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The Sworn Saga #4
White Mask
The fourth book in the addictive SWORN SAGA series!
Red Rider has escaped the Sworn capital, and now, she rescues Chosen girls under the code name Red Riding Hood and takes them through the wilderness to a secret city run by the Order of the Crimson. She leaves behind her calling card, a white mask, after every rescue.
Her alias, Red Riding Hood, is growing infamous across the land.
But Red longs for Kassian, who has either forgotten their love or is pretending he no longer loves her for her own protection.
When a Huntsman shows up looking to kill the Silver Wolf, Red finds herself torn between loyalty to helping the Chosen girls and her love for the one she can never have.
Red Rider has escaped the Sworn capital, and now, she rescues Chosen girls under the code name Red Riding Hood and takes them through the wilderness to a secret city run by the Order of the Crimson. She leaves behind her calling card, a white mask, after every rescue.
Her alias, Red Riding Hood, is growing infamous across the land.
But Red longs for Kassian, who has either forgotten their love or is pretending he no longer loves her for her own protection.
When a Huntsman shows up looking to kill the Silver Wolf, Red finds herself torn between loyalty to helping the Chosen girls and her love for the one she can never have.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2020
270 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Kate Avery Ellison
82 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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 9, 2020
This series is just not giving me what I want anymore. Now there is only one part left, so I will finish it, but man.... its losing me.
March 1, 2022
3.5
I took a little break from this series and was waiting for the last book to be released before reading the last three books. It was fun getting sucked back into this creative world Ms. Ellison has created.
This picks up around six months (I think) after the events of book three. Red is on the run, and has started rescuing Chosen girls before the Sworn can find them and bring them to the city. I love that people are now calling her Red Riding Hood and she's becoming somewhat of a legend. There is also a couple new characters we're introduced to, the Huntsman for one was a good addition to the series.
Lots going on and I was once again glued to the pages, I was totally surprised by some events in the end which I love! I love being surprised in books. I like the characters, setting and the world Ellison is creating.
I just wrote up a super long rant about the relationship between Kassian and Red, but decided to just say I'm tired of Kassian pushing Red away, and I'm tired of Red throwing herself at Kassian. I like them as individual characters (although Kassian could be developed more, would love his POV). I really love Red, she's a great heroine, but their relationship is just a yo-yo. They're both desperately in love, but Kassian won't fight for Red because he doesnt think he deserves her. A little drawn out for four books, and probably the last two as well.
Overall, I'm really enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading the next two books to see how everything plays out. A really fun Red Riding Hood story and it'll be hard to find other RRH retellings that can top this one.
Content Rated PG13
Romance: Kissing
Language: Moderate, handful of curses
Violence: Mild-Moderate - seemed like less violence than previous books
I took a little break from this series and was waiting for the last book to be released before reading the last three books. It was fun getting sucked back into this creative world Ms. Ellison has created.
This picks up around six months (I think) after the events of book three. Red is on the run, and has started rescuing Chosen girls before the Sworn can find them and bring them to the city. I love that people are now calling her Red Riding Hood and she's becoming somewhat of a legend. There is also a couple new characters we're introduced to, the Huntsman for one was a good addition to the series.
Lots going on and I was once again glued to the pages, I was totally surprised by some events in the end which I love! I love being surprised in books. I like the characters, setting and the world Ellison is creating.
I just wrote up a super long rant about the relationship between Kassian and Red, but decided to just say I'm tired of Kassian pushing Red away, and I'm tired of Red throwing herself at Kassian. I like them as individual characters (although Kassian could be developed more, would love his POV). I really love Red, she's a great heroine, but their relationship is just a yo-yo. They're both desperately in love, but Kassian won't fight for Red because he doesnt think he deserves her. A little drawn out for four books, and probably the last two as well.
Overall, I'm really enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading the next two books to see how everything plays out. A really fun Red Riding Hood story and it'll be hard to find other RRH retellings that can top this one.
Content Rated PG13
Romance: Kissing
Language: Moderate, handful of curses
Violence: Mild-Moderate - seemed like less violence than previous books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
Well thats a heck of a plot twist
No spoilers but suddenly everything makes way more sense. It's a fun series though I get annoyed with the whole "I'm no good for you find another" trope.
