Friday, May 15, 2015

Review: Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Lion Heart
Author: A. C. Gaughen
Series: Book Three in the Scarlet Trilogy
Published By: Bloomsbury Children's (May 19, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Historical
My Rating: 4.5 Stars


Book Description:
The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.

Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?









I'm not sure I have ever been this excited nor this nervous for an ending to a trilogy. This trilogy has been one of my most favorites from the word go and when you love something so much, it is hard not to pick up the last book with tons of emotion.

Can I just tell you how much I have missed these characters and how very much I loved this book, this last, so sad to see it end, book? Because I did. I loved it all. The detail, the history, the characters, the plot, the action, the sweet romance, the everything and I really am so sad that that was it but so happy with the way it all ended and came together.

Gaughan did such an amazing job with this whole series. Intricately integrating fiction with fact and creating a retelling that was both unique and entertaining. 

Scarlet isn't your average heroine, nor is she your average thief. She is cunning, smart, beautiful, passionate, fierce, and willing to die to save those she loves and her country. Willing to fight for land, love, and freedom like so many from this era. 

All of the characters were phenomenal and I loved every single minute of their interactions. So many scenes brought tears to my eyes and made me smile that it was crazy. I have come to love all these characters so much and it was so great seeing so many things, so many good things for once, happen to, and for, so many of them. None of them have had it easy and they have all lost someone so to see some happiness, finally, was just..amazing.

This truly is hands down one of my favorite YA historical reads out there. We need more like this in this genre because it really is a stand out series with beautiful writing and fabulous characters. 

I'm so happy with the way this ended, even if not everyone got what they had coming to them, this ended on such a high that it was all worth it. I am so sad that I now have to say goodbye to this world and the people in it. I will sorely miss them all. 





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

47 comments:

  1. Oh that's awesome! I'm always so anxious when it's about the end of trilogies but this one sounds so good and I'm glad it was lik that for you!

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    1. It ended pretty nicely, especially when you consider it had the whole historic aspect to stick to as much as possible as well. ;)

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  2. YEAH ALI!!!!! I absolutely adored this one too (though I wouldn't have minded if she distorted history a touch and gave Prince John more of a comeuppance ;-) This is definitely one of my favorites as well and I'm sad to see it end! Can't wait for whatever she writes next though:)

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    1. I know, that was the only thing that was wrong with it, was Prince John's ending!

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  3. This does sound like an amazing series. Maybe I'll try the first book this summer:)

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  4. Wow Kindlemom, what a glowing review. I may have to climb out of my adult only and order this YA trilogy. Thanks and have a great weekend!

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    1. It is a great series and really doesn't feel YA at all.

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  5. Oh, good! I've been disappointed by final installments far too many times to count, and I'm so glad it didn't happen here! I have no idea why I'm waiting to read this, but that'll change right now. I'm off to get copies of them all.

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  6. So basically I need to read this series asap, right? ;) Have a wonderful weekend!!

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  7. I think I need to read this :) You're right, we can all do with more YA historical fiction. Scarlet sounds phenomenal! Beautiful review :)

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  8. I am relieved to hear that you loved this finale. I have my copy and I shoudl be reading it soon. Enjoy your weekend.

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  9. Oh that's so great. Those ending books are always such nail biters. So good to hear one ended so amazingly :)

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    1. They really are, I'm so glad it ended well too. :D

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  10. I am always afraid to finish a series. If it doesn't end well then it can ruin the whole series for me. I am so happy it ended well. Another series I am going to have to add....Have a great weekend Ali!

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    1. I know exactly what you mean Becca, I've had that happen more often than I would like as well.

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  11. Wow, this sounds like a series I really need to check out. I'm glad reading the end was worth it.

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  12. Woah. A Robin Hood Retelling with a female as the Robin Hood character? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN TRILOGY?! This is my first time hearing about it and now I want to go out and snatch up a copy of book one. Glad the trilogy ended well and I'm looking forward to hopefully starting the trilogy soon. :D

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  13. Awww, it was so fun to read your emotional review of this finale! It warms my heart to know that this book ended on such a high, fantastic note - the fact that it made you teary-eyed is enough of a convince for me to give it a try. I've always been hesitant, but since it has ended now and everyone has mostly loved it, it's time for a binge-read!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. It was a great ending Faye and this is a must read. Fabulous re=telling with lots of twists and true facts.

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  14. YES..I am so glad to see this trilogy ended well. It has been on my wishlist, but I have been hesitant since lately the third book has left me disappointed..woot!

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  15. I'm super excited to read this trilogy now that they're all out. Especially since the ending is so good.

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    1. You'll like it I think Christy. Scarlet is awesome.

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  16. Nothing beats a good series than a great ending. Your loyalty has been rewarded 1000%!

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  17. The gorgeousness of that cover!! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much! It's sad when a series you love ends, but at least you know you loved every step of the way, and you can re-read it all when you miss it too much to bear, right? :D

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  18. I love missing characters and feeling like meeting old friends when a new book comes out. So happy it ended the way you wanted.

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    1. I really do too, a sign of really good writing for sure. :D

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  19. How beautiful is that cover though, I'm so glad you could enjoy it to the end. Fantastic review <3 Benish | Feminist Reflections

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  20. I haven't read this one but it sounds like I should. I'm so glad that you were excited for this one and not let down! You happy cried or sad cried? I hope happy!

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    1. Lots of happy crying! This series is great, I bet you would like it too Molly.

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  21. Oh yay! Thanks for letting me know. I'll have to add it to my massive list. :)

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  22. Even though I typically don't read much in the way of historical romance, this series sounds like something worth checking out. Great review.

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    1. Trust me, it is so good that you forget any of this actually took place and happened. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the story.

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  23. I still have a lot of catching up to do on this series, and I'm so relieved to know that you loved the ending and it finished on such a high note for you! Lovely review - can't wait to get caught up and read this!

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    1. I hope you end up loving it every bit as much as I have!!

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  24. I still haven't read the second book but I LOVED the first so I'm so glad you loved this one!

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