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Once Upon A Time #4
Red's Untold Tale
It’s Wolfstime, the foreboding period around each full moon when villagers must protect their homes and families against the giant, ferocious wolves that roam the forest. On the day Red turned thirteen, Granny gave her a special red cloak upon which a spell had been cast to protect Red from wolves.
Red is now sixteen and is desperately trying to fit in among her peers, save Granny’s failing bakery business, and, of course, protect herself from wolves. Her crush on Peter and her determination not to let the mean girls sabotage her blossoming romance cause Red to make some questionable choices.
Will these choices let the wolves in? Will Red pick the right battle? Will her skills be strong enough to keep her alive?
Red is now sixteen and is desperately trying to fit in among her peers, save Granny’s failing bakery business, and, of course, protect herself from wolves. Her crush on Peter and her determination not to let the mean girls sabotage her blossoming romance cause Red to make some questionable choices.
Will these choices let the wolves in? Will Red pick the right battle? Will her skills be strong enough to keep her alive?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
178 people are currently reading
4882 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
October 13, 2016
I gotta give this one 5 stars because it kept me enthralled so much. It was so good, and I couldn't put it down. A must read for every fellow Oncer :)
maybe
May 23, 2015
*sigh* If only Meghan Ory didnt leave OUAT to star on the (Thank God) short-lived drama Intelligence. I really liked Ruby. I'd have really liked to see where her story would have gone. I was looking forward to Ruby/Dr. Whale storyline. If only. If only...
Want to read
February 23, 2015I can't wait to read this! Ruby is one of my fave characters!
July 11, 2016
Bogen lagde egentlig forholdsvis godt ud. Den var interessant, og jeg var så spændt på at lære Red bedre at kende, da jeg synes hun er en herlig karakter i tv-serien. Men så fortsatte spændingskurven altså også bare ligeud. Selve handlingen er ikke dårlig, den er bare ret stillestående. Vi får en masse informatoner om byen og dens indbyggere, samt små intriger imellem folk, men man sidder ikke på kanten af stolen for at læse videre. Det gjorde bogen til en lidt 'meh' oplevelse for mig - den var fin nok, men bare langt fra, hvad jeg havde håbet på.
Spændingskurven nåede dog sit højdepunkt i løbet af de sidste 10-15 sider. Derfra gik alt til gengæld vanvittigt stærkt, og det virkede bare alt for forhastet. Man bliver på en måde efterladt med flere spørgsmål efter man har læst bogen, end mens man læste den. Ikke nok med det - så havde jeg også regnet med at det var en standalone - men det er åbenbart første bog i en serie... Det skuffede mig enormt meget, da jeg så ikke har fået en afslutning på noget som helst.
"In every fairy tale is a nugget of truth - especially those found in dusty old storybooks. You have to open your heart and let the truth find you." - citat side 348.
Karakteren Red er dog forholdsvis realistisk gennem det meste af bogen. Der var kun få steder, hvor jeg rynkede på næsen, og undrede mig over, om hun ville reagere sådan i serien. Derudover kunne jeg rigtig godt lide Peter, selvom han dog virker som et lidt urealistisk godt menneske, da der jo gerne skulle være lidt af hvert i alle mennesker, men han er bare god, som dagen er lang. Jeg ved vitterligt ikke, om jeg har lyst til at læse videre i serien. Bogen var fin nok, og det er derfor den får 3 stjerner frem for 2 - den har potentiale, men det er ikke blevet udnyttet godt nok, desværre. En stille og rolig læseoplevelse med et fint sprog.
Spændingskurven nåede dog sit højdepunkt i løbet af de sidste 10-15 sider. Derfra gik alt til gengæld vanvittigt stærkt, og det virkede bare alt for forhastet. Man bliver på en måde efterladt med flere spørgsmål efter man har læst bogen, end mens man læste den. Ikke nok med det - så havde jeg også regnet med at det var en standalone - men det er åbenbart første bog i en serie... Det skuffede mig enormt meget, da jeg så ikke har fået en afslutning på noget som helst.
"In every fairy tale is a nugget of truth - especially those found in dusty old storybooks. You have to open your heart and let the truth find you." - citat side 348.
Karakteren Red er dog forholdsvis realistisk gennem det meste af bogen. Der var kun få steder, hvor jeg rynkede på næsen, og undrede mig over, om hun ville reagere sådan i serien. Derudover kunne jeg rigtig godt lide Peter, selvom han dog virker som et lidt urealistisk godt menneske, da der jo gerne skulle være lidt af hvert i alle mennesker, men han er bare god, som dagen er lang. Jeg ved vitterligt ikke, om jeg har lyst til at læse videre i serien. Bogen var fin nok, og det er derfor den får 3 stjerner frem for 2 - den har potentiale, men det er ikke blevet udnyttet godt nok, desværre. En stille og rolig læseoplevelse med et fint sprog.
