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Of Snow and Scarlet
A Little Red Riding Hood Retelling
An outcast with a proclivity for poisons, Andesine De Winter longs for a life outside her closed-minded village. But she's drawn to the surrounding forests of Thornwood, and the mysterious white wolf that saved her life as a child.
When the wolf reveals himself as the shape-changing Finn, an omega hiding from his former pack, Andesine finds herself in the middle of a conflict that threatens everything she holds dear—her dreams, her family, and the boy she's given her heart to.
There is more than one way to lose yourself, and more than one kind of wolf in the woods…
NB: This book is suitable for older teens and adults, with some sexual content
An outcast with a proclivity for poisons, Andesine De Winter longs for a life outside her closed-minded village. But she's drawn to the surrounding forests of Thornwood, and the mysterious white wolf that saved her life as a child.
When the wolf reveals himself as the shape-changing Finn, an omega hiding from his former pack, Andesine finds herself in the middle of a conflict that threatens everything she holds dear—her dreams, her family, and the boy she's given her heart to.
There is more than one way to lose yourself, and more than one kind of wolf in the woods…
NB: This book is suitable for older teens and adults, with some sexual content
260 pages, ebook
Published June 1, 2021
30 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Macdonald
37 books461 followersKatherine "Kate" Macdonald writes the books she wishes she could have read more of as a teen—stories of fierce girls and gentle boys, of romance and adventure, and where the "three Cs" (chemistry, communication and consent) reign supreme. There may still be a little bit of miscommunication along the way as the characters grow as people, but she tries not to rely on that trope too much!
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 6, 2025
What an amazing book! Seriously it was that great! I got drawn by the cover and when I read the blurb mentioning that it is a fairytale retelling I said why not! And oh boy did I like it! Congratulations to the Author for her imagination and her smooth writing.
The story is a slow burn, no spice with some angst and some twists but to be honest I figured some of them but not to the point.
I got so immersed that I couldn't put it down. I had to finish it before sleeping even if I would be like a zombie next day.
Definitely going to check the rest of author's books as this was a diamond.
The story is a slow burn, no spice with some angst and some twists but to be honest I figured some of them but not to the point.
I got so immersed that I couldn't put it down. I had to finish it before sleeping even if I would be like a zombie next day.
Definitely going to check the rest of author's books as this was a diamond.
Read
July 26, 2022Ah, my tenth book! How did we get to this point?
So, I'm not going to rate it, instead giving a bit of self-critique.
Every time I retell a story, I try to do two things: look at what needs to stay vs what needs to change, and try to do something different from my previous stories.
In the first case, I knew there had to be a girl in a red cloak, a grandmother, a basket, a wolf, and a hunter. I knew certain lines had to make it in. I knew that the Big Bad Wolf needed to be scary, but at the same time, I couldn't deny the appeal of having the heroine fall in LOVE with the wolf... thus the pack idea was born.
In Charles' Perrault's original tale, Red is eaten and the moral of the story is don't talk to strangers. In modern society, this is such a victim-blaming standpoint, I knew it had to go. Feminism is always a "subtle" theme in my stories (the girls are all empowered and save themselves, although the word is never mentioned) but this is the first one that actively fights against the expectation of women. I didn't intend for it to be so overt, by the village clearly represents society, the wolf pack toxic masculinity, the grandma ultimate female independence, and Forrest, the secondary love interest, as the "nice guy enabler". He himself is lovely, but he frequently makes excuses for his less-than-lovely friends and thinks it's fine so long as he himself never emulated their actions. I leant on a lot of experiences of others in how Andie feels about his protection, and how she doesn't want to be saved, but safe.
Agatha De Winter, the previously frail old grandmother, is reimagined as a strong, capable woman. Although she's far from perfect, she's distinctly happy in her solitude, but recognises that the choices she has made may not be the right ones for her granddaughter. All the women in this story (with a few minor setbacks) are very supportive of one another, in a way I think most women are in real life but are rarely shown to be so in literature.
In terms of what I tried to do differently than in my previous stories, I tried to make it steamier, and to depict a healthy relationship built on respect and consent where, for the most part, the characters are very upfront and honest about their feelings from the start. Slow-burn may be my go-to, but it would get boring after a while! None of my early readers saw a problem with the speed of their relationship, so hopefully this won't be a problem for you, either. If it is... well, my Beauty and the Beast tale is right over there!
I hope you enjoy this slightly steamy, slightly gothic, definitely romantic tale.
I'm almost certain you'll enjoy Agatha!
So, I'm not going to rate it, instead giving a bit of self-critique.
Every time I retell a story, I try to do two things: look at what needs to stay vs what needs to change, and try to do something different from my previous stories.
In the first case, I knew there had to be a girl in a red cloak, a grandmother, a basket, a wolf, and a hunter. I knew certain lines had to make it in. I knew that the Big Bad Wolf needed to be scary, but at the same time, I couldn't deny the appeal of having the heroine fall in LOVE with the wolf... thus the pack idea was born.
