Wolf Siren

Red is a partially blind hero whose disability is portrayed as a unique perspective, with her wolves acting as her guide, making her a fully empowered character rather than a victim. The Secret: Red frequently visits the woods where her grandmother went missing, discovering that the wolves are connected to a deep secret that could damage her family's reputation if revealed. I enjoyed this book because the main character, Red, is partially blind, but in the book this is shown strength, brain power, and a unique way of navigating the world rather than a weakness. She is described as brave, loyal, and smart, with wolves in the forest acting as her allies.

Patrick J

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

4/5 It's a good book and the topic it covers is a real issue but it does it in a way that it is still an entertaining read. You can tell it's based on red riding hood but it takes its own direction, my only problem is the girl is meant to be nearly blind and yet she acts like she can see just fine.

Patrick Hinton

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book is a well-crafted book. It talks about a girl called Red and she goes into the forest even though she is not allowed. She knows the reason yet still does because of the lots of magic and wolves that are there. This book also has sexism and injustice as the girls must work in the forest as men get attacked by the wolves. I found this book calming and relaxing with the tone just seeming so peaceful in my head. The part I liked about this book was when she thought she was going to die after being on her cycle. For the reader, it could be funny but for her family, it could destroy how the family is known. The best-case scenario is that it is impolite and the worst-case scenario…Let’s just say that it is disgusting. This book was really good, and I personally have to say it was an enjoyable read. If I could, I would read this book over 100 times and I believe it should deserve that. After the amount of work Beth O' Brien put into this, I know why it is on the short list.

Ihsan K

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien is a haunting, atmospheric reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood - and I absolutely loved it. It has that eerie, misty quality of The Village (yes, the film), where fear and superstition hang thick in the air, but it’s also full of heart, courage, and compassion. Red, our heroine, is partially sighted, and her perspective gives the whole story a fresh, intimate depth. The way O’Brien describes the forest - alive, watchful, almost breathing - is gorgeous, and the connection between Red and nature feels sacred. I especially loved how disability isn’t treated as a limitation here, but a different way of sensing and understanding the world. The story balances mystery and folklore with family and friendship. The relationships are rich - especially between Red, her sister, and her grandmother - and I loved how the book slowly unravels its secrets about the woods and the wolves. There’s also a quiet feminism running through it: women as guardians, truth-seekers, protectors. It’s short, accessible, and beautifully written, perfect for Year 6–8 readers who enjoy magic, danger, and emotion woven together. My only wish? That it had been longer as I wasn’t ready to leave the woods when it ended. Lyrical, empowering, and quietly fierce.

Mrs Naden

Lostock High Readers

Wolf Siren is undoubtably one of my favourite books from my experience as a Carnegie reader. The main story that ebbs and flows through the imaginative river and mystery of the forest that separates the village. It starts of with an unfortunate tragedy of the death of reds' father. This is shortly followed by the disappearance of Reds' grandma. This is the same grandma who taught Red how to flow in the woods and summon her wolfs. The whole story goes up in flames at the end when the town discovers who she and her sister ( Aerona ) really are. They are wolfwomen. Previously thought to be extinct, they reveal themselves to the village and in doing so discover a nasty secret of the baker called Wilson. He killed the woodcutter and placed himself at the forefront of the investigation. Bloodshed and murder follows as Wilson puts an arrow throw Aeronas' heart. Tragedy strikes but the village is better off without its barriers and secrets.

sam w

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Enjoyed the book very much, the fantasy and wonder of being able to transform into a wolf mixed with the end of bitterness when it comes to the loss of a family member made me tear up. Amazing plot, as the mystery makes you want to read on more and more.

