Outlaw Princess of Sherwood

Rowan Hood #3

by Nancy Springer

It has been little more than a year since Etty-once Princess Ettarde, promised to the power-hungry Lord Basil-escaped from her father and joined Rowan Hood's band of misfit teens and outlaws-in-the-making. Etty is so happy, she cannot imagine returning to her old life. That is, until her father appears to reclaim her. King Solon is determined to bring Etty back to barter her hand for peace. He will do anything. Even use his wife, Ettarde's mother, as bait. In a cage. In Sherwood Forest. In winter. Etty will not stand for it. Neither will Rowan Hood. An intergenerational battle of wit, will power, and wisdom follows in this third tale of Rowan Hood.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Historical

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2003

About the author

BIO -- NANCY SPRINGER


Nancy Springer has passed the fifty-book milestone, having written that many novels for adults, young adults and children, in genres including mythic fantasy, contemporary fiction, magical realism, horror, and mystery -- although she did not realize she wrote mystery until she won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America two years in succession. DARK LIE, recently released from NAL, is her first venture into mass-market psychological suspense.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Nancy Springer moved with her family to Gettysburg, of Civil War fame, when she was thirteen. She spent the next forty-six years in Pennsylvania, raising two children (Jonathan, now 38, and Nora, 34), writing, horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching. In 2007 she surprised her friends and herself by moving with her second husband to an isolated area of the Florida panhandle, where the birdwatching is spectacular and where, when fishing, she occasionally catches an alligator.

Reviews

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Princess Ettarde's father has found her and set up a cage to catch her with *her mother* as bait in the forest. Of course they must save her but saving her is not the end of Etterde's troubles for by running away from a marriage she didn't want and to save her mother she must face that it could mean war and marking herself as a threat to her outlaw band...

If there is one good thing to come out of this adventure it's probably Bow (I'm guessing the name's spelling as I've only listened to the audiobook) who pretends to be a Frankish boy.

(We finally meet a mother who isn't dead, but all our Rowan Hood Band has had shitty fathers - perhaps even Robin Hood, as, well, he didn't know of Rowan's existence for her entire life until the first book!)

Wish I could have shown this book with the ancient writer arguments on the virtues of educated women to myself as a kid in grade school where I heard (yes from a teacher probably when I was 8-10 years old) that "Roman/Greek girls were only educated until early teens/middle school and then married off (with no explanation for the boys in the classroom that they as "eromenos" would have entered a Pederasty relationship with older males the "erastes", although if that was ignorance on the teachers part, or earnestly believing that early teen boys just went into some kind of tutor/philosophy group vs ancient military, who knows now).

I'd have liked to get a ebook/physical copy for notes/highlights and to see if I can back up the claims made on both sides but that's pretty nerdy of me and probably too much work for too little reward now, lol.

[C.J. Milbrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment in the Rowan Head series comes from the point of view of Etty, the runaway princess (and member of Rowan's outlaw band). Springer continues her trend; just like Rowan (Bk1) and Lionel (Bk2) before her, Etty has unresolved issues with her father.

Kings and men-at-arms. Cages and pages. Philosophers and tricksters. Black eyes and back doors. With each new perspective on the members of Rowan's band, I grow more attached. I'm jumping straight into the last two books ... even though I don't really want the series to end.

[Annette Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how each member of Rowan's band of Outlaws gets their own story. Their similar situations brings them closer together, for each other and their cause of justice.

[Steven Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau!

So on the one hand, after "Lionclaw" it does feel a bit repetitive to essentially have the same plot again. I mean when you have to explain within the book why this similar plot is different and compare and contrast the two evil dads it's a bit of a problem.

Aside from that this was a great read and certainly an improvement over "Lionclaw". It was also less uncomfortable to read that "Lionclaw". Though Etty struggles with her place among the outlaws her self image is not anywhere near as bad as Lionel's.

Where this book really shines is the introduction of Beauregarde. In fact, Beauregarde nearly overshadows Etty in her own book. I appreciate this series's characters who can be read as trans/nonbinary even if that's not exactly what the author intended, though I think the spirit of it rings true.

I am sad to see Etty go but I'm sure she'll be back before the end of the series.

Onward to "Wild Boy"!

[Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, but I'm pretty sure its not OK to write "go milk yourself" in a kids book. The writing is great and all the members of the band are very in enjoyable. I also love beau. To bad she doesn't get her own story. :( I like the slight femist message. My main complaints are that I highly doubt that surrendering would save EVERY ONE from the wrath of that spited king. And theres not much "robbing the Rich to give to the poor." :(

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book that caught my eye and caused me to read the series, so I was excited to get to it.

I enjoyed it a lot. Etty is a fun character and I liked being in her head. While there had been some knowledge about why she ran away from home, the full story is intense and devastating. Lionel and Etty both have terrible fathers. I did like that there was a bit more to Etty's father, though.

