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The Sworn Saga #3
Black Veil
The third book in the wildly popular Sworn Saga series!
Red never intended to be the mate of a Sworn.
She never intended to stay in the capital.
She never intended to fall in love with the enemy.
Now, she has to decide what she's going to do about it, and where her loyalties lie.
BOOKS IN THE SWORN SAGA:
1. RED RIDER
2. SILVER WOLF
3. BLACK VEIL
4. CRIMSON HEART
5. (UNTITLED)
Red never intended to be the mate of a Sworn.
She never intended to stay in the capital.
She never intended to fall in love with the enemy.
Now, she has to decide what she's going to do about it, and where her loyalties lie.
BOOKS IN THE SWORN SAGA:
1. RED RIDER
2. SILVER WOLF
3. BLACK VEIL
4. CRIMSON HEART
5. (UNTITLED)
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
594 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Kate Avery Ellison
83 books896 followersI've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I'm creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 4, 2020
i feel like the story lost its direction. so much of this was filler. it was the same scenario again and again. she’d want him, he’d briefly want her, she’d say his real name, he’d be reminded why he couldn’t want her and walk out of whatever room they were currently in. the tension was great, don’t get me wrong, but the meat of the story wasn’t really there.
the tree crawlers have no plot in this book. they’re briefly mentioned towards the end but just in conversation.
also- how do they choose a chosen? what makes them know they’d be viable candidates for pregnancy? can they smell fertility? this has never been explained.
the biggest mystery in the entire series thus far, that i’ve been painstakingly waiting for, is that damned cape! it made her invisible to the sworn in the first book (maybe even the first chapter?) and not a single thing since. but i kept expecting it to come into play as she lost and found it several times. I thought as she was leaving at night to spy that surely she’d use it to sneak out passed the guards. nope. nothing. i’m so surprised and honestly disappointed. i was really looking forward to this plot point.
perhaps she didn’t know how to make him a good guy so we could like him (i had no trouble liking him as the big bad silver wolf mind you *swoon*), so she decided on her spin. that’s how it came off anyways. suddenly they are quickly smitten with each other and sharing what was ‘really’ going on during their head butts, at a rapid fire pace, to try to backtrack and tie up all the loose ends. sadly, they didn’t quite line up.
if he really thought what he later revealed he thought her to be, how can that be when he has literally been with her since she revealed she was a chosen in book one? she was forced to go to the capital.
i don’t know... i like the world it’s set in and i think the author is talented, i just also think perhaps she should have re-read the first one before writing this one because she lost her way, i feel.
the tree crawlers have no plot in this book. they’re briefly mentioned towards the end but just in conversation.
also- how do they choose a chosen? what makes them know they’d be viable candidates for pregnancy? can they smell fertility? this has never been explained.
the biggest mystery in the entire series thus far, that i’ve been painstakingly waiting for, is that damned cape! it made her invisible to the sworn in the first book (maybe even the first chapter?) and not a single thing since. but i kept expecting it to come into play as she lost and found it several times. I thought as she was leaving at night to spy that surely she’d use it to sneak out passed the guards. nope. nothing. i’m so surprised and honestly disappointed. i was really looking forward to this plot point.
perhaps she didn’t know how to make him a good guy so we could like him (i had no trouble liking him as the big bad silver wolf mind you *swoon*), so she decided on her spin. that’s how it came off anyways. suddenly they are quickly smitten with each other and sharing what was ‘really’ going on during their head butts, at a rapid fire pace, to try to backtrack and tie up all the loose ends. sadly, they didn’t quite line up.
if he really thought what he later revealed he thought her to be, how can that be when he has literally been with her since she revealed she was a chosen in book one? she was forced to go to the capital.
i don’t know... i like the world it’s set in and i think the author is talented, i just also think perhaps she should have re-read the first one before writing this one because she lost her way, i feel.
Want to read
February 6, 2020*rubs hands together*
Alright! Looking forward to see where this story will take us next! I need Kassian to start
com-mu-ni-ca-ting!!
Alright! Looking forward to see where this story will take us next! I need Kassian to start
com-mu-ni-ca-ting!!
Read
September 19, 2022I’m going to have to come back to this. I’m kind of tired of the constant back and forth between the two main characters. It’s making me yawn with the repetition.
July 16, 2021
3.5 stars.
The Sworn Saga by Kate Avery Ellison: Red Rider, Silver Wolf, Black Veil, White Mask and Crimson Heart.
This will be my review for all 5 of the books that have been published.
It has been a long time since I've read anything by Kate Avery Ellison. She was one of the first indie authors I ever read and for the most part, I liked her Frost series and her Secrets of Itlantis series. I had forgotten how easily I get sucked into her books, until I picked up Red Rider, and holy cow! I could hardly put it down. That isn't to say that I thought it was without flaws though. In fact, there was something really frustrating about the fact that I found this so compelling but also pretty flawed.
I'll start with the things I liked. I like the easy, compelling writing style the author has. When I saw that she had written a Red Riding Hood retelling I had to try it, because I love Red Riding Hood retellings. I enjoyed certain aspects of the story because of that, and I liked that this put a bit of a different spin on Red Riding Hood as well. I liked the main character a lot, and also absolutely loved Vixor Rae. Also, I liked that there was one twist later in the series that I didn't see coming at all, and I always appreciate when a book surprises me.
