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Twice Upon a Time #4
Robin Hood, The One Who Looked Good in Green
Robin has a bad habit of getting into trouble, and a better habit of getting out of it (barely). He lives on an isolated outpost in the middle of nowhere and has no idea why his parents disappeared years ago. Then a strange delivery arrives at his doorstep, and the past is suddenly very present.
Marian was raised to be a very powerless girl in a very powerful family. But that hasn’t stopped her from making her own adventures and trespassing in some places her parents definitely don’t want her to see. She has no idea what life would be like outside of her home, until a mysterious invitation forces her to leave everything behind.
Robin and Marian have lived very different lives in very different places. Their paths should never, ever cross, but before they know it, they are thrown together on a quest that requires legendary bravery, quick-witted escapes, and the ability to get along with each other.
The sky’s no longer the limit on what Robin and Marian can do, as long as they manage to do it together.
Marian was raised to be a very powerless girl in a very powerful family. But that hasn’t stopped her from making her own adventures and trespassing in some places her parents definitely don’t want her to see. She has no idea what life would be like outside of her home, until a mysterious invitation forces her to leave everything behind.
Robin and Marian have lived very different lives in very different places. Their paths should never, ever cross, but before they know it, they are thrown together on a quest that requires legendary bravery, quick-witted escapes, and the ability to get along with each other.
The sky’s no longer the limit on what Robin and Marian can do, as long as they manage to do it together.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2018
20 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Mass
83 books3,689 followersWendy Mass is the author of thirty novels for young people, including A Mango-Shaped Space, which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award, Leap Day, the Twice Upon a Time fairy tale series, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, the Willow Falls, Space Taxi and Candymakers series. Wendy wrote the storyline for an episode of the television show Monk, entitled "Mr. Monk Goes to the Theatre," which aired during the show's second season. She tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they're collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. Wendy lives with her family in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 20, 2025
This was a very good book. I’ve read all of the others in the series and when I started this book I thought it was going to be a little strange but I honestly really enjoyed it. 4.5 stars for me
November 1, 2021
Extremely dependent on being willing to suspend disbelief. Mostly extremely fluffy. But oh my goodness I would have loved these when I was about 12. The girls are just as real as the boys, and they're all good kids, and they have fun adventures... and they have some of the magic of the original wonder tales.
In this I particularly liked that Friar Tuck was of the order of the Perpetual Now and he teaches us some eastern philosophy, including How to Eat an Orange.
In this I particularly liked that Friar Tuck was of the order of the Perpetual Now and he teaches us some eastern philosophy, including How to Eat an Orange.
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April 30, 2024this was better than the beauty and the beast book in this series. Also, this book was for some reason set in space unlike the rest of the series. It seemed a little out of pocket. The scifi setting also did not have any effect on aspect of the plot.
October 31, 2023
Bro my favorite of the series.
October 2, 2021
I'm just so glad that I finished this series fast because .. damn they are really poorly written
SO in this book we meet our hero Robin .. he is a poor orphange living in a spaceship for orphans and he always get himself in trouble one way or another .. but then he recieves a package that makes him think that his parents death was not an accident ..
Then we go to Marian, she is a rich girl living with her rich family .. but one day she discovers a conspiracy against the government and she has to untangle it .. and it has to do with Robin's parents deaths.. and what will happen then
I swear I made the boom sound more epic than it actually is .. just don't waste your time with this series go watch somw Nerflix instead
SO in this book we meet our hero Robin .. he is a poor orphange living in a spaceship for orphans and he always get himself in trouble one way or another .. but then he recieves a package that makes him think that his parents death was not an accident ..
Then we go to Marian, she is a rich girl living with her rich family .. but one day she discovers a conspiracy against the government and she has to untangle it .. and it has to do with Robin's parents deaths.. and what will happen then
I swear I made the boom sound more epic than it actually is .. just don't waste your time with this series go watch somw Nerflix instead
August 20, 2018
I felt a disconnect the entire time I read this book. The way the future is imagined seems so unrealistic, even for a fairy tale twist. When we finally meet characters other than Marian and Robin, we suddenly leave again.
On the flip side, it was a happy ending.
On the flip side, it was a happy ending.
