Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 292
Source: Netgalley
Rating:  
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

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. – Goodreads

Review:
My immediate reaction after finishing A.C. Gaughen’s Scarlet was, “Yes, please, MORE!!!” I’ve been in such a weird reading mood as of late that it was a breath of fresh air to have a book hit all the right spots with its awesome.

Although I am (somewhat) familiar with the legend of Robin Hood and his gang, it was very easy to get wrapped up in A.C. Gaughen’s retelling. It had the usual familiar faces and nods, but it also managed to stand on its own with its twists and surprises.

Scarlet herself is quite the mystery. Disguised as a boy, Will Scarlet, it quickly becomes clear that she’s on the run from her past. The situation grows even more complicated when Guy of Gisbourne arrives on the scene. Things go from bad to worse for Scarlet and the gang, but it was definitely an exciting adventure to go on with them.

Scarlet is a no nonsense type of character and it was SO easy to grow attached to her. She’s rough around the edges, more than a little brash, and has quite the temper, but she also has a good heart. A.C. Gaughen did a great job revealing all of her layers as the story progressed. It would be impossible not to admire Scarlet’s physical strength — she’s definitely kick-ass — but it’s equally easy to respect her for her emotional strength as well; Scarlet has endured a lot and has managed to come out a better person from it.

A.C. Gaughen tackles her character development well and that continues on with the romance, too. It’s the best kind of progression here — the slow kind — and you will be left aching due to the chemistry between Robin and Scar. So, so good!

In conclusion, you should pick up this book. A.C. Gaughen breathes new life into the legend of Robin Hood and, if you’re anything like me, you will be praying to the book gods that their adventures will be expanded into a new and exciting book series.