Book Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

I’m sure we’ve all heard the basic story of Robin Hood- the man who steals from the rich to feed the poor. But there’s one twist that we haven’t seen, and I’m just gonna come right out and say it…. *gulp* Will Scarlet is a girl.

Okay, let me just start out by saying that I am a huge Robin Hood fan. That said, the standard for this book was set HIGH for me. It’s an adventure novel from the point of view of Scarlet, who is disguised as a boy in Robin’s band of merry men. Just before the taxes are due, the sheriff of Nottingham hires a thief catcher- Gisbourne- to catch Robin and his men. What they don’t know is that there’s a secret past between Gisbourne and Scarlet herself.

Though I began this book with mixed feelings, I have to say that I loved it. The legend was classic- with the perfect amount of twisting and turning. Gaughen could not have done a better job. She took a story we all love and packed it tight with humor, suspense (like, whoa, suspense), plenty of action, and she topped it off with perfectly placed bits of romance. (Yes, I did fall in love with BOTH Robin and John, but I shall not tell you who wins.) The novel contains various ranges of emotions we can all relate to- pain, regret, hopeless love, fear, etc.

On characters-

I love a good character. And by good, I mean good and bad. Scarlet was an amazing character because she is kick-butt, strong, fierce, and dreadfully flawed. I dig that. Gaughen wove together a girl who isn’t like anyone else. Who wants to read a book about a girl who is in EVERY single story?? Not me. Robin himself has a great amount of edge added to him. Like, forget heroes, Robin is beast, and I love him. Even John has a mini-twist, in that he will win your heart if you let him. I have to admit that Robin’s character made me so angry at times. But bit by bit, layers were peeled away and I slowly grew to like him.

Overall, I’d say just read the book! Do it! Love it! Talk to me about it!

Looove,

Kennedy

“To me, true love is about finding someone who not only sees and accepts your demons but also is willing to step up and fight them when you stumble.”   -A.C. Gaughen