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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
The Arrow of Sherwood was well-told re-imagining of the Robin Hood stories, but was free of the political correctness or silliness that blights a lot of modern dramatic adaptations. All the well-known characters were present, and some of the situations and scenarios are reminiscent of some movies (Will Scarlette as Robin's illegitimate half-brother Marian acting on her own to help the poor etc), but this was a novel that very much has stands out on its own.
Some of the characterization was a break from the ordinary, and no so black and white as it is in some versions, and even Robin's own role of helping the poor comes across as more plausible than it might be in other tellings. Robin works largely within the law, for the most part (albeit often through deception), and within the system of the age, he is a rebel with a cause, but not one who turns his back on birth and social position to pursue some utopian egalitarian vision of society, or runs away from the world at the first opportunity.
Lauren Johnson is a professional historian, immersed in the period - although the emphasis is on the story, the details about the legal and administrative system of the time period add an interesting element to the story, also giving it a more credible edge. I believe the author expressed a wish to write a more accurate version of the Robin Hood stories, and she has certainly delivered. Whilst the story is not full of fast paced action (which sometimes comes at the cost of good storytelling), this novel is a satisfying, original and largely character driven retelling which is faithful to the spirit of the original tales while firmly grounded in the time period.
On a personal level, I was also pleased to find a novel that was not crammed with sex scenes and gratuitous violence to 'spice' things up. Recommended for historical fiction lovers and fans of the Robin Hood tales.
Some of the characterization was a break from the ordinary, and no so black and white as it is in some versions, and even Robin's own role of helping the poor comes across as more plausible than it might be in other tellings. Robin works largely within the law, for the most part (albeit often through deception), and within the system of the age, he is a rebel with a cause, but not one who turns his back on birth and social position to pursue some utopian egalitarian vision of society, or runs away from the world at the first opportunity.
Lauren Johnson is a professional historian, immersed in the period - although the emphasis is on the story, the details about the legal and administrative system of the time period add an interesting element to the story, also giving it a more credible edge. I believe the author expressed a wish to write a more accurate version of the Robin Hood stories, and she has certainly delivered. Whilst the story is not full of fast paced action (which sometimes comes at the cost of good storytelling), this novel is a satisfying, original and largely character driven retelling which is faithful to the spirit of the original tales while firmly grounded in the time period.
On a personal level, I was also pleased to find a novel that was not crammed with sex scenes and gratuitous violence to 'spice' things up. Recommended for historical fiction lovers and fans of the Robin Hood tales.
emijoy15's review against another edition
5.0
(Update 4/2022) Finally reread this book, and it's even better than I remember. A full review is available on my Robin Hood blog.
If you want a historically accurate Robin Hood novel, this is it. To some, the history included in this novel might seem like too much, or maybe it might seem to slow the story down. Personally, I found that the history was used to move the story forward, place the characters in completely believable situations, and give the novel a very real world to exist in. The fact that it's so historical makes these very familiar and mythical characters seem much more real.
There are plenty of county court scenes and trials, and this book showcases the politics of the time. Some might find these scenes (of which there are many) boring, but I honestly enjoyed them. There was plenty of fun and witty dialogue, as well as important plot points.
This novel was also full of surprises. There were some I never expected to read in a Robin Hood novel. What I'm about to say may sound like spoilers, but all these things are revealed within the first 15 pages. Marian is Robin's stepsister after their widowed parents marry while he's on Crusade. This also casts the sheriff as Robin's stepfather. Marian is also somewhat happily engaged to Guy Vipont (a rather obvious replacement for Guy of Gisbourne).
It's interesting, to say the least.
All of the traditional villains are no longer villains, which is refreshing. The sheriff defends Robin to the end, and Guy is helpful a few different times as well as just being a good person stuck in a bad family. Which brings us to the Viponts as a whole. They act as chief villains, and do so marvelously.
Extra fun fact: Towards the end, Robin is placed in the same room as the Earl of Huntingdon several different times. The Earl and himself are of no relation in this book, but it's a fun nod towards all the other times when Robin is either related to the earl, or is the earl himself. Honestly, it was just a little bit trippy. And I loved it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, although not necessarily anyone who enjoys Robin Hood mythos. If you enjoy both, though, you should most definitely give this a read.
If you want a historically accurate Robin Hood novel, this is it. To some, the history included in this novel might seem like too much, or maybe it might seem to slow the story down. Personally, I found that the history was used to move the story forward, place the characters in completely believable situations, and give the novel a very real world to exist in. The fact that it's so historical makes these very familiar and mythical characters seem much more real.
There are plenty of county court scenes and trials, and this book showcases the politics of the time. Some might find these scenes (of which there are many) boring, but I honestly enjoyed them. There was plenty of fun and witty dialogue, as well as important plot points.
This novel was also full of surprises. There were some I never expected to read in a Robin Hood novel. What I'm about to say may sound like spoilers, but all these things are revealed within the first 15 pages. Marian is Robin's stepsister after their widowed parents marry while he's on Crusade. This also casts the sheriff as Robin's stepfather. Marian is also somewhat happily engaged to Guy Vipont (a rather obvious replacement for Guy of Gisbourne).
It's interesting, to say the least.
All of the traditional villains are no longer villains, which is refreshing. The sheriff defends Robin to the end, and Guy is helpful a few different times as well as just being a good person stuck in a bad family. Which brings us to the Viponts as a whole. They act as chief villains, and do so marvelously.
Extra fun fact: Towards the end, Robin is placed in the same room as the Earl of Huntingdon several different times. The Earl and himself are of no relation in this book, but it's a fun nod towards all the other times when Robin is either related to the earl, or is the earl himself. Honestly, it was just a little bit trippy. And I loved it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, although not necessarily anyone who enjoys Robin Hood mythos. If you enjoy both, though, you should most definitely give this a read.
pyrocry795's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This book is honestly one of the best Robin Hood books I have read and I am quite frustrated at myself for not picking it up sooner!
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