The Redwyn Chronicles | In which me and Kaitlyn Philips fangirl about the entire series

I know what you're thinking. This is not like my usual blog posts. And you'd be right. But I think you're really gonna like this. 😁

A little while ago, me and Kaitlyn Phillips got together and started fangirling about one of our favorite authors—Madisyn Carlin. One thing led to another, and we went, "Hey, why don't we co-write a blog post about The Redwyn Chronicles?"

Then that led to basically 3,000 words of us ranting and raving about this series. 😆

Small note: This post is full of spoilers . . . so if you haven't read the series yet, go and read it, then come back. 😉 And if you've already read it, then good job!

Here we go . . .

IRON

Favorite Character(s) Because who can pick one?

KAYTI: For me, my favorite character would be a tie between Carter and Red. Carter is just…ahh, great! Plus, he’s a blacksmith (cool) and he’s so nice! While Red…she sarcasm to her core and I am all here for it!

MAC: Same! Carter is an absolute sweetheart, and his character journey was the best. insert allll the heart eyes And Red. Oh, Red. I think I relate to her a little too much, hehe . . . 

KAYTI: Red reminds me of my younger sister, Jai…so…lol…I love it.

MAC: That’s awesome. 😂

MAC: And let’s not forget the first introduction of the “Wolf Men”! Red’s interaction with them was the absolute best. 

KAYTI: Priceless! It was so good! I loved! Especially since I was intrigued by Ruid and Lycus!

MAC: Even cooler is the fact that we see these two later on in the series!

KAYTI: Yes, I loved that we got to see more of them! And I’m excited for yet more page time for the “Wolf Men”!

MAC: Same. 💯

Favorite Moment(s) Because there are just so many…

MAC: First thing that comes to mind? Any time Red is with her horse, Cygnus. cackles She met her match in equine form with that one.

KAYTI: Ah, yes, those scenes are awesome! Cygnus is such a mood! Also, I love the interactions Red has with Denton, he quickly became one of my favorite side characters! (I was so glad he got his own story in KEY!)

MAC: Yessss. The tension and friction was real, but I loved how it all ended with those two. 🥰

KAYTI: Yes! So worth it…and circling back to Ruid and Lycus, any scene with them and Red is priceless because of her animosity toward them. XD

MAC: Oh, it was awesome. At first, I kinda sided with Red. Like, who are these outsiders?! But that quickly turned into just me laughing cause it was too fun to read.

KAYTI: Same. It’s just gold! I love how Red dishes sarcasm and Lycus just gives it right back to her…lol…

MAC: Hehe . . . I think Lycus and Cygnus are related somehow. 😉

KAYTI: XD Yes! Definitely…lol…

MAC: I also really liked the masquerade ball. Such a cool addition to the plot, in my opinion.

KAYTI: Oh, yes, and the fact that Red dragged Carter along. XD

MAC: Oh, yeah. Poor guy. 😂

KAYTI: He really didn’t want to go…XD But Red is a force…like literally. XD

MAC: A force to be reckoned with, absolutely.

Least Favorite Character(s), Villains and other things:

KAYTI: Draymond….I almost feel like the name is enough to dislike this guy? Like it screams villain/don’t trust this guy!

MAC: Uggh, yes. And Lord Riley? shivers That guy was despicable.

KAYTI: Yeah, Antony wasn’t any better either. What a jerk…*glowers in the general direction of the villains*

MAC: Carlin just writes amazing characters. If they’re the heroes/heroines, they're amazing. If they’re the antagonists/villains, well…they’re incredible at being so. 🤣

KAYTI: Definitely. Her villains definitely hit the mark of being detestably evil. shivers

MAC: Yup. 

KAYTI: I also just remember the guy at the end who tries to take off with Topika…But I can’t remember where he was from. He was so crazy though….the ending got intense.

MAC: Ooooh, I forgot about that! And yeah, that ending was something else…

KAYTI: Definitely a wild and fun ride!

MAC: You forgot heartbreaking too, but yes, all of the above. 😂

KAYTI: This is true…Carlin knows how to keep us coming back for more. ;)

CROWN

KAYTI: I think one of my favorite aspects of reading CROWN was getting to meet Char and Red’s parents! Which was just so much fun! Especially meeting Red’s parents. XD

MAC: Ahh . . . Euler and Janni were hysterical. No small wonder where Red got her sass from, hehe.

KAYTI: I know! She came by it honestly.

