The Legend of Robin Goodfellow

by Phineas Cricket

Growing up on the fringes of a 12th century English manor, Robin is the only child of the village wise woman, and an outcast. When tragedy strikes, leaving him at the mercy of his superstitious neighbors, he must use his wits and his magic to survive.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

About the author

Phineas Cricket is an indie writer based in New Mexico. He mainly writes for young people.

Reviews

[Eleanor Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legend of Robin Goodfellow is a beautifully wrought, myth-soaked tale that blends magic, survival, and medieval tension into a mesmerizing reading experience. Robin, the wise woman’s son, feared and revered in equal measure, is a protagonist you root for from page one. His journey from vulnerable outcast to a young man learning to understand the strength of his gifts is told with tenderness and grit.

The author’s portrayal of 12th-century village life is vividly immersive, full of earthy details and the constant hum of superstition. The story’s emotional weight hits hardest in the moments when Robin must navigate a world that both needs and rejects him. Magic is used sparingly but powerfully, creating a sense of enchantment that never overshadows the human core of the story.

Fans of folklore, historical fantasy, and character-driven narratives will find this a standout read — rich, atmospheric, and quietly stirring.

[Bobi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to LibraryThing for the review copy!

This book was a charming read! It takes inspiration from canonical fae characters like Puck (Robin Goodfellow) and Oberon, but also has some Robin Hood vibes. It follows a young man who gets into some trouble when he illegally catches a fish on the Lord's property. (There's a funny scene where he attacks the young lordling with said fish.) He continues to have a series of adventures and misadventures, including meeting Oberon, and becomes a local hero.


SPOILER FOR ENDING: A price is put on his head and the Lord threatens to hang him. The village people rally in a brilliant showing of feigned incompetence and delay the execution until he can be rescued.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for 7-12 year olds, 166 pages long. Robin lives in a small village in 12th century England, where the people are ruled by the lord of the manor house. Robin's mother is the village wise woman and she collects herbs and things to make healing and magic. In this story, the son of the lord, about Robin's age, is acting as lord while his father is away but some of the men serving the manor want him out of the way so they put him in prison. Robin saves the day, with bits of magic and help from friends.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for myself and I think a lot of young children would love it. It's a Christain book and I am really enjoying it. I have given it to my Eight year old Great Granddaughter to read. She is very smart and she is a Christain and goes to church every week. For the word Bethlehem they placed Blethehem. There are some Apostles name in the story. I fell in love with Robin Goodfellow.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Legend of Robin Goodfellow is a charming tale based on a bit of British folklore. Robin is a prankster. He gets into all kinds of mischief. The cast of characters include peasants, nobility, fairies, and elves. It is a fun, humorous read. Thanks to the publisher and author for gifting this book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story about a young boy being raised by his mother on a Manor. As much as he tries to do good, he seems to get in more mischief. His mother is magical and he too finds his magic. This journey to find his magic and eventually save the people of the manor is difficult and eye-opening. Those that initially ridiculed him change and are not only proud of him, they stand but him.

As the reader, I followed his path and rooted for him.

[Rajit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute but kind of sad story about Puck, except that he's growing up in a human village. I would not have minded if the book had been longer