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Outlaw’s Legacy #2
Knight of Sherwood
Robin returns to England after four years fighting in the Holy Land. On arriving at Locksley, he discovers that Guy of Gisborne, his most hated enemy, has been made Sheriff of Nottingham. Forced to flee into Sherwood, Robin sets himself up as champion of the poor.
But Robin has a secret. His feelings for his friend Will Scathelock have deepened, but to acknowledge the truth would mean facing up to his past. Meanwhile, Lady Marian Fitzwalter, heiress to the vast Huntingdon estate, is determined to claim Robin for her own.
But Robin has a secret. His feelings for his friend Will Scathelock have deepened, but to acknowledge the truth would mean facing up to his past. Meanwhile, Lady Marian Fitzwalter, heiress to the vast Huntingdon estate, is determined to claim Robin for her own.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2017
2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
N.B. Dixon
6 books60 followersI’ve always had a taste for the dramatic. Writing historical fiction means I get to combine deep emotion and exciting adventure with my love of Folklore and Medieval History.
My love affair with the Robin Hood legend began one day in a hidden corner of the school library and has extended into my adult life. I only hope I can convince my readers to love him as much as I do.
My love affair with the Robin Hood legend began one day in a hidden corner of the school library and has extended into my adult life. I only hope I can convince my readers to love him as much as I do.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 18, 2019
The second installment of Robin of Sherwood and is relationship with Will Scathelock. As with the first book I really enjoyed this take on a well known tale. The characters, normally so well knows are brought to life in a different way here. There's a lot of action in the book but then for anyone who knows the tale that's not a surprise. Despite the love angle there's not a great deal of romance in here. It's still being played down and not the LGBT story I expected (same with book 1). As a follow up I enjoyed it.
September 25, 2017
I don't want to gloat... actually that's a lie, I totally want to gloat! I have my hands on an arc of this book and I'm exciiiiiiited.
This is, hands down, my favourite read of the year. I need this series in hard copy for my shelves, I also need the next book now. But I have to wait ***sobs tears of impatience***
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Never underestimate a man with a big stick," Will told him.
I have soooo much love for this book. So. Much. Love. It is my absolute favourite book of the year and I just want to gush and read it again and make everyone read it and tell everyone who disagrees with me that they are utterly wrong and...
I just love this book.
I loved the first one in the series but this just ups the game for me. I have so many words, so many thoughts, I'm not sure where to start.
Okay. The setting.
I love historical novels, especially those set in Britain, and the legend of Robin Hood is a classic tale told, and re-told, for generations, and I love that this is an M/M version of that tale. What I love even more is that it's believably so. It's not written for titillation, it's exploring another way of viewing this classic hero, written sympathetically for the time in which it's set.
The hardship of life in the 12th century is portrayed so well. The way the lives of the poor were dictated by the whims of the rich. Where women held no power, where the poor held no power, where life was so easily thrown away, even the lives of children. Life was hard. Food was scarce, taxes were numerous (and increasing), and loyalties could have you killed in a second.
NB Dixon depicts this time so well. She makes the reader fall for the characters, understand the deprivations they face and how difficult decisions were. She's very clever though, because she still manages to give us strong female characters, even in this time of oppression of women.
The story of good versus evil is an old, old tale. What makes this story important to me as a reader is how much I care for the characters. Not just Robin and Will, but all the 'good' guys ... and equally, how much loathing I had for Guy and Prince John and others. The good guys aren't all honourable in every way, they are human and make mistakes too. Even Robin. Sometimes especially Robin... pride comes before a fall...
This was apparent in how Dixon wrote King Richard the Lionheart. Hailed as a hero in literature, we see his true colours and his love of war. We see how the choice to follow him was the lesser of two evils to many. To Robin especially. This story is about humanity and love-for-humanity. It's about politics. It's about religion. It's about choices and decisions and effect and cause and...
It's about right and wrong. The black, the white and the grey.
God, it's about love and trust and caring for others.
It's about a harshness of life that is scary.
It's about manipulation and honour.
It's about the harsh reality of life. It's so, so, so, so, so good.
Of course, this story is also about Robin and Will. I love these two. I love the hardness of their love. The trueness of it. For me friendship is the strongest, most important pull in a relationship. A soul deep friendship is more of a turn on than any amount of on-page, descriptive sex. I have to say, if you're looking for pages of sexual fantasy between Robin and another man, well you're in the wrong place. This book has very little on-page sex, and not even that much off the page if I'm honest. I only feel I need to mention it because I know for some readers it is important - for me though, it is not needed. Robin and Will have the slowest of burns and the relationship is primarily of friendship (and love).