MAC: No kidding! And I also loved to see young Calvin and just how good of a future king he showed he’d. And Isadora . . . it was just fun to be in her mind.

KAYTI: Yes! I loved Calvin’s arc in the book, how unsure he was which was cool to pair with the image we get of him in IRON, which is calm and collected and in charge. This is true, Isadora handled her situation a whole lot better than I would have. XD

MAC: Ha! I would’ve handled it more in a Red-ish fashion, I think. 🤭 Which means I would’ve landed in a lot of trouble . . . There’s a reason this was Isadora’s book and not Red’s. 🤣

KAYTI: Haha, true! I would have been dissolved into a puddle of tears, probably…I might surprise myself, but I doubt it. XD

KEY

Favorite Character(s) Because who can pick one?

KAYTI: I legit was so excited when I found out Denton was getting his own story! Like, eeeek! And wow, his arc through this book. My heart went out to him. I loved him. There’s no competition for me…lol…Denton is my favorite character in KEY!

MAC: Denton was, without a doubt, the star of the show. 😍 Just to see him get his footing and grow into who he was out from his father and older brother’s shadows was, in a word, inspiring.

KAYTI: Yes. So inspiring and I may or may not have cried. It was beautiful!

MAC: Nerrisa was also quite the woman…I have to say, I related to her a good bit in some places.

KAYTI: Yes. As an older sister myself, I definitely found myself relating a lot. Her want to protect her sisters and but also her own fears. I’ve been in that spot before so her arc definitely hit hard as well. Denton just stole the show is all. XD

MAC: Ha! Same. You know, I’m sensing a theme here . . . heartbreakingly-real characters. Carlin is a pro at those.

KAYTI: That she is. She’s trying to break me I think…lol…at least it feels that way. XD Her characters are just relatable on so many levels.

MAC: They really are. Even her littles! ‘Cause I’m telling you, Nerri’s little sisters weren’t only comic relief when it was much needed. They were a true portrayal of small siblings. 🤣

KAYTI: Yes! They were so great! I especially loved Elberta. XD

MAC: Me too. 😂

Favorite Moment(s) Because there are just so many…

KAYTI: Man, I am having a hard time pinpointing a favorite moment. (Besides Denton’s “redemption” scene of a sort that is.)

MAC: Man. That was such a good part. 😍 I will say, the part that stuck with me was when the title finally made sense. 🤣 The whole time, I was like “Is this a literal key? A metaphorical one?” Then we found out and I was like “Ah! That’s so cool!”

KAYTI: Yes…lol…Same, though in a sense, I feel like it was both. Because Denton found that the key, so to speak, of putting his past behind him was turning it all over to the Beginning. And the same with Nerri and her anxiety, which was just….ah, perfection!

MAC: So true!! I love how Madisyn did that, 100%.

MAC: I also loved when Carter galloped into view and Denton was like “You’re here with twenty soldiers because you thought I was causing trouble?” Then Carter went, “No, Denton. I’m here with twenty soldiers because I thought you were in trouble.” I tabbed that line in a second in my copy. 🥰

KAYTI: Ack! Yes, that part was sooooo good! I loved it!

MAC: The proposal scene was something else too. 🤣

KAYTI: Yes! XD So many epic and fun moments! And beautiful ones too!

Least Favorite Character(s), Villains and other things:

KAYTI: There are so many people I don’t like in this book…the villains are just…*shivers* But I think we established that Madisyn knows what she’s about when it comes to characters.

MAC: Yes! And as much as I loved to see Madisyn build on old villains, the new ones . . . shivers with you I especially loathed Afya’s mom, the Mother Goethel character. Eesh . . .

KAYTI: Dude, she was soooo creepy. SO CREEPY! shivers with you I also found myself hating Denton’s family even more…such jerks.

MAC: Poor, poor, Denton. I hated how so much of his past came to life. No, I take that back, I hated what came to life from his past. So much trauma . . .

KAYTI: I know! So much trauma on my baby, but he wouldn’t be who he was without it…so, I’m caught between wishing he had a better life and loving the guy he is!

MAC: Same! I’m just glad Madisyn believes in happy endings. 👀 Or else I’d have some nasty letters to write regarding my favorite characters . . .

KAYTI: Me too! Oh, I also love how the Rapunzel theme was incorporated with the watch towers…that was cool. And somehow so perfect for the devious villains.

MAC: That was a super cool twist! And how there were Rapunzel-by-the-sea vibes to it too. I would not have thought to do that, but it worked so well!

