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Red Wolf
A high stakes reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood.
For as long as sixteen-year-old Adele can remember, the village of Oakvale has been surrounded by the dark wood—a forest filled with terrible monsters. A forest that light itself cannot penetrate.
Unlike her fellow villagers, Adele cannot avoid the dark wood.
Adele is one of a long line of guardians: women who secretly take on the form of a wolf, in order to protect their village.
But when accepting her fate means giving up the boy she loves, abandoning the future she imagined for herself, and breaking her own moral code, she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep her neighbors safe.
For as long as sixteen-year-old Adele can remember, the village of Oakvale has been surrounded by the dark wood—a forest filled with terrible monsters. A forest that light itself cannot penetrate.
Unlike her fellow villagers, Adele cannot avoid the dark wood.
Adele is one of a long line of guardians: women who secretly take on the form of a wolf, in order to protect their village.
But when accepting her fate means giving up the boy she loves, abandoning the future she imagined for herself, and breaking her own moral code, she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep her neighbors safe.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 27, 2021
111 people are currently reading
9827 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vincent
65 books9,783 followers[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 616 reviews
April 15, 2021
Soon to be sixteen years old, Adele wants nothing more than to settle down with the boy of her dreams and live in peace with her family in the village of Oakvale. Her father’s death still haunts her, and she has much to learn about her family history. On a trip to her grandmother’s cabin through the dark wood, she’s troubled with a surprise encounter, and now must grasp and accept her newfound responsibilities as a guardian and protector of Oakvale.
I’d never been alone in the dark wood before, and I felt my mother’s absence like the loss of a limb. She’d grown up in my grandmother’s cabin, though back then before the forest had encroached so boldly upon Oakvale, it was just inside the dark wood. So she was far more familiar than I was with the dangers and with ways to avoid them.
The book is written well, and it’s a quick read. If I didn’t have other things to do, this probably could've been finished in half of a day. The story is unique and inventive being that it’s nothing like the original Little Red Riding Hood but still follows along with connections to the woods, wolves, grandmother, and of course: the red cloak. Some interesting twists take the story in new directions, making it impossible to predict. Albeit rather subtle, certain parts of the story reminded me of some of my favorite movies, including Twilight and The Village, which was an added plus.
The pacing was spot-on for the most part, but there was one event that seemed to drag on for too long. There’s a bit of a love triangle going on in the story, but it was minor and surprisingly worked without bothering me too much, given that this isn't one of my favorite tropes. The romance was kept very minimal. Finally, the book ties together perfectly and leaves the reader with questions. What a cliffhanger too! I was left to ponder which person was involved in the shocking end. It leads me to believe there may be a second book.
As far as characters, Adele was my favorite. She’s the main character and extremely likable, in my opinion. Multiple things are going on here, and Adele has a great deal on her plate, including the need to maintain secrets and relationships, fight monsters, and solve mysteries. Adele is courageous—always putting one foot forward and doing what’s right, regardless of the circumstances. She’s consistently wary--trying to make the right decisions--willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family and the village of Oakvale. Some of Adele’s choices made me question her at times, but in the end, they seem to be the right ones. Other favorites included Grandmother and Max. Grainger was a favorite from the very beginning too, and I’m left to wonder what’s going to happen to his character if there are future installments.
This is a new author to me, and I have to say I was very impressed with this book. Anyone who enjoys retellings should try it. I’m hopeful for a sequel!
4-4.5-stars
Publication date: July 20th 2021
I’d like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
I’d never been alone in the dark wood before, and I felt my mother’s absence like the loss of a limb. She’d grown up in my grandmother’s cabin, though back then before the forest had encroached so boldly upon Oakvale, it was just inside the dark wood. So she was far more familiar than I was with the dangers and with ways to avoid them.
The book is written well, and it’s a quick read. If I didn’t have other things to do, this probably could've been finished in half of a day. The story is unique and inventive being that it’s nothing like the original Little Red Riding Hood but still follows along with connections to the woods, wolves, grandmother, and of course: the red cloak. Some interesting twists take the story in new directions, making it impossible to predict. Albeit rather subtle, certain parts of the story reminded me of some of my favorite movies, including Twilight and The Village, which was an added plus.
The pacing was spot-on for the most part, but there was one event that seemed to drag on for too long. There’s a bit of a love triangle going on in the story, but it was minor and surprisingly worked without bothering me too much, given that this isn't one of my favorite tropes. The romance was kept very minimal. Finally, the book ties together perfectly and leaves the reader with questions. What a cliffhanger too! I was left to ponder which person was involved in the shocking end. It leads me to believe there may be a second book.
As far as characters, Adele was my favorite. She’s the main character and extremely likable, in my opinion. Multiple things are going on here, and Adele has a great deal on her plate, including the need to maintain secrets and relationships, fight monsters, and solve mysteries. Adele is courageous—always putting one foot forward and doing what’s right, regardless of the circumstances. She’s consistently wary--trying to make the right decisions--willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family and the village of Oakvale. Some of Adele’s choices made me question her at times, but in the end, they seem to be the right ones. Other favorites included Grandmother and Max. Grainger was a favorite from the very beginning too, and I’m left to wonder what’s going to happen to his character if there are future installments.
This is a new author to me, and I have to say I was very impressed with this book. Anyone who enjoys retellings should try it. I’m hopeful for a sequel!
4-4.5-stars
Publication date: July 20th 2021
I’d like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2026
Whoa 👀 this was something (in a good way).
Though… this is supposed to be a standalone, and it ended on a cliffhanger 😭 Will we get a sequel?? I don’t know. That’s why I’m only giving it 3 ⭐️ because ending a standalone on a cliffhanger is just painful.
