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loveisnotatriangle 's review for:
Lady Thief
by A.C. Gaughen
For me, Lady Thief was a stronger book all the way around. It was much more intense as well as darker and harder on its characters. To counter that, the romance between Scarlet and Rob was a shining element, and a very refreshing contrast to everything these two were facing. Also, while the regular Robin Hood elements were present in this story - including an archery contest - so much of this book surprised me. Maybe it's my limitations with the mythology coming out, but I found this installment to be more exciting, and I loved the strong historical elements that came into play. They definitely have me wondering where the story will go next.
Three reasons Lady Thief stood out to me.
1) Complex characters. Even the bad guys. I was shocked to discover that Guy of Gisbourne wasn't the super villain I remembered from the first book. He hasn't suddenly transformed into a different person, but I actually found myself - begrudgingly - understanding and sympathizing with him in moments. But also hating him a whole lot in others. He definitely served to up the tension in this book, especially surrounding Scarlet's desire to be with Rob. In fact, all of the characters became much more complex in this story. They have shifting loyalties, long for power, or safety, and do a whole lot of scheming. But whether good or bad, their decisions make sense, and it made me see this story as something much deeper than just a popular retelling.
2) A+ Romance. The romance is also incredible in Lady Thief. Rob and Scarlet are devoted to each other, but pulled in different directions because of their obligations. Any moment they are together the temperature in the room increased. But I also loved seeing them work through conflict together. This is one couple where it's easy to see how well matched they are. Their trust and support of each other is just as wonderful to see as their physical interactions. I'm very anxious to see how they navigate the final book after what happens at the end of this one.
3) An impressive heroine. This story surprised me, both some of the plot elements, and also the things these characters were capable of. Lady Thief is a harder read than Scarlet in many ways. The situations Scarlet and the other characters encounter are not easy. Some parts shocked me and made me want to scream and sob. But I was so impressed by Scarlet through it all. Especially her indomitable will, and her desire to fight for herself. There's a strong message to girls in this book - learn to fight back yourself, because you won't always have someone to rescue you out of your circumstances. I liked seeing Scarlet teach other girls how to find their strength. But through that, Scarlet has also learned that there are people she can trust, and to accept it when it's offered. It's a healthy balance that shows her maturity. My one complaint in all this is that I really wanted Scarlet to fix her speech a little more. I got tired of the was/were switching. But besides that, this was a pretty perfect book for me.
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: High - maybe I'm crazy, but this didn't stress me out as much as I feared. Mostly, I'm excited for book 3 to come.
Find this and other reviews on my blog Love is not a triangle
Three reasons Lady Thief stood out to me.
1) Complex characters. Even the bad guys. I was shocked to discover that Guy of Gisbourne wasn't the super villain I remembered from the first book. He hasn't suddenly transformed into a different person, but I actually found myself - begrudgingly - understanding and sympathizing with him in moments. But also hating him a whole lot in others. He definitely served to up the tension in this book, especially surrounding Scarlet's desire to be with Rob. In fact, all of the characters became much more complex in this story. They have shifting loyalties, long for power, or safety, and do a whole lot of scheming. But whether good or bad, their decisions make sense, and it made me see this story as something much deeper than just a popular retelling.
2) A+ Romance. The romance is also incredible in Lady Thief. Rob and Scarlet are devoted to each other, but pulled in different directions because of their obligations. Any moment they are together the temperature in the room increased. But I also loved seeing them work through conflict together. This is one couple where it's easy to see how well matched they are. Their trust and support of each other is just as wonderful to see as their physical interactions. I'm very anxious to see how they navigate the final book after what happens at the end of this one.
3) An impressive heroine. This story surprised me, both some of the plot elements, and also the things these characters were capable of. Lady Thief is a harder read than Scarlet in many ways. The situations Scarlet and the other characters encounter are not easy. Some parts shocked me and made me want to scream and sob. But I was so impressed by Scarlet through it all. Especially her indomitable will, and her desire to fight for herself. There's a strong message to girls in this book - learn to fight back yourself, because you won't always have someone to rescue you out of your circumstances. I liked seeing Scarlet teach other girls how to find their strength. But through that, Scarlet has also learned that there are people she can trust, and to accept it when it's offered. It's a healthy balance that shows her maturity. My one complaint in all this is that I really wanted Scarlet to fix her speech a little more. I got tired of the was/were switching. But besides that, this was a pretty perfect book for me.
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: High - maybe I'm crazy, but this didn't stress me out as much as I feared. Mostly, I'm excited for book 3 to come.
Find this and other reviews on my blog Love is not a triangle