Red is for Roxy

Thrilling, action packed, fast paced story, set in a dystopian world that stands out proudly with originality and interesting elements. Oversized, aggressive and bloodthirsty mutations of garden bugs have taken over Earth, pushing the surviving people into defensive corner. After humanity's response to wipe the threat from the face of the planet backfires spectacularly, it ends with unexpected fallout - creation of the shifters. The story combines in a fascinating way a whole new version of urban paranormal lore with dystopian twists and sends the reader, hurtling head first in one breathtaking adventure. Despite the grim reality, for me, personally, this was fun, fairly light read with witty banter, a lot of entertaining moments, plenty of spice and dirty talking. I liked Roxy, her fierce protective streak and dominating attitude. The men, she was surrounded with, in comparison, were like puppies yipping, barking and nipping at her heels, scrambling for every bit of attention they could get. It wasn't the most appealing behavior. And if you wonder why all the desperation, it's because the women in this post apocalyptic world are rare, so most men go without or learn to share. The other two things I loved is the strong found family vibe and the body positivity. It was reinforced during the development of the plot that everyone matters for who they are, their skills, personality and ability for team work, not for their looks, skin, body shape, exc. All the characters where different, but banded together to achieve the final goal - save Roxy's aunt she found herself in.
I liked the story overall, but because it was a standalone, it didn't allow the world building to unfold to its full potential and the characters to develop with more plausible credibility. It left the feeling that the reader is in a race against time, an invisible clock, ticking away the moments we have.
I have no idea why some people say it's a retelling of Red riding hood, except for the color of the cloak Roxy is wearing, which has an explanation in the book. She is neither lost in the woods nor gullible and naive, strong enough to stand on her own and be the natural, charismatic, brave and compassionate leader, who cares about everyone in her little group of misfits.