28. tra 2015.

(ARC Review) Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

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Author's:
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Expected publication date: May 5th 2015, Balzer + Bray

My rating: 3 stars

Book summary:

"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.

(This is a standalone novel, not part of the Cruel Beauty Universe.)"

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21570318-crimson-bound


      Rosamund Hodge and her debut novel, Cruel Beauty, was one of the best gems of 2014 - at least for me. Gothic and dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast, main female character who is almost anti-heroine and a bad guy with a closet full of skeletons. And, of course, pretty cover. I was looking forward to reading her second novel, Crimson Bound. 

     But something went wrong. First of all, if my memory serves me right, originally this was supposed to be story set into the same fictional world as Cruel Beauty. Or I just overlooked that note in the book description stating that Crimson Bound is not part of the same fictional world. I got into the book expecting similar setting and then - puff, I was all how?, who?, where?... Devaurer, what? I can only blame myself for this. I wish that I can say that it was the only thing that bothered me. Sadly, there was more. 

      Rachelle. I am not the fan of main female character. She should be strong and kick ass, and she is sometimes, but most of the times she was insecure and naive. 

      Love triangle. Actually I wasn't the fan of romance in general when it comes to this book. They go quickly from "I do not trust you" phase to "I love you and let's be together". There was this one part that completely surprised me - in a good way, because you won't see that kind of twist very often in young adult novels. I just wish that author didn't rushed it so much. 

      Mythology. So confusing, but original. I had to read some explanations again to understand what is going on - it's not outright description or even completely clear. You got a lot of vague clues and hints about paranormal side, but in the end, everything comes to the right place. Rosamund Hodge did a great job with describing Forest considering that it is more like metaphysical than actual place.   

      Final judgement? Crimson Bound  would be a perfect choice for fans of fantasy novels who crave for a little bit different story and everyone who prefer more mature young adult genre.



 Happy reading,
 
*ARC was provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.*
 If you found this review helpful, please, consider liking it on Godreads.


Broj komentara: 13:

  1. I did like this but not nearly as much as her debut or even the novella that came after. I do hope she writes more in the world of Cruel Beauty soon!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  2. Too bad this one was not as good as her first book. I do want to give this author a try soon though!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  3. Oh no, sorry to hear this wasn't up to standard of first for you

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  4. I think I liked it a bit more than you, I didn't expect to have the same world but some things made me think of the plot of Cruel Beauty I confess.

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  5. I'm sorry that you didn't end up enjoying this one as much as you'd hoped Glass, it's always disappointing when that happens, but thank you for the honest review! :)

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  6. Sorry this one wasn't as good as Cruel Beauty for you! My co-blogger really liked it, and I had no idea it wasn't set in the same world. I'm curious to read it!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  7. I'm so disappointed this doesn't seem to work out for most people whose reviews I've read. I loved Cruel Beauty so I'm really looking forward to Crimson Bound. The love triangle and crappy romance disappointed me enough already so I'll just have to force my grand expectations to go away.
    Lovely review. :)

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  8. I was disappointed in this one as well. I found it boring, I didn't like Rochelle because she didn't even like herself. Hated the romance, I felt like you that it was insta love. The writing was lovely and I enjoyed the mythology but otherwise it was a miss for me as well.

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  9. Awwww, Glass :( I am sorry this read didn't work out for you!!!! I am actually picking this one up tonight and since I loved book 1, I am still hopefully I will enjoy this one but I will be vary going in and watch out for that love triangle.

    Wonderful review, hon!! :)

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  10. I really like that Rachelle is both strong and kickass but also insecure and naive. Aren't we all? Isn't that what makes her a more realistic and relate-able character? I really loved this one, mythology and love triangle included, so I'm sorry to see it didn't work for you. Hopefully her next novel does, Glass!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  11. Aw, it's too bad this was a bit disappointing - Cruel Beauty was a great read and I loved what the author did with the fairy tale. This one seemed interesting too, but a rushed romance, and a hard to understand world would also make me unhappy. I'm not going to rush to read this then, but if she's doing another fairy tale retelling, I hope it will be better!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  12. I am looking forward to checking this one out from the library.

    Terri M., the Director
    Second Run Reviews

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  13. Ah, the confusion in love does get frustrating! And too bad the main character didn't get a fan out of you. Nonetheless, nice review!

    Sarika @ The Readdicts

    OdgovoriIzbriši

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