Reviews

it was amazing · review of another edition I loved this book, it takes some of the most infamous creatures of literary and folklore and and feminises them. In my opinion this could go one of two ways. Either horribly wrong or horribly right. Fortunately it is the latter. R. L Wood approaches this with a matter-of-fact style that borders on the drily humorous. The characters are strong and well-defined and the story grabs you by the lapels and pulls you along with it. My biggest gripe is that Victoria Frankenstein wasn't introduced until the end, but that just means I will need to read the sequel. A stunning debut novel by a talented writer. More Please...

Lee Worth reviewed on Nov. 23, 2020 I really loved this book. It is fast paced and keeps up the action to the end. The ending surprised me and had a huge cliffhanger! But there is a chapter from book two at the end and it helps answer one question for me. It also introduces a very sinister character. I cannot wait to read book two Out of the Looking Glass. Please hurry R.L. Wood. (reviewed 6 days after purchase)

Mahdi reviewed on Nov. 11, 2020 When I started reading this book I felt I am so attached to it and despite I being stuck with real life, once more a creative mind touched me deeply. I loved every part of it and I wanted to read the next page as quick as I could though for some reasons I did not get the chance to read it in one day. Despite reading it in different sessions it became even more attractive and I became more thirsty every time to get into that mysterious world where some fascinating characters are still working out a way out of that phase which is sort of a curse. Still I am stuck in the story and love to read the next book. Going through a magic blue moon stage, smelling the taste of the coffee they share in an environment where ghost and demon play with your imagination as if you are there. This book is one of the bests in its own genre and the writing is really specific and different which gives more taste to the whole thing. (reviewed 13 days after purchase)

Joni Martins reviewed on Nov. 22, 2020 Book Review Basic Details: Book Title: Dark Little Women Subtitle: Girl Power! Author: R.L. Wood Genre: Paranormal/Supernatural/Horror Part of a series? No Order in series: Best read after earlier books in series? N/A Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54486417-dark-little-women Overall score: I scored this book 4/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Short Summary of the book: Imagine, you’ve made a deal with the devil and are now immortal and young forever. However, you regret all your bad deeds and want to save as many souls as you can from getting in the devil’s grubby hands. Enter Dorian and her rag-tag band of friends who set up rehab for the immortals. Will they succeed? What I liked about the book: This book was fast-paced and showed the eternal fight of good against evil. It also shows the strength of friendship. What I didn’t like about the book: I enjoyed the entire book. My favourite bits in the book: Where all the friends are willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. Does that not show sufficient redemption? My least favourite bits in the book: The book was enjoyable in its entirety. Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author? I believe this is a stand-alone book, although it could easily form the basis of a series. What books could this be compared to and why? This book is tackling a subject not often tackled in this way. It is unique in the interpretation and viewpoint.

S.L. Barrie reviewed on Oct. 30, 2020 Spoiler Free review: Thoroughly enjoyable read. An interesting and modern twist on some classic literary characters. The gothic horror novels of science, madness and Devils were part of a male dominated genre and this book seeks to invert the tradition and does so in a way that doesn't simply rehash the old narratives but is a story completely of its own. Well developed characters, intriguing plot line that unfolds and develops well to the finale building in pace and action and a dash of humour that adds another dimension to the storytelling. I can't wait to read what happens next. The women in this story are strong and deeply flawed., despite being monsters R.L.Wood manages to make them human. Expect to root for them as these dark women attempt to redeem themselves. But sometimes being bad feels so good and this book will not disappoint you. Highly recommended for lovers of the gothic classics, the fearsome feminist in all of us and the humerous horror connoisseur. (reviewed 5 days after purchase)

Chelsea Marvin reviewed on Nov. 22, 2020 The author of this imaginative story took characters from classic stories like Frankenstein and switched their genders and placed them in a modern setting. The storyline was new and creative and it contained many twists that I didn’t see coming. The characters are creative and realistic. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to continue that was sure to be a very exciting journey. Dark Little Women: Girl Power has become one of my favorite books with my favorite character being the overprotective moody vampire. The ending of this book surprised me and I can’t wait to see where this plot twist will lead in the next book.

Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars A full throttle gothic mashup! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 2, 2020 Verified Purchase I remember reading The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter for the first time. It was daring and challenging and wickedly wonderful all at the same time. Dark Little Women is seeking to continue developing this sense of empowerment through a female narrative. Taking known fictional male characters and twisting our prior knowledge of them in a globe trotting, Charlies Dark Angels romp as they try to stay one step ahead of their dark pasts. There will be more to come...make sure you keep an eye out for the next installment!

RJ 5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it for a number of reasons Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2020 Verified Purchase This is fabulous for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s very well written. Clever ideas and original. Flows well. Secondly, it’s inspirational for girls and women helping them see the potential in adapting so many traditional male characters in their own writing. I also really want to read her next book so that must be good. Definitely five stars. Loved it.

Jon 5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Class Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2020 Verified Purchase So glad I read this book. In lesser hands, the reimagining of world famous characters would have been easy to follow hackneyed stereotypes but R.L Wood has managed to reinvent the likes of Dorian Gray, Dracula and Jeckyll and Hyde among others in a way that makes them believable in their own right. Coupled with a story of redemption, rescues and treachery that rattles along without sagging and I think you have a winner. I cannot recommend Dark Little Women highly enough. Can we have a second helping soon?

Sam Thompson Author @tonybhampson Recommended and rated this book 5 stars I decided to take a punt on reading this book, how glad I was I really enjoyed the book, it was fast paced and I liked the twist on classic characters of the past like Jekyll, and Hyde, Dorian Grey, Frankenstein etc. Many scenes were very descriptive and well written, one scene that springs to mind is when Jekyll slashes her own face with a razor blade announcing she hates Hyde, I visualised this scene clearly. The author keeps the narrative tight and straight whilst keeping the action up, whilst also leaving room for a follow up book, which I will keep an eye out for. This book is a 5* must for lovers of vampire stories. Reasons I enjoyed this book: Page-turnerWonderful characters

SE 5.0 out of 5 stars What a twist Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2020 Loved the formatting of the book. It was very easy to follow! Made it good to read from the beginning until the end. It was the definition of a true thriller. Had to be scared of what was going to happen on the next page. Loved how it took a bigger look at the classical monsters and gave it a twist! So worth it! Bravo! I cannot wait to read more from you! I will not say much because I do not wait to spoil it!

Ajw 5.0 out of 5 stars Great take on classic monsters Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2020 Great take on classic monsters with a twist. Being all the classic monsters are women! Go girl power!!!

Arlene 5.0 out of 5 stars A Suspenseful Twist -filled Tale Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2020 The women rule in this delightful action-packed tale of werewolves and good versus evil. It held my attention to the end.

Khatwomin 5.0 out of 5 stars Very cool Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020 Unique condition of the classics with a modern flair. It's really neat! This dark series is very entertaining! I look forward to book 2:)

Jenny 5.0 out of 5 stars So worth the read! Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2020 This book is a great twist on old classics. I love that the author has taken characters that are usually cast as males and made them female. The suspense starts at the very beginning and continues to the very end. A real thrill ride. Definitely worth the read!

A.E. 5.0 out of 5 stars Supernatural and super good !! Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2020 A classic horror story, converted into a contemporary version, keeping the tension & suspense kicking and alive with hints of humor. This is a reeling story about good & evil, as it follows Dorian & Henriette on their journey to be released from evil influence. I loved it and looking forward to the 2nd book in this series.

Samantha Achaia 5.0 out of 5 stars I’d tell you my favorite part but...no spoilers! Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2020 I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and I have to say it was exactly what I expected! It was refreshing to see gender bent spin on dark characters versus the gender bent fairytale retellings. The story line was as great as the line up of Dorian Grey, Jekyll and Hyde and Cleopatra. The dialogue was also fantastic and believable. I’d tell you my favorite part but...no spoilers!

Vickypep 5.0 out of 5 stars A great story Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2020 Old stories told in a new light which was very refreshing and enjoyable. Look forward to seeing what happens in the next book with these characters and to see where the story mast go. Great job by the author.

