**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net** 
4.5/5

Crimson Bound is a standalone young adult fantasy. I am hesitant to call it a re-telling or even a re-imagining of Little Red Riding hood (or the Girl with No Hands, which I have not read) because it is so utterly unique and different from anything I have read, that it almost isn't fair to Crimson Bound to be making those comparisons. I have not had the chance to read Cruel Beauty yet, but the book is basically at the very tippity top of my wishlist! I want it so bad, and I have to admit that I want it even worse after reading Crimson Bound.

It is hard for me to put into words the way that Crimson Bound made me feel, and exactly why I loved it so much. But I do know this...it was the writing. Rosamund Hodge is an incredible story teller. Her writing feels rich and thick. Her words wrap you up so completely until you are a part of the world she is creating. And oh, what a world! I bow down to her world building abilities. I loved the way she initially wove in the basics of the world and their myths through young Rachelle's lessons. After the first two chapters it took a couple more chapters for me to gain my bearings because the events jump ahead a bit in the beginning. But once you get your fantasy legs on, it is like a very creapy and wonderfully detailed playground for your imagination. I loved reading about the palaces and the Great Forest. I was all at once fascinated and terrified of it, alongside of Rachelle.

And speaking of Rachelle, I really liked her. Even when I was shaking my head at her, I still really really liked her. There is something compelling about her. She is complicated and her view of herself endeared her to me. She wasn't easy on herself. But the great characters didn't stop at Rachelle, the whole cast were excellently portrayed. I love that this book was set in French history. The salon's and salon ladies were a great addition, that I wouldn't have thought of with this book.

I am kind of in love with this book, and I know I am head over heels in love with Rosamund Hodge's writing. I need her to write more books because she transported me to another world that I could have sworn I could see, smell and touch while I was reading Crimson Bound. And if the beyond brilliant writing, and characters aren't enough, the plot of Crimson Bound will have you guessing up until the very end. I really enjoyed this book. You need to experience its' magic for yourself.

 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs