The Legendary Scarlett and Browne

The Legendary Scarlett and Browne, the final instalment of the rollicking Scarlett and Browne series, is another feast of high adventure and biting wit. Our daring duo have seemingly dispatched the evil Brothers of the Hand but the Faith Houses are still trying to exert their iron grip and drag half the country into slavery and servitude. With the rag-tag band of outlaws now including freed slaves and assorted waifs and strays, there is some cause for optimism and seeds of rebellion are stirring across the seven kingdoms.

Scarlet and Albert continue their personal quests whilst still 'liberating' banks of funds and freeing anyone who has fallen victim to the Faith House rules. Former operative Mallory has joined their ranks as they seek to discover the secrets that underpin the Faith Houses' deadly new mission.

Jonathan Stroud's final book in this sparkling trilogy certainly doesn't disappoint. The pugnacious (but quietly vulnerable) Scarlett leads her band of not-so-merry men and women as a latter day Robin Hood. Trusty sidekick Albert is still an optimistic innocent, despite now having supreme mastery of his telekinetic and physical powers. Mallory (introduced in book two) is a perfect vessel for Stroud's quick wit and the world-building is, as ever, extraordinary.

This series is exhilarating, fast-paced fantasy at its best, full of endearing characters and genuinely despicable villains. A feat of sophisticated and compelling storytelling. Cannot recommend highly enough!

416 pages / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+

The Legendary Scarlett and Browne is the third and final instalment of this incredible series following the exploits of the now most wanted Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne, who are in a doggedly determined and driven mood. Two years since escaping death at the hands of the High Council of the Faith House organisation, Scarlett and Browne and have continued their raids and heists across numerous kingdoms with aplomb and notoriety, and are now the top two most wanted felons in the land!

While continuing to undermine the Faith House organisation, liberating slaves along the way, Scarlett is desperately seeking any information that may lead them to her brother, Thomas, who disappeared eight years ago. And for Albert, he has a desire to find Stonemoor - a place from his past he dreads, yet it may give him the answers he craves to his past.

When what should be a simple ambush goes wrong and Scarlett is left fighting Tainted for her life, a blast from the past turns up in the form of Mallory, offering his help. But can you and should you trust someone who worked for your enemies and has tried to kill you?

As the High Council of the Faith House continues to retain control in many kingdoms with a new task force called White Hats Company who have strange and deadly weapons to terrorise people, Scarlett and Albert may have to keep their friends close and old enemies even closer to stand a chance of survival and completing their missions. For both of them, failure isn't an option and only death will stop them.

Jonathon Stroud has created another brilliant novel in the world of Scarlett and Browne. The writing is as a sharp, witty and adventurous as in the previous books, and the detail of the post-cataclysm England remains as intriguing as ever! The writing is at its best in times of heist and trouble for Scarlett and Albert and for me provided some of the best sections of the novel. From the failed ambush at the bridge, the happenings and escape from Taunton to finding themselves in a tainted hunting ground, the excitement and action pound across the page like a racing heart beat - which is what mine was doing during these moments! There are moments of reflection, too, which give the reader time also to think about events.

After years of being outlaws together, Scarlett and Albert's relationship remains taut and deadly and a little more dependent on each other. They've both matured, which is reflected in the writing. Scarlett remains as feisty as ever while Albert has mastery over all his powers. The return of Mallory was a real surprise and I spent much of the novel debating his true motives! It's great to see Ettie and Joe again too.

Each section of the novel features a few pages giving details of what happened to Scarlett's younger brother, Thomas, which adds extra interest and intrigue to the story - what exactly are those glow rods? For those who have read the other books some questions will be answered in this novel, some will not, which while frustrating perhaps allow the possibility that there could be a return to the world of Scarlett and Browne. But perhaps some things should remain a mystery and left to our own imagination.

While you can read and enjoy this novel on its own, I would heartily recommend reading the previous two beforehand - you'll get so much more out of it!  I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Scarlett and Browne trilogy. It's daring, audacious and deadly in places, full of adventure and ultimately friendship.

416 pages / Reviewed by Steven Leitch, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+