Review: Scarlet (Scarlet #1) by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet (Scarlet #1) by A.C. Gaughen

Publication Date: February 14, 2012
Page Count: 292
Published by: Walker Childrens
Source: Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

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.

I really loved reading Scarlet. It was easy to get involved in the storyline and the characters are wonderful and fresh. It was extremely entertaining and at times I almost forgot I was reading about Robin Hood.

I still picture Christian Slater as Will Scarlet from the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, so I loved the creativity it took to imagine Will Scarlet as a female. I enjoyed the character Scarlet so much. She was very feisty, brave, and tough as nails. She was fiercely loyal and independent, to her own detriment at times.

Scarlet is alone and a thief when she crosses paths with Robin in London. She is also skilled and deadly with her knives. Robin takes her in and gives her a place in his small band. It's just Robin, John Little, and Much at this point in time, and they are the only ones who know that Scarlet is a girl. Together they attempt to stand up to the crooked Sheriff of Nottingham. They work to help the citizens acquire the money needed to pay the taxes that are coming due. When the Sheriff hires Guy of Gisbourne to hunt down and kill Robin Hood and his men, Robin realizes that Scarlet is hiding more secrets from her past. What will happen when these truths come to light and put the entire band in danger?

I felt that Scarlet stayed pretty true to the legend of Robin Hood. It is a very believable version and I love the idea of Scarlet being a girl. I enjoyed the action, the never ending danger, and even the romance in Scarlet. I definitely recommend this if you are a fan of Robin Hood or if you are looking to read about a kick ass heroine.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars