*2020 Realm Makers Finalist – Paranormal
Little Red Riding Hood isn’t little anymore …
And she’s never backing down again.
My name is Helena Basque. When I was seven years old, I was attacked by a savage wolf that killed my Grand’Mere and left me with triple scars across my face. It also left me with endless nightmares of the wolf that stood upright and spoke to me.
I’m sixteen now, and I know it was no wolf. Nor was it alone. A pack of those creatures now threaten my family and everyone else here in La Rue Sauvage. Since no one will stand up to defend our province, I will hunt down the wolves myself. To stop them, I must do things I never planned to do, and become something I never planned to become.
For several years, I’ve trained myself to hunt and to fight and to show no fear. I have donned a red hood and cloak like the one I was forbidden to wear in childhood, to show them that at least one person is fighting back. I’ve armed myself with a repeating crossbow and other assorted weapons, and I refuse to stop or slow down until I destroy every last one of those wolves … whatever they actually are.
Come along for the ride.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
(from previous editions)
“Get ready to see the classic tale reimagined as you’ve never seen it before. … transforming a children’s fairy tale into a supernatural action thriller with a Zorro-style vigilante.”
A.K. Preston, author of The Gevaudan Project
“A thrilling paranormal Red Riding Hood. … a well-written retelling with a twist and a much stronger Red. … would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal thrillers or re-imagined fairy tales.”
C.S. Wachter, author of The Sorcerer’s Bane
“Action filled novel. Journey of a teenage girl. A story of love, courage, friendship and more. The author has got it all in this book.”
Jay Deb, author of The Assassin
“I got sucked in from the beginning. … I was up all night reading, imagining and feeling for this poor girl … heartbreak and twists and adventure all rolled into one. … This is a book to let a young woman read to teach about inner strength and what one young girl can do against so many odds. That one action can accomplish so much. This book gets my absolute seal of approval. I could even picture this story on the big screen!
Angi Burns ~Rabid Readers Book Blog
“[Randall]’s unauthorized sequel to Little Red Riding Hood blends great characters with a compelling storyline and places it in the middle of a legendary premise.”
Josh Olds, Life is Story
“There are stories with great writing styles. Those that have amazing plots. Those that sustain your attention with every word. Ones that exceed your expectations of great lines, with a satisfying ending. Mr. [Randall] accomplished all of these aspects. I can only hope that the right person will come across The Red Rider and turn it into a movie that is sure to be a box-office hit.”
Kym McNabney, Story Contributor, Childhood Regained: Stories of Hope for Asian Child Workers by Jodie Renner and Steve Hooley
“Full of thrilling discoveries and heart-pounding adventure! Helena “Red” is as complex, driven, and bold as Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games). You will be cheering for her from the start!”
“This book was fantastic!!!!!!! Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. A fantastic twist on the original Red Riding Hood. Helena is my hero.”
“This Red Riding Hood has far more in common with Van Helsing than the children’s fairy tale and the heroine’s aim puts Katniss to shame. Although taking place in 18th century France, this reminded me a bit of Buffy as well. This story is action-filled and fast-paced with interesting character interaction.”
“Best reworking of Red Riding Hood ever! Should be required reading for girls everywhere! … Helena is a superhero, mistake-making, scared, and fighting on through. We need more female heroes like Helena.”