No spoilers but suddenly everything makes way more sense. It's a fun series though I get annoyed with the whole "I'm no good for you find another" trope.
December 11, 2020
I really loved the previous books, but this one wasn't great. I realized after finishing the book that really not much happened throughout the whole thing. It was just walking or running from one place to the next, bumping into Kassian, rehashing the "I love you"/"I can't be with you" conversation, crying, time lapse, and repeating. I think the setting and world building of this series is great, and I love the long history of Meredith and Kassian, but something has got to give with these two so I don't have to keep reading the same conversations between them. I will stick around to the end, but I'm really hoping it gets better.
December 29, 2020
I'm a little meh on this book, it seemed to be a lot of filler with very little happening except right at the end. This was also a pretty shot book compared to the others. There is going to be a 5th book so let's hope that one is better.
October 26, 2023
I’m torn.
There were times where the suspense was so high that I had to cover the page or I would skip ahead. I was riveted! And I still really like the characters and I’m enjoying the large-scale storyline. It’s sooo good!
But when I finished the book, I felt sort of disappointed. Like, did anything really happen? I didn’t feel like the story progressed, at least not in the meaningful way that I was looking for. Things were constantly happening but they didn’t build on each other, ya know? I needed something besides Red’s constant travel (did she ever sleep?!?!), a perpetually blank piece of paper, and a couple brief, foolhardy stolen moments that always end in rejection. And I’m sick of Red being the pursuer in the romance. She is always the one to kiss him first and beg and plead. I admit that I actually was hoping for a love triangle with a certain cool assassin/woodcutter to liven the story up again. Because, let’s face it, Kassian and Red’s frustrating “romance” has stalled.
Still, I give the author credit for being able to make their relationship angsty and tension-filled despite the repetitive nature of their interactions…
I think I needed some meaningful relationships for Red, that bring her fulfillment. She is so alone. Not a friend in the world. Constantly rejected by those she loves. Even Sage was a forgettable, unimportant side character. That’s why I was really hoping for some development with a new love interest. I need allies for her. I need engaging side characters.
So when all is said and done, I give this 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it but it didn’t quite hit the mark. I’m anxious to start the next book, though!!
Content & Info-
Language- no swearing
Steam level- no sex scenes or blatant innuendo.
Cover- fine
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
There were times where the suspense was so high that I had to cover the page or I would skip ahead. I was riveted! And I still really like the characters and I’m enjoying the large-scale storyline. It’s sooo good!
But when I finished the book, I felt sort of disappointed. Like, did anything really happen? I didn’t feel like the story progressed, at least not in the meaningful way that I was looking for. Things were constantly happening but they didn’t build on each other, ya know? I needed something besides Red’s constant travel (did she ever sleep?!?!), a perpetually blank piece of paper, and a couple brief, foolhardy stolen moments that always end in rejection. And I’m sick of Red being the pursuer in the romance. She is always the one to kiss him first and beg and plead. I admit that I actually was hoping for a love triangle with a certain cool assassin/woodcutter to liven the story up again. Because, let’s face it, Kassian and Red’s frustrating “romance” has stalled.
Still, I give the author credit for being able to make their relationship angsty and tension-filled despite the repetitive nature of their interactions…
I think I needed some meaningful relationships for Red, that bring her fulfillment. She is so alone. Not a friend in the world. Constantly rejected by those she loves. Even Sage was a forgettable, unimportant side character. That’s why I was really hoping for some development with a new love interest. I need allies for her. I need engaging side characters.
So when all is said and done, I give this 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it but it didn’t quite hit the mark. I’m anxious to start the next book, though!!
Content & Info-
Language- no swearing
Steam level- no sex scenes or blatant innuendo.
Cover- fine
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
November 9, 2022
love this whole series!
My heart rate was up the entire time I read this book. The twists and turns and heart break… oh this whole series is so good!
My heart rate was up the entire time I read this book. The twists and turns and heart break… oh this whole series is so good!
