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The Robin Hood Stories #2
The Heirs of Locksley
Carrie Vaughn follows up The Ghosts of Sherwood with the charming, fast-paced The Heirs of Locksley, continuing the story of Robin Hood's children.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
30 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Vaughn
280 books4,540 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 18, 2020
4+ stars. Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
The adventures of Robin Hood’s three children continue in The Heirs of Locksley, the second novella in Carrie Vaughn‘s ROBIN HOOD STORIES series. It takes a unexpected four-year leap forward from The Ghosts of Sherwood. The eldest, Mary, is now aged twenty and still hasn’t met the young man she’s semi-betrothed to, and her feelings have shifted from fear and uncertainty to irritation that William de Ros still hasn’t bothered to come meet her; in fact, she’s beginning to wonder if he even exists. John (named after Little John) is in his later teens now, and the youngest, Eleanor, is thirteen.
Robin’s old enemy King John died a few years ago, and his thirteen-year-old son Henry is having his second coronation, which historically occurred in May of 1220. Vaughn sets this story in the midst of this actual event, when the nobility have gathered in London for the coronation. Young King Henry III takes a shine to the Locksley children when they’re presented to him, and impulsively announces an archery contest. John and Mary, both excellent archers (especially Mary) who are well-taught by their father, decide, in for a penny, in for a pound, and dress in Lincoln green for the contest.
Friends are made, but also some enemies (not everyone approves of women archers in the thirteenth century). Robin encourages his son John to befriend the lonely young king, and John decides what Henry really needs is to get into some mild mischief. Specifically, he weasels his way into Henry’s chambers late in the evening and suggests that they sneak outside so Henry can try climbing a tree for the first time in his life. While hidden in the tree, Henry and John overhear and see dangerous goings-on that they weren’t intended to. It all gets complicated from there, and great fun.
The Heirs of Locksley, like the first book, is a quick, light read, but it felt more fully fleshed-out than The Ghosts of Sherwood. Vaughn tells a straightforward tale that isn’t particularly complex, but I found it highly entertaining — enough to turn back to the start and reread most of it immediately after I finished. It includes a couple of diverting and rather meta scenes that underscore how Robin Hood is already becoming a legend.
Vaughn comments in her author’s note at the end that the legends of Robin Hood don’t really fit into actual history — there were no friars in England during King John’s lifetime, for example — so all of the Robin Hood stories are essentially fanfiction. (It’s reminiscent of Robin McKinley’s afterword in her comparable novel The Outlaws of Sherwood, in which McKinley pointed out the scant historical evidence for longbows in England at this time.) But being brave and honorable, fighting against corruption, helping others: that’s the kind of fanfic we need.
Many thanks to Tor for the ARC!
The adventures of Robin Hood’s three children continue in The Heirs of Locksley, the second novella in Carrie Vaughn‘s ROBIN HOOD STORIES series. It takes a unexpected four-year leap forward from The Ghosts of Sherwood. The eldest, Mary, is now aged twenty and still hasn’t met the young man she’s semi-betrothed to, and her feelings have shifted from fear and uncertainty to irritation that William de Ros still hasn’t bothered to come meet her; in fact, she’s beginning to wonder if he even exists. John (named after Little John) is in his later teens now, and the youngest, Eleanor, is thirteen.
Robin’s old enemy King John died a few years ago, and his thirteen-year-old son Henry is having his second coronation, which historically occurred in May of 1220. Vaughn sets this story in the midst of this actual event, when the nobility have gathered in London for the coronation. Young King Henry III takes a shine to the Locksley children when they’re presented to him, and impulsively announces an archery contest. John and Mary, both excellent archers (especially Mary) who are well-taught by their father, decide, in for a penny, in for a pound, and dress in Lincoln green for the contest.
Friends are made, but also some enemies (not everyone approves of women archers in the thirteenth century). Robin encourages his son John to befriend the lonely young king, and John decides what Henry really needs is to get into some mild mischief. Specifically, he weasels his way into Henry’s chambers late in the evening and suggests that they sneak outside so Henry can try climbing a tree for the first time in his life. While hidden in the tree, Henry and John overhear and see dangerous goings-on that they weren’t intended to. It all gets complicated from there, and great fun.
The Heirs of Locksley, like the first book, is a quick, light read, but it felt more fully fleshed-out than The Ghosts of Sherwood. Vaughn tells a straightforward tale that isn’t particularly complex, but I found it highly entertaining — enough to turn back to the start and reread most of it immediately after I finished. It includes a couple of diverting and rather meta scenes that underscore how Robin Hood is already becoming a legend.
Those who watched King Henry’s coronation archery tournament thought it was a joke at first, the two fresh-faced archers from Nottinghamshire acting like Robin Hood’s heirs, making jokes about shooting Normans … It must have been a joke. Robin Hood was only a story.The characters continue to grow on me, and Vaughn offers insights into their thoughts and motivations that help bring them to life. Robin still has a wicked grin and a rather rebellious soul, but having children has made him realize that it’s more useful to have royal favor than to be sworn enemies of the king. Mary hopes to find love, or at least a man whose character she can admire, but the practical reality of arranged marriages at this time in England still needs to be dealt with.
Vaughn comments in her author’s note at the end that the legends of Robin Hood don’t really fit into actual history — there were no friars in England during King John’s lifetime, for example — so all of the Robin Hood stories are essentially fanfiction. (It’s reminiscent of Robin McKinley’s afterword in her comparable novel The Outlaws of Sherwood, in which McKinley pointed out the scant historical evidence for longbows in England at this time.) But being brave and honorable, fighting against corruption, helping others: that’s the kind of fanfic we need.
Many thanks to Tor for the ARC!
September 26, 2021
Really fun story about Robin's kids at King Henrys court. I loved the authors note were she stated that all the stories about Robin Hood are fan fiction, from the very first till now. If that's true then I need to read more fan fic because I just love the stories about Robin, his family and followers along with the setting.
October 11, 2020
This was even better than the predecessor novella, The Ghosts of Sherwood!
Taking place four years later, Mary, John, and Eleanor accopany their parents to the coronation of Henry III. Henry is still a boy, only 13, and sadly inexperienced in childhood fun and adventure. Who better to provide an introduction than the heirs of Locksley?
An archery contest, the foiling of nefarious plots, and even a tiny bit of romance, are all tidily packed into this fun and readable adventure tale. Another not-to-be missed story by Vaughn.
Taking place four years later, Mary, John, and Eleanor accopany their parents to the coronation of Henry III. Henry is still a boy, only 13, and sadly inexperienced in childhood fun and adventure. Who better to provide an introduction than the heirs of Locksley?