Dixon nearly had me throwing my kindle at the wall at the end, no spoilers but I need the next book. The only problem with falling in love with a review book is knowing that I will have to wait for the next instalment (as opposed to buying and binging on a whole series in one go).
This is the book I am going to recommend as my 2017 must-read, I loved and adored every single word. I know this book won't be for everyone (though I encourage all to try) but for me it is a complete and utter winner who's destined to be a forever favourite.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
This is, hands down, my favourite read of the year. I need this series in hard copy for my shelves, I also need the next book now. But I have to wait ***sobs tears of impatience***
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Never underestimate a man with a big stick," Will told him.
I have soooo much love for this book. So. Much. Love. It is my absolute favourite book of the year and I just want to gush and read it again and make everyone read it and tell everyone who disagrees with me that they are utterly wrong and...
I just love this book.
I loved the first one in the series but this just ups the game for me. I have so many words, so many thoughts, I'm not sure where to start.
Okay. The setting.
I love historical novels, especially those set in Britain, and the legend of Robin Hood is a classic tale told, and re-told, for generations, and I love that this is an M/M version of that tale. What I love even more is that it's believably so. It's not written for titillation, it's exploring another way of viewing this classic hero, written sympathetically for the time in which it's set.
The hardship of life in the 12th century is portrayed so well. The way the lives of the poor were dictated by the whims of the rich. Where women held no power, where the poor held no power, where life was so easily thrown away, even the lives of children. Life was hard. Food was scarce, taxes were numerous (and increasing), and loyalties could have you killed in a second.
NB Dixon depicts this time so well. She makes the reader fall for the characters, understand the deprivations they face and how difficult decisions were. She's very clever though, because she still manages to give us strong female characters, even in this time of oppression of women.
The story of good versus evil is an old, old tale. What makes this story important to me as a reader is how much I care for the characters. Not just Robin and Will, but all the 'good' guys ... and equally, how much loathing I had for Guy and Prince John and others. The good guys aren't all honourable in every way, they are human and make mistakes too. Even Robin. Sometimes especially Robin... pride comes before a fall...
This was apparent in how Dixon wrote King Richard the Lionheart. Hailed as a hero in literature, we see his true colours and his love of war. We see how the choice to follow him was the lesser of two evils to many. To Robin especially. This story is about humanity and love-for-humanity. It's about politics. It's about religion. It's about choices and decisions and effect and cause and...
It's about right and wrong. The black, the white and the grey.
God, it's about love and trust and caring for others.
It's about a harshness of life that is scary.
It's about manipulation and honour.
It's about the harsh reality of life. It's so, so, so, so, so good.
Of course, this story is also about Robin and Will. I love these two. I love the hardness of their love. The trueness of it. For me friendship is the strongest, most important pull in a relationship. A soul deep friendship is more of a turn on than any amount of on-page, descriptive sex. I have to say, if you're looking for pages of sexual fantasy between Robin and another man, well you're in the wrong place. This book has very little on-page sex, and not even that much off the page if I'm honest. I only feel I need to mention it because I know for some readers it is important - for me though, it is not needed. Robin and Will have the slowest of burns and the relationship is primarily of friendship (and love).
Dixon nearly had me throwing my kindle at the wall at the end, no spoilers but I need the next book. The only problem with falling in love with a review book is knowing that I will have to wait for the next instalment (as opposed to buying and binging on a whole series in one go).
This is the book I am going to recommend as my 2017 must-read, I loved and adored every single word. I know this book won't be for everyone (though I encourage all to try) but for me it is a complete and utter winner who's destined to be a forever favourite.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
Full disclosure: I was not going to review this one because I was ambivalent about the first book. However, I truly can’t resist Robin Hood, so I was sucked in (and pleasantly surprised because I liked it far more than I expected).
First of all, this is not a romance. Calling it one would be a stretch. And that’s fine by me. I love a good action/adventure story, and boy does this deliver on all counts. Naturally, all the wonderful things we would expect out of a good Sherwood tale are there: Manipulative nobility, Guy of Gisborne’s jealous rage, Robin and his Merry Men doing what they do best. All the players are there on the stage, and it’s so well-written. I couldn’t help getting caught up in their plotting and scuffles.