Adele is so strong and brave 😭🫂 My girl had to make such difficult decisions at such an early age 😭🫂 I like her so much. She did exactly what she planned to do—and honestly, I would’ve been a bit disappointed if she had chosen the other option 😭 But she stuck to her decision 🥹
I like Max so much 🥹🥹 At first, I was kinda ignoring him 😭 because I just couldn’t see him with Adele. Adele was meant to be with Grainger 😭 But slowly, he started showing his charm 👀 and grabbed my attention lol. He was so kind to Adele and her sister 🥹 He even understood everything that was going on between Adele and Grainger, and he never forced her to choose him. He respected her decision 🥹 GREEN FLAG SPOTTED 💚
And omg 😭 when the story unfolded… and when Grainger did something I thought he would never do. Yea, that changed my opinion on everything 😭 I can still understand his situation; he wanted to save the village 😭 but still-
And that ENDING???
Sad but beautiful 🥹
Hopeful but cruel 😭
Cliffhanger but no sequel?? 🤧🫠
WHY would an author do this to us???
Honestly, I really want a sequel just to know what’s going to happen in the village. And the fact that it ended on a cliffhanger omg 😭 NOOOOO!!! And there isn’t even a second book 😭 I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 🤧🫠 But overall, I liked it 🥹
Yea, that’s it guys. Love y’all 🫶♥️
————————————
°˖➴ pre-read °˖➴
Challenge: Asking my friend to pick a number from my TBR (part 4)
I asked my bestie Lena to pick a number, and she chose number 8. Naturally, this book happened 🤭 A Little Red Riding Hood retelling??? Yea, I’m more than ready ♥️🙂↕️
Though… this is supposed to be a standalone, and it ended on a cliffhanger 😭 Will we get a sequel?? I don’t know. That’s why I’m only giving it 3 ⭐️ because ending a standalone on a cliffhanger is just painful.
Adele is so strong and brave 😭🫂 My girl had to make such difficult decisions at such an early age 😭🫂 I like her so much. She did exactly what she planned to do—and honestly, I would’ve been a bit disappointed if she had chosen the other option 😭 But she stuck to her decision 🥹
I like Max so much 🥹🥹 At first, I was kinda ignoring him 😭 because I just couldn’t see him with Adele. Adele was meant to be with Grainger 😭 But slowly, he started showing his charm 👀 and grabbed my attention lol. He was so kind to Adele and her sister 🥹 He even understood everything that was going on between Adele and Grainger, and he never forced her to choose him. He respected her decision 🥹 GREEN FLAG SPOTTED 💚
And omg 😭 when the story unfolded… and when Grainger did something I thought he would never do. Yea, that changed my opinion on everything 😭 I can still understand his situation; he wanted to save the village 😭 but still-
And that ENDING???
Sad but beautiful 🥹
Hopeful but cruel 😭
Cliffhanger but no sequel?? 🤧🫠
WHY would an author do this to us???
Honestly, I really want a sequel just to know what’s going to happen in the village. And the fact that it ended on a cliffhanger omg 😭 NOOOOO!!! And there isn’t even a second book 😭 I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 🤧🫠 But overall, I liked it 🥹
Yea, that’s it guys. Love y’all 🫶♥️
————————————
°˖➴ pre-read °˖➴
Challenge: Asking my friend to pick a number from my TBR (part 4)
I asked my bestie Lena to pick a number, and she chose number 8. Naturally, this book happened 🤭 A Little Red Riding Hood retelling??? Yea, I’m more than ready ♥️🙂↕️
November 7, 2022
"Turn around, Adele... Just turn around and walk in a straight line until you hear the axes. Until you come out of the forest."
It's been awhile since I have been this invested in a YA fantasy, but here we are. Red Wolf is the binge-worthy Red Riding Hood retelling I've been searching for, and while the foundation of the fairy tale is there, this book takes on an entirely new version of its own, which I love. Wonderfully atmospheric, perfectly paced plotting, and a tinge of romance (a love triangle, but don't worry, it's not THAT kind of a love triangle), my only complaint is that this book is billed as a standalone but ends on a total cliffhanger! Please tell me there will be a sequel? Highly recommend the audiobook if you enjoy that format.
*Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
It's been awhile since I have been this invested in a YA fantasy, but here we are. Red Wolf is the binge-worthy Red Riding Hood retelling I've been searching for, and while the foundation of the fairy tale is there, this book takes on an entirely new version of its own, which I love. Wonderfully atmospheric, perfectly paced plotting, and a tinge of romance (a love triangle, but don't worry, it's not THAT kind of a love triangle), my only complaint is that this book is billed as a standalone but ends on a total cliffhanger! Please tell me there will be a sequel? Highly recommend the audiobook if you enjoy that format.
*Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
November 8, 2022
What if Red Riding Hood was the predator?
Or maybe it would be more accurate to say she was a protector who has a predator form?
Red Wolf was a great story. Nothing was black or white and it wasn't a straight path to Grandma's house. I enjoy stories that take you on a different journey than you think you're going on when you set out, and this was definitely one of those.
She ends up doing a lot of things I thought she wouldn't by the end of it, which surprised me -in a good way, mind you.
I felt for her in that coming of age sort of way.
You start out thinking that there's only one way to be good, but the older you get, the more you realize that you'll have to put some of those idealized values down in order to do the right thing. Or at least, the right thing for you.
I've not read very many Red Riding Hood retellings, but I would certainly like to read more. And if they're a bit darker and more serious like this one, I'd really like to find them.
Or maybe it would be more accurate to say she was a protector who has a predator form?
Red Wolf was a great story. Nothing was black or white and it wasn't a straight path to Grandma's house. I enjoy stories that take you on a different journey than you think you're going on when you set out, and this was definitely one of those.
She ends up doing a lot of things I thought she wouldn't by the end of it, which surprised me -in a good way, mind you.
I felt for her in that coming of age sort of way.
You start out thinking that there's only one way to be good, but the older you get, the more you realize that you'll have to put some of those idealized values down in order to do the right thing. Or at least, the right thing for you.
I've not read very many Red Riding Hood retellings, but I would certainly like to read more. And if they're a bit darker and more serious like this one, I'd really like to find them.
