This is a surprisingly short, but intense novel. At just over 200 pages, when the average young adult novel seems closer to 300, I had expected to feel as if part of the story would be left untold or development would be abrupt. However I believe Devlin crafted an engrossing, emotional story that while it has the trappings of the paranormal attached to it the book itself is about something very real and very ordinary--grief. Acceptance of it, coping with it, and learning when to share the grief with others.

This is also an adaptation of "Little Red Riding Hood"; our narrator is 'Avery Hood' who is found in a pool of blood who then lives with her grandmother on the edge of the woods where wolves prowl. There are more clues throughout the book, but many of them would give away the ending and the twist on what is happening.

Avery lived a somewhat abnormal life; she lived in the middle of the woods in a house her father built from scrapwood and things people no longer wanted. Her mother made fruit preserves, while her father wrote controversial articles for the town paper. For most of her life Avery had been homeschooled until she finally attended the local high school (and found as most of us do, HS isn't all its cracked up to be). During the course of the book, Avery comes to understand the threat in trusting the ordinary.

Some of the book didn't work as well for me, I wish we knew a little bit more about why her parents felt the need to isolate themselves in the woods. To eschew the 'normal' life (or as Avery puts it 'the life in town'). I think Devlin tried to illustrate that they were more attuned with nature then with people, but I felt more confused than anything else. Also the motivation behind the murder of Avery's parents came off much more shallow and baffling, than truly masterful. The reason it happened seemed blown out of proportion and grotesque.

There can be certain parallels drawn between this novel and Twilight--such a couple scenes are eerily like those in the aforementioned novel--but there is a greater depth to Devlin's novel. Also, I believe, a better understanding of a teenager. Avery doesn't always do the right thing in each situation. She fights when she should let go, pushes when she should hold back; when she acknowledges that she has changed from who she was before the murders, she begins to grow. She focuses on her relationships with peers and her grandmother, Renee (who is a responsible adult role model!) she attempts to be objective when it comes to Ben and she re-evaluates what's important to her.

Ben ran hot and cold for me. Its not until we learn a little more about him from his great-uncle Louis that his behavior seems normal. There were times when he came off really really creepy and intense, too intense. Other times he seemed almost indifferent. Why begins to make sense as Avery learns more about him, but on first reading he seems manic. I did enjoy his relationship with Avery however, there was a healthy blend of trust and wariness for them both that was refreshing. Despite everything else that happens neither is too blinded to keep their head on.

From the way the ending laid out, it would seem as if there will be a sequel. There are still some lingering questions--such as what is approaching the Forest and Avery's exact role in it--but Devlin wrapped up this book well. This was a surprisingly entertaining read and I hope to see more in the future! ( )

"3 out of 5 stars! This is an unusual take on the "Little Red Riding Hood" story we all grew up with, where the bad guy definitely isn't who you think. Creative, dark, and..."

Read more of this review and a TEASER here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/08/made-grade-low-red-moon-by-iv... ( )

This is one of those books that gets my special "judged by cover" tag on my account because truthfully, the only reason I randomly grabbed this book off the shelf was the shiny red cover. Of course, I then read the plot and it seemed interesting enough for me to pick up.

I'm glad I did because I really liked this book! It was part mystery and part romance and I think Devlin does a great job of blending the two together. When it comes to the mystery, I was sucked in. It was suspenseful and I liked trying to figure it all out as I went along. It was a darker read but nothing that would scare you to stay up all night; it just felt like it wasn't afraid to get nitty-gritty in the details which I really liked.

And when it wasn't the mystery of Avery's parents, it was the mystery of Ben and the excitement of their romance that drove me further into the book. I have to say that their romantic moments were steamier than most young adult scenes and that added another depth to the story. I think it is pretty obvious that this book never really seemed to have a dull moment and that is what really impressed me.

As for the werewolf aspect to the story, it wasn't anything overbearing which I appreciated. Werewolves aren't really my thing so I tend not to enjoy books about them. But I find you have enough to think about with the murder and the romance that it isn't a book that focuses specifically on werewolves--it takes a bit of a backseat but it definitely adds to the story in a good way.

When I first read the book (back when it was first published in 2010) there hadn't been a plan or announcement for a sequel so I was left really disappointed in how the book ended. While we do learn the truth behind Avery's parents' murder, I just felt like so many things were left unanswered I would have liked more closure if Low Red Moon was going to be a stand-alone novel. But luckily it isn't and I'm really excited to see where the sequel, Moonrise, will go because it has been long overdue!

Overall: A refreshing read for those who enjoy Young Adult novels. It has a great blend of mystery, romance and paranormal activities so there is never a dull moment! Plus, it makes for a very quick read!

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESous Book Reviews as well as read book series recaps!
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I really liked this one. I love stories about fantasy creatures. Werewolves included.

The cover caught my eye immediately and I just couldn't put it down. I needed to have this book. I also love the little hints of read through out the novel. Every time the word 'moon' is on the page it is printed in red. Such a small detail, but I loved it.

I love when book start off with a death. It just sets the mood for the whole novel. Love it! And don't forget the love between beauty and beast. Classic and predictable, but I like it all the same. I'm a sucker for a fantasy romance. ( )

This book was too short. Avery watched her parents get brutally murdered, and she can't remember anything that happened. Now she is living with Renee, a grandmother she has avoided for many years and trying to adjust to living in town. There is also Ben, who she feels strongly connected to.

I did like the story and I loved learning about Avery. She was a very interesting character and I liked seeing how her nontraditional upbringing had made her stronger. There was a great twist and I would never have figured out the ending. I also really liked Renee.

What disappointed me about the story was that there was no character development for Ben. I understand who he is and how he got to the town and his connection to Avery; but really we don't know anything else about him or what kind of person he is. Just that he has had a difficult life and has a strong connection to Avery. There were also a few parts of the story that could have been better developed. I would have loved to understand more about what Ben and Louis were and I would also have loved to have a better understanding regarding Avery's connection to the forest. Hopefully the author will write a sequel that goes a little bit more in depth into these matters. ( )