There are some sad moments as well, which is also to be expected. They’re quite well done, and nothing in here felt played for tragedy or angst. Everything fit smoothly into the story and worked just as it should to arouse emotion without becoming tedious.
My primary complaint had been with the women in the first book. Let me say that I do not know how the author did it, but she convinced me to like one of the primary villains this time around. I hated Katrina in the first book, but I loved her cunning in this one. Marian is, of course, brilliant. She does what she needs to in order to survive a world where she is no more than property. All the other women are delightful too, and I loved beyond description how they also fit seamlessly in with the Merry Men.
The one thing I could’ve done without was the Robin/Will dynamic. That may sound odd coming from an avid reader of LGBT fiction, but it simply did not work for me. For one thing, they had absolutely no chemistry. Robin pretty much has no chemistry with anything except his bow and arrow. I also struggled to see him as believably bisexual. His interactions with women feel forced.
I also disliked having to read pages and pages (as in, nearly the whole book) of internalized homophobia. That, too, was not realistic or believable. The “inciting incident” required a warning, even though it’s not described in detail. Not only that, we had plenty of on-page heterosexual intimacy but not even flashbacks of Robin and Will (which contributed to the lack of chemistry). I don’t imagine this was the author’s intent, but the way it comes across is that either the author is uncomfortable with gay content or thinks the audience will be. The end result is having to read what feels like homo-shaming and punishment with no reward for the emotional labor that requires. It’s disappointing.
In reality, the romance was probably less than ten percent total of the book, which is fine. In future installments, I’d like to see less of Robin being conflicted and more of him enjoying himself. He seems to me much more the type to truly believe “hearts, not parts” as long as a good time is had by all.
Overall, this is superb writing and a great story. This is Robin Hood, so there’s not a whole lot brand-new in there. However, for anyone who appreciates the mythology, this is a highly immersive experience of the legend.
For an absorbing story, classic Robin Hood adventures, and the good kind of cliffhanger, this gets 4 stars.
First of all, this is not a romance. Calling it one would be a stretch. And that’s fine by me. I love a good action/adventure story, and boy does this deliver on all counts. Naturally, all the wonderful things we would expect out of a good Sherwood tale are there: Manipulative nobility, Guy of Gisborne’s jealous rage, Robin and his Merry Men doing what they do best. All the players are there on the stage, and it’s so well-written. I couldn’t help getting caught up in their plotting and scuffles.
There are some sad moments as well, which is also to be expected. They’re quite well done, and nothing in here felt played for tragedy or angst. Everything fit smoothly into the story and worked just as it should to arouse emotion without becoming tedious.
My primary complaint had been with the women in the first book. Let me say that I do not know how the author did it, but she convinced me to like one of the primary villains this time around. I hated Katrina in the first book, but I loved her cunning in this one. Marian is, of course, brilliant. She does what she needs to in order to survive a world where she is no more than property. All the other women are delightful too, and I loved beyond description how they also fit seamlessly in with the Merry Men.
The one thing I could’ve done without was the Robin/Will dynamic. That may sound odd coming from an avid reader of LGBT fiction, but it simply did not work for me. For one thing, they had absolutely no chemistry. Robin pretty much has no chemistry with anything except his bow and arrow. I also struggled to see him as believably bisexual. His interactions with women feel forced.
I also disliked having to read pages and pages (as in, nearly the whole book) of internalized homophobia. That, too, was not realistic or believable. The “inciting incident” required a warning, even though it’s not described in detail. Not only that, we had plenty of on-page heterosexual intimacy but not even flashbacks of Robin and Will (which contributed to the lack of chemistry). I don’t imagine this was the author’s intent, but the way it comes across is that either the author is uncomfortable with gay content or thinks the audience will be. The end result is having to read what feels like homo-shaming and punishment with no reward for the emotional labor that requires. It’s disappointing.
In reality, the romance was probably less than ten percent total of the book, which is fine. In future installments, I’d like to see less of Robin being conflicted and more of him enjoying himself. He seems to me much more the type to truly believe “hearts, not parts” as long as a good time is had by all.
Overall, this is superb writing and a great story. This is Robin Hood, so there’s not a whole lot brand-new in there. However, for anyone who appreciates the mythology, this is a highly immersive experience of the legend.
For an absorbing story, classic Robin Hood adventures, and the good kind of cliffhanger, this gets 4 stars.
September 3, 2017
An ARC was received free from the publisher in return for an honest review.