An archery contest, the foiling of nefarious plots, and even a tiny bit of romance, are all tidily packed into this fun and readable adventure tale. Another not-to-be missed story by Vaughn.
September 18, 2020
The Heirs of Locksley is the second book of Vaughn's Robin Hood stories, and is set four years after The Ghosts of Sherwood. It's a fast, fun read, and I enjoyed reading it, although I didn't think it was quite as good as the first book. (I thought that the way Mary met her betrothed was a little too coincidentally fortuitous, and John suddenly becomes a bit too hastily inclusively p.c.) I hope the series continues.
June 10, 2020
This delightful tale brings to life the children of Lord Locksley or as many refer to him Robin Hood. Mary, John and Eleanor are at court to see the new boy King Henry for the first time. However following on from some advice from his father John decides to help thirteen year old Henry get away from his staid and stressful life and embrace just a very small rebellion. Trouble is what seems just a harmless bit of fun turns quickly into a grand adventure !
I absolutely loved this story with its vividly written characters that easily came to life in the theatre of my mind. Mary is capable, brave and everything I want in a heroine. John is on the cusp of manhood and starting to realise that his life is about to go in directions that previously he hadn't foreseen. Eleanor is perhaps less fleshed out but she's sneaky, perceptive and her actions certainly help save the day. There is even a slight touch of romance deftly written in that made me smile for Mary but also wonder what the future holds for John. This is perfect for younger readers than myself as well as those who like me are long past our days of climbing trees !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I absolutely loved this story with its vividly written characters that easily came to life in the theatre of my mind. Mary is capable, brave and everything I want in a heroine. John is on the cusp of manhood and starting to realise that his life is about to go in directions that previously he hadn't foreseen. Eleanor is perhaps less fleshed out but she's sneaky, perceptive and her actions certainly help save the day. There is even a slight touch of romance deftly written in that made me smile for Mary but also wonder what the future holds for John. This is perfect for younger readers than myself as well as those who like me are long past our days of climbing trees !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
June 14, 2020
Originally published at Reading Reality
I picked this up, admittedly rather early, because it combines two of my great reading loves, English history and fanfiction. And I really, truly was NOT expecting the second part of that equation.
I fell in love with English history at age 12, after seeing the movie Anne of a Thousand Days. I have no idea what drew me in so strongly. Certainly not any direct relationship to the history portrayed as I have zero English ancestry. Whether it was the pageantry, the politics or the power, I was absolutely hooked, leading to a life-long interest in British history, whether fictionalized or not.
Not that some of what grabbed me, like the Robin Hood and King Arthur, aren’t of dubious historical accuracy – at best.
But this particular novella duology – at least it’s a duology so far – does a terrific job of setting Robin Hood, Robin of Locksley, into a reasonably historical version of the time in which he was supposed to have lived, and skirts around the issues of exactly which, if any, of the tales about him might be true by making him a secondary character in these stories.
In these stories, Robin is no longer the outlaw of Sherwood. And he’s no longer a young man. Instead, he’s well into middle age, still powerful, still feared and hated and loved in equal measure, but also someone who recognizes that his time will inevitably draw to a close, sooner rather than later.
These stories focus on his children with Marian; his oldest daughter Mary, his son and heir John, and his slightly fey child Eleanor as they take their first steps into adulthood.
They also do a good job of giving bits of long-ago English history a face that makes them still feel relevant. The first book, The Ghosts of Sherwood, was a story about reckoning. About the nobles who favored King John still trying to eliminate Robin as a threat or a power, while the political maneuvering brought the negotiations surrounding the Magna Carta becomes personalized through his enemies attempt to kidnap his children – and his children manage to rescue themselves using the lessons their father and life on the edge of Sherwood have taught them.
In The Heirs of Locksley, the times have changed and the story has moved on a bit. It is 1220, and King John is dead. His 13-year-old son sits uneasily on the throne that he will occupy for the rest of his life. But Henry of Winchester, Henry III, is still a boy. A boy who never knew his father, but still stands in his shadow. The shadow of a man who seems to have pissed off everyone he ever knew.
Robin’s son John knows all about standing in a father’s long shadow. The two boys make a surprising common cause that leads them on an adventure that neither expected – to the consternation of all of the adults that surround them.
Escape Rating A-: I said at the beginning that this combined my loves of English history and fanfiction. The setting of these tales is between two of my favorite historical mystery series, both set in England and both occurring at times of great upheavals in history – as this series does.
I’m speaking of the Brother Cadfael series, by the late Ellis Peters, set in Shrewsbury, English between 1135 and 1145, at a time when the country was in the midst of a civil war. This series was also one of the first historical mystery series I have read, and the foundation of the popularity of the genre to this day.
The other series is the Owen Archer series, set in York in the late 1300s during the events that would eventually lead to yet another civil war, the Wars of the Roses. Both of these series, like these Robin Hood stories, do a fantastic job of drawing the reader directly into their time and place while still managing to comment on either our own, the immutability of human nature, or both.
(And now I’m missing Owen and will be moving the latest book in that series all the way up the virtually towering TBR pile!)
But I also referred to the Robin Hood stories as fanfiction – as the author does in the afterword to this book. It’s a concept that now that I’ve seen it, I can’t un-see it – and it resonates.
After all, the Robin Hood stories that we all know today weren’t written down until the late 1400s at the very earliest, three centuries after the adventures they portray. And even then, those written stories were merely printed versions of oral traditions that had arisen during the interim, sometime between Robin’s own time and the invention of the printing press.
As part of an oral tradition, the stories that were printed were the ones that were remembered, whether because they were the best stories, the most memorable ones, were just told by particularly charismatic storytellers – or all of the above. There’s no historical canon version, just a lot of stories that center around a larger-than-life character and his band of outlaws as they rebelled against an unjust authority.
It’s a “Fix-it” fic where the heroes fight wrongs and make things better in the end, as occurs when Richard the Lionhearted returns to his kingdom and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham is forced to leave Robin and his gang alone. The story conveniently ends before King Richard is killed and John takes back over, this time for good – or ill.
The Robin Hood Stories series are a kind of “next generation” fanfic where the author takes the beloved characters and tells readers what happened after the happy ever after, moving the story to the literal next generation, the earlier heroes’ children.
So she’s right. Not just that these stories feel like fanfiction but that the original Robin Hood stories were too. Complete with the “so many variations that the original canon is obscured” problem. In my review of the first book I noted that there’s a trend towards retellings going on right now. The world has gone mad and we’re all looking for the comfort of stories we know and love, in variations that may hold a few surprises but ultimately lead back to the tales that we already know.