November 7, 2021
Q:
Of course recreational hatchet throwing was really guardian training, just as her bedtime stories were actually instructional.
Did learning to knead dough, darn socks, and churn butter somehow also teach me to kill something? (c)
Of course recreational hatchet throwing was really guardian training, just as her bedtime stories were actually instructional.
Did learning to knead dough, darn socks, and churn butter somehow also teach me to kill something? (c)
February 26, 2024
the author forgot to write an ending
January 27, 2021
Forgettable.
I wish I could say this was an inventive, gritty retelling of Little Red Riding Hood... but Red Wolf only ever feels like it is trying to be that, and never quite achieves it.
The plot is simple, interesting only for fleeting moments, and doesn't feel engaging or important enough. Our main character Adele is stubborn and a little childish, and while I almost understand the theatrical nature of her personality, she was (for me) a little difficult to connect to and even makes parts of the story feel somewhat Middle Grade-y.
I do like Vincent's writing style, but I kept thinking this book felt largely unnecessary.
I wish I could say this was an inventive, gritty retelling of Little Red Riding Hood... but Red Wolf only ever feels like it is trying to be that, and never quite achieves it.
The plot is simple, interesting only for fleeting moments, and doesn't feel engaging or important enough. Our main character Adele is stubborn and a little childish, and while I almost understand the theatrical nature of her personality, she was (for me) a little difficult to connect to and even makes parts of the story feel somewhat Middle Grade-y.
I do like Vincent's writing style, but I kept thinking this book felt largely unnecessary.
March 8, 2021
Deliciously dark and imaginative, Red Wolf was unexpected. Fast paced, entirely enchanting, and more than anything else, it had me hooked. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. There were times I held my breath, sigh in relief and gasped in shock. I truly couldn't of asked for a better read. It had all the classic feel to the original story and all the twists and turns I love in a truly well thought out story that will stand out and stand all on it's own.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Want to read
July 27, 2021i loved this author's MENAGERIE series, but i'm hesitant to dive back into the wolf/woods/girl thing after
, although i still want to read
because i have A TYPE.
ADVISE MEEEEEEEEE
, although i still want to read
because i have A TYPE.ADVISE MEEEEEEEEE
August 19, 2021
Well, that was disappointing. I debated dnfing it but I ended up skimming the last 25% or so instead.
Plot : Reading Red Wolf was like entering a literary portal back to 2010ish when love triangles were central to most teen reads, the plots were consistently under developed and had a habit of adding things in last minute solely out of convenience. I don't need a complex plot to be entertained. I'm okay with reused tropes and a straightforward story but something about the book needs to stand out.
The Setting : small town in the "dark" woods. Last dozen or so pages the author starts to develop the complexity of what that darkness entails but she never fully explores the idea of it. It was a huge wasted opportunity.
Characters : Under developed and forgettable. Our MC Adele was immensely childish and impertinent. I tolerated her for the first half of the book but by the second half I was hoping she got eaten by the monsters in the woods due to her own stupidity.
I'd recommend the author's book The Stars Never Rise if you like her writing style but want more overall development in a story. I unfortunately will not be recommending Red Wolf to anyone.
Plot : Reading Red Wolf was like entering a literary portal back to 2010ish when love triangles were central to most teen reads, the plots were consistently under developed and had a habit of adding things in last minute solely out of convenience. I don't need a complex plot to be entertained. I'm okay with reused tropes and a straightforward story but something about the book needs to stand out.
The Setting : small town in the "dark" woods. Last dozen or so pages the author starts to develop the complexity of what that darkness entails but she never fully explores the idea of it. It was a huge wasted opportunity.
Characters : Under developed and forgettable. Our MC Adele was immensely childish and impertinent. I tolerated her for the first half of the book but by the second half I was hoping she got eaten by the monsters in the woods due to her own stupidity.
I'd recommend the author's book The Stars Never Rise if you like her writing style but want more overall development in a story. I unfortunately will not be recommending Red Wolf to anyone.
February 17, 2022
I do not remember much beyond that the aesthetic of the story was great but would have been AMAZING if only it had been executed properly.
July 16, 2021
3'75⭐
Review coming soon...
Review coming soon...
July 29, 2021
So so so good! This was so good I couldn’t stop reading. I finished this book in less than 24 hours. This gem is worth 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 4, 2021
In today's episode of Why I Love Wolf Books, I will get into the nitty-gritty of my obsessions with everything Little Red Riding Hood and how you should too.
But in true Celia fashion, this review may just go off the rails.
Thank you, Edelweiss and HarperTeen who continue to be amazing in preventing me from reading my physical tbr with all my FOMO for unreleased YA books.
Is it just me or are there A LOT of wolfy books coming out this year? I'm not complaining at all. I love them. I am in awe of how every one of them manages to be unique just when I thought there couldn't be any more unique spins of old fairytales and classics. This one gave me total Catherine Hardwicke Red Riding Hood vibes and less Stephanie Garber and Megan Spooner as the blurb suggests. What I got from this was a gothic fairytale about a girl stuck between human and wolf-a girl who loves two worlds.
I bet that last line did you in, be honest.
On her sixteenth birthday (THE birthday of all YA heroines coming into power lol) Adele learns she's a Guardian-a shifter who protects humans from the other beasts of the woods-and that her life isn't going to be all that she planned. To make matters poopier, she's also told she's betrothed to a boy from a neighboring village who is aware of the Guardians, unlike Adele's current beau. You see, humans fear ALL beasts and if they found out what she was, they'd kill her like they did her father.
All that being said, the day she discovers what she is, she finds a boy in the woods. She assumes he's the survivor of a murdered caravan and being the sweetheart she is, brings him back to the village. Sucking up the Fun and Games part of the Save the Cat outline, we have Adele learning to kill, and trying to decide which hot dude she likes best. I immediately had my eyes on the new guy, Max, who is definitely the Peeta of this story, but I digress. It get s bit fluffy but takes a turn quickly after.