October 10, 2021
That was really good.
This is basically Red’s story and her relationship with Peter.
We see a lot of her, and of course I love this kind of books, and this one wasn’t the exception.
The characters and the writing are good, it did give me what I expected it.
The only down was that it's really long, I'd say 100 pages less and we could have a really good story.
This is a must for the fans of the show, and I love that I know more about her.
This is basically Red’s story and her relationship with Peter.
We see a lot of her, and of course I love this kind of books, and this one wasn’t the exception.
The characters and the writing are good, it did give me what I expected it.
The only down was that it's really long, I'd say 100 pages less and we could have a really good story.
This is a must for the fans of the show, and I love that I know more about her.
July 16, 2016
This is post originally on Vivian's Book Pavilion
Good news for Oncer!!! This is a Once Upon a Time story. But the bad news is…I’ll keep this review short. Why? Because…it’s not as good as the TV…if I must say. Not so boring…but I can hardly tell it is bad or good…just…so so.
A good thing for all Once Upon a Time fan—every moment of Once Upon a Time flashes through my mind while I was reading, and of course, especially Red and Granny. The description of the characters and details are great, it’s like actually watching Granny with her scold. And see Red in her beautiful cloak. And it’s great to see Red and Peter’s little romance…you know…before he…
But is the plot so impress? Well…not really. It’s just an ordinary story, with exquisite characters and scene setting…but the plot? Nope. However, the book looks beautiful with those little marks, and it’ll fit for a great decoration. Of course…read the book first. But if you’re looking for great adventures and excitement…then you have to remember that this is merely a short fairy tale.
Good news for Oncer!!! This is a Once Upon a Time story. But the bad news is…I’ll keep this review short. Why? Because…it’s not as good as the TV…if I must say. Not so boring…but I can hardly tell it is bad or good…just…so so.
A good thing for all Once Upon a Time fan—every moment of Once Upon a Time flashes through my mind while I was reading, and of course, especially Red and Granny. The description of the characters and details are great, it’s like actually watching Granny with her scold. And see Red in her beautiful cloak. And it’s great to see Red and Peter’s little romance…you know…before he…
But is the plot so impress? Well…not really. It’s just an ordinary story, with exquisite characters and scene setting…but the plot? Nope. However, the book looks beautiful with those little marks, and it’ll fit for a great decoration. Of course…read the book first. But if you’re looking for great adventures and excitement…then you have to remember that this is merely a short fairy tale.
May 6, 2018
Plot:
First off, I absolutely love the Once Upon A Time TV show. However, I felt this entire story was unnecessary. It wasn't exciting, and I was basically reading 400 pages of Red's everyday life (with some twists). I found myself skipping pages at a time, from being bored by the story. The good thing was being able to see into Red's life before all the extreme wolf drama happens. There isn't much to say about the plot since the book as a whole wasn't too exciting.
Characters:
Peter and Red's relationship is the only thing that raised this up to 2 stars for me. They are adorable together, but it took about 300 pages for them to figure out they were meant to be. I guess we got to see a little more into Red's perspective, but it wasn't anything I needed, or couldn't get from the TV show.
Overall Thoughts:
I love the OUAT show, but this book was an unnecessary add-on to the amazing tv show. The plot was quite boring, but Red and Peter's relationship saved the story just a little bit. Cant really say I'd recommend.
First off, I absolutely love the Once Upon A Time TV show. However, I felt this entire story was unnecessary. It wasn't exciting, and I was basically reading 400 pages of Red's everyday life (with some twists). I found myself skipping pages at a time, from being bored by the story. The good thing was being able to see into Red's life before all the extreme wolf drama happens. There isn't much to say about the plot since the book as a whole wasn't too exciting.
Characters:
Peter and Red's relationship is the only thing that raised this up to 2 stars for me. They are adorable together, but it took about 300 pages for them to figure out they were meant to be. I guess we got to see a little more into Red's perspective, but it wasn't anything I needed, or couldn't get from the TV show.
Overall Thoughts:
I love the OUAT show, but this book was an unnecessary add-on to the amazing tv show. The plot was quite boring, but Red and Peter's relationship saved the story just a little bit. Cant really say I'd recommend.
October 15, 2015
I received a copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 2.25 stars
(Between a Dislike/Ehhhh I've Read Worse)
I'm getting too old for this.
Big fan of the show, in all of it's overdone tropes, overused clichés, and Regina's brilliant Ruling Class fabulosity. This book however, not so much. I am not the best person to review this particular book, just putting that out there, due to my jaded Regina or Nothing outlook on this franchise. I decided to give this one a chance because I have always held Red in a high enough regard but when you start to feel the brain cells wither due to lack of substance or quality you know it is time to put the book down. I made it halfway before I flipped the pages and skimmed just enough bits and pieces to keep myself in the know.
