Author: AC Gaughen
Publisher: Walker Children's
Publication Date: Feb 14, 2012
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Review:
I almost stopped reading this book after the first page. I
don’t like books written in dialect. I find that more often it takes away more
then it adds to a story. It was the glowing reviews on Goodreads and the
insistence of Twitter that forced me to keep reading and I am so glad I did! I
loved Scarlet.
Full disclosure, my familiarity with the Robin Hood legend
is solely based on very loose retellings and the Disney movie. While reading I
may or may not have pictured Robin as a fox multiple times. I think my lack of
familiarity made this story all the more fantastical.
Scarlet was by far my favorite part of this story. She
disguises herself as a man and the people of Nottingham
believe she is, but everyone in the band knew her true gender. Although, I didn’t
think this really mattered. Scarlet was going to be strong, independent, brash,
and badass no matter her gender. That is what I loved about her! I also liked
that she had so many layers. As the novel progressed we got to learn more about
her past and what pushed her to join up with Robin Hood, Much, and Little John.
My second favorite part of the story was Robin Hood. Many
other stories depict Robin as being infallible, they never show him making the
wrong decision, and screwing up. This is not the case in Scarlet. In Scarlet,
Robin is a real person. He makes mistakes, can be brash, jealous, and angry. All
of these flaws made Robin very swoon worthy.
The secondary characters Little John and Much should not be
overlooked. Along with Scarlet and Robin they complete the band and both of
them had their own unique personality and back story. I loved both of these
characters in their own way and their interactions with Scarlet.
I know this review makes this novel seem very character
driven, and it is to a certain extent, but it is also filled with action,
adventure, and just the right amount of romance. It really is the perfect blend
and I can not recommend it highly enough. Don’t let the dialect scare you away.
After the first chapter you hardly notice it, and if I can make it through,
anyone can.
I love how you pictured Robin as a fox, haha! The Disney version is the only version of Robin Hood I know so I'd probably do the same. It sounds like the author did a great job with character development. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I read this review! I just purchased this book, and haven't even cracked it open yet. However books written in dialect will almost always scare me off. Had I not read this review, there's a good chance I wouldn't have given this book a fair shake. Great review, and very helpful heads up!!
ReplyDelete<a href="http://backlistbooks.blogspot.ca>M from Backlist Books</a>
Wow! I was intrigued by the cover and it certainly sounds like a good book. I'm not too keen on dialect books either, since I find that it makes them harder for me to read. But books on Robin Hood will definitely gain my interest, since it's very unusual in YA!
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