I found this book fascinating because Adele is level-headed and although flawed, knows who she is down into her marrow despite being part-wolf, and will protect the innocent down to her very last breath. She's the type of girl I'd pick first at dodgeball. But down at its core, RED WOLF is a story about finding your place in the world and realizing where you belong. Read this if you like retellings, shifters, dark The Village-like settings, and boys with crossbows.
I like all those things, so find me on Insta @celiamcmahonreads
Happy reading!
Also, family is everything and wolves rule.
But in true Celia fashion, this review may just go off the rails.
Thank you, Edelweiss and HarperTeen who continue to be amazing in preventing me from reading my physical tbr with all my FOMO for unreleased YA books.
Is it just me or are there A LOT of wolfy books coming out this year? I'm not complaining at all. I love them. I am in awe of how every one of them manages to be unique just when I thought there couldn't be any more unique spins of old fairytales and classics. This one gave me total Catherine Hardwicke Red Riding Hood vibes and less Stephanie Garber and Megan Spooner as the blurb suggests. What I got from this was a gothic fairytale about a girl stuck between human and wolf-a girl who loves two worlds.
I bet that last line did you in, be honest.
On her sixteenth birthday (THE birthday of all YA heroines coming into power lol) Adele learns she's a Guardian-a shifter who protects humans from the other beasts of the woods-and that her life isn't going to be all that she planned. To make matters poopier, she's also told she's betrothed to a boy from a neighboring village who is aware of the Guardians, unlike Adele's current beau. You see, humans fear ALL beasts and if they found out what she was, they'd kill her like they did her father.
All that being said, the day she discovers what she is, she finds a boy in the woods. She assumes he's the survivor of a murdered caravan and being the sweetheart she is, brings him back to the village. Sucking up the Fun and Games part of the Save the Cat outline, we have Adele learning to kill, and trying to decide which hot dude she likes best. I immediately had my eyes on the new guy, Max, who is definitely the Peeta of this story, but I digress. It get s bit fluffy but takes a turn quickly after.
I found this book fascinating because Adele is level-headed and although flawed, knows who she is down into her marrow despite being part-wolf, and will protect the innocent down to her very last breath. She's the type of girl I'd pick first at dodgeball. But down at its core, RED WOLF is a story about finding your place in the world and realizing where you belong. Read this if you like retellings, shifters, dark The Village-like settings, and boys with crossbows.
I like all those things, so find me on Insta @celiamcmahonreads
Happy reading!
Also, family is everything and wolves rule.
August 22, 2021
When I first saw Red Wolf, I was honestly so excited to dive into this. First off, I love retellings and I haven't read that many for little red riding hood. Second, it was just a book that I kept seeing so many people diving into and I felt left out. So I didn't really hesitate to buy the book and then dive into it.
I'll admit that after meeting Adele, I kind of assumed how some things were going to go down. For example, her being the wolf in this story. Well, not necessarily THE murderous wolf but a wolf in general. The reason why I went down this is because of the movie 'Red Riding Hood' with Amanda Seyfried.. pretty sure she's the wolf and red riding hood in that.
I could be completely wrong though...which would be super awkward.
Other than that, she was an okay character but she made horrible decisions.. constantly. Her reasons for why she did the things she did made me think a bit. Mostly because the decisions were pretty hard to make for the good of the people vs what her heart and mind wanted to do. It just led to a lot of destruction afterwards with zero consequences.
In the end, I wasn't expecting all of that to go down before the very last page. I'm still in shock right now but it definitely felt like a red riding hood book. It was a very interesting book, I just wished I liked the romance and the main character a bit more.
I'll admit that after meeting Adele, I kind of assumed how some things were going to go down. For example, her being the wolf in this story. Well, not necessarily THE murderous wolf but a wolf in general. The reason why I went down this is because of the movie 'Red Riding Hood' with Amanda Seyfried.. pretty sure she's the wolf and red riding hood in that.
I could be completely wrong though...which would be super awkward.
Other than that, she was an okay character but she made horrible decisions.. constantly. Her reasons for why she did the things she did made me think a bit. Mostly because the decisions were pretty hard to make for the good of the people vs what her heart and mind wanted to do. It just led to a lot of destruction afterwards with zero consequences.
In the end, I wasn't expecting all of that to go down before the very last page. I'm still in shock right now but it definitely felt like a red riding hood book. It was a very interesting book, I just wished I liked the romance and the main character a bit more.
March 2, 2022
A dark retelling of little red riding hood with some twists.
Adele knows about the monsters and werewolves that lurk in the dark woods. The danger they pose to herself and to her village. But after a surprising twist of fate on a journey through the deep woods to her grandmother's house. Everything she knew is questioned, and her morals are soon put to the test.
I bought this book on a whim at Barnes and Noble when the hardcovers were 50% off. I can't say I regret that decision either. I actually really enjoyed it. It started off with what I thought was a love triangle romance but took a surprising turn and then I could barely put it down. I'm glad I bought this book as I can see myself wanting to reread this later on down the line.
If I have any complaints, it's the ending. It ends with questions. Lots of questions. It would have been nice if there was an epilogue of a few years later to see if everything turns out alright. It would also help with answering a lot of my questions. It doesn't seem to be a series either so I guess I'll never know.
Recommended age 16+
This book was pretty dark and violent with decisions of questionable morality.
Adele knows about the monsters and werewolves that lurk in the dark woods. The danger they pose to herself and to her village. But after a surprising twist of fate on a journey through the deep woods to her grandmother's house. Everything she knew is questioned, and her morals are soon put to the test.
I bought this book on a whim at Barnes and Noble when the hardcovers were 50% off. I can't say I regret that decision either. I actually really enjoyed it. It started off with what I thought was a love triangle romance but took a surprising turn and then I could barely put it down. I'm glad I bought this book as I can see myself wanting to reread this later on down the line.
