Review – A Cage of Crimson

Title:

A Cage of Crimson

Series:

Deliciously Dark Fairytales – Red Riding Hood #1

Author:

K.F. Breene

Genre:

Romantasy

Blurb:

Of all the people in the world, why her?

It was supposed to be find the drug maker. Find her, and drag her back to the dragons to deal with. She deserves death for what she’s done.

For someone like Weston, the best alpha in the world, the one who shuts people up just by walking in the room, it would’ve been.

Until he learns what she is…

Finding a fated mate is nearly impossible. Very few are able to do it. But the call of their bond is unmistakable. Against all odds, and in the worst situation imaginable, he’s found his true mate. Her.

Worse? If there could be anything worse than a true mate that has brought the world to its knees – she doesn’t seem to realize what she is. Her animal is suppressed. Locked away, leaving her nearly without magic. She doesn’t know what the feeling is, and she doesn’t care. She claims innocence. She thinks he’s the villain in this story, and she aims to kill him before he destroys her.

It doesn’t change his duty. He must bring her in, nature be damned. Regardless of how much it hurts, he’ll resist the sweet taste of her lips and the heaven between her thighs. She must pay for what she’s done.

He just hopes he doesn’t die inside for the part he’s forced to play in the destruction of his true mate.

Review

4stars rating

This one… I really enjoyed it, especially the journey and growth Aurelia went through… but then the last page happened, and I was questioning everything. That can’t be right, right?!
Why do you do this to me?!

We have Aurelia, a naive woman who’s been used and abused (mentally and physically, not sexually) throughout her whole life. People think she has no magic, making her a pariah among them. The only one who cares about her, except her mother, who died, is Granny. Aurelia loves what she does for Granny, creating product to help others. She cares about others (even if they loath her), placing their needs above her own.
You cannot do anything else but feel for her and encourage her throughout the book. She is so strong (inner strength); she just hasn’t had anyone truly in her corner. She deserves all the happiness.
What she got was Weston. He is a complicated character, and I love and hate him simultaneously. He does some questionable things, but on the other hand, he seems to really care for his true mate, Aurelia. I’ve not read the previous books, so I don’t know the journey he has gone through to get to this point (other than the things mentioned in this installment), but I know it has been brutal.
Their chemistry is explosive (so hot!), and I can’t wait to read how they continue their journey in the second part of the duet.

Oh, and we cannot forget about Hadriel. I absolutely love him! Again, I haven’t read the previous books, but I will! I want to know all about him. He’s funny and caring but so, so broken. I hope he finds his happiness as well.

All the characters are superbly written. They all have sufficient depth and feel very alive (unfortunately for some, looking at you, Alexander). You get to know them alongside Aurelia. Great writing!

The world-building is good. Even if you haven’t read the other books, you can still understand what’s happening. Aurelia is pretty new to the world outside her village, so we learn as she does.

The pacing is good, with a few slower parts. Overall, it’s a smooth read.

All in all, I loved the book, but that last page… why? I’m so happy I can dive straight into book 2, as I need to know what happens!
Recommended!