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Maid Marian
An irresistible reimagining of the Robin Hood legend, Maid Marian brings to life the rollicking€”and romantic€”world of the Middle Ages.An orphan and heiress to a large country estate, Marian Fitzwater is wed at the age of five to an equally young nobleman, Lord Hugh of Sencaster, a union that joins her inheritance to his. But when she is seventeen, Lord Hugh, whom she hasn€™t seen in years, dies under mysterious circumstances. Marian is left alone again€”a widow who has never been a bride. But now, like all unmarried young ladies of fortune, she is made the ward of King Richard the Lionheart. Since Richard is away on Crusade, Marian€™s fate lies in the hands of his mother, the formidable Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. The bridegroom Eleanor selects will get Marian€™s lands and, in return, pledge his loyalty€”and silver€”to the king. Marian herself is irrelevant and she knows it. Determined not to be sold into another sham marriage, she seeks
314 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2004
38 people are currently reading
2857 people want to read
About the author
Elsa Watson
7 books89 followersPacific Northwest native Elsa Watson loves to write about two of her favorite things: history and animals. Whether she's telling stories about Maid Marian and Elizabeth Tudor or dogs and people who switch bodies, Elsa loves bringing her imaginary world to life.
Elsa is the author of MAID MARIAN, a re-telling of the Robin Hood legend, and THE OTHER ELIZABETH, a story for younger readers about 14-year-old Elizabeth Tudor. Her dog books include THE LOVE DOG, the story of a dog named Apollo who works in reality TV, and DOG DAYS, about a dog and woman who switch bodies. Publishers Weekly named DOG DAYS as one of the best romances of 2012.
To learn more, visit www.elsawatson.net.
Elsa is the author of MAID MARIAN, a re-telling of the Robin Hood legend, and THE OTHER ELIZABETH, a story for younger readers about 14-year-old Elizabeth Tudor. Her dog books include THE LOVE DOG, the story of a dog named Apollo who works in reality TV, and DOG DAYS, about a dog and woman who switch bodies. Publishers Weekly named DOG DAYS as one of the best romances of 2012.
To learn more, visit www.elsawatson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
August 25, 2009
Robin Hood is my absolute favorite legend of all time, but somehow nobody ever manages to match my idea of him. Far too many insist on making him gritty and morally ambiguous and useless, whereas I see him as a very smart, very righteous man with a great sense of humor. The POINT of Robin Hood is that he's a champion of the poor and the downtrodden, but he never loses his humanity or ability to laugh--and Watson gets that. Additionally, she managed to pack in most of my favorite tidbits of the Robin Hood legend: the Merry Men living around the Greenwood, wearing Lincolnwood green, the cave as the fall-back position, the shooting match where Robin Hood wins a golden arrow, the overarcing ideal of protecting the throne and the kingdom, collecting King Richard's ransom...Robin Hood's friendships feel real, and his relationship with Maid Marian is exceptionally believable.
The story is told by Maid Marian. Growing up as the Norman Lady Marian Fitzwater, her life is bound by the rules of Queen Eleanor of Aquitane's court and her childhood marriage to Sir Hugh of Sencaster. But Hugh's untimely death sunders her expectations of adult life, and her struggle to regain her dower lands shows her that neither her former mother-in-law nor the queen can be trusted. Seeking information about her mil's plans, Marian ventures into Sherwood Forest, looking for the infamous outlaw Robin Hood. The two clash immediately (Marian has pretty privileged views, particularly of the Saxon-Norman conflict), but there is a spark there that neither can deny. Months later, Robin Hood saves her from a forced marriage and the two flee to Sherwood. They have a number of adventures, culminating in a devious plan to snatch back Marian's dower lands.
The writing is ok, the villain fairly ridiculous (definitely the weakest part of the book), the historical knowledge very good, and the emotional lives of the characters very well thought out. It's a slightly uneven book, but it's definitely one of the better perspectives on the Robin Hood legend.
The story is told by Maid Marian. Growing up as the Norman Lady Marian Fitzwater, her life is bound by the rules of Queen Eleanor of Aquitane's court and her childhood marriage to Sir Hugh of Sencaster. But Hugh's untimely death sunders her expectations of adult life, and her struggle to regain her dower lands shows her that neither her former mother-in-law nor the queen can be trusted. Seeking information about her mil's plans, Marian ventures into Sherwood Forest, looking for the infamous outlaw Robin Hood. The two clash immediately (Marian has pretty privileged views, particularly of the Saxon-Norman conflict), but there is a spark there that neither can deny. Months later, Robin Hood saves her from a forced marriage and the two flee to Sherwood. They have a number of adventures, culminating in a devious plan to snatch back Marian's dower lands.
The writing is ok, the villain fairly ridiculous (definitely the weakest part of the book), the historical knowledge very good, and the emotional lives of the characters very well thought out. It's a slightly uneven book, but it's definitely one of the better perspectives on the Robin Hood legend.
February 18, 2020
For as long as I can remember I have always been a fan of Robin Hood legend. Movies and books alike have told various versions that I have soaked up and loved. Earlier this year I found the best ever with the first two installations of Stephen Lawhead's triology Hood and Scarlet. Those two books being from the perspective of, of course, Robin Hood (Bran) and Will Scarlet. This book fits right in!! I know that Elsa Watson is her own author and nothing to do with the former, but really this tale fits well into the mix. Here you have a version of the historic bard tale written in a way never read before. Of course the setting is different, so don't get me wrong, but what I mean is the perspective.
