#145 Book Review: Scarlet

Scarlet
Release Date: August 1st 2012
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
More Info: Goodreads

Summary 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.

Cover:
Will Scarlet, you are such a beautiful boy girl! (Technically, Scarlet's a girl but shhh, no one knows that besides the Hood and his band!) I like the cover, how the font is set out on the cover and also the model!

Story:

Who is the true Will Scarlet?

I have to admit, before reading Scarlet, all I can remember about Robin Hood is that he's a thief and he is a hero because he gives the things he steals to the poor people. And I always associate it with Disney's Robin Hood because that's probably the only version of Robin Hood I've ever watched. So, after reading Scarlet, not only did I enjoy it, I also gained more understanding of Robin Hood's tale. 

Scarlet is a fun, adventurous and surprisingly quite a romantic story! Firstly, the story introduces us to the Hood and the band; Robin Hood himself, Will Scarlet, John Little and Much. The story plot develops as we find out that Gisbourne, the Thief Taker is trying to find the Hood and kill him. The setting is absolutely fantastic, transporting me back to England in the olden days. The writing itself is witty and clever! Narrated from Scarlet's POV, there is quite an accent behind her words and that's what makes the character even more realistic! The romance is subtle yet slowly grows into something quite big which I really loved reading about.

Characters:
Will Scarlet, oh how I adore you! (Please don't be scared. I'm a girl but I just adore you!) Scar here is quite a talented thief. She's brave, courageous and her weapon of choice is a knife! Isn't that cool? Sad that she has to hide her hair most of the time but I love the moments when she wears dresses and loosens her hair from her cap. She also really likes Rob (don't be shy, Scar!) although John really likes her too. 

Rob, John and Much! You guys are awesome, seriously. Starting from Rob, you're such a gentle and kindhearted hero. These are truly admirable qualities, Rob! While I don't really like you, John, you're always there to help Scar so I guess you're still pretty cool. And Much, I simply adore you too! You all create a very awesome band of thieves!

Gisbourne, the scary Thief Taker. I just don't care about you. You are evil and that is all. Overall, the characters are fantastic and I really enjoyed reading about each and one of them!

Overall:
So you know Robin Hood's tale? Do you remember Will Scarlet? What if all this time....he's a girl? A.C Gaughen's writing is fun and adventurous! With fantastic setting and characters, Scarlet is bewitching re-telling of Robin Hood and of course, Will Scarlet too!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Scarlet!

Thank you Bloomsbury Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!