’t think anyone should be subservient and, along with her werewolf mate, fight for equality of their two species. Tragedy strikes and it seems all hope is lost… or is it?

Plot twists are fantastic and that ending made me so happy. I felt wonder, sadness, anger, happiness! I felt everything while reading this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Profile Image for Nikki Edwards.
247 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2019
A great book!

I love that the author has added maps,glosseries and pictures , I thought there were too many pages of them, however, they made good reading.

I personally dont think this book is a re-imagined red riding hood story

So I was blown away from the first chapter !

It is not what I was expecting at all,

It highlighted sexism, the females had been subjugated and now the males were, Female children became witches, male children were wolves, it was for me a stark reminder of the fight we still have today regarding equality,

Obviously this book is not real life but some of the situations and the extremism the wolves and the Witches went to, to insure survival, make this a gripping read, also you might need tissues xx

This is definitely an author I will follow

I received this book as an arc and am leaving a review voluntarily
4,488 reviews21 followers
November 4, 2019
What a story. I loved the twists and turns and craziness that was this story. The plot was different but kept me reading until the end just to see what would happen next and if some kind of peace could be found. I loved and hated the characters but that is what made it a good story. It was fun to read.
Profile Image for cassie.
487 reviews6 followers
November 12, 2019
nicely written would like more books like this
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,193 reviews119 followers
April 29, 2020
CRIMSON HUNTER is the first book in the Fairy Tale Fatale series. There is a bit of time jumping here - we start in the present, go back to the past, before working back to the present. This gives you a great insight into the background of what has happened and why.

This story deals with the subjugation of both the main parties - witches and wolves. It explains the history and what happens to both sides as they grow up. I honestly can't say which side has it better or worse!

The characters themselves are amazing. Some of them are lovely and you are left with a lump in your throat as you try to figure out just what has happened. Others are downright manipulative (you'll figure out who!) although they do have a heart - it's just misguided through their own pasts.

This is a rich and intricate world with plenty of rules and traditions in place. I would love to read more about this world and, hopefully, hear more about Oriana and Marrok! Most definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
376 reviews
November 1, 2019
I loved the characters their personalities were original and the storyline was interesting and attention-grabbing. Oriana and Marrok are working together on how can each species, witches and werewolves trust and live together without hurting each other. The drama, action, suspense, danger, and love involved in this story will keep you glued to the pages. It was a wonderful reimagining of a story and it was a very enjoyable reading experience.
Profile Image for JoAnn.
246 reviews
November 13, 2019
Interesting Story! This story is an action-packed version of the Little Red Riding Hood story that is filled with lots of angst. The story filled with twists and turns, dealing with an age-old conflict between witches and werewolves. As you read along, you’ll become immersed in the conflict of how Oriana and Marrok learn to coexist together and nurture their love without hurting one another. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
4,497 reviews24 followers
November 2, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book, it has a great storyline. There is lots of action, and intrigue, the chemistry and interaction between the characters is great. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Annie Dee.
67 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2025
This would do numbers on booktok if booktok wasn’t, well, booktok
160 reviews
November 9, 2019
A beautiful story that gets your attention. I loved the story with the battles of werewolves and witches and love. So many unfair situations that Oriana as a Matriarch wanted to change. Arguments between a mother and daughter, and three brothers who loved each other despite their differences. An ending that was unpredictable. Best fantasy I have read in awhile!
12.7k reviews189 followers
November 4, 2019
Awesome fantasy story. Crimson is a new leader trying to get witches and werewolves to live together. Can it work? Characters and plot went perfectly together.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,166 reviews71 followers
March 10, 2023
Perfection! Imaginative. Incredible.

I don’t know that I would have used those words if not for the ending but the slow unfolding of the plot,the twist, the heartache, the anger you will endure in this read is absolutely worth ever tear I shed. Almost throwing my reader and the way she took my battered heart and breath life back into it. The world and magic building are amazing. Th e differing povs are perfectly timed. The emotions are so real world and powerful. Every time I was forced to put this down because life came calling all I did was think about what was next, how was she going to get us from where it started to where it must have been going to where we ended? This was just awesome. Books like this, moments like this were you are transported to a new world and so immersed in a story that reality melts away. It’s why I read.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews53 followers
November 5, 2019
This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! The story is fresh, original and exciting with characters that are realistic and likable.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.