March 14, 2023
…I haven’t read this book in a while.
What a famous family they have become.
I have one question though, one question I’ve been waiting to be answered. That one time, in the woods when a tree crawler stumbled upon her, it didn’t attack. Why? She even questioned it herself. The wonder was never answered. I believe it was the 2nd or 3rd book. She was running I think, when she and kassian were in the woods. She just learned who he was. She stumbled upon the tree crawler, but it didn’t attack her. The two just stared at one another. She didn’t try to attack either. Kassian killed it though. He was concerned at why she didn’t attack, because she could have been killed and such.
What a famous family they have become.
I have one question though, one question I’ve been waiting to be answered. That one time, in the woods when a tree crawler stumbled upon her, it didn’t attack. Why? She even questioned it herself. The wonder was never answered. I believe it was the 2nd or 3rd book. She was running I think, when she and kassian were in the woods. She just learned who he was. She stumbled upon the tree crawler, but it didn’t attack her. The two just stared at one another. She didn’t try to attack either. Kassian killed it though. He was concerned at why she didn’t attack, because she could have been killed and such.
July 16, 2021
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.
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.
September 2, 2022
People... it's here!! I've waited two years to get lost in this treacherous world of RRH meets The Handmaid's Tale. But the wait is over, Was it worth it?
Pros/Interesting Elements
-Pacing
*The whole book moves rapidly from forests to cabins, to new villages, and then full circle to Grandma's place with little to no time to set it up beyond Red's (Meredith's) emotional stance. And I loved this! It made me want to keep reading, even though there is one con hiding in plain sight. It made the stakes higher and mimicked Red fighting the desire to stop and smell the roses (Ex: there's a moment where she's likening running through the forest from the Huntsman to her childhood game of hide & seek with Kassian (The Sliver Wolf), but must quickly pull herself from the reverie).
-Prologue
*A flashback/foreshadowing of hide & seek yet to arrive. Plus, it offers up a look at the connection between Kassian and Red, while giving what might be my favorite homage yet (we'll get there... patience, grasshopper).
-Literal Silver Lining
*As we've previously learned, silver is deadly to the Sworn. So, Red wears silver jewelry (i.e. a necklace and set of rings painted copper for disguise) and sews silver thread into her undergarments. I kind of read this as using usually feminine things men would deem docile to wield as weapons.
-Lovin' the Love
*I know many people don't like the "we love, but we can't" trope, but it really tugged at my heartstrings here. I mean, Kassian straight-up tells Red "falling for you was a Sworn betrayal; I failed", while claiming Kassian is metaphorically dead/long live Silver Wolf. Meanwhile, Red is all "I'm not a victim, but I did lose you! I lived thinking you were dead so long that when I found out what you became, I loved you just the same. Isn't that enough? Kassian will never be dead so long as I'm alive to love you". Jesus, was that melodramatic? Who cares?
*The fact that even after all that, he leaves her with the piece of magical paper (AKA magical instant messenger) because he knows they can never really part.
*His watching her play pretend wife to Garrett/the Huntsman in the tavern. Watching him visibly flinch even beneath the mask as the Huntsman goes on and on about Red becoming pregnant, given he comes from fertile stock. I felt so sad for Silver.
*Every reunion, no matter how fleeting felt like water after a desert walk... and as I type this, I remember Kassian literally comes bearing a glass of water for a very thirsty (no pun intended) Red.
-Seeds of Distrust
*The fact that every good person could be the next big bad felt realistic for Red's situation; like, she's at the mercy of any "good Samaritan" who comes bearing food, shelter, and "safe passage".
Homages
-OG Fairy Tale
1.The Huntsman calling sweetly, "Oh, Red Riding Hood..." to get her attention and a chase ensues, culminating in them making a deal, kind of felt like when the OG Big Bad Wolf catches up to RRH on route to Grandma's, and instills trust enough for her to tell her where she's headed.
