Blog Tour: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

I'm just thrilled to be a part of the tour for Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen hosted by Book Nerd Tours! Check out my review and then there's an amazing giveaway at the bottom of this post. You can also check out the other stops on this tour here. 

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Review

Scarlet totally captured my heart two years ago and I've anxiously waiting for more. Thankfully, Lady Thief more than satisfied my need for more Robin Hood in my life. One of the things that made Scarlet so incredible was the twist on a beloved classic - a twist that wrote women back into history and put them in the hero's shoes. 

In Lady Thief, I was reminded just how strong of a character Scarlet is and how incredible she is. It's just now so difficult to fathom a version of Robin Hood where Will Scarlet is a man now. It's always been a great tale, but it's just vastly greater with the addition of a strong heroine. When she's made to dress up and play the part of a Lady, she just does it so well. And by that, I mean, she fights it the whole way. I admire the way she never, ever gives in to any kind of pressure to be someone she isn't.

And let's just talk about Robin for a minute. He's never been the centerpiece of this version, but there's a whole lot of him in this book. And I freaking love it. The romance and the tension in this book is intense and perfect. Not to mention, Rob has always been a hero, but somehow he reveals his weaknesses and it makes him even stronger.

I'm just in love with this version of Robin Hood. I will say I wish I had the time to re-read Scarlet before jumping in to Lady Thief, but it all came back to me before too long. The dialect also threw me more than it did in the first book, but that also got easier as I got into the swing of it. I didn't know going in that there would be another book after this one, so the ending threw me for a loop. But I'm so excited that there will be more of these characters. 

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About Lady Thief

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.

Book Links: Indiebound :: B&N :: Amazon :: Goodreads

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About the Author

I am shamelessly addicted to staying up far too late (it feels like stealing time), diet coke (it burns so good), Scotland (stupid country stole my heart and won't give it back. Interpol has been ineffective for prosecution) and thieves (so I guess I'm not that mad at Scotland). 

Find A.C. Gaughen Online: Website :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Tumblr

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Giveaway

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Scarlet - Marissa Meyer + Cinder Audio Clip!

Synopsis: Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner. (From Goodreads)

The Lunar Chronicles are freaking genius. I'm just completely in love and in awe. I spent a long time not reading Cinder. I was pretty sure Cinderella and cyborgs weren't really my thing. But it turns out, when done as well as these books are, it's exactly my thing. And the only thing that makes it better, is when you take a fairy tale I like even more and throw it into the mix.

If possible, I love Scarlet even more than Cinder. Both girls are strong and amazing, but Scarlet is a bit more of a spit fire. She never hesitates to jump head first into things she doesn't know or to let people know exactly what she needs. And Wolf is wonderful, as far as male leads go. He's strong and a little emotionally reserved, but fiercely protective. I adore him.

These lovable characters are so perfect for this beautiful, intricate, and impressive story. I know I'm gushing, but it's hard not to when talking about this book. I mean, I know the Red Riding Hood story and still I kept thinking - How did I not see this coming? It was so full of surprises and twists. I was lulled into a sense of security and then jerked out of it or I wouldn't be able to trust someone completely trustworthy. My emotions were all over the place.

Then there's the amazing way that Scarlet's story weaves with Cinder's. Cinder's story is still progressing and we see her adventures happening a the same time Scarlet is embarking on her mission to find her grandmother. Just about the only predictable thing in this book is that they will meet at some point, but the way they are brought together and the way their stories are linked is just so awesome. Every little bit of the puzzle that fits into place is so satisfying.

I'll probably never be able to completely convey my love for this book, for this series. I definitely can't express how excited I am for Cress, the Rapunzel retelling out next year. Because between finally reading these books and finally watching Tangled, I'm pretty sure there may be so much epic-ness in the third book that it might just explode. I'm so happy, so excited, and so in love with this series - with all that's happened and all that's to come.

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I'm also very excited to share a clip of the Cinder audiobook with you! Cinder was really amazing and what I've heard of the audio - it sounds awesome! Definitely something to check out, whether you've read the book or not! 

Click here to listen to Chapter One of Cinder! 

