Lady of Sherwood

Lady of Sherwood continues the tale of Robin Hood and Marian Fitzwalter in medieval England, set against the backdrop of political turmoil following King Richard's death in 1199. The loss of their royal pardon forces Robin and his companions back into conflict with the Sheriff of Nottingham. The story centers on the power struggle between Prince John and young Arthur of Brittany for the English throne. Robin's father supports Arthur's claim, while the Sheriff of Nottingham backs Prince John, creating dangerous divisions that impact Robin's band of outlaws. Robin and Marian manage their relationship from Ravenskeep Manor while navigating the treacherous political landscape. Their personal challenges intertwine with their ongoing mission to protect the common people from injustice. This historical fiction novel explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the price of power through the lens of medieval English society. The story balances political intrigue with human relationships, examining how personal choices affect the larger course of history.

Most readers found this Robin Hood retelling engaging but slower-paced than Lady of the Forest. Many felt it successfully continued Marian and Robin's story while exploring their marriage dynamics. Readers appreciated: - Historical accuracy and period details - Complex political intrigue - Development of secondary characters - Strong portrayal of Marian as capable and independent Common criticisms: - Less action than the first book - Too much focus on politics vs. adventure - Repetitive internal monologues - Some found the pacing dragged in the middle sections Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ reviews) One frequent reader comment noted "strong character work but missing the spark of the first book." Several reviewers mentioned feeling the plot meandered compared to Lady of the Forest. Multiple readers praised Roberson's research but wished for more traditional Robin Hood adventures and forest sequences.

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen A gritty reimagining of Will Scarlet as a girl in disguise presents Robin Hood's tale through a female warrior's perspective.

Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead This Celtic interpretation of the Robin Hood legend roots the tale in Welsh mythology and historical warfare.

The Forestwife by Theresa Tomlinson The story follows a noble girl who escapes an arranged marriage to become a healer in Sherwood Forest, where she encounters Robin Hood's band.

Hawksmaid by Kathryn Lasky This retelling focuses on Matty, a falconer's daughter who grows up to become Maid Marian, weaving falconry lore with the Robin Hood narrative.

The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley This version presents Robin Hood as a reluctant hero whose band forms through circumstance rather than intent, emphasizing the practical challenges of life as outlaws.

🏰 The real-life succession crisis between Prince John and Arthur of Brittany ended tragically - Arthur disappeared in 1203, with many historians believing John had him murdered. 📚 Jennifer Roberson is also renowned for her "Chronicles of the Cheysuli" fantasy series, which spans eight novels and won the Inkpot Award. ⚔️ The Sheriff of Nottingham was a real position that dates back to Saxon times - "shire reeve" meant the king's representative who collected taxes and maintained law and order. 🌳 Sherwood Forest once covered about 100,000 acres of Nottinghamshire; today, only about 1% of the medieval forest remains. 👑 The historical King Richard I (the Lionheart) spent only six months of his 10-year reign in England, preferring to wage wars abroad and speaking French rather than English.