KAYTI: So well! And that whole subplot with Noko and Jonah and….my heart, what those boys went through. hugs them

MAC: Noko! I loved that boy. I’m so glad Madisyn let him stick around for another book. Speaking of which . . .

KAYTI: Yes, I love Noko, too! Yes! Let’s move on to ARROW!

ARROW

Favorite Character(s) Because who can pick one?

MAC: Can I just say how excited I was that Ruid got his own book? 😇

KAYTI: Yes! Ruid! And getting to see Lycus again was awesome! And the wolves! I loved all the wolves!

MAC: The wolves were an awesome aspect, absolutely. And they totally fit with the country’s overall feel, you know?

Kayti: Yes!  I also loved all the characters that we’re nods back to the Disney movie…such as Cricket being a wolf….it was gold! 

MAC: And Yushu! When I pieced together who he represented . . . I couldn’t stop laughing! That, coupled with the quotes and lines from the Disney Mulan . . . it was too much!

KAYTI: I know! Yushu cracked me up so much! And then Pwyll, Lao, and Yul! I couldn’t…I just kept getting cracked up when I put all the pieces together for who everyone was. Ruid made a great General Cheng fill in. XD

MAC: He totally did. XD

KAYTI: I also appreciated the fact that Maerin didn’t have to pretend to be a boy (one side of the story I always found hard to believe) and instead was pretending to be from a different clan. That was great! And left more room for the romance to develop.

MAC: I really appreciated that Madysin did that too. 

MAC: Also, can we take a second for Lady Florencia Periwinkle and her hilarious little raccoon please? XD

KAYTI: Precious! Lol…I loved Precious and Lady Florencia! She was so great! And Precious was such a weapon…lol…

MAC: I’ll admit, I had my doubts about her, but oh my goodness . . . they were a riot!

KAYTI: I know…but it was epic and how annoyed Lyndon got with both of them made it even more hilarious! Also, a moment of appreciation for Lyndon…he was great! Bonus points for going up against Red with sarcasm…XD

MAC: He deserves a round of applause, that’s no small feat, you know. XD

KAYTI: True…lol…overall, this cast is great! Red has so many golden moments in this one! Love that girl!

MAC: She really does. XD

Favorite Moment(s) Because there are just so many…

KAYTI: Goodness, so many good moments! I love when Precious is thrown at people, though. XD

MAC: That raccoon is a weapon. XD Red should think about employing a similar tactic . . . 🤔

KAYTI: Hahaha…yes. XD Also, just everything about this book. The everything! I’m having a hard time picking favorite moments. XD

MAC: Every scene with Ruid and Lycus going back and forth immediately goes on the favorites list for me. XD

KAYTI: Yes! Lycus and Ruid are the perfect friend duo…lol…and when Ruid’s sisters were teasing Lycus toward the end it was hilarious! 

KAYTI: I also want to say that Madisyn told me she wrote Ruid and Maerin’s part of the story and then went back and wrote Red’s separate…to which I am extremely impressed that she was able to do that and keep the timeline consistent.

MAC: It’s impressive how she keeps everything together, I’ll say that. XD But I’m glad Red got some page time, even if it was miles away from the action with Ruid’s camp. XD

KAYTI: Yes! Me too! Also, the ending of Red’s adventures in Frilore was not expected. My heart stopped for just a second after Lyndon…well, you know. I couldn’t get to the next Red chapter fast enough, but then there was so much going on Ruid and Maerin’s chapters I wanted to read. Torn does not begin to describe it…XD

MAC: FRANTIC. That was me reading the second part of that book. XD I was like, there’s no way . . . is there? This is Madisyn, after all . . . Then I proceeded to flip pages at a frantic rate.

KAYTI: I know! I was like Madisyn wouldn’t…would she? Proceeds to read like a madwoman I think I finished the book in 3 or 4 days. XD I had to know what happened. How it ended!

MAC: And speaking of the ending! . . . 👀

KAYTI: Dude, I don’t know if I’m over that sneak peek yet…like, what was that? Torture for the reader? Emotion trauma for us to hang onto until August of 2025…XD

MAC: I think Madisyn takes secret pleasure in making us anxious for the next release . . .

KAYTI: I think you’re right. XD

Least Favorite Character(s), Villains and other things:

KAYTI: The villains in this one…dude, left field on Red’s part. Like wow! 

MAC: Tell me about it! I was wracking my brain over that one . . . And then Park! 😝 Despicable creature.

