Scarlet of Lysia is an honest peddler, a young merchant traveling the wild, undefended roads to support his aging parents. Liall, called the Wolf o...
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Mar 20, 2011
Harper
rated it: 
Years ago I read a fanfic for one of my favorite anime couples. It was a historical M/M romance and it might as well have been an original piece of fiction because the author took the characters to a whole new level. In this fanfic, which I’ll readily admit was probably the best I’ve read to date, the characters never shared any kind of physical intimacy, not even a kiss. Some people might lament the fact that there wasn’t any sex, but it was so well-written, the sexual tension so palpable, and
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Jan 30, 2012
Jessica
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I thought the story in its self was really good; it wasn't smutty but more emotional. I get tired of reading these books where more the half of whets written is about sex and there isn't much depth to the characters. Scarlet and Liall are two very different people whose lives collide together from unfortunate circumstances. The character dynamic was refreshing as well. Normally when you have a pretty faced young boy with a strong tough rouge, the younger boy is meek, frail and tends to act like
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Jul 25, 2011
teacup_carousel
rated it: 
I might come back to this one later but doubt it. This book is so poorly written and the grammatical errors are grating even my nerves and I'm not exactly a grammar Nazi. It's like Crow has never visited planet Earth before and has no concept of how people behave. Scarlet's employer tells him in the first chapter than a genocide is beginning to take hold in his country and his people are the ones being exterminated. He tells him that he will gladly help his family find lodging in his city so as
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Dec 04, 2010
amelia
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I loved this book! The strapline is 'A romantic retelling of a classic fairytale...' in truth, the story only has one scene that comes from Little Red Riding Hood and of course, Scarlet wears a red coat but that's where the similarities end. Set on the southern continent of Nemerl, Scarlet makes his trade and supports his family, as a pedlar. He mets Liall the Wolf at a toll road, Liall and his band of bandits are holding. Liall asks for a kiss as the toll, Scarlet refuses and a battle of wills
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Oct 09, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
Scarlet and the White Wolf, at the beginning was pretty boring and I couldn't get into it. There were used many new words without explanation, so it didn't help with understanding the story.
But then, something has changed. We got to know Liall and suddenly, also the main character, Scarlet has become different. I loved reading the banter between them and I impatiently waited to see how their story was going to end.
Overall, it's an interesting fantasy story (I won't say " More...
But then, something has changed. We got to know Liall and suddenly, also the main character, Scarlet has become different. I loved reading the banter between them and I impatiently waited to see how their story was going to end.
Overall, it's an interesting fantasy story (I won't say " More...
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May 20, 2010
Kez
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Different from the usual fantasy series, it was good to read a book where the main couple were homosexual but without the graphic erotica that seems to be a staple of all gay romance novels. Scarlet and the White Wolf falls more within the fantasy genre than the romance genre, although the writing does have that romance feel to it. The world of Nemerl is an interesting combination of races that feel almost like those of our own world and yet not. The Hilurin, like Scarlet, are almost an Hindu
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Nov 20, 2011
Oleg
rated it:
What could I tell about this book without spoiling it at all? Since books like these are best when the reader doesn't know what they are getting themselves into.
Well, for starters, this series is, and will always be, one of my all-time favorites.
Starting from first sentence, to the very last, Crow manages to suck me into this book, into their world, and keep me there. And I absolutely fell in love with Crows style to tell stories, and the amazing ability to create an incredible More...
Well, for starters, this series is, and will always be, one of my all-time favorites.
Starting from first sentence, to the very last, Crow manages to suck me into this book, into their world, and keep me there. And I absolutely fell in love with Crows style to tell stories, and the amazing ability to create an incredible More...
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Jan 04, 2012
Sue
rated it:
The whole Scarlet and the White Wolf series is, without doubt, one of my favourites.
The world-building is excellent and the characters great. From page 1 I really loved Scarlet, and wanted to follow him wherever he went and whatever happened to him.
Lyall happens. And yeah, I love him too, but Scarlet is without doubt the character that talks to me most. I love his spirit, the fact that his race, the Hilurin, are small; that he is pretty rather than handsome as they're not a hairy rac More...
The world-building is excellent and the characters great. From page 1 I really loved Scarlet, and wanted to follow him wherever he went and whatever happened to him.