This book is the retelling from Marian's point of view. Through Elsa's words she is as real as can be. Marian is finally real with thoughts, opinions, dreams, and fears. She brings to you through her inner-most thoughts her life from birth to future and you cannot help but feel with her. Anger and love, pain and joy. It is all there and well shared.
Frankly, this book is fabulous and I could barely put it down. I hate that it was a library book, because I don't want to give it back. I guess I will just have to go and buy it myself now. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will dream of it for nights to come.
Jump in and explore the adventure and tales of a realistic Maid Marian from a juvenile to a young mistress. Learn the power of a woman in charge from both evil and good. It's just wonderful.
This book is the retelling from Marian's point of view. Through Elsa's words she is as real as can be. Marian is finally real with thoughts, opinions, dreams, and fears. She brings to you through her inner-most thoughts her life from birth to future and you cannot help but feel with her. Anger and love, pain and joy. It is all there and well shared.
Frankly, this book is fabulous and I could barely put it down. I hate that it was a library book, because I don't want to give it back. I guess I will just have to go and buy it myself now. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will dream of it for nights to come.
Jump in and explore the adventure and tales of a realistic Maid Marian from a juvenile to a young mistress. Learn the power of a woman in charge from both evil and good. It's just wonderful.
December 30, 2017
This book attempts a mix of historical fiction and myth in the form of a Robin Hood retelling, and succeeds at neither. Marian Fitzwater is a ward of the crown and subject to the whims of Eleanor of Aquitaine, so she actively seeks out help from Robin Hood when her fate is uncertain. The novel veers somewhat crazily between Marian's life as a member of the Norman aristocracy to the typical life of the Saxon peasant, with some stops in Sherwood in between. It's unbelievable as a chronicle of life in Norman England (Marian's class fluidity is ridiculous) and it's unbelievable as a Robin Hood retelling (Robin Hood is out here bargaining with the queen? get real). The real crime of this book is that it's just not that fun. There are brief flashes where Watson seems to get Robin Hood as a character, but we spend more time with Marian posing as Lady Pernelle's trusted servant (?) than we do with the outlaws. Whatever this is, it's not a Robin Hood book.
dnf-did-not-finish
June 20, 2017I'm afraid this was a DNF. It wasn't a bad book, and I adore the story of Robin Hood, but this one was just a bit too slow for me. I stopped on page fifty-nine.
May 14, 2020
[Queen Eleanor] strode on and left me, [Lady Marian], there, a numb mass of flesh and bones. Here was the truth I had so longed for. I had no parents, would never see them, could never live in the same home with them. The glowing phantoms I'd so carefully built by piling my hopes and dreams together disappeared in a breath of wind, turned to dust, and vanished completely.
It was then that I learned to mistrust my elders, to look for the meaning behind their words, to feel suspect of their smiles and caresses. Got if one man might lie to me, as Apple Man so soundly had, why shouldn't the others? If he could placate me with falsehoods, how could I trust the words of his fellows?
And so, though I was little aware of it at the time, the first chills of disillusionment stole across my heart that day, leaving a child mixed with one part shrewdness and three parts youthful ignorance.
~~The Major Oak, where legends describe Robin Hood gathering with his men, still stands in Sherwood forest (albeit with significant structural support). Picture Marian, as a not-quite lady of 17, fleeing her castle and planned marriage for this forest!
One of my favorite movies as a child was the Disney cartoon version of Robin Hood. So forgive me if I get a little excited any time I pick up a book having to do with the legendary folk hero. Elsa Watson gives us a variation of that legend by using the first person POV of Marian. She's able to use fictional licence because there aren't a whole lot of "facts" surrounding Maid Marian in the folk tales.
In Watson's retelling, Marian is the orphaned child of landed nobles. As such, she inherits her family's estate (with a regent, Apple Man, to rule the land until she is of age). However, she is also at the mercy of Queen Eleanor, and can be married to a nobleman of the queen's choice. These matches were frequently made as a reward to men in favor of the kind/queen as any land ownership transferred to the husband upon marriage.
Marian is not one to enter her chosen marriage without a fight though. Enlisting the help of her long-time nurse, Annie, she attempts to find out who her planned husband is. Central to her plan is Robin Hood, a well-known outlaw. Her future has never been more uncertain, and in medieval England, uncertainty is often better than a sealed fate.
My two cents: Watson's novel has the potential to be a wonderful retelling with a twist. Unfortunately, the writing was stilted, the plot evolved in an unlikely way, and the villain was almost comedic. Also, despite the first person POV, I never truly connected with Marian. She seemed strangely detached from the story...definitely a case of telling, not showing. Overall, I would only recommend this as a library grab if you love all things Robin Hood, but other reviewers have mentioned better versions of this classic tale. Given 1.5 stars or a rating of "Below Average".
Further Reading: A link to an article exploring the legends of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. http://www.goodtimes.com.pk/the-legen...
It was then that I learned to mistrust my elders, to look for the meaning behind their words, to feel suspect of their smiles and caresses. Got if one man might lie to me, as Apple Man so soundly had, why shouldn't the others? If he could placate me with falsehoods, how could I trust the words of his fellows?
And so, though I was little aware of it at the time, the first chills of disillusionment stole across my heart that day, leaving a child mixed with one part shrewdness and three parts youthful ignorance.
~~The Major Oak, where legends describe Robin Hood gathering with his men, still stands in Sherwood forest (albeit with significant structural support). Picture Marian, as a not-quite lady of 17, fleeing her castle and planned marriage for this forest!
One of my favorite movies as a child was the Disney cartoon version of Robin Hood. So forgive me if I get a little excited any time I pick up a book having to do with the legendary folk hero. Elsa Watson gives us a variation of that legend by using the first person POV of Marian. She's able to use fictional licence because there aren't a whole lot of "facts" surrounding Maid Marian in the folk tales.
