Title: Scarlet
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Pages: 304
Originally Published: 2012
Format I Read: Kindle (NetGalley)
Publisher: Walker & Company (Bloomsbury)
Rating: 
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This is a retelling of the Robin Hood story – with a bit of a twist. Okay, lots of twists. But the major one is that one of the merry men is a woman. Scarlet. Don’t worry. That’s on page 1.
I raced through.
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. And it’s A.C. Gaughen‘s debut! The thing that struck me the most about this book was the pacing. Gaughen had me racing through to see what happened. And the writing was good too.
I just wanted to read one book.
This may be a reaction to the currently ubiquitous trilogy. But I hated the obvious set up for the sequel (or likely trilogy). Seriously, people, publishers, writers, can’t ANYTHING be stand-alone any more? To be fair, this story does mostly wrap up, but I was hoping for a more conclusive conclusion.
I loved the characters.
Scarlet was a well-drawn character. At first, I was annoyed and confused by some of her behaviors, but, little by little, more and more of her character is revealed. And then I just wanted her to live happily ever after. And the rest of the cast and crew performed well too. The well-known characters (Friar Tuck, Little John, etc.) are familiar but different. And I loved getting to know them. Besides Scarlet, Robin Hood was my favorite character. He’s a moodier Robin than, say, the Disney version, but I liked him.
There’s a plot too.
The romance story here was great. The tension builds and builds and builds. I think the romance plot required some suspension of disbelief with respect to some of the misunderstandings that occurred, but I usually most willingly suspended mine. And, of course, the Robin Hood story was well done. There are prison breaks, and the mean old Sheriff of Nottingham, and a wedding, and taxes, and thieving from the rich to feed the poor. Good (and bad) times were had.
In sum, this is an innovative retelling of a beloved story that I think will appeal to a wide array of readers. Look for its release on Valentine’s Day!
Scarlet, by A.C. Gaughen
Have you read or reviewed this book too? Feel free to jump in with your thoughts or leave a link to your review in the comments.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, I’m jealous! I’m sure Suey is too! I want to read this one.
Jenny´s last post ..Review: Don’t Stop Now
I’m so glad to see another positive review! I’ve had this book on my TBR for months, and I can’t wait to get my grubby hands on it.
Yeesh, more series? I join you in your lamenting the good ol’ days of standalone books (especially in YA). Hopefully the awesomeness of this series will help us forgive the author.
Bookzilla´s last post ..The Happiness Project and 2012 Resolutions
I can’t wait for a turn at this one!
Suey´s last post ..Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books I Recommend to Those Who Don’t Read
I think it will appeal to a wide array as well. And the great thing about it is, I can already tell I’ll want to reread it.
Angie´s last post ..Icy Pretties
Jenny – It was actually Suey’s tweet that prompted me to request it from NetGalley. I wish I could pass it along, but it self destructs on my Kindle after a bit.
Bookzilla – This one is worth the wait. And, I am frustrated by the lack of standalone books, but I wouldn’t mind spending a little more time with these characters.
Suey – As I mentioned above, you were the one that inspired me to pick this one up. I think you’ll like it!
Angie – I think it would hold up well on a reread.
Robin Hood, huh? I gave my husband a copy of about 5 different movie versions of the Robin Hood story and we haven’t watched a one. Yet.
I do like to know about books that are incredibly hard to put down and oh-so fun.
Care´s last post ..Sugar in My Bowl
Care – I don’t think I’ve seen any of the movie versions except that made by Disney. And I think this was my first written encounter as an adult.
One of the merry men is a woman?? I’m intrigued already.
I know what you mean about the inability to write standalone books anymore – I just finished Sanctus and that was exactly the same – it ended with a complete cliffhanger and then said – to read what happens next go buy the next book!
Clare´s last post ..Sanctus by Simon Toyne [TSS]
Clare – SCARLET (the title and the name of the merry woman) is really fascinating. But I really am coming to hate the lack of standalone books!