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The Roumaterra Chronicles #4
Arrows and Gems: A Retelling of Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red
A runaway princess. An honorable outlaw. A crime that hasn’t been paid.
Princess Helena has always struggled to belong. When she wakes from her twelve-year enchanted sleep, she tries to adjust to the changes in her life. But her childhood sweetheart’s marriage and the council’s plan to choose her husband push her too far.
Cap just wants to protect his friends and return the throne to the missing crown prince. But the unlawful regent has accused the crown prince of murdering the king, and Cap’s status as an outlaw makes it hard to investigate.
He’s wary of the woman he believes has been sent to trap him, but she has a way of slipping past his defenses. And he’s afraid she might be another sign that he shouldn’t trust his own judgment.
Can Helena and Cap work together to reveal the true murderer? Or will their insecurities and secrets destroy everything they care about?
Arrows and Gems is a clean, no-spice retelling of Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red. It is book four in The Roumaterra Chronicles, a series of interconnected, standalone fairy tale retellings perfect for readers of Brittany Fichter, Celeste Baxendell, and Annette K. Larsen.
Princess Helena has always struggled to belong. When she wakes from her twelve-year enchanted sleep, she tries to adjust to the changes in her life. But her childhood sweetheart’s marriage and the council’s plan to choose her husband push her too far.
Cap just wants to protect his friends and return the throne to the missing crown prince. But the unlawful regent has accused the crown prince of murdering the king, and Cap’s status as an outlaw makes it hard to investigate.
He’s wary of the woman he believes has been sent to trap him, but she has a way of slipping past his defenses. And he’s afraid she might be another sign that he shouldn’t trust his own judgment.
Can Helena and Cap work together to reveal the true murderer? Or will their insecurities and secrets destroy everything they care about?
Arrows and Gems is a clean, no-spice retelling of Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red. It is book four in The Roumaterra Chronicles, a series of interconnected, standalone fairy tale retellings perfect for readers of Brittany Fichter, Celeste Baxendell, and Annette K. Larsen.
- GenresRetellingsFictionFantasy
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
10 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Erin Halbmaier
11 books27 followersProgrammer. Composer. Author of clean, no-spice romantasy with swoony moments and a dash of adventure.
Erin Halbmaier’s love of a good tale covers multiple genres, but the relationships are always what draw her in. Her flawed characters stay in the 1.5-2 level for romance and have to struggle for their happily ever after, but she doesn't do sad endings.
When not buried in a book or writing one, she can be found fiddling with computer code, writing music, or hanging out with her husband and kids.
Keep up with updates, promos, and fun stuff: find all the links at https://erinhalbmaier.com/links/
Erin Halbmaier’s love of a good tale covers multiple genres, but the relationships are always what draw her in. Her flawed characters stay in the 1.5-2 level for romance and have to struggle for their happily ever after, but she doesn't do sad endings.
When not buried in a book or writing one, she can be found fiddling with computer code, writing music, or hanging out with her husband and kids.
Keep up with updates, promos, and fun stuff: find all the links at https://erinhalbmaier.com/links/
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 7, 2025
I could not put this down. I read this in 2 days because I had too. But I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep reading it is that good!! After this I’m definitely putting the rest of this series on my wishlist. Soooo goood!!
July 2, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this Robin Hood retelling! I was looking forward to the release of this book and knew that it was going to be one that I needed to clear my schedule for. While it took me a little bit longer to be able to find the time to dedicate to reading this book, it did not disappoint!
The MFC Helena, is a strong and independent woman. The book begins with Helena struggling to cope with the realization that the man she thought she would marry has wed another while she was under her sleeping curse. This realization, combined with the counsel of her kingdom demanding that she wed by her twenty-sixth birthday sends Helena rushing off to her cousin in a neighboring kingdom. While traveling to visit her cousin, she has a rocky meeting with the famous outlaw and archer named "Cap". When the mysterious archer and his friend visit Helena's cousin in the dead of night, Helena becomes determined to not only discover Cap's identity but to find out the truth of who he really is. When Cap rescues her after a mishap while following them, Helena soon becomes immersed in the outlaw lifestyle he and his followers enjoy. As truths are unraveled, Helena's friendships, loyalty, and courage will be tested in a journey that leads to life-changing personal growth.
"Cap" as his friends call him, has been living the outlaw lifestyle for a year in an attempt to aid the people of his kingdom and prove the truth about the murder of the king. When he realizes that the young woman he had met days prior is following him as he attempts to reunite with his followers and friends, he has no choice to bring Helena into his way of life while she heals from her injuries. He doesn't expect to come to know the young noblewoman who commands his attention, least of all to feel the spark of attraction between them. Cap knows that his way of life is no life for a woman of nobility and that he shouldn't trust Helena. However, as time passes he slowly begins to let down his guard. Could Helena be working with those who strive to capture him, or is she worthy of his trust, loyalty, and perhaps even his love?