I love Robin Hood. While I do little archery now, for many years it consumed a lot of my time. And the time period… sigh. Just drop me there anytime, so when opportunity landed for me to read book two of NB Dixon’s Outlaw’s Legacy Series, I gave a big Yes! to the publisher.
Four years has past (since book one ended), and an attempt on his life finally drives Robin and Will to return to England. He returns to find his enemy, Guy of Gisborne, ensconced as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John in control of the throne and his people, the townsfolk of Locksley and elsewhere taxed to almost starvation. Rather quickly, Robin becomes a wolf’s head, an outlaw, and the champion of the poor country people. Again, Robin good deeds go noticed, by the wrong people .
The Lady Marian takes the center stage spotlight in Knight of Sherwood, with her eye on Robin as her savior. God, I could not loathe a character more. Which, in respect to the the author, is a pretty big deal to me. Marian was crafted in such a way as it made me cringe whenever a scene occurred with her in it.
Again, the historical aspects were spot on, minus the issues in a few scenes with the descriptive language (few and far between that they were). The fight scenes were fantastic, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and occasional animosity among the band of outlaws. I sighed in sweetness, grew angry at conniving scoundrels, felt sadness at the loss of friends… but at the end, oh the horror of the cliffhanger, because the story must go on, and I’m forced to wait anxiously for the author’s next installment.
I love Robin Hood. While I do little archery now, for many years it consumed a lot of my time. And the time period… sigh. Just drop me there anytime, so when opportunity landed for me to read book two of NB Dixon’s Outlaw’s Legacy Series, I gave a big Yes! to the publisher.
Four years has past (since book one ended), and an attempt on his life finally drives Robin and Will to return to England. He returns to find his enemy, Guy of Gisborne, ensconced as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John in control of the throne and his people, the townsfolk of Locksley and elsewhere taxed to almost starvation. Rather quickly, Robin becomes a wolf’s head, an outlaw, and the champion of the poor country people. Again, Robin good deeds go noticed, by the wrong people .
The Lady Marian takes the center stage spotlight in Knight of Sherwood, with her eye on Robin as her savior. God, I could not loathe a character more. Which, in respect to the the author, is a pretty big deal to me. Marian was crafted in such a way as it made me cringe whenever a scene occurred with her in it.
Again, the historical aspects were spot on, minus the issues in a few scenes with the descriptive language (few and far between that they were). The fight scenes were fantastic, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and occasional animosity among the band of outlaws. I sighed in sweetness, grew angry at conniving scoundrels, felt sadness at the loss of friends… but at the end, oh the horror of the cliffhanger, because the story must go on, and I’m forced to wait anxiously for the author’s next installment.
December 15, 2017
Not gay enough. So much drama and historical political moves and intrigue. Well done, but too much of that and not enough gay love. Ends pretty much the same way as the first. Straight sex and women are evil apparently.
September 22, 2017
This is the second book I’ve read in this series, and I’m totally hooked. Robin Hood has long been a favourite of mine, and I think this series does him justice.
Knight of Sherwood picks up at the tail end of the Crusades, which Robin and Will left for at the end of book one. I thought the imagery of the post battle ravaged land, and the comparison with the jackal was very powerful. I liked that the author didn’t shy away from the horror of the Crusades, and that it wasn’t romanticized.
Back in England, and the story catches up with what happened while Robin has been away. Robin and Will’s relationship has shifted too, but Robin wrestles with his demons, which I thought were realistic given the time period. He has been raised a noble, so it makes more sense that he’d struggle with his sexuality and the expectations of his position more than Will would. He’s also haunted from his experiences in the Crusades, and I thought the way the author wrote them felt very authentic. I also appreciated the way the author wrote King Richard—although he’s not very likeable in places his actions are realistic for the time, and for a man in his position.
Guy shows no signs of the boy he once was in the first book, and he more than deserves his fate. Sadly several other characters do not deserve theirs, and I liked that the author didn’t pull any punches as Guy’s part of Robin’s story plays out.
As the story progresses more familiar faces from the Robin Hood stories make their first appearance, as do some other original characters. I liked the women in the story, and the way they took their place among the bandits of Sherwood. Although Marian wasn’t very likeable, she acts as she does because of the impossible situation she is in. I didn’t agree with her choices, but it’s very clear why she chooses the path she does. I liked that way the author showed took the time through her POV to show her motivations. I also thought her reaction to her discovery about Robin was realistic. Unfortunately that is one of the harsh realities about historical fiction, and having all the characters react with modern day sensibilities would have felt like an anachronism. In saying that, though, I really hope fate deals her the hand she deserves as the series continues.
