The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne
Jonathan Stroud
Knopf, 2021
432 Pages
Grades 5-8
Fantasy/Adventure

In a dystopian England, teenaged Scarlett is alone and living by her wits. After robbing a bank and with the law on her heels, she escapes into the wilderness, carefully avoiding the "Tainted" (zombie-like creatures) and human-eating wild beasts. While exploring a bus, who suffered an unfortunate run-in with beasts, she encounters a fellow teenager locked in the bathroom. Albert Browne is much less savvy than Scarlett and must rely on her to get out of the wilds alive. The two youths begin to work as a team, narrowing escaping beasts, Tainted, and hitmen. But are the hitmen after Scarlett for the bank heist-or does Albert carry secrets of his own? Albert is not as he appears and he needs Scarlett's help if he is to survive. Scarlett, herself, is running out of options. She might as well hitch her cart to Albert's horse and escape with him to the free British Islands-if only they can find a boat and make it there alive.

I am a long-time fan of Jonathan Stroud and love his previous two series. This is a solid start of what appears to be a new series in a brand new fully realized world perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and James Dashner. Stroud's depiction of future England is bleak. Warring factions and weather disasters have made a post-apocalyptic nightmare, where citizens struggle for safety and the barest existence. Within this framework Scarlett is a fierce character who will dazzle readers with her courage and fighting prowess. Albert harbors interesting secrets that provide a twist and equals the playing field with his bold companion. The action moves quickly and violence is displayed at every turn, making this title more appropriate for older children and younger teens. The plot is great and the added magical elements are cool. I could see this story being made into a movie. Meanwhile, though the main arc of the book is concluded, readers can tell that there is more in store for our heroes and threads of both of their backstories are left dangling. Readers will eagerly wait for the next series installment to find out what is next-and what came before- for both Scarlett and Albert.