If you are looking for a clean adventure full of twists and turns with a swoony romance, be sure to check out Arrows and Gems! It's a story that will take you on a wonderful adventure!
The MFC Helena, is a strong and independent woman. The book begins with Helena struggling to cope with the realization that the man she thought she would marry has wed another while she was under her sleeping curse. This realization, combined with the counsel of her kingdom demanding that she wed by her twenty-sixth birthday sends Helena rushing off to her cousin in a neighboring kingdom. While traveling to visit her cousin, she has a rocky meeting with the famous outlaw and archer named "Cap". When the mysterious archer and his friend visit Helena's cousin in the dead of night, Helena becomes determined to not only discover Cap's identity but to find out the truth of who he really is. When Cap rescues her after a mishap while following them, Helena soon becomes immersed in the outlaw lifestyle he and his followers enjoy. As truths are unraveled, Helena's friendships, loyalty, and courage will be tested in a journey that leads to life-changing personal growth.
"Cap" as his friends call him, has been living the outlaw lifestyle for a year in an attempt to aid the people of his kingdom and prove the truth about the murder of the king. When he realizes that the young woman he had met days prior is following him as he attempts to reunite with his followers and friends, he has no choice to bring Helena into his way of life while she heals from her injuries. He doesn't expect to come to know the young noblewoman who commands his attention, least of all to feel the spark of attraction between them. Cap knows that his way of life is no life for a woman of nobility and that he shouldn't trust Helena. However, as time passes he slowly begins to let down his guard. Could Helena be working with those who strive to capture him, or is she worthy of his trust, loyalty, and perhaps even his love?
If you are looking for a clean adventure full of twists and turns with a swoony romance, be sure to check out Arrows and Gems! It's a story that will take you on a wonderful adventure!
May 9, 2025
I would have to recommend this one based just on the facts that it kept me reading until I finished at 3am AND I was able to remember enough of it to discuss it with a friend the next day. It actually stayed with me in the following days and I have found myself deciding that yes, I really do want to read books 2 and 3 and not just have this be my one and only of the series (although after the ending, I really want to read the next one too).
The characters have major flaws, and while this caused me to not fully enjoy it while reading, the more I reflected post finishing, the more I was able to see how this could actually be beneficial to the reader. I may not like reading that our female MC tried to break up a marriage (I don’t like things in my fiction that could actually happen in real life), but it shows recovering from poor choices: growth happens and eventually sincere apologies are made to the wronged parties. It’s a good reminder to us that a wrong choice has consequences, but it isn’t the end. And we can make better choices the next time.
There is a beautiful HEA and I actually spent a lot of this book smiling. The Robin Hood themes are strong and I really enjoyed them and the banter throughout.
While I still have no desire to read book one due to the plot (mentioned here because this one kind of picks up with one of the characters from there), I really like how Helena (the female MC in Arrows) grows and matures. Due to her sleeping beauty curse, she begins the book as a woman with basically the mind of a 13-year-old, and I think her journey of maturing is fairly believable.
I especially loved the ending scenes and story wrap up. I’ve actually been toying with the idea of going back and reading it again for fun.
Romance: clean, though we do read that there was an attempt at infidelity and the breaking of a marriage. My biggest problem in this book was probably that by the end, Helena admits she was wrong, but it has more of “it was just the wrong thing to do” rather than “it was morally wrong.” But that could be just the vibe I got.
Violence: some fighting, some death. Arrow wounds. There is nothing graphic at all, though. I’d label the violence as PG.
The characters have major flaws, and while this caused me to not fully enjoy it while reading, the more I reflected post finishing, the more I was able to see how this could actually be beneficial to the reader. I may not like reading that our female MC tried to break up a marriage (I don’t like things in my fiction that could actually happen in real life), but it shows recovering from poor choices: growth happens and eventually sincere apologies are made to the wronged parties. It’s a good reminder to us that a wrong choice has consequences, but it isn’t the end. And we can make better choices the next time.
There is a beautiful HEA and I actually spent a lot of this book smiling. The Robin Hood themes are strong and I really enjoyed them and the banter throughout.
While I still have no desire to read book one due to the plot (mentioned here because this one kind of picks up with one of the characters from there), I really like how Helena (the female MC in Arrows) grows and matures. Due to her sleeping beauty curse, she begins the book as a woman with basically the mind of a 13-year-old, and I think her journey of maturing is fairly believable.
I especially loved the ending scenes and story wrap up. I’ve actually been toying with the idea of going back and reading it again for fun.
Romance: clean, though we do read that there was an attempt at infidelity and the breaking of a marriage. My biggest problem in this book was probably that by the end, Helena admits she was wrong, but it has more of “it was just the wrong thing to do” rather than “it was morally wrong.” But that could be just the vibe I got.