2.Grandma Delphine's mannerisms after Red realizes Grandma not only knows Kassian/Silver Wolf are one in the same, but also that she's of the Order (AKA turning on the charm/innocent act by offering up tea/comfort with a hug)=OG Big Bad attempting to soothe away OG RRH's questions by offering up the bed/responding with a comforting "all the better to _"
3.Garrett/the Huntsman=the Woodsman who shows up in later iterations of the OG fairy tale to check on/save RRH and her Grandma from the BBW by cutting him open. This huntsman is even blatantly all about killing who he perceives to be this book's big bad.
-Bluebeard
1.Once the Marked girls they rescued are asleep, Huntsman takes Red down to his cellar to show off the masks of the Sworn he's killed mounted to the wall, telling her that there's a space reserved Silver's mask=Bluebeard's wife stumbling upon the corpses of his past wives in either the basement or other unmarked room, depending on the version.
-Wuthering Heights
1.Kassian/Silver telling Red when they're children "We're made from the same stuff. Your soul and mine" (Ellison, 9), mirrors Cathy's own childhood declaration to Nelly about Heathcliff: "He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same" (Brontë, 80). There you go, grasshopper.
Cons
-Info Dumping
*Huntsman straight up rehashes/recaps the first three books, as does Red herself in the first chapter. Did we need it twice?
-Repetition
*If Huntsman called Red "little rabbit" one more time, or mentioned how much like one she was, I was going to roll my eyes so hard, they hurt. I get it/we get it: he's hunting her like a small animal. But I'm gonna be honest. After awhile, it sounded an awful lot like "Silly rabbit. Tricks are for for kids". Lots of unnecessary refs. to her being a small animal (ex. she likens her self to a baby bird caught in a snare).
-Confusion
*Among the many mini reunions between Kassian/Silver and Red, it's heavily implied that they "do-the do". So, did they? And if they did, would that not be dangerous (if she ended up pregnant, it would make travel physically difficult/defy the point they made against intimacy in their marriage-i.e. they didn't want to contribute to the Sworn legacy). We also don't know how readily available contraceptives are in this world, and since this was a surprise meeting, they probably didn't bring any.... what happened?!
Despite those last little gripes, I did enjoy/marathon read this one. Also, side note, I listened to Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" for every one of Kassian/Silver's reunions, no matter how brief. Repetitive, therefore, hypocritical, I know. But, what can you do?
Pros/Interesting Elements
-Pacing
*The whole book moves rapidly from forests to cabins, to new villages, and then full circle to Grandma's place with little to no time to set it up beyond Red's (Meredith's) emotional stance. And I loved this! It made me want to keep reading, even though there is one con hiding in plain sight. It made the stakes higher and mimicked Red fighting the desire to stop and smell the roses (Ex: there's a moment where she's likening running through the forest from the Huntsman to her childhood game of hide & seek with Kassian (The Sliver Wolf), but must quickly pull herself from the reverie).
-Prologue
*A flashback/foreshadowing of hide & seek yet to arrive. Plus, it offers up a look at the connection between Kassian and Red, while giving what might be my favorite homage yet (we'll get there... patience, grasshopper).
-Literal Silver Lining
*As we've previously learned, silver is deadly to the Sworn. So, Red wears silver jewelry (i.e. a necklace and set of rings painted copper for disguise) and sews silver thread into her undergarments. I kind of read this as using usually feminine things men would deem docile to wield as weapons.
-Lovin' the Love
*I know many people don't like the "we love, but we can't" trope, but it really tugged at my heartstrings here. I mean, Kassian straight-up tells Red "falling for you was a Sworn betrayal; I failed", while claiming Kassian is metaphorically dead/long live Silver Wolf. Meanwhile, Red is all "I'm not a victim, but I did lose you! I lived thinking you were dead so long that when I found out what you became, I loved you just the same. Isn't that enough? Kassian will never be dead so long as I'm alive to love you". Jesus, was that melodramatic? Who cares?
*The fact that even after all that, he leaves her with the piece of magical paper (AKA magical instant messenger) because he knows they can never really part.
*His watching her play pretend wife to Garrett/the Huntsman in the tavern. Watching him visibly flinch even beneath the mask as the Huntsman goes on and on about Red becoming pregnant, given he comes from fertile stock. I felt so sad for Silver.