Alisha (O)

LSST Library Shadowers

I thoroughly enjoyed Wolf Siren. The magic of the woods and wolfwomen was really intriguing and I loved the twist with Red and her grandmother. The book follows the main character of Red who is mostly blind and I think the description of the way she saw the world was beautiful. She lives in a village on the edge of a forest where the mayor and system is corrupt and sexist. After wolf attacks on men in the wood, only women are safe to go in yet it is looked down upon and seen as very unusual to go in the woods. To add, the job of being a woodcutter is for only for the outcasts. I think this is a great way of teaching young children about what society used to be like and what it shouldn't be like through a story. The wolves and the wolfwomen were probably my favourite part of the book and Red being able to summon her wolves was very interesting. Beginning the book was a little hard at first because it wasn't that interesting but by the end I couldn't put the book down.

Valentina

Chiswick Carnegie

Wolf siren is a book about 13-year-old Red finding the true magic of the forest whilst also holding a secret of her own. My favourite part was when she found out what really happened to Caragh (the village woodcutter). Even though I liked Red, my favourite character is Red’s best friend, Delana because she is kind and faithful and loves to read. I would recommend this book to people who like magic and fairy tales as it is based on little red riding hood. I would also recommend it to people who are passionate about injustice and sexism.

Ailsa

Vista Academy Littleport

Wolf Siren is quite a tricky book to review. Personally, I really liked the plot and the setting, and I thought it had a strong ending. The characters felt realistic and lifelike, even though the story includes magic. I also loved the storyline because it felt unique. However, on the other hand, I found that the story moved quite quickly, especially at the beginning, which made it a bit hard to keep track of at times. The main character, Red, was very well written, with clear feelings and motivations, which made her easy to understand and relate to. The themes of feminism and disability are shown strongly throughout the book and are key parts of the story.

Alba

Rainbeau Readers

A tale about how a girl who has to bear a deep secret about her grandma and how she struggles due to her being a girl and has a big theme of feminism but is a bit too informative with the story plot line.

Ayaan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

FIVE STARS!!! It was a really fun and interesting book to read! I couldn’t put it down and it had an awful lot of twists I wasn’t expecting! I absolutely enjoyed it and totally recommend to anyone and everyone. It isn’t gory or anything, so feel free to share with younger siblings!

Kayla

SCD Pageturners

I loved wolf siren I thought that it was a meaningful book. I really enjoyed uncovering the hidden message that being afraid of what you don't understand will only make you more afraid. I enjoyed travelling with Red as she explored this uncertain period in her life and her resolve to fix and solve a problem that had impacted the people in her community over many years. I would recommend this book to many people. It is a book about respecting and loving each other even through our differences.

Bethany

The Broxbourne Readers

Wolf Siren is not your typical "Little Red Riding Hood" retelling. Beth O’Brien has crafted a world where the woods aren’t just a place of danger, but a place of belonging. The protagonist, Red, is a wonderfully complex character—she is visually impaired and navigates a world that often tries to limit her, yet she finds her true strength and magic among the wolves. The themes of female empowerment, disability representation, and the connection to nature are woven together beautifully. I loved how the author used the "wolf" as a symbol for the parts of ourselves that society tells us to hide. It’s atmospheric, slightly dark, and incredibly moving. A must-read for fans of feminist fairytales.

Peace

Vista Academy Littleport

This book is a quick and easy read and it was enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the connections to little red riding hood and that sometimes we don't see everything so we just fill the rest in as best as we can. People from all age ranges can enjoy this but I think its mostly aimed towards 9-12 year olds. Red is a great character who sees things differently to everyone and deeply cares for her family. I also really like the magic involved in the story and the pure determination and courage shown in the book.

Alyss

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

I thought wolf siren was a great book, it was exciting, fun, and had a good balance between sad and happy. Wolf Siren is a twist on the classic fairy tale red riding hood where the main character has a severe visual impairment but learns to live with it. I think this is a good book to read for anyone between 9 and 15 although there are some sad bits.

alfiec

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book is about a girl called Red and she lives near a forest with her mum, sister and brother. One day, she is given the revelation of a big secret so she has to cope in the town. She has to show people that magic isn’t so bad. The main character was Red. I thought she was very brave. My favourite character would have to be the grandma as she is wise and very nice. I really liked this book because it’s like red riding hood but with a good twist and I thought it gripped me.

