Don't get me wrong, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, but it didn't bother me all that much because it still wrapped up the story in a satisfactory manner. It was an average ending for an average book. I was going to give it 2.5 stars, which is a bit generous considering the very slow pacing and shallow characters. I would have been perfectly fine with the book ending the way it did. I probably would've brought my copy with me to the used book store the next time I made the trip, but the ending didn't bother me. And I also made the mistake of assuming the page after the end of the story was just a ploy to get me to visit the book's website. It says something along the lines of "Is this really the end of Valerie's story?" and then gives a link to the book's website: http://redridinghoodbook.com/. I've read other books with links to their websites at the end, so I thought nothing of it.
That was last weekend. Tonight, I logged on with the intention to write my review. I was on the book's Amazon page to get a copy of the back cover when I decided to browse the reviews. This is where I learn that I have in fact NOT finished reading this novel. The final chapter will be posted when the movie hits theaters, in roughly 40 days and three hours. I understand that they don't want the end of the movie ruined. But if it was that big of a deal, maybe the book should not have been released until after the movie released.
Then there's the fact that I probably wasn't going to see the movie anyway. I don't go to the movies a lot, and I often don't have the attention span to sit down for two hours and watch anything. So reading the final chapter now wouldn't ruin anything for me. Instead, I'm stuck waiting over a month to finish reading this novel.
But the part that bothers me the most is that I own an incomplete copy of a book, and yet I paid full price. This novel wasn't any cheaper than other Young Adult paperbacks. I shelled out ten dollars and change, and I don't even have a complete book to show for it. If I want to re-read this novel in the future, I would have to find the last chapter on the website again. There's no way to attach the last chapter to the book once it's released. It won't magically be ten or fifteen pages longer when I wake up forty days from now.
I will read the final chapter when it is finally posted. Had I never found out about this crazy scheme, I wouldn't have a problem. But now that I know, I have to finish it. So, if you still want to read this novel, I'd suggest waiting about a month or so, that way you won't have to wait forever for the ending.
Title: Red Riding HoodAuthor: Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 01/25/11
Summary:
The body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace.
When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her?
As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart?
Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.
UGG, I had no idea about this. I just bought the book the other day-now I am not even sure if I want to read it, especially if it is not that good to begin with. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI.. am speechless. That is so annoying! Whatever the intention was, they really shouldn't have kept out the final chapter WITHOUT informing the buyers that they're buying an incomplete book! The movie doesn't look that promising either. >_<
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this.
I had the same issue too! I read it because I was curious about the movie and thought the storyline sounded good, even though I read a similar book years ago.
ReplyDeleteBut the fact that the book doesn't include the last chapter until the movie releases is a big joke!! I wouldn't have read it so soon either had I known that!
good points. i think i'll wait for a complete edition. i wouldn't mind this version if it was a review copy though. it would be kinda like a long teaser.
ReplyDeletemost likely the movie provides the razzle dazzle to the storyline with visuals and sound effects.
ReplyDeleteWow. That is BS. I'd be so angry, I'd probably demand my money back.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I've never even heard of something like this.
wow - pretty lame of the publisher. I wonder if they're then going release a full version AFTER the movie comes out?
ReplyDeleteKind of make me not want to see the movie, or read books by the author...although I wonder if she had any say in this.
It seems to be getting worse, the way all business are always seeming to try to find ways to get the absolute most out of the consumers while giving less.
can i just say how stupid it is that the last chapter comes out 3 full days after the movie? it makes no sense. they shouldve released it the day of the movie. or at least the day after. its complete b.s.
ReplyDeleteI can't even conceive of the reasons for publishing a book sans ending -- unless the author started the book, optioned it, and was contracted to let the movie open first? It's mind boggling! Thanks for this review -- I would definitely have been very betrayed had I gotten this book!
ReplyDeleteI just bought this book yesterday (and finished it) and I am absolutely stunned that there is no "The End". WTH?! Give me my ending!
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