Scarlet and the Dark Woods

About the Book:

Scarlett and the Dark Woods: A Dystopian Red Riding Hood Retelling by [Mary  Mecham]

Title: Scarlett and the Dark Woods
Series: Autumn Fairy Tale #4
Author: Mary Mecham
Release Date: September 15th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She is one of the protected elect. He is a shunned shapeshifter. Can Scarlett rescue her grandmother before her own heart is stolen?

When her grandmother is cast out as unworthy after facing Hamelin’s annual Shunning, Scarlett knows she must brave the dangers of Darkwood Forest if she’s to have any chance of saving her. Her perilous adventure becomes a race against time; she needs to find Gran before the previously shunned get to her first.

Scarlett’s efforts come too late. As her magic dwindles the farther into the forest she ventures, she becomes hopelessly lost and is forced to accept help from Greyson, the shapeshifting wolf who is stalking her every footstep—and who Scarlett suspects of knowing Gran’s location.

If she manages to save her grandmother, Scarlett will be faced with an impossible choice: join Gran and live her life as an outcast or return to the rest of the elect, safe but alone. As she struggles to find the right path forward, Scarlett realizes that more than her grandmother’s future is at stake. Her heart is too.

Can Scarlett resist her inexplicable attraction to the shunned wolf she despises long enough to protect the woman who raised her?

Book Review:

What a cute story! I was so excited to read this! I had just recently read my first of Ms. Mecham’s books and also love the theme of this series. When her grandmother is cast out at Hamelin’s annual Shunning, Scarlett has to brave the Darkwood Forest and its dangers to save her. She has to find Gran before all the previous shunned get to her. But Scarlett is too late, as her magic dwindles, she becomes lost. She is forced to accept help from Greyson, the shape shifting wolf, who she believes knows Gran’s location. But if she does save her grandmother, will she join Gran and live as an outcast or return to the elect, safe but alone. There is more than just the future at stake, her heart is too.

This was such a fun twist on the story! I loved the magic. It was so inventive! Scarlett was quite spunky! I loved how much she cared for her grandmother and her determination to save her no matter what the dangers. She definitely had a lot to learn and to consider what she really wanted for her future. Her gran was quite vibrant! Greyson was also a lot of fun. I loved how he teased Scarlett. 

There were a lot of twists in the story! It did feel like the clues were there which was nice to read. I also enjoyed the cozy fall vibes! The story was easy to get into and the romance was also sweet! This is a cozy dystopian fantasy with only kissing! It is a stand-alone novella.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required

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