Evie

HHS 2026

I think the storyline of this book is wonderful and the simple, but effective description really adds to the fantastical, fairy tale feeling of this amazing little red riding hood retelling.

Ivo

The Shady Bookhounds

One of the most empowering book I have read all year! I loved all the feminism and how the story plot grows. Although I think that they could keep Areona, I enjoyed getting to know all the different characters and all the personality traits, especially Reds. But I think that the ending could include what happens to Wilson it would be better but overall I really enjoyed it.

Imogen Humphrey

Ousedale Olney

I really enjoyed this book as it had a really good story line and narrative. I thought that it had a good outlook on society and I think showed a unique view. My only criticism of the book is that it had a bit much going on and despite the great themes they all were fighting in the book. But, overall I loved this a think it has a good shot at the prize. Would read again.

Henry D

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Wolf Siren by Beth O'Brien is easily my favourite Carnegie book out of the the 4 I have now read. Wolf Siren is about a girl named Red who is 13 years old who has the power of magic to summon wolves and can transform into wolf. The story is set in a massive forest inhabited by wolves with a town in the centre surrounded by a forest that lives. I love this book as it includes outcasts, wolves and understanding. Even though Red is visually impaired she shows that even the most insignificant people can become known and powerful. In total I would give this book an 11/10 from how good of a book, storyline, setting and how it really got me hooked on every page.

Sylvan C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Wolf siren was an excellent book filled with lots of plot twists and a heartwarming meaningful story about acceptance and change. The book is very sad at the end and quite an emotional read.

Indi

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

I really enjoyed reading 'Wolf Siren'. I thought it was really interesting to understand the world from the viewpoint of someone who struggles with visual disabilities. Their reality is conveyed through vivid descriptions using colours. For example: what it is like having your period or losing someone you love. I was also able to connect with the story more deeply because it's in first person narration and everything felt more immediate. For me, this narrative style also gave me a better insight into Red’s thoughts. Overall a great read!

Philippa

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

An enthusiastic and empowering book for women - a read about sexism as well as gender roles. I believe that it is an excellent fairytale format for people to read and to understand as it allows people to change even in the circumstances of a book that is fiction. The length of the book and size of the text means that its a shorter read to avid/quick readers however to most it's an excellent length to read over the course of a few sessions. For anyone who is interested in fairytales who want to see a major point discussed, this is a perfect book for you.

Kaleb

Folkestone Academy Readers

Wolf Siren This book is the best book I have read this year so far! I loved the themes of feminism and representation of visually impaired people. I really liked Aerona and Grandmother because of how they weren't ashamed of being wolf women.

Kit

Booky Wookies

Overall, Wolf Siren is a fantastic book, which has both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments throughout. Red lives in a village which shunned the wolves and the forest many years ago, but Red loves spending time in the forest with her wolves. It is a well written book, and I was always left wanting to read the next page; no parts of it ever bored me or made me lose interest. Wolf Siren has memorable characters, exciting magic and a fantastic message of how we should embrace nature and not let fear rule over us. In conclusion, I really enjoyed Wolf Siren and would recommend it and definitely reread it sometime.

Louis

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I found Wolf Siren to be a bit flat. The plot was just never really fully established so there was only a small storyline to go off which didn't provide enough for me to get hooked. If the plot was developed a bit more I think it could drastically improve the book. As well as this, the link to the fairy tale "Little red riding hood" was honestly pointless as it added nothing to the story and was just there as a gimmick. However, I liked the setting and idea of the book as it could have a really good storyline. The character building was also done very well with a lot of focus on Red's relationship with her mother and her mental battle as to whether she should listen to her mother or the call of the trees. In addition to this, the implement of female empowerment was well structured and conveyed the message well alongside the more subtle point that disabilities don't have to hold you back, which is shown in Red's visual impairment. I also liked the ending as it conveyed a lot of the emotion built up throughout the novel and tied up the loose ends of the wolves and the relationship between Red and her mother. Yet I think a nicer idea would have been to foreshadow a different event at the end, as a sequel would easily be doable and would match really well with this book as it could develop Luki as a character, who is not shown much there. Overall, the plot was underdeveloped and really lacked depth but the setting was good and the characters were well developed. Plot:4/10 Characters:7/10 Setting:7/10 Style:6/10 Total:24/40

sevan c

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Wolf Siren was an amazing book, I loved it from start to finish. I would definitely recommend it to everyone!

