Title: Scarlet
Author: A. C . Gaughen
Author: A. C . Gaughen
Release date: February 14, 2012
Publisher: Walker Children's
Publisher: Walker Children's
Pages: 292
Source: Library
Goodreads: {via}
Summary:
Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.
Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.
It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.
Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.
It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.
Review:
Robin Hood has always been one of my favorites. I hold it near and dear to my heart because it's something that my Daddy and I share. When I was little, we would sit and watch the various versions of the Robin Hood legend. My favorite, of course, was the animated one. All that being said, I was so excited when I learned that there was a new book coming out based on the Robin Hood legend. With a girl as the protagonist, no less!
Scarlet did not disappoint. Funny, quick, witty and strong, Scarlet has a little bit of everything for all readers. It's action packed, historical, and has a sweet romance (or two) for the reader to fall in love with. The characters themselves are strong, well-rounded and fleshed out, so you really feel like you get to know them.
Scarlet is a heroine in every sense of the word, even if she doesn't see it for herself. She has a troubled past, and can't seem to get past that in her own eyes. All she sees in herself is her failures, both past and present; she thinks of her soul as dark as tar and just as twisty. We, of course, know better, for her actions speak far louder than her words. She might be a thief, but she's a noble thief. She's special. And we're not the only ones that notice.
Scarlet is part of Robin Hood's band of merry men. There's Much, who like Scarlet, is somewhat discounted. He's loyal and true, sweet even. There's John Little, better known to us as Little John – a big, lumbering fool of a man who sets his eyes on Scar, and every other pretty face in the forrest. And then there's the legend himself, Robin Hood. He's just as dark and twisty as Scarlet is, always thinking that he's no good for anyone, especially the people of his once birthright. Even though they all seem so different, they mesh well, and move as one. It's rather inspiring how closely they stick together.
The love story was an interesting twist. Love triangles don't bother me if they're done right, and this one was. It was a slow burn for all parties involved, letting the reader know that their emotions had really been thought out. We all do crazy, stupid things for crazy stupid love, and I definitely think that shows here.
New and interesting characters and plot ideas were brought forth in this book, expanding on the basic legend. People you thought you knew, like Friar Tuck, are a little different (in a good way!) in this book. The Sheriff of Nottingham, for example, was always bad in my book. In this version, though, he's a horrible person, not just scummy. Great writing and characterization!
The book ends with somewhat of an open ending, leading me to hope that there might be more to this story in the future. I certainly hope so, as I fell in love with Rob and his gang.
Scarlet did not disappoint. Funny, quick, witty and strong, Scarlet has a little bit of everything for all readers. It's action packed, historical, and has a sweet romance (or two) for the reader to fall in love with. The characters themselves are strong, well-rounded and fleshed out, so you really feel like you get to know them.
Scarlet is a heroine in every sense of the word, even if she doesn't see it for herself. She has a troubled past, and can't seem to get past that in her own eyes. All she sees in herself is her failures, both past and present; she thinks of her soul as dark as tar and just as twisty. We, of course, know better, for her actions speak far louder than her words. She might be a thief, but she's a noble thief. She's special. And we're not the only ones that notice.
Scarlet is part of Robin Hood's band of merry men. There's Much, who like Scarlet, is somewhat discounted. He's loyal and true, sweet even. There's John Little, better known to us as Little John – a big, lumbering fool of a man who sets his eyes on Scar, and every other pretty face in the forrest. And then there's the legend himself, Robin Hood. He's just as dark and twisty as Scarlet is, always thinking that he's no good for anyone, especially the people of his once birthright. Even though they all seem so different, they mesh well, and move as one. It's rather inspiring how closely they stick together.
The love story was an interesting twist. Love triangles don't bother me if they're done right, and this one was. It was a slow burn for all parties involved, letting the reader know that their emotions had really been thought out. We all do crazy, stupid things for crazy stupid love, and I definitely think that shows here.
New and interesting characters and plot ideas were brought forth in this book, expanding on the basic legend. People you thought you knew, like Friar Tuck, are a little different (in a good way!) in this book. The Sheriff of Nottingham, for example, was always bad in my book. In this version, though, he's a horrible person, not just scummy. Great writing and characterization!
The book ends with somewhat of an open ending, leading me to hope that there might be more to this story in the future. I certainly hope so, as I fell in love with Rob and his gang.
Great review! I'm really excited about this one. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was such a great read, especially if you like twists on fairy tales.
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