Scarlet [Paperback]

I am head over heels in love with this book! I can't wait to start reading it all over again because it was incredible. Being obsessed with all things Robin Hood, when I first head about it I was dying to get my hands on a copy. When I actually started reading it I was well and truly hooked. A.C. Gaughen should be congratulated for a new spin on a traditional tale and for the the tremendous storytelling skills which are on display in 'Scarlet'.

As I was reading it, I could picture the book being made into a television series because the setting and characters just came alive before my eyes.

What's different about this story to others about Robin Hood is that Robin actually takes a backseat for once to Will Scarlet - who just so happens to be a girl. Whereas Hood is a name which resonates with people, Will Scarlet has always been his loyal friend and member of his band. But here the story is narrated by Scarlet who is brave and as tough as any man and determined to help the people of Nottingham whatever the cost. Scarlet's narrative voice was really distinctive and the way she spoke fitted perfectly with the era of the story. I loved her straightaway - she is amazing! There's a twist involving her near the end of the book which I honestly never saw coming and which made my jaw drop.

One of the reasons I am crazy about this book is because of the relationship between Scarlet and Robin. Although she tries to deny it to herself at times, she's mad about him. He makes her melt when he looks at her or talks to her in a certain way. I loved the fact that there's such a noticeable spark between them and that their romance is allowed to slowly build and develop and yet doesn't overshadow the main storyline. The two of them really made my heart flip over when they were together.

Other familiar faces in the book include Little John who is now a young man of eighteen, as well as a Much who remains loyal to Robin whatever the threat. There are also those figures you love to hate, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy Gisbourne who you know are characters to fear.

I've been desperately trying to find out if there will be a sequel to 'Scarlet' because there's so much more to tell about this band of outlaws. Although I still don't know for sure, I'll keep hoping that A.C. Gaughen has more up her sleeve because this surely can't be the end.

'Scarlet' is one of my favourite books of 2012 so far and I would highly recommend it.

I had been ridiculously excited when I first heard about this book, but back then, I had thought that it was only being published in the US, and would not hit our British shores. So imagine how excited I was when I got an email from Bloomsbury, not only informing me that they would be publishing this in the UK in June 2012, but also asking me if I would like a review copy. YES, Bloomsbury, yes I would!
I used to love the story of Robin Hood and his band of merry men when I was young, so I was hoping that this book would be perfect for me, and it really did not disappoint me in any way.

I suppose I'll start with what stood out to me first, and continued to stand out the most, throughout the book; the way it's written. The writing is heavily stylised, but this works really well, especially as it's used to reflect how Scarlet speaks, and I could definitely 'hear' her character and voice come through. It made her character so much more defined, and it set the tone for the book so well. It just felt more real to me, than it would have done, had it been written in a style that was closer to something that we would consider to be more 'normal' prose. For me, this really sets it apart from most of the other books I read. It stands out - in a very good way.
I also loved the setting. The book is so richly described, that I could feel myself being transported into the little villages, such as Edwinstowe (where a lot of the book takes place), or into the forest (either the trees that Scarlet climbs, or the cave, where the band hides out). I could see myself there, walking through the market in Nottingham with them, or sitting in Tucks. It was so well described, that it felt incredibly real to me.

As for Scarlet's character, I loved her for most of the book. I say most because I did with she'd opened her eyes more, especially when it came to Rob's feelings for her - it was just so obvious that he cared about her, but she was so convinced that he wouldn't ever go for her, that she made herself blind to it. I'd also gotten her real identity figured out pretty early, even though she's fairly secretive about her previous life.
But other than that, she was a strong female character, with strong morals, unshakable independence (despite her part in Robin's band), and a great deal of strength. She was just so brave and intelligent, and I loved her.
I also adored the relationship that builds between Scarlet and Robin (despite her ignorance, as I've mentioned). The chemistry between them is thrilling, and it's given space to grow and develop, rather than just suddenly materializing and being shoved down your throat. They bounced off each other really well, even when there wasn't a romantic tension going on, and it was really entertaining to watch unfold. They're both just adorable!

If I'm honest, I knew the story of Robin Hood inside out, when I was young, but it's been a long time since I was fully familiar with it, and so I can't really say how close this was to the original, and so, how good it was as a retelling. I can tell you though, that it was an excellent story - it definitely stands on its own.
The plot absolutely never stood still - every page too it somewhere new and it was never boring, or slow, in any way. My only grievance with it, is the ending (as is the way with so many books). It's not that it was a particularly bad one - it just didn't feel entirely finished.
I had a look around on the internet, and it doesn't seem as though the author is planning to write a sequel to this book, but it feels to me, like it should have one. So much happens, and is revealed, at the end, but not resolved, that it feels as though the story has not really come to a proper ending yet. Plus, personally, I would love to see more from these characters, this story, and of course, more from this author!

