Friday, May 1, 2015

Review: Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

Title: Crimson Bound
Author: Rosamund Hodge
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Balzer + Bray (May 5, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.








Although this is set in a different world from Cruel Beauty, it is every bit as hauntingly beautiful and deliciously dark as its predecessor. 

Once again the pages are filled with wonderfully descriptive writing that transports you right into the very heart of the story and makes you feel as if you are a part of it. Breathing in the same air and seeing the same frightening yet beautiful woods. 

The slight red riding hood comparison along with the unique ability to create a world unlike any others, Hodges really did come up with something original while having just a hint of a taste of a childhood classic. 

Rashelle was an interesting character, one that both fascinated me and frustrated me. I didn't always agree with her choices, especially towards the end but that is what also made her feel more real instead of just a part of a fantasy world.

Engaging dialogue, almost lyrical prose, and a world you can't help but get sucked into this truly was another master piece.

Twists and turns, darkness and despair, love and friendship. This novel is sure to keep you on your toes and turning the pages. 




*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

36 comments:

  1. When you say a different world from Cruel beauty does it mean that you could read a standalone? or is this series set up like Melissa Meyer's fairy tale inspired series?

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  2. So happy this was good. I was nervous it wasn't going to live up to the first book.

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  3. I can't wait to read both the books in this series :) From your review they seem like just my kind of thing.

    <a href="http://cucie-reads.blogspot.no/> Cucie @ Cucie reads </a>.

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  4. I'm waiting to read this one audio and I can't wait now after seeing your review. It sounds absolutely fantastic and I like that it's still very dark.
    Great review! :)

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    1. Definitely a dark feel like her first book and novella.

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  5. Hauntingly beautiful is the best description for this book, no joke. It's so beautifully written that it gives a some sort of dark surreality to the atmosphere. Hodge is the only author I've seen do this so effectively!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. You are so right Faye! She is a master at it for sure.

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  6. I really enjoyed this one as well! Hodge once again gave me all the wonderful atmosphere and writing that I had hoped for. I loved the dark edge to the fairy tale vibe, and I agree her characters are not perfect in any way, which just makes them more compelling to me. Wonderful review and I'm so glad you enjoyed this one too!!

    Have a wonderful weekened, Ali :)

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  7. I love that this author's stories are stand alone. I have been hearing such good things about this book, I am so going to buy a copy soon!

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    1. This one is but her first one is a part of a series but either way, definitely read them!

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  8. Oh, I definitely loved all of the descriptions in this one as well! Hodge's writing is just incredibly engaging. So glad you ended up loving this too. <3

    Aimee @ Deadly Darlings

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  9. This is definitely a story after my own heart! I love her style, the literary edge, and the details she puts into creating her characters. I'll save this one for special occasions (e.g. when son + hubby are out somewhere together and I've got the whole place to myself, lol :) Beautiful review.

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    1. Thanks so much Ramona, this really is a great read simply because of the author's ability to create a setting. ;)

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  10. You liked this one a bit better than I did. I enjoyed the writing and the mythology but I struggled with Rachelle and the romance.

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    1. The romance did feel a bit off in this I agree Heidi.

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  11. Seriously loving that cover. I'm liking the little red riding hood connect. I always love those undertones. Glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. Thanks so much Anna! The spin on an oldie is always fun. :)

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  12. I loved her other book so I really want to read this one! I'm so glad to hear it was good!

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  13. Aaah everyone seems to be reviewing this one this week :) Rosamund sure knows how to write her books, all of the quotes in this novel were pretty much amazing. Lovely review <3 Benish| Feminist Reflections

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    1. Probably because it comes out next week LOL!

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  14. To be completely honest, I was a bit iffy on Cruel Beauty, but I'm still really interested in giving this one a try because LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD. ♥ I'm actually auditioning in a play (Into the Woods) for the role of Little Red Riding Hood in a few weeks, so this will definitely be an interesting pre-audition read. ;) Thanks for sharing Ali!

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  15. I liked this too, but not nearly as much as CB.

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  16. Do I need to read Cruel Beauty before this? Or is it a whole new series???

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  17. What am I waiting for?!?! Man, I REALLY need to read Cruel Beauty. I have it on audio and ebook, so honestly I have ZERO excuse for why I haven't read it yet. Glad you enjoyed this one! :)

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    1. Thanks Lisa, I hope you end up liking these as well.

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  18. I didn't know what this was about but I wanted to get it the moment I saw the cover. Glad to know it's a really great read. I haven't read Cruel Beauty though but at least this isn't a series. :D Great review!

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    1. It is definitely more than a pretty cover. ;)

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