Review: The Wolf Gate

I don't read a lot of retellings of "Little Red Riding Hood" because they usually change the wolf character into a werewolf and eliminate the theme of trusting strangers (which is why I wrote my own version). However, since I enjoyed The Rose Gate by Hanna Sandvig because of the unique modern-day setting and fae worldbuilding, I decided to check out its prequel, The Wolf Gate. This book contains the expected werewolves, but it also does a good job of conveying the theme of trust and stands out from other fairy tale adaptations due to its modern high school setting. It reminded me of Twilight due to its teenage target audience, so I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read it at a younger age.

The last thing Audrey expects after getting chased in the woods is to be rescued by her ex-boyfriend who abandoned her at prom. Nor is she expecting to learn that he is a werewolf from the fae world and that he abandoned her due to his magical responsibilities. However, there isn't much time for her to absorb all this new information before her rebound ex, who also happens to be a werewolf, decides to try to capture her for the Unseelie Queen. Her magical red cloak isn't enough to protect her because it only shields her from people who don't know she's there. That means she must let Gavin help her and come to terms with her repressed feelings toward him.

Like Twilight, the main character in this book has some Mary Sue-ish tendencies. It is made abundantly clear that Audrey's attraction to Gavin is superficial, at least at first. There are many descriptions of his bulging muscles and sexy Irish accent and how amazed she was the first time she found out he wanted to date her. That amazement was shared by me as a reader because there is very little written about her that would be likely to attract a magical being from another world. She has few defining personality traits or interests, and it seemed to be sheer luck that she went to school with a sexy werewolf who decided to protect her with his life. Her successor, Isobel from The Rose Gate was more fleshed out.

My favorite thing about The Wolf Gate is that it is a quick and easy read. This is a great book for someone with a busy schedule since I think stories about escapism should be relaxing. The plot is straightforward, and the modern-day setting makes it easy for readers to relate to. Its main love story is simple and alluring, which allows them to dive right into the romantic fantasy. This book is also a fantastic introduction to the fae world from the Faerie Tale Romances series, inspired by Celtic mythology with the Seelie and Unseelie courts as well as the anime isekai genre, which involves people from modern realistic settings stumbling into magical fantasy worlds.

The Wolf Gate by Hanna Sandvig is a delightful read that offers a unique modern-day retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood." While it may not stray far from the stereotypical werewolf trope, it successfully conveys the theme of trust and stands out with its high school setting. Audrey, the main character, may lack depth, but the story's lighthearted and romantic tone makes it an enjoyable escape. This book is perfect for those seeking a relaxing read and an introduction to the fae world, which is expertly woven in with Celtic mythology and anime inspirations. If you're looking for a quick escape, The Wolf Gate is a great choice, and its sequel, The Rose Gate, is equally enchanting.