Crimson Bound

Crimson Bound - Rosamund Hodge I have heard many times that this is a retelling of Red Riding Hood. I just didn't see it....at all. This story was unique to me in so many ways and I never once thought it was a retelling. Crimson Bound felt really dark to me. I'd compare the darkness of this story to something like [b:Shadow and Bone|10194157|Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1339533695s/10194157.jpg|15093325]. I'm not saying this book is like Shadow and Bone, just the darkness aspect of it. I thought the writing was exceptional because everything felt so realistic to me. I felt like I was right there with the characters experiencing this strange dark world. I will definitely read more from this author.

"The Forest was just like her dreams. The dark, tangled growth of trees, branches, and roots woven together. The cold air, pulsing with half-hearted laughter, that tasted of blood and smoke. The glint of a bonfire in the distance."


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How it Starts
The story starts out with our MC Rachelle wandering out into the Forest. The Forest is a dangerous place because there's all kinds of evil lurking about. She sees a man standing near her and immediately knows that he is a forestborn (I won't explain this because I don't want to give too much away). Rachelle is curious about him and begins asking questions. Then......

A forestborn marked her and left her with a choice: die in three days, or kill somebody and live as a bloodbound, heir to the power of the Forest.


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I pictured the man in the forest as the guy from Assassin's Creed.


The MC in this book is what I'd classify as a "strong heroine". I think that's why I enjoyed Crimson Bound so much. I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book. This dark fantasy (well I'd probably call it "fantasy lite") was full of mystery and I liked that a lot as well. The book had a slow buildup, but it was amazing once everything unfolded. There were a few slow parts but I never found myself bored.

If you're a fan of this genre then I'd recommend giving this book a try. There was a little romance (no insta-love), but it was never overwhelming. Also, the MC was one of those "self loathing" characters, but it really worked in this case.