The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

The Outlaws, Book 1

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

**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

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)

narrator.

humor, descriptions, fast moving plot

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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.

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.

Stroud wins again!

Loved the character development and the pacing. Such a wonderful adventure to be sucked into!

Bloody brilliant

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a user of sarcasm myself, Scarlet speaks to my soul.

Different and fun!

Great characters, unique plot. Will read more by this author. I Loved the narrator! Her voice was perfect for this book.

Fun story with lots of character!

The story was a fun little ride with pretty well thought out characters. I enjoyed it just as I have many other stories by Jonathan Stroud. Really my only complaint, and this was for the narrator in Lockwood and Co. as well, was her voicing of Albert. I think I would have liked his character even more and felt like he had a little more brains if she hasn't made him sound like a bumbling neanderthal. Please stop doing boys voices like this, it's hard to listen to.

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".