Little Red Shadow (The Talented #2), S.C. Grayson

 

Little Red Shadow (The Talented #2)

By: S.C. Grayson

Recommendation: 👍👍👍👍 - (Out of 5 👍)

I absolutely love a fairytale retelling. If the story is about Little Red Riding Hood, Belle and her Beast, Snow White and the Dwarfs, I am all in. So, when I saw this gorgeous cover and read the incredibly intriguing blurb about Scarlett and a gang called the Wolves, of course I was all in. 

S.C. Grayson has hit the ball out of the park with this retelling. 'Little Red Shadow' has surprising twists and turns I didn't see coming, keeping me engaged and intrigued through out and up until the very end. Grayson has written an amazingly unique story that easily stands alone without the Red Riding Hood aspect. A retelling hits the next level if it contains Easter eggs from the original story and so we get a red cloak, some mean and violent wolves, Grannie, and of course 'Red' herself. 

This is the second installment in 'The Talented' series but this story can easily be read as a stand alone. Characters from the first story appear in the book but S.C. Grayson does a marvelous job of filling in the back story so that the reader doesn't feel they have missed something. The little tidbits about the first book have most certainly made me want to go back and read 'Beauty and the Blade'.

Scarlett is a former member of high society. Due to her unique Talent, she has been forced to hide amongst the gangs and criminals in the lower end of London. Even though she has had to do unmentionable things to survive, Scarlett has not lost her ability to empathize with others. Her caring nature has often times left her in a predicament she cannot easily escape. When she meets Lord Benedict Pearce she finds she is once again going out on a limb to save the ones that mean the most to her.

This is my first time reading a story by S.C. Grayson. I am in awe of the in-depth detail that went into this book, I could actually envision the smoke and smoot generated by the factories while I read. I look forward to future works from this author and highly recommend adding 'Little Red Shadow' to your to be read list.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Available for purchase October 3rd, 2023:

Amazon

Marked in Flames (Aspen Pack #5), Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Marked in Flames (Aspen Pack #5)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 👍👍👍👍 - (Out of 5 👍)

It was announced by Carrie Ann Ryan that she was bringing this series to a close. I took my time reading, absorbing, and enjoying every wonderful morsel of the story that brings a well deserved closure for some of my all time favorite characters. Ryan has written an emotionally heartfelt and beautiful ending to the Aspen Pack storyline. I have been with many of these characters from the beginning, as far back as the start of the Redwood Pack, and they all become beloved friends and family members. Even though Ryan has said this is the end she alludes to the possibility of a brand new beginning, someday, for the secondary characters with loose ends.

The Aspen Pack has a storied history that dates back to their former Alpha. Many who survived his leadership did not come out unscathed and carry physical as well as emotional scars. Pack enforcer Steele has lived through the torture and death of many of his friends and family. Because of this, he refuses to bond and claim his mate. His enforcer ties to this pack mates creates numerous complications that could bring death to a mate should something go wrong. It is too heave a burden to bear.

Jade is a very powerful fire witch. She carries with her her own secrets and a past that is just as painful as Steele's. Like Steele, she has no desire to bond with her mate but when unforeseeable circumstances arise, she is forced to solidify their connection and reveal her secret to save his life and the life of their pack members.

This story is the epic conclusion to the battle that has been building between the shifter, human, coven alliance and their evil demon, vampire, hybrid foes. We finally learn who the traitor is that has been working with Malphas. We find out what happens with the traitor Lily. The ending of this story was a roller coaster ride of filled with so many emotions. I am pleased to know the four packs may finally find the much needed peace and rest they all have earned.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Available for purchase September 25th, 2023:

Amazon