Emily

The Broxbourne Readers

I absolutely adored this book, it reminded me of my favourite movie and brought back so many memories of the original story “The little red riding hood”. This book was so good I cried at the end because it made me so emotional at the end when I finished it. Please read it and trust me you will not regret it!!!

Olivia

Rainbeau Readers

Molly-May

The Next Chapter

The story flows and I loved how the main character had a disability because many characters have no disabilities or physical struggles and Beth O'Brien made sure that you didn't forget the characters disability. I also really liked how the story was based on a fairy tale but instead of being modernised it was set in the same time period.

Henry

St Kaths

Wolf Siren by Beth O'Brien is a book about a 13 year old girl, Red. Her grandmother disappeared 3 years ago, the woods outside the village are magical and Red discovers her ability to transform into a wolf. I quite liked this book, it kept me guessing about what would happen next. My favourite character was Red - even though she was visually impaired, she didn't let that stop her from doing anything. I also liked the way the author described some scenes, she made it feel like you were there in that moment. However I didn't one part of the book. I think the ending could have been explored in a bit more detail because it didn't fully explain what happened to all the characters at the end, especially Red with her powers. But overall I enjoyed this book and I would recommend to others - it was a good read.

Emma

Vista Academy Littleport

At first, I wasn't convinced by Wolf Siren. For most of the book, I found the story to be unfortunately boring but in the final few chapters- the story really became alive. Wolf Siren is about a brilliant girl with a brilliant gift. It is moving and takes you through so many different emotions. The grief I felt was undeniable but the joy was also the same. I only wish that the story started off with a bit more of a kick but otherwise, the novel was fantastic. I read the author's note at the end and I am overwhelmed and deeply in-aw-of by what an incredible person Beth O'Brien is and the outstanding achievements she has overcome. Wow. Thank you for inspiring me to overcome challenges like you had to do, Beth.

Molly

Chiswick Carnegie

Wolf siren is a book about feminism and the power of nature, inspired by the fairy tale of Little Red Riding-hood. The town that Red lives in is mistrustful and scared of wolves and the woods that it is surrounded by. Red, the main character, is one of the few people in the town who understand that maybe the woods aren't as dangerous as they seem... I really enjoyed this book because the themes that it follows are all things that I think are important, for example the importance of living in balance with nature and not being defined by the actions of those around you.

Alexandra

Chiswick Carnegie

In Wolf Siren, the main character of the story, Red, showed many characteristics during this read. Firstly, in a small cottage lived a thirteen-year-old girl who had a great passion in the woods. However, her small village was banned to enter it because of the murderous wolves that roamed between the trees. Red's goal is to stand up for what's right and to protect the things that are closest to her.

Amelie

Chiswick Carnegie

Good plot that highlights that women can also be the people to depend on, showing that male oppression shouldn't just be accepted. Also how even the smallest most insignificant people, can become something powerful and admirable, and to not stop when you're put down as you can do more than you think.

Julia

Reepham Reads

I very much enjoyed this book. It was well-written, and the font was a good, readable size. I enjoy fairy-tale retellings, and this was a lovely interpretation. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the village, and learning about their culture in the world of the novel. However, I found the ending a bit rushed, although that might have just been me not wanting the book to end! Also, I personally think Red jumped to conclusions a little bit at the end when discovering who the 'murderer' was. That being said, it was a very good book. 5 Stars. Thank you

Clara

Bassingbourn Readers

This is a very interesting book. It takes something we have an idea of and creates something knew. The characters are very good and the story is gripping. Also the setting of an isolated village is a brilliant idea that adds to the atmosphere

