Scarlet

I wasn't planning on reading book next, but it was due back at the library... and I had already renewed it about 4 times. So, I had to read it. I'm REALLY glad that I did! I think I read it in about two evenings.

This book is another fairy tale retelling based on the story of Robin Hood. The plot follows Robin Hood's band of men: Rob, John, Much, and Will Scarlet. No one outside of the band knows, but Will Scarlet is a woman called Scarlet. As the taxes are raised, the sheriff becomes more and more brutal to the surrounding citizens. When it becomes clear that "The Hood" and his band are stealing too much and giving it away, the sheriff hires a thief catcher from London. Scarlet has seen this man before, and knows that it means dangerous things for Nottingham. As the story unfolds the pages are filled with adventure, action, love, death, betrayal, and mystery. This book overall was very good. Not quite a 5.. but maybe a 4.5. If only goodreads allowed 1/2 ratings! It was definitely better than some of the others I read in the past few months. I really appreciated this spin on Robin Hood, and that it was quick paced and compelling. It was also interesting because it is told from Scarlet's perspective, and all of the writing is written in her improper British English accent. It was really fun to read it that way.

I didn't know when I picked this up, but there are two more books. So I guess I will be reading those soon!

After finishing the very depressing "Gone Girl" I needed some lighter and fluffier reading, so I made my way to the YA section and found this book. The premise sounded interesting enough: it followed the adventures of Robin Hood and his Merry Band of Men, as seen through the eyes of Will Scarlet--the initial twist being that Will Scarlet is actually a girl, masquerading as a boy, to hide from dark secrets in her past.
A.C. Gaughen is a very good storyteller. I loved that she refrained from bogging the story down with over-descriptions, and instead let the action and characters carry the story (I did guess what the big "twist" was regarding Scarlet's past before I actually got to it, but that kept me sucked in because I couldn't wait to find out the other character's reactions). Robert of Locksley (swoon!), Little John (sigh), and Much (precious!) all drew me in and I loved the sections of the Merry Band together. At times Scarlet seemed a little too good at everything...it stretched the believability a bit that she had somehow managed to become sooooooooo much better at thieving and knife throwing then any of the men in the band in only a few short years (and her poor grammar drove me crazy at first), but it was easy to empathize with her as she struggled to be strong in a man's world, while still being a vulnerable lady at heart. The only weak part of the writing was when characters had long monologues...the snappy dialogue sections were great, but the long monologues would stat rambling and the characters seemed to chase rabbit trails or contradict themselves all in a matter of a few paragraphs.
Overall, though, I loved the book...it was delightful, entertaining, and kept me engaged the entire time.

Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars

-Book Description: 4

-Cover: 2.75

-Plot: 4

-Creativity: 4

-Grammar: 3

-Simile Use: 4 (minimal usage)

-Description: 3 (burdensome)

-Show And Tell Balance: 3

I was recommended this book by another author, and I have to say, this cover wouldn't have usually pulled me in. The cover just isn't very beautiful or creative, it honestly feels like something someone with a very minimal design budget and experience would have made by themselves. I was genuinely surprised when I found out it was a book represented by a major publishing house. That being said, the description and the recommendation made up for the issues with the cover, and I picked it up. I'm glad I did. The plot is a refreshing perspective on the Robin Hood tale, painting him in an interesting light and bringing Marian into the story in such an interesting way. I did have a few issues with the way it was written, first of all, it is my opinion that to balance show and tell, you shouldn't be telling us the way a person speaks but showing us. This is huge for me. I cannot stand funky written out dialect, which is what we received from the main character, not only in her dialogue but also in her manner of thinking. I would much rather of had the first time she spoke have it described and then perhaps have it described as a thickening accent when she was upset or something, well, anything other than the jolting writing of her poor English. This one factor alone pulled one star away from the story. Lastly, the level of description was just a bit obtuse for my taste. In the bits where there was action, I found I had to skim to find the action instead of the inaction. This docked another half star rating for me. Overall, this was an intriguing action-love story that I can't wait to continue reading and could have been better if the dialect was shown and not told.

