4 years ago, I reviewed The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud. I very much enjoyed the tale of two outlaws, living by their wits in a monstrous post-apocalyptic future. I missed the follow-up, and now, the final book in the sequence has arrived. I have been sent both books, The Notorious Scarlett and Browne and The Legendary Scarlett and Browne, so I can write this catch-up review.
What Is Scarlett and Browne?
Being books 2 & 3, if you haven’t read Outlaws yet, I suggest you remedy that now. Having completed the story arc of the three Scarlett and Browne novels I can assure you that you will not regret picking them up.
Notorious picks shortly after Outlaws put us down. We’re thrown straight back into the action as Scarlett and Albert are waylaid on their way into town by some brigands (soon-to-be ex-brigands). It’s a set-piece opening that reminds us why these books are so good.
Follow that up with a tricky heist on a “Faith House” with some daring infiltration and a hi-octane exit, and the novel starts with a bang. The second Scarlett and Browne book sees the reintroduction of Scarlett’s old “mentors” as well as a new shadowy figure, sent by the Faith Houses, who seems to have similar powers as Browne.
When Scarlett and Browne’s closest friends are kidnapped the pair are blackmailed into carrying out an almost insurmountable task. Of course, no job is impossible for our dynamic duo. Scarlett remains her unflappable self, while the Faith House sanctioned hunter, forces Albert to recognize the powers that reside within. If he does that, perhaps there is a way through the mire.
The third book, The Legendary Scarlett and Browne is billed as “being an account of their final exploits and gallant deeds.” Following on leads discovered in Notorious the pair will travel deep into the hinterland, looking to expose a Faith House plot to ramp up its tyrannical reign.
Why Read Scarlett and Browne?
These books make for excellent reading. Not only are they filled with exciting set pieces, the characters of Scarlett McCain and Alfred Browne are wonderful. They are flawed but heroic; by the end of the third book they have been on one heck of a journey and we have been with them every step of the way. The trilogy is unflinching Young Adult fiction that never talks down to its readers, and entertains them on every page.
As well as being action-filled, the books are moving too. The world in which Scarlett and Albert inhabit is grim but there are notes of beauty. Perhaps now more than ever, its message that even in the darkest times, there are good people who believe in justice, and helping others, is vital. The novels, as a trio, extol the importance of compassion, both to others and to yourself. Scarlett and Albert must come to terms with their mistakes and flaws in order to reach their full potential.
Genuinely unnerving villains and a frightening vision of a collapsed society are the final ingredients for this excellent trio of novels. A trilogy that will keep readers hooked and looking for more.
We may have come to the end of the exploits of Scarlett and Browne, but I can’t help but hope that their stories will continue. Without wanting to spoil things, there is still scope for more heroic action and new tales in Jonathan Stroud’s apocalyptic Britain. I’m not sure we will see any continuing books, but if they were to arrive, I would be more than happy to read them.
If you would like to pick up a copy of The Notorious Scarlett and Browne you can do so here, in the US, and here, in the UK. The Legendary Scarlett and Browne is available in the UK already and will be published in the US on March 25th.(Affiliate Links)
If you enjoyed this review, check out my other book reviews, here.
I received a copy of this book in order to write this review.