Paul

St David’s reading stars

If you like adventures, forests and nature, girl power and mysteries then Wolf Siren is definitely for you. I found this book very inspiring because there are often wise words in some of the dialogue, for example when the main character’s (Red’s) grandmother says, “We do not need to be frightened of something working so hard to survive.” This shows that we don’t always need to intervene or attack if something seems to scare us but simply let it defend itself if necessary. I also like how this amazingly reimagined story of the fairytale ‘Red Riding Hood’ has a visually impaired teenage girl who is based on the wonderful author as the protagonist who just wants to be herself, protect her family and friends and find peace in the enchanting wood beyond her village. Another thing that I love about Wolf Siren is that it includes many genres and characters with lots of detail and backstories, helping to keep the reader always engaged. I would say that this book is aimed at readers aged 10-13 because it includes some violent or emotional scenes, but it’s also interesting to read about Red transforming into her wolf self, which really makes you think about animal welfare when characters try to hurt her. I rate Wolf Siren 10/10!

Mae

Helkats & Hardbacks

Wolf siren is a book about a young girl called Red who is partially blind and has just started her first cycle. Red loves going in the woods despite her Mum’s constant warnings of the danger it can hold. So, when Red is old enough, she becomes a courier so that she can enter the woods whenever she wants without getting told off. However, when Red is going to deliver a parcel to Ms Blaeberry she discovers a secret that if anyone else finds out, it could ruin her family’s reputation forever… I loved this book as the descriptions felt so real and could even imagine how the characters must have been feeling! It was such a heart-warming tale with so many plot twists that kept me guessing what would happen next! My favourite character was Aerona because she was so caring and innocent and didn’t understand what was happening until Red has to explain what’s happening to her. There were so many times when I had to put the book down because I had burst out laughing and others when I was on the verge of crying. This story was so good that I couldn’t even put the book down! I felt like I just had to keep reading and find out what would happen next! I don’t think I have many negative things to say about this book. The only thing is really that I wish something different happened to her sister, so it didn’t create such a dark tone to the ending, but the blossom really lifted the spirit. I would recommend this book to younger readers and people who love fantasy, animals and nature as it is a very nature-based story. I really enjoyed it and would read more books from this author.

Gwen

Vista Academy Littleport

This book is quite different to many dystopian stories. Grandmother being a wolfwoman and human put a really interesting twist on the story because that lead to a unity between wolves and people. I really liked how the book shows humans and animals can live in peace, side by side and is a lesson that we need to learn. The story based of Red Riding Hood was cleverly adapted.

Zeven

Rainbeau Readers

Personally, Wolf Siren was a brilliant read. The book had me hooked in the storyline which is based of a children's fairy tale and it was so gripping near the end. As a feminist, I adored and connected with the characters of this book and the challenges they faced. This book opened me up a lot and for me it was one of a kind. However, the start of the book was dragging the plot a little bit, which I must admit got me a little bored, but it got better the more chapters I read. Overall, it was such a good read and I think it may be one of my favourite books that I may read again!

Afreen

Skipton Shadows

Lyla

The Hinckley Readers

Tess

The Hinckley Readers

Oh my gosh I don’t have the words to explain how amazing this book is. It may have snuck its way into my top 5 books ! It’s based on the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood and it’s a bit of an explanation as to why she believed her grandmother was the wolf although it isn’t directly linked . It has quite a few unexpected pot twists and I would one hundred percent recommend to everyone.