One of the things I didn't like so much was the constant back and forth between Red and Vixor. They go in circles with their relationship constantly throughout the series and it drove me crazy! I expected this to be resolved in the second book, certainly by the third, but no, it is still going on 5 books in! Overall, there is too much repetition in the series, and I don't think the series needed to be as many books as it is. I also thought that the Wolves didn't do enough as wolves in the series. They rarely change into werewolf form and they didn't feel as threatening or sinister as they should have. I felt like they were kind of upstaged by the tree crawlers, and I'm not really sure why the tree crawlers were included in the first place. There are also some things that I would like more of an explanation for. Why are there werewolves and tree crawlers? What happened to our world to make all this happen? Instead of focusing on answering these questions, the back and forth relationship was focused on too much.
So normally this stuff would be enough for me to abandon a series after a couple of books, but this one is so compelling that I am loving it despite myself and it's kind of infuriating! So, hats off the Kate Avery Ellison for writing such a compelling series. There is one final book to be released later this year and honestly, I can't wait to read it, flaws and all.
The Sworn Saga by Kate Avery Ellison: Red Rider, Silver Wolf, Black Veil, White Mask and Crimson Heart.
This will be my review for all 5 of the books that have been published.
It has been a long time since I've read anything by Kate Avery Ellison. She was one of the first indie authors I ever read and for the most part, I liked her Frost series and her Secrets of Itlantis series. I had forgotten how easily I get sucked into her books, until I picked up Red Rider, and holy cow! I could hardly put it down. That isn't to say that I thought it was without flaws though. In fact, there was something really frustrating about the fact that I found this so compelling but also pretty flawed.
I'll start with the things I liked. I like the easy, compelling writing style the author has. When I saw that she had written a Red Riding Hood retelling I had to try it, because I love Red Riding Hood retellings. I enjoyed certain aspects of the story because of that, and I liked that this put a bit of a different spin on Red Riding Hood as well. I liked the main character a lot, and also absolutely loved Vixor Rae. Also, I liked that there was one twist later in the series that I didn't see coming at all, and I always appreciate when a book surprises me.
One of the things I didn't like so much was the constant back and forth between Red and Vixor. They go in circles with their relationship constantly throughout the series and it drove me crazy! I expected this to be resolved in the second book, certainly by the third, but no, it is still going on 5 books in! Overall, there is too much repetition in the series, and I don't think the series needed to be as many books as it is. I also thought that the Wolves didn't do enough as wolves in the series. They rarely change into werewolf form and they didn't feel as threatening or sinister as they should have. I felt like they were kind of upstaged by the tree crawlers, and I'm not really sure why the tree crawlers were included in the first place. There are also some things that I would like more of an explanation for. Why are there werewolves and tree crawlers? What happened to our world to make all this happen? Instead of focusing on answering these questions, the back and forth relationship was focused on too much.
So normally this stuff would be enough for me to abandon a series after a couple of books, but this one is so compelling that I am loving it despite myself and it's kind of infuriating! So, hats off the Kate Avery Ellison for writing such a compelling series. There is one final book to be released later this year and honestly, I can't wait to read it, flaws and all.
February 15, 2022
I suppose it was a good thing that I wasn't feeling well today and was able to read a bit more than I am usually able to. I am just ripping through this series!
Story Once again, this installment picks up right where the last one left off. Red is now married to Vixor. Desperate to try and change him and convince him to leave she works to try and find a way for them to escape. But, how do you escape with someone who doesn't want to leave?
Characters & Romance I admit, I was little frustrated with Vixor and Red in this one. I wanted to shake some sense into them. It feels at times that both are clinging to the nostalgia of their childhood friendship and not getting to know each other as adults. At the same time, its clear that Vixor is very conflicted and cares deeply for Red, but continues to push her away. Red, still loving who she thinks he is but not willing to face the reality of his true self, spends the book waffling back and forth and driving herself (and me) a bit bonkers.
I felt it was a tad slow in places, but did enjoy the end when the pacing picks up and a few more secrets are unveiled and one scene that actually had be quite surprised! I look forward to continuing the series.
Content Rated PG13
Romance: Kissing
Language: Moderate, a bit more than the previous books
Violence: Moderate - fighting, death, but nothing overly descriptive
Story Once again, this installment picks up right where the last one left off. Red is now married to Vixor. Desperate to try and change him and convince him to leave she works to try and find a way for them to escape. But, how do you escape with someone who doesn't want to leave?
Characters & Romance I admit, I was little frustrated with Vixor and Red in this one. I wanted to shake some sense into them. It feels at times that both are clinging to the nostalgia of their childhood friendship and not getting to know each other as adults. At the same time, its clear that Vixor is very conflicted and cares deeply for Red, but continues to push her away. Red, still loving who she thinks he is but not willing to face the reality of his true self, spends the book waffling back and forth and driving herself (and me) a bit bonkers.
I felt it was a tad slow in places, but did enjoy the end when the pacing picks up and a few more secrets are unveiled and one scene that actually had be quite surprised! I look forward to continuing the series.
Content Rated PG13
Romance: Kissing
Language: Moderate, a bit more than the previous books
Violence: Moderate - fighting, death, but nothing overly descriptive
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2020
This series just keeps getting better!!!! Sad i need to wait for the next book in the series tone published!!!!
May 16, 2022
The best out of the series so far! Can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
I just love how many times Vixor steps in to save Red and every time I think they're going to get together and my boredom might try to creep in....BOOM...this author knows how to keep me hanging. I am seriously loving it!