7,813 reviews65 followers
November 2, 2019
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was great having characters that are well developed and engaging and have plenty of chemistry. The flow of the storyline was steady and smooth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katara Johnson.
551 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2019
Oriana

This retelling is like no other! This went deep into ND Jones world of paranormal fantasy ! The Red Roding Hood’s story has finally matured into a family of twist and turns!! Leaves the reader wondering if there will be a book 2?
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,832 reviews7 followers
July 18, 2020
A heart-wrenching tale of hope, determination, love, freedom, and grief.
Oriana, the Matriarch of Steelcross, is an idealist full of hope, ideas of equality...and duty-bound to serve as the Crimson Hunter, ready to kill on the command of Matriarch Kalinda, her mother. Being a witch, she has great magic at her fingertips, transformed into a more powerful weapon by the infusion of liquid steel into her blood. Yet she craves something else - peaceful family life with her werewolf consort Marrok, liberty and equality for the werewolves, and getting rid of the oppression. However, those opposed to change are willing to lead rebellion to stop her, not refraining from any measures needed..
It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did, it gripped me strongly. A story with elements of fantasy, paranormal romance, dystopia, and maybe even science fiction, the world building is elaborate enough to drive interest in any reader that favors these genres. Moreover, Oriana is a brilliant character, passionate and compassionate while determined enough to go through with difficult choices that hurt her heart and soul. The way she handles the whole situation in the end makes me admire her will and her enormous strength.
The messages are clear. There always must be someone who makes the first step to bring change. The sacrifices for greater good are enormous yet in the end worth it. A family has to be together, be allowed to stay together, not be forced apart, not even by law. There is always a way. And everyone has to be held responsible for their choices and decisions, and the consequences of those.
You have to go slow to go fast.
Profile Image for Karla BookAddict2.
388 reviews28 followers
January 28, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you enjoy powerful, feisty and strong yet feminine female leads this book is for you.

I need to be honest it took me a couple of chapters to get into the story. The world building is so intricate that I had to use the glossary a couple of times.

We start our journey right on the middle of a battle ground. Witches vs Werewolves and the Crimson Hunter is kicking butt. The action scenes are expertly done.

Once I got used to the time jumps, I became obsessed with the story. The character development is impressive. Everyone has depth and a reason for what they do, even if it's bad.

Oriana is a woman, that won't accept failure in any aspect of her life, she wants a perfect or as close to a perfect world for her children and everyone else and she is willing to do the leg work.

In a world where all the males are born werewolves and all the females witches. Family ties are close to impossible. Not only for the fact that werewolves are almost slaves but because of their insatiable hunger for witch magic and blood.

This book talks about love, family, duty and honor but it also talks about segregation, discrimination and hate but must importantly it talks about how one person can be the spark that ignites change.

On a side note. The smut is fantastic too LOL. Dark sexy and lovely the Crimson Hunter is an amazing read.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
620 reviews38 followers
November 13, 2019
I recieved a free digital copy through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review that is completely voluntary and filled with my own personal views.

So Iwas really excited to read this one, especially with it being tagged as 'Fairytale Fatale' and 'A Red Hiding Hood Reimagining' but honestly I don't see either of those things in this, yes there are the big bad wolves, but there was no 'little red riding hood' as such, I get how Oriana could be seen as such but for me that was lacking.

I enjoyed the characters and the general plot but I love world building and this was lacking that, as much as it was set in its own world with its own magic systems and pit falls but other than the werewolves and witches magic it falls flat and a little boring.

I can't see why everyone was against Oriana and her plans they seemed like the best way forward for for the entire population.

I didn't enjoy the dates at the top or each chapter since I didn't realise they made a difference to start with, but I wasn't a fan of the way after the first few chapters it went back over and I got confused...

Overall it was an enjoyable book but it took too long for me to get into it, I'm definitely interested in trying more from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,066 reviews17 followers
November 1, 2020
Oriana and her mother are witches and Matriarch’s of a world filled with billions. Oriana is also the Crimson Hunter, the most powerful witch to pass judgment and punishment on those who break the laws. At one time, werewolves oppressed witches. Now, it is in reverse. Black werewolves are in control of their faculties and wear special magical devices that keep their bloodlust in check. White werewolves are completely gone and can only exist in a certain area or will receive the true death. Each witch takes a consort to love and bear children. They will have to separate eventually though. Oriana is no different…her choice is Marrock. They hope to find a way to balance things between the weres’ and the witches. Not everyone is on board with that developmental ideal. A war will erupt…who is behind it? Who will live and die? What and who will be sacrificed? What will the world be like after? Will Oriana and Marrock ever find the balance? Who will betray who? This is a wonderful and exciting new world of weres and witches you will not want to miss. I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews70 followers
October 30, 2019
ONE EXCITING ADVENTURE!!!
Smack down! Jones nails this bad boy with 100% on point realism that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. All the skepticism, revelations and speculation along with all that nerve racking drama go hand-in-hand. Throw in a little intrigue and suspense, you have one dynamic, block busting, chart topping, prize winning delight that launches this baby to a whole new level. One refreshing spin with an exhilarating storyline and gripping plot propels this bad boy to life flawlessly. Twists and turns abound with unnerving circumstances and a bounty of inadvertent surprises that thrust all of your emotions bursting into play front and center. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page you work through the trials and tribulations witnessing the struggles our characters face. The characters and their personalities are original, authentic and realistic with the just enough flaws that to make it interesting. The scenes are so colorfully described it's easy interpreting each scenario as they play out beautifully. Amazing job Jones, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Profile Image for Imani.
240 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2020
This was definitely a story that you have to read all the way to the end. It started off as slow read for me. When reading you have to really pay attention to the dates, because the story start moves between the past and the current. There are also a few different stories and points of view. This book really did a great job of world building and character development. All was revealed by the end and it was definitely worth making it to the end. I gave the book 4 stars out of 5. I would recommend Crimson Hunter by N.D. Jones especially if you are looking for a new and creative take on Witches and Werewolves.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rosalind Bath.
618 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2020
This was a well written book. I like how it was written from multiple points of view, but still focusing on the main character. I did work some of the plot out, but still enjoyed reading how the story got there. It was nicely played out. The story starts with a fight, then goes back to tell us how it for there, then deals with the repercussions of it. The characters were strong and you liked them, even the not so good ones. Oriana is of course my favourite character and I love how she handled everything this story threw at her. I really do recommend this read, it won't disappoint you.

I received a free copy of this book in return for a honest review.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,918 reviews116 followers
November 13, 2019
OMG what a read! A thrilling rollercoaster ride with a different take on witches and werewolves. Well written this amazing storyline is filled with mystery, intrigue , suspense, action and love! The characters are each amazing in their own way, the world building just fantastic and the twists and turns will make your head spin! I just love this authors version of red riding hood and she ain’t afraid of the big bad wolf!!
Profile Image for Pam.
242 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2020
Crimson Hunter begins with a horrific battle between the witches and werewolves, which ends in a draw. The rest of the novel is a telling of how they got to this brink. Oriana is the Matriarch of half of EarthRift and her mother is Matriarch of the rest. The witches and wereswolves can’t live or reproduce without the other. Oriana and her husband, Marrok, a werewolf wish to make life more compatible for witches and weres, but her mother, Kalinda thinks that is impossible.

This was a unique take on the supernatural and an interesting mix of a modern technological society and an old story. I found it enjoyable.
198 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2020
Witches and werewolves

This review was given freely and honestly, in exchange for a free copy. This book was very nicely done. The story doesn't remind me of red riding hood at all. This is simply a story of love compassion and acceptance. The unfolding of the plot and it's ending keeps you intrigued. The dynamics of the characters were executed so brilliantly by the author. I loved how she phrased her descriptions and the associated details. I'll be reading more of her work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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