I loved seeing Etty's growth and a bit more of her personality--especially when she's a bit more in her element of needing to use her smarts. I was not expecting the ending, though. Still not sure how I feel about that. It felt more like an end of the series thing.

Speaking of series, I didn't realize this one was only five books long. This isn't specific to this book, but... It seems a little odd to call the series 'Rowan Hood' and then have her be more of a side character for most of the series (not sure whose POV the last book is in, but I have a guess and it's not Rowan). It feels a bit misleading. It's not that I haven't enjoyed this book and the last, but I thought they were building towards something more than each character getting one spotlight book. It does dampen my excitement some for the last two books.

On to a positive thing, though. This is true of the previous two books as well, but I just love the way the author describes nature/the forest. It feels so alive, with all of the plants being given specific names, as well as the animals. True, I don't know what most of these look like, but it just makes the setting feel more real, and it feels so natural rather than a 'look at my research' type of thing. Honestly, outside of how Robin Hood is written, this is my favorite bit of these books. Maybe it's just because it's a huge weaknesses of mine as a writer. :P

To get back to the actual book, though... Overall, I enjoyed it much more than the second (which comes at no surprise, since I don't really care for Lionel). Etty's growth is smaller in some ways than Lionel, but what she has to face is just as challenging and frightening for her. Oh, and while I forgot to mention this character above, I loved the new character of Beau. Beau's a lot of fun and I especially loved the interactions between Beau and Robin Hood. They make a fun pair.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Springer has a way of adding new dimensions to old tales which adds richness and nuance. Etty is a run-away princess with a strong sense of social justice. Unfortunately in England, in the 1500, social justice is not a readily available commodity especially for women. Yet when confronted with difficult choices, Etty is able to find a just path between the rock and the hard spot and to do the humane thing, much to her father's dismay. This coming of age view through the eyes of the rebellious teen shows the reader that the theme is universal and transcend time and space.

[Abigail G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great continuation to the storyline, this book is set from yet another member of the band's point of view. Etty is just accepting her part in the group when faced with challenges that disrupt the normal order. These challenges are deep ones of right and wrong, self-sacrifice, and racial prejudice, yet the author keeps it at a simple enough level for children to grasp. The ending definately left much for thought as there was not the usual happy-go-lucky ending that these books have.

[Nav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Etty not only finds her courage but gets to put her education to use. Always nice to see the power of the pen especially as the fae didn't feature in this allowing good old human ingenuity to win the day. I was a big fan of the new member of the band. they were a breathe of fresh air against the repeated subject of bad fathers. The description in this book was elegant.

[Courtenay · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are quick and easy to read, and the relationships between the characters are endearing. Etty is forced to choose between the outlaw life and saving her mother and their land. Beau, a mysterious newcomer, helps her in several ways to get our of jams and find the right path. Rowan and Robin are as caring and exciting as in prior books. Rook and Lionel also make appearances, and are wonderful.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third installment of Springer's Rowan Hood series focuses on the outlaw princess who fights her adversaries through knowledge of books, from the encouragement of her friends, and her own will to deny her father the pleasure of marrying her off to an old rich lord. In Sherwood Forest she finds her strength, her courage, and herself.

[Barbara A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artfully Told by a Master

Enjoyment throughout. Only a true artist could weave a tale so well and paint the backdrop to utterly alive. It’s been wonderful spending time in Sherwood.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this, and I might read the first books in the series if I can find them.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

See the first book in the series for a full review.

[Mary K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying the series even though meant for Middle Schoolers, it is a delightful journey of imagination.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun YA book.

[Amelia G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only now just realized that it's the third book in the series. No wonder when I read this as a kid, I was confused (I have not read the other books)

[Nina Braden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2003, 3.5; USA, JF

[Jodi Deters · Rating 4 out of 5]

NC elves, 16+

[Candace Smith-Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise & characters. Probably would've loved it more if I read the books in order

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

To learn of the dear princess and how she stands so bold was a great tale indeed!

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, the old war between the sexes. As always, some wins, some losses and some compromises.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers if you haven’t read the first two books.

I’m beginning to suspect Springer had/has daddy problems. Even Robin might as well be a casual brother, and not Rowan’s father. And this also seems like a rehash of book two, only tailored to fit the main lead of this book - the runaway princess Etty. Like Lionel from book two, Etty thinks herself a coward. Etty too has daddy issues. Etty also leaves the band/group to try and do things on her own, only to find out she needs the rest of the group to get things done. It’s rather sweet how Springer tries - intentionally or not - to show that we need to rely on our friends, and they shape a large part of us. It’s an interesting balance, really. Springer makes the characters try to independently strike out on their own, only to draw them back to Rowan’s band…

I’m also getting a sneaking suspicion that Springer has some feminist ideals. The whole “never let a man put you in a cage” thing? Maybe that’s me. Overall, though, I think it’s overlook-able and the book isn’t less enjoyable because of that (because no one can stand having opinions shoved down their throat, whether they agree with them or not). Etty definitely grew into her own character (especially with that ending!), but I was making too many parallels to the second book with what Lionel went through emotionally as a character to really like it.

