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.

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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.*