In Watson's retelling, Marian is the orphaned child of landed nobles. As such, she inherits her family's estate (with a regent, Apple Man, to rule the land until she is of age). However, she is also at the mercy of Queen Eleanor, and can be married to a nobleman of the queen's choice. These matches were frequently made as a reward to men in favor of the kind/queen as any land ownership transferred to the husband upon marriage.
Marian is not one to enter her chosen marriage without a fight though. Enlisting the help of her long-time nurse, Annie, she attempts to find out who her planned husband is. Central to her plan is Robin Hood, a well-known outlaw. Her future has never been more uncertain, and in medieval England, uncertainty is often better than a sealed fate.
My two cents: Watson's novel has the potential to be a wonderful retelling with a twist. Unfortunately, the writing was stilted, the plot evolved in an unlikely way, and the villain was almost comedic. Also, despite the first person POV, I never truly connected with Marian. She seemed strangely detached from the story...definitely a case of telling, not showing. Overall, I would only recommend this as a library grab if you love all things Robin Hood, but other reviewers have mentioned better versions of this classic tale. Given 1.5 stars or a rating of "Below Average".
Further Reading: A link to an article exploring the legends of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. http://www.goodtimes.com.pk/the-legen...
August 21, 2015
Yet another retelling enters the foggy area of "I'm not sure what to think of this..."
Vague spoilers and much rambling incoming...
It started out with a narration style that I found very hard to connect to, and a verrrry verrrry sloooooow beginning, exasperated by my issues with the narration. I actually flipped through the book, found the chapter where they were going to run into Robin, went "okay, I can make it" and chugged through to get there. I would sometimes skip ahead when I saw dialogue or something interesting further down the page, read a bit there, and then back up, which was weird and not something I usually do.
When we did get to Robin, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed him, and how well the dialogue tended to flow and amuse me. Unfortunately, some sexual references entered with the dialogue, which made it a mixed victory for the book. We had some fun, Robin Hood-esque adventures and some nice banter.
Then it swung into everybody being so in love and then so betrayed (as displayed by my status updates) and I lost all patience with the story and with Marian. I had a hard time ever learning /why/ Marian loved Robin (even though I did, it would be nice to know what appealed to her about his personality), so both the ecstatic love and violent reaction to a "betrayal" only exasperated me.
Then, very surprisingly, the book took a turn for the better. Though I continued to struggle with the narration style and pacing of the book, the last hundred or so pages actually went tolerably well for me. I almost wished that the kind of story that the last third of the book was had been what the whole book had been like. It was interesting to . One thing rubbed me a bit wrong:
Probably, when it rounds out, the book spent approximately 1/3rd of it's time in 3-star territory, edging towards 4 at times, and the other 2/3rds annoying the heck out of me for various reasons. I feel like all of it would have been better if I'd been able to really see eye-to-eye with Marian on emotional level, but I never got there. Again, I think the narration is to blame. There were plenty of things about her I technically should have been able to connect to, but the way they were expressed kept me from doing so.
To sum up:
1. Robin is a dear.
2. Marian is tolerable.
3. The content is regrettable and sometimes insulting.
4. The villain is interesting, if descending into a bit of unbelievable madness in the end.
5. It sometimes pretends to be historically accurate when it is not. It seemed more to match the times of maybe 100 or 200 years later to me than the late 12th century. Taken as fantasy, it's okay. The legend of Robin Hood itself contains many inaccuracies.
6. The dialogue, except for a brief highly stilted spell (see: love and betrayal), is very enjoyable.
7. Show, don't tell.
8. Some interesting plot points and characters.
9. Please cut the boring stuff.
Vague spoilers and much rambling incoming...
It started out with a narration style that I found very hard to connect to, and a verrrry verrrry sloooooow beginning, exasperated by my issues with the narration. I actually flipped through the book, found the chapter where they were going to run into Robin, went "okay, I can make it" and chugged through to get there. I would sometimes skip ahead when I saw dialogue or something interesting further down the page, read a bit there, and then back up, which was weird and not something I usually do.
When we did get to Robin, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed him, and how well the dialogue tended to flow and amuse me. Unfortunately, some sexual references entered with the dialogue, which made it a mixed victory for the book. We had some fun, Robin Hood-esque adventures and some nice banter.
Then it swung into everybody being so in love and then so betrayed (as displayed by my status updates) and I lost all patience with the story and with Marian. I had a hard time ever learning /why/ Marian loved Robin (even though I did, it would be nice to know what appealed to her about his personality), so both the ecstatic love and violent reaction to a "betrayal" only exasperated me.
Then, very surprisingly, the book took a turn for the better. Though I continued to struggle with the narration style and pacing of the book, the last hundred or so pages actually went tolerably well for me. I almost wished that the kind of story that the last third of the book was had been what the whole book had been like. It was interesting to . One thing rubbed me a bit wrong:
Probably, when it rounds out, the book spent approximately 1/3rd of it's time in 3-star territory, edging towards 4 at times, and the other 2/3rds annoying the heck out of me for various reasons. I feel like all of it would have been better if I'd been able to really see eye-to-eye with Marian on emotional level, but I never got there. Again, I think the narration is to blame. There were plenty of things about her I technically should have been able to connect to, but the way they were expressed kept me from doing so.