And that’s what these Robin Hood Stories have been so far for me. A lovely comfort read with an interesting view of a historical period that I enjoy, an ultimately a visit with some old and very dear friends.
I hope there will be more.
I picked this up, admittedly rather early, because it combines two of my great reading loves, English history and fanfiction. And I really, truly was NOT expecting the second part of that equation.
I fell in love with English history at age 12, after seeing the movie Anne of a Thousand Days. I have no idea what drew me in so strongly. Certainly not any direct relationship to the history portrayed as I have zero English ancestry. Whether it was the pageantry, the politics or the power, I was absolutely hooked, leading to a life-long interest in British history, whether fictionalized or not.
Not that some of what grabbed me, like the Robin Hood and King Arthur, aren’t of dubious historical accuracy – at best.
But this particular novella duology – at least it’s a duology so far – does a terrific job of setting Robin Hood, Robin of Locksley, into a reasonably historical version of the time in which he was supposed to have lived, and skirts around the issues of exactly which, if any, of the tales about him might be true by making him a secondary character in these stories.
In these stories, Robin is no longer the outlaw of Sherwood. And he’s no longer a young man. Instead, he’s well into middle age, still powerful, still feared and hated and loved in equal measure, but also someone who recognizes that his time will inevitably draw to a close, sooner rather than later.
These stories focus on his children with Marian; his oldest daughter Mary, his son and heir John, and his slightly fey child Eleanor as they take their first steps into adulthood.
They also do a good job of giving bits of long-ago English history a face that makes them still feel relevant. The first book, The Ghosts of Sherwood, was a story about reckoning. About the nobles who favored King John still trying to eliminate Robin as a threat or a power, while the political maneuvering brought the negotiations surrounding the Magna Carta becomes personalized through his enemies attempt to kidnap his children – and his children manage to rescue themselves using the lessons their father and life on the edge of Sherwood have taught them.
In The Heirs of Locksley, the times have changed and the story has moved on a bit. It is 1220, and King John is dead. His 13-year-old son sits uneasily on the throne that he will occupy for the rest of his life. But Henry of Winchester, Henry III, is still a boy. A boy who never knew his father, but still stands in his shadow. The shadow of a man who seems to have pissed off everyone he ever knew.
Robin’s son John knows all about standing in a father’s long shadow. The two boys make a surprising common cause that leads them on an adventure that neither expected – to the consternation of all of the adults that surround them.
Escape Rating A-: I said at the beginning that this combined my loves of English history and fanfiction. The setting of these tales is between two of my favorite historical mystery series, both set in England and both occurring at times of great upheavals in history – as this series does.
I’m speaking of the Brother Cadfael series, by the late Ellis Peters, set in Shrewsbury, English between 1135 and 1145, at a time when the country was in the midst of a civil war. This series was also one of the first historical mystery series I have read, and the foundation of the popularity of the genre to this day.
The other series is the Owen Archer series, set in York in the late 1300s during the events that would eventually lead to yet another civil war, the Wars of the Roses. Both of these series, like these Robin Hood stories, do a fantastic job of drawing the reader directly into their time and place while still managing to comment on either our own, the immutability of human nature, or both.
(And now I’m missing Owen and will be moving the latest book in that series all the way up the virtually towering TBR pile!)
But I also referred to the Robin Hood stories as fanfiction – as the author does in the afterword to this book. It’s a concept that now that I’ve seen it, I can’t un-see it – and it resonates.
After all, the Robin Hood stories that we all know today weren’t written down until the late 1400s at the very earliest, three centuries after the adventures they portray. And even then, those written stories were merely printed versions of oral traditions that had arisen during the interim, sometime between Robin’s own time and the invention of the printing press.
As part of an oral tradition, the stories that were printed were the ones that were remembered, whether because they were the best stories, the most memorable ones, were just told by particularly charismatic storytellers – or all of the above. There’s no historical canon version, just a lot of stories that center around a larger-than-life character and his band of outlaws as they rebelled against an unjust authority.
It’s a “Fix-it” fic where the heroes fight wrongs and make things better in the end, as occurs when Richard the Lionhearted returns to his kingdom and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham is forced to leave Robin and his gang alone. The story conveniently ends before King Richard is killed and John takes back over, this time for good – or ill.
The Robin Hood Stories series are a kind of “next generation” fanfic where the author takes the beloved characters and tells readers what happened after the happy ever after, moving the story to the literal next generation, the earlier heroes’ children.
So she’s right. Not just that these stories feel like fanfiction but that the original Robin Hood stories were too. Complete with the “so many variations that the original canon is obscured” problem. In my review of the first book I noted that there’s a trend towards retellings going on right now. The world has gone mad and we’re all looking for the comfort of stories we know and love, in variations that may hold a few surprises but ultimately lead back to the tales that we already know.
And that’s what these Robin Hood Stories have been so far for me. A lovely comfort read with an interesting view of a historical period that I enjoy, an ultimately a visit with some old and very dear friends.
I hope there will be more.
August 1, 2020
I loved this I just wish it was longer, I could really see it developed into a full novel and it would be even better than it already is. It’s a fantastic re-imagining of the Robin Hood myth and legends. I love how much Carrie’s novellas are character driven and I hope she writes many more of these. A fantastic way to escape for awhile.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
April 30, 2020
King John is dead and thirteen-year-old Henry III has ascended the British throne surrounded by advisors and sycophants. When the nobility is to be introduced to the new king, Robin of Locksley aka Robin Hood suggests to his children, especially his son, John, that they go in his stead as Henry might need a friend, someone close to his age who wants nothing from him. Henry is immediately fascinated by the three having heard all the legends about their father. When he admits wistfully that he has never climbed a tree, John decides to sneak him out of the palace for a night of mischief, a vey dangerous plan since the discovery of it could be construed as kidnapping. Worse, as they sit high up in a tree, they overhear what may be a murder and a possible plot against an adviser of the king.
The Heirs of Locksley is based on the legendary character of Robin Hood, or to be more precise, his children, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's very short, really a novella, and it's well written with a fair bit of action and palace intrigue to keep the story moving. The three Locksley children are very likeable as is Henry. I had not realized this was the second in a series but it worked fine as a standalone.