If I have any complaints, it's the ending. It ends with questions. Lots of questions. It would have been nice if there was an epilogue of a few years later to see if everything turns out alright. It would also help with answering a lot of my questions. It doesn't seem to be a series either so I guess I'll never know.
Recommended age 16+
This book was pretty dark and violent with decisions of questionable morality.
November 5, 2022
4.3
"A weapon is only as fierce as the warrior who wields it."
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?! I'm still in shock like.....what!!
Anyways, ending aside, this was a lovely story that explores what really makes a monster. The story line was thorough and I like the characters (Max is 100% my favourite)! If the author ever writes a second, I'll definitely give it a go.
"That's what made us monsters. It wasn't the fur, or the claws, or the teeth. It wasn't the speed, or the strength, or the eyesight. It was the choices. Brutal decisions that often bad to be made in the heat of the moment.
Decisions I would have to live with for the rest of my life."
**
OVERVIEW
"For as long as sixteen-year-old Adele can remember the village of Oakvale has been surrounding by the dark woods—a forest filled with terrible monsters that light cannot penetrate. Like every person who grows up in Oakvale she has been told to steer clear of the woods unless absolutely necessary.
But unlike her neighbors in Oakvale, Adele has a very good reason for going into the woods. Adele is one of a long line of guardians, women who are able to change into wolves and who are tasked with the job of protecting their village while never letting any of the villagers know of their existence.
But when following her calling means abandoning the person she loves, the future she imagined for herself, and her values she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep her neighbors safe."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Adele tries to do what she thinks is right and is also very loving and loyal. Strong friendships and a cute sister relationship!
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
A few mentions of a church. Town believes in magic and witches.
VIOLENCE
Adele has flashbacks to a man being burned in the village square. Monsters. Fighting, hunting, attacks. Descriptions of blood and pain. Threats. Stories of werewolves who have gotten people. Weapons (crossbows, knives etc). A man is killed by a werewolf. Woman killed from an axe. Man shot in the back of the head. Rages from no detail to semi-detailed.
SEXUAL CONTENT
Talk of marriage and betrothals. Kisses (on the cheek and lips -- not detailed). Touching, hand holding etc (not inappropriate). To change into a wolf one has to remove all of their clothing. Man sees a girl naked after changing (not described and nothing happens).
LANGUAGE
"D--n" used in the literal sense.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Drugs/medicines used on wounds.
OTHER NOTES
Wonderful winter read! Recommended ages 13+ for violence.
**
~Happy Reading~
"A weapon is only as fierce as the warrior who wields it."
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?! I'm still in shock like.....what!!
Anyways, ending aside, this was a lovely story that explores what really makes a monster. The story line was thorough and I like the characters (Max is 100% my favourite)! If the author ever writes a second, I'll definitely give it a go.
"That's what made us monsters. It wasn't the fur, or the claws, or the teeth. It wasn't the speed, or the strength, or the eyesight. It was the choices. Brutal decisions that often bad to be made in the heat of the moment.
Decisions I would have to live with for the rest of my life."
**
OVERVIEW
"For as long as sixteen-year-old Adele can remember the village of Oakvale has been surrounding by the dark woods—a forest filled with terrible monsters that light cannot penetrate. Like every person who grows up in Oakvale she has been told to steer clear of the woods unless absolutely necessary.
But unlike her neighbors in Oakvale, Adele has a very good reason for going into the woods. Adele is one of a long line of guardians, women who are able to change into wolves and who are tasked with the job of protecting their village while never letting any of the villagers know of their existence.
But when following her calling means abandoning the person she loves, the future she imagined for herself, and her values she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep her neighbors safe."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Adele tries to do what she thinks is right and is also very loving and loyal. Strong friendships and a cute sister relationship!
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
A few mentions of a church. Town believes in magic and witches.
VIOLENCE
Adele has flashbacks to a man being burned in the village square. Monsters. Fighting, hunting, attacks. Descriptions of blood and pain. Threats. Stories of werewolves who have gotten people. Weapons (crossbows, knives etc). A man is killed by a werewolf. Woman killed from an axe. Man shot in the back of the head. Rages from no detail to semi-detailed.
SEXUAL CONTENT
Talk of marriage and betrothals. Kisses (on the cheek and lips -- not detailed). Touching, hand holding etc (not inappropriate). To change into a wolf one has to remove all of their clothing. Man sees a girl naked after changing (not described and nothing happens).
LANGUAGE
"D--n" used in the literal sense.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Drugs/medicines used on wounds.
OTHER NOTES
Wonderful winter read! Recommended ages 13+ for violence.
**
~Happy Reading~
August 21, 2021
I really thought I was going to like this, it has a cool twist on Red Riding Hood and women guardians that can shapeshift. All things that sound awesome, but unfortunately I grew to hate the main character Adele and she kept making one bad decision after another until I thought the entire village would be better off if she left.
Adele is sixteen when she learns that the women in her family are guardians, able to transform into wolves so they can protect their village from monsters in the woods. When Adele finds a little boy alone in the woods and covered in blood, she takes him home to be cared for and sets off a terrible chain of events.
There are several difficult choices in this and of course I'd never advocate for a child to be killed, but Adele just kept making things worse. She directly caused deaths and dismemberment and kept insisting that she knew what was right. I wanted to shake her and tell her that she's a child and doesn't know anything about the world. This frustrated me to no end and if there's a sequel, I'll pass.
Adele is sixteen when she learns that the women in her family are guardians, able to transform into wolves so they can protect their village from monsters in the woods. When Adele finds a little boy alone in the woods and covered in blood, she takes him home to be cared for and sets off a terrible chain of events.
There are several difficult choices in this and of course I'd never advocate for a child to be killed, but Adele just kept making things worse. She directly caused deaths and dismemberment and kept insisting that she knew what was right. I wanted to shake her and tell her that she's a child and doesn't know anything about the world. This frustrated me to no end and if there's a sequel, I'll pass.
