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The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne #2
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne
A fast-paced fantasy adventure set in a broken, future England, following the further exploits of the outlaws Scarlett and Browne.
Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne have outwitted their pursuers and escaped into the wilds of Mercia and Northumbria, and it’s not long before they become famous across the Seven Kingdoms for their audacious heists. No bank is safe from a pair with the ability to read minds and make a perfect shot. But neither is fully able to escape the past – as they discover when a dangerous job turns sour. Soon old enemies and sinister new threats are pressing in on every side, and Scarlett and Albert must pull off an impossible mission. Can they hope to outwit the Faith Houses and the Brothers of the Hand – and save the people they hold most dear?
The second book in a phenomenal trilogy from the bestselling children's novelist.
Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne have outwitted their pursuers and escaped into the wilds of Mercia and Northumbria, and it’s not long before they become famous across the Seven Kingdoms for their audacious heists. No bank is safe from a pair with the ability to read minds and make a perfect shot. But neither is fully able to escape the past – as they discover when a dangerous job turns sour. Soon old enemies and sinister new threats are pressing in on every side, and Scarlett and Albert must pull off an impossible mission. Can they hope to outwit the Faith Houses and the Brothers of the Hand – and save the people they hold most dear?
The second book in a phenomenal trilogy from the bestselling children's novelist.
397 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2022
124 people are currently reading
1657 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Stroud
63 books11k followersJonathan Anthony Stroud is an author of fantasy books, mainly for children and youths.
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. He worked with different types of books there and this soon led to the writing of his own books. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success.
In May 1999, Stroud published his first children's novel, Buried Fire, which was the first of a line of fantasy/mythology children's books.
Among his most prominent works are the bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy. A special feature of these novels compared to others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done by examining the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus. The books in this series are The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate, his first books to be published in the United States.
Stroud lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his two children, Isabelle and Arthur, and his wife Gina, an illustrator of children's books.
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. He worked with different types of books there and this soon led to the writing of his own books. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success.
In May 1999, Stroud published his first children's novel, Buried Fire, which was the first of a line of fantasy/mythology children's books.
Among his most prominent works are the bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy. A special feature of these novels compared to others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done by examining the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus. The books in this series are The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate, his first books to be published in the United States.
Stroud lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his two children, Isabelle and Arthur, and his wife Gina, an illustrator of children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
September 18, 2025
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne, second in the series is great for all the reasons I usually like Jonathan Stroud's work - deadpan humor, the brilliant characters and fun story.
We learn more about the two lead characters in this book and they grew on me, almost sneakily like most of Stroud's characters, by the end. The story is fast paced and engaging, befitting the two outlaws, but also setting the stage for character growth. It was satisfying to see Scarlett confront her past and Albert confront his powers.
The world-building in this series is tantalizingly slow, we find out bits and pieces about the world and the big Cataclysm in this book but I would have liked more information. However, Stroud's writing really brought together everything and kept me engaged - deceptively simple but gripping as always. The focus is kept mostly on the plot and the characters, but hopefully we find out more about the world in the next book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2🌟
The rating is 4 1/2 stars and rounded up to 5 as the book on the whole is good.
[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the characters; One star for the story arc; One star for the writing; Half a star for the world-building - 4 1/2 stars on the whole.]
Thanks to NetGalley, Jonathan Stroud and the publishers Random House for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We learn more about the two lead characters in this book and they grew on me, almost sneakily like most of Stroud's characters, by the end. The story is fast paced and engaging, befitting the two outlaws, but also setting the stage for character growth. It was satisfying to see Scarlett confront her past and Albert confront his powers.
The world-building in this series is tantalizingly slow, we find out bits and pieces about the world and the big Cataclysm in this book but I would have liked more information. However, Stroud's writing really brought together everything and kept me engaged - deceptively simple but gripping as always. The focus is kept mostly on the plot and the characters, but hopefully we find out more about the world in the next book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2🌟
The rating is 4 1/2 stars and rounded up to 5 as the book on the whole is good.