DO NOT go into this one expecting anything but fluff. Tween level pre-teen skipping through the woods singing with the birds fluff. Sure random people get eaten by wolves, never anyone you want however, but that is as far as the action goes. I was hoping for some werewolf-on-werewolf action, lost red cloaks, diabolical doings in the darkness...you know the real steak/roasted potatoes/glass of port you'd except from the feisty red-headed wolf. Instead I got baked goods. (Insert Regina's "So Not Amused" expression right here)
Not sure if I am the only one who wanted to smack old Grams upside the head a couple of times with her crossbow but that woman needs a good lesson in explaining things. You know, to move the story along. As for the story itself there's not much to remember aside from the usual buttercream filling used when it comes to true love, angst, teen drama, and a birthday party held in the middle of the woods during the onset of a full moon.
Yeah, really.
So instead of epic battles involving fireball smack-downs and swords drawn you spend three quarters of the book wondering how coffee made its way into a medieval style village (magic?) and why the reader should give a howling hoot about Red's horrible baking abilities. Hon, just go snarl at some simpering sap and be done with it already. This is not the short-skirt-vamp-lipstick-sporting sassy hottie of Storybrooke. This is Red, the Babysitters club edition.
There is something good to come out of this puff pastry that might do you some good. If you have a die-hard Oncer or rapid fan of the fancy foufy Tween Princess Fantasy genre this book will make a great stocking stuffer come the holidays. Just make sure to tack on a plushy wolf with big cutesy eyes to go with it because this book lacks in the fangs department. Pity.
Rating: 2.25 stars
(Between a Dislike/Ehhhh I've Read Worse)
I'm getting too old for this.
Big fan of the show, in all of it's overdone tropes, overused clichés, and Regina's brilliant Ruling Class fabulosity. This book however, not so much. I am not the best person to review this particular book, just putting that out there, due to my jaded Regina or Nothing outlook on this franchise. I decided to give this one a chance because I have always held Red in a high enough regard but when you start to feel the brain cells wither due to lack of substance or quality you know it is time to put the book down. I made it halfway before I flipped the pages and skimmed just enough bits and pieces to keep myself in the know.
DO NOT go into this one expecting anything but fluff. Tween level pre-teen skipping through the woods singing with the birds fluff. Sure random people get eaten by wolves, never anyone you want however, but that is as far as the action goes. I was hoping for some werewolf-on-werewolf action, lost red cloaks, diabolical doings in the darkness...you know the real steak/roasted potatoes/glass of port you'd except from the feisty red-headed wolf. Instead I got baked goods. (Insert Regina's "So Not Amused" expression right here)
Not sure if I am the only one who wanted to smack old Grams upside the head a couple of times with her crossbow but that woman needs a good lesson in explaining things. You know, to move the story along. As for the story itself there's not much to remember aside from the usual buttercream filling used when it comes to true love, angst, teen drama, and a birthday party held in the middle of the woods during the onset of a full moon.
Yeah, really.
So instead of epic battles involving fireball smack-downs and swords drawn you spend three quarters of the book wondering how coffee made its way into a medieval style village (magic?) and why the reader should give a howling hoot about Red's horrible baking abilities. Hon, just go snarl at some simpering sap and be done with it already. This is not the short-skirt-vamp-lipstick-sporting sassy hottie of Storybrooke. This is Red, the Babysitters club edition.
There is something good to come out of this puff pastry that might do you some good. If you have a die-hard Oncer or rapid fan of the fancy foufy Tween Princess Fantasy genre this book will make a great stocking stuffer come the holidays. Just make sure to tack on a plushy wolf with big cutesy eyes to go with it because this book lacks in the fangs department. Pity.
December 21, 2015
I love, love, love, love, love this book! I was so excited when I first found it and couldn't wait to read it. Red is one of my favorite characters from Once Upon a Time. I won't spoil this for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but if you love the show you will love reading this one. I can't wait to read other books with stories from one of my favorite shows!
December 15, 2022
I’ve never watched Once Upon a Time, but something compelled me to pick this up from the library. I’m glad I did. I had such a good time with this book. It’s fast paced and the book is small so 400 pages really isn’t a lot. The story was very…contained. I didn’t need to know about the show in order to follow it. I might check out more books in this series.
January 30, 2016
"Someday,
I'm going too leave this stupid village,
I'll be adventurous, like my mother was."
Som stor fan af serien 'Once Upon a Time', var det nærmest et absolut must at læse denne bog, der skulle forestille sig at være en slags baghistorie om karakteren 'Ruby' og derfor jo også en slags genfortælling af 'Rødhætte'.
