Sisters Red
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris–the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She’s determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.
Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls’ bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett’s only friend–but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they’ve worked for?
Upon reading the description of a red cloak wearing, werewolf slaying, and weapons wielding sister duo, I absolutely had to read this book. In addition, one of the sisters wields a hatchet and wears an eye patch, and she’s totally hard core. On top of that, the book cover is one of my all time favorite book covers. In fact, I may have even bought the book because I liked the cover so much. Jackson Pearce delivers a clever retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, only this version has a lot more action and lot more red.
For Scarlett and Rosie March, monsters have been a reality since they were little girls. Ever since one murdered their grandma, they’ve been taking matters into their own hands to stop werewolves from killing more innocent people. On hunts, the sisters are occasionally accompanied by their childhood friend, Silas. Together the three are skilled fighters and are often the victors over their heart eating opponents. However, a life of slaying certainly takes it toll on the girls. Scarlett is missing an eye and is consumed by her desire to end the existence of werewolves. Rosie, on the other hand, tires of fighting and longs for a normal life. Despite their efforts, the werewolf numbers are rising and the March sisters must search for answers.
If your a fan of werewolves and horrified by the thought of someone slaying Jacob, don’t worry. Pearce’s werewolves are evil, evil monsters and are more ‘big bad wolf’ than shape shifting teenage heartthrobs. The werewolves are well crafted villains that you truly want to hate.
One of my favorite things about Sisters Red are Pearce’s Little Red Riding Hood references scattered through out the book. From the red cloak Scarlett wears, to living at their grandma’s house, to walking in the woods, the call backs to the original tale cleverly enhance the story. As side from the Red Riding Hood nods, it’s worth noting that Sisters Red is on it’s own is a very original concept and actually nothing like the fairy tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sisters Red and highly recommend it to all those who like dark fairy tales. My only complaint about the book is that I didn’t get enough and I wanted more. Pearce is a skilled story teller and I look forward to more books from her.
Warning to Young Readers: Parts of the book may be considered graphic and violent for younger children. If your children read Stephen King, then you can ignore this warning.