[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the characters; One star for the story arc; One star for the writing; Half a star for the world-building - 4 1/2 stars on the whole.]
Thanks to NetGalley, Jonathan Stroud and the publishers Random House for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
This was fun! I liked it more than the previous book, the dynamic between the two main characters evolved in a interesting way and there was more space given to the "found family" moments. It also left me with a lot of questions, it seems to suggest something about the origins if the Tainted but nobody explicitly confirms it. I wonder if we'll get to know more in the next book? Also Scarlett now has a hat, which makes me happy.
May 9, 2023
When asked to describe Jonathan Stroud's books, the main word I would use is delightful. The humor and heart are right up my alley, and add to this one the chaos of following a grumpy x sunshine thieving duo in post-apocalyptic landscape, and it becomes one of my favorite books of the year.
The first book was such a fun adventure, and this one built both the momentum and the stakes, deepening the character's relationships and widening the scope of the world. The pace was fantastic. We get more of Scarlett's backstory in this one where we got Albert's in the first book.
I laughed a lot, and I've grown so attached to every character in this series, I'm both terrified and ridiculously excited to see where book 3 is going to go! Five stars from me!
Content warnings for violence, scary undead monsters, and mild language.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
Albert gave a delighted cry. "Hey - it's 'The Ballad of Scarlett and Browne'! They've got one of ours!"
"Just when I thought this day couldn't get any better," Scarlett said. "Well, don't take the stupid thing."
"Why not? It's a lovely souvenir. Besides, I want to read about our unnatural vices on the way home."
re-read 2023:
genuinely, this is one of the best sequels I think I've ever read. I cannot recommend this series enough for fans of Six of Crows or any heist story with a found family vibe and a fantasy element. I'm obsessed.
The first book was such a fun adventure, and this one built both the momentum and the stakes, deepening the character's relationships and widening the scope of the world. The pace was fantastic. We get more of Scarlett's backstory in this one where we got Albert's in the first book.
I laughed a lot, and I've grown so attached to every character in this series, I'm both terrified and ridiculously excited to see where book 3 is going to go! Five stars from me!
Content warnings for violence, scary undead monsters, and mild language.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
Albert gave a delighted cry. "Hey - it's 'The Ballad of Scarlett and Browne'! They've got one of ours!"
"Just when I thought this day couldn't get any better," Scarlett said. "Well, don't take the stupid thing."
"Why not? It's a lovely souvenir. Besides, I want to read about our unnatural vices on the way home."
re-read 2023:
genuinely, this is one of the best sequels I think I've ever read. I cannot recommend this series enough for fans of Six of Crows or any heist story with a found family vibe and a fantasy element. I'm obsessed.
August 2, 2022
> They walked together back to the Wolf’s Head. It occurred to Albert as they went that Scarlett knew his mind just as well as he knew hers. It wasn’t a bad feeling.
December 26, 2025
Trama/Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Personaggi/Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stile/Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Adoro questi personaggi e mi piace molto il mondo post-apocalittico creato da Stroud. Divertente ed ironico, ma anche malinconico e greve, una lettura adatta a tutti.
***
I love these characters and I really like the post-apocalyptic world Stroud created. Funny and ironic, but also melancholic and heavy, a read suitable for everyone.
Personaggi/Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stile/Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Adoro questi personaggi e mi piace molto il mondo post-apocalittico creato da Stroud. Divertente ed ironico, ma anche malinconico e greve, una lettura adatta a tutti.
***
I love these characters and I really like the post-apocalyptic world Stroud created. Funny and ironic, but also melancholic and heavy, a read suitable for everyone.
April 26, 2023
Ahoy there me mateys! In this second book of the series, the outlaws Scarlett and Browne are continuing their life of bank robbery and survival. Much of the joy of this installment is watching how much the duo has grown by interacting with each other. Scarlett remains snarky and awesome. Browne is the tempering force that is teaching her how to be less selfish. Scarlett is teaching him the life skills he needs not to die. Both are still learning to trust and depend on another person. The banter between them delights.