I do, however, have to say that the length of the story worked both as a plus and a minus here. It felt that many of the plot points lacked both purpose or closure. They added little to the story and just seemed to be included here to, for example, allow the introduction of another character. Perhaps they'll be addressed in a future book but, here, they felt out of place. That aside, however, I would recommend it to any young reader (10+) who is looking for a quick read with likeable characters, lots of action but little violence.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
The Heirs of Locksley is based on the legendary character of Robin Hood, or to be more precise, his children, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's very short, really a novella, and it's well written with a fair bit of action and palace intrigue to keep the story moving. The three Locksley children are very likeable as is Henry. I had not realized this was the second in a series but it worked fine as a standalone.
I do, however, have to say that the length of the story worked both as a plus and a minus here. It felt that many of the plot points lacked both purpose or closure. They added little to the story and just seemed to be included here to, for example, allow the introduction of another character. Perhaps they'll be addressed in a future book but, here, they felt out of place. That aside, however, I would recommend it to any young reader (10+) who is looking for a quick read with likeable characters, lots of action but little violence.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
October 27, 2021
There’s a running gag in this second instalment about Mary never getting to meet her now five-years-ago betrothed. The family gets to meet the young King Henry III, and when what should be harmless night of fun for the king and middle son of Marion and Robin, John, turns into a dangerous, possibly treasonous, situation. Mary and youngest sib Eleanor quickly get involved to protect John and the King.
This and the previous instalment are wonderful continuations of the Robin Hood legend, and I wish Carrie Vaughn would write more of these stories.
This and the previous instalment are wonderful continuations of the Robin Hood legend, and I wish Carrie Vaughn would write more of these stories.
May 7, 2020
ARC provided by Tor.com via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed this even more than the first book. They're very short and quite light reads, which is sort of the point. While they are not YA, they would probably be suitable for a YA audience (including the 12 - 14 end.) While Vaughn is clearly not writing the gritty 13th C for the sheer hell of showing the plagues and bloodshed, she doesn't shy away from the nastier aspects - hinting at them and leaving the reader to form her own opinion. As far as what are essentially fantasy reimaginings of the High Medieval period go, the history is also fairly accurate.
This book picks up some years after the Ghosts of Sherwood. Mary has still not met her betrothed and now that she is an adult, is starting to feel frustrated as well as nervous with the situation. Her younger brother, John, is now sixteen and while still a mischievous scapegrace, his judgement has matured. The youngest child of Robin Hood, Eleanor, is still mute but here we see her as a clever teenager who is just as adventurous and competent as her siblings. King John is dead and his son - 13yr old Henry III - is receiving oaths of fealty. Robin of Lockesley would like his children to befriend the lonely young king, since he wants a better less tempestuous life for his children than he and Marian suffered in their early years. John takes this advice to heart with disastrous consequences...
These novellas are a lot of fun. They're quieter fantasy stories but there's a lot of intelligent character development going on and they have a lot of heart. I really hope there are more in the series. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this even more than the first book. They're very short and quite light reads, which is sort of the point. While they are not YA, they would probably be suitable for a YA audience (including the 12 - 14 end.) While Vaughn is clearly not writing the gritty 13th C for the sheer hell of showing the plagues and bloodshed, she doesn't shy away from the nastier aspects - hinting at them and leaving the reader to form her own opinion. As far as what are essentially fantasy reimaginings of the High Medieval period go, the history is also fairly accurate.
This book picks up some years after the Ghosts of Sherwood. Mary has still not met her betrothed and now that she is an adult, is starting to feel frustrated as well as nervous with the situation. Her younger brother, John, is now sixteen and while still a mischievous scapegrace, his judgement has matured. The youngest child of Robin Hood, Eleanor, is still mute but here we see her as a clever teenager who is just as adventurous and competent as her siblings. King John is dead and his son - 13yr old Henry III - is receiving oaths of fealty. Robin of Lockesley would like his children to befriend the lonely young king, since he wants a better less tempestuous life for his children than he and Marian suffered in their early years. John takes this advice to heart with disastrous consequences...
These novellas are a lot of fun. They're quieter fantasy stories but there's a lot of intelligent character development going on and they have a lot of heart. I really hope there are more in the series. Highly recommend.
August 8, 2020
This is a quick and fun read. I wish it was longer because it's starting to get interesting. Oh I just found out this is the second book or maybe the last book but it can be read as a standalone. I loved each of the characters in this story. This is a modern Robin Hood re-telling but the main characters were Robin's children which is Mary, John and Eleanor.
Thank you Netgalley for The Heirs of Locksley ARC!
Thank you Netgalley for The Heirs of Locksley ARC!
August 9, 2020
WARNING ***** Minor Spoilers ahead. Be it upon your own head to journey onward*****
It's been five years since the events in GHOSTS OF SHERWOOD. Mary, John, and Eleanor have continued to grow strong and independent. The kingdom has been relatively quiet, though with the recent death of King John, and the coronation of his 13-year old son as King Henry III that might change as parties to the new king begin to push their own agendas. Robin, as Lord Locksley, sees the influence of the late King John's advisors not being one that is conducive to the new king's growth and suggests that his son take the new oath of fealty to the young king and perhaps sow the seeds of trust and friendship that was so lacking in his relationship with the child's father. But, good intentions are one thing, acting on those may create a whole new world of danger. And, Mary wonders, who is William de Ros and why is he NEVER around?
Carrie Vaughn returns to the world of England in a time of unrest and change with scheming and potential betrayal in the air. This, the second and last(?) book in her tales of Robin and Marian and the next generation of Locksleys. Vaughn's forte has always been her ability to get into the emotions and feelings of her characters and these stories are no exception. She takes the reader through the doubts and fears of her characters in a way that is recognizable to any of us and drives them to their natural - as written - conclusions. Her characters are charming...or despicable...in their own ways.
Another wonderful story from the mind of one of today's best.
NOTE *** New Readers - if this was the first of the two books set in the world of Robin Hood, have no fear. The author has crafted this as a fairly self contained adventure with little needed background information from the previous story that can't be gleaned simply through reading this tale as a stand alone.
It's been five years since the events in GHOSTS OF SHERWOOD. Mary, John, and Eleanor have continued to grow strong and independent. The kingdom has been relatively quiet, though with the recent death of King John, and the coronation of his 13-year old son as King Henry III that might change as parties to the new king begin to push their own agendas. Robin, as Lord Locksley, sees the influence of the late King John's advisors not being one that is conducive to the new king's growth and suggests that his son take the new oath of fealty to the young king and perhaps sow the seeds of trust and friendship that was so lacking in his relationship with the child's father. But, good intentions are one thing, acting on those may create a whole new world of danger. And, Mary wonders, who is William de Ros and why is he NEVER around?