Would I recommend it? If you’ve stuck through the second book, sure. You might as well.

Warnings/heads up/what’s in this book - some “cursing” that borders on iffy for a children’s book, I believe. The whole feminist thing, if that bugs you and you’re not looking for a message. There’s some interesting views on sacrifice and nobleness, which you might not agree with**. And I still hold to the fact that a group of teens living in the woods wouldn’t be all friendship, etc. Great idea in theory, but I have serious doubts it would work out.

Random question: am I the only one who noticed so far that Robin doesn’t seem to do much stealing from the rich and giving to the poor? And that he’s just a really notorious outlaw?

**Actual spoiler: Yes. I kinda think Etty should’ve gone and married what’s-his-face. Sure, her father could’ve left the gates open for his rival, but that might not have avoided bloodshed. I feel like that answer to the issue was Etty avoiding choosing whether or not to marry what’s-his-face or not and save her people.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of the adventures of Rowan Hood, Robin Hood's daughter, tells the story of Ettarde, a princess who ran from an arranged marriage. Like in Lionclaw, this book gives us a fuller view of Etty herself centered around a crisis within her own family.

I enjoyed the story enough to finish it in one sitting. As expected, she is different than the other outlaw's in Rowan's band - not only because she is a princess, but also because her scholar father educated her in the classics. It made for some interested conversations as Etty struggled to find her way through what felt like an impossible situation.

It was also funny to read a prominent character struggle with a cold!

I would highly recommend this to any fan of Robin Hood stories or to anyone who enjoys a some light adventure.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This actually surprised me with how good it was. I only picked up the first because I love the story of Robin Hood and a story about his daughter seemed interesting. I only read the second about Lionel because I wanted to know what happens to them likewise with this one. I found this a pleasurable read and I literally laughed (or chuckled) out loud while reading this. It took about two hours for me to finish this. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it reminded me way to much of the second. And let me just say I was so disappointed when we discover the "page boy" was a girl in the end. He/she was my favorite character and most of the reasons I laughed. Usually I like female characters to males depending on the story but I wish desperately the author had kept her as a guy.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how Springer is continuing the Rowan Hood story through the different main characters, so we get to know all of them really well and can see why they act the way they do and why they make the decisions they make. I can't say I loved Ettarde--I think Lionel might be my favorite, especially since he's more himself and less pretense now--but I liked her. Her story was interesting to follow, and I liked her loyalty to her mother and the love she had for her father despite what he'd done to her and to her mother. I thought the ending was very unexpected; I hadn't thought she would make a decision like that at all, but I think it fits. It will be interesting to see what the next book is like without her in it.

[Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, a lot of these characters certainly have daddy issues. It makes me glad that my daddy loves me, and isn't a complete idiot like these ones here. *laughs* One of the things that I really like about the Rowan Hood series is that it follows a different character in every book, giving the reader a better opportunity to know and love them more. It's great because they're all are very unique from one another, and deserve to be in the spotlight as a main character.~

The ending to this story caught me by surprise big time. Very bittersweet. It makes me wonder how the series will go on without Etty... As for the message, I have some mixed feelings about it, but over all it's a FANTASTIC story. Share it with your friends! (FOR REALZ!)

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The more of Springer I read, the better I like her work. Her girls have lots of dimensions -- they are not just strong heroines, but also gentle healers. Her young men are courageous too, but don't lose their sense of beauty or fun. These are good stories for young people. Robin Hood is there, a helpful figure in the background, but the real story is not the Outlaw King, but the band of misfit teenagers that Rowan Hood (Robin's daughter) has created. A nice quick read, perfect for the brain that needs to escape.

[Janette]

For those of you who like beautiful description and lyrical writing, this is a good book. I think I liked it even more because I got to listen to the narrator do an English accent. (Everything sounds better with an English accent, which is why one day I will develop one.)

I must say though that I wanted a different ending. I wanted the band of outlaws to somehow find a way to . . . well, I won't add any spoilers here. And it is only the third book, so maybe the ending I want is in one of the next books.

[Lisa Rathbun]

After reading books 1 & 2, I'm starting to find this series a little too simple for my taste. Sometimes I really love YA books; other times they're a little too childish. This third book in the Rowan Hood series focuses on Princess Etty as her father returns to Sherwood to look for her.



I think a young reader would enjoy the strong and educated young girl who sticks up for freedom, but I found her unrealistic. (I don't remember any swearing in this book.) BTW, this author likes the adjectives "owlish" and "clotted."