Scarlett's past comes knocking and brings the duo a seemingly impossible heist. I loved that both Scarlett and Browne are wrong-footed and scrambling to come up with a plan to beat the clock. They do not have the upper hand and nothing goes to plan. While there was a lot of action, there are also introspective moments from both characters. Their growing friendship is wonderful.
The plot of this book is wound up but there are many possibilities for what comes next. I want another! Arrr!
Scarlett's past comes knocking and brings the duo a seemingly impossible heist. I loved that both Scarlett and Browne are wrong-footed and scrambling to come up with a plan to beat the clock. They do not have the upper hand and nothing goes to plan. While there was a lot of action, there are also introspective moments from both characters. Their growing friendship is wonderful.
The plot of this book is wound up but there are many possibilities for what comes next. I want another! Arrr!
March 12, 2025
Extraordinary. With the Scarlett & Browne books, we are seeing Jonathan Stroud display his prodigious writing talent, crafting books that make for an exquisite reading experience.
Building on the exciting first installment, this book further develops the titular outlaws as characters by making them face down the demons from their pasts. Each of them has parts of themselves they are eager to keep buried and suppressed – for Albert, it’s his frightening and lethal powers; for Scarlett, it’s the trauma that forged her into the badass she is today. They are both displeased with the other for not owning that part of themselves, leading to some trouble in paradise amid their otherwise rock-solid friendship. But when they find themselves in the deadly crosshairs of Scarlett’s former mentors and Albert’s dark reflection, they are forced to reckon with the parts of themselves they would rather hide away.
There is so much to love here. The characters received such an effective introduction in the first book, and it’s great watching them grow further here. More to the point, the first book cemented their relationship – the unyielding affection, the complete trust, and the funny ribbing between them. The great thing in this book is how the two of them, even while squabbling, always fall back on that – and how they never lose sight of priorities even when immensely frustrated with each other.
Everything in this book is firing on all cylinders. There are action setpieces that will leave your heart pounding. The world keeps expanding, as we see the glimmers of good amid countless atrocities in this dystopian England. Stroud leaves gentle indicators of where the series might go next, but tells satisfyingly complete stories within each book. And of course, there is plenty of humor, including a very funny execution sequence (not a term you often hear!) and some hilarious ballads about our favorite outlaws.
It must also be noted how effective Stroud is at writing denouements – a particular struggle among lots of fantasy books. It is neither an abrupt ending, leaving the reader scratching their head, nor a bloated series of farewells that overstays its welcome. One tidy chapter, twelve pages, wraps up the story, leaves the reader feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and builds excitement for the next book. This book was a pleasure to read from start to finish!
ETA: Upon a reread, this book remains just as impressive. Even knowing what's to come next, the action is still heart-pounding and had me feverishly turning the pages. Stroud's books are so good to reread because they are so exciting the first time, you just want to find out what happens; when rereading, you can luxuriate in the language and the descriptions. As a writer, Stroud's way with words is downright inspiring. His descriptions, his wry wit, his judicious world-building are an absolute masterclass.
Building on the exciting first installment, this book further develops the titular outlaws as characters by making them face down the demons from their pasts. Each of them has parts of themselves they are eager to keep buried and suppressed – for Albert, it’s his frightening and lethal powers; for Scarlett, it’s the trauma that forged her into the badass she is today. They are both displeased with the other for not owning that part of themselves, leading to some trouble in paradise amid their otherwise rock-solid friendship. But when they find themselves in the deadly crosshairs of Scarlett’s former mentors and Albert’s dark reflection, they are forced to reckon with the parts of themselves they would rather hide away.
There is so much to love here. The characters received such an effective introduction in the first book, and it’s great watching them grow further here. More to the point, the first book cemented their relationship – the unyielding affection, the complete trust, and the funny ribbing between them. The great thing in this book is how the two of them, even while squabbling, always fall back on that – and how they never lose sight of priorities even when immensely frustrated with each other.