To sum up:
1. Robin is a dear.
2. Marian is tolerable.
3. The content is regrettable and sometimes insulting.
4. The villain is interesting, if descending into a bit of unbelievable madness in the end.
5. It sometimes pretends to be historically accurate when it is not. It seemed more to match the times of maybe 100 or 200 years later to me than the late 12th century. Taken as fantasy, it's okay. The legend of Robin Hood itself contains many inaccuracies.
6. The dialogue, except for a brief highly stilted spell (see: love and betrayal), is very enjoyable.
7. Show, don't tell.
8. Some interesting plot points and characters.
9. Please cut the boring stuff.
March 11, 2013
Although I had read reviews suggesting Marian might be too much the helpless damsel, the book started off well. Within the confines allowed her by medieval society, Marian does an impressive job taking control of her fate. The writing was beautiful throughout and the elegant language felt like the right way for Maid Marian to tell her story. Things quickly fall apart, however, when Marian finds she lacks the courage to run away from her second marriage and is only saved by the timely intervention of Robin Hood.
From this point forward, Marian mostly stops being the character driving the plot. The decisions she does make are poorly thought out. Despite being the main character Maid Marian misses out on much of the action, only hearing about it from Robin Hood. This means that the reader also misses out on the action while Marian simpers at or worries about Robin constantly. For maybe the last fifth of the story, Marian begins making her own decisions again and we see a little of the court intrigue promised in the description. But of course, at the very end, Robin has to sweep in again to secure a happy ending.
Just to be clear, I’m not opposed to a strong male protagonist or women who sometimes need to be rescued. It’s even realistic for Marian to need to be rescued initially, before she’s learned to fight or survive as a commoner. What bothers me is that once she gains these skills, she’s still a complete idiot about Robin (making her un-relatable) while Robin is obnoxiously smug (making him un-relatable). So this left me annoyed at Marian, who constantly has to be rescued from her poor choices, and without a character I could empathize with.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
From this point forward, Marian mostly stops being the character driving the plot. The decisions she does make are poorly thought out. Despite being the main character Maid Marian misses out on much of the action, only hearing about it from Robin Hood. This means that the reader also misses out on the action while Marian simpers at or worries about Robin constantly. For maybe the last fifth of the story, Marian begins making her own decisions again and we see a little of the court intrigue promised in the description. But of course, at the very end, Robin has to sweep in again to secure a happy ending.
Just to be clear, I’m not opposed to a strong male protagonist or women who sometimes need to be rescued. It’s even realistic for Marian to need to be rescued initially, before she’s learned to fight or survive as a commoner. What bothers me is that once she gains these skills, she’s still a complete idiot about Robin (making her un-relatable) while Robin is obnoxiously smug (making him un-relatable). So this left me annoyed at Marian, who constantly has to be rescued from her poor choices, and without a character I could empathize with.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
September 26, 2010
It was so bad. I hated every minute of it. It was childish, Marion and Robin were incredibly annoying and whiny and I frankly stopped caring about the characters early on.
If you want a really good Robin Hood book check out Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Robinson, its so good. !! so good.
If you want a really good Robin Hood book check out Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Robinson, its so good. !! so good.
July 7, 2017
A Robin Hood retelling told from Marian's point of view. This novel is at its strongest when focused on the historical period especially the setting and politics of the time. Although the narrative slows when chronicling all of Marian's thoughts and feelings in detail, she is still a strong character and her story is compelling. Fans of historical romance will appreciate this version of the Sherwood Forest hero.
August 31, 2021
Lady Marian Fitzwater is a land-holding heiress, born to nobility. After the death of her parents, she is sent to live at Warwick Castle, as a ward of the Crown, while her lands are tended by her guardian, Sir Thomas Lanois. You'd think the life of an heiress would be easy, but think again. Marian is really a pawn, to be bargained off in marriage as the King (or in this case regent Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine) sees fit. Her lands will never actually be hers, and she really has no agency over her life.
Though discontent, Marian at first resigns herself to her born fate. But when her first husband dies, and Eleanor of Aquitaine plans to bargain Marian off in another miserable marriage, Marian takes matters into her own hands. Rumor has it that deep in Sherwood Forest, there lives an outlaw called Robin. Marian devises a scheme to ask for the outlaw's help, and hopefully find a way out of her arranged marriage.
Needless to say, Robin and Marian fall in love, and adventure ensues. There will be twists and turns, spies and lies, peasants and nobles, all together in a satisfying tale that feels like authentic Medieval life.
What I really liked about this book was its feminist perspective, told from Marian's point of view. I also loved the gritty details of both country and castle life, and the slow burn of Robin and Marian's love affair. What I disliked was, towards the end it reverts to a lot of telling rather than showing, and at times the plot took some outlandish twists. But overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was like stepping in to a Medieval world that I could see, taste and touch. Robin and Marian are presented as full, well rounded characters, full of doubt and self consciousness, as well as bravery.
I recommend this for any reader who likes tales of Robin Hood, is interested in a more feminist perspective, or just wants to be transported into a rich tale of the past.
Though discontent, Marian at first resigns herself to her born fate. But when her first husband dies, and Eleanor of Aquitaine plans to bargain Marian off in another miserable marriage, Marian takes matters into her own hands. Rumor has it that deep in Sherwood Forest, there lives an outlaw called Robin. Marian devises a scheme to ask for the outlaw's help, and hopefully find a way out of her arranged marriage.
Needless to say, Robin and Marian fall in love, and adventure ensues. There will be twists and turns, spies and lies, peasants and nobles, all together in a satisfying tale that feels like authentic Medieval life.