*Every reunion, no matter how fleeting felt like water after a desert walk... and as I type this, I remember Kassian literally comes bearing a glass of water for a very thirsty (no pun intended) Red.
-Seeds of Distrust
*The fact that every good person could be the next big bad felt realistic for Red's situation; like, she's at the mercy of any "good Samaritan" who comes bearing food, shelter, and "safe passage".
Homages
-OG Fairy Tale
1.The Huntsman calling sweetly, "Oh, Red Riding Hood..." to get her attention and a chase ensues, culminating in them making a deal, kind of felt like when the OG Big Bad Wolf catches up to RRH on route to Grandma's, and instills trust enough for her to tell her where she's headed.
2.Grandma Delphine's mannerisms after Red realizes Grandma not only knows Kassian/Silver Wolf are one in the same, but also that she's of the Order (AKA turning on the charm/innocent act by offering up tea/comfort with a hug)=OG Big Bad attempting to soothe away OG RRH's questions by offering up the bed/responding with a comforting "all the better to _"
3.Garrett/the Huntsman=the Woodsman who shows up in later iterations of the OG fairy tale to check on/save RRH and her Grandma from the BBW by cutting him open. This huntsman is even blatantly all about killing who he perceives to be this book's big bad.
-Bluebeard
1.Once the Marked girls they rescued are asleep, Huntsman takes Red down to his cellar to show off the masks of the Sworn he's killed mounted to the wall, telling her that there's a space reserved Silver's mask=Bluebeard's wife stumbling upon the corpses of his past wives in either the basement or other unmarked room, depending on the version.
-Wuthering Heights
1.Kassian/Silver telling Red when they're children "We're made from the same stuff. Your soul and mine" (Ellison, 9), mirrors Cathy's own childhood declaration to Nelly about Heathcliff: "He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same" (Brontë, 80). There you go, grasshopper.
Cons
-Info Dumping
*Huntsman straight up rehashes/recaps the first three books, as does Red herself in the first chapter. Did we need it twice?
-Repetition
*If Huntsman called Red "little rabbit" one more time, or mentioned how much like one she was, I was going to roll my eyes so hard, they hurt. I get it/we get it: he's hunting her like a small animal. But I'm gonna be honest. After awhile, it sounded an awful lot like "Silly rabbit. Tricks are for for kids". Lots of unnecessary refs. to her being a small animal (ex. she likens her self to a baby bird caught in a snare).
-Confusion
*Among the many mini reunions between Kassian/Silver and Red, it's heavily implied that they "do-the do". So, did they? And if they did, would that not be dangerous (if she ended up pregnant, it would make travel physically difficult/defy the point they made against intimacy in their marriage-i.e. they didn't want to contribute to the Sworn legacy). We also don't know how readily available contraceptives are in this world, and since this was a surprise meeting, they probably didn't bring any.... what happened?!
Despite those last little gripes, I did enjoy/marathon read this one. Also, side note, I listened to Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" for every one of Kassian/Silver's reunions, no matter how brief. Repetitive, therefore, hypocritical, I know. But, what can you do?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
3.5 stars
I have been waiting for this book to come out! I found this series after the first three books were already released, so I read those in pretty quick succession, then had to wait a bit for this release. At first, it was hard to get into the book with the amount of time that passed and I felt like this book was sort of a set up for the final book so not a whole lot happened. That being said, I did still enjoy this book.
Scarlet aka Red Rider is rescuing chosen girls from their fate as Sworn wives. She ends up somewhat between the Sworn and the Order of the Crimson and spends a majority of the book on the run. There are also quite a few time jumps in the book, i.e. 6 months later since she is doing the same thing for long periods of time. Typically, I am not a fan of the time jump writing style, however I think it worked and was necessary for this book.
Some crazy revelations are revealed at the end of the book and we see Scarlet try to cope and save those she loves. I am interested to see how it all works out in the next book because I don’t think the groundwork has been laid yet for a systematic change in the societal structure. Lots of the gains and ‘wins’ are somewhat on an individual level so I want to see how it works out with the Sworn. I also really want everything to work out with Kassian, so fingers crossed.