Everything in this book is firing on all cylinders. There are action setpieces that will leave your heart pounding. The world keeps expanding, as we see the glimmers of good amid countless atrocities in this dystopian England. Stroud leaves gentle indicators of where the series might go next, but tells satisfyingly complete stories within each book. And of course, there is plenty of humor, including a very funny execution sequence (not a term you often hear!) and some hilarious ballads about our favorite outlaws.
It must also be noted how effective Stroud is at writing denouements – a particular struggle among lots of fantasy books. It is neither an abrupt ending, leaving the reader scratching their head, nor a bloated series of farewells that overstays its welcome. One tidy chapter, twelve pages, wraps up the story, leaves the reader feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and builds excitement for the next book. This book was a pleasure to read from start to finish!
ETA: Upon a reread, this book remains just as impressive. Even knowing what's to come next, the action is still heart-pounding and had me feverishly turning the pages. Stroud's books are so good to reread because they are so exciting the first time, you just want to find out what happens; when rereading, you can luxuriate in the language and the descriptions. As a writer, Stroud's way with words is downright inspiring. His descriptions, his wry wit, his judicious world-building are an absolute masterclass.
June 5, 2025
Ganz, ganz, ganz große Liebe einfach!
Auch beim zweiten Lesen immernoch pure Liebe!
Auch beim zweiten Lesen immernoch pure Liebe!
May 10, 2023
Scarlett and Browne are downright famous these days. They even found brochures that had been made telling of their escapades! However, old enemies from Scarlett’s past and a sinister new threat from Albert’s world are boxing them in ... and holding their friends hostage.
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne was quite a thrill ride this time out! We had violence, breathtaking feats, cliffhangers, and narrow escapes from hails of bullets. Not to mention lots of terrifying creatures, including humans who have transformed into hideous, cannibalistic monsters called the Tainted. Whew.
This book felt darker and more mature than the first in the series, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne. I liked that this one gave a glimpse into Scarlett's previous life. I can't wait to find out what happens next to these two!
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne was quite a thrill ride this time out! We had violence, breathtaking feats, cliffhangers, and narrow escapes from hails of bullets. Not to mention lots of terrifying creatures, including humans who have transformed into hideous, cannibalistic monsters called the Tainted. Whew.
This book felt darker and more mature than the first in the series, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne. I liked that this one gave a glimpse into Scarlett's previous life. I can't wait to find out what happens next to these two!
November 2, 2022
What a fabulous book the second instalment of Scarlett and Browne is.
Packed with adventure, craftiness, outlaws, deadly animals, and two cunning yet loveable thieves the book is gripping from beginning to end.
You really do need to read book one though to understand the country and whats happened and who Scarlett and Browne are.
Amazing read that had me hooked the whole way through and was even better than the first
Packed with adventure, craftiness, outlaws, deadly animals, and two cunning yet loveable thieves the book is gripping from beginning to end.
You really do need to read book one though to understand the country and whats happened and who Scarlett and Browne are.
Amazing read that had me hooked the whole way through and was even better than the first
October 14, 2025
4.5
short review:
I love both protagonists, but my favourite is Albert - he survives so much trauma and still sees the positive in everything, the story is funny and entertaining and adventurous. The best mix of silly and suspenseful.
Recommend if you like heists and dystopian YA, but don't want anything clichéed.
short review:
I love both protagonists, but my favourite is Albert - he survives so much trauma and still sees the positive in everything, the story is funny and entertaining and adventurous. The best mix of silly and suspenseful.
Recommend if you like heists and dystopian YA, but don't want anything clichéed.
January 8, 2023
3,5
Wohoo, mein erstes Buch für 2023 gelesen. ✨ Ich liebe Jonathan Strouds Bücher von ganzem Herzen, ich schreie auch gefühlt jede Person an, dass sie Lockwood & Co lesen sollen. (Und es kommt bald eine Netflix Serie!) Scarlett & Browne ist super unterhaltsam, die Welt wird in seiner After -Apokalpysen-Dystopie weiter ausgebaut, wir erleben jede Menge Monster, Tote und Western-Feelings.
