Posted by Today it’s time for a SPFBO review!
Rebel.
Outlaw.
Hero.
Exiled for an unjust crime and forced to use whatever means necessary to survive, a figure of hope emerges from Sherwood Forest.
But what most people know about Robin Hood (the enemy of Prince John and nobleman loyal to King Richard) was an invention of a playwright nearly three hundred years after Robin Hood died.
However, there are older stories about the real Robin Hood.
USA Today bestselling author Kate Danley weaves the original 13th century ballads, Robin Hood traditions passed down through ancient pagan rites, and historical evidence together into a swashbuckling epic fantasy. Enter a world of adventure and chivalry as you discover the man behind the myth, as you meet the Olde Robin Hood.
This is (obviously) a retelling of the tale of Robin Hood, though some of the details are different than in the tale as it is typically told. In this version, what stood out the most to me is that Robin is not a nobleman, but the peasant son of an ailing farmer. After the Sheriff of Nottingham kills his father and exiles him, Robin swears that he will get vengeance, and hides in Sherwood forest, where he meets John Little and they begin robbing the rich nobles who travel the forest park between Nottingham and York.
I had a tough time really getting into the story on the first 20% or so because it does start out pretty slow, but I am very happy that I continued with it because I enjoyed myself in the end. I ended up reading from 30% to the end in one sitting.
Robin is an easy character to cheer for, and the Sheriff of Nottingham is so easy to hate that it made it an easy read. It reads really quite fast and it’s paced well (after 30% at least). The book was really well written and well edited. All told I thought it was a really entertaining retelling.
If you enjoy the tale of Robin hood, you’d probably enjoy this version of the tale. 7/10 stars!~
REVIEW BY KRISTEN/SUPERSTARDRIFTER