Sherwood

January 1, 2019
A new hero dons the iconic green cloak in this retelling of Robin Hood's tale.Young Lady Marian of Edwinstowe is not a typical damsel in distress. Long betrothed to Robin of Locksley, Marian relishes freedom more than future romance, prizing horseback riding, archery, and Sherwood Forest over feminine, domestic pursuits. But when Robin falls to stock-character Saracens in the Crusades, Marian is nevertheless devastated and wonders how to protect Robin's people, Locksley villagers and outlaws alike. Haunted/guided by Robin--or an idealized version of him--Marian uses her noble station, tall stature, and unparalleled archery skills to become Robin Hood. The requisite (albeit not-so-) Merry Men, daring heists, and archery contest follow, all retold with feminist and egalitarian undercurrents. Secondary character Guy of Gisborne--black-clad, scarred, seemingly sinister and servile--surpasses his traditional toady role and evolves to become a suitable foil to feisty Marian. Spooner (Hunted, 2017, etc.) grounds Marian's adventures with rich historical details and offers a flawed, fervent heroine whose revolutionary desires and short-term schemes encounter brutal medieval realities like war, death, taxes, and the inherent chauvinism of chivalry. All characters are assumed white.Steeped in tradition but infused with feminism and political concerns, a Robin Hood for a new audience. (Historical fiction. 12-18)

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March 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-In Marian's time, women (especially noblewomen) don't have much freedom. Yet with her betrothed, Robin of Locksley, she knows she will have more freedom than most. So when Robin dies during the Crusades, Marian is all the more devastated. And now the Sheriff's charge, Sir Guy of Gisemore, has been given the Locksley estate and has asked for her hand. Meanwhile, all of Nottingham is suffering under the Sheriff and Prince John. Fed up with the way her people are being treated, she dons Robin's hooded cape to seek justice. Spooner's novel is well written and engaging from open to close; readers won't mind the length of this hefty page-turner. It is primarily told from Marian's perspective with an occasional flashback to Robin before the Crusades. There is action, adventure, and just the right amount of romance. VERDICT Perfect for public and school libraries seeking more female-driven adventure stories and retellings of classic tales.-Kristin Joy Anderson, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 20, 2019
Spooner (Hunted) has crafted an action-packed retelling of the Robin Hood myth in which Maid Marian assumes the role of the heroic figure to protect the people of Nottingham. Marian is grief-stricken when she learns that her betrothed, Robin of Locksley, has been killed in the Crusades. But after she hears that her maid’s brother, Will Scarlet, is being sought as a fugitive, she sets out to save him, donning Robin’s distinctive cloak as a disguise. When rumors begin to spread that Robin has been sighted, Marian must find a way to keep her identity hidden from both her allies (including Little John) and brutal enemies, all while trying to protect Nottingham as she believes that Robin would have. Spooner writes thrilling, visceral action scenes, and her use of archaic language evokes the time period. But the novel’s true highlight is Spooner’s careful development of Marian’s character as she comes to terms with her grief. Though the romance is a sudden and late addition to the story, fans of retold classics will thoroughly enjoy Spooner’s latest. Ages 13–up.

Narrator Fiona Hardingham's forceful tones embody the strength and resolve of Maid Marian, who is grappling with grief and anger in the wake of Robin of Loxley's death. As Marian undertakes an unusual and dangerous new role, Hardingham fully captures the characters in Spooner's take on the Robin Hood stories. From the nasal, aggressive Sir Guy, to the brave, clever Elena and Will, and to Marian's gruff, determined father, there are many villains and heroes for listeners to embrace beyond the intrepid heroine. Hardingham's pacing evokes danger and determination, though she occasionally slows when Spooner flashes back to Robin and Marian's adolescence. Together, Spooner and Hardingham offer an intriguing spin, adding new life to a familiar narrative. K.S.B. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

February 1, 2019
Grades 9-12 Lady Marian's future is clear. When Robin of Locksley, her childhood love, returns from the Crusades, they will wed; Robin, who understands her fierce independence, will never force her to become something she isn't. But then Robin dies in the Holy Land. Marian's grief is interrupted only by Guy of Gisborne, the long arm of the sheriff of Nottingham, who's poised to take over Locksley now that Robin is gone, and he is determined to wed Marian as well. As she dodges his attentions, her eyes are opened to the realities of Nottingham's poor, and, disguising herself with Robin's cloak, she sets out to right injustices. And if people think she's Robin's ghost come back to save them, then who is she to argue? Robin Hood purists may be surprised by a new romance, but this is a lively adventure featuring a lionhearted heroine. Those intrigued by the original legend will be fascinated, but this has plenty of appeal for readers of A. C. Gaughen's Scarlet (2012) and Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small quartet.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)