Violence: some fighting, some death. Arrow wounds. There is nothing graphic at all, though. I’d label the violence as PG.
March 1, 2025
Arrows & Gems by Erin Halbmaier is a retelling of several fairytales all in once: Robin Hood, Snow White and Rose Red. As I love reading fairytales and have read several books by this author, I really wanted to read this book.
Now that I have read it, I can say this is one of the best fairytales I have read lately. From the very first page I was pulled into the story of Princess Helena, who runs away to avoid a forced marriage. When she runs into famous outlaw and archer Cap, they immediately don’t like each other. But somehow, they are stuck together as Helena (or Margit, as she does not want him to know who she really is) gets injured and Cap has no choice but to aid her.
I just love Helena! She is a great character, feisty, fierce and full of banter and a great archer. Everything she says is funny, but she hides behind her jokes as she has a sad history. She does not want anyone to know who she really is. But archer/outlaw Cap is also not who he appears to be. Cap is also a wonderful person, he is really a kind of Robin Hood, and while I was reading, I wondered who he really was. Erin Halbmaier gives some hints during this story, so I kept reading. The story is engaging and there are several twists and turns in this story, that I had a really, really hard time putting the book down. I did not want it to end, but at the same time I wanted to know all.
The writing style is flowing, fast paced. The world-building, story-line and plot are fantastic. Near the end I thought all was lost, but then a really good plot-twist came along.
Arrows & Gems is a fantastic fairytale retelling, with a fantastic FMC, a great MMC, a good supportive cast, and with a great story-line. If you want to read a superb retelling, filled with great banter, you have to read this book! I cannot wait to read the next book by Erin Halbmaier.
Highly recommended!
Now that I have read it, I can say this is one of the best fairytales I have read lately. From the very first page I was pulled into the story of Princess Helena, who runs away to avoid a forced marriage. When she runs into famous outlaw and archer Cap, they immediately don’t like each other. But somehow, they are stuck together as Helena (or Margit, as she does not want him to know who she really is) gets injured and Cap has no choice but to aid her.
I just love Helena! She is a great character, feisty, fierce and full of banter and a great archer. Everything she says is funny, but she hides behind her jokes as she has a sad history. She does not want anyone to know who she really is. But archer/outlaw Cap is also not who he appears to be. Cap is also a wonderful person, he is really a kind of Robin Hood, and while I was reading, I wondered who he really was. Erin Halbmaier gives some hints during this story, so I kept reading. The story is engaging and there are several twists and turns in this story, that I had a really, really hard time putting the book down. I did not want it to end, but at the same time I wanted to know all.
The writing style is flowing, fast paced. The world-building, story-line and plot are fantastic. Near the end I thought all was lost, but then a really good plot-twist came along.
Arrows & Gems is a fantastic fairytale retelling, with a fantastic FMC, a great MMC, a good supportive cast, and with a great story-line. If you want to read a superb retelling, filled with great banter, you have to read this book! I cannot wait to read the next book by Erin Halbmaier.
Highly recommended!
March 14, 2025
Arrows and Gems:
A Retelling of Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red
The Roumaterra Chronicles #4
By Erin Halbmaier
Poor Princess Helena has so many problems. Hidden away because she was cursed as a child, then she fell into a long sleep and was forgotten by her family. Then when her curse was broken she discovered her true love had fallen in love and married someone else. What's a princess to do when she is ordered by the council to wed before the year is up? Run away and join a band of outlaws in another kingdom, of course.
Now I will admit this would not have been my solution to the problem, but then I'm not a princess who has her life completely upended. The plan is clever really, who would suspect a princess to go so totally rogue? Unfortunately for her the leader of the outlaws thinks it is all an elaborate trap to capture him. With Caps distrust of Helena so strong he doesn't trust her with anything. There may be one little problem, his heart has other plans.
This was a fun addition to the Roumaterra Chronicles series. This can be read as a standalone title but it reads so much better if read in series order. Arrows and Gems is a mashup of Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red totally works. The characters are believable in this story world that Erin Halbmaier created. Royalty in disguise. Noble purpose. Missing prince. Court intrigue. Misplaced trust. Thwarted love. But all woven together in a clean, attention-grabbing book. Yes, I stayed up to read this one. I should have been doing other things like sleep, but what can I say other than Helena and Cap won my empathy.
I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All
thoughts expressed are my own.
A Retelling of Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red
The Roumaterra Chronicles #4
By Erin Halbmaier
Poor Princess Helena has so many problems. Hidden away because she was cursed as a child, then she fell into a long sleep and was forgotten by her family. Then when her curse was broken she discovered her true love had fallen in love and married someone else. What's a princess to do when she is ordered by the council to wed before the year is up? Run away and join a band of outlaws in another kingdom, of course.