Carrie Vaughn returns to the world of England in a time of unrest and change with scheming and potential betrayal in the air. This, the second and last(?) book in her tales of Robin and Marian and the next generation of Locksleys. Vaughn's forte has always been her ability to get into the emotions and feelings of her characters and these stories are no exception. She takes the reader through the doubts and fears of her characters in a way that is recognizable to any of us and drives them to their natural - as written - conclusions. Her characters are charming...or despicable...in their own ways.
Another wonderful story from the mind of one of today's best.
NOTE *** New Readers - if this was the first of the two books set in the world of Robin Hood, have no fear. The author has crafted this as a fairly self contained adventure with little needed background information from the previous story that can't be gleaned simply through reading this tale as a stand alone.
September 24, 2020
4.5–I may round up after thinking about it for a while but for now I’ll leave it at 4. rtc
I still can't decide if I want to round up or down--I adore this book, this series, this family specifically, but as a book, this one feels slightly less than the one that came before it. I enjoyed the antics tremendously. At its core, this is a book about loyalty and adventure and good people doing good things together, protecting friendship and family, and I love and appreciate every word of it.
But the stakes feel a bit lower than the prior book, and while I'm bouncing all over everywhere for Mary and her good sir, I'm also...not necessarily best pleased that they exchanged ten words (ten delightfully thrilling words in the midst of a midnight conflict!) and are definitely getting married. Like. Fairy tale, I get it I know I understand but it still comes across as rushed and that makes me saaad.
But, truly, I adore this series, and it actually hurts to give it less than five solid perfect stars. I want to live in these pages, dangerous as they are. This is the best fanfic ever. It's lushious and vivid and I adore the characters tremendously, and watching Robin and Marian flirt is my absolute favorite thing. Power couple.
It's just good fun. It's not dark and deep, but it's clever and gentle and so, so welcoming.
I still can't decide if I want to round up or down--I adore this book, this series, this family specifically, but as a book, this one feels slightly less than the one that came before it. I enjoyed the antics tremendously. At its core, this is a book about loyalty and adventure and good people doing good things together, protecting friendship and family, and I love and appreciate every word of it.
But the stakes feel a bit lower than the prior book, and while I'm bouncing all over everywhere for Mary and her good sir, I'm also...not necessarily best pleased that they exchanged ten words (ten delightfully thrilling words in the midst of a midnight conflict!) and are definitely getting married. Like. Fairy tale, I get it I know I understand but it still comes across as rushed and that makes me saaad.
But, truly, I adore this series, and it actually hurts to give it less than five solid perfect stars. I want to live in these pages, dangerous as they are. This is the best fanfic ever. It's lushious and vivid and I adore the characters tremendously, and watching Robin and Marian flirt is my absolute favorite thing. Power couple.
It's just good fun. It's not dark and deep, but it's clever and gentle and so, so welcoming.
July 20, 2020
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The Heirs of Locksley is the second book in the Robin Hood Stories series. I found it to be more like a novella at 128 pages, but the pacing is quick and it was a great, if short, read! So far, this is a duology, but it may evolve into something more.
Several other reviewers have mentioned that historically, Robin Hood has been a less than accurate figure, but in Carrie Vaughn's interpretation, Robin Hood becomes almost historically accurate. At least, he becomes less mythical and more real in this re-telling/original story about his heirs.
Mary, John, and Eleanor, the children of Robin and Marian, are fun characters who are headstrong, but also duty bound. Mary is the eldest, a whiz with a bow and always looking out for her younger sister. John is following in his father's footsteps, encouraging the new king to experience things he'd never experienced before and completely headstrong. Eleanor is the youngest, she doesn't speak and avoids crowds, she sticks close to Mary usually.
The plot is interesting, with Robin's kids navigating the political sphere created by the death of the former king. Now, England is ruled by a king who is no more than 13 years old and close in age to John. The pacing is fast and the book was over before I really realized it. I did enjoy the character development and the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book! I received a galley copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
The Heirs of Locksley is the second book in the Robin Hood Stories series. I found it to be more like a novella at 128 pages, but the pacing is quick and it was a great, if short, read! So far, this is a duology, but it may evolve into something more.
Several other reviewers have mentioned that historically, Robin Hood has been a less than accurate figure, but in Carrie Vaughn's interpretation, Robin Hood becomes almost historically accurate. At least, he becomes less mythical and more real in this re-telling/original story about his heirs.
Mary, John, and Eleanor, the children of Robin and Marian, are fun characters who are headstrong, but also duty bound. Mary is the eldest, a whiz with a bow and always looking out for her younger sister. John is following in his father's footsteps, encouraging the new king to experience things he'd never experienced before and completely headstrong. Eleanor is the youngest, she doesn't speak and avoids crowds, she sticks close to Mary usually.
The plot is interesting, with Robin's kids navigating the political sphere created by the death of the former king. Now, England is ruled by a king who is no more than 13 years old and close in age to John. The pacing is fast and the book was over before I really realized it. I did enjoy the character development and the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book! I received a galley copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2021
ZOMG. I love this so much.
It's four years after book 1 and the kids are on another adventure - King Henry III has been crowned and after pledging loyalty (which leads to an archery contest), John discovers that the 13 year old King has never climbed a tree... Let the shenanigans begin.
I love it. I love how Mary wins the archery contest. I love how Eleonore find the arrows with which Mary saves John. I love how Robin is still a force to be reckoned with. I love how John befriends the King and how Mary and Eleonore have to kind of save them both.
I love, love, love it when a character like Robin has kids of his own that are not quite but still very much like himself. XD
I love every part and bit and piece of this so much. I want so much more of them (can I please get a full novel or at least a book three? Pretty please?). <3
It's four years after book 1 and the kids are on another adventure - King Henry III has been crowned and after pledging loyalty (which leads to an archery contest), John discovers that the 13 year old King has never climbed a tree... Let the shenanigans begin.
I love it. I love how Mary wins the archery contest. I love how Eleonore find the arrows with which Mary saves John. I love how Robin is still a force to be reckoned with. I love how John befriends the King and how Mary and Eleonore have to kind of save them both.
I love, love, love it when a character like Robin has kids of his own that are not quite but still very much like himself. XD
I love every part and bit and piece of this so much. I want so much more of them (can I please get a full novel or at least a book three? Pretty please?). <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2020
A few years after the events of the last book, King John has died, and Henry III has just been crowned king at thirteen years old. The Locksley family pays fealty to the new King, and Robin’s teenage son John sees an opportunity to befriend this young King who is caught between his two major advisors. There is an archery tournament, a night adventure, and a small plot of court politics.
