794 books
—
2,899 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Dark and Deepest Red” as Want to Read:
Dark and Deepest Red
by
Summer, 1518. A strange sickness sweeps through Strasbourg: women dance in the streets, some until they fall down dead. As rumors of witchcraft spread, suspicion turns toward Lavinia and her family, and Lavinia may have to do the unimaginable to save herself and everyone she loves.
Five centuries later, a pair of red shoes seal to Rosella Oliva’s feet, making her dance unco ...more
Five centuries later, a pair of red shoes seal to Rosella Oliva’s feet, making her dance unco ...more
Get A Copy
Hardcover, 309 pages
Published
January 14th 2020
by Feiwel & Friends
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Dark and Deepest Red,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Dark and Deepest Red

Jun 11, 2019
chai ♡
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
young-adult,
poc-rep,
lgbtq-trans,
ya-retellings,
read-in-2020,
own-voices,
2020-releases,
lgbtq-rep,
fiction,
arc
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’d know that any new release by McLemore pulls me along like a child who has hold of my sleeve. I’ve read all of their books, and was racked by them. Each time I turned the last page, I wanted to hold their stories for a while in the quiet undercurrents of myself, until their edges are worn smooth as creek stones. I thought reading Deep and Darkest Red would feel just as familiar, like slipping into your favorite pair of shoes. But this novel lacked th
...more

I've given every Anna-Marie McLemore 5 stars, so this is a bit of a surprise even to me! Trying to sort out my feelings is hard because the story telling I know and love was still there. Their vivid descriptions and dynamic characters—still there. The passion and personal connection you can just FEEL in their work—absolutely there. Obviously this and each one of their titles is deeply important to so many readers, what with the characters and representation Anna-Marie offers.
So why was this one ...more
So why was this one ...more

Thanks to Edelweiss and Feiwel & Friends for having this book up for download! (Also thanks to my friend who sent it to me first after I was complaining about being rejected!)
CW: transphobia, racism, anti-Romani, and near executions
I will say, I liked this better than the other book that I read by them. In that one, I absolutely adored their transman character because McLemore so accurately captured that experience. It was gorgeous.
This book is quite different. It's told in alternating perspecti ...more
CW: transphobia, racism, anti-Romani, and near executions
I will say, I liked this better than the other book that I read by them. In that one, I absolutely adored their transman character because McLemore so accurately captured that experience. It was gorgeous.
This book is quite different. It's told in alternating perspecti ...more
![destiny ♡⚔♡ [howling libraries]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1557144778p2/15335689.jpg)
May 11, 2019
destiny ♡⚔♡ [howling libraries]
marked it as to-read
update: Dec 3, 2019
This was what Twitter chose for my November "pick it for me" read, and I was really stoked to pick it up, but sadly just wasn't in the right reading mood for it at all! Anna-Marie has such an incredible style but I always find I have to be in just the right headspace for it, and I'm not right now. Rather than risk forcing myself and enjoying it less than I would have otherwise, I'm saving it for later. ♥
———
I want to read everything Anna-Marie McLemore ever writes, forever, hon ...more
This was what Twitter chose for my November "pick it for me" read, and I was really stoked to pick it up, but sadly just wasn't in the right reading mood for it at all! Anna-Marie has such an incredible style but I always find I have to be in just the right headspace for it, and I'm not right now. Rather than risk forcing myself and enjoying it less than I would have otherwise, I'm saving it for later. ♥
———
I want to read everything Anna-Marie McLemore ever writes, forever, hon ...more

Dec 05, 2019
h o l l i s
added it
Shelves:
fantasy,
hello-diversity,
finished-in-december-2019,
hist-fiction,
ya,
lgbtqia,
romance,
2019-reads,
arc,
ebook
I've had a few reasons to not rate books over the years. But sometimes the reason is simply because I honestly don't know what the book deserves. This here is one of those times.
This is my first McLemore despite hearing nothing but wonderful magical things about their writing for.. years. And I can admit, this was magical and at times wonderful. But did I enjoy the experience? I'm not sure. There is so much to be gained by this story, the message within, the truths, the history.. some moments re ...more
This is my first McLemore despite hearing nothing but wonderful magical things about their writing for.. years. And I can admit, this was magical and at times wonderful. But did I enjoy the experience? I'm not sure. There is so much to be gained by this story, the message within, the truths, the history.. some moments re ...more