Lyall happens. And yeah, I love him too, but Scarlet is without doubt the character that talks to me most. I love his spirit, the fact that his race, the Hilurin, are small; that he is pretty rather than handsome as they're not a hairy rac More...
Sep 19, 2011
Antonella
rated it: 
I did like the two main characters, although they were now and then a bit stereotyped. The fact that in this first book they <spoiler>basically only kiss</spoiler> is a positive point for me. I also liked the beautiful cover.
On the negative side:
- in general it is an easy read, easy equalling quite flat, in the plot and in the writing
- especially at the beginning, there are too many explanations, for ex. introducing a new word and immediately explaining what More...
On the negative side:
- in general it is an easy read, easy equalling quite flat, in the plot and in the writing
- especially at the beginning, there are too many explanations, for ex. introducing a new word and immediately explaining what More...
Feb 11, 2010
Alaina
rated it:
At times funny and at others tragic, this book marks the beginning of Scarlet, the young peddler's journey toward the realization and reconciliation of his own desires in the face of an insular, tradition-bound and dying culture. Marked for luck, and emboldened by the wilding, a sort of wanderlust, Scarlet does not know what he seeks in his constant movement along trade routes, only that he can't find it at home. When challenged to pay a demeaning toll by Liall, the white haired gypsy bandit,
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Sep 06, 2010
Lexi
rated it: 
This was recommended to me for one of my reading challenges (Thanks Michael!).
I have to say that if it wasn't for the reading challenge it would have taken me longer to read. It started out kind of slow, and at times the writing was a little squirrelly. I think I really started to get into it the second time Scarlet tries to get by the toll road and then it grabbed me after the masquer so I didn't put it down until I had finished it. It really should have a glossary of terms and More...
I have to say that if it wasn't for the reading challenge it would have taken me longer to read. It started out kind of slow, and at times the writing was a little squirrelly. I think I really started to get into it the second time Scarlet tries to get by the toll road and then it grabbed me after the masquer so I didn't put it down until I had finished it. It really should have a glossary of terms and More...
Feb 03, 2012
J
rated it:
I liked these books (the trilogy) to be honest. I did begin reading them with the knowledge that it wasn't going to be the best written piece of literature in the world, so I was prepared for the occasional grammatical error and typo.
That being said, the plot was decent and the love story was sweet with conflicts that, in my opinion, weren't too farfetched. The books are set in a fantasy world but the focus is on the relationship between the two main characters, so if you're looking for a More...
That being said, the plot was decent and the love story was sweet with conflicts that, in my opinion, weren't too farfetched. The books are set in a fantasy world but the focus is on the relationship between the two main characters, so if you're looking for a More...
Jan 03, 2011
Nikki
rated it:
Scarlet and the White Wolf caught my attention when a review popped up on my feed because it's an LGBT retelling of a fairytale -- something I'm always interested in. That aspect is actually the least part of it: the references to the fairytale are there, in both obvious ways -- especially one particular scene -- and more subtly, with the themes/purpose of the fairytale playing out in the background. But there's also a lot of world-building.
In some ways, there's almost too much world More...
In some ways, there's almost too much world More...
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Oct 04, 2011
Danni
rated it:
I like how the author has based the book on a fairy tale, but also building a whole new world for the story.
This first book started a little slow with character introduction and the world building. It was actually mianly a build up for the continuing adventures of Scarlet and Liall the Wolf, and their romance. However it all got me interested enough to continue on to book 2 (and 3). I am actually very excited to continue.
I love how the author has managed to incorporate th More...
This first book started a little slow with character introduction and the world building. It was actually mianly a build up for the continuing adventures of Scarlet and Liall the Wolf, and their romance. However it all got me interested enough to continue on to book 2 (and 3). I am actually very excited to continue.
I love how the author has managed to incorporate th More...