I just love how many times Vixor steps in to save Red and every time I think they're going to get together and my boredom might try to creep in....BOOM...this author knows how to keep me hanging. I am seriously loving it!
October 3, 2021
Red and her black heart
I want to like Red, as the story is intriguing and pulls me in with a desire to find out how everything ends up; but with her incessant complaining about how much Kass has changed and the almost constant going back and forth with the love/hate feelings of Vixor, I found it hard to finish this book. It really was very close to a DNF for me.
Red has shaped up to be a very self-centered character. Everything is about how she feels and about what she lost and wants back. She really makes no effort to try and understand the world of the Sworn or the Crims. She just keeps her blinders on and continues to act like her ignorance is knowledge. Never once does she say 'This is who Kass is now and he has been through a lot and it's not his fault what he is, but I support him for who he is. ' No!! Never, it's always 'My Kass is gone, only this monster remains.' How horrible and uncaring of others can she be. The girl is so narcissistic to only think of herself and never once think of how he thinks.
The story is slow as a vast majority of it is taking place as internal dialog within Red's mind. Her hatred and disgust for the Sworn is so strong throughout a lot of the scenes, as a reader, I can't understand how the author is going to reconcile her love for Kass. For me Kass is saving the book for me
I want to like Red, as the story is intriguing and pulls me in with a desire to find out how everything ends up; but with her incessant complaining about how much Kass has changed and the almost constant going back and forth with the love/hate feelings of Vixor, I found it hard to finish this book. It really was very close to a DNF for me.
Red has shaped up to be a very self-centered character. Everything is about how she feels and about what she lost and wants back. She really makes no effort to try and understand the world of the Sworn or the Crims. She just keeps her blinders on and continues to act like her ignorance is knowledge. Never once does she say 'This is who Kass is now and he has been through a lot and it's not his fault what he is, but I support him for who he is. ' No!! Never, it's always 'My Kass is gone, only this monster remains.' How horrible and uncaring of others can she be. The girl is so narcissistic to only think of herself and never once think of how he thinks.
The story is slow as a vast majority of it is taking place as internal dialog within Red's mind. Her hatred and disgust for the Sworn is so strong throughout a lot of the scenes, as a reader, I can't understand how the author is going to reconcile her love for Kass. For me Kass is saving the book for me
October 26, 2023
Full of suspense!
I loved this 3rd installment. The ending was a blow, I admit. I feel devastated right now. Wrecked. But wow, that journey was a ride! I had to use a scrap of paper to cover the page as I read so I didn’t skip ahead constantly. It was sweet torture!
There’s a twist that didn’t make a lot of sense, but I liked the outcome, so I’m rolling with it.
The romance was suspenseful and brimming with chemistry. I liked the characters and their decisions (for the most part… yes, still reeling from the end…)
I can’t wait to read book #4!!! But I’m seriously bummed about that ending… we have three (3!) more books in this series. How long will it take for the plot to recover from this ending? I’m feeling major whiplash and disappointment…. But so far this author has pulled through for me so I’m hoping the circumstances are fixed satisfactorily before too long (aka in the beginning/middle of Book #4 please!).
Content- clean
I read this on KU
How I rated this YA fantasy series:
Red Rider - 5 stars
Silver Wolf - 5 stars
Black Veil - 5 stars
White Mask - 4 stars
Crimson Heart - 4 stars
Scarlet Daughter - 5 stars
I loved this 3rd installment. The ending was a blow, I admit. I feel devastated right now. Wrecked. But wow, that journey was a ride! I had to use a scrap of paper to cover the page as I read so I didn’t skip ahead constantly. It was sweet torture!
There’s a twist that didn’t make a lot of sense, but I liked the outcome, so I’m rolling with it.
The romance was suspenseful and brimming with chemistry. I liked the characters and their decisions (for the most part… yes, still reeling from the end…)
I can’t wait to read book #4!!! But I’m seriously bummed about that ending… we have three (3!) more books in this series. How long will it take for the plot to recover from this ending? I’m feeling major whiplash and disappointment…. But so far this author has pulled through for me so I’m hoping the circumstances are fixed satisfactorily before too long (aka in the beginning/middle of Book #4 please!).
Content- clean
I read this on KU
How I rated this YA fantasy series:
Red Rider - 5 stars
Silver Wolf - 5 stars
Black Veil - 5 stars
White Mask - 4 stars
Crimson Heart - 4 stars
Scarlet Daughter - 5 stars
January 25, 2021
DNF 26%. I can't with the back and forth between the two main characters. I don't like that the FMC is about to start working for the resistance even though she knows it means lying and keeping secrets from the love interest. She could literally just have a conversation with him instead of lying. I hate when every issue the two love interests have could be a non-issue if they just simply communicated. It's lazy writing. I was also over the lack of sexual intimacy. This is a book about women forced to breed, sex is involved in that (though all sexual encounters would be RAPE due to the power imbalance and the women having no choice/options). The two main characters have known and loved each other since childhood and there is attraction even as adults. They are finally married and still no sex, just kisses, and even the kisses are portrayed as something forbidden that shouldn't happen. EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE MARRIED AND EXPECTED TO BREED AND PRODUCE CHILDREN. Like literally everyone is expecting you guys to have sex, that's LITERALLY the only reason why you are allowed to be married. Even now I'm unclear on why the male main character thinks they shouldn't have sex. It doesn't make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2021
It was interesting to learn more about the world of the wives, but I felt like the author purposely dragged out the angst and it didn’t feel believable that Kassian was still mistrustful of Red after everything they had been through. Things could have been resolved much sooner between the two of them if they had bothered to have a honest conversation and the fact that Red never looked at her wife tattoo once was also completely unrealistic. The revelations at the end of the book were interesting enough that I will probably continue reading the series, but I’m keeping my expectations low.
