Flipping through before I start reading to make sure nothing stands out, that I wouldn't want to read I found too much bad language. :( So back to the library the book goes.

Robin of Locksley dies fighting in the crusades, leaving a grieving Marian to take up his mantle and defend his people. A fun re-telling of the traditional Robin Hood story that features Marian as Robin o' the Hood. Appropriate for tweens and older. A lot of Marian is 'special' and 'not like other girls', but if you like some of the modern YA fairy tale retellings, you'll enjoy this quick read. ( )

An interesting twist for fans of the Robin Hood legend (which I totally am.) Robin of Locksley is killed while fighting in the Crusades, and Maid Marian takes up his bow and assumes the legend of Robin Hood in his place. Definitely cool from a period piece perspective and for those who enjoy tales of medieval times and horses and overcoming evil taxation.

I was kind of picturing Marian as a Katniss Everdeen bad-ass sort when I read the synopsis and saw the cover, and this turned out to be something a little different, with some unexpected twists! However, it’s definitely an interesting book with a unique spin, and if you enjoy variations on the Robin Hood legend, this is a worthwhile one to add to the list.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
( )

I tried.

When it wasn’t making me angry with Not Like Other Girls, there was the booooring and then the love interest I didn’t believe. So I think I’m done with these retellings. :/ ( )

I guarantee that the reason I liked this book was because I have had a fondness for Sir Guy of Gisborne ever since first watching the BBC version of "Robin Hood." What can I say? I love me some Richard Armitage.

So yes, RA's portrayal tainted my mental image of Gisborne here, but I do think that the author handled the confliction Marian experienced between her memories of Robin of Locksley and her emerging feelings for Gisborne. Is it the best retelling of the Robin Hood legend? Probably not, but it's definitely not the worst. I did find myself scoffing in parts, but I also had times where I had to read just one more paragraph/page/chapter.

So, if you're on the fence about reading it, I'd say give it a go. If nothing else, you can daydream about Richard Armitage in unrelieved black clothing (with varying degrees of leather) while you're reading it. Guilty pleasure, right? ( )