While I enjoyed the first book in this series—Heir of Locksley—I thought the author did a fabulous job with this story, and lifted the bar still further. I sat up late reading several times as I had to find out what happened next. Although Robin’s story is a well known, the twists in this series meant that I couldn’t predict the plot. Although this part of Robin’s story has finished, the author hasn’t left him—or Will—in a good place, so now I’m holding out for book three, although I suspect they still have a rough road ahead.
I’d recommend Knight of Sherwood to readers who enjoy well researched historical fiction. An interest in the stories of Robin Hood isn’t necessary though I did enjoy the easter egg references throughout the book. This story is action-packed, easy to get caught up in, and has interesting three dimensional characters. More please, and soon. Highly recommended.
Knight of Sherwood picks up at the tail end of the Crusades, which Robin and Will left for at the end of book one. I thought the imagery of the post battle ravaged land, and the comparison with the jackal was very powerful. I liked that the author didn’t shy away from the horror of the Crusades, and that it wasn’t romanticized.
Back in England, and the story catches up with what happened while Robin has been away. Robin and Will’s relationship has shifted too, but Robin wrestles with his demons, which I thought were realistic given the time period. He has been raised a noble, so it makes more sense that he’d struggle with his sexuality and the expectations of his position more than Will would. He’s also haunted from his experiences in the Crusades, and I thought the way the author wrote them felt very authentic. I also appreciated the way the author wrote King Richard—although he’s not very likeable in places his actions are realistic for the time, and for a man in his position.
Guy shows no signs of the boy he once was in the first book, and he more than deserves his fate. Sadly several other characters do not deserve theirs, and I liked that the author didn’t pull any punches as Guy’s part of Robin’s story plays out.
As the story progresses more familiar faces from the Robin Hood stories make their first appearance, as do some other original characters. I liked the women in the story, and the way they took their place among the bandits of Sherwood. Although Marian wasn’t very likeable, she acts as she does because of the impossible situation she is in. I didn’t agree with her choices, but it’s very clear why she chooses the path she does. I liked that way the author showed took the time through her POV to show her motivations. I also thought her reaction to her discovery about Robin was realistic. Unfortunately that is one of the harsh realities about historical fiction, and having all the characters react with modern day sensibilities would have felt like an anachronism. In saying that, though, I really hope fate deals her the hand she deserves as the series continues.
While I enjoyed the first book in this series—Heir of Locksley—I thought the author did a fabulous job with this story, and lifted the bar still further. I sat up late reading several times as I had to find out what happened next. Although Robin’s story is a well known, the twists in this series meant that I couldn’t predict the plot. Although this part of Robin’s story has finished, the author hasn’t left him—or Will—in a good place, so now I’m holding out for book three, although I suspect they still have a rough road ahead.
I’d recommend Knight of Sherwood to readers who enjoy well researched historical fiction. An interest in the stories of Robin Hood isn’t necessary though I did enjoy the easter egg references throughout the book. This story is action-packed, easy to get caught up in, and has interesting three dimensional characters. More please, and soon. Highly recommended.
September 14, 2017
Amount of sex 0.5 / 5
How explicit 0.5 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
My absolute favorite movie as a kid was Disney's Robin Hood (you know the one with the Foxes and Prince John's side kick was a snake - because he was evil). Before there were videos (yes, I am old and yes I saw this movie in the theater), there were records with the story, the songs, and the book. I played that record over and over again and because I had a turntable that had a repeat (and I was lazy), to my mother's chagrin, I only played one side. So when I was offered the two Robin Hood based books, Heir of Locksley and Knight of Sherwood, I was pretty excited.
N.B. Dixon does a masterful job of weaving the details of the story of Robin Hood we all know with details of the time, thus giving the book a very historical feel. Additionally, the characters are a little different and multi-dimensional. Robin Hood is not pining after the Lady Marian in this version; instead, she has a mind of her own, situations beyond her control due to her gender and her circumstances, and her own agenda. This is not to say she is bad or evil - no, those are very clearly defined in the traditional characters of Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham. It is the characters who in traditional Robin Hood tales are the good guys. These characters are very complex, and through Dixon's skillful writing, the reader understands their motives, while they may not agree with their decisions.