In Charles' Perrault's original tale, Red is eaten and the moral of the story is don't talk to strangers. In modern society, this is such a victim-blaming standpoint, I knew it had to go. Feminism is always a "subtle" theme in my stories (the girls are all empowered and save themselves, although the word is never mentioned) but this is the first one that actively fights against the expectation of women. I didn't intend for it to be so overt, by the village clearly represents society, the wolf pack toxic masculinity, the grandma ultimate female independence, and Forrest, the secondary love interest, as the "nice guy enabler". He himself is lovely, but he frequently makes excuses for his less-than-lovely friends and thinks it's fine so long as he himself never emulated their actions. I leant on a lot of experiences of others in how Andie feels about his protection, and how she doesn't want to be saved, but safe.
Agatha De Winter, the previously frail old grandmother, is reimagined as a strong, capable woman. Although she's far from perfect, she's distinctly happy in her solitude, but recognises that the choices she has made may not be the right ones for her granddaughter. All the women in this story (with a few minor setbacks) are very supportive of one another, in a way I think most women are in real life but are rarely shown to be so in literature.
In terms of what I tried to do differently than in my previous stories, I tried to make it steamier, and to depict a healthy relationship built on respect and consent where, for the most part, the characters are very upfront and honest about their feelings from the start. Slow-burn may be my go-to, but it would get boring after a while! None of my early readers saw a problem with the speed of their relationship, so hopefully this won't be a problem for you, either. If it is... well, my Beauty and the Beast tale is right over there!
I hope you enjoy this slightly steamy, slightly gothic, definitely romantic tale.
I'm almost certain you'll enjoy Agatha!
July 28, 2022
Of Snow and Scarlet is one of the best fairytale retellings I have ever read!
Macdonald has a way with words! Her prose is magical and flowing, making for a very enjoyable read. Using the bones of the tale of Little Red Riding Hood to make a romantic story filled with shifters, danger, love, and finding your place in a not so forgiving world, this author has made a unique take on what could have been just another retelling.
I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in barely 48 hours and I can’t fault it. From the characters, to the plot progression, to the ending, this story is incredible and I will be reading more by this author very soon.
*I was given an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
Macdonald has a way with words! Her prose is magical and flowing, making for a very enjoyable read. Using the bones of the tale of Little Red Riding Hood to make a romantic story filled with shifters, danger, love, and finding your place in a not so forgiving world, this author has made a unique take on what could have been just another retelling.
I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in barely 48 hours and I can’t fault it. From the characters, to the plot progression, to the ending, this story is incredible and I will be reading more by this author very soon.
*I was given an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
May 19, 2021
Absolutely exceptional! Every page of this book was a pleasure to read, and Katherine Macdonald is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The fact that I love fairytale retellings doesn't hurt, of course. The highlight of this story was the collection of characters, and while I loved the two MCs, Andie and Finn, not to mention Forrest and Daisy, my favorite character was definitely the hard as steel grandma. Every scene she was in was better for it. Overall, a great read for any fairytale fan. Highly, HIGHLY recommend!
May 20, 2021
Absolute perfection. A masterpiece.
Of Snow and Scarlet is such a brilliant book!! To put it plainly, I loved it so much I could cry. Little Red Riding Hood has always been one of favorite tales to begin with and since I've already read (and loved!) two other retellings by Macdonald, I knew this book was going check every one of my boxes.
Little did I know it would be even better than I thought possible. As always, Macdonald's storytelling was flawless. She has a way with words that speaks to the soul and brings out such deep feelings it's as though I'm one with her characters. Speaking of the characters, wow. The cast in this book is downright amazing. Not only did I instantly fall in love with Finn and Andie, but the side characters were just as wonderful. Agatha, Forrest, Daisy, even little Rowan are all so special to me and it was a true pleasure getting to know them.
Not only does Of Snow and Scarlet pack an emotional punch (a good one, I assure you), but it's also filled with action, danger, and unexpected TWISTS! I love a good twist and this book delivered more than one! My only complaint is that it's over. But that problem is easily fixed with a reread!!
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because quite frankly, it is absolutely perfect in every way. I 100% recommend it to anyone who loves witty banter, an engaging plot that keeps you on your toes, lovable characters, and...of course, a brilliant romance that gives you all the feels.
For real. Read this book!
Of Snow and Scarlet is such a brilliant book!! To put it plainly, I loved it so much I could cry. Little Red Riding Hood has always been one of favorite tales to begin with and since I've already read (and loved!) two other retellings by Macdonald, I knew this book was going check every one of my boxes.
Little did I know it would be even better than I thought possible. As always, Macdonald's storytelling was flawless. She has a way with words that speaks to the soul and brings out such deep feelings it's as though I'm one with her characters. Speaking of the characters, wow. The cast in this book is downright amazing. Not only did I instantly fall in love with Finn and Andie, but the side characters were just as wonderful. Agatha, Forrest, Daisy, even little Rowan are all so special to me and it was a true pleasure getting to know them.