Jeg ventede spændt på bogen og var absolut forelsket da jeg så dens smukke ydre med de fine detaljer og flotte sorte sider.
Historien var dog desværre ingen succes i mine øjne og selvom bogen var let og hurtigt læst, er det en jeg nu knap husker og som intet indtryk har gjort på mig overhovedet.
Det starter egentligt godt ud - vi bliver præsenteret for omgivelserne, for Red og Granny og nogle af de nærmeste personer. Red virker meget autentisk med karakteren fra serien - lettere flabet, spøjs og rigtig teenage-agtig. Der er da bestemt også et par hyggelige scener, hvor jeg kunne mærke det trække på smilebåndet om det så var over en sjov kommentar, en sød situation eller en kærlig bemærkning.
Hele ideen med Wolfstime (ulvetid), hvor underlige lyde kan høres, skræmmende ting bliver fundet og uforklarlige ting sker, virker også meget interessant - udførelsen er bare skuffende...
"Like earlier that morning, the air grew colder, lending it a certain bite.
My heart hammered - and not merely with exertion - when the paw prints led me to the hill behind the blacksmith's shop..."
Selve historien er utroligt langtrukken og det er som om, at vi hele tiden venter på noget, der faktisk aldrig sker. Det er for mig tydeligt at Toliver, i forsøget på at gøre historien nervepirrende og interessant, mistede tråden undervejs og i stedet skabte en langsommelig og kedelig fortælling.
De sidste 20 sider var der til gengæld så meget fart på, at jeg knap nok kunne følge med. Pludselig skete alt det, jeg havde siddet og ventet på og det føltes nærmest som om, at forfatteren var løbet tør for tid og plads (eller måske var hun bare - ligesom jeg - blevet træt af historien).
I hvert fald føltes afslutningen forhastet og slutningen ender med at skabe mere forvirring og flere spørgsmål, end hvad burde være acceptabelt.
Alt i alt ikke den mest positive læseoplevelse, men fordi den handlede om Ruby (Red) og fordi hun var sassy as f, rammer vi alligevel de to stjerner og så håber jeg, at der kommer en fortsættelse hvor læseren kan få nogle svar.
"You'd better get baking. And this time, try not to set the whole damn house on fire."
I'm going too leave this stupid village,
I'll be adventurous, like my mother was."
Som stor fan af serien 'Once Upon a Time', var det nærmest et absolut must at læse denne bog, der skulle forestille sig at være en slags baghistorie om karakteren 'Ruby' og derfor jo også en slags genfortælling af 'Rødhætte'.
Jeg ventede spændt på bogen og var absolut forelsket da jeg så dens smukke ydre med de fine detaljer og flotte sorte sider.
Historien var dog desværre ingen succes i mine øjne og selvom bogen var let og hurtigt læst, er det en jeg nu knap husker og som intet indtryk har gjort på mig overhovedet.
Det starter egentligt godt ud - vi bliver præsenteret for omgivelserne, for Red og Granny og nogle af de nærmeste personer. Red virker meget autentisk med karakteren fra serien - lettere flabet, spøjs og rigtig teenage-agtig. Der er da bestemt også et par hyggelige scener, hvor jeg kunne mærke det trække på smilebåndet om det så var over en sjov kommentar, en sød situation eller en kærlig bemærkning.
Hele ideen med Wolfstime (ulvetid), hvor underlige lyde kan høres, skræmmende ting bliver fundet og uforklarlige ting sker, virker også meget interessant - udførelsen er bare skuffende...
"Like earlier that morning, the air grew colder, lending it a certain bite.
My heart hammered - and not merely with exertion - when the paw prints led me to the hill behind the blacksmith's shop..."
Selve historien er utroligt langtrukken og det er som om, at vi hele tiden venter på noget, der faktisk aldrig sker. Det er for mig tydeligt at Toliver, i forsøget på at gøre historien nervepirrende og interessant, mistede tråden undervejs og i stedet skabte en langsommelig og kedelig fortælling.
De sidste 20 sider var der til gengæld så meget fart på, at jeg knap nok kunne følge med. Pludselig skete alt det, jeg havde siddet og ventet på og det føltes nærmest som om, at forfatteren var løbet tør for tid og plads (eller måske var hun bare - ligesom jeg - blevet træt af historien).
I hvert fald føltes afslutningen forhastet og slutningen ender med at skabe mere forvirring og flere spørgsmål, end hvad burde være acceptabelt.
Alt i alt ikke den mest positive læseoplevelse, men fordi den handlede om Ruby (Red) og fordi hun var sassy as f, rammer vi alligevel de to stjerner og så håber jeg, at der kommer en fortsættelse hvor læseren kan få nogle svar.