What I really liked about this book was its feminist perspective, told from Marian's point of view. I also loved the gritty details of both country and castle life, and the slow burn of Robin and Marian's love affair. What I disliked was, towards the end it reverts to a lot of telling rather than showing, and at times the plot took some outlandish twists. But overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was like stepping in to a Medieval world that I could see, taste and touch. Robin and Marian are presented as full, well rounded characters, full of doubt and self consciousness, as well as bravery.
I recommend this for any reader who likes tales of Robin Hood, is interested in a more feminist perspective, or just wants to be transported into a rich tale of the past.
March 13, 2020
4 stars!
September 19, 2021
I have always loved the Robin Hood stories since I was a young girl. I found the idea of Maid Marian's story to be intriguing. Lady Marian is married at a very young age to Hugh. Ten years later (when she is about 15) the queen herself breaks the news to her of Hugh's death. Now Marian decides to run before she can be married yet again to Hugh's brother. She is very upset that the queen can marry her off at leisure to any man to gain control over her lands. When she meets Robin Hood, Marian and her lady's maid join the merry men of Sherwood Forest. She falls for Robin and he for her and they concoct a plan to regain control of Marian's legacy. I found it quite romantic and the prose flowed so easily that it was an enjoyable read. The only thing I would like to have seen is more of Robin Hood and his men. Whenever Robin was there, the story had its finest moments.
April 23, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up. The sweet and innocent love story of Maid Marian, a Norman noblewoman and heiress, and Robin Hood, a Saxon outlaw. I enjoyed this as a light read.
June 4, 2022
I began reading this book with reluctance. After all, the story of Robin Hood has been told so many times, and I was mostly expecting this one to be "just another Robin Hood extension."
However, I was pleasantly surprised right from the beginning. Elsa Watson's writing is grounded, realistic, and elegant. I really felt as if I was there in her medieval world. The vivid setting and the fact that I love the middle ages prompted me to read the entire book in one sitting.
The story is about Marian Fitzwater, a beautiful young girl whose young fiancee died when she was a child. Now, her fiancee's mother, the deceptive Lady Pernelle, is vying to convince Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine that she can rightfully take over Marian's lands. As Eleanor prepares to have Marian married off into a loveless arranged marriage, Marian sees no choice other than to flee along with her beloved maid. From there, she ends up joining the band of Robin Hood, a roguish outlaw, and finds herself falling in love.
Something that I loved about this story is that it doesn't try to be a re-telling of Robin Hood. It isn't about Robin, it's about Marian. The author has truly created a new character, Marian isn't defined or characterized by Robin or the legend she is a part of.
All of the characters had their own personality. Marian's character was well written, and I loved her loyal maid. Robin's character wasn't exactly original (it's exactly what anyone would expect from the well-known outlaw) but he wasn't awful, and I liked him. It was also interesting that the author portrayed Eleanor of Aquitaine in a less than favorable light.
The only thing that I didn't like about the story was a section in the plot that I didn't think made much sense. Robin is about to go and fight a vicious battle that he may not live through. Marian begs him to stay, because she wouldn't be able to bear it if he were to be killed. Of course, Robin goes anyways, and Marian is so outraged, she decides to leave without warning. She wanders aimlessly through the country, disguised as a peasant, and ends up living with a kindly poor woman and her family. I thought that this was all rather dramatic. And yes, the woman that Marian met was very likable and a well written minor character, but there is no point to her or Marian's departure and journey. All of that has absolutely nothing to do with anything. Wouldn't it have been more exciting to have Marian sneak off to join the fight? Or have the men return, but without Robin, so she has to go find him? Save him, maybe?
But no. Instead the author decides to send her on a pointless journey across the country.
And then, one day, Robin himself shows up! Tada! He's alive! He and Marian joyfully ride back to Sherwood Forest.
I have to say, this seemed highly unlikely to me, even a bit suspect. I kept hoping that there was some secret plot detail that the author hadn't revealed yet - How exactly did Robin find Marian? Did someone in the village tell him? What about the family she was staying with?
But no. All pointless.
However, thankfully Elsa Watson is brilliant at spinning characters off of her descriptions of rolling hills and lush countryside. Through out the book, the prose and details are wonderful. I will certainly be looking for more of her work, for this very reason. Whether pointless or relevant, all the characters were believable, especially the female ones. And her writing is graceful but without becoming unrealistic or overly dramatic.
This is a great book that I recommend. Most likely, you won't even notice the plot detour. Watson's writing is just too pretty to mind.
However, I was pleasantly surprised right from the beginning. Elsa Watson's writing is grounded, realistic, and elegant. I really felt as if I was there in her medieval world. The vivid setting and the fact that I love the middle ages prompted me to read the entire book in one sitting.
The story is about Marian Fitzwater, a beautiful young girl whose young fiancee died when she was a child. Now, her fiancee's mother, the deceptive Lady Pernelle, is vying to convince Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine that she can rightfully take over Marian's lands. As Eleanor prepares to have Marian married off into a loveless arranged marriage, Marian sees no choice other than to flee along with her beloved maid. From there, she ends up joining the band of Robin Hood, a roguish outlaw, and finds herself falling in love.
Something that I loved about this story is that it doesn't try to be a re-telling of Robin Hood. It isn't about Robin, it's about Marian. The author has truly created a new character, Marian isn't defined or characterized by Robin or the legend she is a part of.
All of the characters had their own personality. Marian's character was well written, and I loved her loyal maid. Robin's character wasn't exactly original (it's exactly what anyone would expect from the well-known outlaw) but he wasn't awful, and I liked him. It was also interesting that the author portrayed Eleanor of Aquitaine in a less than favorable light.