February Top 5

February is way to short! But I did have a great reading month. I took a trip to Florida and I spent some time reading on the beach. It was cold, but it wasn't cold enough to keep me from hanging out by the water and there's nothing better than reading in the sand. Anyways, you can check out all the books I read this month in the "Read in 2013" tab, but here are my top five reads in February. 

1. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

I'm so mad it took me so long to pick up Cinder. Because I just picked it up this month and it totally blew me away. Then I read Scarlet and it's SO FREAKING AWESOME. I'm head over heals, all out, freaking out in love with this series. You can read my review of Cinder here. My full review of Scarlet will be up next week. 

2. Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

I love Miranda. I'll read anything she writes. And Things I Can't Forget is another amazing book from a great author. You can learn a lot about acceptance and understanding from Kate Kelly. Check out my review here. 

3. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone was one of my top reads last year. And Siege and Storm is the perfect addition to this series. It was unexpected. My emotions were surprising, and I was kind of shocked at how my allegiances changed by the end of the book. This is a stellar second novel from Leigh. 

4. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Again, with the sequels. Authors are killing it so far this year with second books. No bridge syndrome here. Through the Ever Night is fabulous. Also, Roar is pretty much my #1 book boy - and he isn't even the MC! That's impressive. You can read my full review here. 

5. Boundless by Cynthia Hand

AMAZING end to this trilogy. Officially one of my favorite series ever. Team Tucker forever. Read my review here. 

What were your top reads this month?

Best Books I've Read in 2012

This is a week about all the best of 2012, hosted by Two Chicks on Books. You can check out everyone else's top ten lists here!

Best Books I've Read in 2012

(in no particular order...it's hard enough to pick ten, even harder to arrange them in order...)

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The Diviners by Libba Bray

Rift by Andrea Cremer

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is: Top Ten Posts that would give the BEST picture of YOU (as a reader and a person)

I've been helping Hannah keep up her blog this summer and haven't actually made 10 blog posts altogether, so I'd actually like to share some of her blog posts that I've especially enjoyed and think really give a good picture of who she is...basically awesomeness! Ok, here goes, in alphabetical order:

1. Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

2. Brooklyn, Burning by Steve Brezenoff

       

 

                                   3. Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

4. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor 

       

5. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

6. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

       

7. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

8. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

      

9. Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

10. Wildefire by Karsten Knight

      

All the book covers are linked to Hannah's post, instead of their page on Indiebound. Some of her reviews reflect my thoughts exactly, some do not. I've read some of these books, but not all. However, all of these posts will make you want to read every single one while giving a peak into Hannah's soul. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Let me know your thoughts!

Armchair BEA: Best of 2012 SO FAR and Giveaway!

I'm combining today's giveaway and best of 2012 post. I'm going to talk about my favorite books so far this year and then I'll give away one of them!

So let's start with the absolutely stunning debut of Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky. Absolutely brilliant - dystopia mixed with fantasy mixed with adventure mixed with Perry, add a strong heroine and squeeze in a few cannibals and some acid rain and you have yourself a fabulous book. It also helps that the writing is flawless.

This has also been an incredible year for contemporaries - four of my favorites are contemps. The first is the lyrical Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley. The writing is exceptional and the story is so wonderful. It's a great, artistic book. And then of course, Wanderlove by Kristin Hubbard. Amazing. Makes me want to drop everything and just be a global wanderer. Then there's M. Molly Backes debut, The Princesses of Iowa. I wasn't expecting a lot from this book and it totally shook my foundation. I've been pushing it on to everyone I can - especially my high school English teacher friends. I haven't reviewed it yet, but Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols, out in July, is another superb Echols novel. Her books are always quick to be my favorites and Such a Rush is second only to Going Too Far in my heart.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers. Assassin nuns. 'Nuff said.

I've always loved Robin Hood stories, but Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen is my new favorite. Will Scarlet will never be a man in my mind ever again. And that portrayal of Robin is pretty dang dreamy. \

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (which happens to be hitting shelves today) is high fantasy at its best. This book was so beautiful and so vivid. It's hard to believe that this world doesn't exist somewhere.

Finally, this is a year for the second book. Lots of sequels out - some have lived up to the first book - but these two surpassed the introduction and have earned their place in my favorites. The first is Timepiece by Myra McEntire. I loved Emerson's voice in Hourglass so I was worried about the POV switch. But that risk just made this series unique and that much stronger. Finally, Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver was an exceptional sequel. Delirium was good, not great. Pandemonium was superb.