"You'd better get baking. And this time, try not to set the whole damn house on fire."
August 31, 2016
So many of you lovely people reading this won't know that I am a huge fan of Once Upon a Time. It is one of my favourite TV programs and I love the whole retake on fairytales. When I was asked if I wanted to review this book by the publishers I couldn't turn it down. Here we had a book based of my favourite TV series and one of my favourite characters from said TV series. I loved Red/Ruby's character in OUAT she is sassy and feisty and a really enjoyable character. Anyway to the book, this novel written by Wendy Toliver tells the tale of Red when she was sixteen during one particular Wolfstime. I'm going to try and write this without any spoileus because to really enjoy this you have to read it yourselves. Red was a very likeable character and I enjoyed her development through the story and the trials and tribulations she had to go through. Such as trying to help her Granny, selling the baked goods also trying to deal with her feelings for the wonderful Peter. I ship Red and Peter and I think the make a cute couple. I didn't like the girls that were bullying Red, they were so nasty and petty towards Red. I suppose they were well written as you are supposed to not like them. I also enjoyed the part where Red decides to do something to help her Granny. (Again not going into too much detail).
Overall thus was a very enjoyable story that helped fill the hole that has been left whilst OUAT has been off our screens. If you are a fan of Once Upon a Time I highly recommend that you go out and read this book because it is a very good read.
Disclaimer - I recieved a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Overall thus was a very enjoyable story that helped fill the hole that has been left whilst OUAT has been off our screens. If you are a fan of Once Upon a Time I highly recommend that you go out and read this book because it is a very good read.
Disclaimer - I recieved a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2022
This was such a fantastic retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. As a fan of the show 𝒪𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒰𝓅𝑜𝓃 𝒜 𝒯𝒾𝓂𝑒, I really enjoyed learning more about Red’s character and her story. It was nice getting to know more about Red’s relationship with Peter and her hardships with Granny.
I loved that even though this was book 4, it could be read without having had to read the books that come before it in the series. This was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. This is a must read for those who love the show or enjoy fairy tale retellings.
I loved that even though this was book 4, it could be read without having had to read the books that come before it in the series. This was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. This is a must read for those who love the show or enjoy fairy tale retellings.
December 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this story of Red, she's one of my favorite characters from OUAT so reading about her past and getting to know her character better was fun. Also sad cause Red hasn't had the easiest of childhoods but it was interesting to see how she deals with things.
Also, her relationship with Peter is adorable!
But that ending though...
Also, her relationship with Peter is adorable!
But that ending though...
August 22, 2015
I must confess that while I have watched the television show a few times,I am not a die hard fan. If I had my choice between watching a show and reading a book, it wouldn’t really be a choice...
I really enjoyed this book. When I decided to read it, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to get into it. But I did. It was quick paced, intriguing, and fun.
Red is fiery, loyal, and brave. She doesn’t always do the right thing, but she does have good intentions. I enjoyed how her relationships shifted throughout the book.
Peter is good hearted, forgiving, and likeable. Why oh why wouldn’t Granny like him!?
Granny may seem crazy, but there is no doubt that she knows things and that she truly cares for Red. Plus, who wouldn’t love someone with mad cooking skills?
My only complaint is that the book seemed to abruptly end. I get that maybe it was supposed to be a cliffhanger, but I didn’t feel like there was any type resolution first.
Thank you to Netgalley & Disney Book Group for a copy of the book!
I really enjoyed this book. When I decided to read it, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to get into it. But I did. It was quick paced, intriguing, and fun.
Red is fiery, loyal, and brave. She doesn’t always do the right thing, but she does have good intentions. I enjoyed how her relationships shifted throughout the book.
Peter is good hearted, forgiving, and likeable. Why oh why wouldn’t Granny like him!?
Granny may seem crazy, but there is no doubt that she knows things and that she truly cares for Red. Plus, who wouldn’t love someone with mad cooking skills?
My only complaint is that the book seemed to abruptly end. I get that maybe it was supposed to be a cliffhanger, but I didn’t feel like there was any type resolution first.
Thank you to Netgalley & Disney Book Group for a copy of the book!
January 4, 2016
First of all, this story can be read by Oncers and non-Oncers. You don't have to watch the show to enjoy the story (though I LOVE the show!). I digress. Red Riding Hood has always been one of those characters I've been drawn to. You really get a feel for Red's life and the fear during Wolfstime. Wendy Toliver does an amazing job giving you every detail so that you feel as if you're in the book. Red's Untold Tale is perfect for any Once Upon A Time and Fairytale fan! The last thing I want to rave about is the dust jacket because it feels as velvety soft as Red's hooded cloak!
