The Recommended Reading Order for A.C. Gaughen's Scarlet Series
If you want to dive into A.C. Gaughen's action-packed, romantic retelling of Robin Hood, the reading order is simple. Because the series follows a single continuous narrative, you must read the books in the order they were published. There are no side stories, novellas, or prequel companion books to navigate.
- Scarlet (February 2012)
- Lady Thief (February 2014)
- Lion Heart (May 2015)
Breaking Down the Scarlet Trilogy
Here is a detailed look at the books that make up this young adult historical adventure series:
1. Scarlet (2012)
The trilogy opens with Scarlet, which introduces us to the titular character. In this universe, the legendary Will Scarlet is actually a quick-witted, agile young woman hiding a dark past. Posing as a boy to survive on the harsh streets of Nottingham, Scarlet has found safety and family as a member of Robin Hood's band of outlaws. Robin (Rob) and his closest allies know her secret, but to the rest of the world, she is just another skilled thief. The plot intensifies when the ruthless Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne arrives in Nottingham, hired by the Sheriff to hunt down the outlaws. As Gisbourne threatens to uncover Scarlet's secrets, she must decide how much of herself she is willing to risk to protect the people she loves.
2. Lady Thief (2014)
Following the dramatic events of the first book, Lady Thief ups the stakes as the conflict moves closer to the royal court. Scarlet is forced to confront her past and her true identity, navigating the treacherous waters of nobility and court intrigue. While she struggles to maintain her connection to Robin and the outlaws of Sherwood Forest, she is caught in a dangerous web woven by Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. This second installment shifts the tone slightly from forest-based vigilante exploits to political maneuvering, emotional tension, and the heavy burden of duty.
3. Lion Heart (2015)
The final book in the trilogy, Lion Heart, delivers a high-stakes conclusion to the war for Nottingham and England's future. With Prince John's power growing and the Sheriff threatening total destruction, Scarlet must rally her allies for a final stand. She is forced to embrace her full potential not just as a survivor and thief, but as a leader capable of inspiring an entire kingdom. This conclusion ties up the romantic subplots, resolves the political conflicts, and decides the ultimate fate of Robin Hood's band.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
For the Scarlet trilogy, the publication order and the chronological order are identical. The story starts in Scarlet and moves forward sequentially through Lady Thief and Lion Heart without any flashbacks, prequels, or split-timeline narratives. Readers should avoid jumping into the second or third book first, as doing so will spoil major character reveals and plot points from the beginning of the series.
Reinventing Robin Hood: Key Themes and Characters
A.C. Gaughen does not just change the gender of Will Scarlet; she fundamentally alters the dynamics of the traditional folklore. The series explores themes of trauma, survival, agency, and class struggles in medieval England. Scarlet's voice is distinct, written in a unique first-person dialect that reflects her lack of formal education but highlights her street-smart intelligence and resilience.
The relationships within the band are central to the story. The bond between Scarlet and Robin is built on mutual respect and shared secrets, evolving from partnership into a deep romance. Meanwhile, characters like Little John (called Big John in this version) and Much provide a sense of brotherhood and family that Scarlet has long been denied. Opposite them stands Lord Gisbourne, a villain whose greed and obsession make him a terrifying and personal threat to Scarlet's survival.
What to Know Before You Start
Before jumping into the series, here are a few helpful details to keep in mind:
- Narrative Voice: The story is told from Scarlet's first-person perspective. Gaughen writes in a distinct, slightly unpolished dialect that reflects Scarlet's background and street-smart nature, which helps ground the historical setting.
- Romantic Element: While there is plenty of action and political rebellion, the slow-burn romance between Scarlet and Robin Hood is a central driving force of the series.
- Target Audience: The trilogy is marketed as Young Adult (YA) fiction. It contains intense action, themes of abuse and survival, and political intrigue suitable for teenagers and older readers.
What to Read Next
Once you finish the Scarlet trilogy, you might want to check out A.C. Gaughen's other works. She has written The Elementae series, which begins with Reign the Earth (2018) and continues with Imprison the Sky (2019). Unlike the historical, folklore-based setting of Nottingham, The Elementae is a fantasy series involving elemental magic and empires, though it carries Gaughen's signature style of strong female leads and emotional depth.