Not only does Of Snow and Scarlet pack an emotional punch (a good one, I assure you), but it's also filled with action, danger, and unexpected TWISTS! I love a good twist and this book delivered more than one! My only complaint is that it's over. But that problem is easily fixed with a reread!!
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because quite frankly, it is absolutely perfect in every way. I 100% recommend it to anyone who loves witty banter, an engaging plot that keeps you on your toes, lovable characters, and...of course, a brilliant romance that gives you all the feels.
For real. Read this book!
December 20, 2021
Since I was a small child I have loved fairy tales, of all nations and I can enjoy them over and over again.
Katherine MacDonald has a real talent for taking a classic Fairy Tale, and giving you an alternate story full of magic., without harming the original. It’s a gift and I’m really enjoying it.
This was my third and I’m hoping she has done a Snow White for me to read next.
This one was populated with rich wonderful characters and the Grandma we all need.
Thank you Katherine
And
Thank you to Luvsbooks without whose recommendation I might have missed all this joy.
So perfect for this time of year.
🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄
Katherine MacDonald has a real talent for taking a classic Fairy Tale, and giving you an alternate story full of magic., without harming the original. It’s a gift and I’m really enjoying it.
This was my third and I’m hoping she has done a Snow White for me to read next.
This one was populated with rich wonderful characters and the Grandma we all need.
Thank you Katherine
And
Thank you to Luvsbooks without whose recommendation I might have missed all this joy.
So perfect for this time of year.
🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄
July 12, 2023
That was actually so fun. It has some of my favorite literary elements in one story: fairy tale retellings, werewolves, slow burn, feminism, etc. I had read the author's review that she left on GR about this book before reading the book and what she said affected how I read it. I think maybe I would've picked up on some things on my own, but her explanation really helped:
The two leads Andie and Finn were such badasses, I loved them. Andie got a little preachy at some points, but what she was saying wasn't wrong (it was just not very subtle what the author was saying). Finn was such a nice, soft boy. I understand that his character is supposed to contrast literally every other man in the book but I wish we had been given at least one other character who was at Finn levels of decency. The closest one is Forrest, but like the author said, he is a Nice Guy™ (less Douche-y Nice Guy™ and more Enabler/Savior Complex Nice Guy™).
I loved the incorporation of werewolves into the story of Little Red Riding Hood. And as Katherine McDonald herself says, "I knew that the Big Bad Wolf needed to be scary, but at the same time, I couldn't deny the appeal of having the heroine fall in LOVE with the wolf... thus the pack idea was born." The beginning of the book reminded me of Shiver, but once the conflict starts to rise the similarity ends. For anyone wondering: This book does get a little steamy, but it's not super intense. The amount of steam in the book isn't enough to move it to NA. Finn has a several scenes naked and the author makes sure to reiterate that point at least three times per page (whether directly or through Andie getting horny). They make out a lot and they have a couple fade to black scenes. But as McDonald explains in her review, she wanted to use this book to show a healthy, consensual relationship so everything that Andie and Finn do is totally consensual.
Grandma was a badass. Enough said.
I thought this was a good retelling that modernized and addressed the problematic elements of the original story while maintaining its essential elements and adding extra ones. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
Every time I retell a story, I try to do two things: look at what needs to stay vs what needs to change, and try to do something different from my previous stories... In Charles' Perrault's original tale, Red is eaten and the moral of the story is don't talk to strangers. In modern society, this is such a victim-blaming standpoint, I knew it had to go. Feminism is always a "subtle" theme in my stories (the girls are all empowered and save themselves, although the word is never mentioned) but this is the first one that actively fights against the expectation of women. I didn't intend for it to be so overt, by the village clearly represents society, the wolf pack toxic masculinity, the grandma ultimate female independence, and Forrest, the secondary love interest, as the "nice guy enabler". He himself is lovely, but he frequently makes excuses for his less-than-lovely friends and thinks it's fine so long as he himself never did. I leant on a lot of experiences of others in how Andie feels about his protection, and how she doesn't want to be saved, but safe.
The two leads Andie and Finn were such badasses, I loved them. Andie got a little preachy at some points, but what she was saying wasn't wrong (it was just not very subtle what the author was saying). Finn was such a nice, soft boy. I understand that his character is supposed to contrast literally every other man in the book but I wish we had been given at least one other character who was at Finn levels of decency. The closest one is Forrest, but like the author said, he is a Nice Guy™ (less Douche-y Nice Guy™ and more Enabler/Savior Complex Nice Guy™).