September 20, 2016
I did not like this book, because there was no adventure. It would constantly talk about day to day stuff, such as her cooking and going to school. I think the entire story was too predictable. Overall, the story never grew or developed. I was a disappointed with it because I saw the Once Upon A Time series. However, it was nothing like I thought it would be. I wish the ending was more exciting and that the story grabbed my attention more. I personally wish I never pick the book up, but maybe other people would like it more then me.
September 4, 2015
This was not what I expected it to be. I expected a sort of fairytale re telling. The story lacked any action. I found Red to be very boring and 70% into the book, I still did not know where the story was going. I am disappointed with this one.
Copy provided by publisher for review
Copy provided by publisher for review
May 14, 2025
"Red's Untold Tale" is an okay read for any "Once Upon A Time" fan. It doesn't have much of a plot and is more about Red's everyday life in the Enchanted Forest before she found out she was a Werewolf. I was disappointed at how mundane the story was and how it didn't really feel like "Once Upon A Time" to me. The lack of action is definitely one of the causes of that.
What annoys me the most is that it was only just starting to pick up the pace in the last couple of chapters. The plot actually began to be about the wolves and the suspense and drama of that. Peter and Red discussed going on their own adventure to help find an ointment to help Granny's scar. Then the book just ends as if it hadn't just scratched the surface of an actual plotline.
I definitely prefer "Regina Rising" over "Red's Untold Tale" just because more seems to happen in that book compared to this one and Regina's insight is actually very interesting to see in different situations.
What annoys me the most is that it was only just starting to pick up the pace in the last couple of chapters. The plot actually began to be about the wolves and the suspense and drama of that. Peter and Red discussed going on their own adventure to help find an ointment to help Granny's scar. Then the book just ends as if it hadn't just scratched the surface of an actual plotline.
I definitely prefer "Regina Rising" over "Red's Untold Tale" just because more seems to happen in that book compared to this one and Regina's insight is actually very interesting to see in different situations.
September 6, 2024
3.75⭐️
I really really liked this book, especially because I'm a big Ruby & OUAT fan. However, the ending was super abrupt and I don't necessarily see a connection to the series? The ending left me with questions but besides that, I love Red and Peter. Thank you very much.
I really really liked this book, especially because I'm a big Ruby & OUAT fan. However, the ending was super abrupt and I don't necessarily see a connection to the series? The ending left me with questions but besides that, I love Red and Peter. Thank you very much.
February 23, 2021
Red's untold tale is het derde boek uit de OUAT-serie dat ik lees. Alhoewel Red een van mijn favoriete personages is uit de televisieserie, had ik een minder goede connectie met haar in het boek. Het boek was zeker niet slecht maar ik heb er minder van genoten dan gehoopt. Ik had meer avonturen verwacht, maar eigenlijk lees je het ganse verhaal over Red haar dagelijkse leven. Dit verhaal voegt jammer genoeg niets toe voor mij.
March 19, 2016
I thought, given that this was based on one of the best shows on TV right now, that this would be a good piece of supplementary material. Not really. It could've functioned as an okay story on its own, but its connection to Once Upon A Time raised my expectations too much for a book that proved quite mediocre, actually. It just felt a little too been-there-done-that at points, and the writing itself was quite distracting. For one thing, a surprising number of modern, real-world expressions found their way into the dialogue (you wouldn't expect the same book to feature "what in the land?" and "Peeping Tom," would you?) Then there was the absurdly high concentration of "Said Bookisms" ("he answered," "she greeted," etc.) That last one is a particular pet peeve of mine ever since I was shown a similar error in a Dan Brown dialogue tag (the use of "reminded" without a direct object), and now I keep wanting to see all dialogue tags have intransitive and transitive verbs used correctly.
Maybe next time, I'll think twice before picking up an OUAT spinoff book.
Maybe next time, I'll think twice before picking up an OUAT spinoff book.
December 31, 2017
I. Love. This. Book!!!!
I am a huuuge fan of Once Upon a Time, and the books are NO exception!!!!! There’s some suggestive kissing in the book that wasn’t my favorite, but nothing bad happens! I love that it explains sooo much about Red and that she has a magical coat! (Sorry... spoiler lol) I really want to punch Victoria in her perfect little nose😂😂😂And you can’t help but fall in love with Peter and the way he says “Hallo” 😂❤️ this book had me turning pages so fast I read the 400 page book I’m an hour flat!! (No joke, it was 11:00 when I started reading and 12:00 when I finished... I was surprised 😂) If ya wanna borrow it let me know I can bring it to church:) READ THIS BOOk!!
