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Scarlett Redemption
The once lush green lands of Evernyl have become drought-ridden and desolate without draíochta (magic) to fuel its survival. Ruled by a cruel tyrant, whose actions ended the life of a beloved king and exiled its heir, anyone opposing his methods or wielding draíochta is a target.
After eight years, Evernyl’s heir, Ruadh, returns from exile at the behest of her rebel court. Along with her cousin and a shape-shifting mentor, she infiltrates the castle disguised as a maid. Reuniting with known allies and re-learning the draíochta she’s been too scared to use, Ruadh befriends the enemy prince, reluctantly finding in him a kindred spirit.
When a friend is endangered in her name, Ruadh retaliates, finally uniting with her rebels and taking her rightful place as their leader. Unwilling to sever ties with her princely friend, her truth might just be her protection or her downfall.
After eight years, Evernyl’s heir, Ruadh, returns from exile at the behest of her rebel court. Along with her cousin and a shape-shifting mentor, she infiltrates the castle disguised as a maid. Reuniting with known allies and re-learning the draíochta she’s been too scared to use, Ruadh befriends the enemy prince, reluctantly finding in him a kindred spirit.
When a friend is endangered in her name, Ruadh retaliates, finally uniting with her rebels and taking her rightful place as their leader. Unwilling to sever ties with her princely friend, her truth might just be her protection or her downfall.
Paperback
Published July 12, 2025
About the author
Freedom Matthews
3 books67 followersFreedom grew up around storytellers. Men and women of Romany origin, who would tell tales of people and traditions long since lost to time. It was only natural for her to weave tales as well, but she would write them down with paper and ink instead of passing them through the spoken word.
She lives in rural Hampshire, UK with a hotchpotch of family, animals and wonky bookshelves. When she's not curled up with a good book and a cup of tea, she enjoys visits to stately homes and watching fantasy TV shows.
She lives in rural Hampshire, UK with a hotchpotch of family, animals and wonky bookshelves. When she's not curled up with a good book and a cup of tea, she enjoys visits to stately homes and watching fantasy TV shows.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 24, 2025
I am absolutely obsessed with this book. I knew from the moment I heard about it that I would enjoy it, but I never could have predicted just how much I would love it. From the very first page I was hooked—I didn’t want to put it down, and whenever I had to, I found myself constantly thinking about the story. I’ll do my best to put my thoughts into words here.
The World
Wow. That’s the only word that comes to mind. The worldbuilding is so vivid and detailed that I felt like I was actually walking through Evernyl myself. It’s written with such care that it feels like a real place (and if anyone knows how to visit, please let me know!).
The Characters
Every character felt real, fully fleshed out, and memorable—even the side characters had their own personalities and quirks. While reading, I truly felt like I was part of the rebellion, off on an adventure with friends.
I adore Ruadh. She can be frustrating at times, but she’s only eighteen, and I honestly can’t imagine being in her shoes at that age. Her flaws make her feel authentic and relatable. Then there’s Tavish—he is so sweet, genuinely good-hearted, and such a steady presence throughout the book. The development of their relationship was delightful; I found myself literally kicking my feet and giggling whenever something happened between them.
The Magic
The magic system is wonderfully intricate, and I can’t wait to learn more about it in the next two books.
Final Thoughts
My only “complaint”? The sequel isn’t out yet, and I’m devastated that I have to wait to find out what happens next.
The World
Wow. That’s the only word that comes to mind. The worldbuilding is so vivid and detailed that I felt like I was actually walking through Evernyl myself. It’s written with such care that it feels like a real place (and if anyone knows how to visit, please let me know!).
The Characters
Every character felt real, fully fleshed out, and memorable—even the side characters had their own personalities and quirks. While reading, I truly felt like I was part of the rebellion, off on an adventure with friends.
I adore Ruadh. She can be frustrating at times, but she’s only eighteen, and I honestly can’t imagine being in her shoes at that age. Her flaws make her feel authentic and relatable. Then there’s Tavish—he is so sweet, genuinely good-hearted, and such a steady presence throughout the book. The development of their relationship was delightful; I found myself literally kicking my feet and giggling whenever something happened between them.
The Magic
The magic system is wonderfully intricate, and I can’t wait to learn more about it in the next two books.
Final Thoughts
My only “complaint”? The sequel isn’t out yet, and I’m devastated that I have to wait to find out what happens next.
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July 24, 2025F. Matthews creates a rich world of magic and intrigue with intricate, compelling characters, fleshed-out world-building, and magical prejudices in the clash for Evernyl's throne. From page one, we see that Ruadh is playful, but with a bite -- she is instantly a heroine the reader will sympathize with, and want to follow.