February 5, 2020
So this took me forever to actually read! I had started this a few times, but never got past the 2nd chapter. One of my favorite things about this series is the setting, so when I found out that this takes place in the future I was bummed. I picked it up again because every year I try to read a book during the Superbowl (I take breaks for the commercials tho!) But we started it late and my dad was tired, so we fast forwarded some of it. I didn't finish it during the Superbowl like I wanted to, but I was able to get a good chunk done. Once the book for going though, I got past my sadness that it wasn't in the past and really enjoyed it!
June 4, 2018
This review and many more like it are available at
Read Till Dawn
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This is actually the fourth Twice Upon a Time book, but they're all standalones so they can be read in any order. I was a huge fan of the first three books in the series, but it had been several years since Beauty and the Beast: The Only One Who Didn't Run Away came out so I was extra excited when I learned this one was coming out.
I have to say that I was surprised with how different Robin Hood is from the previous entries in the series. They usually stuck pretty close to the original tales, just embellishing and reinterpreting the stories from fun new angles. I suppose Robin Hood continues this pattern, but it does it to such an extreme that the story is set in a dystopian inter-planetary future with impressive healthcare tech but also an oppressive, omnipresent government (headed by Prince John, filling in for his brother King Richard, as per the original tale). There are spaceships and futuristic technologies, meshed with this very old-timey legend. It's an interesting mix, and I found it very intriguing to see how Mass did it.
Honestly, though, I felt like there was something . . . missing. Maybe it was that Robin and Marian spent very little time actually together, so their romance felt like it came almost entirely out of nowhere. Or maybe it's that neither of them or their backstories felt quite fleshed out enough. It seemed like we could have gone deeper into their lives before they met to understand their personalities and motivations, so their actions later in the story seemed less disjointed. I think this was more of an issue with Robin: Marian's backstory and personality were pretty well-sketched, though I would have liked a little more details, but Robin just seemed like too much of an archetype for my taste. The backstory of his family is interesting but still kind of hazy, even by the end of the book.
Also, this is a small point, but a character passes some time with Friar Tuck at what can only be assumed to be some sort of Catholic-esque school, but the setting is basically scrubbed of all religious messages and replaced with basically meditation techniques. I didn't like this at first, but I can understand why Mass chose to keep those spiritual-ish scenes without weighting them with the trappings of a particular religion.
At the end of the day, though, the truth is that I really enjoyed reading Robin Hood. Basically, I just wanted it to be longer. At only 224 pages, there wasn't enough space to explore all the characters, scenarios, and issues that Mass introduced with her worldbuilding. It's still a fun read, though, and I hope Mass decides to add even more books to the series in the future. I would love for her to continue fleshing out this universe, adding more depth to it by creating new interpretations of more fairytales.
What about you, what do you think of fairytale retellings? Should they stick close to the base material, or do you like it when the author completely picks them apart to make something new?
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is actually the fourth Twice Upon a Time book, but they're all standalones so they can be read in any order. I was a huge fan of the first three books in the series, but it had been several years since Beauty and the Beast: The Only One Who Didn't Run Away came out so I was extra excited when I learned this one was coming out.
I have to say that I was surprised with how different Robin Hood is from the previous entries in the series. They usually stuck pretty close to the original tales, just embellishing and reinterpreting the stories from fun new angles. I suppose Robin Hood continues this pattern, but it does it to such an extreme that the story is set in a dystopian inter-planetary future with impressive healthcare tech but also an oppressive, omnipresent government (headed by Prince John, filling in for his brother King Richard, as per the original tale). There are spaceships and futuristic technologies, meshed with this very old-timey legend. It's an interesting mix, and I found it very intriguing to see how Mass did it.
Honestly, though, I felt like there was something . . . missing. Maybe it was that Robin and Marian spent very little time actually together, so their romance felt like it came almost entirely out of nowhere. Or maybe it's that neither of them or their backstories felt quite fleshed out enough. It seemed like we could have gone deeper into their lives before they met to understand their personalities and motivations, so their actions later in the story seemed less disjointed. I think this was more of an issue with Robin: Marian's backstory and personality were pretty well-sketched, though I would have liked a little more details, but Robin just seemed like too much of an archetype for my taste. The backstory of his family is interesting but still kind of hazy, even by the end of the book.