If you aren’t familiar with this series, I highly recommend you read it. It is somewhat of a Red Riding Hood fantasy retelling with a twist.
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I have been waiting for this book to come out! I found this series after the first three books were already released, so I read those in pretty quick succession, then had to wait a bit for this release. At first, it was hard to get into the book with the amount of time that passed and I felt like this book was sort of a set up for the final book so not a whole lot happened. That being said, I did still enjoy this book.
Scarlet aka Red Rider is rescuing chosen girls from their fate as Sworn wives. She ends up somewhat between the Sworn and the Order of the Crimson and spends a majority of the book on the run. There are also quite a few time jumps in the book, i.e. 6 months later since she is doing the same thing for long periods of time. Typically, I am not a fan of the time jump writing style, however I think it worked and was necessary for this book.
Some crazy revelations are revealed at the end of the book and we see Scarlet try to cope and save those she loves. I am interested to see how it all works out in the next book because I don’t think the groundwork has been laid yet for a systematic change in the societal structure. Lots of the gains and ‘wins’ are somewhat on an individual level so I want to see how it works out with the Sworn. I also really want everything to work out with Kassian, so fingers crossed.
If you aren’t familiar with this series, I highly recommend you read it. It is somewhat of a Red Riding Hood fantasy retelling with a twist.
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December 1, 2020
The plot twist! Ahhh! It was the type of plot twist that keeps you up until 11pm at night (literally). I thought I was just going to read a couple chapters and head to bed, but this book had other plans.
The first thing I have to say is that the scenes with Kassian and Erie got very boring. The “I can’t move on even for my own good and to protect the one I love” got old very fast. I just kind of skipped over those sections because they just repeated the same thing over and over.
I love reading stories that are twisted fairy tales or legends. (I really enjoyed reading the Sherwood Outlaws series). This book was a story that I enjoyed more than the original story of Red Ridding Hood. I kept thinking of Snow White when the Huntsman came into the story. I really loved the Huntsman character till he said he wanted to kill Kassian. Then I was like nope.
When I first started reading this book I saw that the author was writing another book for this series, and I wondered what else she had to cover. After reading this book I can’t wait to read the next book!
The first thing I have to say is that the scenes with Kassian and Erie got very boring. The “I can’t move on even for my own good and to protect the one I love” got old very fast. I just kind of skipped over those sections because they just repeated the same thing over and over.
I love reading stories that are twisted fairy tales or legends. (I really enjoyed reading the Sherwood Outlaws series). This book was a story that I enjoyed more than the original story of Red Ridding Hood. I kept thinking of Snow White when the Huntsman came into the story. I really loved the Huntsman character till he said he wanted to kill Kassian. Then I was like nope.
When I first started reading this book I saw that the author was writing another book for this series, and I wondered what else she had to cover. After reading this book I can’t wait to read the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
Meh....
*sigh*** once again, books one & two were great! And other than pretty much the last five or six pages, I literally skipped quiet a few pages in this book between chapters & also very literally fell once again on a comment about “oh Kassian, my heart is broken..... again!!! I would almost feel safe saving that about 50 of the pages or more carried this narrative, & it was annoying!
The Book certainly has a great plot but it’s seems almost as though it’s getting lost somewhere. Again, I did enjoy the final few pages & hope that we can find out what happened to the The stolen Chosen girls or Sage?
I can say that although I will read the next book, I’m not excited over the release date for it. With that said, I’d like to thank you for not adding the whole. “Mating/imprinting” narrative to your stories because that is so old & over now! And also why I gave it three stars!
*sigh*** once again, books one & two were great! And other than pretty much the last five or six pages, I literally skipped quiet a few pages in this book between chapters & also very literally fell once again on a comment about “oh Kassian, my heart is broken..... again!!! I would almost feel safe saving that about 50 of the pages or more carried this narrative, & it was annoying!
The Book certainly has a great plot but it’s seems almost as though it’s getting lost somewhere. Again, I did enjoy the final few pages & hope that we can find out what happened to the The stolen Chosen girls or Sage?
