The Twisted Tale of Saffron Schmidt by Author C.J. Laurence is a wonderfully written and clever spin on the original tale of Little Red Riding Hood blended with magic and urban legend. A very different and darker take on previous stories and remakes of this popular story. In this tale readers are introduced to an unusual village that lives in a harmonious bubble and is far removed from the modern day world. The residents are seemingly blessed by the spirits of the surrounding forest to live in tranquility for as long they honour a 17 year tradition to send a chosen one to reside in the forest and prove to the spirits their worth to live among them and be the forest’s protector. The main protagonist, Saffron Schmidt becoming the next teenager to be given the honour, until it is time for another to take her place. But as Saffron’s curious mind and nature is awakened, and she starts to ask questions about the previous chosen one’s she soon discovers that all is not what it seems.
The plot with its many twists and turns keeps the readers engaged from the beginning, the characters are all credible and likeable and the dialogue believable. There is nothing significant to distract the reader, the story is entertaining and holds an exciting mix of drama, mystery and tension.
I enjoyed reading this Twisted Tale and I award 5 stars.