DNF... I’m just not feeling it. I tried but I don’t find any of the character’s views interesting. The love sprung up out of nowhere since there’s an 11 years jump. All of a sudden Lala wanted to kiss Alifair and Emil saying he likes Rosella long ago but when did that happen? I hate to DNF but I just don’t care to find out the ending.

Oct 07, 2020
may ➹
marked it as to-read
other people seemed to be disappointed by this but I refuse to be let down by one of my favorite authors.....

”a brutal fairy tale. the true medieval events that may have inspired it. two girls of color, 500 years apart. and the queerest ending I've ever written.”
I CAN’T WAIT!!! ...more
I CAN’T WAIT!!! ...more

May 04, 2019
˗ˏˋliaˎˊ˗
marked it as to-read
this cover is GORGEOUS and the premise sounds SOOO GOOD!!! i’m super excited, can it please be 2020 already

Feb 23, 2021
solanne
added it
ever late to the party but!! here I am (finally) reading my first anna-marie mclemore book!! hope everyone's proud 🥰
...more

not to be dramatic but i would pay anna-marie mclemore to step on me
Dark and Deepest Red is Anna-Marie McLemore's fifth novel, and the third of their's that I have read. Somehow, I fall more in love with each McLemore novel I've read; I love each one more than the last, and that stayed true with their latest work.
Dark and Deepest Red is a re-telling of Ha ...more
"'We can't ask him to hide everything about himself,' his father said. 'He didn't do anything wrong.'
'When has that ever mattered?'
Dark and Deepest Red is Anna-Marie McLemore's fifth novel, and the third of their's that I have read. Somehow, I fall more in love with each McLemore novel I've read; I love each one more than the last, and that stayed true with their latest work.
Dark and Deepest Red is a re-telling of Ha ...more

"We are more than what we've survived."

I've realized that I cannot review a Anna-Marie McLemore book. Why?? Because she writes with such effortless magic that's it's nigh impossible to define the power of it in a review. I have been swept away by everything she's written, all of her stories shamelessly queer and lovely fairytales that draw me in every time. No, they are not the greatest examples of writing nor something that I can shriek about how perfect it is on all levels BUT they really ...more

I've realized that I cannot review a Anna-Marie McLemore book. Why?? Because she writes with such effortless magic that's it's nigh impossible to define the power of it in a review. I have been swept away by everything she's written, all of her stories shamelessly queer and lovely fairytales that draw me in every time. No, they are not the greatest examples of writing nor something that I can shriek about how perfect it is on all levels BUT they really ...more

Aug 01, 2019
Emily
added it
i desperately need this book in my life

This book was so beautiful and important and had so many important elements weaved into it, I can't possibly coherent about it right now.
That above is a previous update, right after I finished the book, and now, a month later, as I came here to finally write a (brief) review, I'm finding that it still holds true. Although this isn't one of my favorite Anna-Marie Mclemore's book the quiet words within its pages still had a big impact on me.
So if you know me, you know I'm a sucker for books with ...more
That above is a previous update, right after I finished the book, and now, a month later, as I came here to finally write a (brief) review, I'm finding that it still holds true. Although this isn't one of my favorite Anna-Marie Mclemore's book the quiet words within its pages still had a big impact on me.
So if you know me, you know I'm a sucker for books with ...more