The only thing that I didn't like about the story was a section in the plot that I didn't think made much sense. Robin is about to go and fight a vicious battle that he may not live through. Marian begs him to stay, because she wouldn't be able to bear it if he were to be killed. Of course, Robin goes anyways, and Marian is so outraged, she decides to leave without warning. She wanders aimlessly through the country, disguised as a peasant, and ends up living with a kindly poor woman and her family. I thought that this was all rather dramatic. And yes, the woman that Marian met was very likable and a well written minor character, but there is no point to her or Marian's departure and journey. All of that has absolutely nothing to do with anything. Wouldn't it have been more exciting to have Marian sneak off to join the fight? Or have the men return, but without Robin, so she has to go find him? Save him, maybe?
But no. Instead the author decides to send her on a pointless journey across the country.
And then, one day, Robin himself shows up! Tada! He's alive! He and Marian joyfully ride back to Sherwood Forest.
I have to say, this seemed highly unlikely to me, even a bit suspect. I kept hoping that there was some secret plot detail that the author hadn't revealed yet - How exactly did Robin find Marian? Did someone in the village tell him? What about the family she was staying with?
But no. All pointless.
However, thankfully Elsa Watson is brilliant at spinning characters off of her descriptions of rolling hills and lush countryside. Through out the book, the prose and details are wonderful. I will certainly be looking for more of her work, for this very reason. Whether pointless or relevant, all the characters were believable, especially the female ones. And her writing is graceful but without becoming unrealistic or overly dramatic.
This is a great book that I recommend. Most likely, you won't even notice the plot detour. Watson's writing is just too pretty to mind.
April 10, 2018
Rating: 4 / 5
From start to finish, this is Maid Marian's story, and that in itself is fairly impressive as, in a story involving the Robin Hood legends, it is apt that he is the main character. Indeed, I fully expected Marian to be only a side character in his adventures, except that they would all be told from her perspective, and how she can prove her worth as joining his band of merry men.
The author was nothing if not original with the twist she did take, though. Firstly, the story is written in a first person, which already lends itself to being more Marian's story than Robin's, but in no way guarantees that the events within the story would be relevant to Marian as much as Robin himself. Well, that's exactly what they end up being, actually, as the conflict in the story is not that of the traditional plot of "robbing the rich and feeding the poor", but of Marian reclaiming her family lands and fortune from her former mother-in-law, who's intent upon having them at all costs. (Prince John and King Richard, it should be mentioned, aren't characters in the book at all, although they are mentioned, and any interactions with royalty are focused entirely on the female figure of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine--quite an interesting touch, I thought.)
As such, the book overall is definitely female-oriented, although of course the men participate in the action to an equal extent. Now, I know that this is highly historically inaccurate, even considering that the legends of Robin Hood are largely myths to begin with, but just the idea of women being considered equal by men in those days, such as the men seem to treat the women, seemed just a trifle unlikely. I mean, maybe it's because the realities of history have been so ingrained in me, but even in fiction books, I have my doubts about accuracy. I mean, if it had been only Robin treating Marian as an equal, okay, I could have understood that, but she'd virtually unchallenged by any many, many of the women seem to be equally unchallenged, such that, while historical references are briefly and vaguely made, it didn't really feel like the story was taking place in 10-11th century England.
That being my chief reason for deducting points for this read, all else that I can say is that this was a super easy and charming read, and it might possibly be a re-read in the future, but just not one of those reads that I can't forget about, or anything. Well-written, enjoyable, and quick to get through--finis.
From start to finish, this is Maid Marian's story, and that in itself is fairly impressive as, in a story involving the Robin Hood legends, it is apt that he is the main character. Indeed, I fully expected Marian to be only a side character in his adventures, except that they would all be told from her perspective, and how she can prove her worth as joining his band of merry men.
The author was nothing if not original with the twist she did take, though. Firstly, the story is written in a first person, which already lends itself to being more Marian's story than Robin's, but in no way guarantees that the events within the story would be relevant to Marian as much as Robin himself. Well, that's exactly what they end up being, actually, as the conflict in the story is not that of the traditional plot of "robbing the rich and feeding the poor", but of Marian reclaiming her family lands and fortune from her former mother-in-law, who's intent upon having them at all costs. (Prince John and King Richard, it should be mentioned, aren't characters in the book at all, although they are mentioned, and any interactions with royalty are focused entirely on the female figure of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine--quite an interesting touch, I thought.)
As such, the book overall is definitely female-oriented, although of course the men participate in the action to an equal extent. Now, I know that this is highly historically inaccurate, even considering that the legends of Robin Hood are largely myths to begin with, but just the idea of women being considered equal by men in those days, such as the men seem to treat the women, seemed just a trifle unlikely. I mean, maybe it's because the realities of history have been so ingrained in me, but even in fiction books, I have my doubts about accuracy. I mean, if it had been only Robin treating Marian as an equal, okay, I could have understood that, but she'd virtually unchallenged by any many, many of the women seem to be equally unchallenged, such that, while historical references are briefly and vaguely made, it didn't really feel like the story was taking place in 10-11th century England.
That being my chief reason for deducting points for this read, all else that I can say is that this was a super easy and charming read, and it might possibly be a re-read in the future, but just not one of those reads that I can't forget about, or anything. Well-written, enjoyable, and quick to get through--finis.
March 22, 2012
Picked up this book because of the beautiful cover and ROBIN HOOD!
I have to say, the book design is lovely. It's credited to Lauren Dong, and I think she deserves a credit here too. Not just the cover, but the lovely flowers inside, even the typesetting is nice.