KAYTI: Ugh, yes…horrible man.

MAC: Also, may I just say, McWhinneys was a piece of work. XD

KAYTI: Yes, you may….*huffs* So many despicable people. How does Madisyn come up with all of them?

MAC: I’d honestly like to know. XD

WOLF

KAYTI: Now, it’s time for what we’re excited about/hope to see from the final book in the series! The grand finale which is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling, and I’m just so stoked for the final book in the series! Like it can’t come fast enough! (August of 2025 feels like it’s a million years away at this point XD)

MAC: Yes!! Ugh, especially after that cliffhanger ARROW left us on. Like, really?? August can’t come soon enough!

KAYTI: I believe that was the most aggravating sneak peek of the next book in a series that I have ever read. I haven’t read one since because I’m so upset with where she left us hanging. XD Like, who does that? (Besides Madi, of course)

MAC: Uh, Mads does that, that’s who. 🤦‍♀️😂

MAC: I will say, I’m super excited to see Lycus and Red together. They’re such a hoot!

KAYTI: That is definitely something I’m super excited about! Their interactions will be literal gold! Plus, where Lycus is…Ruid is sure to be around and wolves! I mean the book is called WOLF, we have to have some wolves! Which I am so here for!

MAC: Eeh, yes! Those two are quite the pair, then throw Red into the mix . . . Oh, this is gonna be good. 🥰 We need Ruid there to needle Lycus. 😏 I’m expecting to laugh and cry my way through this book, if I’m being honest.

KAYTI: Totally! The brotherhood between Lycus and Ruid is just great! Honestly, they remind me of my brothers. XD And Red is gonna add so much sarcasm to the mix…lol…

MAC: Aw, that’s awesome. They’re such a blast, that’s for sure. I have a sneaking suspicion that this one might be my favorite out of the series . . . 👀

KAYTI: I mean, Red and Lycus are two of my favorite characters…it’s definitely gonna be fun! It might just beat KEY or I may love them both equally for different reasons. (I’m so indecisive…lol…)

MAC: Hehe, no, I’m totally with you. cough That’s why we need this book ASAP, Mads cough 😇

KAYTI: That and because Madi left us on a major cliffhanger…like…all I can say is if you are currently reading the series, do yourself a favor and skip that sneak peek at the end of ARROW so it doesn’t rip your heart out and leave you hanging.

MAC: ^^^ What she said. 😶

KAYTI: Another thing I’m super excited about with this book is potentially getting to find out what happened to Red’s parents…this whole mystery has me hook, line, and sinker.

MAC: YES! smacks forehead Ah, man, I am dying to see that thread wrapped up. WHAT. HAPPENED?! I need answers.

KAYTI: YES! ANSWERS! I’m seriously way too invested in that subplot. XD But I really want to know what happened to them, especially after getting to meet them in CROWN.

MAC: Yeah, no pressure, but . . . we need answers. Closure, at the very least. 👀 I will say though, if they’re dead, I will be writing a very nasty letter to a certain author of my acquaintance . . . 🤨

KAYTI: Haha, I don’t know if I’ll write a letter of not…depends on how the storyline goes, if it works…but then I really do want them to still be alive…yet, I have a sinking feeling they won’t be. cries

MAC: I’m not mentally prepared enough for them to be dead. 😭

KAYTI: pats Mac’s back On another note…I just have a feeling this is going to be a great, epic, fantastic book and I need it yesterday. XD

MAC: You’re right. Just so long as it ends well, I’m . . . I’m willing to accept what deaths may be uncovered mutters under my breath I hope.

KAYTI: If you’re not, I’ll be your emotional support person, ready with virtual chocolate. hands you a bar to have on hand

MAC: Thank you. I have a feeling I’m gonna need it.

KAYTI: Me too, Mac, me too.

KAYTI: Unless you have anything else to add I think that’s a wrap…like 3k words of fangirling madness later. XD

MAC: Wups? I’m not apologizing, though. 😇

MAC: I just have one note: If you haven’t read this series, you need these books in your life. If you have, then welcome to the Anxiously-Awaiting-The-Next-Release Club. 

KAYTI: Definitely. Read if you haven’t and if you have read them, feel free to rant in the comments. ;)

Phew! 😅 Told you there was a lot. 😉

I hope you had fun reading this little fangirl moment of ours! Make sure to check Madisyn Carlin out if you haven't already. She's a stellar author with some amazing things to share.

Catch ya on the flip side!

_Mac 🤎