October 11, 2022
Book 3 in a 6 book series. The author probably could've of summed up this book in a handful of chapters and added it onto the last book. It didn't have a lot of action and all of the problems would have been solved sooner if the main characters would have communicated better. Nonetheless, the world building and plot intrigue me, so I am going to continue on with the series.
April 3, 2020
Good Book
This was a good book. A lot happened and was revealed. I’m just wondering how long the series will be.
This was a good book. A lot happened and was revealed. I’m just wondering how long the series will be.
October 17, 2020
My anticipation for this book was something fierce! But after reading several reviews here on Goodreads, my eagerness did wane a bit. However, I think the cheese may stand alone because with the exception of one con.. I loved it! Not only did I love it, but I loved it for the main reason many reviewers disliked it (their opinions are valid, nonetheless). I still can't get over the unique premise of this whole series (Red Riding Hood by way of the Handmaid's Tale) and how I never would've found it had I not been rabid for retellings. It doesn't get enough shine, but I'm more than happy to be the Sworn Saga's solo songbird. Here we go!
Pros
-Wedding veil vs. Chosen Bride veil
* The wedding veil is typically white or a translucent cream color, worn behind the hair to frame the bride or in front of her face, teased for reveal. Whereas, the Sworn mates are required to wear a black veil during and after the ceremony, enabling the Sworn to keep a lid on their abusive tendencies (bruises and cuts aren't easily seen, nor is the mate allowed to remove the veil publicly). It also allows for a limited view of the outside world, literally shrouding her in shadow, while teasing them with a blurry vision of escape routes and trinkets (many shopkeepers offer the women clothing, knickknacks, and sweets, hoping for favor among the Sworn) that will only sedate their sadness.
-Making sense of Red's choice
*She lays it out perfectly: Leaving is not an option. She's shunned by her village due to her status, her grandmother would never trust/accept her beyond a meal, even her own mother (who has a Sworn child herself) rejected Red's reunion upon meeting her in the woods (and that was after Red risked life and limb to decipher some vague clue towards her whereabouts). She has no allies and her love for others (Kassian and the Chosen girls) overrides her livelihood. Subtle usage of "show, don't tell".
-But... so does Kassian/Vixor's anger
*We can't forget that by staying, she foiled his plans for her escape. And that since she's around/as the Alpha's favorite Sworn, he'd have to have a baby with Red in order to save her life (the Alpha would've seen her supposed infertility as a weakness-I'm assuming they wouldn't have bothered to check on Vixor, keeping with the Handmaid theme- and disposed of Red), further contributing to a system that will enslave her people (and his former people).
-Sly silver
*Silver is a banned substance (with the exception of Vixor), given that the Sworn are werewolves. So, Red breaks a piece off a boot buckle, securing it into her braid. I kind of saw it as if they caught sight of it, they'd think she was just a silly Sworn bride, putting on jeweled airs. But little do they know the "bejeweled barrette" would be their downfall.
*It's hinted that people believe Vixor wears silver to create infertility... very clever.
-True love doesn't tame the heroine
*Red makes it clear from the start that while she fancied marrying Kassian/Vixor even as a child, babies were never on the brain. Most stories involving a society where women must bear children to be considered normal or worthy (that statement rings true even today), the heroine succumbs to pressure and admits that having a child will better her life/the world. However, Red sticks to her principles, vowing to live on her own terms and still be with the one she loves. I do so adore unconventionality.
-Flip flopping
*I'm aware that this is what warranted a lot of three star reviews, and if you feel that way, then more power to you. However, I saw it as realistic that Red would have bouts of love for Vixor/Kassian one moment and keep him at arm's length the next; it's true to his duality: he is partly someone to love (Kassian, her childhood friend) and and someone to hate/fear in Vixor Rae (Silver Wolf-dedicated follower of Sworn society rules). He is a lover and a stranger no matter how many times they meet.
-Honeysuckles
*Aww! This one's so sweet, it made my teeth hurt. During the dreaded wedding ceremony, Vixor regards Red coldly until he unfurls his hand and places a single honeysuckle into hers, harkening back to her telling him as children (while he feigned sleep) about how their wedding would play out, down to her honeysuckle bouquet. And while he couldn't give her most of it, he did give her one element of herself, letting her know he remembered not only who she was/what she wanted, but also who he used to be.
Fairy Tale elements
-This one's not RRH, but rather another story
*Snow is a character who helps Red escape in book two. When Red goes to meet her in an unknown/shady locale, she offers the name "Rose". Seems to be a nod to another fairy tale, "Snow White and Rose Red", but instead of Snow marrying a prince turned bear, it's Red who falls for the beast.
-Red grabs a basket on her way into town, much like OG RRH taking a basket to Grandma's.
-When Red does leave the house, basket and all, she feels a sense of freedom in the outdoors, akin to the original RRH finally being trusted enough to venture beyond her parents' home, only to be warned by her husband this time around to beware the big bad werewolves.
-Finally got the line "What big eyes you have", but instead of flirtation, it's actually meant to serve as a warning from a Sworn that Red might see more than she's supposed to.
