Scarlet was my favorite unexpected discovery of last year, so I wasn't sure how A.C. Gaughen could top that with Lady Thief. But, boy, did she ever! 
 My first attempts at this review go something like this: It's sooooo awesome! Rob and Scar...oh my gosh, her (view spoiler)[hand (hide spoiler)]...the archery contest...the ending!!! Read it! Read it NOW! 
 Since it probably helps to have more than fangirlish flailing, here are some additional thoughts. 
 All our beloved characters are back from the first book, and I really enjoyed their growth in Lady Thief. Much is such an amazing, stabilizing presence and strength for the gang. John remains a big, solid lovable source of loyalty, and Rob...he is the kind of redeemed and redeeming hero I absolutely love! He and Scar are perfect and their caring love for each other fuels the core of the book. 
 We also get introduced to fantastic new characters: Eleanor of Acquitaine - one of my all-time favorite ladies of history - and Prince John, who, without going overboard into caricature, is every inch the evil spoiled ruler of legend! 
 Scarlet, of course, steals the show. Her strength in this book is absolutely breathtaking. I knew the story would skew dark, and Gaughen doesn't shy from that. Lady Thief has more than its fair share of down-on-your-knees, cry-yourself-to-sleep heartbreaking moments, but what emerges at the end, despite everything, is life and hope and faith, and I LOVED that! 
 Now, how many days until the release of Book #3?