Allerdings leidet das Buch ein wenig für mich unter Middle-Book-Syndrom (obwohl es kein Middle Book sein wird), mir fehlt immer noch die tolle größere Gruppe, die mehr als zwei Leute bestehen und mir fehlt auch das witzige Geplänkel. Für mich mit 3,5⭐ das "schlechteste" Buch und das zeugt nur von Strouds fantastischem Schreibstil und seinen Geschichten.
Wohoo, mein erstes Buch für 2023 gelesen. ✨ Ich liebe Jonathan Strouds Bücher von ganzem Herzen, ich schreie auch gefühlt jede Person an, dass sie Lockwood & Co lesen sollen. (Und es kommt bald eine Netflix Serie!) Scarlett & Browne ist super unterhaltsam, die Welt wird in seiner After -Apokalpysen-Dystopie weiter ausgebaut, wir erleben jede Menge Monster, Tote und Western-Feelings.
Allerdings leidet das Buch ein wenig für mich unter Middle-Book-Syndrom (obwohl es kein Middle Book sein wird), mir fehlt immer noch die tolle größere Gruppe, die mehr als zwei Leute bestehen und mir fehlt auch das witzige Geplänkel. Für mich mit 3,5⭐ das "schlechteste" Buch und das zeugt nur von Strouds fantastischem Schreibstil und seinen Geschichten.
October 3, 2022
Y’all are sleeping on Jonathan strouds books and they are amazing ☺️
December 7, 2022
Noch besser als der erste Teil. Die Geschichte ist stringenter und dabei sehr spannend und lustig. Man erfährt mehr über die Vergangenheit von Scarlett. Albert trifft auf einen ebenbürtigen Gegner. Teil 3 kann kommen.
4,5/5 Sterne
4,5/5 Sterne
July 12, 2023
Better than the first one, I must say. Now I don't know why this edition says it's narrated by somebody else, but we must give credit to Sophie Aldred, because she literally nailed it. She's so awesome, she makes Scarlett and Browne so alive in my mind. But anyway-
23.07.11
THERE IS A MOVIE COMING OUT??
➵ albert browne!
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne is the installment in which we focus more on Scarlett, as opposed to how its predecessor, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, focused on our Albert Browne. In this book, Albert shows how much he's matured in his own way, whether Scarlett really likes it or not. It has given him the ability to connect with Scarlett on a whole different level, and that really showed in a lot of the scenes featured in this book (all of which I really loved).
It's just so touching to see Albert given a momentous role, a larger role than even Scarlett's, in this part of the series. I'm super excited to see more of him! (please, please, Mr. Stroud)
➵ scarlett mccain!
Our redheaded, hotheaded, short-tempered, cunning best friend. She's as hilarious as always. In this book, we saw the other side of her that makes her hard and ambitious. Props to whatever the heck makes Johnathan Stroud such a good writer, because I just love how her character is written. I would talk more about it, but it would get spoilery soooo-
➴ what's up?
The story is just so exciting, swashbuckling, crazy, and it doesn't fail to offer. The cast of side characters is just a hit. You've got Joe and Ettie back, because, yeah. The new additions in the second book are as great as the first book. Just pure fun with very cleverly written people. Also, the bond between Scarlett and Albert is literally amazing. You just got to read and see it for yourself.
23.07.11
THERE IS A MOVIE COMING OUT??
➵ albert browne!
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne is the installment in which we focus more on Scarlett, as opposed to how its predecessor, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, focused on our Albert Browne. In this book, Albert shows how much he's matured in his own way, whether Scarlett really likes it or not. It has given him the ability to connect with Scarlett on a whole different level, and that really showed in a lot of the scenes featured in this book (all of which I really loved).
It's just so touching to see Albert given a momentous role, a larger role than even Scarlett's, in this part of the series. I'm super excited to see more of him! (please, please, Mr. Stroud)
➵ scarlett mccain!