-The last line "Don't let the big bad Silver Wolf catch you"... but honestly, we know and anticipate this happening.
Con
-Strange repetition
*This happens only once and it's very early on; I read a paragraph that was repeated with a revamp, nearly word for word not two pages later. I chalk this up to copy/paste editing. But still, that little clean-up wouldn't have taken too long.
I'm nervous and excited for the next installment, though I know I'll have to wait till around March for the paperback edition.
Pros
-Wedding veil vs. Chosen Bride veil
* The wedding veil is typically white or a translucent cream color, worn behind the hair to frame the bride or in front of her face, teased for reveal. Whereas, the Sworn mates are required to wear a black veil during and after the ceremony, enabling the Sworn to keep a lid on their abusive tendencies (bruises and cuts aren't easily seen, nor is the mate allowed to remove the veil publicly). It also allows for a limited view of the outside world, literally shrouding her in shadow, while teasing them with a blurry vision of escape routes and trinkets (many shopkeepers offer the women clothing, knickknacks, and sweets, hoping for favor among the Sworn) that will only sedate their sadness.
-Making sense of Red's choice
*She lays it out perfectly: Leaving is not an option. She's shunned by her village due to her status, her grandmother would never trust/accept her beyond a meal, even her own mother (who has a Sworn child herself) rejected Red's reunion upon meeting her in the woods (and that was after Red risked life and limb to decipher some vague clue towards her whereabouts). She has no allies and her love for others (Kassian and the Chosen girls) overrides her livelihood. Subtle usage of "show, don't tell".
-But... so does Kassian/Vixor's anger
*We can't forget that by staying, she foiled his plans for her escape. And that since she's around/as the Alpha's favorite Sworn, he'd have to have a baby with Red in order to save her life (the Alpha would've seen her supposed infertility as a weakness-I'm assuming they wouldn't have bothered to check on Vixor, keeping with the Handmaid theme- and disposed of Red), further contributing to a system that will enslave her people (and his former people).
-Sly silver
*Silver is a banned substance (with the exception of Vixor), given that the Sworn are werewolves. So, Red breaks a piece off a boot buckle, securing it into her braid. I kind of saw it as if they caught sight of it, they'd think she was just a silly Sworn bride, putting on jeweled airs. But little do they know the "bejeweled barrette" would be their downfall.
*It's hinted that people believe Vixor wears silver to create infertility... very clever.
-True love doesn't tame the heroine
*Red makes it clear from the start that while she fancied marrying Kassian/Vixor even as a child, babies were never on the brain. Most stories involving a society where women must bear children to be considered normal or worthy (that statement rings true even today), the heroine succumbs to pressure and admits that having a child will better her life/the world. However, Red sticks to her principles, vowing to live on her own terms and still be with the one she loves. I do so adore unconventionality.
-Flip flopping
*I'm aware that this is what warranted a lot of three star reviews, and if you feel that way, then more power to you. However, I saw it as realistic that Red would have bouts of love for Vixor/Kassian one moment and keep him at arm's length the next; it's true to his duality: he is partly someone to love (Kassian, her childhood friend) and and someone to hate/fear in Vixor Rae (Silver Wolf-dedicated follower of Sworn society rules). He is a lover and a stranger no matter how many times they meet.
-Honeysuckles
*Aww! This one's so sweet, it made my teeth hurt. During the dreaded wedding ceremony, Vixor regards Red coldly until he unfurls his hand and places a single honeysuckle into hers, harkening back to her telling him as children (while he feigned sleep) about how their wedding would play out, down to her honeysuckle bouquet. And while he couldn't give her most of it, he did give her one element of herself, letting her know he remembered not only who she was/what she wanted, but also who he used to be.
Fairy Tale elements
-This one's not RRH, but rather another story
*Snow is a character who helps Red escape in book two. When Red goes to meet her in an unknown/shady locale, she offers the name "Rose". Seems to be a nod to another fairy tale, "Snow White and Rose Red", but instead of Snow marrying a prince turned bear, it's Red who falls for the beast.
-Red grabs a basket on her way into town, much like OG RRH taking a basket to Grandma's.
-When Red does leave the house, basket and all, she feels a sense of freedom in the outdoors, akin to the original RRH finally being trusted enough to venture beyond her parents' home, only to be warned by her husband this time around to beware the big bad werewolves.
-Finally got the line "What big eyes you have", but instead of flirtation, it's actually meant to serve as a warning from a Sworn that Red might see more than she's supposed to.
-The last line "Don't let the big bad Silver Wolf catch you"... but honestly, we know and anticipate this happening.
Con
-Strange repetition
*This happens only once and it's very early on; I read a paragraph that was repeated with a revamp, nearly word for word not two pages later. I chalk this up to copy/paste editing. But still, that little clean-up wouldn't have taken too long.
I'm nervous and excited for the next installment, though I know I'll have to wait till around March for the paperback edition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2020
This series is a good one. I liked the plot in this book and it kept me interested and suspicious of so many characters. This book could be even greater if there weren’t a couple plot holes and had another round of editing. Sometimes completely wrong words are used, or left out altogether. How that stuff goes unnoticed, I’m not sure.
Also, I’m not sure if I’ve just read too much in the past few days so everything is blending together and I need a break in genres, but I don’t enjoy when characters choose not to communicate- that kind of angst isn’t my favorite. Though there were good parts for sure, I just wanted the characters to communicate more and I appreciated that Red tried.
