Lady Thief (Scarlet Series #2)

by A. C. Gaughen

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802736154
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	02/11/2014
Series:	Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill #03 , #2
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	300
Sales rank:	156,447
Lexile:	HL720L (what's this?)
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

A. C. Gaughen is a freelance writer and regular blogger who has had several stories published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. While attending college in Scotland, which she believes to be the most romantic and naturally beautiful place in the world, AC became enamored of the country's rich history and folklore. She now lives in Massachusetts with her two-year old goldendoodle.
A. C. Gaughen is a freelance writer and regular blogger who has had several stories published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She attended college in Scotland but now lives in Massachusetts, USA.

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2014
Gr 9 Up—Dreading what is in store for her but determined to rid herself of a vile husband, Lady Marian (aka Scarlet) agrees to return to the castle as Gisbourne's wife, in order to obtain an annulment and marry Robin Hood, her true love. Rob rightly fears for her life, but Scar is adamant that the end will justify the means. Finding life as a lady more than difficult, she defies Gisbourne's every request while continuing to aid the commoners. Her adventures as a "lady thief" are brought to a halt, however, when she learns that she is not the natural daughter of Lord and Lady Leaford but rather the out-of-wedlock child of King Richard the Lionheart himself. Consumed by jealousy from the news, Prince John, the monarch's incompetent brother, cuts off two of her fingers, has Gisbourne hanged, and then blames it on Scar. As with Scarlet (Walker, 2012), this sequel is filled with action, suspense, and a healthy dash of passionate but controlled romance. The story is well plotted and suitably paced with realistic, spot-on dialogue true to the characters and their status. Unusual vocabulary is clarified within the text, although some words are only explained pages after their initial use. There is some cursing, but it's not gratuitous. Primary and secondary characters are fully developed and carefully wrought details of castle life and the Crusades flesh out the historical context. A must for secondary and public libraries that purchased the first book, this sequel will capture teen interest, and could also serve as a high-energy read-aloud. It will prove a good companion piece to Howard Pyle's classic The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood and a welcome addition for libraries wishing to promote strong female protagonists.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

School Library Journal

"The second volume of the Scarlet series plunges readers happily into the world of Sherwood Forest and does not end with any resolution, but its spirited action and rich voices hold." —Kirkus Reviews
 
"A must for secondary and public libraries that purchased the first book, this sequel will capture teen interest, and could also serve as a high-energy read-aloud . . . A welcome addition for libraries wishing to promote strong female protagonists." —School Library Journal
 
"Gaughen prepares her readers well for volume two by filling in the backstory from the first entry and entices them to read the next entry with a cliff-hanging ending." —VOYA
 
"There’s plenty of action here, as well as romance, and it appears that there’s even more to come." —Booklist
 
"Debut novelist Gaughen does more than offer a rip-roaring tale, though it is that. The story, told in Scar's distinctive first-person voice, captivates and gets readers as deeply into the heart of a troubled girl . . . has plenty for both the romantic and the adventure lover." —Booklist, starred review, on Scarlet
 
"Plenty of swashbuckling adventure and a hearty dose of romance power this re-imagining of the legend of Robin Hood." —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Scarlet
 
"A reimagined Robin Hood tale with a distinctive twist." —RT Book Reviews on Scarlet

From the Publisher

Debut novelist Gaughen does more than offer a rip-roaring tale, though it is that. The story, told in Scar's distinctive first-person voice, captivates and gets readers as deeply into the heart of a troubled girl . . . has plenty for both the romantic and the adventure lover.

Booklist

A reimagined Robin Hood tale with a distinctive twist.

RT Book Reviews on Scarlet

In this second of a projected four-part retelling of the Robin Hood legend, Scarlet—aka Lady Marian—continues her allegiance with Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The band now knows she is not Will Scarlet, a knife-wielding lad, but a fearless, rebellious, titled Lady, trapped for political purposes in a forced, unconsummated marriage with Lord Gisbourne. Scarlet is desperate to spare Robin’s life and to stem the misery of the starving poor of Nottinghamshire, trying to survive another brutal winter. As Scarlet makes obligatory appearances in the court (in between stealing for the poor), the powerful love between Robin and Scarlet grows white hot. They are determined to wait for the promised annulment from Gisbourne so that they can be properly married. Other forces are determined to get to Scarlet as her true parentage could pose a threat to the throne. This series is not for the faint of heart. Scarlet’s nickname (Scar) comes from a facial slash delivered by her husband. Robin, struggling with the affects of torture at the hands of Gisbourne, unwittingly lashes out at Scarlet in his sleep. Scarlet suffers a gut-churning injury in this volume. Gaughen brings to riveting life the harsh realities of the Middle Ages for the peasants; the life-and-death tournaments of sword fighting and archery; and the royal treachery that has the players jockeying for power and privilege. Gaughen prepares her readers well for volume two by filling in the backstory from the first entry and entices them to read the next entry with a cliff-hanging ending. Reviewer: Beth E. Andersen; Ages 12 to 18.

VOYA, February 2014 (Vol. 36, No. 6) - Beth E. Andersen

2013-11-13
In medias res, the second volume of the Scarlet series (Scarlet, 2013) plunges readers happily into the world of Sherwood Forest and does not end with any resolution, but its spirited action and rich voices hold. The main voice is that of Scarlet, thief and lady indeed. As Lady Marian, she has married Gisbourne to protect Robin Hood. Gisbourne has injured Scarlet and tortured Robin Hood, but he promises her an annulment (and no consummation) if she will just play a part while Gisbourne fawns upon Prince John. Scarlet sees all these wheels within wheels clearly as she tries to protect the people of Nottingham. She also needs to protect herself from Robin, whom she loves but who suffers from a kind of PTSD. There is a full measure of kisses and caresses (but no more than that) and some very lovely and slightly antique language--"She were as pretty as milk and sun"--as well as splendidly choreographed jousts and archery contests. There are also some brief but vivid scenes of physical cruelty. All this holds together as Scarlet discovers her true heritage and finds a supporter and protector in the ancient Eleanor of Aquitaine (mother of Prince John and Richard Lionheart). There are secrets and lies, and back story comes to the forefront enough so readers who might have missed the first volume won't be lost. The tale comes to a bitter stopping point that will leave readers very much in need of the next volume. (Historical fiction. 13-18)

Kirkus Reviews