This was a fun little novella. There’s adventure and interesting characters, but also some good historical research to ground it. Only complaint is I would love for it to be longer, though it is a good length for the story it does tell. Still gets 5 stars because I enjoyed it so much. Hoping we get to see more books in this world with these characters.
This was a fun little novella. There’s adventure and interesting characters, but also some good historical research to ground it. Only complaint is I would love for it to be longer, though it is a good length for the story it does tell. Still gets 5 stars because I enjoyed it so much. Hoping we get to see more books in this world with these characters.
March 16, 2021
I loved The Ghosts of Sherwood and this was a wonderful sequel. The three Locksley children meet the young King Henry III, and he is impressed by the skill with the bow that Mary and John display at a court tournament - learned at their father's feet, of course. The boy king is wistful for adventures he has never experienced, such as climbing a tree, so John contrives to sneak him out of the palace at night, and they stumble upon a mystery of court intrigue. Of course, Eleanor and Mary set out to rescue their brother once they realize where he has gone.
A lovely entry to this little series, with a nice resolution to Mary's dilemmas, one that is in keeping with the times and her place as a woman, but also with the feminist spirit that Robin and Marian raised her with - she can shoot an arrow as well as any man, and bar the door and defend her home if needed! I hope Carrie Vaughn plans to write more of these, or even a full-length novel of Locksley adventures; my daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed both novellas.
A lovely entry to this little series, with a nice resolution to Mary's dilemmas, one that is in keeping with the times and her place as a woman, but also with the feminist spirit that Robin and Marian raised her with - she can shoot an arrow as well as any man, and bar the door and defend her home if needed! I hope Carrie Vaughn plans to write more of these, or even a full-length novel of Locksley adventures; my daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed both novellas.
October 16, 2020
Fun and adventure with the Locksley siblings. The Heirs of Locksley takes place four years after The Ghosts of Sherwood. The king has died leaving his heir, 13 year old son, Henry III to inherit the throne. The entire Locksley clan attends the coronation in a seemingly peaceful time, but trouble does seem to follow. They have adventures and also a sweet surprise.
June 19, 2021
Fear not, Robin Hood is still alive in this charming novella. But the story centers on his children, now adults, at the coronation of Henry III. There is mischief and skulduggery, adventure, and of course archery. There is even a slight hint of queer content, which I hope Vaughn explores further in another story.
January 10, 2024
An absolute delight. The author readily admits that she did not do much research. This book simply attempts to capture the spirit of Robin Hood stories, and it is a swashbuckling, cheeky, good time. Robin Hood's kids aren't looking for trouble, but they don't hide from it, either.
August 24, 2020
I may or may not be crying. I love this book so much. It's like a hug made out of paper.
August 25, 2020
Oooo I really enjoyed this even more than the first novella!! I'm such a fan of the Robin Hood legend and I'd gladly read a couple more novellas following these kids and their famous parents.
September 28, 2020
Still to short for my liking! I wanted to know more about the Locksley kids. I know that's how it was done in those days but it makes me sad to think of Mary, John, or Elanor ever leaving the shadow of Sherwood. They're all growing up in this story and they'll all have to at some point.
November 5, 2021
Love it! I am liking all of the characters. The narrator makes Robin sound crusty though🤣
November 28, 2021
I love sibling trios so much I want more!!!!!!!
January 29, 2023
This book is not marketed to the young adult market but I believe that this book and its predecessor are appropriate for that audience. This book contains a light touch on romance and love with a focus on the adventure that comes into our lives as we go from day to day.
August 11, 2020
This one was fun, sort of a kids will be kids tale. I like that Robin and Marian let their kids take care of themselves, they are more than capable. Robin's advice to John about the new King was good in a couple of ways, though I don't think that Robin expected John to do things quite the way he did. I loved how the siblings stick together, right there to help when needed. I especially like the person that Mary finally met and how that will end up.
July 21, 2020
After reading and enjoying The Ghosts of Sherwood, I knew I was up for another tale of Robin Hood’s children. This novella, just as short and easy to pick up as the previous one, is set around 4 years after The Ghosts of Sherwood. Mary is not yet married, having yet to even lay eyes on the man her parents are considering for her husband. Eleanor still does not speak, showing many signs of what we now would likely deem autism. John stands in his father’s shadow, unsure what to do with his life or what he will become.
And now King John is dead, and his young son Henry ascends to the throne.
Robin decides to send John to swear fealty on his behalf, hoping that the two, being closer in age than the new king is to his advisors, will strike up a friendship, placing John in the position of confidant and unofficial (and maybe someday official) advisor. It’s undoubtedly a political move, not one intended to curry favour and gain power so much as help keep his descendants out of disfavour with the man who will, with luck, sit on the English throne for quite some time. John is rather angry about the political side of this move, but he does do what’s suggested, and he does manage to get in good with King Henry, partly due to participating in a semi-impromptu archery contest (alongside his sister Mary, because Mary is a very good shot), and partly after sneaking his way to Henry that night in order to sneak the young king out to engage in some tree-climbing.
Which isn’t a euphemism. John seems appalled that Henry never had the chance to climb trees, and so seeks to rectify the situation. The fun is cut short, however, when the two stumble across an attempted murder in the night, and take it upon themselves to solve the mystery of who and why.
I enjoyed The Heirs of Locksley as much as I enjoyed The Ghosts of Sherwood. I expected a shift in character focus from Mary to John, though it’s not like Mary was completely out of the picture here. The dangling plot thread of “will she actually marry the man her parents wish for her” got tied up nicely, though I can see how it might annoy some readers. She met him, and while it wasn’t love at first sight, they did agree to marriage pretty quickly, still knowing very little about each other. But honestly, that didn’t bother me; it fit the time period and setting. Mary met him, liked how she felt around him and saw that he treated his horses well, figured she could do a lot worse, and so made the decision. The decision didn’t seem out of character for her, so I have no real problems with it.
I also want to take a moment to talk a little about the vibes between John and Henry, and I swear, if there hadn’t been such an age and experience gap between them, I was wondering if there’d be a sparking romance between them in addition to that new friendship. But no, that wasn’t the case, and I can’t say I’m entirely surprised. I was surprised, though, by the very strong implication at the end that John was struggling a little to deal with thoughts that men are far more appealing than women.