Poppy bs

HHS 2026

I'm really excited to read this book

Jenny

Orpington Library Younger Teens Group

Wolf Siren is a story about a young girl called Red who is partially blind and has just had her first cycle. She loves the woods, and continues to visit despite her mother's constant warnings. But one day, Red discovers that she has a terrible secret, one that could ruin the only life she's ever known... My favourite character was Aerona because she was so caring and understanding. The characters felt real, and the story was one which kept me guessing what was going to happen the whole way through. My favourite part of the story was when Red met with Miss Blaeberry and experienced her first transformation. The scenes were well written, and the sad scenes made me feel like I was there. Parts of the book made me laugh, whereas some of them made me feel like I was going to cry. It was so gripping, and at points I couldn't put it down! There wasn't much I didn't like about the book - it was one of the better books I've read. My favourite character was Aerona because she was so caring and understanding. The characters felt real, and the story was one which kept me guessing what was going to happen the whole way through. My favourite part of the story was when Red met with Miss Blaeberry and experienced her first transformation. The scenes were well written, and the sad scenes made me feel like I was there. Parts of the book made me laugh, whereas some of them made me feel like I was going to cry. It was so gripping, and at points I couldn't put it down! There wasn't much I didn't like about the book - it was one of the better books I've read. I'd recommend this book to people who like adventure and tales of growing up. I would suggest it for teens because of the topics, but it is a very gripping tale. I loved it!

Catelyn P

Vista Academy Littleport

Wolf Siren is incredible, one of the best I have read, it shows people how someone can be 'different' yet we wouldn't notice because they are resilient and just like us. It also teaches us about prejudices and not everything being as it seems. It shows a brilliant perspective but a different one I would love to see more of. It also uses show not tell which is embedded really well. I generally love fiction and animals but this brings it to the next level. As well as being seen as an amazing book you could say it's a rewrite of Little Red Riding Hood. I love this book because it shows the battles of someone who is partially blind and the battles they fight against people who are in power but are corrupt and people who are supposed to help them.

Maddie

Carnegie@StBede’s

I really enjoyed reading the book. I found the book thrilling and brilliant and by the end I just wanted more. I can safely say it is in my top ten favourites.

Hollie

St Kaths

Wolf Siren, to put it simply, is one of the best books I have ever read. The sheer amount of mystery and magic set it aside from any other book. It tells the story so well and stuffs things like emotion, injustice and curiosity in to constantly keep the reader hooked. Near the end of the book my eyes welled up because of the beauty of the story. This truly is a masterpiece and definitely deserves to be a Carnegie. Thank You

Aiden

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book is about a young girl called Red. She lives in a town with her little sister Aerona, little brother Luki and mum on the outskirts of a forest. However, the town and mayor keep themselves separate from the forest world and what they think is magic as wolves live in there and will target every male. However, Red feels a special connection to the forest and wolves that she thinks only her and her Grandmother have. Red had recently started her monthly cycle but to her and her mum, it meant nothing. But when in the wood with Ms Blaeberry ( who is apparently a witch and holds magic) her body transforms into a wolf. Supposedly, wolf women only exist in fairy tales, but do they? How much will Red have to pay to show that nature isn’t as scary as it seems? The main character in this book is Red. I really liked her character as she was extremely determined, kind, brave, loyal and smart. She always looked out for her family, the forest and her wolves. My favourite character in this book would have had to be Aerona. She is very sweet, kind, caring and creative and is always by Red’s side. I really enjoyed this book. It was extremely captivating and I liked how it was based on the traditional fairy tale “ Little Red Riding Hood”. I think the story line was very smart and I loved how many twists and turns the story took. It was an extremely excellent book, one of my favourites.

Priya

HHS 2026

I like the amount of mystery put into the book it wasn't too much to make me annoyed but it was like a good amount to make you intrigued. There wasn't really much description and when there was it was short and not in depth

Haajrah

HGCSC Library

The book wolf siren is a very intense and adventurous that I would defiantly recommend to anyone who like tension when reading The book follows Red (main character) who adventures into the woods despite her mother warning her about the woods as there known for being full of dangerous magic and blood thirsty wolfs. However throughout her adventures she finds that the woods make her fell at home but along the way a villager is found dead and red is suspected to be involved but red keeps finding dark secrets about her family and why villagers are truly scared of the woods . This book is a great read and keeps making you wonder more.

Rose

The Next Chapter

Very interesting concept, kept me engaged for hours. I loved the plot twists and didn’t see them coming, and the characters relationships. I nearly cried at the end.

Elly

Rad readers

A compelling, feministic retelling of little red riding hood, great twist of the original fairy tale. Emotive and leaving you wanting for more and an ending that left me in tears.

Hollie

Rad readers