The ending went a different direction than I was expecting and I’m interested to read the 4th book.
Also, I’m not sure if I’ve just read too much in the past few days so everything is blending together and I need a break in genres, but I don’t enjoy when characters choose not to communicate- that kind of angst isn’t my favorite. Though there were good parts for sure, I just wanted the characters to communicate more and I appreciated that Red tried.
The ending went a different direction than I was expecting and I’m interested to read the 4th book.
July 5, 2023
EN PAUSE!
J'ai lu les 2 premiers tomes en 2 jours tellement j'ai adoré l'histoire mais alors ce tome là!!!.. ahhh si frustrant!
Une envie de hurler sur Red ou Vixor selon les pages et presque à CHAQUE page.
Ils s'aiment mais il n'arrête pas de la rejeter et de refuser de discuter. Il la fui comme la peste. Elle l'aime mais elle le laisse la traiter comme de la m**** et passe son temps à déprimer/ se rabaisser. J'en suis au chapitre 11 et je me suis arrêtée tellement ils me rendaient dingue. 0 communication.
Je reprendrais peut-être plus tard mais là arg.
J'ai lu les 2 premiers tomes en 2 jours tellement j'ai adoré l'histoire mais alors ce tome là!!!.. ahhh si frustrant!
Une envie de hurler sur Red ou Vixor selon les pages et presque à CHAQUE page.
Ils s'aiment mais il n'arrête pas de la rejeter et de refuser de discuter. Il la fui comme la peste. Elle l'aime mais elle le laisse la traiter comme de la m**** et passe son temps à déprimer/ se rabaisser. J'en suis au chapitre 11 et je me suis arrêtée tellement ils me rendaient dingue. 0 communication.
Je reprendrais peut-être plus tard mais là arg.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2020
Fantastic
I just discovered this author two days ago and now I just finished the first 3 in this series. What a whirlwind! This series is so cool with a bad a** heroine that is really just awesome and a very sexy hero. I couldn’t put the this last book down, so, I didn’t. Ha ha! I am excited for the next I. The series and now I am going to try another of her books.
I just discovered this author two days ago and now I just finished the first 3 in this series. What a whirlwind! This series is so cool with a bad a** heroine that is really just awesome and a very sexy hero. I couldn’t put the this last book down, so, I didn’t. Ha ha! I am excited for the next I. The series and now I am going to try another of her books.
April 10, 2020
Kept me on my toes
There are books, and then there are BOOKS. The author constantly had me on my toes not expecting what would occur next mixed in with action, thrill, and romance. It is definitely one of the top 5 fantasy novels I’ve read this year. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
There are books, and then there are BOOKS. The author constantly had me on my toes not expecting what would occur next mixed in with action, thrill, and romance. It is definitely one of the top 5 fantasy novels I’ve read this year. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
April 18, 2020
Captivating
I don't generally like to get books to read until the full series is out, be I'm a little on the impatient side. However, this series is captivating. The characters are realistic, the plot is unexpected, and overall I love it and can't wait for the next book, White Mask!
I don't generally like to get books to read until the full series is out, be I'm a little on the impatient side. However, this series is captivating. The characters are realistic, the plot is unexpected, and overall I love it and can't wait for the next book, White Mask!
April 2, 2020
Wonderfully done!
It's been a while since I had read the last book in this series, but it all came back to me by the third or fourth page and I was swept up in this amazing story all over again! I can't wait for the next book!
It's been a while since I had read the last book in this series, but it all came back to me by the third or fourth page and I was swept up in this amazing story all over again! I can't wait for the next book!
April 5, 2020
Many unexpected twists and turns
Having read all of Kate’s books, one gets used to her style but yet I was still pleasantly surprised a few times throughout this book. Finished in two days, can’t wait for the next segment!
Having read all of Kate’s books, one gets used to her style but yet I was still pleasantly surprised a few times throughout this book. Finished in two days, can’t wait for the next segment!
February 22, 2025
I love this series.
2/22/25
Relyn rating: 4.5
I still love this series.
2/22/25
Relyn rating: 4.5
I still love this series.
August 25, 2022
I loved this. I couldn't put it down. I'm completely rooting for them.
The ending was totally unexpected. I did not see that coming!!
The ending was totally unexpected. I did not see that coming!!
May 18, 2020
Actual rating: 3.75 stars again.
I agree with a few reviews that these books seem to be written or edited more hastily than I'm used to with Kate Avery Ellison's books--more typos than usual, for example. And again, as with Red Rider, this book didn't quite deliver on what I expected it to be. But for all that, it happened to hit right with where I am right now, and that made it somewhat special to me.
If you read the description of this book, or where the book last ended, I think the natural place you would want this book to go is: Red and Vixor (still what a weird name) are now married, and even though weirdly AGAIN they are both somehow still not on the same page, hopefully they learn to love and trust each other and conquer the world together.
And that's sort of the plot here, but also, mostly not. It's mostly about the Crims and spying and developing this world, and that's fine, but also not a plotline I'm super interested in and not really what I came here for. So there were stretches I found really boring, but fortunately Ellison's books always read quickly, so I made it through them fast enough.
The book finally got to where I wanted it to be all along--and I admit that the reveal surprised me a little this time, though it perhaps should not have--but then immediately switched off into yet another ending. And at this point I think I honestly just want the romance to be resolved and the story to be different, but that's okay. That's part of the territory when there are so many books, I guess. Also, I have to say--even though I wanted the romance, when they got to expressing their feelings, I found a lot of the statements overblown? Like Kassian has said before that he wasn't sure if Red were really Erie, and now all of a sudden he's loved her since that initial interrogation? This doesn't seem to add up.