November 19, 2021
4⭐️
A young girl is thrown into an incredibly intense situation only to find out a huge secret about herself and of her mother & grandmother. Nothing will ever be the same for Adele, who lives in a town who fears the wolves just outside of town in the woods, and the legends they carry.
A young girl is thrown into an incredibly intense situation only to find out a huge secret about herself and of her mother & grandmother. Nothing will ever be the same for Adele, who lives in a town who fears the wolves just outside of town in the woods, and the legends they carry.
August 3, 2021
Headlines:
Such easy reading
Fresh retelling vibes
Unexpected plot directions
We've had a few wolf stories hit the shelves this year and they've all worked for me. What is totally in Red Wolf's favour is the writing and ease with which the reader can sink into this story and not want to put it down.
Red Wolf set the scene well immediately, a dark wood, evil woodland creatures and a village at risk. I will say no more as the events that arise from there were pretty unexpected and I was hooked to the page.
The Duvall women in this story were captivating; they were brave, humble and focused. Adele had a lot of carry on her shoulders and she struggled to adjust, very understandably. I thought Max was a great character, supporter, feminist and I definitely need more of him.
This book has left me wanting more (please tell us there will be another book). It was full of action, pace and some tragedy. This is my first book by Rachel Vincent but she's reeled me in.
Thank you to Harper 360YA for the review copy.
Such easy reading
Fresh retelling vibes
Unexpected plot directions
We've had a few wolf stories hit the shelves this year and they've all worked for me. What is totally in Red Wolf's favour is the writing and ease with which the reader can sink into this story and not want to put it down.
Red Wolf set the scene well immediately, a dark wood, evil woodland creatures and a village at risk. I will say no more as the events that arise from there were pretty unexpected and I was hooked to the page.
The Duvall women in this story were captivating; they were brave, humble and focused. Adele had a lot of carry on her shoulders and she struggled to adjust, very understandably. I thought Max was a great character, supporter, feminist and I definitely need more of him.
This book has left me wanting more (please tell us there will be another book). It was full of action, pace and some tragedy. This is my first book by Rachel Vincent but she's reeled me in.
Thank you to Harper 360YA for the review copy.
March 29, 2022
Príbeh o červenej čiapočke všetci poznáme. Nesmie v ňom chýbať veľký zlý vlk, babička, statočný záchranca ani tajomný les. Toto všetko nájdete aj v knihe Rudý vlk. A zároveň nenájdete. Autorka ma prekvapila zaujímavou a nevšednou zmenou, ktorá príbehu dodala hĺbku. Musíme sa pri ňom zamyslieť, čo je dobré a čo naopak zlé.
Je vlk zlý len preto, lebo sa správa ako vlk? A čo také malé vĺča? Je potrebné ho zničiť, už keď je malé, hoci nikomu neublížilo? Spoločnosť samozrejme zastáva názor, že síce neublížilo, ale raz vyrastie a určite ublíži. Takže okrem fantasy príbehu môžeme čakať aj morálnu dilemu. Otázka je: čo sme ochotní spraviť kvôli ochrane svojej rodiny? Rovno Vám aj odpoviem: všetko.
Rudy vlk sa mi páči, ale jedná sa o jednoduchšie spracovanie, ktoré je vhodneé aj pre mladších čitateľov (avšak obsahuje zopár krvavých scén). Škoda, že autorka príbeh a dej viac nerozvinula a ostal pomerne jednoduchý, zaslúžil by si viac rozvinúť a dať mu ešte viac priestoru.
Za knihu ďakujem vydavateľstvu Grada, ktoré mi knihu poskytlo.
Je vlk zlý len preto, lebo sa správa ako vlk? A čo také malé vĺča? Je potrebné ho zničiť, už keď je malé, hoci nikomu neublížilo? Spoločnosť samozrejme zastáva názor, že síce neublížilo, ale raz vyrastie a určite ublíži. Takže okrem fantasy príbehu môžeme čakať aj morálnu dilemu. Otázka je: čo sme ochotní spraviť kvôli ochrane svojej rodiny? Rovno Vám aj odpoviem: všetko.
Rudy vlk sa mi páči, ale jedná sa o jednoduchšie spracovanie, ktoré je vhodneé aj pre mladších čitateľov (avšak obsahuje zopár krvavých scén). Škoda, že autorka príbeh a dej viac nerozvinula a ostal pomerne jednoduchý, zaslúžil by si viac rozvinúť a dať mu ešte viac priestoru.
Za knihu ďakujem vydavateľstvu Grada, ktoré mi knihu poskytlo.
October 18, 2021
ay dios que acabo de leer, no me esperaba que esta libro fuera tan oscuro. Definitivamente tengo sentimientos revueltos y conflictivos con este.
Entre en este sin saber nada mas que la sinopsis y pense que seria un retelling de caperucita roja en donde hay conflicto si pero como todo libro triunfa el amor y hay final feliz, pero no, no fue asi, de la mitad en adelante toma un rumbo bien siniestro, y no es como que te sorprenda porque ya dese el comienzo a como la autora va plantenado la trama es entendible que eso pueda pasar, pero eso no evita que sea muy cruel e inocomodo de leer, creo que mas alla que me gustara la trama, lo que me gusto fue el hecho de que no me esperaba nada de esto, pense que iba a ser un romance paranormal en donde las cosas se resolverian y terminaria bonito, y nope, termino siendo un libro paranormal bien sangriento.
Entre en este sin saber nada mas que la sinopsis y pense que seria un retelling de caperucita roja en donde hay conflicto si pero como todo libro triunfa el amor y hay final feliz, pero no, no fue asi, de la mitad en adelante toma un rumbo bien siniestro, y no es como que te sorprenda porque ya dese el comienzo a como la autora va plantenado la trama es entendible que eso pueda pasar, pero eso no evita que sea muy cruel e inocomodo de leer, creo que mas alla que me gustara la trama, lo que me gusto fue el hecho de que no me esperaba nada de esto, pense que iba a ser un romance paranormal en donde las cosas se resolverian y terminaria bonito, y nope, termino siendo un libro paranormal bien sangriento.
