Friday, January 31, 2014

Review: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Lady Thief
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Book Two in the Scarlet Series
Published By: Walker Children's (February 11, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Historical/Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Book Description:
Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.









I fell in love with Gaughen's writing and her ability to weave a tale mixed with lore and enough new material to keep it unique and interesting after reading Scarlet. I felt like I had been thrown back into time, into a different place, a different country and a different lifestyle. One that is brutal and hard and not at all like anything we can even relate to. It was wonderful and fun and just perfect and she made it completely relatable and completely believable.

I have been eagerly awaiting the sequel and I have to say, even though I had high expectations for this one, it didn't disappoint at all, in fact, I think I might have even loved it more than the first.

Once again Gaughen knows how to tell a story, making you believe that you are there. That you can feel the dampness of England, smell the vendors on the street and hear the rich almost brash dialect of the peasants as they go about their day trying to make a living. 

Once again we are thrown right into Scarlet's world and even though it is harsh and cruel we don't want to leave it because those around her, her merry band of men, make it all worth it. Their loyalty and love for one another, make it all worth it.

Rob. Ah Rob. I didn't think I could love him more but I do, oh how I do. He really shined in this. He is there for Scarlet at every turn. He is the hero we have all come to know and love through the stories of Robin Hood of Locksley. The hero of the story. But Scarlet is no MarySue, she too is kick butt and fierce and every bit as much of a hero and savior as Robin. 

Gisbourne is as evil as ever and not only does Scarlet have to contend with being his wife but she has some new obstacles and villains to overcome as well. So much happens, so much is revealed and so much is still left to tell. While I wouldn't say the ending was a cliffhanger, it was brutal in the simple fact that I can't wait for the next. No, I need the next installment.

Gaughen has a way of transporting you back in time and making you not want to leave and not want the story to end. Harsh, brutal, cold, fierce but also beautiful and hopeful. 

I am so excited for the next book. 








*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

16 comments:

  1. THIS BOOK ALI! Man, this book hurt didn't it? There were so many times the book was just shaking while I was reading because I was so angry at Gisbourne and certain other people, and I wanted Scarlet to just throttle them all. She blew me away in this book though, I just couldn't have loved her or Rob any more. I need book 3 immediately!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had no idea you love this series too Jenny, that is awesome. I think this one is so underrated. It is fabulous!

      Delete
  2. I want to read this book SO badly! I really loved Scarlet and got my whole family hooked so I'll definitely be buying this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! So happy to hear that Candace, this one was even better than Scarlet, loved every minute of it!!

      Delete
  3. Sounds like book 2 is still going strong. I totally missed out on reading Scarlet, so hopefully I will pick it up soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can always check your library for the first one Lily!

      Delete
  4. I started this last night and I am really enjoying it. Yes what's his face is even more vile and Prince John *shudders*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! I am glad you are liking it so far Heidi, just wait, they sadly get worse!

      Delete
  5. It seems I seriously misjudged this series. I was thinking it was another ho hum Robin Hood tale. Upon reading your review & the books review I am excited to get book 1 and give it a go!
    After the last book I read I need something that's totally fantasy & will hopefully life the spirits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This definitely isn't your average retelling, not at all. I hope you give it a try, it really is great!

      Delete
  6. Oh I have Scarlet, I so need to find a way to bump these up the pile I am buried in!! Wonderful review you have me excited!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is next on my reading list so I'm skimming your review, but yay for 4.5 stars! I'm so glad to hear you loved it more than the first book. Super excited to get to it now! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. So glad you are picking it up as well Lauren!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Another great review. I haven't read anything by this author either and I typically do not read a lot of historical fiction, though I do enjoy it occasionally. This sounds like one of those stories I would enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really think you would like this one Ellen, even if you don't normally like this genre.

      Delete