The main reason this really weirdly resonated with me, I think, is the familiarity of Red's deep vulnerability in wanting Vixor to love her and to be Kassian and the pain of those repeated rejections and hope. There's something about that really pure desire for love that was continually thwarted that I felt on a visceral level and that pain was helpful to process some enneagram two tendencies.
I agree with a few reviews that these books seem to be written or edited more hastily than I'm used to with Kate Avery Ellison's books--more typos than usual, for example. And again, as with Red Rider, this book didn't quite deliver on what I expected it to be. But for all that, it happened to hit right with where I am right now, and that made it somewhat special to me.
If you read the description of this book, or where the book last ended, I think the natural place you would want this book to go is: Red and Vixor (still what a weird name) are now married, and even though weirdly AGAIN they are both somehow still not on the same page, hopefully they learn to love and trust each other and conquer the world together.
And that's sort of the plot here, but also, mostly not. It's mostly about the Crims and spying and developing this world, and that's fine, but also not a plotline I'm super interested in and not really what I came here for. So there were stretches I found really boring, but fortunately Ellison's books always read quickly, so I made it through them fast enough.
The book finally got to where I wanted it to be all along--and I admit that the reveal surprised me a little this time, though it perhaps should not have--but then immediately switched off into yet another ending. And at this point I think I honestly just want the romance to be resolved and the story to be different, but that's okay. That's part of the territory when there are so many books, I guess. Also, I have to say--even though I wanted the romance, when they got to expressing their feelings, I found a lot of the statements overblown? Like Kassian has said before that he wasn't sure if Red were really Erie, and now all of a sudden he's loved her since that initial interrogation? This doesn't seem to add up.
The main reason this really weirdly resonated with me, I think, is the familiarity of Red's deep vulnerability in wanting Vixor to love her and to be Kassian and the pain of those repeated rejections and hope. There's something about that really pure desire for love that was continually thwarted that I felt on a visceral level and that pain was helpful to process some enneagram two tendencies.
August 10, 2020
DAMN !!! ok I waited so much time for this book !! In the beginning I thought I was is a race everything was happening like we never stopped from the second book, what was a little weird but I loved anyways , now about most of the book I was pissed the hell out of Red seriously gurl ! What’s your fuc*ing problem? She looks for problems!!! More than normal MC’s... it’s like she’s a tamale version of Hardin from After, knows that the shi* will hit the fan but do anyway and guess what ? The shi* really hit the fan , And Vixor or Kassian whatever, some times I almost got in the book just to kick his sore ass He was infuriating!! But now I understand why .
Most of the book They were soooo damn complicated!! I loved it don’t get me wrong if the things were only flowers probably my TDA attacked again and I didn’t finish the book , but this doesn’t mean that I wasn’t frustrated seriously because I was hahahaha all the problems Athey passed is because they didn’t stop and talked like civilized people hahaha seriously they are like me and that was really frustrating dammit!!! But I’ll definitely read the next one ... I’m dying already and I really hope that Red stops and thinks what she’s doing ...for who she’s fighting and stop with her fuc*ing xenophobia seriously not all Sworn are bad and I really smell foul things about these Crims and I really think the Alpha isn’t that bad ... maybe I’m crazy, I always find a way to justify some villains....
Most of the book They were soooo damn complicated!! I loved it don’t get me wrong if the things were only flowers probably my TDA attacked again and I didn’t finish the book , but this doesn’t mean that I wasn’t frustrated seriously because I was hahahaha all the problems Athey passed is because they didn’t stop and talked like civilized people hahaha seriously they are like me and that was really frustrating dammit!!! But I’ll definitely read the next one ... I’m dying already and I really hope that Red stops and thinks what she’s doing ...for who she’s fighting and stop with her fuc*ing xenophobia seriously not all Sworn are bad and I really smell foul things about these Crims and I really think the Alpha isn’t that bad ... maybe I’m crazy, I always find a way to justify some villains....
July 8, 2020
The third book in the saga, Black Veil was full of intrigue, mind games, and angst. Red is once again in the capitol and married to the Silver Wolf. The Crimson has recruited her to spy for them and she must decide between the freedom she craves and the man she loves. The action was pretty steady throughout and Red proved to be someone resourceful and gutsy. It was such a wild ride and I didn't want to put it down.
My only complaint was the relationship development throughout this book. The majority of the story, there were minor steps forward or backward in their relationship, but no real growth until the very end. It was frustrating as a reader to have come to the third book and these characters are no better at being honest. I did understand that it was dangerous, but with the amount of time they had together with the ability to actually speak freely, I was frustrated with the amount of half-conversations they had. It was still so good, but the back and forth was hard in this book and felt like it deterred from the story a bit. Red was constantly questioning if Vixor was still Kassian and Kassian was cold and hot the entire book. It just didn't seem to evolve, but overall it was still such an intriguing story.
My only complaint was the relationship development throughout this book. The majority of the story, there were minor steps forward or backward in their relationship, but no real growth until the very end. It was frustrating as a reader to have come to the third book and these characters are no better at being honest. I did understand that it was dangerous, but with the amount of time they had together with the ability to actually speak freely, I was frustrated with the amount of half-conversations they had. It was still so good, but the back and forth was hard in this book and felt like it deterred from the story a bit. Red was constantly questioning if Vixor was still Kassian and Kassian was cold and hot the entire book. It just didn't seem to evolve, but overall it was still such an intriguing story.