Nov 08, 2011
Arthur
rated it:
This book is a mixed bag for me. The world building is great. I feel as if we live there. The story is good. The characters are likable. Somewhat. While Scarlet is not exactly a damsel in distress, I couldn't shake the feeling that Scarlet of Lysia might as well be Scarlet O'Hara of Tara, Georgia, and Liall be Rhett Butler. Their interactions are almost identical: a fiery Scarlet, and somewhat arrogant Liall (Rhett). Just change 'he' into 'she' and 'his' into 'her', we will get another saga as i
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Feb 25, 2011
Lindsey
rated it:
I don't have that much to say about this one since it was fairly basic. But I enjoyed all the characters, even if I did find the acceptance of Peysho/Kio a bit odd and I liked the developing relationship between Scarlet and Liall. I was glad this was less focused on romance than I originally thought and more about characterization. I also enjoyed all the allusions to Little Red Riding Hood. Some were especially clever. <spoiler>I especially liked that they did not require physical intimacy
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Feb 28, 2010
heardtheowl
rated it:
This review is for the trilogy.
These were really enjoyable books.
Scarlet and Liall are wonderful characters and the supporting cast was amazing.
Scarlet is a pedlar and travels on foot, selling the wares his family makes. He can't seem to settle down and feels best when on the road.
Liall is from somewhere to the North, and although he is the leader of his band of gypsy-like people, no one there really knows him or of his past.
Neither of them could have known More...
These were really enjoyable books.
Scarlet and Liall are wonderful characters and the supporting cast was amazing.
Scarlet is a pedlar and travels on foot, selling the wares his family makes. He can't seem to settle down and feels best when on the road.
Liall is from somewhere to the North, and although he is the leader of his band of gypsy-like people, no one there really knows him or of his past.
Neither of them could have known More...
Feb 09, 2012
Evaine
rated it:
That's it? *shakes e-reader to see if anything falls out* Seriously, that's IT? :/ Damn, that's disappointing.
I was really starting to get into this book and root for the characters and suddenly - it finished. Yes, I know it's the first book in a series, but honestly, it felt more like a Part One of what should be the first book in a series. (I'm trying not to feel a little manipulated.) We met the characters, got a feel for the world in which they live, saw glimpses and glim More...
I was really starting to get into this book and root for the characters and suddenly - it finished. Yes, I know it's the first book in a series, but honestly, it felt more like a Part One of what should be the first book in a series. (I'm trying not to feel a little manipulated.) We met the characters, got a feel for the world in which they live, saw glimpses and glim More...
Dec 06, 2011
Emanuela ~plastic duck~
rated it:
There's a reason why I waited to read this book... I'm stupid!!!
I am probably loving this book a bit more than it's rationally justifiable, because there is something about the world Scarlet lives in that is eluding me and there are things about Scarlet's parents that weren't perfectly consistent, in my opinion, but when I re-read it, I will probably clear my head about it.
I can't let go of this picture of Scarlet in my mind, of this slender, beautiful, brave, confused y More...
I am probably loving this book a bit more than it's rationally justifiable, because there is something about the world Scarlet lives in that is eluding me and there are things about Scarlet's parents that weren't perfectly consistent, in my opinion, but when I re-read it, I will probably clear my head about it.
I can't let go of this picture of Scarlet in my mind, of this slender, beautiful, brave, confused y More...
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Nov 21, 2011
Wendy
rated it:
While initially a little challenging to get my head in the game on this one due to all the new terminology and names introduced as this world was developed, once things became a bit more familiar I found myself very captivated and ended up loving it!
I didn’t realize that the trilogy would truly be a continuing story for the same characters, so that was a bit of a surprise as I got to the end of the book and felt compelled to immediately go check that there was more to come for the ma More...
I didn’t realize that the trilogy would truly be a continuing story for the same characters, so that was a bit of a surprise as I got to the end of the book and felt compelled to immediately go check that there was more to come for the ma More...
Sep 04, 2011
Noughty
rated it:
I liked it overall.
The characters are still not completely revealed (mostly Wolf), but they don't look empty. I am expecting more in the second book. The relationship goes in normal pace-starts with a conflict (which I like) and changes after the heroic acts (2 of them), so it is understandable. And still is very slow (at least physically).
It was strange to notice the parts from a real fairy tale and how they were implemented in this book. Modified a lot but still can be relat More...
The characters are still not completely revealed (mostly Wolf), but they don't look empty. I am expecting more in the second book. The relationship goes in normal pace-starts with a conflict (which I like) and changes after the heroic acts (2 of them), so it is understandable. And still is very slow (at least physically).