Also, this is a small point, but a character passes some time with Friar Tuck at what can only be assumed to be some sort of Catholic-esque school, but the setting is basically scrubbed of all religious messages and replaced with basically meditation techniques. I didn't like this at first, but I can understand why Mass chose to keep those spiritual-ish scenes without weighting them with the trappings of a particular religion.
At the end of the day, though, the truth is that I really enjoyed reading Robin Hood. Basically, I just wanted it to be longer. At only 224 pages, there wasn't enough space to explore all the characters, scenarios, and issues that Mass introduced with her worldbuilding. It's still a fun read, though, and I hope Mass decides to add even more books to the series in the future. I would love for her to continue fleshing out this universe, adding more depth to it by creating new interpretations of more fairytales.
What about you, what do you think of fairytale retellings? Should they stick close to the base material, or do you like it when the author completely picks them apart to make something new?
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2018
Really, maybe 2.5 or even 3, I did enjoy it for what it was. I saw this one on a shelf at my local library, and ever since I took a class on Robin Hood adaptations, I haven't been able to pass one up without at least picking it up. After realizing this one was set in some future space dystopia, I decided it was worth bringing home with me. And here's what I'll say for it: I loved the way Mass adapted the original legend. I love how she included a lot of the key archetypes but also some of the more archaic stuff (like the bridge fight with Little John). Also, this was a middle grade level romance that was cute and squeaky clean. It wasn't anything more substantial than pure fluff, and there were some plot holes or things about the world/galaxy that I wish would've been developed more (there was a lot of potential!), but it was still fun for what it was. If you know any middle grade readers who would enjoy fair tale retellings and squeaky clean romance (really, not much more than flirting), I have a feeling this might be a great series for them (there's a bunch more based on other tales, apparently).
June 5, 2018
{My thoughts} – Robin and Marian are two very different individuals that start in two incredibly different places in the world. As luck would have it, however, Marian ends up basically knocking on Robin’s front door and the two of them hit it off. It’s almost like they’d known each other their entire lives, they start telling each other everything and trusting each other tremendously.
When they both decide to take a trip together and end up in a different place then they are use to, they start to rely on each other more and more. They also start to trust the other and how they feel about things and the like.
This story falls in line nicely with the well known Robin Hood story. I think that anyone that likes Robin Hood will in fact like and enjoy this story. I recommend it for those individuals. I truly enjoyed reading it and am hopeful that there will be another book in the series sooner, rather then later.
When they both decide to take a trip together and end up in a different place then they are use to, they start to rely on each other more and more. They also start to trust the other and how they feel about things and the like.
This story falls in line nicely with the well known Robin Hood story. I think that anyone that likes Robin Hood will in fact like and enjoy this story. I recommend it for those individuals. I truly enjoyed reading it and am hopeful that there will be another book in the series sooner, rather then later.
January 17, 2021
😞😞 I don't like giving low ratings, but sometimes, you just don't like a book. 😞😞
I DID like that some of the traditional bits of the Robin Hood myth made it into this retelling. Like the bridge fight with Robin & the wedding.
But over all, I just wasn't a fan of this book. 😞 Which is a shame, because I absolutely love Robin Hood stories.
This one just felt very chaotic and disjointed. Though, occasionally, there was a funny line I enjoyed. But mostly, I felt bored or confused while reading it.
It takes more than half the book to get to the actual outlaw stuff, and the strange mix of science fiction and middle ages didn't work well for me. Maybe if it was longer, and we got to learn more about this world, its history, and characters I'd have liked it more. 🤷
I don't know. I just wasn't a fan. I might have to donate it, so it can find a home with someone who can enjoy it. 😞
I DID like that some of the traditional bits of the Robin Hood myth made it into this retelling. Like the bridge fight with Robin & the wedding.
But over all, I just wasn't a fan of this book. 😞 Which is a shame, because I absolutely love Robin Hood stories.
This one just felt very chaotic and disjointed. Though, occasionally, there was a funny line I enjoyed. But mostly, I felt bored or confused while reading it.
It takes more than half the book to get to the actual outlaw stuff, and the strange mix of science fiction and middle ages didn't work well for me. Maybe if it was longer, and we got to learn more about this world, its history, and characters I'd have liked it more. 🤷
I don't know. I just wasn't a fan. I might have to donate it, so it can find a home with someone who can enjoy it. 😞
December 8, 2022
VERY DIFFERENT but cute haha
This is not your typical Robin Hood. For one thing, Robin lives in space on another PLANET! Never seen the woods in his life lol
He also didn't know his family.