Our redheaded, hotheaded, short-tempered, cunning best friend. She's as hilarious as always. In this book, we saw the other side of her that makes her hard and ambitious. Props to whatever the heck makes Johnathan Stroud such a good writer, because I just love how her character is written. I would talk more about it, but it would get spoilery soooo-
➴ what's up?
The story is just so exciting, swashbuckling, crazy, and it doesn't fail to offer. The cast of side characters is just a hit. You've got Joe and Ettie back, because, yeah. The new additions in the second book are as great as the first book. Just pure fun with very cleverly written people. Also, the bond between Scarlett and Albert is literally amazing. You just got to read and see it for yourself.
April 28, 2024
*possible spoiler*
WE WERE ROBBED OF A ROMANCE😭
also book 3 is a NEED, not a want <3
WE WERE ROBBED OF A ROMANCE😭
also book 3 is a NEED, not a want <3
December 30, 2023
Loved it. Exciting and full of snappy chat. Great characters and so pleased I finally got around to reading it, it’s been on my shelf for ages. Will need more of these.
July 29, 2023
Toujours aussi original et addictif ! J’ai beaucoup aimé ce second tome qui permet d’approfondir l’univers et les personnages. J’ai trouvé certains passages un chouïa lent, avec beaucoup de descriptions, mais c’est contrebalance avec des explosions et des évasions spectaculaires de tous les côtés ! Une très bonne lecture donc avec ce second tome !
August 12, 2023
Ich finde diese Reihe einfach nur klasse :)
December 25, 2023
Same opinions as I did with the first book: Solid and fun (if dark). Great main characters and a pretty good supporting cast. The plotting was all over the place but that’s besides the point. Teases of a third installment, too, which I wouldn’t mind.
November 2, 2022
This was… decidedly OK. I liked the first book a lot more. I think the banter is somewhat toned down in this one, and that is a tragedy for me. I also think the plot goes into “middle book” territory, where you get some background, but not a huge amount of ground covered by the plot. This seems unlikely considering it was fairly fast paced – I just felt like the way it unfolded wasn’t as engaging as I’d have hoped. I’m quite happy to finish out the series, though.
August 12, 2025
Verrückt und rasant und genau richtig!
Read
May 19, 2023LOVE this series. I’ve been listening to it on Audible. It is just delightful.
October 29, 2025
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne, by Jonathan Stroud, is a young-adult fantasy adventure, set in a dystopian future and in what is left of England after some future event known as the Cataclysm. We aren't directly told all that much about what actually happened during the Cataclysm, but on the map of England that's included at the front of the book, a "London Lagoon" appears where the city itself used to be. The Cataclysm has also left behind many creatures that have mutated into much more fearsome and deadly versions, including werewolf-like humanoid creatures known as the Tainted. There is no longer anything like a national or even regional government. Power has settled into the hands of an organization calling itself the Faith House. The Faith House claims to offer a place for all believers to worship, no matter what faith tradition they practice, but its leadership is primarily interested in collecting power and wealth, and in keeping the surviving towns pure of any taint or deviation, so humans with unusual traits, such as red hair, are cast out into the harsh wilderness between towns, where there is little chance of survival.
This is the second book in a series of at least three. The first book, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, introduced the protagonists, described their meeting, and gave some glimpses of their back stories. In this second book those back stories are fleshed out with more detail. Scarlett McCain, whose name comes from her bright red hair, did survive being cast out, long enough for a criminal organization known as the Brothers of the Hand to scoop her up and train her in weapons and hand-to-hand combat. She soon broke loose from their control and became an outlaw, robbing banks and Faith House vaults to pay back those who cast her out. Albert Browne is a young man born with psychic abilities who the Faith House wanted to train to their use. He, too, escaped, and eventually joined forces with Scarlett to make a formidable outlaw team.
This book is aimed at young adults, and is suitable for mature teens who can handle the sort of violence that might be found in a typical action movie. There is quite a bit of violence, including gun violence. In this book we also learn there are enslaved and abused children in this version of England. Browne gets very upset when he and Scarlett encounter slaves, and will set free any of those he is able to, but he can't always do much. He and Scarlett do act in a Robin Hood role, distributing most of what they steal to those less fortunate. I gave The Notorious Scarlett and Browne a 4-star rating.
