Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Scarlet
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Publisher: Walker Books For Young Readers
Publication Date: February 14, 2012

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GOODREADS SUMMARY: 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.

MY REVIEW

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen is an epic re-telling of Robin Hood that made me fall in love all over again with the tale of Robin Hood. I have always loved the tale of Robin Hood stealing from the rich to provide for the poor. In Scarlet, Will Scarlet appears to be a boy to everyone, but Robin and his group know the truth, that Will is actually Scarlet a girl who is not afraid to fight for what is right, and kick butt while doing it.

When the Sheriff of Nottingham decides to hire a Thief Taker to capture the Hood and his men, Scarlet is in more danger than ever. The Thief Taker, Gisbourne, is ruthless, and he will stop at nothing to capture the Hood. It makes it more difficult to provide food, clothing, and tax money to the people of Nottingham. As Gisbourne closes in, Scarlet’s secret is at risk of being revealed.

I loved Scarlet as a character, because she is strong, and fierce. She wields knifes, and kicks butt as well as any man, and no one is any wiser. I love the romance that is sprinkled throughout the story, but of course, my favorite is the Scarlet’s crush on Robin Hood. A.C. Gaughen has an amazing power with her words, and I was hooked with in the first few passages. I finished Scarlet in one sitting, my attention could not be diverted anywhere else, it is just THAT good!

I admit I easily fall in love with books, but with Scarlet, it is just so much more! I cannot even describe how much I love this book! Anyone looking for an amazing adventure with a touch of romance, danger lurking around the corner, with a strong female lead needs to pick this book up immediately. Robin is charming, heroic, and of course gorgeous! He fights for the good, and he feels like it is his duty to save the people from the wrath of the Sheriff and Prince John. For once, I am completely in love with the good guy! There are a few twists in the book, that took me completely by surprise, and I was pleasantly surprised. Do yourself a favor and put Scarlet on your to be read list today!

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review**