I am a huuuge fan of Once Upon a Time, and the books are NO exception!!!!! There’s some suggestive kissing in the book that wasn’t my favorite, but nothing bad happens! I love that it explains sooo much about Red and that she has a magical coat! (Sorry... spoiler lol) I really want to punch Victoria in her perfect little nose😂😂😂And you can’t help but fall in love with Peter and the way he says “Hallo” 😂❤️ this book had me turning pages so fast I read the 400 page book I’m an hour flat!! (No joke, it was 11:00 when I started reading and 12:00 when I finished... I was surprised 😂) If ya wanna borrow it let me know I can bring it to church:) READ THIS BOOk!!
June 29, 2016
Its good for light reading. As far as plot goes, the story was relatively uneventful. With that being said I still found it enjoyable, even with its lack of conflict, I never once lost interest. I enjoyed getting to know Red better and as a Once Upon a Time fan I was especially appreciative of the opportunity to get to explore her character (through her past) a bit further.
August 23, 2016
Had I been 10 years younger and this book hadn't been sold as a Once Upon A Time companion type book it probably would've been a slightly higher rating.
For my full thoughts check out my review below:
https://kirstyandthecatread.wordpress...
For my full thoughts check out my review below:
https://kirstyandthecatread.wordpress...
November 4, 2024
When Once Upon A Time came on ABC, I was very thrilled because I love fairy tales and it was going to be interesting since you know...Disney owns ABC and the creators have lots of material to sort of play around with.
Red's Untold Tale is about the life of Red to a certain point in her life and since the show sort of went from the present to the past a lot this sticks with a more linear timeline yet...we have even more flashbacks.
Properly in the show, our version of Little Red Riding Hood is friends with Snow White and we get the more pivotal part of her life played out. Not to spoil too much for those who have not seen OUAT but for us Oncers, this untold tale isn't very...unknown.
Red is starting to fall in love with childhood friend, Peter, the blacksmith's son. There are mean girls in town who are jealous of Red and try and cause her trouble because everyone in town thinks her grandmother is a crazy woman.
To Red, her Granny is strict because the woman had her brothers, her father, her husband, her daughter and her son-in-law all die on her. The first deaths were all due to being attacked by wolves while Red's parents were mistaken by hunters for the wolves, leaving the Widow Lucas to raise the girl.
On Red's thirteenth birthday, she was given her red cloak as a way to protect her from the wolves because Granny had a wizard create it. Now every time around the full moon called "Wolfstime", they barricade their home and Red can not go out after dark even with her cloak on.
Red uses her basket to deliver baked goods to the people in their village that Granny makes to earn their living and she of course...wants something more like every good Disney heroine.
Red wants to leave town and is saving money to go out on her own one day yet she doesn't want to because of Peter but the awful girls in town and her grandmother's strict rules are starting to become suffocating.
Red is also having nightmares that get even worse around Wolfstime...
No one takes Widow Lucas seriously about the wolves despite all that has happened to her own family until another person is tragically mauled by one of the enormous wolves unlike any other creatures in the Enchanted Forest. The parents of the town are concerned but the other teenagers, mostly the same snotty girls giving Red a hard time, want to keep their traditional dance.
The ending of this tale for those who have not watched the show is still quite predictable. You already know that there is no happily ever after...it is a twist that anyone can see coming.
You could read Red's Untold Tale and then go watch the show or do the reverse and not really lose or gain anything. It is written very nicely and is intriguing but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would so I guess just liking it is better than nothing.
Red's Untold Tale is about the life of Red to a certain point in her life and since the show sort of went from the present to the past a lot this sticks with a more linear timeline yet...we have even more flashbacks.
Properly in the show, our version of Little Red Riding Hood is friends with Snow White and we get the more pivotal part of her life played out. Not to spoil too much for those who have not seen OUAT but for us Oncers, this untold tale isn't very...unknown.
Red is starting to fall in love with childhood friend, Peter, the blacksmith's son. There are mean girls in town who are jealous of Red and try and cause her trouble because everyone in town thinks her grandmother is a crazy woman.
To Red, her Granny is strict because the woman had her brothers, her father, her husband, her daughter and her son-in-law all die on her. The first deaths were all due to being attacked by wolves while Red's parents were mistaken by hunters for the wolves, leaving the Widow Lucas to raise the girl.
On Red's thirteenth birthday, she was given her red cloak as a way to protect her from the wolves because Granny had a wizard create it. Now every time around the full moon called "Wolfstime", they barricade their home and Red can not go out after dark even with her cloak on.
Red uses her basket to deliver baked goods to the people in their village that Granny makes to earn their living and she of course...wants something more like every good Disney heroine.
Red wants to leave town and is saving money to go out on her own one day yet she doesn't want to because of Peter but the awful girls in town and her grandmother's strict rules are starting to become suffocating.
Red is also having nightmares that get even worse around Wolfstime...
