On the snowy planet of Amaris, Avarill Engle must work for the predatory CEO Wolfgang Vujic to save her grandmother’s home, while teaming up with the mysterious, genetically enhanced Blaiz Weylin to expose Vujic’s crimes. Blending sci-fi tech, sweet romance, and a dark fairytale edge, this Red Riding Hood retelling explores themes of survival, trust, and resisting corruption in a vividly imagined futuristic world.

Reader Review Summary

Set on the snowy planet of Amaris, this novella blends science fiction and fantasy in a retelling of Red Riding Hood, featuring futuristic technology, genetically augmented humans and animals, and a high-stakes plot. The protagonist, Avarill Engle, delivers goods for her grandmother and the residents of Skift while evading the predatory advances of Wolfgang Vujic, a powerful and corrupt businessman. When Vujic acquires the mortgage to her grandmother’s home, Avarill is forced to work for him, leading her into a dangerous sting operation with Blaiz Weylin, a codestitcher with a mysterious past. The story incorporates elements such as animal sidekicks (notably Mo the paszec), empathic abilities, and a mix of adventure, romance, and suspense, all within a world that features advanced tech, gene splicing, and interplanetary travel.

Readers appreciated the immersive world-building, with many highlighting the integration of technology, landscape, and unique creatures like the frost bees and paszecs. The character of Mo, Avarill’s animal companion, was frequently mentioned as a standout, as was the dynamic between Avarill and Blaiz, whose protective nature and awkward charm resonated with readers. The dual POV chapters and the depiction of Avarill’s relationship with her grandmother were also praised. The villain, Wolfgang Vujic, was noted for being convincingly menacing, and the story’s clean, low-spice romance and suspenseful climax were well received, especially by those seeking a fairytale retelling suitable for teens and adults.

Some readers found the novella lacking in depth, with comments about underdeveloped characters, rushed pacing, and a resolution that felt abrupt or unconvincing. The world-building, while imaginative, was described by a few as either overwhelming or insufficiently explained, with certain elements only briefly mentioned or clarified late in the story (such as the glossary for Mo). The dialogue was criticized by some as cheesy, and the narrative was described as clunky or disjointed, particularly in the middle sections. A few readers felt the story struggled to maintain interest or that the world-building details were not always smoothly integrated.

The book is the first in the Stardust Hearts series and is positioned as a stand-alone story with hints at future installments, including a forthcoming Snow White retelling. It is marketed toward fans of The Lunar Chronicles, Jupiter Ascending, and the Ravenspire series, and is described as appropriate for older teens and adults due to the presence of a villain with predatory behavior. The novella features a blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, a focus on survival and redemption, and a narrative that avoids graphic content while maintaining darker themes. The average reader rating is 4.33 out of 5, based on 12 reviews, and the book is scheduled for publication on April 29, 2025.