As far as a Behind Closed Doors Book Review book - it is very light on the spicy action (only a half-star), but the themes are mature. Will (the traditional Will Scarlet) is in love with Robin. And true to the times, this is not an easy nor accepted relationship among the villagers or nobles in England in the 12th century. The idea of loyalty, religion, king and country are also a major theme as this second novel begins while Robin and Will are on the Crusades in what is now Israel.
I read both Heir of Locksley and Knight of Sherwood in succession and I know there will be a third. Could you read Knight of Sherwood without having read the Heir of Locksley, yes, but it wouldn't be as deep and wonderful of an experience as the first book really informs the characters. I am looking forward to the third book in the series!
** Voluntarily reviewed from an advanced copy **
How explicit 0.5 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
My absolute favorite movie as a kid was Disney's Robin Hood (you know the one with the Foxes and Prince John's side kick was a snake - because he was evil). Before there were videos (yes, I am old and yes I saw this movie in the theater), there were records with the story, the songs, and the book. I played that record over and over again and because I had a turntable that had a repeat (and I was lazy), to my mother's chagrin, I only played one side. So when I was offered the two Robin Hood based books, Heir of Locksley and Knight of Sherwood, I was pretty excited.
N.B. Dixon does a masterful job of weaving the details of the story of Robin Hood we all know with details of the time, thus giving the book a very historical feel. Additionally, the characters are a little different and multi-dimensional. Robin Hood is not pining after the Lady Marian in this version; instead, she has a mind of her own, situations beyond her control due to her gender and her circumstances, and her own agenda. This is not to say she is bad or evil - no, those are very clearly defined in the traditional characters of Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham. It is the characters who in traditional Robin Hood tales are the good guys. These characters are very complex, and through Dixon's skillful writing, the reader understands their motives, while they may not agree with their decisions.
As far as a Behind Closed Doors Book Review book - it is very light on the spicy action (only a half-star), but the themes are mature. Will (the traditional Will Scarlet) is in love with Robin. And true to the times, this is not an easy nor accepted relationship among the villagers or nobles in England in the 12th century. The idea of loyalty, religion, king and country are also a major theme as this second novel begins while Robin and Will are on the Crusades in what is now Israel.
I read both Heir of Locksley and Knight of Sherwood in succession and I know there will be a third. Could you read Knight of Sherwood without having read the Heir of Locksley, yes, but it wouldn't be as deep and wonderful of an experience as the first book really informs the characters. I am looking forward to the third book in the series!
** Voluntarily reviewed from an advanced copy **
November 2, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Even as I write this portion of the review days after having finished the story, I *still* can’t stop pouring over the ending! For an angst queen like myself, it hit all the right buttons. Before I delve into what interested me most about the story (the characters!), I’ll give a brief summary of what the rest of the book elements are like (you know, the plot).
First of all, I must commend Dixon on the pacing of the book. While of course I would love nothing more than to read 300 pages filled with the kinds of strife only this incarnation of Robin Hood is able to visit upon himself and what it does to Will (not to mention I’d jump at the chance to wallow in the minutiae of it all if given the chance!), there is so much more than a little romance going on in this book. To be truthful, there actually isn’t really any flowers-and-chocolates (or the 12th century version thereof) in the story, but there’s a lot going on that involved the whole cast in wonderfully interconnected ways.
The villages of Locksley are named and carry no small portion of the drama. Little episodes that build on the groundwork laid and characters introduced in the first book lend a comforting familiarity. Lucy’s family features in this book quite a bit, as do a handful of other Locksley serfs. Between Gisborne’s cruel treatment and outrageously high taxes, they suffer. Help from Robin is like a godsend for them, and they refuse to turn on their savior even when it puts them in Gisborne’s crosshairs. The punshiment netted out to the villages is harsh and raised my ire at the injustice (as surely it was intended to).
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Even as I write this portion of the review days after having finished the story, I *still* can’t stop pouring over the ending! For an angst queen like myself, it hit all the right buttons. Before I delve into what interested me most about the story (the characters!), I’ll give a brief summary of what the rest of the book elements are like (you know, the plot).
First of all, I must commend Dixon on the pacing of the book. While of course I would love nothing more than to read 300 pages filled with the kinds of strife only this incarnation of Robin Hood is able to visit upon himself and what it does to Will (not to mention I’d jump at the chance to wallow in the minutiae of it all if given the chance!), there is so much more than a little romance going on in this book. To be truthful, there actually isn’t really any flowers-and-chocolates (or the 12th century version thereof) in the story, but there’s a lot going on that involved the whole cast in wonderfully interconnected ways.