I loved the incorporation of werewolves into the story of Little Red Riding Hood. And as Katherine McDonald herself says, "I knew that the Big Bad Wolf needed to be scary, but at the same time, I couldn't deny the appeal of having the heroine fall in LOVE with the wolf... thus the pack idea was born." The beginning of the book reminded me of Shiver, but once the conflict starts to rise the similarity ends. For anyone wondering: This book does get a little steamy, but it's not super intense. The amount of steam in the book isn't enough to move it to NA. Finn has a several scenes naked and the author makes sure to reiterate that point at least three times per page (whether directly or through Andie getting horny). They make out a lot and they have a couple fade to black scenes. But as McDonald explains in her review, she wanted to use this book to show a healthy, consensual relationship so everything that Andie and Finn do is totally consensual.
Grandma was a badass. Enough said.
I thought this was a good retelling that modernized and addressed the problematic elements of the original story while maintaining its essential elements and adding extra ones. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
June 7, 2021
This was my birthday weekend book and happy birthday to me!
Once again, Katherine does a marvelous job of taking you to a town far, far away that is familiar yet new. I was half expecting the townspeople to pop out of their windows and sing
"But behind that fair facade,
I'm afraid she's rather odd:
Very different from the rest of us."
Andie/Little Red Riding Hood has the same beautiful, intelligent, kind, and slightly mischievous qualities that Belle has. With that, she's already the perfect heroine I will happily follow along.
Unlike other fairytales where two people look at each other once then instantly declare their undying love, Andie and Finn have years of growing their relationship and experiencing events that draw them closer together. Their actions show genuine respect and kindness for one another, and later their actions and words show love. THAT kind of love, romance, and backstory is what I swoon over.
As always, Katherine does marvelous showing consent between two character even when it's a small kiss. I applaud this, because a) the world needs more of it and b) this book is a lot steamier than her others. Having a solid foundation of respect and consent is key to keeping the book flowing and feeling good.
Finally, THE GRANDMA. I loved this woman. Probably because she reminded me of my own independent and strong Grandma, so I was very invested in what Grandma was doing throughout the book.
Another hit and "better than the original" story! I can't wait to read what comes next from Katherine!
Once again, Katherine does a marvelous job of taking you to a town far, far away that is familiar yet new. I was half expecting the townspeople to pop out of their windows and sing
"But behind that fair facade,
I'm afraid she's rather odd:
Very different from the rest of us."
Andie/Little Red Riding Hood has the same beautiful, intelligent, kind, and slightly mischievous qualities that Belle has. With that, she's already the perfect heroine I will happily follow along.
Unlike other fairytales where two people look at each other once then instantly declare their undying love, Andie and Finn have years of growing their relationship and experiencing events that draw them closer together. Their actions show genuine respect and kindness for one another, and later their actions and words show love. THAT kind of love, romance, and backstory is what I swoon over.
As always, Katherine does marvelous showing consent between two character even when it's a small kiss. I applaud this, because a) the world needs more of it and b) this book is a lot steamier than her others. Having a solid foundation of respect and consent is key to keeping the book flowing and feeling good.
Finally, THE GRANDMA. I loved this woman. Probably because she reminded me of my own independent and strong Grandma, so I was very invested in what Grandma was doing throughout the book.
Another hit and "better than the original" story! I can't wait to read what comes next from Katherine!
October 28, 2021
A nice twist in the tale of Red Riding Hood
I'm a sucker for fairy tales, to put it bluntly. And this one manages to hit the right marks in a 'modern retelling' without being too cliché and having some good character development. The words flow like an old fable story should, and the relationship build-up feels really well done and endearing. I never felt like there was filler, it had just the right detail and ends exactly as I hoped it would. It doesn't break a lot of new ground but I had a great time reading it as it was well written. If you like assertive characters who aren't afraid to stand their ground while also falling in love with their soulmate, this one's for you.
I'm a sucker for fairy tales, to put it bluntly. And this one manages to hit the right marks in a 'modern retelling' without being too cliché and having some good character development. The words flow like an old fable story should, and the relationship build-up feels really well done and endearing. I never felt like there was filler, it had just the right detail and ends exactly as I hoped it would. It doesn't break a lot of new ground but I had a great time reading it as it was well written. If you like assertive characters who aren't afraid to stand their ground while also falling in love with their soulmate, this one's for you.
June 3, 2021
Wow, I loved this book. This book caught my eye right away, as Red Riding Hood is my favorite fairytale. I was enraptured with Finn and Andie as they moved through the story. Rowan, also caught my heart. I love this book, I was shocked with how much I could just picture in my head. Where is the movie for this? Katherine Macdonald has done more than just retell this classic fairytale, she has created a story that brought life and a new spin.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2021
It seems cliché to say it but…
I could not put this book down. I started it at 11pm and read straight through to 3:40am when I remembered I have to be a functional adult in the morning. Which didn’t happen.. ha.. anyway, I slept through breakfast and read through lunch, ignoring my responsibilities until I finished it. Now I am bereft because it’s over and I have to go do things like dishes and laundry and make dinner. Totally worth it, though.