Now I will admit this would not have been my solution to the problem, but then I'm not a princess who has her life completely upended. The plan is clever really, who would suspect a princess to go so totally rogue? Unfortunately for her the leader of the outlaws thinks it is all an elaborate trap to capture him. With Caps distrust of Helena so strong he doesn't trust her with anything. There may be one little problem, his heart has other plans.
This was a fun addition to the Roumaterra Chronicles series. This can be read as a standalone title but it reads so much better if read in series order. Arrows and Gems is a mashup of Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red totally works. The characters are believable in this story world that Erin Halbmaier created. Royalty in disguise. Noble purpose. Missing prince. Court intrigue. Misplaced trust. Thwarted love. But all woven together in a clean, attention-grabbing book. Yes, I stayed up to read this one. I should have been doing other things like sleep, but what can I say other than Helena and Cap won my empathy.
I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All
thoughts expressed are my own.
March 4, 2025
I love this series so much! Halbmaier is excellent at building up her characters, and Helena was no different. Going into this read, I was skeptical she could create a love interest Helena’s equal - she is such a strong character, even with a huge gap in her life experience. Halbmaier was able to take essentially a selfish teenager that had very little moral compass and turn her into a beautifully strong woman who knows right from wrong and we get to go along for the ride! And what a ride it is!!
Starting with her running away (a completely selfish decision) to saving her new friends from the enemy at the expense of her own capture.
I especially love getting a glimpse of Helena’s inner voice, and how Cap can relate to those feelings. It definitely brought the water works on. Reading about their love story was amazing, especially since they didn’t like each other first.
I will say that this book does make more sense if you read Curse of Silence first. Luckily I realized I had read that yet and went to read that first. I am so glad I did because it enhanced this book as several things from Curse of Silence were mentioned in this book.
Halbmaier merges the two fairytales within her story so well - I loved being able to follow along just from knowing the original fairytales.
I was confused as to why Raf couldn’t marry Helena just because they were both royalty. But I was very glad it worked out in the end.
All in all it was great read!
Starting with her running away (a completely selfish decision) to saving her new friends from the enemy at the expense of her own capture.
I especially love getting a glimpse of Helena’s inner voice, and how Cap can relate to those feelings. It definitely brought the water works on. Reading about their love story was amazing, especially since they didn’t like each other first.
I will say that this book does make more sense if you read Curse of Silence first. Luckily I realized I had read that yet and went to read that first. I am so glad I did because it enhanced this book as several things from Curse of Silence were mentioned in this book.
Halbmaier merges the two fairytales within her story so well - I loved being able to follow along just from knowing the original fairytales.
I was confused as to why Raf couldn’t marry Helena just because they were both royalty. But I was very glad it worked out in the end.
All in all it was great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 19, 2025
🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹
This is a Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red retelling! First, the cover is so pretty! I love all of the green! I wasn’t sure I was going to like this one because Helena has been such a pain in the last couple books! I didn’t like her at all! But this book was delightful! Helena grew so much in this book! I grew to absolutely adore her and her mischievous ways which reminded me so much of myself! Cap was AMAZING! I loved him so much! He was perfect for her! They fit so incredibly well together and I loved every minute of them falling in love! It was funny, delightful and sweet! What can I say? I LOVE a Robin Hood retelling and this one was SO good! I loved it! It had me laughing, smiling and grinning almost the whole book! This was Erin Halbmaier’s best work yet and I highly recommend! Worth 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quotes that I liked:
🏹 "Thank you, Cap." Her voice didn't even waver, she noted proudly. His cheek pressed against her temple, and his arm tightened for a moment before his hand moved back to the reins. “Always," he whispered.
🏹 She grinned. "Heavens, Cap, you do know the way to a lady's heart, don't you?" “Only yours."
🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹
This is a Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red retelling! First, the cover is so pretty! I love all of the green! I wasn’t sure I was going to like this one because Helena has been such a pain in the last couple books! I didn’t like her at all! But this book was delightful! Helena grew so much in this book! I grew to absolutely adore her and her mischievous ways which reminded me so much of myself! Cap was AMAZING! I loved him so much! He was perfect for her! They fit so incredibly well together and I loved every minute of them falling in love! It was funny, delightful and sweet! What can I say? I LOVE a Robin Hood retelling and this one was SO good! I loved it! It had me laughing, smiling and grinning almost the whole book! This was Erin Halbmaier’s best work yet and I highly recommend! Worth 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quotes that I liked:
🏹 "Thank you, Cap." Her voice didn't even waver, she noted proudly. His cheek pressed against her temple, and his arm tightened for a moment before his hand moved back to the reins. “Always," he whispered.
🏹 She grinned. "Heavens, Cap, you do know the way to a lady's heart, don't you?" “Only yours."
🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹
July 15, 2025
Added to 'book hugger' category: for books so good you just want to hug them and sigh in happiness.
I have not read any of the other stories in this series, but the moment I saw "Retelling of Robin Hood and Snow White/RedRose" I knew I had to give it a try.
I was a little lost at first on who everyone is but it barely took a chapter before I understood who all the players were and what had happened, so don't worry about being lost if you're like me and are jumping in here.
I LOVED this story. I loved this story so much I pulled an all-nighter to finish it! And then read the final chapter (before the Epilogue) again at the end just to swoon once more. I was grinning from ear to ear and set my book down, saw the sun rising, and had zero regrets.
I loved all of the characters, not just Cap and Helena though they were my favorites, and I loved the setting and the plot!
If, like me, you are a Robin Hood fan, grab a copy of this book! I actually rented it via kindle unlimited but I bought a copy to keep. It's that good.
I have not read any of the other stories in this series, but the moment I saw "Retelling of Robin Hood and Snow White/RedRose" I knew I had to give it a try.
I was a little lost at first on who everyone is but it barely took a chapter before I understood who all the players were and what had happened, so don't worry about being lost if you're like me and are jumping in here.
I LOVED this story. I loved this story so much I pulled an all-nighter to finish it! And then read the final chapter (before the Epilogue) again at the end just to swoon once more. I was grinning from ear to ear and set my book down, saw the sun rising, and had zero regrets.
I loved all of the characters, not just Cap and Helena though they were my favorites, and I loved the setting and the plot!
If, like me, you are a Robin Hood fan, grab a copy of this book! I actually rented it via kindle unlimited but I bought a copy to keep. It's that good.
February 28, 2025
Oh my goodness. I waited and waited for this story. I LOVE this series so, so much. This book did NOT disappoint.
I did not want to put this book down. I went through all off the feels with this story, it was funny, it had action, it was swoony. Absolutely perfect 👌.
I know liking Helena might be an unpopular opinion, especially early in the story... but she is just so strong and sassy. She is strong without being off-putting. Poor Cap, she really was a handful for him and gave him a run for his money. It was so fun watching her grow as a character.
Cap was a wonderful MMC. Axel is still my favorite with all of his shenanigans, but I feel like Cap is a more realistic, loveable MMC. Axel might be a bit over the top haha! Cap is just a wonderful, loveable grump.
There were so many sweet and swoony moments in this book & the banter is fantastic. Ms. Halbmaeir writes wonderful dialogue.
Plus, the merry little band of bandits were amazing. I loved the side characters in this book.
Also, there is a nod to the next in the series
And I CANNOT wait. It is going to be so good. I love how all of the books connect.
If you haven't read this series, I cannot recommend it enough. Although, you do need to read the earlier stories.
I reviewed an ARC copy.
I did not want to put this book down. I went through all off the feels with this story, it was funny, it had action, it was swoony. Absolutely perfect 👌.
I know liking Helena might be an unpopular opinion, especially early in the story... but she is just so strong and sassy. She is strong without being off-putting. Poor Cap, she really was a handful for him and gave him a run for his money. It was so fun watching her grow as a character.
Cap was a wonderful MMC. Axel is still my favorite with all of his shenanigans, but I feel like Cap is a more realistic, loveable MMC. Axel might be a bit over the top haha! Cap is just a wonderful, loveable grump.
There were so many sweet and swoony moments in this book & the banter is fantastic. Ms. Halbmaeir writes wonderful dialogue.
Plus, the merry little band of bandits were amazing. I loved the side characters in this book.
Also, there is a nod to the next in the series
And I CANNOT wait. It is going to be so good. I love how all of the books connect.
If you haven't read this series, I cannot recommend it enough. Although, you do need to read the earlier stories.
I reviewed an ARC copy.
March 21, 2025
Arrows and Gems by Erin Halbmaier
💎 A murder to solve
💎 A princess who didn't belong
💎 Aftermath of Sleeping Beauty
💎 A missing crown prince
💎 Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses (no spice)
A clever and enjoyable Robin Hood retelling! After waking from her enchanted sleep, Princess Helena finds it difficult to readjust to court life. Perhaps joining a band of outlaws would help...
I loved all the tie-ins to Robin Hood; the names were especially clever! This is my favorite in the series so far. And it's quite well done on the author's part considering Helena was a bit of a villain in the series previously! The only tiny disappointment was that this is listed as a Snow White and Rose Red retelling as well and I had a hard time finding that in the story. But its awesome as a Robin Hood retelling! Definitely recommend!
Book 4 in the Roumaterra Chronicles, best read in order but could be read as a standalone
Favorite character: Cap (our main male character)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💎 A murder to solve
💎 A princess who didn't belong
💎 Aftermath of Sleeping Beauty
💎 A missing crown prince
💎 Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses (no spice)
A clever and enjoyable Robin Hood retelling! After waking from her enchanted sleep, Princess Helena finds it difficult to readjust to court life. Perhaps joining a band of outlaws would help...
I loved all the tie-ins to Robin Hood; the names were especially clever! This is my favorite in the series so far. And it's quite well done on the author's part considering Helena was a bit of a villain in the series previously! The only tiny disappointment was that this is listed as a Snow White and Rose Red retelling as well and I had a hard time finding that in the story. But its awesome as a Robin Hood retelling! Definitely recommend!
Book 4 in the Roumaterra Chronicles, best read in order but could be read as a standalone
Favorite character: Cap (our main male character)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 9, 2025
This is an absolutely beautiful story! 😍
I have to confess...I didn't care for Helena's character when we were introduced to her in Spirits and Pacts, and so when this book began with a little tantrum, I was absolutely not sure I was going to enjoy this. Boy, was I wrong!! Erin really did an amazing job showing us why Helena was who she was, and by the end of the book, I was rooting for this crazy girl so hard! ❤️ The banter! The action! The swoon! And Cap is the definition of a perfect gentleman (well, minus shooting Helena in the shoulder that one time 🤣). I very much enjoyed this installment of the Roumaterra Chronicles, and can't wait for the next story!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Kisses only, but very swoony. 😍
⚔️ Action is very well described, but nothing graphic!
🤬 No language
🪄Elemental Magic; use of tokens or heirlooms
I have to confess...I didn't care for Helena's character when we were introduced to her in Spirits and Pacts, and so when this book began with a little tantrum, I was absolutely not sure I was going to enjoy this. Boy, was I wrong!! Erin really did an amazing job showing us why Helena was who she was, and by the end of the book, I was rooting for this crazy girl so hard! ❤️ The banter! The action! The swoon! And Cap is the definition of a perfect gentleman (well, minus shooting Helena in the shoulder that one time 🤣). I very much enjoyed this installment of the Roumaterra Chronicles, and can't wait for the next story!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Kisses only, but very swoony. 😍
⚔️ Action is very well described, but nothing graphic!
🤬 No language
🪄Elemental Magic; use of tokens or heirlooms
November 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much! It's probably in my all-time top 5 books, definitely in the fairytale retelling genre.
To begin with, it's a Robin Hood retelling, and who doesn't like Robin Hood?! Then you have great characters who are witty and deep, but who also have a mysterious side, so you don't know exactly what is going on. There is also a lot of action, and just when you think you know what's going to happen next, there's a plot twist. I loved the main characters' interactions, chemistry, and competitiveness.
I feel like if I say anything else, I would be giving away the story, so you will just have to read it for yourself, but believe me, it is so worth it!
I received an ARC of this book and reviewed it willingly because it is amazing!
To begin with, it's a Robin Hood retelling, and who doesn't like Robin Hood?! Then you have great characters who are witty and deep, but who also have a mysterious side, so you don't know exactly what is going on. There is also a lot of action, and just when you think you know what's going to happen next, there's a plot twist. I loved the main characters' interactions, chemistry, and competitiveness.
I feel like if I say anything else, I would be giving away the story, so you will just have to read it for yourself, but believe me, it is so worth it!
I received an ARC of this book and reviewed it willingly because it is amazing!
April 18, 2025
Loved it
I loved reading this story. I have to admit that I didn't like Helena much when she appeared in earlier books. But I really enjoyed seeing things from her point of view and an early scene in the book somewhat redeemed Prince Michael in my eyes when I really didn't like him in his book.
Helena and Cap's relationship was fun to read about and their romance was swoon worthy.
The plot was more heavily focused on the Robin Hood side of the story, but there were noticeable references to Snow White and Rose Red. I know it isn't the focus, but I felt like there were some Merida vibes from the movie Brave as well.
I enjoyed seeing more in this world and I'm eager to find out what will happen next.
I loved reading this story. I have to admit that I didn't like Helena much when she appeared in earlier books. But I really enjoyed seeing things from her point of view and an early scene in the book somewhat redeemed Prince Michael in my eyes when I really didn't like him in his book.
Helena and Cap's relationship was fun to read about and their romance was swoon worthy.
The plot was more heavily focused on the Robin Hood side of the story, but there were noticeable references to Snow White and Rose Red. I know it isn't the focus, but I felt like there were some Merida vibes from the movie Brave as well.
I enjoyed seeing more in this world and I'm eager to find out what will happen next.
April 14, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
I had to fight with this one a little. The beginning seemed slow and I did not like the FMC at all. It took me a minute to get into the story. The middle was great and there seemed to be a lot of character development. Also lots of really great characters I wish we had had more time with. The ending and epilogue were okay. I think there was setup for the next book but I wish there had been more to close out this story and give all the characters some closure. Overall a good read and I made it to the end!