Think you wanna get this book(you know you do)

I have to admit I love any book to do with Robin Hood or his merry band. But it was the description and the cover of the book that drew me in initially. I mean the blurb on the back was eye catching. The whole cover was nice. Scarlet on the front with a knife, black with red lettering. It was just very pleasing.

“No really knows ‘bout me. I’m Rob’s secret. I’m his informant, I’m his shadow in dark places. No one ever takes me for more than a knockabout lad, a whip of a boy. They never really see…” –Back of the cover

Finally! A book about Will Scarlet or in this book Scarlet. Scarlet is good at many things but her well known abilities are stealing and being quick with her knives. But she is also good at keeping secrets. Scarlet’s two biggest secrets are that the scruffy scrap of a thief is a girl, and the second is not known until closer to the end of the book.Which I'm not gonna tell. I absolutely adore this book; imperfections and all. The way A.C Gaughen portrays Scarlet and every character is awesome. They are balanced with bad qualities and good. Scarlet is full of twists and surprises. Unfortunately, it does have the love triangle of doom. At first, I was mad because all the time Scarlet is mooning over Robin, but she cuddles up and kisses on Little John? Really Scarlet, talk about a letdown. Let’s put the guy who is kissing on every girl who is interested as a love interest to a strong character.

Now don’t get me wrong, Scarlet is a strong character and very much an anti-hero. She was very independent and did not let the boys coddle her. But she was self-sacrificing to a dangerous point that usually ended up being a useless anyway. Let’s not eat ever because there are villagers who have less. Okay... So Scarlet use your awesome skills and get them more food!

Back on topic…I kind of wish she was bit more cocky and self-confident. But I still loved her and lived through the story with her. She is tough and brave. She faces her fears as they come. But she shatters into small pieces when she receives a harsh word from Robin or from the villagers who disparage her for being a thief and for girls liking her. Each time Rob broke Scarlet's heart I just wanted to smack him and cry.

Robin and his attitude drove me nuts. One minute he is caring, and nice towards Scarlet; then the next he is giving the cold shoulder or being crotchety. His jealously and issues with Scarlet and Little john is obviously jealously but he just pushed too much of his issues on to Scarlet. She was obviously loyal and would follow him anywhere. But I loved that he wasn't a perfect hero on a pedestal. He had bad qualities.

Okay, so this review is getting long. Sum up: Gaughen’s writing is mesmerizing and it entranced me throughout. So five out five for this book. I love it and you will too if you like the Robin Hood myth and new takes on it. Especially if you are like me: a big sucker for any book with a thief or about myths and fairy-tales. A nice addition to the genre of Robin Hood retelling. This is definite recommend. This book contained 287 pages and took me 2.5 hours to read. Go check this book out and check out its sequel. Which is Lady Thief and then followed by Lionheart. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads and my blog: www.nihilsedtempus.wordpress.com.

I wasn't expecting much from this book, I didn't even know what it was about when I picked it up. I struggled reading the first couple chapters, I didn't enjoy trying to read through all the poor english. Once I got used to the way the story was written I was hooked. I really enjoyed the book and I can't wait to read the second one (and I am impatient for the 3rd which is coming out soon!).

I am speechless as I write this review. Retellings are among my favorite types of books ever, so when I found out that there was a Robin Hood retelling out there, I immediately put it on my wishlist. Then the amazing Gina Rosati came along and insisted I read it, it showed up in my mail, and I got right to it. Boy, did this one blow me away. As kids, we all know of the tale of Robin Hood because he's the good type of thief that gives to the poor, but this book gives us more background to him, his life, and his loyal band: John Little, Much, and, of course, Will Scarlet.