Kindle Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and awesome book! Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2020 This was fun in a thrilling way. That author adds that unique l aspect of turning classic male characters from old tales into female roles and also wraps them all together....There is evil, mystery and more. I remember some of the stories as a kid so it brought back memories but also adds new twists and themes. I have never read anything like it. The book is well written and honestly something that anyone may like even if this isn't your typical genre. Please check it out!

Max Hiller 5.0 out of 5 stars All That is Old Becomes New Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2020 Ms. Wood has taken an impressive cast of familiar characters and made them into something entirely unexpected and fresh. We are accustomed to the re-telling of the fates of vampires, werewolves, and the characters of Dorian Gray and Doctor Jekyll, but each new telling in print or film is almost always cast as males or only as women who share wardrobes and dialogue with cliches of dominatrices (an entirely different writing genre, indeed). Here we have what I will simply call a coven of immortals seeking redemption and salvation, each in their own way and for their own reasons. The story falls back and forth in time, but seldom in a confusing manner, and switches between the multiple characters with the ease and precision of a good German automobile transmission. R.L. does a masterful job of weaving female characteristics and views into the creaky frame of the over-worked original stories, bringing new life and imagination to each. I am tempted to revisit the original stories with this fresh insight into each character. I fear I may find them lacking in comparison to this imagining.

Night Writer 5.0 out of 5 stars This cast of female monsters will devour you! Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2020 Dark Little Women: Girl Power is written in a different vein from the perspective of women characters placed in various monster roles like vampire, werewolf, Dr. Jekyll, and Mr. Hyde, and Dorian Gray. The book is well written, love the book's format, captivating from start to finish with just enough humor and suspense to keep the pages turning throughout. This is the perfect book to read and share around campfires or nights when the thunder roars. Just keep a light on so you don't get devoured too. Highly recommend.

SMM 5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome premise! Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2020 What do you get when you put all of history’s greatest monsters together and shake them up with a bit of remorse & a time limit set by the devil himself? A really great story! This book held all the familiarity of the classic monster stories we all know and love, but with a fresh new twist that is completely original and engaging. I loved the interactions between the women and their relationships as they both encouraged and goaded each other like any set of sisters. Go Girl Power!

Николай Станошек 5.0 out of 5 stars A little bit of everything! Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2020 This was not what I expected! This novella has a little bit of everything. It has vampirism, lycanthropy, demonology, patient zero, the afterlife, and a different take on Doctor Jekyll and M. Hyde. It has bits of horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and will be an interesting read for fans of all three genres. I especially loved the chapter heading font. It was especially beautiful and fitting for this book. A quick read that I recommend for all Kindle Unlimited readers!

crystal 5.0 out of 5 stars WOW super edgy and new!! Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2020 This is a real thriller, with evil lurking everywhere!! I have never read a book where all the classic monsters of the ages are female and the story is sooo unlike one you have ever read before! Very suspenceful from the start. I have always been a Dorian Grey fan, but I think this version is my favorite. It's a wicked good time, that keeps you on your toes. Who doesn't like books where female villains take over and rule?! There's more to this horror novel than one would imagine but I don't want to spoil it. Definately worth a try for any reader supporting female lead characters, monster fans, horror fans, suspense fans and there's even ROMANCE!

Sanjay R Singhal, RA 5.0 out of 5 stars Girl Power! Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020 RL Wood's smart, sassy tale of classical horror fiction heroines, taking on the personae of historical, male characters, is wickedly delightful and skillfully crafted, weaving together such disparate (and yet notorious) names such as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dorian Gray, and others, into a heady witch's brew of modern-day lore. This is not "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", rather, instead, I should suggest "A Gathering of Extraordinary Women". Past and present collide, beneath the midday sun and the bright, full moon, in an unforgettable narrative.

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting suspense! Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2020 Verified Purchase I loved it! It's exciting and difficult to put down! It's very imaginative, entertaining and packed with action and suspense. I can see it being on tv, and you look forward to book 2!