I could not put this book down. I started it at 11pm and read straight through to 3:40am when I remembered I have to be a functional adult in the morning. Which didn’t happen.. ha.. anyway, I slept through breakfast and read through lunch, ignoring my responsibilities until I finished it. Now I am bereft because it’s over and I have to go do things like dishes and laundry and make dinner. Totally worth it, though.
May 31, 2021
I was blessed enough to receive an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Katherine never fails to please me and this book continues the wonderful tradition. As always, she sets the atmosphere so wonderfully. I felt the crisp cut of the snow and shuddered under the blowing wind. I could feel the sweet scent of flowers and herbs in my lungs and I craved bread and pastries for hours after!
The characters here are so beautiful! Snarky, full of passion and their awkward growth from friendship to something deeper was an absolute pleasure to read. I will never tire of the playful banter. The banter is always one of my favorite pieces to Katherine’s novels. She is a master at being realistic, playful and still moving the novel forward.
World building here is so perfect. We learn about the magic of the world as Red does. It feels natural and flows just like you want world building the flow—to serve the characters’ viewpoint.
If you love a well built relationship, fun characters, beautiful atmosphere and world building that completely immerses you, add this one to you collection now!
Katherine never fails to please me and this book continues the wonderful tradition. As always, she sets the atmosphere so wonderfully. I felt the crisp cut of the snow and shuddered under the blowing wind. I could feel the sweet scent of flowers and herbs in my lungs and I craved bread and pastries for hours after!
The characters here are so beautiful! Snarky, full of passion and their awkward growth from friendship to something deeper was an absolute pleasure to read. I will never tire of the playful banter. The banter is always one of my favorite pieces to Katherine’s novels. She is a master at being realistic, playful and still moving the novel forward.
World building here is so perfect. We learn about the magic of the world as Red does. It feels natural and flows just like you want world building the flow—to serve the characters’ viewpoint.
If you love a well built relationship, fun characters, beautiful atmosphere and world building that completely immerses you, add this one to you collection now!
May 17, 2021
This book had me at the first page and swept me away. I ended up reading it within a day because I couldn’t put it down. The characters, the romance, the banter—all brilliant! I highly recommend reading this gem.
August 5, 2021
This may be my favourite of Katherine's books... And my new favourite Red Riding Hood retelling.
The writing is gorgeous , lyrical in places with more than a touch of gothic beauty. I could quote this book for days!
The romance was perfect, swoonworthy and filled with longing, tragic backstory and witty banter that Macdonald is getting famous for.
A stunning read, and one I will come back to... Especially perfect for cold winters nights.
The writing is gorgeous , lyrical in places with more than a touch of gothic beauty. I could quote this book for days!
The romance was perfect, swoonworthy and filled with longing, tragic backstory and witty banter that Macdonald is getting famous for.
A stunning read, and one I will come back to... Especially perfect for cold winters nights.
June 7, 2021
She's only gone and done it again!
Gorgeous setting and a gorgeous story.
(Breaking in to add, also a gorgeous cover!)
A fantastic cast of characters, histories unearthed, revelations, confrontations, a whole lot of banter and a steaming pile of C.H.E.M.I.S.T.R.Y.
Hitting all the beats of the classic story, but weaving it into what feels like a whole new tale (or tail... heheh) that feels totally fresh and new.
I honestly don't know why you're reading my review when you could be reading this book.
Gorgeous setting and a gorgeous story.
(Breaking in to add, also a gorgeous cover!)
A fantastic cast of characters, histories unearthed, revelations, confrontations, a whole lot of banter and a steaming pile of C.H.E.M.I.S.T.R.Y.
Hitting all the beats of the classic story, but weaving it into what feels like a whole new tale (or tail... heheh) that feels totally fresh and new.
I honestly don't know why you're reading my review when you could be reading this book.
May 27, 2021
Ever since she was a young girl Red has been taught to stay out of the forest. If she went to visit Grandma she had to wear the red cloak made for her, stick to the trails, and be home before night fell or stay the night at Grandma's. Despite her narrow miss after being attacked by wolves as a girl, the time she was rescued by a white wolf, she's not afraid to visit the forest. One day on the walk home the tables are turned and it's the white wolf who needs saving. But there is more to the wolf than meets the eye.
Finn had a normal life. He had friends, a loving mother, and a father who visited whenever he could. Until he turned ten and everything changed. After falling ill, his father comes to collect him so they can live together, but he doesn't want to go and neither does his mother. In the end, his father's friend convinces his mother to let him go. From then on, Finn leads a pretty miserable existence. Until he lands himself in the forest outside the village of Thornwood, where he once saved a young girl from his makeshift family. When she saves his life in return, the secrets start to unravel putting everyone Finn and Andie love at risk.