No one takes Widow Lucas seriously about the wolves despite all that has happened to her own family until another person is tragically mauled by one of the enormous wolves unlike any other creatures in the Enchanted Forest. The parents of the town are concerned but the other teenagers, mostly the same snotty girls giving Red a hard time, want to keep their traditional dance.
The ending of this tale for those who have not watched the show is still quite predictable. You already know that there is no happily ever after...it is a twist that anyone can see coming.
You could read Red's Untold Tale and then go watch the show or do the reverse and not really lose or gain anything. It is written very nicely and is intriguing but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would so I guess just liking it is better than nothing.
August 16, 2024
Like I did with "Regina Rising," I'm not going to spend a lot of time reviewing this book. "Red's Untold Tale" by Wendy Toliver is a story that takes place a few (?) years before the events of the TV series "Once Upon a Time." What follows is a lot of drama between Red and her Granny. All Granny wants to do is protect Red, but it comes across as overprotective, whereas Red wants freedom and adventure. It's also the origin of the love story between Red and Peter (we all know what happened there, gah!). It's also a story about poor Red essentially being bullied by all the terrible mean girls at school. There's quite a lot going on in this book, but unfortunately, none of it was particularly exciting. And very much like "Regina Rising," I feel like I didn't learn anything new about Red. The book had some potentially exciting things going on near the end that I felt should have been the focus over the entire front half of the book. I didn't really care for schooltime with Red. Didn't care for the bullying. I did adore the (something cringe) romance between Peter and Red. They are sweet, adorable, and awkward together. The Red/Granny drama felt repetitive on occasion. There's this whole thing that the village always has to worry about the full moon every month because of the heightened wolf attacks (which I think was established in the show if I'm not mistaken). That was dramatic and wish more could have been done with that. And you guys, Amos Slade from "The Fox and the Hound" is a character in this book, and his dog is named Copper! I nearly freaked! I loved that addition to the book. Like "Regina Rising," this book is light and fun. And again, I wish I had read this book back when the show was on. I feel I would appreciate it a little better.
January 31, 2020
Once upon a time: red untold tale by Wendy Toliver is told in the tale of little red riding hood but with a couple of twist but for the most part it follows the same plot as the classic tale. Red living with her grandma in the woods. The only difference in this novel would be the romance little red has towards her best friend peter that is not evident in the classic tale of little red riding hood. This novel also has magic involved that is different in the original tale. Little reds cape is enchanted with a protectant spell that protects her from every full moon where wolfs are free to roam and eat anything living. With this plot little red goes on many adventures and thrills different but same from the original tale told.
This novel would be great for independent reading. It would be interesting to present these types of books to the students and see their reaction towards a different perspectives of story plots they already know. It could expand their creativity and that is always beneficial. With all the new elements added to the story—magic, danger, suspense, it is quite a great read.
This novel would be great for independent reading. It would be interesting to present these types of books to the students and see their reaction towards a different perspectives of story plots they already know. It could expand their creativity and that is always beneficial. With all the new elements added to the story—magic, danger, suspense, it is quite a great read.
August 20, 2018
I'm stuck between rating this 2.5 or 3 stars.
I'm a huge fan of the show Once Upon a Time and I always liked Red. I was excited to read her story, but it didn't pull me in as much as I hoped it would. I was enjoying it, in the beginning, then it quickly lost my interest. Most of the stuff that was mentioned, I already knew about from the show. I got tired of all the flashbacks, and I felt like a lot of them weren't really necessary. There were quite a few parts that were just boring. The only thing that kept me reading was Peter and Red's relationship, I'm forever a sucker for the friends to lover trope, and they were super cute.
I'm a huge fan of the show Once Upon a Time and I always liked Red. I was excited to read her story, but it didn't pull me in as much as I hoped it would. I was enjoying it, in the beginning, then it quickly lost my interest. Most of the stuff that was mentioned, I already knew about from the show. I got tired of all the flashbacks, and I felt like a lot of them weren't really necessary. There were quite a few parts that were just boring. The only thing that kept me reading was Peter and Red's relationship, I'm forever a sucker for the friends to lover trope, and they were super cute.
June 28, 2022
Not very well written, with loose ends and frankly nothing that happens. I understand that this is a companion to the show, but still you have to have some plot that pays off at least a little bit.
It felt like an unedited first draft. The main character was dramatic and annoying and dumb. True to life for some 16 year olds, but tough to read about for 400 pages.
Well, I completed a tough readathon prompt with this so I'm satisfied.
It felt like an unedited first draft. The main character was dramatic and annoying and dumb. True to life for some 16 year olds, but tough to read about for 400 pages.
Well, I completed a tough readathon prompt with this so I'm satisfied.
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