ScarletAuthor: A. C. GaughenPublisher: Walker & Co, 2012Genre: YA Fantasy
Overview
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.
My Review:
I love Robin Hood stories, I mean, who doesn't? So when I saw Scarlet I just knew I had to read it. To say that I bugged the hell out of the Netgalley people until I got the request accepted, is putting it mildly. I got the request accepted yesterday, and I finished reading the book today because I could NOT put it down. Let me tell you now this is no simple retelling. The level of depth, gritty action, and heartfelt romance that A.C. Gaughen brings to the tale Robin Hood is something that will leave you breathless.
Meet Will Scarlet, a scrawny thief who only a few know he's really Scarlet. A girl! Scarlet is a great heroine. She's snappy, though, a master knife fighter, and the best thief of them all. She isn't just part of Robin's band, she's like the mastermind! The one they all look to know who to steal from, when, and how. Scarlet is extremely kind with the people, so much so that she sometimes will forgo eating for days because she gives the food to others. But even with all the good she does, she still believes her soul is black as tar and irredeemable. Aside from dealing with a guilty conscience, Scarlet has one heck of a time between Robin's glances and swift caresses, and John's teasing and rough charms. She doesn't have time to be thinking about love, not when the people are being brutalized by the sheriff, not when she doesn't deserve their love.
I loved how all the basic elements of the Robin Hood tale are still there; the gang of merry men boys, the drunk friar tavern keeper, the barrels of wine, Sherwood forest, etc. For a moment I thought one important character was missing, but then it was revealed and I was like "hell yeah!" Seriously. Like I've dreamed of the moment of that character praying a more important part, and here it's done beautifully. (Notice I'm being vague in an attempt not to spoil this.) Most of all I like how in Scarlet all the deeper issues of politics, social status, injustice, and gender are brought forward. For me Robin Hood has always been more on the fun side of tales, but Scarlet is a bit darker while still maintaining the wit and comical aspects.
Scarlet is just a wonderful addition to the Robin Hood retellings. And by the looks of that ending I hope it will have a sequel coming out because Scarlet's story is not done yet! So if you love Robin Hood, strong and complex heroines, ruthless and murderous villains, and sweet first time romance, you'll love Scarlet. It comes out February 14th so go ahead and pre-order your copy now!
*I received this book via Netgalley from the publisher*
Favorite Quotes:
He kept his hood up, most because the sheriff were hiring new mercenaries all the time and just a bit because the people loved it. They called him the Hood—the least he could do were wear it.
~
Rob looked a little shocked.
"Don't you look at me like that," I snapped at him. "Just because I can't trim a beard don't mean I can't swear."
"Like a sailor," he added. "I've never heard so many curses in my whole life. All combined."
I glared and uttered another one for good measure. Then I spat on the ground.
~
His arms went round my waist. He had a big grin, full of teeth like stars. "You saying you're the jealous sort, Scar?"
"I'm saying that some girls slap, but I have knives."
~
His fingers loosed mine, and before I could cry their loss, his trembly hand slid over my cheek. "I'll keep your heart, Scar," he whispered. "if you keep mine."