OH and let's not forget The Selection by Kiera Cass. I may or may not be mildly obsessed with this book...

So there you go. My top books of 2012 so far. Now, I'll be giving away one of these books - if you win, you get to choose. Any listed above are up for grabs. Must be 13 to enter and it's international as long as Book Depository ships to you. This is going to be a quick contest and it will be closed to entries at 12:01 AM on Sunday, June 10. I'll contact the winner by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours or I wil choose a new winner.

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February Top 5

It's time for another top 5 post. Where in the world did February go? Anyways, I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately. Which hasn't made a whole lot of sense to me, because I finish books thinking I loved them and then I sit down to write reviews and realize I didn't connect with them as much as I thought I had. So I thought for once choosing my top five from the month would be easy. And then I went back and looked at my list - and yeahhhh....this list was far from easy. I had to cut 3 books that I loved so much. But enough about my personal pains - here's the top five books I read in February (in no particular order) -

1. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

I was in emotional pain when I had to set this down and go to work. This book just blew me away. It was everything I'd ever want out of one night, or one boy. And Cath Crowley's writing style stunned me. This whole book was such a testament to art, humanity, and living in the moment. Read my review here. 

2. Blood Red Road by Moira Young

I've had this book on my shelf since July. Why it took me this long to read it, I haven't got a clue. Now that I've read it, I can say, I'm impressed with Moira Young. It blows my mind how it seems to draw on different stories and historical events, yet it still feels completely original. Read my review here. 

3. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

I fell in love with Born Wicked so quickly. Finn is now close to the top of my list of book boyfriends and I love the girl power in this book. It's a great start to a series that promises to become something even larger. Plus, it's one of those books that I threw after I finished. It got me going. Read my review here.

4. Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

This book. Is. Amazing. I've always loved Robin Hood and this re-telling surpassed all expectations I had. Every aspect of this book was incredible - the writing, the pacing, the relationship dynamics, the characterizations, and the way that Gaughen puts women back into history. Awesome. Read it. Read my review here.

5. Starters by Lissa Price

I'm so impressed with this book. I'm still thinking about it. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, and I think that's because I couldn't fathom how the premise could be executed. But I started reading and never looked back. I was sucked in immediately. Price definitely pulled off writing about people renting other's bodies and still telling a fantastic story. Read my review here.

What were your top reads this month?

Scarlet - A.C. Gaughen

Synopsis: Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. 
Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for. (From Goodreads)


I love Robin Hood. Have since I saw the Robin Hood cartoon movie. And honestly, I spent the first fifty pages of this book trying to imagine these characters as human, and not the Disney fox version. I was super excited for a new retelling and so I picked up this book the minute I could and then read it straight through. It was amazing! I absolutely adore A.C. Gaughen's version. 


I was a little worried about halfway through that she was going to mangle some of the classic details of the Robin Hood tale. I mean, I'm all for re-tellings, re-imaginings - but I also believe that the bigger aspects of classic stories - their basic structures and important characters - should remain in tact. But my worries were for nothing. The melding of this new imagining with the classic story was flawless and shocking at the same time. I think I was kicking my feet with glee when I figured out the way she was making the classic aspects into twists. 


Even better, A.C. Gaughen managed to infuse girl-power into a largely male tale. Not only that, but she made girl-power a part of history. Because no matter how I hear the Robin Hood tale now, there will always be this incredibly strong and powerful girl by his side. In her Author's Note, Gaughen talks about how she's sure that girls were a part of history, but they have been written out. It's perfectly plausible that there was a girl working with Robin. 


And Robin - sigh. He's always been a beautiful, strong, man in my imagination (even despite the Mel Gibbson, Men in Tights version) - but ohhhh man. I love this Robin. And I adored Little John in this version. He's flawed, but he seems like so much fun. Gaughen captured the spirit of this band so well - their dynamics - the way they worked together and occasionally ruffled each other's feathers.


If you like Robin Hood, I definitely recommend this book. Gaughen nailed this re-telling perfectly. I'm impressed, awed, and in love.