This is the second book in a series of at least three. The first book, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, introduced the protagonists, described their meeting, and gave some glimpses of their back stories. In this second book those back stories are fleshed out with more detail. Scarlett McCain, whose name comes from her bright red hair, did survive being cast out, long enough for a criminal organization known as the Brothers of the Hand to scoop her up and train her in weapons and hand-to-hand combat. She soon broke loose from their control and became an outlaw, robbing banks and Faith House vaults to pay back those who cast her out. Albert Browne is a young man born with psychic abilities who the Faith House wanted to train to their use. He, too, escaped, and eventually joined forces with Scarlett to make a formidable outlaw team.
This book is aimed at young adults, and is suitable for mature teens who can handle the sort of violence that might be found in a typical action movie. There is quite a bit of violence, including gun violence. In this book we also learn there are enslaved and abused children in this version of England. Browne gets very upset when he and Scarlett encounter slaves, and will set free any of those he is able to, but he can't always do much. He and Scarlett do act in a Robin Hood role, distributing most of what they steal to those less fortunate. I gave The Notorious Scarlett and Browne a 4-star rating.
September 28, 2022
Dieser Teil spielt sechs Monate nach den Ereignissen des Vorgängers. Scarlett und Albert sind begeistert als sie einen lukrativen Auftrag erhalten. Doch bevor es dazu kommt, geraten sie in einen Hinterhalt. Auch ein neuer Widersacher tritt in Erscheinung.
Man merkt, dass Albert sich in einigen Aspekten ziemlich weiter entwickelt und viel dazu gelernt hat. Andererseits ist er aber immer noch unsicher und unbeholfen, vor allem wenn es um seine besonderen Fähigkeiten geht. Scarlett hingegen ist selbstbewusst, überlegt und kaltschnäuzig wie eh und je. Gemeinsam geben die beiden mittlerweile ein eingespieltes Team ab, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Allerdings würde Scarlett natürlich niemals zugeben wie wichtig ihr Albert inzwischen geworden ist. Endlich erfahren wir auch mehr über ihre tragische Vergangenheit. Durch regelmäßige Perspektivenwechsel erhalten wir Einblicke in die Gedanken- und Gefühlswelten beider Protagonisten.
Die Charaktere liefern sich witzige Wortgefechte, der schwarze Humor und der Sarkasmus haben mich ebenso begeistert wie der spezielle Schreibstil von Jonathan Stroud. Er schenkt uns hier eine rasante, halsbrecherische und unterhaltsame Geschichte. Einiges wird meiner Meinung nach zwar sehr überspitzt dargestellt, das macht aber auch irgendwie den gewissen Reiz aus. Die Atmosphäre ist teilweise sehr düster, manchmal sogar gruselig und bedrohlich.
Es handelt sich um eine Dystopie, die im England der Zukunft spielt. Die sogenannte „Große Verheerung“ hat weite Teile des Landes unbewohnbar gemacht. Diese wurden entweder zerstört, verseucht oder überschwemmt. In der Wildnis gibt es zusätzliche Bedrohungen wie mutierte Tiere oder die gefürchteten „Gezeichneten“. Die Überlebenden müssen sich an die strengen Regeln der Glaubenshäuser halten. Als wäre die Umwelt nicht schon menschenverachtend genug, tun sich die Menschen untereinander zusätzlich furchtbare Dinge an: Jeder der anders ist, wird verstoßen und dem Tod überlassen. Ein erschreckendes und beängstigendes Szenario.
Für mich ist es eine gelungene Fortsetzung, ich freue mich schon sehr auf den dritten Band, denn es wurden wieder viele neue Fragen und Möglichkeiten aufgeworfen.
