Interesting and boring

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It entertained me but I needed it to get to the point BAD

What about Elizabeth Knowelden’s performance did you like?

I could listen to her read the phonebook

Did Crimson Bound inspire you to do anything?

Press fast-forward?

Any additional comments?

This was a good idea, good story but this author needs to just get to the point. Man she can drag a story out like no other. Coupled with the worlds slowest reader and best annunciator I was itching to just get it done.

4 people found this helpful

Better than a LRRH Retelling

I hesitated to read this because I really loved CRUEL BEAUTY and I'm one of those crazy people who always worries that the next one won't be as good. I shouldn't have worried. This book was pretty much flawless. Amazing characters, amazing world building, and such gorgeous prose. I couldn't put it down.

I should mention that calling this a Little Red Riding Hood retelling is a bit of a stretch. But that was totally fine with me because the story she was telling was way better.

4 people found this helpful

Repetitive, yet still engaging

Rosamund Hodge is a pretty good story teller, her worlds are interesting, dark, and stimulating, but her characters all seem a bit too similar, whether in thought, deed, or dialogue. The worst part of her stories is the constant reminders she gives her readers of what is at stake, what the heroine is fighting for, what she must do, why she must do it and how. Several times during the story I felt like shouting, "Alright, yes, we get it! You've already made it abundantly clear she hates herself and feels guilty and that she must find a way to kill the devourer, you can give us something else now."

Aside from the annoying repetition, her stories ARE gripping and you really do want to see how it all turns out. I would read/listen to another of Rosamund Hodges stories in a heartbeat, but I do hope that in the next one she can find a way to clue the reader in without smacking them in the face with it every few paragraphs.

3 people found this helpful

Bad combination of writing style and narration

Well, This was definitely better than Cruel Beauty, the concept is interesting enough for me to follow through the journey into the Dark forest and Rachelle's quest to find the sword to kill the Devourer, but I had a problem with the writing style just like Cruel Beauty, I don't know what is it about this kind of writing style that gets me so thrown off the story and often I find myself forgetting where I'm at in the story .. also the romance is so sudden and not satisfactory at all
so we have this girl Rachelle who is by fate turned into a vampire-like creature called ( Blood-Bound ) and she hates herself for it, three years later she is assigned to guard this prince Armand who she hates so much but she is forced to protect him from any danger or she might put herself in danger, then enters the love triangle which I don't find make sense with her friend.. ? Erec, he loves her so much that he wants to posses her, so we will follow along with Rachelle as she and Armand journey through the Dark forest to find a sword and kill a demon being who is threatening to end the world as we know it

The Narration was another story, I was sleepy most of the time and the narration was so stiff that sometimes I don't know who is talking since they all sound the same

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic lore

I really enjoyed the lore of this book a lot. It was fantastically original, with a slight tease of the "Little Red Riding Hood" vibe in as well, which was exciting believe it or not (even though it was very small). But the thrill of the lore never died down like some books do. Rosamund Hodge's book are great. I read Cruel Beauty by Hodge and I was highly satisfied. Also, I'm a picky Audible listener. I decide based on the narrator reading the novel whether or not I'm going to Listen or just read the book instead. But Elizabeth Knowelden was surperb and more than enough for this one. Perfect actually. Overall, I think both the author and the narrator did a wonderful job at creating and maintaining a truly unique and grim tale for book lovers.

1 person found this helpful

Great retelling of a Classic

I loved the broken and imperfect heroes. A story that hints at something familiar, but is also totally new. I think it's a really incentive story with great characters, pacing, and development. I enjoyed it all the way through. Couldn't stop listening!

1 person found this helpful

A well written fantasy and fairy tale for adults

What did you love best about Crimson Bound?

Wow, the story had many layers, a story within a story. Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, it had a dark element to it but also written with wit and humor. I love the dialogues between Rachelle/ Erec and Rachelle/ Armand. .The story and characters really pulled me in. Worth using my 1 credit.

What does Elizabeth Knowelden bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Elizabeth did a superb job narrating the book, she is now one of my favorite narrators. I love her english accent.The tone and accent she gave to each character was perfect. She really brought the book to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I could listen to this book in one sitting. It was non stop action and intrigue. The writing was beautiful and original.

Any additional comments?

This is a book that older teen and adult will enjoy. It had all the elements in a book I like in fantasy book: well written, good storyline and plot, strong heroine (Rachelle is deadly with a sword), memorable characters and a little romance. This is definitely one of the best written YA fantasy books I've read/listened to so far. Rachelle reminds me of Katsa in Graceling.

1 person found this helpful

Entertaining

Good story, well written, good pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The world created was beautifully intricate and creative. The love relationship between the main character and the prince could have built more. It seemed too sudden. Overall would recommend.

Everything I wanted from a dark fairytale

Overall, this had everything I was looking for. Bits and pieces of LRRH, altered fantasy-French world building, a sprinkle of political pressure, bloody fight scenes, magic swords, moral hangups, love triangles, and twists! I especially love a book when I can't predict whats coming.

The only thing I didn't like was Rachelle, She beats a moral dead horse almost every time she opens her mouth and her self hatred only made me hate her even more. I didn't hate her enough to ruin the story. The plot is good, I just wish the main character had been more likable. I suppose its made up for with Erec and Armand being very likable in her place.

The best part is Knowelden's voice. She has such a silky voice and portrays the characters well. I don't think I would've picked this book out if it hadn't been her narrating.

Beautiful narrator's voice but plot...

Loved the narrator's voice, but plot was difficult to follow. Slow moving story. A few good supports, but I should have saved the credit.