It was strange to notice the parts from a real fairy tale and how they were implemented in this book. Modified a lot but still can be relat More...
Jan 23, 2011
Serith
rated it:
I feel extremely lucky to have stumbled across this book. It has everything that I look for in a series; passion, action, drama, fluff, light comedy, and even a powerful reference. The way Kirby built her characters around little red and the big bad wolf was a treat.
I was sucked into the emotions and felt the weight of a shift in mood. The contrast between scenes had me laughing out loud one moment, and stiff with anticipation the next. My heart sank when it was supposed to and I was t More...
I was sucked into the emotions and felt the weight of a shift in mood. The contrast between scenes had me laughing out loud one moment, and stiff with anticipation the next. My heart sank when it was supposed to and I was t More...
Aug 18, 2011
Zeh
rated it:
I wish there is an option to rate the series as a whole because my review is going to be based on the whole series.
My actual rating is a 3.5. I enjoyed the story but at times, I felt like the world is too 2-dimensional. I also felt that there are some things that could have been explored further, like we get a glimpse of Scarlet's (sometimes) supernatural power but that was never fully explain or explore (I am left unsatisfied). I felt this series could also benefit from a more More...
My actual rating is a 3.5. I enjoyed the story but at times, I felt like the world is too 2-dimensional. I also felt that there are some things that could have been explored further, like we get a glimpse of Scarlet's (sometimes) supernatural power but that was never fully explain or explore (I am left unsatisfied). I felt this series could also benefit from a more More...
Feb 22, 2009
Roylin
rated it:
This was very enjoyable. I laughed outloud at many points at these antics Scarlet got up to get past that roadblock. Those scenes were well written and lovely. This book was kind of an old fashion romance...we were treated to the characters getting to know each other and growing into their feelings rather than just immediate jumping into love and sex. Instead we were taken on a journey. I liked it. I grew to love them both and can't wait for to continue their story.
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Nov 18, 2011
Dalton
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I really liked this book, the two main characters Liall and Scarlet, where very interesting and it kept me going through the book. This book made me smile in a lot of parts and sometimes even laugh a bit. Throughout the book I'm reading it and imagining it perfectly but also in the back of my head I'm going "Why did you do that!?" and I just couldn't stop because I just had to know what was gonna happen.
Jan 30, 2012
Nikyta
rated it:
I'm writing this review after I've read Scarlet and the White Wolf for the third time. To say I enjoyed this story even more this last re-read is an understatement.
I loved Scarlet and his pride and Liall and his games. The fact that both of them can't help but desire each other, even with Scarlet in denial, made the story all the better. Especially since Scarlet has been searching for something for such a long time and doesn't realize until almost too late that Liall is what he's loo More...
I loved Scarlet and his pride and Liall and his games. The fact that both of them can't help but desire each other, even with Scarlet in denial, made the story all the better. Especially since Scarlet has been searching for something for such a long time and doesn't realize until almost too late that Liall is what he's loo More...
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Jan 08, 2010
Mara
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As a shallow person I bought the three books in this series some time ago just for their beautiful covers. I have only just started to read them because I haven't been in the mood to read full length novels very often. Which is my loss if the rest of the series lives up to this first novel. Kirby Crow has created a complex world with interesting characters. This may become a five star rating.
Dec 30, 2011
Tom
rated it:
An interesting start to the trilogy. Characters were very well developed through the plot could have included more than what was primarily exposition. Fortunately, the final two books are distinctly more plot driven and as a result far better. I'd suggest that all readers keep going through the series, it's rewarding and definitely a good read; no, an excellent read.
Jan 09, 2011
Sylvie
rated it:
Part of a trilogy. This is one of the first m/m novels I've read since starting on the genre in 2010. Very sweet story, but the dynamics between the two characters reminds me of a yaoi novel.
I really love this author's prose, so I'm definitely looking forward to reading other books by her.
I really love this author's prose, so I'm definitely looking forward to reading other books by her.
Jun 23, 2010
J.J.
rated it:
Absolutely adored this story. I liked that it took the tale of Little Red Riding Hood and twisted it to fit the m/m genre, and gave it a twist of fantasy. Really great story that held my attention the entire time, and will have me re-reading it many times.