I loved this book. It's a heartwarming Little Red Riding Hood retelling with the best Grandma twist. The storytelling is on point, the characters are exceptional, especially the side characters, and the story just reaches up to grab you and pull you in. I will definitely be watching out for more of MacDonald's work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
Finn had a normal life. He had friends, a loving mother, and a father who visited whenever he could. Until he turned ten and everything changed. After falling ill, his father comes to collect him so they can live together, but he doesn't want to go and neither does his mother. In the end, his father's friend convinces his mother to let him go. From then on, Finn leads a pretty miserable existence. Until he lands himself in the forest outside the village of Thornwood, where he once saved a young girl from his makeshift family. When she saves his life in return, the secrets start to unravel putting everyone Finn and Andie love at risk.
I loved this book. It's a heartwarming Little Red Riding Hood retelling with the best Grandma twist. The storytelling is on point, the characters are exceptional, especially the side characters, and the story just reaches up to grab you and pull you in. I will definitely be watching out for more of MacDonald's work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
sampled-and-declined
May 31, 2022I'm not fond of shifter stories, and shifter Big Bad Wolf is my least favourite LRRH retelling trope.
May 24, 2021
3.5 stars
So, did you know I really like fairytale retellings (I'm not sure I have mentioned that enough... lol)? This one was a Little Red Ridding Hood one and, since that is my favourite fairytale, I was very excited to get a copy of it into my hands.
What can you expect from it?
1. Wanting to read just one more chapter until you suddenly reach the epilogue.
2. Brilliant descriptions of snow, and blood, capes and other scarlet things (What can I say? They were really vivid descriptions and I really want to tell everyone about them because they were simply very good (but short -leaving this last part as a heads up for those users that will read this to mean the book was boring and mainly descriptive which was not the case)).
3. Very inteligent ways of inserting original aspects of the story into the plot and characters that are just so much fun to notice.
4. Wolf shifters and pack dynamics that complicate the plot and had a lot of depth and backstory to the characters.
5. Strong family bonds, terrible family members, family secrets and all the other things family that make good stories better.
6. A red cape that is somewhat important to the plot.
And lots of other things that make this book a very good and intense read.
The only thing that didn't work that well for me was the relationship between the main characters. It was too fast to work for this reader - who is known in the real world for always thinking people should know each other better before starting a romantic relationship... That removed a little of my enjoyment of this book and a half-start from the rating.
All in all, this book was a pleasant surprise from an almost new-to-me author (I'd read her short story in Villainous: An Anthology of Fairytale Retellings but wasn't much convinced then) that I now will be looking for when I'm in need of my fairytale fix.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So, did you know I really like fairytale retellings (I'm not sure I have mentioned that enough... lol)? This one was a Little Red Ridding Hood one and, since that is my favourite fairytale, I was very excited to get a copy of it into my hands.
What can you expect from it?
1. Wanting to read just one more chapter until you suddenly reach the epilogue.
2. Brilliant descriptions of snow, and blood, capes and other scarlet things (What can I say? They were really vivid descriptions and I really want to tell everyone about them because they were simply very good (but short -leaving this last part as a heads up for those users that will read this to mean the book was boring and mainly descriptive which was not the case)).
3. Very inteligent ways of inserting original aspects of the story into the plot and characters that are just so much fun to notice.
4. Wolf shifters and pack dynamics that complicate the plot and had a lot of depth and backstory to the characters.
5. Strong family bonds, terrible family members, family secrets and all the other things family that make good stories better.
6. A red cape that is somewhat important to the plot.
And lots of other things that make this book a very good and intense read.
The only thing that didn't work that well for me was the relationship between the main characters. It was too fast to work for this reader - who is known in the real world for always thinking people should know each other better before starting a romantic relationship... That removed a little of my enjoyment of this book and a half-start from the rating.
All in all, this book was a pleasant surprise from an almost new-to-me author (I'd read her short story in Villainous: An Anthology of Fairytale Retellings but wasn't much convinced then) that I now will be looking for when I'm in need of my fairytale fix.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2021
As with many of Macdonald’s books, this one is a fairytale retelling. It reimagines the story of Little Red Riding Hood. I’m a little bit picky about fairytale retellings. On one hand, I love them in general, but it can also be difficult for the premise to really stand out. In this case, Macdonald builds on a common theme with Red Riding Hood retellings, which is the introduction of shapeshifters and/or werewolves to the tale. What makes it interesting, however, is in this case we’re dealing with a whole pack of wolves, not one Big Bad Wolf.
If there is one thing Macdonald does well, it is suck you in with her gorgeous prose. It’s enough that I don’t even care that the book flops between first person for most of the story and third person for Finn’s history chapters. If you find POV swapping like that jarring (which I usually do) that might bug you. However, if you can get past it, it’s so worth it. I could almost feel the winter’s bite while reading this book.
Macdonald once again invited me into a world of magic and romance. I was once swept away into a story I struggled to put down and devoured quickly. I (thankfully) didn’t need a whole box of tissues this time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If there is one thing Macdonald does well, it is suck you in with her gorgeous prose. It’s enough that I don’t even care that the book flops between first person for most of the story and third person for Finn’s history chapters. If you find POV swapping like that jarring (which I usually do) that might bug you. However, if you can get past it, it’s so worth it. I could almost feel the winter’s bite while reading this book.
