Crimson Bound: A Dark Fantasy Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Love, and the Fight Against Darkness
An exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption inspired by the classic fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood,” from the author of Cruel Beauty.
When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village. But she was also reckless—straying from the forest path in pursuit of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.
Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in a vain effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her hunt for the legendary sword that might save their world. Together, they navigate the opulent world of the courtly elite, where beauty and power reign and no one can be trusted. And as they become unexpected allies, they discover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. Within a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?
- Enemies to Lovers: She’s a killer bound by a dark choice, forced to guard the one man she despises. He holds the key to saving their world, but trusting him might be the death of her.
- A Dark Fairy Tale Retelling: Inspired by the classic tale of "Little Red Riding Hood," this YA dark fantasy explores a world where straying from the path has deadly, binding consequences.
- A Fight for Redemption: Haunted by her past, Rachelle hunts deadly creatures to atone for her sins. But her most dangerous quest—the hunt for a legendary sword—will force her to confront the darkness within.
- Ancient Magic and Courtly Secrets: Within an opulent palace built on lies, Rachelle and Armand must navigate a world of conspiracy and hidden power to stop the coming of an endless night.
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Community Reviews
I loved Hodge's debut, Cruel Beauty and I was beyond excited to see what she would bring us next. However, Crimson Bound is probably one of my biggest disappointments this year.
My main reason for DNF was plainly - I was bored. The beginning was very interesting and enthralling, but it just became a snooze fest about the first 20% or so. I wasn't interested in the characters and I didn't care for the building romance - which I heard develops into a triangle almost right after where I quit reading. The world building was info-dumpy and this is probably just me, confusing as hell.
I seem to be in the minority with this one - so give it a go and see what you think. I might pick it up on a later date but for now, nope.
*I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
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