Rachel L. Demeter's Red Kingdom Review!

Red Kingdom

By: Rachel L. Demeter

Release Date: April 10, 2024

Publisher: Rachel L. Demeter

Author Website: https://www.racheldemeter.com/

5 Star

Inspired by the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood Rachel L. Demeter creates a story uniquely her own even while paying tribute to a beloved story.

Swept back in time to a fictional medieval land, Norland, Ms. Demeter gives her audience a vivid and riveting reading experience. This writer merged pertinent historical facts with her fictional land seamlessly. Starting off with the siege of the royal family of Norland's castle by the infamous Black Wolf, this story was fast paced and impossible to put down. The battle segments depicted in this work felt authentic, as if this author transported her readers to an actual medieval battle scene. Ms. Demeter's fight segments were exceedingly well written from the build up to battle, to the actual battle, to the terror and brutality of the aftermath of a siege.

Sir Rowan Dietrich, The Black Wolf, was complex in his role as a conqueror. At face value he could appear a villain but with careful revelations it became apparent he was the hero that not only the people of Norland needed but that Princess Blanchette also needed. As the only surviving member of the Royal Family of Norland Princess Blanchette carried the weight of her legacy as well the sorrow of her family's loss. Left with nothing but a signet ring and a red cape her grandmother made, Blanchette proved that she could rise from the ashes of tragedy and was more than capable of holding Sir Rowan accountable.

As a couple Sir Rowan and Princess Blanchette were well matched. They each had many layers to uncover and their slow burn basic attraction kept them in each other's sphere. The incremental exposure of this pair's compatibility from their kindness, self-sacrifice and integrity was skillfully done by Ms. Demeter. The respect, trust and love that developed between Sir Rowan and Blanchette felt true and honest to this story.

Ms. Demeter does exceptionally well in expressing her character's emotions. As a writer she easily captivates her audience with her beautiful imagination as well as her perceptive writing. Rachel L. Demeter's Red Kingdom is a story that might just be the hidden treasure of this year!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*