Macdonald once again invited me into a world of magic and romance. I was once swept away into a story I struggled to put down and devoured quickly. I (thankfully) didn’t need a whole box of tissues this time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2021
Of Snow and Scarlet takes the base tale of Red Riding Hood, and goes in a new and interesting direction. Don't expect to know what will happen, even if you know one (or several) of the different versions of the original tale!
In this story, an adult "Red" meets a stranger called Finn who can turn into a white wolf. Their romance is the core of the story, alternating between intense pining, and back and forth wit.
Their love is threatened by Finn's old pack, a group of wolf/men lead by a dangerous alpha. After fathering children with human women, they return years later to take away boys with the wolf gene to join their pack (females with the transforming power are said to be much rarer). I don't want to give away spoilers because it is excellently done, but this leads to a feminist exploration of gender roles, especially in parenting.
There's a cast of great characters around the central due, including Red's mother and Grandmother, the villanous alpha, Finn's father and friend in the pack.
A must read for anyone who likes fairytale retellings - it takes the genre and pushes it into new places.
In this story, an adult "Red" meets a stranger called Finn who can turn into a white wolf. Their romance is the core of the story, alternating between intense pining, and back and forth wit.
Their love is threatened by Finn's old pack, a group of wolf/men lead by a dangerous alpha. After fathering children with human women, they return years later to take away boys with the wolf gene to join their pack (females with the transforming power are said to be much rarer). I don't want to give away spoilers because it is excellently done, but this leads to a feminist exploration of gender roles, especially in parenting.
There's a cast of great characters around the central due, including Red's mother and Grandmother, the villanous alpha, Finn's father and friend in the pack.
A must read for anyone who likes fairytale retellings - it takes the genre and pushes it into new places.
November 4, 2021
I utterly completely loved this retelling😍😍🤯🤯
It reminded me a lot of the movie "Red Riding Hood", which is also one of my faves! Every time I saw that movie when I was younger, I thought "Oh how I wish there was a book with a story similar to the movie!", amd some years later my wish came true. I love it how the story takes a rather dark twist while remaining light, quick-paced and very very much enjoyable. It had everything I wanted: a good healthy romance, mystery and thriller tones, fantasy, a good plot and it's twists. What can I say?! I'm a happy kid when I get what I want🤗👻
It reminded me a lot of the movie "Red Riding Hood", which is also one of my faves! Every time I saw that movie when I was younger, I thought "Oh how I wish there was a book with a story similar to the movie!", amd some years later my wish came true. I love it how the story takes a rather dark twist while remaining light, quick-paced and very very much enjoyable. It had everything I wanted: a good healthy romance, mystery and thriller tones, fantasy, a good plot and it's twists. What can I say?! I'm a happy kid when I get what I want🤗👻
November 7, 2021
I've read several of the books in this series of fairy tale retellings, and this one is my favorite so far. It even rivals my love of the Fairies of the Underworld duology, the two books I first read by Kate Macdonald-and I love those books immensely. From the beginning I was captivated by Andie and Finn's story. Great pacing, powerful character development, engaging plot, beautiful descriptions, wonderful romance . . . this book has it all.
Highly recommend for all fantasy romance lovers!
Highly recommend for all fantasy romance lovers!
May 28, 2021
If you like paranormal fantasies and reimagined fairy tales then this book is written for you. The characters are interesting, the storyline is well thought out. There is plenty of action and romance. There are a number of changes from the original fairy tale, but they are logical and make the story fun to read. I'm not normally a fan of paranormal fantasy, but I enjoyed reading this one.
July 25, 2021
Sigh
You are truly one of my favorite authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The emotions, the wonderful weaving and painting of the scenes. The mentions of other stories that slip in and tie everything together. It’s just done so so we’ll. If you like fairy tales, I wholeheartedly recommend this author.
You are truly one of my favorite authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The emotions, the wonderful weaving and painting of the scenes. The mentions of other stories that slip in and tie everything together. It’s just done so so we’ll. If you like fairy tales, I wholeheartedly recommend this author.
November 2, 2021
Loved this retelling
This book was beautifully written. I love the twists to the original story how not all the wolves were bad. This book has some steamy tension between the main characters but it doesn't have any explicit scenes but it does have a lot of fights and blood. It's suitable to teens. Will definitely read more from this author.
This book was beautifully written. I love the twists to the original story how not all the wolves were bad. This book has some steamy tension between the main characters but it doesn't have any explicit scenes but it does have a lot of fights and blood. It's suitable to teens. Will definitely read more from this author.
June 3, 2021
This.
This was everything I craved for. Everything I anticipated. But so, so much more.