September 23, 2020
To be honest, this was not the best book in the series. It was still really good, but there were parts that did not interest me.
I have finished all 3 books in the series in 2 days. These were books I could not put down after I started them. This was a wonderful spin off of the Little Red Riding hood story.
Lots of things were revealed in this book, and many lose ends were tied up. Though, the constant back and forth pattern between Red and Kassian got boring after the first couple times. I think that the book would have been more interesting if she hadn’t won the match against Kaif. I really thought it was going to go that way.
The author does a wonderful job of making you feel and see what is happening in the book. I felt like I was witnessing the story alongside the characters. I have no idea what to read while I eagerly wait for the next book. November 30th could not come any slower.
I loved Red’s defiance. Every time she told a guy off I was cheering for her. She really shows that gals don’t need guys and we should be treated with respect.
Thank you so much to amazon kindle for recommending this book series to me. It was definitely worth reading.
I have finished all 3 books in the series in 2 days. These were books I could not put down after I started them. This was a wonderful spin off of the Little Red Riding hood story.
Lots of things were revealed in this book, and many lose ends were tied up. Though, the constant back and forth pattern between Red and Kassian got boring after the first couple times. I think that the book would have been more interesting if she hadn’t won the match against Kaif. I really thought it was going to go that way.
The author does a wonderful job of making you feel and see what is happening in the book. I felt like I was witnessing the story alongside the characters. I have no idea what to read while I eagerly wait for the next book. November 30th could not come any slower.
I loved Red’s defiance. Every time she told a guy off I was cheering for her. She really shows that gals don’t need guys and we should be treated with respect.
Thank you so much to amazon kindle for recommending this book series to me. It was definitely worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
Little information
Each book is full of action intrigue and annoying pulling teeth to keep trying to find out what it's all about. I know what the base is about . But it's getting harder for me to try to read when I know only snippet of actual information will be given. I gave it three stars because I know if the whole series was out i would enjoy this very much . That's because I'm a fast reader and it would not seem like it is being dragged out. But after reading this and little being accomplished in book three i am left unsatisfied and annoyed that it seem 2 more book are to follow . This could have been finished if you left out most of the start and stop conversations between the main mcs. So I'll just wait till last book to be finished so I don't pull my hair out and not in a good way
Each book is full of action intrigue and annoying pulling teeth to keep trying to find out what it's all about. I know what the base is about . But it's getting harder for me to try to read when I know only snippet of actual information will be given. I gave it three stars because I know if the whole series was out i would enjoy this very much . That's because I'm a fast reader and it would not seem like it is being dragged out. But after reading this and little being accomplished in book three i am left unsatisfied and annoyed that it seem 2 more book are to follow . This could have been finished if you left out most of the start and stop conversations between the main mcs. So I'll just wait till last book to be finished so I don't pull my hair out and not in a good way
June 9, 2020
I am eagerly awaiting the next book because of the ending in this one! After a disappointing second book, I have to say it was redeemed with Black Veil with twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
Towards the end of the last book I was really drawn to Vixor aka Kassian and in this one, I was really wishing we'd get a POV chapter from him. I think he is by far one of the most complex characters in this genre that I have read. I really hope Ellison writes a book with him as the narrator because I truly would read it.
Red as a character has grown a lot since the first book but I do find her at times extremely frustrating as her immaturity really shows in this book. She wants to do so much for the one she loves but she is also wearing goggles to the world around her until the end when she sees a bigger picture.
Is it Halloween yet? Please, Ellison, release the book! 2020 needs it!
Towards the end of the last book I was really drawn to Vixor aka Kassian and in this one, I was really wishing we'd get a POV chapter from him. I think he is by far one of the most complex characters in this genre that I have read. I really hope Ellison writes a book with him as the narrator because I truly would read it.
Red as a character has grown a lot since the first book but I do find her at times extremely frustrating as her immaturity really shows in this book. She wants to do so much for the one she loves but she is also wearing goggles to the world around her until the end when she sees a bigger picture.
Is it Halloween yet? Please, Ellison, release the book! 2020 needs it!
October 6, 2020
I got this through kindle unlimited so I didn't have high hopes, but I was surprised how well it was written.
Overall the series kept me entertained. I'm a sucker for any kind of fairytale retelling so this dystopian version of Little Red Riding Hood was right up my alley.
It had a strong female lead who knew what she wanted and would do anything to protect those that she loved.
I almost didn't finish this book because the romance was SO hot and cold it had me completely frustrated. One minute they loved each other and the next it was like they barely knew each other.
By the time I reached the end, the hot and cold aspect was resolved.
If you are fan of fairytale retellings and don't mind werewolves, frustrating relationships between the characters, check the series out, it'll keep you entertained.
Overall the series kept me entertained. I'm a sucker for any kind of fairytale retelling so this dystopian version of Little Red Riding Hood was right up my alley.
It had a strong female lead who knew what she wanted and would do anything to protect those that she loved.
I almost didn't finish this book because the romance was SO hot and cold it had me completely frustrated. One minute they loved each other and the next it was like they barely knew each other.
By the time I reached the end, the hot and cold aspect was resolved.
If you are fan of fairytale retellings and don't mind werewolves, frustrating relationships between the characters, check the series out, it'll keep you entertained.
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