The villages of Locksley are named and carry no small portion of the drama. Little episodes that build on the groundwork laid and characters introduced in the first book lend a comforting familiarity. Lucy’s family features in this book quite a bit, as do a handful of other Locksley serfs. Between Gisborne’s cruel treatment and outrageously high taxes, they suffer. Help from Robin is like a godsend for them, and they refuse to turn on their savior even when it puts them in Gisborne’s crosshairs. The punshiment netted out to the villages is harsh and raised my ire at the injustice (as surely it was intended to).
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
September 24, 2017
4 Stars!
Knight of Sherwood is book 2 in the Outlaw's Legacy series, while you could probably get away with reading it as a standalone, I recommend reading it in order to see how it all began.
This book starts 4 years after Heir of Locksley ends, with Robin and Will still at the Crusades with King Richard and after an assassination attempt against Robin, they return to England, where Robin becomes Robin Hood and starts to rob the rich to give to the poor.
This is an action/adventure book with some romantic undertones, so if you're expecting a romance and flowers, let me tell you, you won't find that here. What you'll find is a complex storyline, with several POVs, intrigue, violence and action.
While there's supposed to be a romance in the works for Robin and Will, frankly, so far I've seen very little evidence of it. There's almost no chemistry between them, which makes sense considering there aren't all that many scenes between them and what happened between them during those 4 years, we are told about in broken flashbacks. There have been more graphic scenes between Robin and Lady Marian (who I didn't quite like) or Lucy, than between Robin and Will. Which considering this book is being marketed as historical LGBT, well, it's a bit disappointing.
Other than that, if you love adventure books, this one is really well-written, very detailed and I was thoroughly entertained by the action scenes. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Knight of Sherwood is book 2 in the Outlaw's Legacy series, while you could probably get away with reading it as a standalone, I recommend reading it in order to see how it all began.
This book starts 4 years after Heir of Locksley ends, with Robin and Will still at the Crusades with King Richard and after an assassination attempt against Robin, they return to England, where Robin becomes Robin Hood and starts to rob the rich to give to the poor.
This is an action/adventure book with some romantic undertones, so if you're expecting a romance and flowers, let me tell you, you won't find that here. What you'll find is a complex storyline, with several POVs, intrigue, violence and action.
While there's supposed to be a romance in the works for Robin and Will, frankly, so far I've seen very little evidence of it. There's almost no chemistry between them, which makes sense considering there aren't all that many scenes between them and what happened between them during those 4 years, we are told about in broken flashbacks. There have been more graphic scenes between Robin and Lady Marian (who I didn't quite like) or Lucy, than between Robin and Will. Which considering this book is being marketed as historical LGBT, well, it's a bit disappointing.
Other than that, if you love adventure books, this one is really well-written, very detailed and I was thoroughly entertained by the action scenes. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
February 3, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Knight of Sherwood is the follow-on to Heir of Locksley and it follows about four years from the events of this book. Robin Hood returns back from fighting and finds his family home overtaken by Guy of Gisborne, the current Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin spends his days the way people typically think of when it comes to Robin Hood - hiding out in Sherwood Forest with his band of merry men, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Readers are also given a glimpse into Guy's continued jealousy of Robin and royalty manipulating the system and doing the people wrong. All this brings the perfect recipe for some great action scenes. Parts of the book are told from points of view of the other characters who played a more minor role in the other book, to include John Little and Lady Marian. I really enjoyed the character of Marian. Robin and Will's relationship does evolve, which brings in a whole new set of complications. As a reader, I found this part of the book a bit unbelievable. At times, I was questioning what the point was. If you enjoyed the first book, I highly recommend picking up this one. The author stays true to the characters from the original. Great follow-up to the first book and looking forward to reading more.
Knight of Sherwood is the follow-on to Heir of Locksley and it follows about four years from the events of this book. Robin Hood returns back from fighting and finds his family home overtaken by Guy of Gisborne, the current Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin spends his days the way people typically think of when it comes to Robin Hood - hiding out in Sherwood Forest with his band of merry men, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Readers are also given a glimpse into Guy's continued jealousy of Robin and royalty manipulating the system and doing the people wrong. All this brings the perfect recipe for some great action scenes. Parts of the book are told from points of view of the other characters who played a more minor role in the other book, to include John Little and Lady Marian. I really enjoyed the character of Marian. Robin and Will's relationship does evolve, which brings in a whole new set of complications. As a reader, I found this part of the book a bit unbelievable. At times, I was questioning what the point was. If you enjoyed the first book, I highly recommend picking up this one. The author stays true to the characters from the original. Great follow-up to the first book and looking forward to reading more.