I absolutely adored this book. It's a well-written, exciting and utterly compelling page-turner. I devoured it in only 24 hours - I just could not bring myself to put it down for longer than a few minutes (if at all!).
I seriously recommend that everyone give this book a go - it's definitely a memorable read.

If you like this review, I have more on my blog at [...]

After reading this I found myself dreaming of Robin Hood and his band of men. It was almost as awesome as reading it all over again. Not quite, but almost... *sighs* Robin...
"What, a whip of a lad and a few pin sticks?"
I smiled at that, and Rob chuckled. "You don't want to know what those pin sticks can do."
Will Scarlet is one of Robin Hood's most devoted men, known for his skilled hand and quick temper. But the truth about him is known only to a selected few - Will Scarlet is not a man at all, but a girl.
And while few know Scarlet's true identity, none know the story of her past. It is her most closely guarded secret, one she herself barely likes to think about.
Until Lord Gisbourne, a thief taker, returns, threatening to tear her and all of Nottingham apart, here with the task of getting rid of Robin Hood, once and for all...
And if Gisbourne discovers Scarlet... Then he will live up to his name of "The Devil"...
It's fair safe to say, that this book were like nothin' I'd read 'fore.
Ok, that was my one and only attempt at sounding like Scar. I totally failed, but hey. I just loved everything about this book so much I simply had to give it a shot! Anyway, back to the review: I'm rather ashamed to say that other than the animated Disney movie, I don't really know the Robin Hood legend. (Ducks to avoid disapproving looks.) I've never read a book on it. So I was insanely excited to read Scarlet. Just a few pages in, I realised that I would not be disappointed! What really struck me was how real Scar felt to me and how authentic her voice was. Oh, and how utterly swoonsworthy both Rob and John were. I just loved this book to absolute pieces and can't wait for my Robin Hood book or for Gaughen's next book (Hopefully a mix of the two!!)!
I loved how real all of the characters were, how they really jumped off of the page. Scarlet was rough round the edges, but she was quick, smart, caring and could totally take care of herself - plus, I loved her snark and independence! She really was a "Warrior Woman" and had to be the strongest girl ever, in the history of YA fiction. I just loved her: her awesomeness and hidden vulnerability, how relatable and real and totally badass she was. And I loved that she was so caring - she went without food to feed everyone else, was willing to do anything to keep the ones she loved safe and never let anyone tell her what to do: she was so flawed and it made me love her even more. So, yay Scar! And Rob was yummy. Noble, kind, gorgeous, caring Robin who was just trying to protect his people. Tortured, moody, gorgeous, intense Robin Hood... Oh, I'm in love with a guy a cartoon fox was based on. Go figure! I loved John too: he was brave and funny and protective and also so, so yummy! Much was the final member of the band and such a sweetie! I really loved Lena and Tuck too - they were both awesome! But I really loved the relationship between the band. Sure, there was 'the triangle', but they all really felt like a family. The one I didn't love was Sir Gisbourne, 'cause he was evil and made my skin crawl. Grr!
The style of writing Scarlet had was a little tricky to get used to at the start - it was rough and she left out letters, etc. - but I quickly came to love it 'cause it was just so Scarlet! And even though the old-time-peasant speak was odd at first, soon I barely even noticed it. I was way too wrapped up in Scar, Nottingham and the plot. Which I adored! There was just so much action, so much suspense, so much awesomeness! And the total desperation of knowing the truth about Scar's past. But, man was it suspenseful! My heart was roaring like mad, I was always on the edge of my seat and I never saw most of it coming. Hence: just wow!
The only niggling thing about the book, the only thing I could say was not as good, was that I felt the love triangle wasn't really needed. With everything else going on, the suspense was enough, without an added who-will-she-pick? side. Then again, when you have one girl in the middle of three boys, spending all their time together, what do you expect? We're just lucky it wasn't a love square! Poor Scar was torn enough without the added cuteness of Much!
Oh, and I just have to mention the setting, because it was just so awesome! I love historical novels - there's something so magical about the part about books set in the past. They're like little time travel machines. And this time zone. Man, I could just whiz right back into the book/time machine and live there forever and ever. Ergo: I must read more Robin Hood books, especially if they're even half as good as this!
With a band of merry - and yummy - men, one kickass lead girl and a legend that just jumped right off the page, Scarlet was an amazing, amazing debut, one I loved to pieces! It was just so darn addictive and I hated that I was so busy when I was reading it. I could of happily read it all in one go! Though spreading it out did make the magic last... Which is good, 'cause I am now officially head over heels in love with Rob. I'm gonna sit here a few moments to get my heart back in order, then I'm going to wish, wish, wish that there's another book coming out after this one really, really soon!
Oh, dammit! I want more Scar and Robin! I may have to reread the book...!