I can say that although I will read the next book, I’m not excited over the release date for it. With that said, I’d like to thank you for not adding the whole. “Mating/imprinting” narrative to your stories because that is so old & over now! And also why I gave it three stars!
December 25, 2020
Superb retelling of Little Red Riding Hood!
I was able to read books 1-4 of The Sworn Saga series for free from Kindle Unlimited. This retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is amazing. While the author uses familiar parts of the fairytale throughout the book, she makes this story (and the series) its own unique tale. I've enjoyed it so much that I plan to buy the physical books for my home libary. Even though it will be a little while before the final book is released, I'm not sorry that I read this incomplete series. Do yourself a favor and start reading The Sworn Saga (Red Rider- book 1) today!
I was able to read books 1-4 of The Sworn Saga series for free from Kindle Unlimited. This retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is amazing. While the author uses familiar parts of the fairytale throughout the book, she makes this story (and the series) its own unique tale. I've enjoyed it so much that I plan to buy the physical books for my home libary. Even though it will be a little while before the final book is released, I'm not sorry that I read this incomplete series. Do yourself a favor and start reading The Sworn Saga (Red Rider- book 1) today!
March 10, 2022
Secrets are revealed.
I did not see that one coming, what a shocker and Red was betrayed all over again. Hard to say who the real monsters are in this twisted tale. Kassian seems to be the lesser evil compared to the rest of them . The Sworn and the Crims are as bad as each other. Where can she run to now to be safe and how can she Kassian. All alone in the forest Red has to find a way to survive being hunted and on the run. Her foolish belief that love conquers all has nearly gotten her killed so many times. I admire her tenacity and loyalty to those she cares about but will it ever be enough to set them free?
I did not see that one coming, what a shocker and Red was betrayed all over again. Hard to say who the real monsters are in this twisted tale. Kassian seems to be the lesser evil compared to the rest of them . The Sworn and the Crims are as bad as each other. Where can she run to now to be safe and how can she Kassian. All alone in the forest Red has to find a way to survive being hunted and on the run. Her foolish belief that love conquers all has nearly gotten her killed so many times. I admire her tenacity and loyalty to those she cares about but will it ever be enough to set them free?
December 3, 2020
Interesting twist but......
I didn’t see the twist coming at the end of the story. I loved how Red’s character has developed over time and she has grown smart and resilient with all the difficulties she has endured. I thought this book could be the finale and the HEA for Kassian and Red but it was still a cliffhanger. The back and forth of the status of their relationship between her and Kassian, the Crims and the Sworn is tiring. I just wish book 5 would finally be the happy ending!
I didn’t see the twist coming at the end of the story. I loved how Red’s character has developed over time and she has grown smart and resilient with all the difficulties she has endured. I thought this book could be the finale and the HEA for Kassian and Red but it was still a cliffhanger. The back and forth of the status of their relationship between her and Kassian, the Crims and the Sworn is tiring. I just wish book 5 would finally be the happy ending!
December 8, 2020
Kate Avery Ellison never disappoints!
I am completely absorbed in this series! I was so excited when "White Mask" was released and it certainly did not disappoint. I love the chemistry between Red and Kassian. I love the adventure. I also love a good female protagonist who has her wits about her. My only issue is that I can't seem to find a hard copy of the last two novels for my actual bookshelf.
I am completely absorbed in this series! I was so excited when "White Mask" was released and it certainly did not disappoint. I love the chemistry between Red and Kassian. I love the adventure. I also love a good female protagonist who has her wits about her. My only issue is that I can't seem to find a hard copy of the last two novels for my actual bookshelf.
January 3, 2021
Brilliant!
I almost cried when I got to the end!!! Why did it end?! Ok, I’ve composed myself to give a review. I reviewed the previous book as being so good, and this one was great! Oh the revelations in this one. I want more! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and eagerly awaiting the next!
I almost cried when I got to the end!!! Why did it end?! Ok, I’ve composed myself to give a review. I reviewed the previous book as being so good, and this one was great! Oh the revelations in this one. I want more! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and eagerly awaiting the next!
