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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne (Scarlett and Browne Trilogy, Book 1)
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne (Scarlett and Browne Trilogy, Book 2)
The Legendary Scarlett and Browne (Scarlett and Browne Trilogy, Book 3)
By: Jonathan Stroud
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 12 and up

The Legendary Scarlett and Browne: The Dynamic Duo Delivers a Legendary Finale!

Jonathan Stroud has done it again! If you’ve been following my reviews, you know I’m a huge fan of Stroud’s work, from Bartimaeus to Lockwood & Co. His newest trilogy, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, has quickly cemented itself as one of my all-time favorites, and this final installment, The Legendary Scarlett and Browne, sticks the landing perfectly.

About the Series:

The Scarlett and Browne trilogy drops you into a post-cataclysmic England, a wild, dangerous landscape where cities lie in ruin and evolution has sped up, creating truly terrifying creatures (and yes, even zombies!). This isn’t your typical dystopian future; it’s a super cool mashup of dystopian sci-fi and Wild West adventure. At the heart of it are the unforgettable Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne. Scarlett is a force of nature—a sharpshooter who can out-strategize anyone, always one step ahead. Albert is her perfect foil, with a compassionate heart, a curious mind that can read thoughts, and the power to make things explode (if he can only control it!). Together, they’re one of the most perfect literary dynamic duos you’ll ever encounter, Robin Hooding their way through a broken world, pulling off heists, and escaping danger. Their journey is a brilliant balance of laugh-out-loud moments, heart-pounding stress, creepy encounters, and genuine warmth.

Review of Book 3:

If you loved the first two books, you’re in for a treat with The Legendary Scarlett and Browne. It picks up right where the second book left off, throwing Scarlett and Albert into their most challenging adventure yet. This installment truly sees them mature, embarking on an emotional journey that deepens their partnership and friendship. I absolutely loved their unwavering loyalty to each other; it’s a refreshing take on a close bond that doesn’t force an age-inappropriate romance, letting their friendship shine.

The stakes are higher than ever, as Scarlett actively searches for her brother and Albert seeks answers about his mysterious past. Stroud expertly weaves together personal quests with their ongoing fight against the tyrannical Faith Houses. The plot rarely slows down, packed with action scenes, clever plans, and unexpected incidents that keep the story moving at a brisk pace. What’s truly brilliant is how all the seemingly disparate plot threads and questions we’ve had since book one finally weave together, culminating in a major showdown that’s packed with powers, explosions, and a powerful message about choosing to save everyone. While this is supposedly the end of the series, I sincerely hope it’s not. This world and these characters are simply too good to say goodbye to!

Sensitive Content:

• Mild gun violence.
• Mild profanity.
• References to human trafficking.
• Creepy zombies!
• Themes of grief.

Should you read it?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re a fan of inventive world-building, incredible characters, and thrilling adventures that balance humor with genuine peril, the Scarlett and Browne trilogy is a must-read, and The Legendary Scarlett and Browne is a worthy and wonderful finale. This dad says The Legendary Scarlett and Browne is best for 12 and up.

Happy Reading!