Jim C. Hines, Red Hood's Revenge

Red Hood's Revenge

Jim C. Hines

Daw, Jul 6 2010, $7.99

ISBN: 9780756406080

As a child, Roudette witnessed the Hunt murder her grandmother. That was the impetus into turning her into the cold calculating assassin, Little Lady of the Red Hood.

Roudette's current kill is Princess Talia better known as Sleeping Beauty. However, the trail to the royal leads Red to Talia's two regal pals, Princesses Danielle (Cinderella) and Snow (White). The three royals have come a long way but each vows one for all and all for one as they unite to find the individual who hired Red Hood. Their quest takes them to Arathea where Talia remaines wanted for murdering the prince who awakened her from her slumber.

The latest Hines' royal treatment of female stars of fairy tale classics (see The Stepsister Scheme and The Mermaid's Madness) is a terrific fantasy that contains plenty of action and adventure, but also a much deeper look at the desires, motives and mental barriers of the lead trio than previously. Fast-paced, the somewhat thin plot focuses on Roudette's hunting of Talia who prefers to take the fight to the queen of assassins. Readers will enjoy the latest escapades while wondering who will sleep with whom; as the four ladies know for ever after is found exclusively in fairy tales.

Harriet Klausner