Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris—the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend—but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?

This is a engrossing and totally original book: a completely new take on werewolves which I found to be quite refreshing. Jackson Pearce writing style is elegant and flows easily from one idea to the next, allowing her reader to imagine a wonderfully descriptive world and realistic characters. Rosie and Scarlett themselves are written very well as two sisters that both want different things, but still feel the need to always stick together no matter what. Scarlett especially intrigued me with her seeming fearlessness and scarred face she earned when protecting her younger sister from the Fenris, and Rosie possess a fierce loyalty to Scarlett she feels she must have to repay the debt of her sister saving her life. Both girls are tough and determined with a special connection that only siblings can have. The romance between Rosie and Silas, the girl's hunter partner slash best- friend, was sweet, yet not earth- shattering and all- consuming like some novel's are-- an aspect I find that gets a bit old after a while. 

The plot moved along quickly, building up the tension and surprising it's readers with unexpected twists. The ending, which unfolded seamlessly, didn't really shock me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. A symbolic story told by the girl's grandmother gracefully interwove a deeper meaning into the overall plot line, and really makes the reader think about its meaning. And the Fenris themselves were positively creepy the way they stalked out all the defenseless girls in the dark and corner them. I found myself holding my breath during all the violent fight scenes, hoping Rosie and Scarlett and Silas would manage to get out of there alive. Overall, a gritty urban fantasy that will satisfy picky readers and enthrall fans of fairy tale retellings.

About the Author: Jackson Pearce is twenty-six years old and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. She auditioned for the circus once, but didn’t make it; other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist. In addition, Jackson coaches both colorguard and winterguard at a local high school. Here are some more fun and totally random facts about this adorable author!

-She went to the University of Georgia, but also went to Georgia College and State University, where she took an amazing course on Adolescent Literature. Before that class, she'd always felt like it was weird for her to love YA so much, and want to write it so badly. That class gave her the confidence in the genre she needed to pursue it as a career.
-She has a younger sister, Katie, who is a nurse. She’s three years younger.
-She's really, really bad about buying way more books than she could ever possibly read.
-She thinks Sharpie Retractable Pens are the greatest thing ever invented.
-She doesn't have a favorite book. She loves a lot of books though.
-She hardly ever reread books and isn't quite sure why. She feels badly about that.
-One time she went deep sea fishing and caught a fish, then made everyone call her Captain Sparkleboots.

*Don't you just love her!??

 Other books you may enjoy ( mostly fairy-tale retellings): A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth Bunce, Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan, Beastly by Alex Flinn, Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale (love this author!), anything by Robin McKinley, Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George, Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier (great read!), Bound by Donna Jo Napoli and East by Edith Pattou.