How does she do it? The depth of feelings displayed, the heartache, the emotions churning in your gut, the heat of romance burning through your skin. I am broken a hundred times over and sewn back together by her words. Kate MacDonald's Of Snow and Scarlet will be forever shelved next to my favorites, Rose and Thorn and Sea of Song and Shore. It is so, so hauntingly beautiful. I want to quilt together a million scenes, a million phrases, and hang it on my wall. I want to memorialize the lessons learned, the heartache shared, the depth of love on display. And not just romantic love, either. All kinds of love. MacDonald has a way of spying out the nuances of different forms of relations and splaying them on the page for all to see. The intricate little nothings are churned into significant somethings of marvelous prose and witty banter.
I love, love, love all of her books, and I constantly crave more. I wish I could stop up her words in a bottle and pour them out later when I need them, when I crave the intimacy of emotion and lessons they convey. The lessons on feminism are particularly of note here, and they speak miles. I will forever cradle these lessons put so beautifully on display to get to the heart of what it means to be truly feminist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was everything I craved for. Everything I anticipated. But so, so much more.
How does she do it? The depth of feelings displayed, the heartache, the emotions churning in your gut, the heat of romance burning through your skin. I am broken a hundred times over and sewn back together by her words. Kate MacDonald's Of Snow and Scarlet will be forever shelved next to my favorites, Rose and Thorn and Sea of Song and Shore. It is so, so hauntingly beautiful. I want to quilt together a million scenes, a million phrases, and hang it on my wall. I want to memorialize the lessons learned, the heartache shared, the depth of love on display. And not just romantic love, either. All kinds of love. MacDonald has a way of spying out the nuances of different forms of relations and splaying them on the page for all to see. The intricate little nothings are churned into significant somethings of marvelous prose and witty banter.
I love, love, love all of her books, and I constantly crave more. I wish I could stop up her words in a bottle and pour them out later when I need them, when I crave the intimacy of emotion and lessons they convey. The lessons on feminism are particularly of note here, and they speak miles. I will forever cradle these lessons put so beautifully on display to get to the heart of what it means to be truly feminist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2021
Love this author!
Another great read from Katherine Macdonald! Well developed characters, intriguing storyline and the perfect amount of romance. This author doesn't disappoint!
Another great read from Katherine Macdonald! Well developed characters, intriguing storyline and the perfect amount of romance. This author doesn't disappoint!
May 13, 2021
One word: GRANDMA. If you’re expecting a frail granny who is helpless and gets eaten by a wolf, you’re not going to get it here. Instead, you’re going to find someone more than capable of taking care of herself, and she will even surprise you at times.
Like Grandma, all the characters are awesome. Finn was the sweetest boy wolf. I loved Andie’s determination and peculiar talents with herbs. The chemistry between Finn and Andie was sizzling hot right off the bat. The two of them made such an adorable pair and worked incredibly well together.
Katherine Macdonald has a talent for including witty and hilarious banter between her characters (isn’t that why we love her books? ;)) and you won’t want to miss the teasing banter between Finn and Andie in Of Snow and Scarlet!
This latest installment in the author’s fairy tale series is a great addition and well worth the read!
Like Grandma, all the characters are awesome. Finn was the sweetest boy wolf. I loved Andie’s determination and peculiar talents with herbs. The chemistry between Finn and Andie was sizzling hot right off the bat. The two of them made such an adorable pair and worked incredibly well together.
Katherine Macdonald has a talent for including witty and hilarious banter between her characters (isn’t that why we love her books? ;)) and you won’t want to miss the teasing banter between Finn and Andie in Of Snow and Scarlet!
This latest installment in the author’s fairy tale series is a great addition and well worth the read!
June 24, 2021
A new favorite!!!
This is now my favorite of this author's books!! Loved loved every minute. The structure, pacing, romance, twists...all of it was fantastic. The grandma was the BEST. No, Andie and Finn were the best. Love them so much!
This is now my favorite of this author's books!! Loved loved every minute. The structure, pacing, romance, twists...all of it was fantastic. The grandma was the BEST. No, Andie and Finn were the best. Love them so much!
January 5, 2022
A Wonderful Little Red Riding Hood Retelling!!
Lately, I've been really loving Little Red Riding Hood retellings and this was such an original story that I loved with my whole heart!
A perfect cozy love story between a lone wolf and the girl he saved years before. Along with plenty of surprises and perfect pacing that kept the story fresh and entertaining. And, after reading so many ambiguous endings lately, it was So Refreshing to have a story end with a proper epilogue and Happily Ever After!
This was my first book by Katherine Macdonald but it definitely won't be the last. I'm so happy to add her other retellings to my TBR!
Lately, I've been really loving Little Red Riding Hood retellings and this was such an original story that I loved with my whole heart!
A perfect cozy love story between a lone wolf and the girl he saved years before. Along with plenty of surprises and perfect pacing that kept the story fresh and entertaining. And, after reading so many ambiguous endings lately, it was So Refreshing to have a story end with a proper epilogue and Happily Ever After!
This was my first book by Katherine Macdonald but it definitely won't be the last. I'm so happy to add her other retellings to my TBR!
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