The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

The Outlaws, Book 1

De: Jonathan Stroud

Narrado por: Sophie Aldred

Action! Humor! Fantasy! "Kicking off a new series with a bang (several bangs, in fact), Stroud sends two young fugitives with murky pasts fleeing murderous pursuers across a fractured future Britain." - Kirkus Reviews, starred

**Soon to be a motion picture starring Phoebe Dynevor of Bridgerton!**

Scarlett McCain is a shoot-first ask-questions-later kind of outlaw. She scrapes by on bank heists, her wits - and never looking back.

She’s on the run from her latest crime when she comes across Albert Browne. He is the sole survivor of a horrific accident, and against her better judgement, Scarlett agrees to guide him to safety.

This is a mistake. Soon there are men with dogs and guns and explosives hot on their heels. Scarlett’s used to being chased by the law, but this is extreme. It was only a little bank she’d robbed....

As they flee together across the wilds, fighting off monstrous beasts, and dodging their pursuers, Scarlett comes to realize that Albert Browne is hiding a terrible secret. And that he may be the most dangerous threat of all.

In this fast-paced, quick-witted whirlwind of a story, Jonathan Stroud introduces two unlikely allies - the outlaws Scarlett and Browne - who are about to become the most notorious renegades in all that’s left of Britain.

©2021 Jonathan Stroud (P)2021 Listening Library

Reseñas de la Crítica

"The vivid setting, rapid-fire dialogue, and nonstop action will propel readers through this raucous, rousing rumble. A blast for action fans, with potential for a long run." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"Just the kind of setting where adventure fantasy thrives. Add razor-sharp banter and you can lay the smart money on another Stroud winner." (Bulletin, starred review)

"Stroud expertly builds flawed characters, cahoots close and tender, and a fully realized setting in this rollicking series opener, employing arch phrasing, witty rapport, and quick pacing alongside the brutally rendered truths of a world intent on controlling outlaws of every type." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Well, done adventure

Because the kids seem to be around age 12, it might be a little violent or middle grade, although the ages are never specifically said. As an adult, the action was fast-paced and snarky humor. I felt that narration was well done too.

narrator.

humor, descriptions, fast moving plot

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Meh

I really enjoyed Stroud’s other series so was looking forward to a fun read here. I liked the creativity of this one but found it way too predictable - in the individual events and in the broader story. The predictability was annoying, but it was still entertaining enough to finish the listen. For the most part, I liked the narrator. However, I could do without her voice for Albert. It increasingly irritated me as the story wore on.

Great Storyline, Characters, Narrator

Great Storyline & Characters. The female narrator does a great job keeping the characters separated with different accents

Solid

A good story with new characters. I purchased and listened because my family enjoyed the Lockwood and Co books. Mr. Stroud creates a new world here that is entertaining, but we didn't like it as much as the creative world in Lockwood. The characters are fun and the performance was great. The story is fast-paced with a strong female lead.

good narrator

I could recommend this book for the comedic timing of all the dialog alone.

Hopes for growth

We are dealt here an interesting blend of common tropes (both longstanding and recent trends) -> red hair (=brave, action girl), "orphans", exclusion from mainstream life, teen protagonists that seem to do a lot killing, future cultures that are inevitably dystopian, and versions of evil that are easily identifiable by having religious garb. (So much for all that "respect for other cultures and religions" that we are taught in schools). The two kids are experiencing some inner reflection, but I will be sadly disappointed if the future installments don't give us more than a cute version of "Bonnie and Clyde".

Fabulous

Loved this book! It is a must rear. I have loved this series! Don’t miss it!

I really enjoyed this

I liked the careful world building. It is a dystopian YA novel. But I would disagree that it lacks originality. The setting in dystopian, post-apocalyptic London, for example.

I enjoyed the character development for both Scarlett and Albert. There is an interesting, predictable villain.

Overall a good, lighter listen. I am ready for the next installment.

Not quite as joyous or intriguing as Bartimaeus or Lockwood but decent story with potential

Stroud is a genius storyteller. Everyone should give this book a chance. But the characters weren’t quite as gripping or charming or entertaining as I have come to expect. It would be hard to create someone to equal Bartimaeus- or the Skull- AND to envision yet another alternate Universe. I will be reading (listening to) all of what Jonathan Stroud releases. Sophie Aldred is a gifted reader. There ought to be a few more in this series as Scarlett and Brown solve their world’s problems. Look forward to it.