I had to fight with this one a little. The beginning seemed slow and I did not like the FMC at all. It took me a minute to get into the story. The middle was great and there seemed to be a lot of character development. Also lots of really great characters I wish we had had more time with. The ending and epilogue were okay. I think there was setup for the next book but I wish there had been more to close out this story and give all the characters some closure. Overall a good read and I made it to the end!
March 12, 2025
The Author’s Best Story Yet!
Helena went from a terrible princess to a completely changed archer. I had a lot of moments where my heart jumped for joy and moments where I felt my heartbreaking. Erin Halbmaier knows how to write breathtaking stories. She is definitely my favorite author.
No Spice, enemies to lovers, in some parts I could imagine scenes from the book that reminded me of the Disney animated Robin Hood movie that made me laugh. I’m excited for her next book!
Helena went from a terrible princess to a completely changed archer. I had a lot of moments where my heart jumped for joy and moments where I felt my heartbreaking. Erin Halbmaier knows how to write breathtaking stories. She is definitely my favorite author.
No Spice, enemies to lovers, in some parts I could imagine scenes from the book that reminded me of the Disney animated Robin Hood movie that made me laugh. I’m excited for her next book!
February 28, 2025
This clean fairytale of Robin Hood with a hint of Princess Bride was a joy to read. I loved the way the characters grew as the story progressed, and the tension that built to a swashbuckling finish! The way the Prince was always true to his love was so sweet, and the happy ending with the extra glimpses at the end of things to come made me excited for more from this wonderful author!
March 4, 2025
Perfect for young readers wanting a sweet romantasy.
There is no spice. Very sweet little romance and much more plot driven.
It's in my opinion a sleeping beauty, Robin hood retelling and it was a cute mix.
The way the FMC and to extend the MMC think and speak, sounds much younger to my adult mind. However I think I think teens and young adults may relate much closer.
Over all a fun read
There is no spice. Very sweet little romance and much more plot driven.
It's in my opinion a sleeping beauty, Robin hood retelling and it was a cute mix.
The way the FMC and to extend the MMC think and speak, sounds much younger to my adult mind. However I think I think teens and young adults may relate much closer.
Over all a fun read
March 21, 2025
Oh my gosh! I LOVED Arrows and Gems so much! I really, really enjoy The Roumaterra Chronicles and Erin Halbmaier's writing that fully captivates me and immerses me into the world she has created. I've waited so long for this book to come out and, after reading the short different POV from Meetings and Mayhems (a Valentine's day anthology with different meet-cutes by different authors), I became even more impatient to read this.
The book did not disappoint. I really enjoyed getting to read Helena's story and watching her grow from a 26 year old with the mind of a 14 year old to a mature and well-rounded person. I loved Cap so much too! After reading Curse of Silence, I thought that his story might have been drawn out even longer to lengthen the suspense, and I was upset that I might not have gotten to read his story soon. However, this book gave me everything that I had been anticipating!
I loved Helena and Cap's gradual romance. It's in the enemies-to-lovers trope but the way Erin did it made it so different from every other book with that trope. I loved Helena and Cap's competitiveness and Helena's playful attempts at getting his hood off so she can see his face. I like how she retained that kind of playfulness throughout the book.
I loved all of the Robin Hood elements incorporated into the story (including the archery competition at the end of the story that Erin twisted in such an original and impressive way that it created such a satisfactory ending for the story!) and I really enjoyed picking them out. I've read the Adventures of Robin Hood book and many other retellings of Robin Hood besides so it was so fun to pick out all the little bits and pieces Erin incorporated into the story and the innovative twist she gave them to make it her own.
One thing I didn't understand was that the story was supposed to be a Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red mash-up but I didn't notice any Snow White and Rose Red elements in the story (unless, of course, they were incorporated really well that I just completely missed them!), but it was still an excellent book in the fairy tale retelling genre!
The characters were really witty and funny with their own personal flaws and the side characters really gave extra depth to the story. Rouge, Jean-haut, Tucker, all of the side characters, it didn't feel like they were there just to add extra characters into the story - they each had their own individual characteristics and I loved their friendship with Cap.
Overall, this was an incredible addition to the Roumaterra Chronicles and it definitely does not disappoint. This book is definitely worth giving a try, even if you aren't into the fairy tale retelling genre, cause this book will suck you in and get you engrossed with the world-building and the characters. The plot was excellent and well-paced and is definitely a must-read!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book for free. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I willingly reviewed this book because I love it so much!
The book did not disappoint. I really enjoyed getting to read Helena's story and watching her grow from a 26 year old with the mind of a 14 year old to a mature and well-rounded person. I loved Cap so much too! After reading Curse of Silence, I thought that his story might have been drawn out even longer to lengthen the suspense, and I was upset that I might not have gotten to read his story soon. However, this book gave me everything that I had been anticipating!