But this is where I have to confess a little bit of disappointment. I can’t find any information to suggest that this series will be ongoing, everywhere lists this as book 2 of 2, and that dips its toes into problematic territory. Mary gets a story focusing on her, John gets a story focusing on him, but Eleanor, the neurodiverse one, gets nothing with a focus on her? We get hints that John might be gay, but that’s where it all gets cut off and nothing about that gets dealt with after a “maybe he is,” moment? This concern might be rendered moot if more stories are written, but as it stands for now, with no indication that this series will continue, it’s a disappointing place to leave things. I want more fiction with neurodiverse characters. I want more fiction with queer characters. I get disappointed when I run into things that dangle a carrot but don’t actually follow through.
So I’ve got my fingers crossed that this series will continue, that more stories of the Locksley children will be written. The stories are well written, fun to read even for those who, like me, aren’t super familiar with the Robin Hood story, and it would be a big disappointment to end things here, and for multiple reasons.
As with The Ghosts of Sherwood, The Heirs of Locksley is a low-investment read that has a big reward. It’s short, both of them could easily be read in an afternoon, and they’re well-paced well-written adventures that take the reader back to a time of history and folklore, setting the stage in a way that brings the hypothetical to life. I definitely recommend them as quick reads for fans of speculative historical fiction, even if there’s that caveat of how disappointing it will all be if it ends here, after teasing such potential inclusivity.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
And now King John is dead, and his young son Henry ascends to the throne.
Robin decides to send John to swear fealty on his behalf, hoping that the two, being closer in age than the new king is to his advisors, will strike up a friendship, placing John in the position of confidant and unofficial (and maybe someday official) advisor. It’s undoubtedly a political move, not one intended to curry favour and gain power so much as help keep his descendants out of disfavour with the man who will, with luck, sit on the English throne for quite some time. John is rather angry about the political side of this move, but he does do what’s suggested, and he does manage to get in good with King Henry, partly due to participating in a semi-impromptu archery contest (alongside his sister Mary, because Mary is a very good shot), and partly after sneaking his way to Henry that night in order to sneak the young king out to engage in some tree-climbing.
Which isn’t a euphemism. John seems appalled that Henry never had the chance to climb trees, and so seeks to rectify the situation. The fun is cut short, however, when the two stumble across an attempted murder in the night, and take it upon themselves to solve the mystery of who and why.
I enjoyed The Heirs of Locksley as much as I enjoyed The Ghosts of Sherwood. I expected a shift in character focus from Mary to John, though it’s not like Mary was completely out of the picture here. The dangling plot thread of “will she actually marry the man her parents wish for her” got tied up nicely, though I can see how it might annoy some readers. She met him, and while it wasn’t love at first sight, they did agree to marriage pretty quickly, still knowing very little about each other. But honestly, that didn’t bother me; it fit the time period and setting. Mary met him, liked how she felt around him and saw that he treated his horses well, figured she could do a lot worse, and so made the decision. The decision didn’t seem out of character for her, so I have no real problems with it.
I also want to take a moment to talk a little about the vibes between John and Henry, and I swear, if there hadn’t been such an age and experience gap between them, I was wondering if there’d be a sparking romance between them in addition to that new friendship. But no, that wasn’t the case, and I can’t say I’m entirely surprised. I was surprised, though, by the very strong implication at the end that John was struggling a little to deal with thoughts that men are far more appealing than women.
But this is where I have to confess a little bit of disappointment. I can’t find any information to suggest that this series will be ongoing, everywhere lists this as book 2 of 2, and that dips its toes into problematic territory. Mary gets a story focusing on her, John gets a story focusing on him, but Eleanor, the neurodiverse one, gets nothing with a focus on her? We get hints that John might be gay, but that’s where it all gets cut off and nothing about that gets dealt with after a “maybe he is,” moment? This concern might be rendered moot if more stories are written, but as it stands for now, with no indication that this series will continue, it’s a disappointing place to leave things. I want more fiction with neurodiverse characters. I want more fiction with queer characters. I get disappointed when I run into things that dangle a carrot but don’t actually follow through.
So I’ve got my fingers crossed that this series will continue, that more stories of the Locksley children will be written. The stories are well written, fun to read even for those who, like me, aren’t super familiar with the Robin Hood story, and it would be a big disappointment to end things here, and for multiple reasons.
As with The Ghosts of Sherwood, The Heirs of Locksley is a low-investment read that has a big reward. It’s short, both of them could easily be read in an afternoon, and they’re well-paced well-written adventures that take the reader back to a time of history and folklore, setting the stage in a way that brings the hypothetical to life. I definitely recommend them as quick reads for fans of speculative historical fiction, even if there’s that caveat of how disappointing it will all be if it ends here, after teasing such potential inclusivity.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
October 9, 2025
The perfect continuation of the first book! I listened to it immediately after the first one and it takes place four years later. This one had more of an emphasis on the children with the two POV being Mary and John. Mary had the sweetest romance. I love the adventure and the sibling bond. The kids are more mature but still have the best banter. I teared up at the end and definitely want more! A lot can happen politically in 4 years too…. I love the classic archery tournament scene! Robin Hood is the best character ever!!! It was the same narrator from the first audiobook and she did a fantastic job. This was a little longer novella at 3hrs.
SPOILERS and book notes:
French king tried to take over England but they did not succeed. King John DIED. And his son Henry III is king and only at 13! They are at the coronation. Mary is looking for William hehe. Mary is 20 now and hasn’t met William yet!! It has been four years since the first book and it is still the man Robin hopes she will marry. I would say 12 yo Eleanor is autistic. John 16yo is more serious. El and Mary smiled and made eye contact with the king! El likes him and she doesn’t like anyone. John POV! As robins heir, he will be the one to swear fealty to the king on behalf of Robin. Bc the king needs friends not more old men haha. When John is in front of the king to swear felty the king asks for him to shoot bc of the legends! And John says his sister Mary has the true gift from their father. So the king holds an archery contest and Mary dresses like a classic Robin Hood! The outlaws still live in locksley and watch each others back. And Mary love it. Feels protected. Took it for granted. John dresses to match Mary! Will scarlet is the locksley steward. I love how proud John is of his sister and that he brags about her. She wins!! John beats a man in Mary’s honor! Also the king is so kind to Eleanor. Mary is looking at men and wondering how she will know if William is a good man. It’s how he treats his servants, his dogs, women in his life. “Don’t try to curry favor with the king rather be honest and honorable. Just be your self.” There is a French bishop and a lord that was king John’s man vying for power. John snuck to see the king and broke him out to let the king climb a tree for the first time! How sweet. William the conquerer was the first Norman king. He is Henry’s ancestor. Edward was the last English king before this. The siblings save a man from being drowned and escape but ran into a very handsome knight that is super nice to his horses and generous to them. He is powerfully built with a sword. And he got them safely back to the castle. It happened to be William!!!!! Awww!!! This is the first time she meets him!!!! And then he visits her at their camp and they take a walk! He said that last night he thought “here is a woman that if I said shut the gates and defend them she would!” And that’s the woman I want to marry. And she says yes! And Henry the king asks John to stay and be in his court and teach him archery. And this is what Robin wanted for his son. To have royal favor. When he never ever had that. He wanted better for his son! Mary is marrying in one week and going away! John said “what will I ever do without you?” And they cry! And I’m crying!!! They said they will visit each other and collect and tell stories.
SPOILERS and book notes:
French king tried to take over England but they did not succeed. King John DIED. And his son Henry III is king and only at 13! They are at the coronation. Mary is looking for William hehe. Mary is 20 now and hasn’t met William yet!! It has been four years since the first book and it is still the man Robin hopes she will marry. I would say 12 yo Eleanor is autistic. John 16yo is more serious. El and Mary smiled and made eye contact with the king! El likes him and she doesn’t like anyone. John POV! As robins heir, he will be the one to swear fealty to the king on behalf of Robin. Bc the king needs friends not more old men haha. When John is in front of the king to swear felty the king asks for him to shoot bc of the legends! And John says his sister Mary has the true gift from their father. So the king holds an archery contest and Mary dresses like a classic Robin Hood! The outlaws still live in locksley and watch each others back. And Mary love it. Feels protected. Took it for granted. John dresses to match Mary! Will scarlet is the locksley steward. I love how proud John is of his sister and that he brags about her. She wins!! John beats a man in Mary’s honor! Also the king is so kind to Eleanor. Mary is looking at men and wondering how she will know if William is a good man. It’s how he treats his servants, his dogs, women in his life. “Don’t try to curry favor with the king rather be honest and honorable. Just be your self.” There is a French bishop and a lord that was king John’s man vying for power. John snuck to see the king and broke him out to let the king climb a tree for the first time! How sweet. William the conquerer was the first Norman king. He is Henry’s ancestor. Edward was the last English king before this. The siblings save a man from being drowned and escape but ran into a very handsome knight that is super nice to his horses and generous to them. He is powerfully built with a sword. And he got them safely back to the castle. It happened to be William!!!!! Awww!!! This is the first time she meets him!!!! And then he visits her at their camp and they take a walk! He said that last night he thought “here is a woman that if I said shut the gates and defend them she would!” And that’s the woman I want to marry. And she says yes! And Henry the king asks John to stay and be in his court and teach him archery. And this is what Robin wanted for his son. To have royal favor. When he never ever had that. He wanted better for his son! Mary is marrying in one week and going away! John said “what will I ever do without you?” And they cry! And I’m crying!!! They said they will visit each other and collect and tell stories.
August 6, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S THE HEIRS OF LOCKSLEY ABOUT?
It's about four years after the events of The Ghosts of Sherwood , King John is dead and the Locksley's are at the coronation of his son, King Henry III.
Robin pushes his son John into taking care of some of the courtly duties as his heir (also, he's the Locksley without any political baggage). His sisters accompany him to meet the new king, one thing leads to another, and Henry calls for an archery competition to see them at work.
The Locksleys being the Locksleys, trouble follows them—some comes at the competition, some comes later. Basically (like their father), the children go looking for fun, and adventure ensues—maybe it is Sherwood's fault.
You can just see the glint in his eye as he said that...(and the way he laughed about that line when
SO WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE HEIRS OF LOCKSLEY?
Like its predecessor, this is a quick read. A fun read—it feels like one more entry in a long-running series, not just the second. We've only got to spend roughly 250 pages with these three and they already feel like old friends.
Vaughn tapped into something here and I'm so glad she did. In the afterword, she writes:
From where I sit, that's exactly what Vaughn delivered. Most modern retellings (on-screen or in print) seem to miss the charm and witty parts in the gritty reboots—but Vaughn kept them.
I know it's a duology, but I'd buy more—either the further adventures of the heirs or if she wanted to go back and tell some of Robin's adventures.
---
“Well,” Marian said calmly. “Perhaps they found an adventure.”
“Marian, they were supposed to be nothing like me. They were supposed to be sensible and quiet and not at all prone to adventures.”
“Hmm,” she said, refusing to state any opinion about what Robin’s children were meant to be like. If they were wild, she’d blame Sherwood Forest before she blamed Robin. Something about that place got into one’s bones and made one rash.
WHAT'S THE HEIRS OF LOCKSLEY ABOUT?
It's about four years after the events of The Ghosts of Sherwood , King John is dead and the Locksley's are at the coronation of his son, King Henry III.
Robin pushes his son John into taking care of some of the courtly duties as his heir (also, he's the Locksley without any political baggage). His sisters accompany him to meet the new king, one thing leads to another, and Henry calls for an archery competition to see them at work.
The Locksleys being the Locksleys, trouble follows them—some comes at the competition, some comes later. Basically (like their father), the children go looking for fun, and adventure ensues—maybe it is Sherwood's fault.
"So what did you think would happen, coming here? Knowing who their father is?”
[Redacted] was trapped. He had the look of a hound who had cornered a boar all by himself and then didn’t know what to do with it. “Those . . . They’re just stories. You aren’t him, not really.”
“No, of course not. That man lived a long time ago,” Robin murmured. “I am much angrier right now than he ever was.”
You can just see the glint in his eye as he said that...(and the way he laughed about that line when
SO WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE HEIRS OF LOCKSLEY?
Like its predecessor, this is a quick read. A fun read—it feels like one more entry in a long-running series, not just the second. We've only got to spend roughly 250 pages with these three and they already feel like old friends.
Vaughn tapped into something here and I'm so glad she did. In the afterword, she writes:
What makes a good Robin Hood story?
Adventure. Charm. Good people we like looking out for each other— it’s not enough to have a story about Robin Hood. He needs all his friends around him, and they need to be witty and skilled and admirable. Archery, of course we need archery. Clint Barton and Katniss Everdeen insist that we still need archery even in this modern day. And Robin needs to help people. He needs to denounce corruption and tyranny. He rebels and resists.
From where I sit, that's exactly what Vaughn delivered. Most modern retellings (on-screen or in print) seem to miss the charm and witty parts in the gritty reboots—but Vaughn kept them.
I know it's a duology, but I'd buy more—either the further adventures of the heirs or if she wanted to go back and tell some of Robin's adventures.
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