Man merkt, dass Albert sich in einigen Aspekten ziemlich weiter entwickelt und viel dazu gelernt hat. Andererseits ist er aber immer noch unsicher und unbeholfen, vor allem wenn es um seine besonderen Fähigkeiten geht. Scarlett hingegen ist selbstbewusst, überlegt und kaltschnäuzig wie eh und je. Gemeinsam geben die beiden mittlerweile ein eingespieltes Team ab, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Allerdings würde Scarlett natürlich niemals zugeben wie wichtig ihr Albert inzwischen geworden ist. Endlich erfahren wir auch mehr über ihre tragische Vergangenheit. Durch regelmäßige Perspektivenwechsel erhalten wir Einblicke in die Gedanken- und Gefühlswelten beider Protagonisten.
Die Charaktere liefern sich witzige Wortgefechte, der schwarze Humor und der Sarkasmus haben mich ebenso begeistert wie der spezielle Schreibstil von Jonathan Stroud. Er schenkt uns hier eine rasante, halsbrecherische und unterhaltsame Geschichte. Einiges wird meiner Meinung nach zwar sehr überspitzt dargestellt, das macht aber auch irgendwie den gewissen Reiz aus. Die Atmosphäre ist teilweise sehr düster, manchmal sogar gruselig und bedrohlich.
Es handelt sich um eine Dystopie, die im England der Zukunft spielt. Die sogenannte „Große Verheerung“ hat weite Teile des Landes unbewohnbar gemacht. Diese wurden entweder zerstört, verseucht oder überschwemmt. In der Wildnis gibt es zusätzliche Bedrohungen wie mutierte Tiere oder die gefürchteten „Gezeichneten“. Die Überlebenden müssen sich an die strengen Regeln der Glaubenshäuser halten. Als wäre die Umwelt nicht schon menschenverachtend genug, tun sich die Menschen untereinander zusätzlich furchtbare Dinge an: Jeder der anders ist, wird verstoßen und dem Tod überlassen. Ein erschreckendes und beängstigendes Szenario.
Für mich ist es eine gelungene Fortsetzung, ich freue mich schon sehr auf den dritten Band, denn es wurden wieder viele neue Fragen und Möglichkeiten aufgeworfen.
September 28, 2022
4,5⭐️
Jonathan Stroud schafft es jedes Mal aufs Neue mich zu begeistern. Nachdem man im ersten Band von Scarlett & Browne viel über Albert erfahren hat, geht es hier eher um Scarlett’s Vergangenheit, was dem Charakter noch mal eine gewisse Tiefe gibt. Ich mochte auch hier wieder den Ablauf der Geschichte und liebe die beiden Hauptcharaktere - vor allem Albert, mit seiner leicht zerstreuten Art, konnte mich immer wieder zum schmunzeln bringen.
Bitte sagt mir, dass da noch ein weiterer Band kommt, denn ich will noch nicht mit dieser Reihe abschließen!
Definitiv ein Jahreshighlight für mich.
Jonathan Stroud schafft es jedes Mal aufs Neue mich zu begeistern. Nachdem man im ersten Band von Scarlett & Browne viel über Albert erfahren hat, geht es hier eher um Scarlett’s Vergangenheit, was dem Charakter noch mal eine gewisse Tiefe gibt. Ich mochte auch hier wieder den Ablauf der Geschichte und liebe die beiden Hauptcharaktere - vor allem Albert, mit seiner leicht zerstreuten Art, konnte mich immer wieder zum schmunzeln bringen.
Bitte sagt mir, dass da noch ein weiterer Band kommt, denn ich will noch nicht mit dieser Reihe abschließen!
Definitiv ein Jahreshighlight für mich.
July 19, 2023
Normally, 2 books are my least favorite because they're just placeholders between 1 and 3 books. This one was excellent. The characters developed, the story deepened, and overall, I was pleasantly surprised.
February 18, 2023
I liked this a lot more than the first volume, don't see a problem with continuing the series so much now.
Prediction:
Prediction:
April 23, 2023
I have a feeling non-stop and unstoppable will be overused in the reviews for this book and series. My only complaint may be that it is hard to catch your breath.
Popsugar23: #16 - A book where the main character's name is in the title
Popsugar23: #16 - A book where the main character's name is in the title
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