The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

I picked up this book expecting just a fun ya adventure to relax during lots of assignments, but I was delightfully surprised. The world was intriguing and dangled in front of me quite excitingly, with little exposition. I was also quite surprised by Albert - he was quite odd in an endearing way that I didn't expect.

The adventures and action scenes were fun, and there was a particular one near the end that was so intense and creepy that I realised afterwards how much I had tensed up reading it. That doesn't happen very often for me.

Some of the descriptions were lovely and creative, but I found a couple of settings quite difficult to picture (mostly the ones near the end, though they were very unique).

There were a few moments of dialogue that felt weird, and a bit of unnecessary and stilting monologues near the end, but overall, a wonderful read if you want something fun.

It felt great on its own, but if I come across the sequel, I'll definitely give it a read.

I think a lot of tweens will like this book but it's not necessarily for me. I liked the world building but the writing was a bit too cloying for me? Also, I couldn't quite figure out the audience: some of the characters would fit in well in established middle grade but Scarlett is pretty violet and in one scene there's bit about people being skinned and their skins turned into flags hanging outside a city. Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age but that seems like a lot for children's/middle grade.

But if you like adventure stories with competent bank robbers and silly language, this is for you!

This is such a fun book! It has the perfect mixture of action and humor with a little fantasy sprinkled on top.

Scarlett is an outlaw. She's on the run from her latest heist when she comes across an accident. That's how she meets Albert. He is the only survivor. Against her better judgement, she agrees to help him find the next town. Then they will part ways.
The people after them have different ideas. Scarlett is starting to wonder if they are after her or Albert.

These characters are great. Scarlett is sarcastic and funny, and Albert sees the good in everything, so people think he's an idiot. They make an interesting pair. Hopefully there will be more of these books because I have questions about Scarlett's past and just because this was so enjoyable.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher.