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Heart of Sherwood
When Robyn's father and brother are killed in the Third Crusade, she is banished from her manor home and branded a traitor by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Disguised as a boy, she joins Little John and the rest of the gang in Sherwood Forest—and soon finds herself their leader.
Queen Eleanor suspects Prince John is up to no good, and colluding with Sir Guy and the Sheriff of Nottingham. To learn more, she engages Maid Marian as a spy—and unwittingly reunites Marian with her old childhood friend, Robyn. Together, the women help the queen acquire the funds needed to free King Richard and help Nottinghamshire—and perhaps fall in love along the way.
116,000 words
Fantasy, Historical, Lesbian
Queen Eleanor suspects Prince John is up to no good, and colluding with Sir Guy and the Sheriff of Nottingham. To learn more, she engages Maid Marian as a spy—and unwittingly reunites Marian with her old childhood friend, Robyn. Together, the women help the queen acquire the funds needed to free King Richard and help Nottinghamshire—and perhaps fall in love along the way.
116,000 words
Fantasy, Historical, Lesbian
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2018
122 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Edale Lane
47 books212 followersEdale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 3, 2018
Wow!
I really am glad I took a chance an purchased this book. It is always tricky when loved and well told tales are retold mainly because any changes to those stories are not always better. In this case, I think it was better. Robyn of Loxley is banished from her lands and must figure out how to survive. She runs into Little John who imtroduces her as Robin Hood to the band of outlaws. And that is where the story takes off. There is a lot of historical facts, well at least it felt accurate, and the story felt more than the normal story. Every character including the evil ones were well written and weaved into the story. If you have the funds and love the Robin Hood tale give this a read. I really loved it.
I really am glad I took a chance an purchased this book. It is always tricky when loved and well told tales are retold mainly because any changes to those stories are not always better. In this case, I think it was better. Robyn of Loxley is banished from her lands and must figure out how to survive. She runs into Little John who imtroduces her as Robin Hood to the band of outlaws. And that is where the story takes off. There is a lot of historical facts, well at least it felt accurate, and the story felt more than the normal story. Every character including the evil ones were well written and weaved into the story. If you have the funds and love the Robin Hood tale give this a read. I really loved it.
August 13, 2022
This was fun, a reimagining of the story of Robin Hood, where he is a she and the love between her and Maid Marion is consumated and real.
Knowing the original story well from books and many movies, there was nothing new, other than Robyn's gender. It was a whole lot more vicious than the original, but Little John, Friar Tuck and all the others are there, as well as the nefarious Sheriff.
Fun, with little more to add to the legend, other than a woman is the hero.
Knowing the original story well from books and many movies, there was nothing new, other than Robyn's gender. It was a whole lot more vicious than the original, but Little John, Friar Tuck and all the others are there, as well as the nefarious Sheriff.
Fun, with little more to add to the legend, other than a woman is the hero.
January 6, 2023
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢🏹🎯⚔️🛡️💰👑💕👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
😲 OMG !!!
I really, really LOVED this story ... A MUST READ. 🤯 👍👍
That's now officially one of my favs.
A really great & interesting retelling of Robin Hood’s story...
Thank you Edale Lane for having written it !!!
I wouldn’t mind reading more about Robyn and Marian someday. Just saying… 😜
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢🏹🎯⚔️🛡️💰👑💕👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
😲 OMG !!!
I really, really LOVED this story ... A MUST READ. 🤯 👍👍
That's now officially one of my favs.
A really great & interesting retelling of Robin Hood’s story...
Thank you Edale Lane for having written it !!!
I wouldn’t mind reading more about Robyn and Marian someday. Just saying… 😜
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢🏹🎯⚔️🛡️💰👑💕👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
January 24, 2022
Review Heart of Sherwood by Edale Lane (nom de plume de Melodie Romeo)
The idea of Heart of Sherwood delighted me from the moment I read what seems to be called the blurb, nowadays. I have taken liberties with “classical” myths myself in my writing and I admire the boldness of her twist on the tale of Robin Hood.
Queen Eleanor (or Alienor, as I new her) must have been indeed an amazing woman, she is also the subject of a series by one of my favourite French authors, Mireille Callmel: a complete series starting with the title “Le lit de Alienor.” Interesting, that that that first volume ascribes perhaps lesbian, but definitely a bisexual sexuality to her.
In any case here Robyn of Loxley is a girl/woman 15 years of age and Maid Marian her childhood friend. Deprived of her inheritance, after her Father and Brother died in the crusade, and the Sheriff of Nottingham’s attempt to press her into marrying him, she flees and is outlawed. She runs into “Little John” in the woods and the rest, as they say, is history. That though is anything other than certain, but the story of the budding love between the two childhood friends Robyn and Marian and their fight for the release of King Richard through the ransom by his mother Alienor, causes just as much pleasure in reading, as watching Kevin Costner as the prince of thieves.
The tale is gripping and well told, still holds the interest well, although the plot is more than just well known. Love scenes are few and far between, but what is there was written with amazing insight and is sweet and sexy at the same time. This is a wonderful, absolutely lovely book! I am glad I bought the paperback, I will definitely read this book again.
The idea of Heart of Sherwood delighted me from the moment I read what seems to be called the blurb, nowadays. I have taken liberties with “classical” myths myself in my writing and I admire the boldness of her twist on the tale of Robin Hood.
Queen Eleanor (or Alienor, as I new her) must have been indeed an amazing woman, she is also the subject of a series by one of my favourite French authors, Mireille Callmel: a complete series starting with the title “Le lit de Alienor.” Interesting, that that that first volume ascribes perhaps lesbian, but definitely a bisexual sexuality to her.
In any case here Robyn of Loxley is a girl/woman 15 years of age and Maid Marian her childhood friend. Deprived of her inheritance, after her Father and Brother died in the crusade, and the Sheriff of Nottingham’s attempt to press her into marrying him, she flees and is outlawed. She runs into “Little John” in the woods and the rest, as they say, is history. That though is anything other than certain, but the story of the budding love between the two childhood friends Robyn and Marian and their fight for the release of King Richard through the ransom by his mother Alienor, causes just as much pleasure in reading, as watching Kevin Costner as the prince of thieves.
The tale is gripping and well told, still holds the interest well, although the plot is more than just well known. Love scenes are few and far between, but what is there was written with amazing insight and is sweet and sexy at the same time. This is a wonderful, absolutely lovely book! I am glad I bought the paperback, I will definitely read this book again.
March 1, 2023
3.5 - an enjoyable sapphic retelling of Robinhood
Narration: 4.5
Story: 3
I enjoyed this one - it was sweet and gratified my desire to see all my childhood fairytales in a queer light. The writing was solid and kept well to the atmosphere and time period. Where the story fell short for me was in the insane excess of detail (I really don't need to know how every single person looks and is dressed, thanks). For me, that lengthened the entire book unnecessarily and made it feel more drawn out than it ought to have been - the story wasn't quite deep enough to merit its length.
Still, a fun and well-narrated listen that I would absolutely recommend for those who like their queer fairytale twists and HEAs <3
**I received a free review copy of the audiobook from narrator Jennifer Lewis in exchange for an honest review**
Narration: 4.5
Story: 3
I enjoyed this one - it was sweet and gratified my desire to see all my childhood fairytales in a queer light. The writing was solid and kept well to the atmosphere and time period. Where the story fell short for me was in the insane excess of detail (I really don't need to know how every single person looks and is dressed, thanks). For me, that lengthened the entire book unnecessarily and made it feel more drawn out than it ought to have been - the story wasn't quite deep enough to merit its length.
Still, a fun and well-narrated listen that I would absolutely recommend for those who like their queer fairytale twists and HEAs <3
**I received a free review copy of the audiobook from narrator Jennifer Lewis in exchange for an honest review**
July 28, 2020
I always loved tales of knights and their chivalry, and by extension the tales of Robin Hood, and his band, stealing from the rich to give to the poor and fighting against injustice and corruption.
What a joy to find a historically accurate novel with all the side characters and lore that we know of the time old story, only changing the fact that Robin was instead a woman!
The love between Robyn of Loxley and Maid Marian who becomes a spy for the cause was the icing on the cake, even if it was very G rated.
Highly recommended if you enjoyed FF retellings of medieval tales.
What a joy to find a historically accurate novel with all the side characters and lore that we know of the time old story, only changing the fact that Robin was instead a woman!
The love between Robyn of Loxley and Maid Marian who becomes a spy for the cause was the icing on the cake, even if it was very G rated.
Highly recommended if you enjoyed FF retellings of medieval tales.
March 20, 2023
The Heart of Sherwood by Edale Lane is a retelling from old English folklore. Robyn of Loxley is banished from her home. Dressed as a male, Robyn soon joins with others in Sherwood Forest and quickly becomes their leader. The group rob from the rich to give to the poor, whilst also having a loyalty to their captured King Richard abroad.
Along the way, Robyn's old friend Marian joins the plight as a spy in Price John's court as they both formulate a plan to release King Richard.
Heart of Sherwood is a tender romance gripped with adventure and a whole host of characters that grow on you.
I have both read and listened to the audible version. I must say Jennifer Lewis as a narrator is perfect for this retelling, bringing the characters to life.
I thoroughly recommend both the book and audible.
Along the way, Robyn's old friend Marian joins the plight as a spy in Price John's court as they both formulate a plan to release King Richard.
Heart of Sherwood is a tender romance gripped with adventure and a whole host of characters that grow on you.
I have both read and listened to the audible version. I must say Jennifer Lewis as a narrator is perfect for this retelling, bringing the characters to life.
I thoroughly recommend both the book and audible.
November 3, 2018
An interesting take...
In this remake of the classic tale the author has gone to great lengths to be historically accurate, to a degree, maybe? Who knows! Overall an enjoyable and substantial read that draws you into this tale, although, being picky I would have liked a bit more build-up and development of the romantic relationship between Robyn and Marrion.
Overall, well written with good character development and a strong plot, which despite its familiarity was a compelling read.
In this remake of the classic tale the author has gone to great lengths to be historically accurate, to a degree, maybe? Who knows! Overall an enjoyable and substantial read that draws you into this tale, although, being picky I would have liked a bit more build-up and development of the romantic relationship between Robyn and Marrion.
Overall, well written with good character development and a strong plot, which despite its familiarity was a compelling read.
June 10, 2020
Robin Hood is a legend all around the world. A bandit who stole from the rich to give to the poor. But few know the legend was, in fact, a woman. In this gender-bent retelling, we travel to Nottingham in a time of peril. With the King gone, the throne is threatened by none other than his brother, Prince John. But how can a common thief change the course of history? With the help of Sherwood's outlaws, the sweet and intelligent Lady Marian and the Mother Queen pulling the strings, a plot to stop the treacherous Prince and his supporters is in the works.
I was amazed by this story. Not only I loved how the plot unravelled but I fell in love with the characters. Their human, raw emotions and their struggles, their power of will and determination to see their mission through. They kept hoping and fighting even when all seemed lost. That's human nature in its true form. Hope is what leads us and our own two feet will get us where we want to be.
I loved Robin and Marian's relationship. The pure adoration they have for each other and how willing they are to risk everything to be together. Throughout the book, we get a clear image of the society and how it operates, how it thought. In a world that deemed irredeemable to love someone of the same sex, these two young women will do everything not to lose each other. Love is power and these two ladies know how to use it.
Two things are clear in this book:
1. We can all make a difference. Every single person has the strength to change the world. We need to realize how powerful we are, how much good we can do if we only stand together and raise our voices. We all want a better tomorrow. The only thing stopping us is the false idea that someone else will do it for us. That's not what life is about. You and I, together, can accomplish anything. Raise your voice. Fight for justice and change. Make your ideal world your reality.
2. Love is love. You don't choose for whom your heart loses it. If it's a man, a woman, a non-binary person. It doesn't matter! It should never have. There are ways to be with them. Fight for them and let them fight for you. All that matters is that you are happy, in a healthy relationship. Don't let anyone tell you who to fall for. We are here, we are queer and there is nothing wrong with that.
Love conquers all.
I was amazed by this story. Not only I loved how the plot unravelled but I fell in love with the characters. Their human, raw emotions and their struggles, their power of will and determination to see their mission through. They kept hoping and fighting even when all seemed lost. That's human nature in its true form. Hope is what leads us and our own two feet will get us where we want to be.
I loved Robin and Marian's relationship. The pure adoration they have for each other and how willing they are to risk everything to be together. Throughout the book, we get a clear image of the society and how it operates, how it thought. In a world that deemed irredeemable to love someone of the same sex, these two young women will do everything not to lose each other. Love is power and these two ladies know how to use it.
Two things are clear in this book:
1. We can all make a difference. Every single person has the strength to change the world. We need to realize how powerful we are, how much good we can do if we only stand together and raise our voices. We all want a better tomorrow. The only thing stopping us is the false idea that someone else will do it for us. That's not what life is about. You and I, together, can accomplish anything. Raise your voice. Fight for justice and change. Make your ideal world your reality.
2. Love is love. You don't choose for whom your heart loses it. If it's a man, a woman, a non-binary person. It doesn't matter! It should never have. There are ways to be with them. Fight for them and let them fight for you. All that matters is that you are happy, in a healthy relationship. Don't let anyone tell you who to fall for. We are here, we are queer and there is nothing wrong with that.
Love conquers all.
December 27, 2018
This retelling of a genderbent Robin Hood with her Maid Marian was everything I knew I wanted. Prior to now, the only other Robin Hood retelling I knew of along these lines was Marian by Ella Lyons.
Edale Lane gives us a far longer novel, with multiple view points. All of the beloved plot points of the well known classic are adhered to but here's the kicker: This author knows her history, and she has set this right in the middle of real time events. Having the Queen mother Eleanor as a prominent character and mother of the awful Prince John was both memorable and amazing.
And then it came to Robyn, whose father and brothers had been killed, leaving her family home Loxley in the unpalatable Sheriff's hands. She won't put up with that, though, and creates her own merry band of men who have also had their lands taken away unlawfully. To do this, of course, she has to pretend to be a man because how could one lead a band of men at this time while being a woman?
When we saw Robyn and Marian come together for the first time, I loved seeing the preexisting history that was made part of this retelling. The two girls grew up together, of similar station until the war that took Robyn's family away. And Marian is sneaky and completely capable. I loved that.
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with this novel. It's fantastic. So so fantastic.
Edale Lane gives us a far longer novel, with multiple view points. All of the beloved plot points of the well known classic are adhered to but here's the kicker: This author knows her history, and she has set this right in the middle of real time events. Having the Queen mother Eleanor as a prominent character and mother of the awful Prince John was both memorable and amazing.
And then it came to Robyn, whose father and brothers had been killed, leaving her family home Loxley in the unpalatable Sheriff's hands. She won't put up with that, though, and creates her own merry band of men who have also had their lands taken away unlawfully. To do this, of course, she has to pretend to be a man because how could one lead a band of men at this time while being a woman?
When we saw Robyn and Marian come together for the first time, I loved seeing the preexisting history that was made part of this retelling. The two girls grew up together, of similar station until the war that took Robyn's family away. And Marian is sneaky and completely capable. I loved that.
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with this novel. It's fantastic. So so fantastic.
September 30, 2019
At first I was not inclined to read it. Usually retelling folk stories may not yield the best story, but one can happen to stumble upon a treasure without ever knowing.
Therefore when your brain says nay, look to your heart and ask for guidance. I did just that and as always I was not deceived. :)
I love the part at the end where the author is arguing what parts of the legend were taken into consideration for this book and what was author's licence. It makes for a wonderful story and I am very happy with the end result.
Therefore when your brain says nay, look to your heart and ask for guidance. I did just that and as always I was not deceived. :)
I love the part at the end where the author is arguing what parts of the legend were taken into consideration for this book and what was author's licence. It makes for a wonderful story and I am very happy with the end result.
July 4, 2022
It is certainly not easy to achieve the successful “re-creation” of a familiar and popular story. True, the author begins with well-known characters and a broad outline of how the tale will end. Nevertheless, the variants present unique challenges to writers, and while such efforts are quite common, only a few truly “work” in the literary sense.
Edale Lane’s HEART OF SHERWOOD treats the Robin Hood material in truly audacious fashion. The protagonist is actually Robyn, yet her skills with bow and arrow —and later the sword — are no less remarkable.
Needless to say, she and her merry men rob from the rich and give to the poor. Readers will encounter many of the familiar characters, including Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, the conniving Prince John, and (yes) Maid Marian. They will also find plenty of surprises and plot twists, highly imaginative variations of episodic material, and delightfully unique touches.
I shall provide no spoilers, but suffice it to say that the climax, in which Robyn kills the Sheriff, should come as no surprise. What I found remarkable, however, was the denouement, which held my interest to the very end: the ransom of King Richard (under the guidance of his mother, Queen Eleanor), the sovereign’s return to England, and the resolution of the apparently hopeless romantic situation. [Hint: Robyn, as aforementioned, is a woman!]
The narrative is splendidly well-paced, and notwithstanding a few editorial lapses, the prose is solid. Having dealt with the challenges of a “well-worn tale” myself (cf., TROJAN DIALOGUES: THE MEMOIRS OF DIOMEDES), I am most impressed by the author’s success with the familiar outlaw, her imaginative interpolations, and the enjoyable prose she presents.
Edale Lane’s HEART OF SHERWOOD treats the Robin Hood material in truly audacious fashion. The protagonist is actually Robyn, yet her skills with bow and arrow —and later the sword — are no less remarkable.
Needless to say, she and her merry men rob from the rich and give to the poor. Readers will encounter many of the familiar characters, including Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, the conniving Prince John, and (yes) Maid Marian. They will also find plenty of surprises and plot twists, highly imaginative variations of episodic material, and delightfully unique touches.
I shall provide no spoilers, but suffice it to say that the climax, in which Robyn kills the Sheriff, should come as no surprise. What I found remarkable, however, was the denouement, which held my interest to the very end: the ransom of King Richard (under the guidance of his mother, Queen Eleanor), the sovereign’s return to England, and the resolution of the apparently hopeless romantic situation. [Hint: Robyn, as aforementioned, is a woman!]
The narrative is splendidly well-paced, and notwithstanding a few editorial lapses, the prose is solid. Having dealt with the challenges of a “well-worn tale” myself (cf., TROJAN DIALOGUES: THE MEMOIRS OF DIOMEDES), I am most impressed by the author’s success with the familiar outlaw, her imaginative interpolations, and the enjoyable prose she presents.
June 11, 2020
A beautifully written standalone retelling of Robin Hood, with LGBTQ+ representation.
Who would've imagined that the legendary thief that stole from the rich to help the poor was a woman?
It is captivating, to me it felt like a mix of a history book (or movie) and folktale and loved every moment of it. It was actually hard to stop reading, but I had to at times because my eyes forgot how to read on my laptop, if not for my pain I might've finished it in one seating.
I loved how the characters were so different from each other, all had their own distinct voice. My only problem was remembering names, as there were many in my opinion and some of them were quite similar. Besides that, I don't believe there was anything else that "bothered" me. I also loved seeing Robyn's inner struggle and her growth. To me it was important that the hero of the story was as human as everyone else and had to work to achieve her goals.
Every scene with Robyn and Marian was so sweet and heartwarming it makes look forward to meeting my own Marian. Their relationship was actually my favourite part of the book, I looked forward to their meetings probably as much as they did.
Would 100% recommend, I believe it is a book that many would enjoy.
Who would've imagined that the legendary thief that stole from the rich to help the poor was a woman?
It is captivating, to me it felt like a mix of a history book (or movie) and folktale and loved every moment of it. It was actually hard to stop reading, but I had to at times because my eyes forgot how to read on my laptop, if not for my pain I might've finished it in one seating.
I loved how the characters were so different from each other, all had their own distinct voice. My only problem was remembering names, as there were many in my opinion and some of them were quite similar. Besides that, I don't believe there was anything else that "bothered" me. I also loved seeing Robyn's inner struggle and her growth. To me it was important that the hero of the story was as human as everyone else and had to work to achieve her goals.
Every scene with Robyn and Marian was so sweet and heartwarming it makes look forward to meeting my own Marian. Their relationship was actually my favourite part of the book, I looked forward to their meetings probably as much as they did.
Would 100% recommend, I believe it is a book that many would enjoy.
March 28, 2020
I really want to read a lesbian Robin Hood novel that I actually like. My odd little niche has me finishing books I would otherwise DNF. But someday, I'm going to find one I like.
My full review is available on the Lesbrary: https://lesbrary.com/2020/02/06/emily...
The Lesbrary review is, albeit, slightly sugar-coated because it is focused more on the content itself rather than my personal views as an obsessive Robin Hood enthusiast. And the content alone in this book wasn't all bad.
My full review is available on the Lesbrary: https://lesbrary.com/2020/02/06/emily...
The Lesbrary review is, albeit, slightly sugar-coated because it is focused more on the content itself rather than my personal views as an obsessive Robin Hood enthusiast. And the content alone in this book wasn't all bad.
April 14, 2022
This is a charming retelling of the Robin Hood fable, with Robyn cast as a young woman. However, it is almost an *exact* retelling of the Errol Flynn / Kevin Costner movies - there is not a lot new here. The romance between Robyn and Marion doesn't really evolve, as they have been very close for many years, and quickly realize that this fondness has matured as they have. The romance is PG-rated.
Well written and lyrical, I enjoyed the story, but I kept looking for a variation or elaboration.
Well written and lyrical, I enjoyed the story, but I kept looking for a variation or elaboration.
March 24, 2019
Love the twist in the tale of Robin Hood or should we say Robyn Hood. In fact this makes more sense than the original in my mind. The tale is the same with only the difference in gender. The writing is on par and the author did her research on the period. For those that like a story with a strong female lead this is one for you, it has three. I am prejudice Eleanor of Aquitaine is my favorite Queen of England. So, get comfortable and enjoy this book. Welcome to Sherwood.
January 16, 2022
3 stars. This was not bad at all. It’s a pretty accurate Robin Hood retelling just that Robin is a girl. I liked that aspect. The writing was also good. It’s just that I was never fully invested in the story and the romance seems so rushed and underdeveloped. I liked Robyn and Marian fine enough but I didn’t feel any chemistry. I don’t have much to say about this one as it didn’t really do much for me.
October 4, 2024
No angst and plenty of action. Retellings which are plausible, and with a female led narrative, are my favourite kind.
July 7, 2022
As both retellings and historical fiction are among my favourite kinds of books, I was very interested in reading this novel brought to my attention when its author was invited to talk about it in the Twitter chat #SatBookChat. My knowledge of the Robin Hood tales may be limited to the Disney movie and the episodes of Once Upon a Time that include some of the legendary characters (plus a French musical set years later), but it was enough for me to enjoy this retelling's twists on expected elements (the biggest change being, of course, that Robin Hood is a young woman in disguise for this version) as well as the historical side (Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of the absent King Richard, is a great character in this story) and, of course, the lovely friends-to-lovers romance between Robyn and Marian (who also has an important role in the plot, so she's not just "the love interest"). I consider it one of my favourite books read this year (and I've already read more than 70).
March 1, 2023
My favorite „Robyn Hood“ Story!
This is a review about the audiobook.
The narration is a treat!
I love when a story grabs me and the story of Robyn Hood was always one of my favorites as a kid.
Robyn Hood as a woman is all the more a treat for lesbian fiction lovers.
It's as exciting as you'd expect from a Robyn Hood story with Lady Marian and all of King Richard's faithful who join Marian and Robyn in their fight for his release.
However, the narration really made the whole thing a treat.
Every mood, every emotion was rendered really beautifully.
The tenderness that Robyn and Marian feel for each other as well.
This book does not thrive on detailed love scenes, but on the deep and true love between these two lovers.
I was rooting for them, even though i knew somehow how it's going to turn out. Nevertheless, it grabbed me.
The political intrigues were interesting and the resolution at the end of Robyn and Marian's situation made my romantic heart very happy!
July 28, 2022
5 stars for this exciting adventure of Robyn Hood and her band of outlaws who fight for the true king and crown while helping the poor! I had a lot of fun with this as the concept of such an iconic character being a woman never crossed my mind until I stumbled upon this book. Her life leading up to Maid Robyn becoming Robyn Hood was so interesting and I loved her relationships with Little John and the other men her fought by her side! Maid Marian’s romance with Robyn made me so giddy! So sweet. I blush. There was also a lot of history in this book as well since it takes place during The Crusades under King Richard I’s reign. A truly great read that I highly recommend! 🏹💙
September 16, 2025
This was not my favorite Robin Hood story, but it was cool to have something more accurate historically. There was a lot of "bad guy" scenes and not enough thieving shenanigans.
I did like that this story was a mash of different Robin Hood lore, picking from a number of my favorite versions. It also did its own thing which was refreshing.
Overall, the story was more focused on the political manuevering of the popular characters. If diplomatic intruige is something you enjoy, you may enjoy this too.
I did like that this story was a mash of different Robin Hood lore, picking from a number of my favorite versions. It also did its own thing which was refreshing.
Overall, the story was more focused on the political manuevering of the popular characters. If diplomatic intruige is something you enjoy, you may enjoy this too.
Read
May 6, 2023DNF
July 21, 2022
Great
What a great retelling of an old tale. Made me wish to be in Robyns band of merry thieves good read
What a great retelling of an old tale. Made me wish to be in Robyns band of merry thieves good read
August 24, 2019
Heart of Sherwood is a lesbian retelling of the old story of Robin Hood. Because it’s a retelling of the Robin Hood story, there aren’t a whole lot of new features to add. Changing Robin into Robyn is a fresh take, and I was definitely excited to read it.
The author did a great job of addressing the issue of Robin’s martial skills. In this version, Robin didn’t return from the Crusades to find his family gone and lands seized. That would have been a neat trick, but unfeasible given the circumstances. So the author gave a plausible explanation that both demonstrated Robin’s skill and let Robyn’s brilliance shine through.
Marian is another figure, one with a completely different skillset. That skillset is vital to Robyn’s mission, the survival of the Sherwood community, and ultimately the return of King Richard to England. Giving too many details would be a spoiler, but I have to say that I truly enjoyed this take on Maid Marian.
The side characters are mostly characters people will know well from the Robin Hood stories, history, or even reading Ivanhoe. The addition of Eleanor of Aquitaine was both a stroke of brilliance and one of the biggest issues I had with the book.
Eleanor of Aquitaine would, of course, have been involved with Richard’s release from captivity. She was known in her own time, and throughout history, as a figure who was deeply involved with the politics of her day. Those politics were often familial and usually bloody, and history (which was written by men for most of the span from then until now) did not look kindly on a woman who was so actively involved in shaping her own destiny as well as that of multiple kingdoms.
I’ve always loved her, if only because I knew exactly why she was so hated. And I was giddy when I saw her here, and portrayed sympathetically too.
I’m not taking issue with putting Eleanor in the book, or acknowledging her role in history. Not at all.
The issue arises when we consider what happens when we put a figure like Eleanor – a major figure in English and European political history, the kind of person who moved mountains, the kind of person who gets vilified almost a thousand years after her death for not minding her place as a woman – into what is essentially a localized folk tale.
The story of Robin Hood becomes not a story oppressed people tell themselves to make themselves believe someone is looking out for them – for average people, for peasants, for the falsely accused – but a story of dynastic politics and grand noblemen squabbling between themselves over who is entitled to oppress those same people. The story becomes co-opted, and it also becomes Game of Thrones.
I hated Game of Thrones.
I didn’t hate Heart of Sherwood, but I did find myself skimming over the Grand Dynastic Politics parts. That frustrated me, because I liked Marian and I have a great big historical crush on Eleanor of Aquitaine. I didn’t want to skim over any of the book, but I just couldn’t make myself care about that aspect. I respected Robyn a little bit less when she let her mission – and the community – get coopted into helping get the money for Richard’s ransom instead of sticking to redistributing wealth at home.
