The Forest Queen

May 1, 2018

Gr 8 Up-Sylvie's brother, John, has just been appointed sheriff of Loughsley, her family's estate and corresponding town full of hardworking, honest villagers. John is power hungry and he takes advantage of the local people by any means necessary. He even tries to marry Sylvie off to a much older lord. After Sylvie comes to terms with all the wrongs that John and those in power are imposing, she runs away to the woods with her friend Bird and Little Jane. As they work to survive in the woods, other villagers join them in their attempt to free themselves from the evil nobleman and John. Cornwell gives an interesting gender-bending take on the Robin Hood tale. This book brings to light a strong female lead who learns the meaning of caring about others in the community. It is not imperative to know the source material, but familiarity with the classic adds another layer of enjoyment. This is a great read with parallels to current events; it shows readers that working as a community can have its advantages. It also weaves in threads on topics such as rape and birth control. VERDICT A good choice for fans of fantasy, retellings of classic stories, the author's previous books, and strong female characters.-Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
A runaway noblewoman takes up robbery, aided by a band of merry rogues, in this gender-flipped Robin Hood retelling.Lady Silviana flees to the forest, mostly to escape her brutal brother, John, and his incestuous desires. Along with a servant, a boy named Bird who is her lifelong friend and love interest, she offers refuge to John's victims, starting with the raped and pregnant Little Jane. To her astonishment, Silvie soon finds these outlaws are looking to her to command an uprising against feudal injustice. Pseudo-British, vaguely medieval Esting is an intriguing world--nobles are either dark-complexioned or extremely pale, and they rule over a population that is somewhere in the middle in terms of coloring; most occupations are open to men and women alike; and birth control, abortion, and bisexuality are openly accepted--yet patriarchal authority essentially remains unchallenged. Themes of freedom and feminism are heavily emphasized, while traditional swashbuckling is downplayed in favor of Silvie's romantic angst and dawning social consciousness. Colorful side characters are vividly drawn, if occasionally wincingly exoticized (especially the princess Ghazia), and are frankly more compelling than diffident Silvie or blandly perfect Bird. Nonetheless, the inspiring ethos, brisk pace, and genuinely thrilling climax all hold attention even if the disappointing epilogue suggests that systemic oppression can be corrected by punishing one egregious villain.Pleasant enough, but Silvie's constant protestations against her leadership and heroism won't get much argument. (Fantasy. 12-18)

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Starred review from July 1, 2018
Grades 7-10 *Starred Review* Lady Silviana is used to living in comfort in her family's home of Loughsley Abbey. When her brother, John, always overbearing, becomes the local sheriff, his oppressive rule extends to the villagers. Powerless to stop him, and unable to escape his plans for her, Sylvie runs away from home with her childhood friend, Bird, the son of a huntswoman. Together, they forge a new life for themselves in the woods and try to prepare for the difficult winter that lies ahead. To Sylvie's surprise, a community soon grows around them: they are joined by a girl called Little Jane, cast out of her family after she became pregnant by rape; a midwife named Mae Tuck escaping prejudice; and other villagers fleeing a harsh overlord. Though she's never thought of herself as a leader, Sylvie has made a stand, and she will see it through to whatever end. This is a quieter tale; Robin Hood aficionados after a swashbuckling adventure may be disappointed, but with all the traditional players naturally recast as women, it becomes a fiercely female, feminist take on the traditional legend. It's a lush, lovely exploration of the bonds of a community as one girl learns about her own privilege, and, eventually, her strength.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)