Apr 29, 2020
ℓуηη, ℓσкιѕℓутнєя¢ℓαω
added it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
lgbt-rep,
fantasy-ya,
standalone,
hist-fic-ya-mg,
2020-releases,
bored-as-hell,
dnf-just-can-t,
retellings,
meh
This was my first experience with this author and I can't say I'll probably be picking up anything else by her 👀 I wanted so badly to love this! The premise sounded so darkly whimsical and inriguing, I expected to be swept up and bewitched, but instead it was beyond underwhelming, disconnected and I was bored out of my bloody mind 😫
The chapters in this are super short, 6 pages max, but usually only around 4. You barely get your feet under you in one time period before you're whisked off to the m ...more
The chapters in this are super short, 6 pages max, but usually only around 4. You barely get your feet under you in one time period before you're whisked off to the m ...more

Full read
I wish I didn't originally DNF this book. "Dark and Deepest Red," was a very good book. It's a historical fiction based on the dancing plague of 1518, which is basically when people would randomly start dancing, and they couldn't stop(?) until they either died or fell from exhaustion. I'm not entirely sure though, because I'm just relying on google here.
The plot of this book was very unique. I don't think I've ever seen a book that shows/talks about the dancing plague. I can only imagi ...more
I wish I didn't originally DNF this book. "Dark and Deepest Red," was a very good book. It's a historical fiction based on the dancing plague of 1518, which is basically when people would randomly start dancing, and they couldn't stop(?) until they either died or fell from exhaustion. I'm not entirely sure though, because I'm just relying on google here.
The plot of this book was very unique. I don't think I've ever seen a book that shows/talks about the dancing plague. I can only imagi ...more

Jul 30, 2019
ʙᴇʟᴀ.: ☾**:.☆*.:。.
marked it as to-read
ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review (Thank you!)

You can see this review and many others on my Blog
In this retelling of the classic story "The Red Shoes", this story is told in alternating perspectives. One set in 1518 Strausburg, France.
A dancing fever takes over its residents compelling them to dance without stopping and some to death. As rumors of witchcraft and demon possession spread, suspicion turns toward Lavinia Blau.
Our second perspective set five centuries later, when a pair of red shoes seals t ...more
"We are more than what we've survived"
In this retelling of the classic story "The Red Shoes", this story is told in alternating perspectives. One set in 1518 Strausburg, France.
A dancing fever takes over its residents compelling them to dance without stopping and some to death. As rumors of witchcraft and demon possession spread, suspicion turns toward Lavinia Blau.
Our second perspective set five centuries later, when a pair of red shoes seals t ...more


Romani Girl
Trans Boy
Hans Anderson's retelling!
I mean , Anna-Marie McLemore can just start barging in and ask people for money and I'll be okay with it.
I thank all the gods for an ARC opportunity! (Lol , thanks Edelweiss and MacMillan)
...more
Trans Boy
Hans Anderson's retelling!
I mean , Anna-Marie McLemore can just start barging in and ask people for money and I'll be okay with it.
I thank all the gods for an ARC opportunity! (Lol , thanks Edelweiss and MacMillan)
...more

3.5 stars. I’m always incredibly interested in stories where the author weaves in magic and history to create a backdrop and perspective of sorts on issues that feel raw, relevant and contemporary. Anna-Marie McLemore succeeds yet again in telling a beautiful story while also portraying some incredibly honest feelings and experiences through the lenses of her characters, and I thought it was super compelling.

I'm pretty sure I've read and loved all of Anna-Marie McLemore's published books, and I would consider them one of my favorite authors, so I had very high expectations going into this book, especially as the follow-up to the explosive Blanca & Roja. I really did enjoy this book a lot, but it wasn't everything I had hoped, so it's probably going to sound like I liked it a lot less than I did.
The concept drew me in immediately, because I always enjoy retellings of obscure fairy tales, and I knew ...more
The concept drew me in immediately, because I always enjoy retellings of obscure fairy tales, and I knew ...more

I feel bad that this was my first Anna-Marie McLemore book because oh man, this is not what I expected.
This was such a choppy read. The decision to split the story into three perspectives, then split it again into third person present tense, third person past tense and first person past tense, and then split it AGAIN into these tiny three page chapters makes each little section feel very self-contained. I kept having to actively remind myself that the chapters were all connected because it was s ...more
This was such a choppy read. The decision to split the story into three perspectives, then split it again into third person present tense, third person past tense and first person past tense, and then split it AGAIN into these tiny three page chapters makes each little section feel very self-contained. I kept having to actively remind myself that the chapters were all connected because it was s ...more