Admittedly, I don't read much fantasy, but I really enjoyed this novel, and the use of magical glamour, in particular. It was really entertaining seeing Ruadh and her rebels hiding in plain sight, tricking the usurpers and working behind the scenes. Above all, I really loved Prince Tavish, the evil king's kind, troubled son. The conflict of two enemy leaders falling for one another is already a 10/10 prospect, but it definitely helps when the characters in question have as much chemistry and intrigue as Tavish and Ruadh. Tavish seems entirely sincere in his feelings/actions, so I'm looking forward to seeing if he's ever swayed to his father's side, and/or if his love for Ruadh can withstand the pressures and forbidden nature of their relationship.
The last few chapters of this novel, in particular, were gripping and well-paced. I enjoyed the flashback where we learn what happened to Ruadh's father, in particular -- they had a sweet relationship, and as someone who holds family in the highest regard, I found that whole sequence poignantly moving. All in all, F. Matthews is a talented storyteller, and I'm happily awaiting her future installments!
Admittedly, I don't read much fantasy, but I really enjoyed this novel, and the use of magical glamour, in particular. It was really entertaining seeing Ruadh and her rebels hiding in plain sight, tricking the usurpers and working behind the scenes. Above all, I really loved Prince Tavish, the evil king's kind, troubled son. The conflict of two enemy leaders falling for one another is already a 10/10 prospect, but it definitely helps when the characters in question have as much chemistry and intrigue as Tavish and Ruadh. Tavish seems entirely sincere in his feelings/actions, so I'm looking forward to seeing if he's ever swayed to his father's side, and/or if his love for Ruadh can withstand the pressures and forbidden nature of their relationship.
The last few chapters of this novel, in particular, were gripping and well-paced. I enjoyed the flashback where we learn what happened to Ruadh's father, in particular -- they had a sweet relationship, and as someone who holds family in the highest regard, I found that whole sequence poignantly moving. All in all, F. Matthews is a talented storyteller, and I'm happily awaiting her future installments!
May 4, 2025
Wonderful. Page turner. Enchanting with a bite. Very honoured to be an Arc reader for such a fabulous book. An absolute must read for anyone who loves to be swept away into a world full of magic, feisty female leads, wolf's paws, evil rulers and an alluring enemy who surely can't be as kind as he seems...
May 19, 2025
So lucky to be an ARC reader for my lovely friend. I must admit I would t necessarily say that fantasy is my go to genre but I found it to be rather gripping! I could sense the romance building between the Prince Tavish and Ruadh and I long to know if they will end up together! The story introduced so many characters that we didn’t get to know much of, so I anticipate learning more as the series continues! #LegendsofEvernyl Freedom had me inside the castle walls, the forest, the village- I could see the places she spoke of and cannot wait to visit again! I’m intrigued about the magic that has yet to be fully realised… the story finishes with so much left unsaid… I need more! The story follows Ruadh, a hidden would be Queen, taking an opportunity to go undercover within her old home and spy on the enemy who killed her Father and took her land. She grows closer to the Prince, who we hope is the good guy, and omg he guesses she is Scarlett! We want them to be together of course! The King is utterly awful and we want him gone - the rebels fight and things are going our way- hooray! But then it ends… Will Scarlett reclaim her throne?! Will she and Tavish fall in love? What is going to happen!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
Wow! just wow! I truly wished I could give this book more than Five, but five will have to do hehehehe. Freedom truly captivated me in her writing style for Scarlett. This book is like no other books I have read. At The Beginning of the book, it is a slow burner, but as the story unfolds, it gets more and more intense. Towards the end of the book, it is almost like you are no longer reading a story, but a movie. The way Freedom has woven her own tales into this story is truly a masterpiece. A Story you most definitely do not want to pass up on. It will change you for the good! Congratulations FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
May 31, 2025
I feel privileged to have read an ARC copy of this eloquently written fantasy novel. The author has writes in such an immersive way that had me visualising the story playing out as if I were watching a movie. I instantly connected with the characters as if I’d known them my whole life, and as if I were a part of their experiences. Themes of this story include: magic, folklore, mythical creatures, revenge, honour, quests, a tyrannical usurper ruler, battles, deceptions, loyalty, betrayal, enemies, friendship, and forbidden love. A must read for fiction fantasy lovers!
October 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐
I enjoyed this book. Ruadh is a wild queen full of rage and impatience and honestly I can relate to her..! All of the characters in this book were excellently written and I loved their relationships. The plot was classic fantasy, if a little predictable, and I wish we'd gotten to know more about the Fae realm, the dragons, or the other kingdoms. Perhaps that will come later in the series? I'm excited to find out.
I enjoyed this book. Ruadh is a wild queen full of rage and impatience and honestly I can relate to her..! All of the characters in this book were excellently written and I loved their relationships. The plot was classic fantasy, if a little predictable, and I wish we'd gotten to know more about the Fae realm, the dragons, or the other kingdoms. Perhaps that will come later in the series? I'm excited to find out.
May 2, 2025
Enchanting and immersive, this YA fantasy weaves a captivating tale of magic, slow-burning tension, forbidden love and a quest for vengeance. Unraveling the secrets of a hidden heir, this book is a must-read for those who love intricate plots, found family and worlds brimming with otherworldly magic.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews