Review: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Lady Thief

Author: A.C. Gaughen

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Publishing Date: February 11, 2014

Pages/Format: 304, eARC

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.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: NEEEXT.

I quite liked Scarlet, Lady Thief's predecessor, and much more than I thought I would. I still really liked this sequel (I think), but I don't think like I did the first book. Part of the reason may be because I read it on my Kindle (I'm not a huge fan of eBooks, but I'm getting better at reading books on it, I promise!), and part of it may be because I feel like Lady Thief did a 180 from Scarlet. Now, I'm not saying I dislike the 180; I'm just saying it doesn't mesh the two books together. I know that doesn't make much sense, so let me try to explain.

Scarlet was extremely action-packed, with things constantly happening (and done well). There was romance underneath everything, but it progressed through the novel and built up to form the official, sexual-tension-turned-into-something-more relationship between (spoiler!) Robin and Scarlet. In Lady Thief, there's less action. It's more about Scarlet as Marian (who, by the way, seems less like Scarlet Scarlet, or SOMETHING, in this book, IDK) and being "married" to Gisbourne, and trying to help the people without actually being out and about and thieving. It's about trying to actually do something in the oh so wonderful world of politics (or royalty, in this case). And it's also more about the romance. While their scenes were quick, this book had a lot more moments between Rob and Scarlet. And don't get me wrong--I loved that. BUT, it just felt different from Scarlet, if that makes sense. And some of the scenes were too quick--give me some slow burning romance! Yes, they're together, but make them together longer, don't make it so quick, please!

Aside from the fact that Lady Thief just felt different from Scarlet, I did like it! And more so than not! There's less of the band in this book, but they're still there. As I somewhat mentioned earlier, Scarlet ends up spending some time in the castle and portraying her role as Gisbourne's wife. (Of course, it's not for love; there's a deal in there.) There, she finds out some things about Prince John, Gisbourne, the queen, and herself. Even with Scarlet's absence from the band, we still get plenty of Rob. But he's not whole; he's having some problems after being tortured in Scarlet. However, he's still Rob, and you can't help but love him. Robin Hood is a total fox, after all. (Yes, I did that on purpose.) While I like John, and like him more in this book, I still like Much more; actually, I kind of adore him. He's just so sweet! I still hate Gisbourne, though he doesn't seem as vicious and cold in this book. Prince John's horrible, of course, and I don't care for his wife Isabel, either. But Queen Eleanor, she's interesting (and reminds me of Anastasia's grandmother in Anastasia). I'd say more, but it's spoilery!

Ah, this review is kind of short, but I don't know what else to say! (I am dissatisfied with this review, and maybe that's because I still don't know quite know how I feel about this book! But, alas, the review must be written!) I may have made it seem otherwise, but I did like Lady Thief--just not as much as Scarlet. Maaaybe I'd feel different about it if I reread it, and as a finished, physical copy. Parts of it just seemed like there's wasn't a whole lot of it effort or something put into it, and, again, the whole 180 thing. Even so, I enjoy this series, and this was a fine installment. Also, can I pleeeaaassseee have the third book right now? Because I need it. (Spoilery thoughts on the end: Ummm, please tell me Book Three isn't going to be one of those books where the love interests are separated for a very large chunk of the book, because I hate that. End spoiler.) If you've been wondering whether or not you should read these books, stop wondering: read them. They contain everything, from swoons to swordfights, thrills to thievery, and action to awesomeness. They are fun and enjoyable, and definitely worth reading. So, you know, go forth and read. But Scarlet first, because obvi.

Did I like it? Yes!

Did I love it? Not quite.

Would I reread it? Yes.

Would I purchase it? I want this on my shelf, pronto!

Who would I recommend it to? If you've read Scarlet, then obviously you should read this. But also read this if you like a good series, retellings, books set in the past, and all that jazz. Oh, and romance and fun!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and that in no way sways my opinion of the book.