TWs:
Mild descriptions of gore/body horror, peripheral depictions of racism and homophobia/transphobia.
Y'all are not READY for how hard this story goes in exploring the experience of being othered, of being feared and taught to fear yourself, and learning how to reconcile with history and trauma. Anna-Marie McLemore stuns yet again in this fairy-tale retelling that is at times dark and twisted, at times warm and hopeful, but consistently utterly awe-inspiring from start to finish. ...more
Y'all are not READY for how hard this story goes in exploring the experience of being othered, of being feared and taught to fear yourself, and learning how to reconcile with history and trauma. Anna-Marie McLemore stuns yet again in this fairy-tale retelling that is at times dark and twisted, at times warm and hopeful, but consistently utterly awe-inspiring from start to finish. ...more

as much as it pains me to say this about an anna-marie mclemore book, this was just okayish - ironically I probably would’ve given it a higher rating if I had never read their earlier work because it’s not BAD per se, I just know they’re capable of more as a writer. it deals with a lot of important topics, but unfortunately the characters don’t feel as real as their previous ones did, the tone comes off as a bit heavy-handed at times, and the ending feels so wildly unrealistic that it’s.......no
...more

4 stars
To this day, I have not read an Anna-Marie McLemore book that I haven't been surprised by.
This book is everything that it promises to be in the synopsis, but it's also so much more. It's about a dancing plague, yes, and it's about two girls born 500 years apart, and it's about the way they're both seen as outsiders in their respective communities.
But it's also about queer people and people of color finding and building safe communities for themselves. It's about the courage it requires ...more
To this day, I have not read an Anna-Marie McLemore book that I haven't been surprised by.
This book is everything that it promises to be in the synopsis, but it's also so much more. It's about a dancing plague, yes, and it's about two girls born 500 years apart, and it's about the way they're both seen as outsiders in their respective communities.
But it's also about queer people and people of color finding and building safe communities for themselves. It's about the courage it requires ...more

A lot of the times I low-key hate alternating past/present chapters (I am impatient) but I actually loved them in this. Part of the reason was that the chapters were short and sweet, but perfectly crafted such that you still get enough plot to keep you going.
I genuinely could not decide if I liked reading about Lala and Alifair or Rosella and Emil more. Both of the timelines had me watching closely, and I love the parallels and subtle nudges McLemore used.
Definitely liked this more than Wild B ...more
I genuinely could not decide if I liked reading about Lala and Alifair or Rosella and Emil more. Both of the timelines had me watching closely, and I love the parallels and subtle nudges McLemore used.
Definitely liked this more than Wild B ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Challenge Corner: Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore --> Starting February 9th, 2021 | 27 | 6 | Feb 24, 2021 06:52AM | |
You'll love this ...: Dark and Deepest Red | 25 | 31 | Feb 25, 2020 09:30AM | |
Goodreads Librari...: Please correct page count - Dark and Deepest Red | 2 | 251 | Jan 14, 2020 05:46PM |
Anna-Marie McLemore was born in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and taught by their family to hear la llorona in the Santa Ana winds. They are the author of THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS, a finalist for the 2016 William C. Morris Debut Award; 2017 Stonewall Honor Book WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS, which was longlisted for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature; WILD BEAUTY, a Kirkus Be
...more
Articles featuring this book
Melissa Albert burst onto the YA scene (and catapulted into readers' hearts) with her 2018 debut The Hazel Wood. This darkly fantastical...
98 likes · 4 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“I would find a way to make sure we never had to destroy something of ourselves just to stop other people from taking it. - Rosella”
—
6 likes
“This is a city where the story they choose to believe about you depends on how well they think of you, and that story can shift as suddenly as the wink of those stars.”
—
3 likes
More quotes…