The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

By: Jonathan Stroud

Narrated by: 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

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.

Critic reviews

"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

"Stroud’s world building is exceptional, his compelling characters easy to root for. There’s real suspense and surprise, along with some truly terrifying moments, though plenty of banter and scheming keeps things fun." — Booklist

"Intricate worldbuilding and a compelling heroine will appeal to readers who like “Rick Riordan Presents,” as well as the works of Philip Pullman and Garth Nix." —School Library Journal

"Incisive, elegant action scenes, stuffed with daredevil escapes and shoot-’em-up confrontations, keep the story racing along in a turbulent stream of suspense and relief. Stroud’s characteristic humor—irony, sarcasm, a witty quickness—lightens the tale’s more dire themes." —The Horn Book

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.

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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good narrator

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