Scarlett and the Dark Woods

A Dystopian Red Riding Hood Retelling

By: Mary Mecham

Narrated by: Amanda Friday

She is one of the protected elect. He is a shunned shapeshifter. Can Scarlett rescue her grandmother before her own heart is stolen?

When her grandmother is cast out as unworthy after facing Hamelin’s annual Shunning, Scarlett knows she must brave the dangers of Darkwood Forest if she’s to have any chance of saving her. Her perilous adventure becomes a race against time; she needs to find Gran before the previously shunned get to her first.

Scarlett’s efforts come too late. As her magic dwindles the farther into the forest she ventures, she becomes hopelessly lost and is forced to accept help from Greyson, the shapeshifting wolf who is stalking her every footstep—and who Scarlett suspects of knowing Gran’s location.

If she manages to save her grandmother, Scarlett will be faced with an impossible choice: join Gran and live her life as an outcast or return to the rest of the elect, safe but alone. As she struggles to find the right path forward, Scarlett realizes that more than her grandmother’s future is at stake. Her heart is too.

Can Scarlett resist her inexplicable attraction to the shunned wolf she despises long enough to protect the woman who raised her?

Scarlett and the Dark Woods is a part of the Autumn Fairy Tales, a collection of eight cozy retellings of your favorite fairy tales. Each stand-alone book can be enjoyed in any order. Snuggle under your favorite blanket and get ready to “fall” in love with the romance, pumpkin spice, and everything nice of these sweet and clean novellas!

©2023 Mary Mecham (P)2024 Mary Mecham

Super Fun Red Riding Hood Retelling

This story is so fun! The banter between the main characters made me laugh out loud. The dystopian element is very interesting and sinister. I only wish it was longer because it was just so fun.

The narration is really good. The narrator distinguishes between the voices of different characters very well, and even does the male characters well. She captures the attitude and snarkiness of the characters, and really makes it a fun listen.

This book is a really great, clean, no-spice YA romantasy while still being swoony. No language besides mild in-world cursing.

Wonderful!!

This book was somehow cozy-ish despite being dystopian, and I absolutely love that! There was so much going on for such a short book, and not a moment of boredom at all. I was sort of worried there would be a love triangle, but it turned out there was nothing of the sort really, haha That ending was SUCH a twist! I didn't see it coming AT ALL, but it was absolutely PERFECT! I am always in awe of how amazing Mary's writing is. Her stories are brilliant and just absolutely incredible, and this one did not disappoint!

So good!!

This little red riding hood retelling was so so good! Scarlett and Grayson had me howling with laughter, and yes, pun intended. I definitely was not expecting the plot twist at the end, so well done Mary! The narration of the audiobook was excellent as well. I loved how independent Scarlett was and how sarcastic Grayson was, and they just matched so well. I’d love to see them again in the future, even if it’s just a brief cameo.

The quick wit and humor!

This book reminded me of the Hunger Games...without all the killing. The author draws you in and keeps you entertained. I listened to this story twice in one day! (I work long hours) This book was great! highly recommend!!

Oh my! What great banter this has!

This story has a very fun and clever twist in a Red Riding Hood tale! I love the dystopian vibes and its portrayal of the Shunning. Greyson is amazing! The banter between him and Scarlett is perfection! They are hilarious with their grumpy/sunshine dynamic. And I liked watching Scarlett grow to develop a sense of self and to question things for herself. So good! And a great autumn listen!