The characterization in this novel is what makes it so perfect because I couldn't get enough of any of the characters. Will Scarlet, the runaway girl posing as a boy, is among my favorite characters that I have ever encountered. While she is strong and intelligent, she is also stubbornly hiding her vulnerabilities and the secrets of her past. She will stop at nothing to do what is right, even if the ways that she atones for her sins are questionable. Despite her tough exterior, she has a heart of gold and means well, and it's very hard not to fall in love with her as a character. She is devoted and loyal, and the type of girl who I would love to befriend. Her boys are all amazing as well. Much had his hand cut off in the past because he was caught stealing, so he is believed to be the weakest point among the Hood, but he is also the sole focus for understanding. He doesn't dwell on his disabilities and is always the first one to break up a fight and see the truth for what it is. He is a very endearing character that I couldn't get enough of, sort of like the ultimate big brother. John is the player of a group. He's strong, he's powerful, he's got a way with the ladies, but he also has some feelings for Scarlet despite his funny ways of showing it. And then there's Robin...the determined and incredibly hot leader of the Hood. The good outlaw, the savior of the land, the banished earl...who will be my future boyfriend. In all seriousness, his characterization was spot on. Slightly broody and secretive, he's a fearless leader that is trying so hard to work through his hidden feelings for Scarlet as to not endanger the surrounding townspeople and the other bandmates.

As you can tell from the above character descriptions, there is a love triangle in this one. And as much as I despise love triangles, this one really helped move the plot around and was not in our faces. There was a lot of mixed signals thrown around, but the interactions between the bandmates diffused most tension and did not allow us to dwell on the attempted romances as the fast plot continued to move. The action, the plans, the thievery and creativity moved at a lightning fast pace that kept us flipping pages so quickly that there wasn't enough time to dwell on anything negative because there was nothing negative to dwell on. This book, without a doubt, is a keeper.

A unique, fast plot that had me holding my breath until the very last page, SCARLET is a book that is a must read. With a vile villain and an amazing band of heroes, you'll get all that you bargained for and more. Gaughen's attention to detail, amazing writing style and skill shines in this debut and it leaves me eager to see what other gems she will bring to the young adult literary scene in the future.

When I read the premise for Scarlet, I knew immediately that I just had to read it! Because first of all, it's a story about Robin Hood and second, because one of the members in his band of merry men is a girl. And she's not some doe-eyed damsel in distress either, Scarlet is a knife-throwing, take-care-of-herself kind of gal that you do not want to piss off! And Robin is a moody and very handsome do-gooder that may or may not harbor feelings for Scar. (To find out, you have to read the book!) Another member in Robin's band is John. He's a hunky specimen who actually has a heart and he may or may not harbor feelings for Scar. (Once again, if you want to know..... you have to read the book!) Last, but certainly not least, is Much. This guy is all heart and happens to be missing his right arm from when the Sherriff cut if off to punish him. Just like in all Robin Hood stories, these people steal from the rich and give to the poor. So, the Sherriff of Nottingham is taxing these poor people like crazy and Robin, Scar, John, and Much are working overtime trying to get enough money and food to help everyone. The Sherriff is of course trying to catch the Hood, but they are too elusive. So, he hires a thief-catcher to bring them in. Only this time, he might just succeed. This book was absolutely awesome! I loved the story and the characters! Scarlet is a very scarred person, but still manages to stay pure at heart. Robin also has a few shackles around his heart and you can sometimes glimpse some pain in his ocean-blue eyes, but he never fails to put others before himself. John and Much were both loveable brutes. I also want to thank A.C. Gaughen for coming up with this new unique twist in the classic Robin Hood story that I am hoping comes with a sequel ( because I am really loving where things are headed **hint-hint**)!

I really fell in love with Scarlet and her band of merry misfit men. Scarlet is fierce, Much is sweet, John is charming, and Robin Hood's kind of a dreamboat to boot.

Eh it was okay

This was an interesting twist on the Robin Hood Saga.