An exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption inspired by the classic fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood," from the author of Cruel Beauty. When Rachelle was fifteen she was good-apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village. But she was also reckless-straying from the forest path in pursuit of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat. Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in a vain effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand-the man she hates most-Rachelle forces Armand to help her hunt for the legendary sword that might save their world. Together, they navigate the opulent world of the courtly elite, where beauty and power reign and no one can be trusted. And as they become unexpected allies, they discover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. Within a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

About the Author
Rosamund Hodge grew up as a homeschooler in Los Angeles, where she spent her time reading everything she could get her hands on, but especially fantasy and mythology. She received a BA in English from the University of Dallas and an MSt in medieval English from Oxford. She now lives in Seattle, Washington, with seven toy cats and a plush Cthulhu. She is also the author of Cruel Beauty; Gilded Ashes, a Cruel Beauty novella; and Crimson Bound. Visit her online at www.rosamundhodge.net.

Reviews
"This novel will captivate readers. Outstanding." -- School Library Journal (starred review) "An intoxicatingly dark story of love, lust, murder, and redemption." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review) "The unusual, intricately woven story and themes make for a worthwhile read." -- Kirkus Reviews "Plot twists and romance keep the pages turning in this grim and intricate take on the classic tale." -- Booklist Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "A completely engrossing tale." -- Alex Flinn, New York Times bestselling author of Beastly and Towering Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "A dazzling and clever retelling, Cruel Beauty is delightfully dark, lushly romantic, and utterly spellbinding. I adored it, and can't wait to read Hodge's next novel!" -- Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "What a stunning debut. This is a book you will want to read as fast as you can for the intricate plot and as slowly as you can to savor the gorgeous world-building and the ravishing love story."- -- Sherry Thomas, author of The Burning Sky Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "An intricate and arresting tale." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "The push and pull romance between Nyx and Ignifex is pure fairy tale, but the characters themselves are complex and genuinely human as they struggle with their own culpability in a situation that forces them to choose between selfishness and selflessness." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "An entertaining read for teens who enjoy romantic fantasy." -- School Library Journal Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "Hodge has created a rich, complete world in this twist on 'Beauty and the Beast.'" -- Publishers Weekly Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "Will have readers clutching the book and flying through the pages." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) Praise for CRUEL BEAUTY: "[A] fast-paced romantic fantasy." -- Booklist



Book Information
ISBN 9780062224774
Author Rosamund Hodge
Format Paperback
Page Count 464
Imprint Balzer and Bray
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Weight(grams) 354g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 135mm * 27mm