December 14, 2017
Knights of Sherwood is a delightful mix of classic Robin Hood and modern sentiment. I thoroughly enjoyed the strong and complex relationships between the characters and how that drove the drove the plot forward. Robin is still the lovable and raking outlaw that is quintessential to any Sherwood story, but the author has cleverly given him a few twists and slightly altered his relationship to Will, Marian, Guy and King Richard in such a way that the story has new life.
This re-imagining of Robin Hood is sure to please many people, new and old fans alike.
This book was given to me as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion on the story.
This re-imagining of Robin Hood is sure to please many people, new and old fans alike.
This book was given to me as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion on the story.
January 8, 2019
N.B. Dixon's re-imagining of the Robin Hood myth continues to delight and surprise. The plot moves along quickly, and it does so while continuing to develop the characters. Any time my expectations lead me to believe a character will act or behave in a particular way, they take a turn I did not see coming. I truly love the rich characterizations. I felt myself frustrated for Robin + Will, wanting them to finally admit to each other what they both want, what they both need -- but in love as in war, nothing worth having ever comes easily. I'm eagerly anticipating the conclusion to what has turned out to be a formidable book series -- I will recommend these novels to everyone! (And I can't wait to see what N.B. Dixon does beyond this trilogy.)
November 4, 2017
This was a great continuation of this series based on the legend of Robin Hood. The characters from the first part are all developed further, the plot grows more complex, and the better known parts of the legend are reworked into the narrative.
I thought that it was a really enjoyable read and that the antagonists had some good development as well. As in the first part, I thought that there should have been a little more time spend on the relationships between the characters, especially between Will and Robin, but this is just a minor critique.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this series to people interested in a reimagining of the Robin Hood legend.
I thought that it was a really enjoyable read and that the antagonists had some good development as well. As in the first part, I thought that there should have been a little more time spend on the relationships between the characters, especially between Will and Robin, but this is just a minor critique.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this series to people interested in a reimagining of the Robin Hood legend.
October 3, 2017
another well written story continuing from the earlier tale of Robin Hood.
I love the in depth and very different take on the traditional characters.
I love the in depth and very different take on the traditional characters.
August 18, 2018
Another great story of Book Two of this series. Writing is exceptional and loved the characters! A twist to Ye Ole Robinhood ...Highly Recommend this one!
December 21, 2017
I think that the author took enough liberties to make the work feel hers yet so Robin Hood.
He does feel like the outlaw we all know and love who has stolen from the rich to help the poor. And as usual, I like the way he was portrayed. As for the LGBT angle, I really liked it. Robin Hood is rarely associated with any woman at all, and even then the relationship just seems like an afterthought rather than anything else. A gay Robin Hood was comepletely possible, not to mention he possibly existed under two very famed to be thought of homosexual kings.
Even more so, the plot was really well thought of in the end. How the story went and developed was really well enjoyed and liked by me. I really did like Robin Hood and all of the characters here, with the point of view rather fitting. As it is able to give a very good understanding of all the characters and their thoughts, as well as the situation there. I found it rather fitting.
You could say that this is a retelling that lives up to the name of Robin Hood and all the stories told from it. It does take something new to the table and the author has her creative touch her, which just clicked with me. Overall, I will recommend this work.
He does feel like the outlaw we all know and love who has stolen from the rich to help the poor. And as usual, I like the way he was portrayed. As for the LGBT angle, I really liked it. Robin Hood is rarely associated with any woman at all, and even then the relationship just seems like an afterthought rather than anything else. A gay Robin Hood was comepletely possible, not to mention he possibly existed under two very famed to be thought of homosexual kings.
Even more so, the plot was really well thought of in the end. How the story went and developed was really well enjoyed and liked by me. I really did like Robin Hood and all of the characters here, with the point of view rather fitting. As it is able to give a very good understanding of all the characters and their thoughts, as well as the situation there. I found it rather fitting.
You could say that this is a retelling that lives up to the name of Robin Hood and all the stories told from it. It does take something new to the table and the author has her creative touch her, which just clicked with me. Overall, I will recommend this work.
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