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully dark. Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2020 Verified Purchase What happens when old horror male characters are transformed into women and they interact together in one universe? This book answers that. The result is one of the most enjoyable mash ups I've read. Will keep an eye out for future installments.

5.0 out of 5 stars Little women meets Dark Fantasy Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2020 Verified Purchase Great cast of characters and a play on many as many become women! Meet many characters such as Dorian Gray, Dr. Jekyll, Frankenstein, even Cleopatra and Marilyn are there. The story twists well among the characters. The story moves fast and leaves you wondering what will happen next...book 2...

5.0 out of 5 stars Girl Power! Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2020 Verified Purchase A must read. So many strong woman characters. Each with their own pain and past. The ending was a shocker! Looking forward to the next book R. L. Wood is coming out with!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wild New Take On Strong Heroines Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020 Verified Purchase A clever redux of classic book/film monsters with women as the horror protagonists. A zany, highly imaginative tale. Witty dialogue and breathless pace that leaves the reader flipping pages, wanting more. I loved this!

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful classic gothic horror story in a modern setting. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2020 Verified Purchase Dark Little Women: Girl Power is a modern reworking yet it maintains all the classic gothic horror elements and that makes it so wonderful to read. I loved it. It has all the scary horror monsters I watched on TV as a child and they are now neatly packaged into a wonderful tale of redemption. It’s great that they are now female and each one has a vital role to play in the story. There are great moments, far too many to mention, but my favourite part is where Dorian says to Cleo, “You really are the queen of denial, aren’t you?” Read it. You will love it!

5.0 out of 5 stars A really enjoyable book Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2020 Verified Purchase I liked this book a lot, and I took my time to maul it up, saving the last few pages. I did not want to finish it to be honest. Its those kinds of books where you feel sad once it has ended. I loved the characters, especially Dr Jerkyll and V, and I enjoyed the way the story was written. It has the feel where you are always intrigued when new characters are introduced. I would recommend this to everyone, whether you like dark fantasy fan or not. Can't wait for book 2

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Set/New Rules Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2020 Verified Purchase This book is a wonderful twist on old classics. The Author has brilliantly brought forth a cast of characters that were formally cast as males with male personalities. The Author has transformed these characters into female versions while allowing them to adapt a female persona that is as memorable as the original male characters. The thrills and suspense start at the beginning and continue to the very end. From one thrilling scene to the next, the reader will want to continue reading just to see what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, suspense, and dark drama. Certainly worth the read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlike a lot of readers, these characters were new to me. Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020 Verified Purchase I don’t know the backstory on any of these ghoulish monsters, so I may have read this book from a different perspective, but I enjoyed it. It’s one of those books you can read into the dark spooky glow of moonlight. Hopefully not with dreams that go bump in the night afterwards! There are lessons learned- when you have to “visit the ditch” watch out for slippery puddles and hungry wolves, also, when someone saves the cream right off the top of the gruel pot, you might not want to trust them unless you like a little wiggle in your bowl. As the other reviewers testified, R. L. Wood included well known werewolves and hoodo’s in her frightening collection of characters. My favorite was a sassy vamp named V that traveled in a coffin. She was obviously able to hold her own, even exhibiting a bit of a bad temper, but she showed her soft side now and again. I enjoyed the fact that it was a play on old favorites, and women filled most roles. It was a fun read with a fast pace. The author did a good job with the storyline, and the ending surprised me! I’m looking forward to book 2. Girl Power!

5.0 out of 5 stars Very creative and interesting Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2020 Verified Purchase This is an awesome twist on books predominantly led by men. I love the way the characters were altered to be female. It was intuitive, creative, and beyond imaginative. A definite must read for anyone who loves the classic tales, and a great way to get a newbie into the classics. A+++.

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic twist Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2020 Verified Purchase What an interesting twist on some classic characters. This story gripped me from the beginning and was fast paced until the very end. If you love the male versions of Jekyll and Hyde, Vampire, Werewolf, Dorian Grey, and all the greats, I think you'll like the female counterparts.

