Lady Thief

December 1, 2013
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)

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March 1, 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

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