Robin Hood’s original mission is radical, and for the time it is downright revolutionary. Robin Hood as it turns out in Heart of Sherwood is all about the status quo. That didn’t quite sit well with me either.
The romance is well developed, and while I had some concerns about the solution developed for them at the end I suspect I was overthinking it. (I might have done a little too much research into that particular subject in my misspent youth.)
I think this book will make a lot of people very happy. Folks who like an extra helping of political drama, people who enjoy medieval historical fiction, and people who enjoy romance will all get what they’re looking for here.
The author did a great job of addressing the issue of Robin’s martial skills. In this version, Robin didn’t return from the Crusades to find his family gone and lands seized. That would have been a neat trick, but unfeasible given the circumstances. So the author gave a plausible explanation that both demonstrated Robin’s skill and let Robyn’s brilliance shine through.
Marian is another figure, one with a completely different skillset. That skillset is vital to Robyn’s mission, the survival of the Sherwood community, and ultimately the return of King Richard to England. Giving too many details would be a spoiler, but I have to say that I truly enjoyed this take on Maid Marian.
The side characters are mostly characters people will know well from the Robin Hood stories, history, or even reading Ivanhoe. The addition of Eleanor of Aquitaine was both a stroke of brilliance and one of the biggest issues I had with the book.
Eleanor of Aquitaine would, of course, have been involved with Richard’s release from captivity. She was known in her own time, and throughout history, as a figure who was deeply involved with the politics of her day. Those politics were often familial and usually bloody, and history (which was written by men for most of the span from then until now) did not look kindly on a woman who was so actively involved in shaping her own destiny as well as that of multiple kingdoms.
I’ve always loved her, if only because I knew exactly why she was so hated. And I was giddy when I saw her here, and portrayed sympathetically too.
I’m not taking issue with putting Eleanor in the book, or acknowledging her role in history. Not at all.
The issue arises when we consider what happens when we put a figure like Eleanor – a major figure in English and European political history, the kind of person who moved mountains, the kind of person who gets vilified almost a thousand years after her death for not minding her place as a woman – into what is essentially a localized folk tale.
The story of Robin Hood becomes not a story oppressed people tell themselves to make themselves believe someone is looking out for them – for average people, for peasants, for the falsely accused – but a story of dynastic politics and grand noblemen squabbling between themselves over who is entitled to oppress those same people. The story becomes co-opted, and it also becomes Game of Thrones.
I hated Game of Thrones.
I didn’t hate Heart of Sherwood, but I did find myself skimming over the Grand Dynastic Politics parts. That frustrated me, because I liked Marian and I have a great big historical crush on Eleanor of Aquitaine. I didn’t want to skim over any of the book, but I just couldn’t make myself care about that aspect. I respected Robyn a little bit less when she let her mission – and the community – get coopted into helping get the money for Richard’s ransom instead of sticking to redistributing wealth at home.
Robin Hood’s original mission is radical, and for the time it is downright revolutionary. Robin Hood as it turns out in Heart of Sherwood is all about the status quo. That didn’t quite sit well with me either.
The romance is well developed, and while I had some concerns about the solution developed for them at the end I suspect I was overthinking it. (I might have done a little too much research into that particular subject in my misspent youth.)
I think this book will make a lot of people very happy. Folks who like an extra helping of political drama, people who enjoy medieval historical fiction, and people who enjoy romance will all get what they’re looking for here.
March 3, 2022
Heart of Sherwood was an enjoyable read. I love the idea of Robin Hood being a woman in disguise, and I'm surprised I haven't seen it done before (the closest I've seen is the movie Princess of Thieves, in which Keira Knightley played Robin Hood's daughter disguised as a boy). The story included the well-known beats and characters of the Robin Hood legend but also sprinkled in historical details and political intrigue appropriate to the time period of the Third Crusade.
I really appreciate that the author did not romanticize the time period or the glorify the Crusades as many others do. The Christians were the aggressors and invaders in the Crusades, and they did some really terrible things to the Muslims, who were completely justified in defending their homeland. Likewise, the author did not shy away from touching on issues such as homophobia, sexism, bigotry, and rape. However, in the case of the rape, there is no graphic scene, only the mention of it having happened to some side characters (a girl at the hands of the sheriff's men and two boys by a priest), with the focus being on the characters healing from the trauma.
While the Sheriff of Nottingham was the usual mustache-twirling villain, his henchmen are more nuanced, especially his deputy. The deputy is an honorable man who disagrees with the sheriff's actions but can't outright disobey him. The interactions between Robin and the deputy are fun to read as the two become mutually respectful nemeses.
There were a few areas between major scenes where I felt like the book dragged on a bit, usually in some of the areas with more detailed political intrigue. I also felt somewhat emotionally removed from the characters, in the sense that we are told how they react to certain events but don't necessarily feel their emotions.
The main draw of Heart of Sherwood is of course the romance between Robyn and maid Marian. Marian is a fully realized character who is more than just a damsel. While she isn't a fighter like Robyn, she uses her charm and the fact that many men disregard her because of her sex to be an effective spy for the queen and Robyn.
Marian and Robyn already knew each other from girlhood and had a mutual attraction before the start of the book. While this may be more realistic, I did feel like the book was missing some of the sexual and romantic tension that I enjoy in other romance novels. They have a happy, non-tragic ending that was fitting for the time period before gay marriage,
I really appreciate that the author did not romanticize the time period or the glorify the Crusades as many others do. The Christians were the aggressors and invaders in the Crusades, and they did some really terrible things to the Muslims, who were completely justified in defending their homeland. Likewise, the author did not shy away from touching on issues such as homophobia, sexism, bigotry, and rape. However, in the case of the rape, there is no graphic scene, only the mention of it having happened to some side characters (a girl at the hands of the sheriff's men and two boys by a priest), with the focus being on the characters healing from the trauma.
While the Sheriff of Nottingham was the usual mustache-twirling villain, his henchmen are more nuanced, especially his deputy. The deputy is an honorable man who disagrees with the sheriff's actions but can't outright disobey him. The interactions between Robin and the deputy are fun to read as the two become mutually respectful nemeses.
There were a few areas between major scenes where I felt like the book dragged on a bit, usually in some of the areas with more detailed political intrigue. I also felt somewhat emotionally removed from the characters, in the sense that we are told how they react to certain events but don't necessarily feel their emotions.
The main draw of Heart of Sherwood is of course the romance between Robyn and maid Marian. Marian is a fully realized character who is more than just a damsel. While she isn't a fighter like Robyn, she uses her charm and the fact that many men disregard her because of her sex to be an effective spy for the queen and Robyn.
Marian and Robyn already knew each other from girlhood and had a mutual attraction before the start of the book. While this may be more realistic, I did feel like the book was missing some of the sexual and romantic tension that I enjoy in other romance novels. They have a happy, non-tragic ending that was fitting for the time period before gay marriage,
February 8, 2019
I tried and true story told with a twist.
Robyn Hood was a total Mary Sue character. I don't mind the idea of Robyn being an amazing archer, or an accomplished swords woman. What annoyed me was that she gained these skills in the matter of a few weeks. I'm willing to overlook that because I think the traditional Robin Hood is a bit of a Mary Sue (Gary Drew if you please) himself.
While I did like the merry chase Robyn Hood lead the guards on, especially releasing the bear, I missed the iconic splitting the arrow in half scene, from the archery contest. I wish Edale had found a way to work both in.
I also HATED the fact that Eleanor, convinced King Richard to forgive Prince John. While that might have been historical fact, it still was infuriating, Prince John had caused horrible suffering for the "small folk" in his bid for power. He should have had spent the rest of his life in chains, at the very least. If you ask me he should have been sentenced to the life of a peasant. A fate worse than death, for a nobleman of the time.
Other than those flaws the book was a great read. I'll be looking for other titles by Edale Lane.
Robyn Hood was a total Mary Sue character. I don't mind the idea of Robyn being an amazing archer, or an accomplished swords woman. What annoyed me was that she gained these skills in the matter of a few weeks. I'm willing to overlook that because I think the traditional Robin Hood is a bit of a Mary Sue (Gary Drew if you please) himself.
While I did like the merry chase Robyn Hood lead the guards on, especially releasing the bear, I missed the iconic splitting the arrow in half scene, from the archery contest. I wish Edale had found a way to work both in.
I also HATED the fact that Eleanor, convinced King Richard to forgive Prince John. While that might have been historical fact, it still was infuriating, Prince John had caused horrible suffering for the "small folk" in his bid for power. He should have had spent the rest of his life in chains, at the very least. If you ask me he should have been sentenced to the life of a peasant. A fate worse than death, for a nobleman of the time.
Other than those flaws the book was a great read. I'll be looking for other titles by Edale Lane.
February 16, 2022
This was a wonderful book. The best version of the Robin Hood story I’ve ever read/seen!!!
December 6, 2018
This is an interesting retelling of Robin Hood. This time Robin is a young woman. She has to flee her home when her male relatives die in battle and the Sheriff of Nottingham claims her estate. Rather submit to a loveless marriage, she escapes to the forest. Then the adventures pretty much follow the story we all know with some liberties to show the romance between Robyn and Marian. There is some intrigue, and the capable Eleanor of Acquitaine has a role since she is trying to ransom her son King Richard and keep the kingdom from falling into the hands or her selfish younger son. I liked the novel but I wasn’t enthralled with it. I think there could have been more suspense and adventure. I think trying to be historically accurate may have tied the author’s hands a bit. Nevertheless, it’s worth a read.
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