I loved Helena and Cap's gradual romance. It's in the enemies-to-lovers trope but the way Erin did it made it so different from every other book with that trope. I loved Helena and Cap's competitiveness and Helena's playful attempts at getting his hood off so she can see his face. I like how she retained that kind of playfulness throughout the book.
I loved all of the Robin Hood elements incorporated into the story (including the archery competition at the end of the story that Erin twisted in such an original and impressive way that it created such a satisfactory ending for the story!) and I really enjoyed picking them out. I've read the Adventures of Robin Hood book and many other retellings of Robin Hood besides so it was so fun to pick out all the little bits and pieces Erin incorporated into the story and the innovative twist she gave them to make it her own.
One thing I didn't understand was that the story was supposed to be a Robin Hood and Snow White and Rose Red mash-up but I didn't notice any Snow White and Rose Red elements in the story (unless, of course, they were incorporated really well that I just completely missed them!), but it was still an excellent book in the fairy tale retelling genre!
The characters were really witty and funny with their own personal flaws and the side characters really gave extra depth to the story. Rouge, Jean-haut, Tucker, all of the side characters, it didn't feel like they were there just to add extra characters into the story - they each had their own individual characteristics and I loved their friendship with Cap.
Overall, this was an incredible addition to the Roumaterra Chronicles and it definitely does not disappoint. This book is definitely worth giving a try, even if you aren't into the fairy tale retelling genre, cause this book will suck you in and get you engrossed with the world-building and the characters. The plot was excellent and well-paced and is definitely a must-read!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book for free. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I willingly reviewed this book because I love it so much!
February 27, 2025
Loved this book! The story pulled me along and I didn’t want to put it down. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but if they’re anything like this one they must be good. Definitely recommend and I’m looking forward to reading the others!
March 5, 2025
A Robin Hood tale with reading
This was the first book I've read by Erin Halbmaier. I couldn't put it down. The pacing worked really well and I loved seeing how the MC's changed. Would highly recommend.
This was the first book I've read by Erin Halbmaier. I couldn't put it down. The pacing worked really well and I loved seeing how the MC's changed. Would highly recommend.
March 15, 2025
One of my favorite go to authors for reading anytime. I wasn't a fan of Princess Helena in previous books but I fell in love with her thougout this one. The characters are realistic and lovable (or hateable as some cases may be).
April 14, 2025
This book is okay! Everything about this book is okay! I will be reading the next book in this wonderful series!
July 17, 2025
Pretty good. I didn't love how whiny Helena was, and I was disappointed with But Cap was so adorable 🥰
March 25, 2025
This was my first from Ms. and I am so excited to read more! This fantasy story was inspired by Robin Hood and Rose Red and Snow White and is a standalone in the _ series.
Helena had to grow on me a bit. In the beginning of the story, she is searching for her place and for her people. She felt alone. I really felt for her, but she was a bit impulsive for me. She often seemed to make her decisions based on her feelings and she was such a passionate person. I loved getting to see her growth as she found her place. As she got to know the band, she was able to relax and build connections. I feel like as she was given a place and more of an understanding of those around her, she was able to think more clearly and be proactive in her own life.
Cap was so sweet! I loved his honor and his protectiveness of his people. He cared so much and it really showed in his POV. He and Helena both could be very in their own heads and he needed the support of his friends. I loved the way that they grew together. Cap needed Helena’s fierce and sometimes playful loyalty and she needed his steady belief and trust in her.
I loved the band! They added so much to the story and I loved getting glimpses of their stories. As a reader jumping into the series, there are characters that are brought into the story that I believe were in other books that I did not know. I'm sure that would be a fun thing to see for other readers and it makes me interested in reading the other books in the series! This is a fantasy romance with only kissing and some light violence.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Helena had to grow on me a bit. In the beginning of the story, she is searching for her place and for her people. She felt alone. I really felt for her, but she was a bit impulsive for me. She often seemed to make her decisions based on her feelings and she was such a passionate person. I loved getting to see her growth as she found her place. As she got to know the band, she was able to relax and build connections. I feel like as she was given a place and more of an understanding of those around her, she was able to think more clearly and be proactive in her own life.
Cap was so sweet! I loved his honor and his protectiveness of his people. He cared so much and it really showed in his POV. He and Helena both could be very in their own heads and he needed the support of his friends. I loved the way that they grew together. Cap needed Helena’s fierce and sometimes playful loyalty and she needed his steady belief and trust in her.
I loved the band! They added so much to the story and I loved getting glimpses of their stories. As a reader jumping into the series, there are characters that are brought into the story that I believe were in other books that I did not know. I'm sure that would be a fun thing to see for other readers and it makes me interested in reading the other books in the series! This is a fantasy romance with only kissing and some light violence.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
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