Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Scarlet
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Publisher: Walker Childrens (February 14, 2012)
Length:304 pages
Format: hardcover

Description 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.
My Thoughts:

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I am happy to say I wasn't disappointed. Scarlet is a retelling of Robin Hood from Will Scarlet's point of view. Will is the true thief of Robin's merry band and happens to have a few more secrets from the townspeople. Will is known as Scarlet among Robin and the other thieves after all, it's more befitting for a woman.  A.C. Gaughen was genius in making Will/Scarlet a woman of many secrets. I was sucked into the writing and world of Scarlet from the very first page and was held captive to the very last. In Scarlet you find a tough and unapologetic heroine along with a young woman who doesn't shy away from violence. I loved it! She is sassy and engaging and I couldn't get enough of her character. The rest of the band consists of Robin of Locksley, John Little, and Much. Each of these men are stand up thieves set out to save their town by any means necessary.The wasn't just a retelling of an old story, but one of duty and love at all costs. As alluded to in the synopsis Scarlet provides readers with a...love triangle. The romance between Robin, Scarlet, and John was done fantastically and believable. It added a tender and desperate side to this wild adventurous romp. This book is fairly unique in the YA world for the villains and the violence they bring to the story. They are bloodthirsty, evil, and added an extra "umph" to the book. If you have any love for strong female leads, swoon worthy men, swordplay, and legends...you shouldn't miss this. Scarlet is one of 2012's top books and gets a 5 STAR rating!