Series: Scarlet #2
Published: February 11th,
2014
Publisher: Walker
Childrens
308 pages (ARC)
Genre: Young adult historic
fiction/retelling
Acquired this book: As a gift from the
author
Warning: May contain spoilers
Scarlet’s true identity
has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord
Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends
upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham
hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John
has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from
Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court
alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of
a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance
at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much
passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking
once again.
Scarlet is one of my
favourite books ever. I’ve always loved the legend of Robin Hood, and the idea
of Will Scarlet being a girl…and not just any girl…blew my mind. It was a
brilliant twist, and the entire book tugged at my heartstrings, made me laugh,
made me cry, and made me fall in love with Rob, Scar, and the band.
I was so excited when AC
Gaughen announced that Scarlet's story was going to be a trilogy. Scarlet and Robin’s
story didn’t feel like it was complete, so I waited anxiously for Lady Thief,
wondering what would happen to this couple. Within a few minutes of finally having the
book in my hot little hands, I knew my heart was going to
break, and I was right. Lady Thief was much darker than Scarlet - at times, so
much so that it was hard to read. I kept catching myself rubbing my chest as if
there were an actual ache in my heart.
But don’t let that put you
off. Obviously I loved this book since I’m giving it 5 stars - it’s just one of
those books that you love even though it rips out your heart and tramples it.
Whether I’m dense or
whether it really was that brilliant of a plot twist (I’m going to go with the
latter), I didn’t see the big twist coming in Scarlet. The same thing happened
in Lady Thief, but I feel like I should have guessed this one, especially
since I grew up watching the Disney version of Robin Hood (and still watch it regularly with
my nephews). There were so many unexpected twists in this story. Even though
I’ve loved anything to do with Robin Hood my whole life, I don’t actually know
the legend all that well, so whether things will be predictable for Robin Hood
buffs, I’m not sure, but I was stunned in all the best ways at the turns this
book took.
Then there were the
characters. I loved Scarlet in the first book, and I loved her even more in
this book. She’s strong, loyal, fierce, cunning, and so much more than she gives herself credit
for. Even when things got dark and twisty, she never gave up and she never lost
hope, and that was what I loved most about her. Even as I was a sobbing wreck
at the things that were happening to her, I felt this hope and faith emanating
from her that just amazed me. Robin was as swoony as ever, loving Scarlet with
his whole heart, and wanting to protect her. I think it was their relationship
that made my heart ache the most; things between them at the beginning of the
book were difficult, and I kept putting the book aside because it was hard to
read. The little moments between them were among my favourite - you could really see and feel how much they love each other.
There were other familiar
faces, like John and Much, and some new faces. I absolutely loved Much in Lady
Thief. I wanted to squeeze him so many times. He was an amazing friend to
Scarlet, and like her, he’s worth so much more than he gives himself credit
for. The new characters…I don’t know how much I can say without getting into
spoiler territory. There’s a familiar face from Robin Hood legend (I actually
squealed out loud when he made his appearance), and a few other people, some of
who were horrible and evil, and two in particular that were incredible and
added so much to the story. I really want to talk more about them and give them
the credit they deserve since they were so memorable, but just know that even
though Scarlet seems to be surrounded by evil, there are people on her side,
fighting for her and watching out for her.
Sequels can often be a
letdown, especially when the first book was so epic, but Lady Thief is
action-packed, suspenseful, and full of amazing twists. It’s a book that will
leave you breathless, speechless, aching, and yearning for more. It’s heartbreaking but
also uplifting, sad but hopeful. It made me laugh, cry, rage, and swoon.
Now begins the painful
wait for the final book in Scarlet and Robin’s story…*sigh*
"Your power, your great gift, is that you never give up. When something fails you make a new plan, and another, and another. You never accept defeat. You never give up." ~ Much, page 61
"They can have your name. I know who you are, with or without it. And I won't ever let you lose that. My love. My Scarlet." ~ Robin, page 92
"We've always been good at causing a bit of chaos." ~ Robin, page 93
I stared at him, drinking him in till I felt tipsy with the sight of
him, and pulled him closer to me, wanting to touch him. His arms came
round me and I pressed my face to the crook of his neck. "We'd never be
happy without adventure," I murmured to him. "But we'll be happy with
each other. We will have that chance. I promise." ~ Scarlet, page 169
"I only feel like a hero when you're with me, Scarlet. I feel like I have destiny greater than pain and hurt when you're in my arms." ~ Robin, page 261
*All quotes taken from the ARC of Lady Thief by AC Gaughen.I know you're not necessarily supposed to quote from ARCs but these are just too damn good not to share*
Have you read Scarlet or Lady Thief? What did you think? If you haven't read them, do you plan to? Do you like Robin Hood stories? Historic fiction?