5.0 out of 5 stars Through every flip of a page, I was rooting for the female paranormal entities. Go Girl Power! Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2020 Verified Purchase The cover for Dark Little Women: Girl Power! doesn't scream comedy; however, there were some humorous moments. For example, the "should I or shouldn't I eat my BF" and a ghost that hides inside into an urn when they become frightened. As the cover would suggest, Dark Little Women: Girl Power! did have its dark moments. Poor Frances... I know she's Frankenstein's wife, but she didn't deserve what Hyde had done to her. Another momentous scene... when the devil came a callin'. First scene with him, R.L. Wood wrote him in a way that'll make you want to like him, even though you know he's not to be trusted.

5.0 out of 5 stars action, treachery, uncertainty, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2020 Verified Purchase Dorian made a deal with the devil, so the story goes. Immortality, and a picture that takes on all her life's ails. But things don't always work out as expected and a new deal in made. Dorian will provide the devil with soldiers for his immortal army, yet she wants to seek their redemption. The clock is ticking, the devil wants his troops and Dorian wants to save as many as she can from this fate and allow them to live their remaining life as mortals, free from the devil's grasp. Dark Little Women is a gripping and suspenseful read by R.L. Wood. I loved this modern take on old classic monsters. Filled with action, treachery, uncertainty, and the bonds of friendship. The clock is ticking, the pressure is mounting and as a reader you are there for every second of the nail-biting experience as you delve into the past and fear for the future of the characters you so quickly come to love. Well written, smooth, and perfectly paced to keep you hooked and questioning. Thrilling from beginning to end.

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique off-beat Horror story! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2020 Verified Purchase I really enjoyed reading this story of Dorian and her renegade immortals trying to seek redemption whilst at the same time trying to keep to a deal she made with the devil. It's different and unique and I loved the fact that all the traditional male characters are now female. I particularly enjoyed the vicious Hyde! The dynamic between the characters is interesting and cleverly done, with some off -beat funny moments thrown in too. I for one am looking forward to the next instalment!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Dark Fantasy Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2020 Verified Purchase I really enjoyed this new take on some dark characters from other stories in a new original story line. I love old horror stories,so finding out Jekyll and Hyde and Frankenstein where in it was brilliant. I think the author did a great job describing scenes, it us a thrilling ride with Dorian at the heart of it trying to make a new life whilst keeping the deal with the devil. For dark fantasy fans who like blood and action, you should pick this book. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful classic gothic horror story in a modern setting. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2020 Verified Purchase Dark Little Women: Girl Power is a modern reworking yet it maintains all the classic gothic horror elements and that makes it so wonderful to read. I loved it. It has all the scary horror monsters I watched on TV as a child and they are now neatly packaged into a wonderful tale of redemption. It’s great that they are now female and each one has a vital role to play in the story. There are great moments, far too many to mention, but my favourite part is where Dorian says to Cleo, “You really are the queen of denial, aren’t you?” Read it. You will love it!

What an unexpected spin on classic dark characters brought together in an original storyline. A thrilling, gripping and suspenseful read, developed enough for me to be able to picture it in my head, and what a ride it's been. For quite some time I suffered from a heavy reader's block, which made it almost impossible for me to finish any sort of 100+ pages novel. So I went in half hearted. I loved the premise, but what if I would end up adding it to the growing pile of half read books? Well, nevermind that. My worries evaporated after a few pages, and couldn't put it down till I reached the end.(FWY it was 3am.) So, thank you. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Classical horror stories get a new twist in these tales and women become the main characters. (I would love to know the inspiration.) I enjoyed the descriptions and clever titles and names. I hope the highly creative R.L. Wood will put this on audio – with a version using more dialogue. Looking forward to what this author writes next.

Putting a female spin onto some of my favourite male literary characters then throwing in vampires, werewolf and even Marilyn into a coven of strong women trying to redeem themselves is literary genius! The story moved quickly, the intriguing first few pages had me hooked. I loved how the author weaved the classics moving between character’s flawlessly. Lots of unexpected twists and turns. Looking forward to the next book from R.L. Great read.