Marian doesn't immediately warm up to Robin but they are fast partners and I love them 😍
Robin cares for others and Marian tries to save her King, thinking her family may be traitors. It's a space travel adventure with a planet stop that hasn't evolved past the middle ages yet.
I love all the nods to the original story and all the silliness 😂
Good fun and fast read and unique retelling. Gotta love Wendy Mass lol
This is not your typical Robin Hood. For one thing, Robin lives in space on another PLANET! Never seen the woods in his life lol
He also didn't know his family.
Marian doesn't immediately warm up to Robin but they are fast partners and I love them 😍
Robin cares for others and Marian tries to save her King, thinking her family may be traitors. It's a space travel adventure with a planet stop that hasn't evolved past the middle ages yet.
I love all the nods to the original story and all the silliness 😂
Good fun and fast read and unique retelling. Gotta love Wendy Mass lol
January 16, 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Children's Lit, Fantasy, Scifi Rating: G Ages: 10-15 Lower readers or quick reads
This novel is very basic and it is geared to young adult readers that need less complex text. I recommend this book for those that read a little slower, but want some maturity in their novel. This would be especially good for boys and girls that do not like to read. The book has a little bit of romance, scifi, action, and humor. If you want just a quick easy read, I recommend it just for fun.
This novel is very basic and it is geared to young adult readers that need less complex text. I recommend this book for those that read a little slower, but want some maturity in their novel. This would be especially good for boys and girls that do not like to read. The book has a little bit of romance, scifi, action, and humor. If you want just a quick easy read, I recommend it just for fun.
June 8, 2022
It's 2336, the Earth is not what it used to be. Maid Marian still lives on the nearly entirely destroyed planet while Robin Hood lives on Spaceport Delta Z.
Fates have a way of bringing them together. So, while trying to find the 'lost' King Richard, they stumble upon a new planet which is viable to the life, flora and fauna, that once lived on Earth.
Robin Hood, The One Who Looked Good in Green is a lighthearted look at this couple's encounters. I didn't enjoy this one as much I as I've loved Wendy Mass's other books, but for the right kid this will be just the ticket.
Fates have a way of bringing them together. So, while trying to find the 'lost' King Richard, they stumble upon a new planet which is viable to the life, flora and fauna, that once lived on Earth.
Robin Hood, The One Who Looked Good in Green is a lighthearted look at this couple's encounters. I didn't enjoy this one as much I as I've loved Wendy Mass's other books, but for the right kid this will be just the ticket.
April 17, 2021
Wendy Mass is one of my favorite fiction authors. Her Twice Upon a Time stories are a staple in my collection. Being a lover of retold fairy tales, I was drawn to them. I never thought Robin Hood could have such an amazing re-telling, but she really outdid herself. Starting in space with a futuristic plot, taking us back to medieval ages and wrapping everything up neatly - I'm impressed! Great story for preteens and, yes, even adults who love a clean, but cute budding romance story.
April 23, 2022
The end of the series, another goal accomplished.
This little series was cute, but just not for me. I found this book to be a touch too out of the realm of possibility. I found it lingered too long causing the ending to be abrupt and unsatisfactory. However, I’m not the target audience, so it’s okay.
This little series was cute, but just not for me. I found this book to be a touch too out of the realm of possibility. I found it lingered too long causing the ending to be abrupt and unsatisfactory. However, I’m not the target audience, so it’s okay.
March 25, 2019
I love Wendy Mass's ability to create characters that are complex and compelling and just downright likable no matter what their foibles. What a unique way to approach this classic tale. I am always glad I stay along for the ride when I read one of her books.
September 27, 2018
I liked the characters, but the fact that the plot suddenly went from a space station to middle-ages "England" was a bit weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2019
Ooh, a nice twist on an old fairy tale of Robin Hood. This time they are in the future and not even on the planet Earth.
April 28, 2020
Fun twist on the original story and good character development.
May 17, 2021
Cute, but nothing spectacular. The plot felt very rushed. 3 stars.
April 25, 2022
Spoiler!
Surprisingly it’s placed in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
Unexpected twist
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews