Author: Rosamund Hodge
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: May 5th 2015
Goodreads 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.
REVIEW
I was more excited about Crimson Bound than for Cruel Beauty, but I enjoyed the latest more, unfortunately.
For me, Crimson Bound was a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I was disappointed because it was only inspired, so I didn't really see the point to relate this book to this fairy tale. This book is more about how she tries to fight back. Of course, the Devourer can be seen as the wolf, which would make more sense, but still… However, I liked the world at first. It was well done to focus this story about the Great Forest, because it reminded us of the original fairy tale. The idea of the bloodbound then the forestborn was also really interesting.
But, here comes the main problem of this book: it was alternate history, but so confusing I wanted to scream. I know I'm a little harsh on American/English authors that set their books in France, but I want to be honest. In my opinion, a lot of people see my country through clichés (still, I liked that it took place in Rocamadour and not Paris). Here, I didn't know when the book was happening. Then, we learn that the actual king is Auguste-Philippe (btw, if you want to be true to French history, say Philippe Auguste, you were already right about last names, doing d'Anjou instead of of Anjou, go on Rosamund Hodge please!), who reigned from 1180 to 1223. I know, of course, that every reader can't know that, but the author should. So, if you think about it, this book takes place in the Middle Ages. But, in the acknowledgments, Hodge explains that she read books about Versailles for the castles, and when was Versailles built? In the 17th century, under the rule of Louis XIV. So, Rosamund Hodge is illogical herself, and my grade for this book dropped because of that. Another thing that disturbs me: Rachel and Eric are french first names, not Rachelle and Erec. For main characters, it showed lack of research. I'm not saying the author didn't do her job, but it seems pretty shallow.
As a main character, I enjoyed Rachelle, but Erec and Armand were so annoying. They lacked of charisma and made me want to roll my eyes all the time.
"Well, then I should probably be leaving as well," said Erec. "Because I'm Erec d'Anjou, captain of the King's bloodbound, and you would not believe the blood on my hands."
This character had been introduced a few pages before, but I couldn't stand him anymore, do you see the problem? I just wanted him to shut up and die. Anyway, this leads to the awful love triangle Rosamund Hodge puts us through. I didn't care or stand for any of this guys, it was a little insta-love with Armand, so no thanks…
Rating: 2/5
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