However, the story... well, I really, really WANTED to like it. Very soon into the book, I realized that the characters' attitudes and behaviors were not consistent with 15th-century England. That's actually OK with me, I adjusted my attitude to regard this as a British-influenced fantasy book. However, it's really more of a romance than a fantasy. Unfortunately, it doesn't really work as a romance. The relationship between Robin and Marian is oddly lacking in heat. It's rather abstract and chaste; I just wasn't feeling their connection.
Other than the romance, the plot has to do with the disenfranchised noblewoman Marian enlisting Robin's help to get her lands back, as she's been cheated out of them by the conniving Lady Pernelle. This plot device creates an awkwardness that isn't ever resolved: Robin is for the poor folks, but he ends up marrying into the gentry and settling down happily in a great manor. No change is made in the status quo, except that Marian has her consciousness raised about how serfs live, and vows to "do her best" for them. Now, I don't demand revolution in every book. If you don't want to criticize the feudal system, by all means don't. But this book pays PC lip service to criticizing it, which is unsatisfying, to say the least.
Also, I didn't think the scenario where the young master of the manor agrees to be instructed in the art of fighting with a cudgel by his young servant girl was consistent with the internal 'culture' of the book, let alone a realistic depiction of the historical era.
I have to admit that I also found this Marian to be an annoying person.
Not only was she both naive and jealous, but she pulled the crap that any person deserves to be unceremoniously dumped for: "Oh, I am So Attracted to you because you are a Bad-ass, dangerous outlaw! But wait! Now that we've hooked up, you should change completely, and be safe and reliable and never take any risks! And if you don't do what I want, I will act like a psycho and run away! But that just means I must Love You!" Argh, Ugh.
For novels about Maid Marian and Robin Hood, I'd highly recommend Jennifer Roberson's 'Lady of the Forest,' or Robin McKinley's 'Outlaws of Sherwood' over this book.
I have to say, the book design is lovely. It's credited to Lauren Dong, and I think she deserves a credit here too. Not just the cover, but the lovely flowers inside, even the typesetting is nice.
However, the story... well, I really, really WANTED to like it. Very soon into the book, I realized that the characters' attitudes and behaviors were not consistent with 15th-century England. That's actually OK with me, I adjusted my attitude to regard this as a British-influenced fantasy book. However, it's really more of a romance than a fantasy. Unfortunately, it doesn't really work as a romance. The relationship between Robin and Marian is oddly lacking in heat. It's rather abstract and chaste; I just wasn't feeling their connection.
Other than the romance, the plot has to do with the disenfranchised noblewoman Marian enlisting Robin's help to get her lands back, as she's been cheated out of them by the conniving Lady Pernelle. This plot device creates an awkwardness that isn't ever resolved: Robin is for the poor folks, but he ends up marrying into the gentry and settling down happily in a great manor. No change is made in the status quo, except that Marian has her consciousness raised about how serfs live, and vows to "do her best" for them. Now, I don't demand revolution in every book. If you don't want to criticize the feudal system, by all means don't. But this book pays PC lip service to criticizing it, which is unsatisfying, to say the least.
Also, I didn't think the scenario where the young master of the manor agrees to be instructed in the art of fighting with a cudgel by his young servant girl was consistent with the internal 'culture' of the book, let alone a realistic depiction of the historical era.
I have to admit that I also found this Marian to be an annoying person.
Not only was she both naive and jealous, but she pulled the crap that any person deserves to be unceremoniously dumped for: "Oh, I am So Attracted to you because you are a Bad-ass, dangerous outlaw! But wait! Now that we've hooked up, you should change completely, and be safe and reliable and never take any risks! And if you don't do what I want, I will act like a psycho and run away! But that just means I must Love You!" Argh, Ugh.
For novels about Maid Marian and Robin Hood, I'd highly recommend Jennifer Roberson's 'Lady of the Forest,' or Robin McKinley's 'Outlaws of Sherwood' over this book.
January 20, 2013
My review of this, may be a little harsh. My suggestion? Don't read this if you have an infatuation with Maid Marian because you will be sorely disappointed.
As any Robin Hood fan knows, the origins of Marian are shaky. Authors have full creative license with her considering there is only one detailed ballad of her time with Robin. Somehow, she has sparked curiosity and love with readers and viewers and has become an integral part of the Robin Hood legend. This Marian, however, is lacking. It isn't that I disagree with character choices or found Marian too much of one thing and not enough of another. I just didn't find any of the characterization believable. The dialogue is often stunted and hokey at best and the supposedly immeasurable love between her and Robin is only accepted in the novel because Marian continuously tells us that she has feelings for him. Actions such as them kissing and him pulling her on his lap are repeated to show his love and that's about it. I never felt for them during their time of separation. I never was upset when the other thought one dead. Mostly, their love story was rather bland, right along with the political plot that Marian was involved in. On top of that, the one thing we know about Marian from the ballads is that she knows how to fight. She fought with Robin for several hours. The woman is obviously skilled. Not even that small bit of information, one that is quite interesting if you think of the time period, made it into this novel.
Overall, most of this book seems forced. Most moments with the Merry Men are paraphrased summaries of Pyle's version of the ballads and Marian herself, while having the ability to be a strong women, falls into the horrible trope of becoming weak when she falls in love.
I wanted to like this book. I desperately did. Unfortunately, this novel falls short and does an injustice to what had the potential to be a fantastic retelling of a beloved legend.
