Where to Start with A.C. Gaughen
For readers new to A.C. Gaughen’s work, the recommended starting point is her debut novel, Scarlet. This book kicks off her completed young adult trilogy, which reimagines the classic legend of Robin Hood. Because the trilogy has a definitive, closed ending, it offers the most satisfying and complete narrative experience for newcomers.
If you are a fan of high-fantasy world-building, political intrigue, and elemental magic systems, you can also start with Reign the Earth, the opening installment of the Elementae series. However, before beginning this series, readers should be aware of important publishing caveats regarding its ongoing status.
The Scarlet Trilogy
The Scarlet trilogy is a gritty, feminist retelling of Robin Hood. The story centers on Scarlet, a fierce, knife-wielding thief disguised as a boy, who fights alongside Robin Hood and his band of outlaws in Sherwood Forest while guarding a dark, traumatic past from the Sheriff of Nottingham. This series must be read in strict publication order, as the plot and character arcs build directly from one book to the next:
- Scarlet (2012) – The introduction to Scarlet's life in the forest, her complex relationship with Robin, and the threat of her past catching up with her.
- Lady Thief (2014) – Scarlet's true identity is revealed, forcing her into the court of Nottingham where she must navigate political marriages and royal conspiracies to protect her people.
- Lion Heart (2015) – The final battle for Nottingham and England's crown as King Richard returns and Scarlet must lead the rebellion.
A defining aspect of this trilogy is Scarlet's unique narrative voice. Gaughen writes in a phonetic, Nottinghamshire-inspired dialect. While it can take a few chapters to get used to the speech patterns, it deeply immerses the reader in Scarlet's perspective and the historical setting.
The Elementae Series
Moving away from folklore, the Elementae series is a young adult fantasy set in a harsh desert empire where individuals with elemental powers are feared, hunted, and subjugated by the ruling class. The series focuses on themes of systemic oppression, environmental balance, and personal agency. The published books include:
- Reign the Earth (2018) – Follows Shalia, who marries the ruthless King of the Desert to secure peace for her homeland, only to discover she possesses the rare, forbidden power to control the earth.
- Imprison the Sky (2019) – Centers on Stas, a fierce sky-pirate captain with the power of the wind, who must team up with a runaway prince to dismantle the empire's tyranny.
Critical Reading Caveats: The Elementae Status
Before diving into the Elementae books, it is crucial to understand the series' current publication status. While originally planned as a four-book cycle (with each book centering on a different element), the series is currently on an indefinite hiatus:
- No Publisher Contract: Gaughen has explained on her official website that because sales for the first two books did not meet publisher expectations, Bloomsbury did not contract the final two books.
- Unfinished Arc: While the author has expressed a strong desire to finish the four-book arc and write books three and four in the future, she currently has no contract to do so and is focused on other writing projects. As a result, the series is currently an unfinished duology with unresolved plot points.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because all of A.C. Gaughen's novels follow a linear timeline within their respective universes, the chronological order matches the publication order exactly. The complete chronological list of her novels is:
- Scarlet (2012)
- Lady Thief (2014)
- Lion Heart (2015)
- Reign the Earth (2018)
- Imprison the Sky (2019)
What to Know Before You Start
Gaughen’s novels are known for their emotional weight. While categorized as Young Adult, they contain mature themes, including domestic and physical abuse, trauma, and systemic violence. The heroines are resilient but highly flawed, making for a realistic exploration of survival and rebellion. For a complete story, choose the Scarlet trilogy; for detailed fantasy world-building, try the Elementae duology, keeping the series' hiatus in mind.