Red Riding Hood By: Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

Title: Red Riding Hood
Author: Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
Based on the Screenplay By: David Leslie Johnson
Release Date: March 16, 2011
Publisher: Hachette Book Group (Poppy)
Geared Towards: Teens/Fairy Tale Rewrite Lovers
Extra Info: This book is now a movie.
From: Publisher (Review Copy)

"Now, evil had descended upon Daggorhorn" (274).

Summary (From B.O.B):

The blacksmith would marry her.

The woodcutter would run away with her.

The werewolf would turn her into

one of its own.

Valerie's sister was beautiful, kind, and sweet. Now she is dead. Henry, the handsome son of the blacksmith, tries to console Valerie, but her wild heart beats fast for another: the outcast woodcutter, Peter, who offers Valerie another life far from home.

After her sister's violent death, Valerie's world begins to spiral out of control. For generations, the Wolf has been kept at bay with a monthly sacrifice. But now no one is safe. When an expert Wolf hunter arrives, the villagers learn that the creature lives among them-it could be anyone in town.

It soon becomes clear that Valerie is the only one who can hear the voice of the creature. The Wolf says she must surrender herself before the blood moon wanes...or everyone she loves will die.

Wdebo's Review: Red Riding Hood was an interestingly crafted twist on the classic fairy tale. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, there were so many twists and turns, many interesting characters that were sprinkled in there; however, I was not all that excited by the writing.

The story hooks the reader in, but while I was reading it, I felt, I am not really sure how to explain it, empty? No that sounds bad. Bored? Not really the right word either. Dry, meh? Hm, this adjective hunt is getting me no where. Well, I'll try to describe my feelings, I felt that I wanted to keep on reading, to continue delving into the setting, the story, the action of the whole novel; however, it felt numbing. Like I was reading through it out of obligation. But that didn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, I still loved reading through the story seeing how it progressed but I felt the writing was average and at times quite messy.

I was very disappointed in the ending, mainly because THERE WAS NO ENDING. They posting it on the website, but when I read a book, I like to finish it through the same media, so if I'm reading I would like to read the ending in book form also, thank you very much. It was just a very annoying marketing ploy, really wished they would have just added the ending on the end.

While reading I was iffy towards Valerie. She is a strong figure during at a few times, but others she becomes weak and relys on those around her and is unable to fend for herself. I actually didn't have any strong feelings or attractions towards any of the guy characters which is strange for me lol. But if I had to choose a favorite I would pick Peter, because he has that whole dark, strange thing going for him, and well, in books that is just pretty intensely awesome.

Cafe Cover Chat: I think the cover is pretty good. (B-)

All in all, an interesting take on the Little Red Riding Hood story. Though the plot was very inticing and exciting the writing was not at that level.

Grade: B-

Wdebo :)