September 2, 2021
DNF 10%
Иногда пропадаются атмоферные описания леса, но в сюжет примитивный и настолько квадратно-гнездовой, что я не могу.
Иногда пропадаются атмоферные описания леса, но в сюжет примитивный и настолько квадратно-гнездовой, что я не могу.
August 20, 2021
I really tried with this book, but I was just not a fan. I could not figure out the through-line of the main character--what exactly was the journey she was supposed to be on? Once she discovered the secret about the woods and her family, instead of following the advice and instructions of wiser women that had gone before her, she made decisions that did not make much sense. Then when her actions brought her whole village in danger, she again made decisions in direct contradiction to what she had been told that caused terrible destruction. By the end of the book, I really didn't feel like any of the things the main character had done were justified, and she was just trying to, as they say, slap a bandaid on a bullet hole. I get that she was young and impulsive, but her mistakes were glaringly obvious and she didn't seem to have much remorse for what she was bringing about, especially in the last pages of the story. I wasn't sure what the point of this book was, and really kind of felt like it was a waste of my time to read it.
June 19, 2021
I recieved an ARC of this from the publisher
The below review is my own honest opinion
I thought I knew what to expect from this Red Riding Hood retelling and it some ways I got that but it had a lot of surprises too! I liked the authors take on the fairytale..its not ridiculously original but I liked the little details and elements the author put in.
I found this very very easy to read and I did stay up really late into the night as I kept needing to read on! I was hooked,clearly.
It did feel a bit like a guilty pleasure to me..perhaps because the MC is very young, only 16 and there's a classic YA trope that splits opinion but was done really well in this book.
The ending was shocking and blew me away. Will definitely pick up more from this author
The below review is my own honest opinion
I thought I knew what to expect from this Red Riding Hood retelling and it some ways I got that but it had a lot of surprises too! I liked the authors take on the fairytale..its not ridiculously original but I liked the little details and elements the author put in.
I found this very very easy to read and I did stay up really late into the night as I kept needing to read on! I was hooked,clearly.
It did feel a bit like a guilty pleasure to me..perhaps because the MC is very young, only 16 and there's a classic YA trope that splits opinion but was done really well in this book.
The ending was shocking and blew me away. Will definitely pick up more from this author
April 23, 2022
Literally every single conflict was caused by the protagonists poor decisions.
This book meandered quite a lot and when it eventually had a point it seemed rushed and Half assed.
This book meandered quite a lot and when it eventually had a point it seemed rushed and Half assed.
July 17, 2021
A dark and atmospheric Red Riding Hood retelling, Rachel Vincent’s Red Wolf is a richly developed, thought-provoking novel. Surprising betrothals, secrets and lies, werewolf lore, dangerous and deadly woods, a love triangle, and fearsome journeys propel the story and make for an immersive read.
From childhood, Adele is inexplicably drawn to the woods. She doesn’t know why until her sixteenth birthday, when she learns that she is a Guardian – part woman and part wolf – who is destined to protect humans from the dangers that lurk just outside their village. Adele is shocked and dismayed as her life is turned completely upside down. All of her hopes and aspirations must change as she learns about her family and their duty.
Adele’s character is dynamic and well-developed. We see a teen filled with hope become a skilled fighter and protector of her people. We also see a young woman who faces tremendous responsibility and who struggles with her conscience. Adele constantly questions her fate and her influence over the lives of others. She is uncomfortable with the secrecy and lies and yearns for a simpler life. However, she is also drawn to the woods and the world inside of it. Her character is so well-layered, and her conflicting feelings highlight the tumultuous turn her life has taken.
Other characters are richly developed as well. Adele’s mother, grandmother, and sister are the definition of female strength. They are close and share a strong bond, even though there are secrets between them. Friends, villagers, and two young children add interesting and often complicated dynamics to the plot. With so many strong and unique characters, there is never a dull moment in their lives.
What makes a monster? This is a question that appears repeatedly throughout the story. There’s a great line that suggests that sometimes when one has to make a decision, there are no good choices. I think the story highlights this concept, as Adele is often faced with difficult choices and unexpected complications. Adele has to face the ramifications of her decisions and actions, which leads to even more difficult choices. As a guardian, this is her burden to bear, and the line between good and evil, as well as right and wrong, is often blurred.
The world-building is another strength of the novel. Dark, foreboding, and atmospheric, the forest is so vividly described that it becomes a character. I love the imagery and personification, which contribute to the life-like feel of the dark woods surrounding Adele’s village. The dark wood is a scary place that humans avoid at all costs, and the author skillfully projects an ominous foreboding anytime the woods are mentioned. The dangers of the woods are a constant presence in the lives of the villagers, creating a fearful and wary mood throughout the story.
Now, I’m not usually a big fan of love triangles, but in this story, it totally works. Adele is torn between her first love and a partner who is specifically chosen for her. The two men in Adele’s life contrast each other well while sharing many similarities. Both young men are honorable, intelligent, and brave, but only one can truly understand and know about Adele’s full identity. Adele’s choice isn’t easy, and I think that’s a pattern throughout the story – how people react to difficult choices. Some choose to face these problems head-on, some try to avoid making decisions, and others ignore the problems altogether. Adele doesn’t have that luxury, and she spends much of the story conflicted.
Well-paced, action-packed, and immersive with a heart-pounding and shocking ending, Red Wolf makes you think about morals and ignorance and how fear of the unknown often leads to unfounded and irredeemable decisions. Thanks so much to the author and Harper Teen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
From childhood, Adele is inexplicably drawn to the woods. She doesn’t know why until her sixteenth birthday, when she learns that she is a Guardian – part woman and part wolf – who is destined to protect humans from the dangers that lurk just outside their village. Adele is shocked and dismayed as her life is turned completely upside down. All of her hopes and aspirations must change as she learns about her family and their duty.
