The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley: Review

The Outlaws of Sherwood
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

Beauty: Review

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
By: Robin McKinley
Young-Adult Fiction

The plot of this book was pretty straightforward. Beauty is the youngest daughter of a wealthy merchant. Her given name was Honour, but as a young girl, asked to be called Beauty instead. She grew up to be plain and never felt like she lived up to her nickname. Her father's shipping business falls into disaster and they are forced to move to the country, where she meets the beast.

I had heard a lot about this book, and its author, Robin McKinley. I didn't enjoy the book quite as much as I had hoped I would. I felt sometimes like there was too much time spent on characters talking about what had happened, rather than what was happening at the time. Also, the ending was quite abrupt. A lot of time was spent building up the story and then the ending fell flat. But, those few flaws aside, it was a really fun book to read. I enjoyed reading about Beauty's thoughts and how they changed towards the Beast. The imagery and change that took place in the book came together really well.

Overall, I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading more from Robin McKinley.