June 6, 2022
I'd enjoyed this series so far for the most part but don't think I will be continuing with the last 2 books. The story is becoming too dragged out, there's too much back and forth and it's repetitive. It's become frustrating and a bit boring to read, especially this 4th book. I'm ready for this story to be over. I really don't think it needed to be spread out over 6 books.
January 19, 2023
Still so good.
This is probably my least favorite out of the books because there are so many time jumps and stupid risks, just for a kiss. However, I am still fully captivated and excited to see what happens next.
*I would rate this as PG because of violence and passionate kissing. There is no cussing or anything explicit. Perfect for young teens or mature tweens.
This is probably my least favorite out of the books because there are so many time jumps and stupid risks, just for a kiss. However, I am still fully captivated and excited to see what happens next.
*I would rate this as PG because of violence and passionate kissing. There is no cussing or anything explicit. Perfect for young teens or mature tweens.
December 3, 2020
Trustworthy
The end broke my heart. Betrayal is never easy to swallow, but Meredith gets a doosey of a serving. So many girls to save, so many aliases to remember, and one who is trying to save the world.
The end broke my heart. Betrayal is never easy to swallow, but Meredith gets a doosey of a serving. So many girls to save, so many aliases to remember, and one who is trying to save the world.
December 8, 2020
LOVED. Its been awhile since I read the first few books of the series I almost didn't open this one up. BUT IM SO GLAD I DID.
Pretty sure its my favorite of the series!
The plot twist at the end! Man I hope the month go by quickly till the fifth books is released!
Pretty sure its my favorite of the series!
The plot twist at the end! Man I hope the month go by quickly till the fifth books is released!
December 19, 2020
I got sucked right in and didn’t stop until it was finished. Red is the perfect leading lady, strong yet vulnerable. kassian is still my favorite character and makes a few appearances. There are some plot twists and turns that made it impossible to put down and anxious for the next installment.
January 27, 2021
A really good read to put it simple...
I read all 4 books in 5days as a mother of 2 littles I don’t get much time to read but I couldn’t put this series down. A friend told me about it and I was able to start before her: when she found out it took me less than a day to read the first one she started and will now be completing the 4th in a matter of days. Very well written. Can’t wait for the 5th to come out!
I read all 4 books in 5days as a mother of 2 littles I don’t get much time to read but I couldn’t put this series down. A friend told me about it and I was able to start before her: when she found out it took me less than a day to read the first one she started and will now be completing the 4th in a matter of days. Very well written. Can’t wait for the 5th to come out!
January 27, 2021
Here's to hoping the next book is the fifth and final book in the series. This series started out with such promise and I was hooked but now it just feels like its being dragged out. There was so much filler in this book and nothing happened until the last few pages.
January 30, 2021
Ok
I have really enjoyed this series so far but out is really starting to drag on. Kassion and red are together then apart, together again and then apart. Truthfully it is starting to feel like a daytime soap opera, Days of our lives, Boldd and the beautiful take your pick.
I have really enjoyed this series so far but out is really starting to drag on. Kassion and red are together then apart, together again and then apart. Truthfully it is starting to feel like a daytime soap opera, Days of our lives, Boldd and the beautiful take your pick.
March 14, 2022
Fours books later???
Unnecessary drama, angst and complications. With all of that not a bit of conclusion or resolution. Why bother to stretch the story with no end in sight? Truly disappointing series.
Unnecessary drama, angst and complications. With all of that not a bit of conclusion or resolution. Why bother to stretch the story with no end in sight? Truly disappointing series.
February 25, 2023
Worth the read.
I continue to read and love this series although White Mask wasn't quite as good as those before. However, it does move the story forward. For this reason I recommend Whote Mask.
I continue to read and love this series although White Mask wasn't quite as good as those before. However, it does move the story forward. For this reason I recommend Whote Mask.
February 23, 2024
Red is now calling herself 'Red Riding Hood' and helping Chosen girls to escape. She is later captured but is set free when Kassian/Vixor gives himself up as exchange for her. I am now intrigued to find out if Red is able to rescue him and will she have to fight her Grandmother?
December 2, 2020
Fabulous. A bit too short to my taste. I loved the suspense and the end ! Looking forward for the next adventure of Red.
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