Sisters Red

Author:Jackson Pearce
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (June 7th 2010)

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?

Kari's thoughts:

Sisters Red is a unique take on the Little Red Riding Hood story. I gave it 3 stars because while I liked it, I didn't love it. I liked how the story was told by alternating between the sisters. It really allowed the reader to get to know both of their personalities better. I thought Scarlet was annoying and overly dramatic. I understood her need for revenge, but she seriously needed to lighten up a little. I can't imagine anyone that driven would survive for too long as a hunter. Even Buffy had fun once in a while! I liked Rosie and was hoping she would realize that she had paid her debt to Scarlett a thousand times over. I wanted her to find a life other than hunting.

The twist was very predictable and I figured it out early on in the book. I think most will as well. I had a little issue with the age difference between Rosie and Silas. I thought 16 was too young for a 21YO and had a hard time getting past that. I also think it is a bit violent for under 16, so parents might want to keep that in mind when choosing this for YA readers.

Autumn's thoughts:

We both listened to the audiobook.  While I liked it, I thought the reader read WAY TOO SLOW.  That aside, I liked the story.  One of the things I liked best about it was the legend behind the Fenris.  Not just anyone could become one and I liked the packs.  The idea of "the potential" was an interesting take and I thought it was a fresh direction in the werewolf story.

I also liked the alternating view points.  I much preferred Rosie's point of view.  I thought Scarlett was too overbearing.  She was too demanding of Rosie.  I agree that Rosie had well paid her debt to Scarlett and Scarlett was keeping her enslaved almost.  I didn't have an issue with the age difference between Rosie and Silas, mainly because Rosie didn't have any other options.  The only other men/boys she meets are Fenris.

This book did seem to have a more mature feel to it.  There weren't a lot of bad words or sex to make it R rated, but it was violent.  It might not be appropriate for the more sensitive YA reader.