As any Robin Hood fan knows, the origins of Marian are shaky. Authors have full creative license with her considering there is only one detailed ballad of her time with Robin. Somehow, she has sparked curiosity and love with readers and viewers and has become an integral part of the Robin Hood legend. This Marian, however, is lacking. It isn't that I disagree with character choices or found Marian too much of one thing and not enough of another. I just didn't find any of the characterization believable. The dialogue is often stunted and hokey at best and the supposedly immeasurable love between her and Robin is only accepted in the novel because Marian continuously tells us that she has feelings for him. Actions such as them kissing and him pulling her on his lap are repeated to show his love and that's about it. I never felt for them during their time of separation. I never was upset when the other thought one dead. Mostly, their love story was rather bland, right along with the political plot that Marian was involved in. On top of that, the one thing we know about Marian from the ballads is that she knows how to fight. She fought with Robin for several hours. The woman is obviously skilled. Not even that small bit of information, one that is quite interesting if you think of the time period, made it into this novel.
Overall, most of this book seems forced. Most moments with the Merry Men are paraphrased summaries of Pyle's version of the ballads and Marian herself, while having the ability to be a strong women, falls into the horrible trope of becoming weak when she falls in love.
I wanted to like this book. I desperately did. Unfortunately, this novel falls short and does an injustice to what had the potential to be a fantastic retelling of a beloved legend.
January 3, 2009
This book SHOULD have been really good. I mean, c'mon! A famous cultural tale of the British Isles turned into a novel...sounds great right? And the protagonist is a beautiful noblewoman who forsakes her comfortable, stifling life for adventure and love, love with an infamous outlaw much beloved by the common people. It's a recipe for success. However, the writing was not much more than mediocre and there were several small discrepancies in the story that just made it utterly unbelievable. It was a fun, quick read for a while, but then it got...I don't know, NOT fun. How's that for an intelligent, lucid review?
February 12, 2020
I like this book a lot and am surprised there are so many people who don't.
It's a little slow in the beginning, but the backstory is all important to later on in the book. It's split into 3 parts for good reason - each is very different, and I appreciate the author's efforts to show all parts of life in the 12th century - the nobility, the outlaws in the forest, the lower class farm workers, and the servants in a castle.
Overall, there might be points that are not historically accurate or believable, but I just liked the story. It kept me entertained and the romance was cute. It's an easy read that put me right into the setting.
It's a little slow in the beginning, but the backstory is all important to later on in the book. It's split into 3 parts for good reason - each is very different, and I appreciate the author's efforts to show all parts of life in the 12th century - the nobility, the outlaws in the forest, the lower class farm workers, and the servants in a castle.
Overall, there might be points that are not historically accurate or believable, but I just liked the story. It kept me entertained and the romance was cute. It's an easy read that put me right into the setting.
February 19, 2015
I was happy to see an independent Maid Marian, but I fely this book was not adventurous enough to be connected to Robin Hood. And by adventurous, I do not mean violent. It seems to me that all forms of entertainment have become too violent. Luckily, I can chose the books I want to read and if they turn out to be violent, I put them down. I will not jump on my soapbox for too long, but that is why I enjoy Broadway plays versus the movies in the theaters, especially lately plus I do not seem to be watching much television either.
August 5, 2007
Different twist on the story of Robin Hood as told by Maid Marian. Marian seeks out Robin Hood, whom she has heard about from her servant, to help her escape from a marriage set up by the Queen and regain her lands.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It was a little slow in the beginning, but then I couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It was a little slow in the beginning, but then I couldn't put it down.
September 21, 2019
This was a very interesting take on the Robin Hood Maid Marian legend. I like the depth of character that Marian had. I also like that the story was from her point of view. She was smart, courageous and yet still a little vulnerable. Robin Hood was portrayed in an interesting light as well.
September 3, 2008
Oh, how I adore the time of Robin Hood. Not necessarily the stinky, I do not shower aspect, but the chivalrous, love-a-feisty woman part. A cool twist on a old tale.
October 25, 2008
The story of Robin Hood from Marion's point of view. Very good!
April 8, 2023
LOVED IT!
I think it is my favorite version on Robin Hood ever!
I think it is my favorite version on Robin Hood ever!
March 22, 2013
Stopped this one because of bits of off-color innuendo and humor that were making me feel uneasy.
June 10, 2017
It reads like an AU fanfic. Don't bother.
July 27, 2016
2.5 stars
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't as good as I hoped. It seemed to have promise. I do love the cover, though.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't as good as I hoped. It seemed to have promise. I do love the cover, though.
October 17, 2019
For many of us Maid Marian was part of the band headed by Robin Hood but it appears that she does not appear in the earliest ballads of Robin Hood. Wikipedia states that 'she appears to have originally been a character in May Games festivities (held during May and early June, most commonly around Whitsun)... and is sometimes associated with the Queen or Lady of May or May Day." "Both a "Robin" and a "Marian" character were associated with May Day by the 15th century, but these figures were apparently part of separate traditions; the Marian of the May Games is likely derived from the French tradition of a shepherdess named Marion and her shepherd lover Robin." Hence, even though the book I have is labeled historical I am calling it historical fiction.
This tale is the story of a noblewoman whose character is determined to live her own life rather than that of a wife dictated by her father or others for political reasons. After losing her first husband she is betrothed to his brother, again for political reasons. In this story she is rescued by Robin Hood on the day of her wedding and she joins his merry band. It is some time before she realizes she is in love with Robin as the adventures of the two unravel in the book. It's a fun, fun read.
This tale is the story of a noblewoman whose character is determined to live her own life rather than that of a wife dictated by her father or others for political reasons. After losing her first husband she is betrothed to his brother, again for political reasons. In this story she is rescued by Robin Hood on the day of her wedding and she joins his merry band. It is some time before she realizes she is in love with Robin as the adventures of the two unravel in the book. It's a fun, fun read.
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