By: Robin McKinley
Received from the Library
Synopsis (From Goodreads): A dazzling retelling of Robin Hood that incorporates traditional tales and familiar characters with exciting new adventures.
My Review: Last summer at the Utah Book Blogger get-together organized by Maw Books I was talking to Angie about those authors that everyone seems to love that you just don't "get." I mentioned that Robin McKinley was one of those. I tried to get through The Blue Sword
and just couldn't do it. I read Beauty and liked it, but I didn't LOVE it. Angie said I needed to try The Outlaws of Sherwood. So, I filed that away. Then, I starting reading other books based on Angie's recommendations, and I loved them. I soon realized that Angie and I are kindred spirits and I checked out The Outlaws of Sherwood from the library.There aren't words for how much I loved this story. I think I finally understand what people mean when they say that Robin McKinley can tell a wonderful story. This story flowed and was silky smooth like rich cream. I cared about every character and easily followed the story line. It was a fresh take on the Robin Hood story.
I think my favorite part about this book was Marian. I am a real sucker for a strong female character and this story was full of them! Marian definitely held her own in this story, but still added a nice shade of romance to the story. Because, really, what is a Robin Hood story without a little bit of Robin Hood and Maid Marian?
This book is all about the characters, and not just Robin. I was delighted to delve more into the characters of Will Scarlett, Much the Miller, Little John, Allen-a-dale, and Friar Tuck. Robin was a wonderful hero, but it really was his friends that made the whole thing work. I mean, one person robbing rich people probably isn't going to be very successful. But, take a whole group of people united in a cause, and you can certainly turn some heads. That's what this book was about.
WARNING: Do not read this book and then watch the new Robin Hood movie thinking they are anything close to the same. They aren't. I thought they were and spent the first half hour of the movie very confused. They were both very good. Just different.
My Rating:
Profanity: None
Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
Sexuality: None
Violence: Mild