Adele’s character is dynamic and well-developed. We see a teen filled with hope become a skilled fighter and protector of her people. We also see a young woman who faces tremendous responsibility and who struggles with her conscience. Adele constantly questions her fate and her influence over the lives of others. She is uncomfortable with the secrecy and lies and yearns for a simpler life. However, she is also drawn to the woods and the world inside of it. Her character is so well-layered, and her conflicting feelings highlight the tumultuous turn her life has taken.
Other characters are richly developed as well. Adele’s mother, grandmother, and sister are the definition of female strength. They are close and share a strong bond, even though there are secrets between them. Friends, villagers, and two young children add interesting and often complicated dynamics to the plot. With so many strong and unique characters, there is never a dull moment in their lives.
What makes a monster? This is a question that appears repeatedly throughout the story. There’s a great line that suggests that sometimes when one has to make a decision, there are no good choices. I think the story highlights this concept, as Adele is often faced with difficult choices and unexpected complications. Adele has to face the ramifications of her decisions and actions, which leads to even more difficult choices. As a guardian, this is her burden to bear, and the line between good and evil, as well as right and wrong, is often blurred.
The world-building is another strength of the novel. Dark, foreboding, and atmospheric, the forest is so vividly described that it becomes a character. I love the imagery and personification, which contribute to the life-like feel of the dark woods surrounding Adele’s village. The dark wood is a scary place that humans avoid at all costs, and the author skillfully projects an ominous foreboding anytime the woods are mentioned. The dangers of the woods are a constant presence in the lives of the villagers, creating a fearful and wary mood throughout the story.
Now, I’m not usually a big fan of love triangles, but in this story, it totally works. Adele is torn between her first love and a partner who is specifically chosen for her. The two men in Adele’s life contrast each other well while sharing many similarities. Both young men are honorable, intelligent, and brave, but only one can truly understand and know about Adele’s full identity. Adele’s choice isn’t easy, and I think that’s a pattern throughout the story – how people react to difficult choices. Some choose to face these problems head-on, some try to avoid making decisions, and others ignore the problems altogether. Adele doesn’t have that luxury, and she spends much of the story conflicted.
Well-paced, action-packed, and immersive with a heart-pounding and shocking ending, Red Wolf makes you think about morals and ignorance and how fear of the unknown often leads to unfounded and irredeemable decisions. Thanks so much to the author and Harper Teen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2021
Yes, another fairytale retelling. When I say that I love them, I'm really not joking. This one has been on my wishlist for quite some time already and I was quite sad when Book Box Club included it and due to Brexit the box became too expensive for me. However, I did want to participate in the buddy read with the girls and they were happy to have me to share the reading experience. I might do that for further books too.
Based on the blurb I already expected a typical YA story and especially the first 75% of the story that's exactly what I got. The main character was in every possible way a typical teenager, not believing the things she is told, stubbornly doing her own thing and trying to find ways around her mother's advice and believing that how things have been done for year are not how they should be done. It's total valid behavior, but I grew a little old to still understand it.
The same can be said about the plot. There were certain really interesting aspects, like the dark wood and all the different monsters lurking in the dark there, but the focus of the story was more on the slight love triangle, even though the outcome was quite predictable, and the struggles of keeping everything a secret from the village, with eventually a predictable outcome with some less predictable elements.
For a long time while reading this book I was actually waiting for things to come to light and for things to start happening. The finale however is quite worth reading the book though. The book eventually ventures where a lot of YA's stay away from and I have to admit that I liked the final turn of events and the ending. I'm also quite curious if there's gonna be a sequel. The book doesn't need one, but there is plenty of room to tell more stories and I think I will read them anyway.
Because despite the typical YA elements I personally outgrew a little, I did enjoy reading the book.
Based on the blurb I already expected a typical YA story and especially the first 75% of the story that's exactly what I got. The main character was in every possible way a typical teenager, not believing the things she is told, stubbornly doing her own thing and trying to find ways around her mother's advice and believing that how things have been done for year are not how they should be done. It's total valid behavior, but I grew a little old to still understand it.
The same can be said about the plot. There were certain really interesting aspects, like the dark wood and all the different monsters lurking in the dark there, but the focus of the story was more on the slight love triangle, even though the outcome was quite predictable, and the struggles of keeping everything a secret from the village, with eventually a predictable outcome with some less predictable elements.
For a long time while reading this book I was actually waiting for things to come to light and for things to start happening. The finale however is quite worth reading the book though. The book eventually ventures where a lot of YA's stay away from and I have to admit that I liked the final turn of events and the ending. I'm also quite curious if there's gonna be a sequel. The book doesn't need one, but there is plenty of room to tell more stories and I think I will read them anyway.
Because despite the typical YA elements I personally outgrew a little, I did enjoy reading the book.
April 23, 2023
"She was talking about the secrets. The lies. The impossible choices.
The sacrifice of one life for another.
That's what made us monsters. It wasn't the fur, or the claws, or the teeth. It wasn't the speed, or the strength, or the eyesight. It was the choices. Brutal decisions that often had to be made in the heat of the moment.
Decisions I would have to live with for the rest of my life."
A great twist on Red Riding Hood with a lot of great exploration of the "evil baby orphanage" debate. Loved the pro-life message, Adele, and the worldbuilding (although I would love love love a sequel as there is definitely much left to explore with this world!)
The sacrifice of one life for another.
That's what made us monsters. It wasn't the fur, or the claws, or the teeth. It wasn't the speed, or the strength, or the eyesight. It was the choices. Brutal decisions that often had to be made in the heat of the moment.
Decisions I would have to live with for the rest of my life."
A great twist on Red Riding Hood with a lot of great exploration of the "evil baby orphanage" debate. Loved the pro-life message, Adele, and the worldbuilding (although I would love love love a sequel as there is definitely much left to explore with this world!)
September 15, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5
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