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The Red Fletch
You thought you knew the legend of Robin Hood…
When Alys’ older brother Hob leaves England—and her—to follow Robin of Locksley to Jerusalem for a Holy War, she expects Robin to do all he can to bring her brother home safe. Robin returns and causes havoc in Nottinghamshire, threatening everything Alys holds dear. Hob is still at war. Her family has lost their home. Alys blames Robin for everything.
The Sheriff of Nottingham promises Alys that, with Prince John’s favor, he has the power to bring Hob home and restore their family to their village farm. All Alys has to do is infiltrate Robin’s band of merry thieves to help bring the outlaws to justice.
Alys is confident she’ll have Hob back within a year…until she discovers everything she thought she knew about the outlaws was wrong.
When Alys’ older brother Hob leaves England—and her—to follow Robin of Locksley to Jerusalem for a Holy War, she expects Robin to do all he can to bring her brother home safe. Robin returns and causes havoc in Nottinghamshire, threatening everything Alys holds dear. Hob is still at war. Her family has lost their home. Alys blames Robin for everything.
The Sheriff of Nottingham promises Alys that, with Prince John’s favor, he has the power to bring Hob home and restore their family to their village farm. All Alys has to do is infiltrate Robin’s band of merry thieves to help bring the outlaws to justice.
Alys is confident she’ll have Hob back within a year…until she discovers everything she thought she knew about the outlaws was wrong.
- GenresFiction
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2021
7 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McNellis
13 books34 followersIn alignment with my values around publishing and labor, my books are currently available directly from my website in ebook format.
Margaret McNellis holds an MFA in fiction and a master’s in English and creative writing. She is the author of the Greenmeadow Seasons series—no-spice, character-driven Regency romances set in a cozy English village full of orchard walks, sharp banter, and slow-burning love.
She has also written historical adventures including The Red Fletch and Outlawed, medieval tales of defiance and loyalty, as well as Daughter of the Seven Hills, an ancient story about identity and belonging.
When not writing, Margaret enjoys studying history, making art, and spending time with her corgi, Beatrice.
Margaret McNellis holds an MFA in fiction and a master’s in English and creative writing. She is the author of the Greenmeadow Seasons series—no-spice, character-driven Regency romances set in a cozy English village full of orchard walks, sharp banter, and slow-burning love.
She has also written historical adventures including The Red Fletch and Outlawed, medieval tales of defiance and loyalty, as well as Daughter of the Seven Hills, an ancient story about identity and belonging.
When not writing, Margaret enjoys studying history, making art, and spending time with her corgi, Beatrice.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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July 21, 2021I'm not normally one for descriptive writing. I like fast-paced plot and action. Margaret proves that you can have both. This book had me both salivating over the gorgeous prose AND glued to the pages, dying to know what happened next. There are so many wonderful twists and turns in this story. Just when you think you're getting comfortable with Alys in a situation, a twist happens that throws you totally off-course and you go wwwwhhhaaaaattt and hurry to flip those pages! It's very, VERY rare that I rate a book at all—I normally keep my opinions to myself and my friends and family, not sharing online—but this one's an exception. I want the world to know how awesome this book is and I was SO lucky to get an early read of it, and I can't wait for it to come out in September! Margaret is an exceptional writer, she takes the beloved story of Robin Hood to new depths and places that you won't see coming, and you should buy the book the moment it's out!! Can't wait!!
September 19, 2021
A fun new take the Robin Hood legend! It’s quick paced, action packed, and entertaining. This is McNellis’s debut novel, and I look forward to reading more of her writing.
August 12, 2022
Cute Robin hood story. Alys wanted nothing more than to take her brothers place in the Holy War when Robin came to collect men to fight. While she wasn't allowed to trade places with her brother Robin vowed to keep him safe and return him to her. As time passed the war continued Alys' parents wish she would marry as she was getting older but she had other plans. While she waited her brothers return she was sent to work in the castle of the sheriff to be the maid of Marian.
When Robin finally comes back after months Alys is excited to finally get her family back together. Unfortunately Robin came empty handed and was preoccupied with saving villagers from the gallows to even notice Alys. Alys makes it her mission to get to Robin and find where her brother is, this book is her story of becoming a member of the Merry Men, finding a new family, and being a HOOD.
When Robin finally comes back after months Alys is excited to finally get her family back together. Unfortunately Robin came empty handed and was preoccupied with saving villagers from the gallows to even notice Alys. Alys makes it her mission to get to Robin and find where her brother is, this book is her story of becoming a member of the Merry Men, finding a new family, and being a HOOD.
November 19, 2021
I don't normally read historical fiction....
...but wow, Margaret McNellis makes me want to read a whole lot more of it! Entertaining, quick and beautiful prose...I loved this book and can't wait to read "Outlawed"!
...but wow, Margaret McNellis makes me want to read a whole lot more of it! Entertaining, quick and beautiful prose...I loved this book and can't wait to read "Outlawed"!
December 30, 2022
I need book 2!!!
What a fantastical way yo weave a world and a story that's been heard a million times. This take is so fresh and exciting and I need more like now!
What a fantastical way yo weave a world and a story that's been heard a million times. This take is so fresh and exciting and I need more like now!
October 31, 2021
Robin Hood with a twist
In this story of Robin Hood, the focus is on a woman by the name of Alys Fletcher. In an effort to save her family she accepts a deal to spy on Robin Hood for the sheriff. She becomes torn between what she feels is right because she she realizes the sheriff is evil and she thinks Robin and his gang are helping people. But, she’s afraid for her family if she doesn’t do the sheriffs bidding.
In this story of Robin Hood, the focus is on a woman by the name of Alys Fletcher. In an effort to save her family she accepts a deal to spy on Robin Hood for the sheriff. She becomes torn between what she feels is right because she she realizes the sheriff is evil and she thinks Robin and his gang are helping people. But, she’s afraid for her family if she doesn’t do the sheriffs bidding.
May 5, 2022
Alys’s beloved brother, Hob, is joining Robin of Locksley to retake the Holy Lands. Meanwhile, she’s being sent to serve Maid Marian in Nottingham Town. Before leaving, Alys strikes a deal with Robin: return her brother alive and she’ll dissuade Marian from the visiting suitors during his absence. In 1192, Robin returns alone and publicly challenges the sheriff who’s about to hang Little John for thievery. After a daring escape, Robin and Little John are declared outlaws, and the sheriff assigns Alys a new job: infiltrate the Merry Men and help capture Robin. If she succeeds, he’ll send for her brother’s return. With her kind and ambitious cousin serving the sheriff, she trusts what she’s doing is right. After all, Robin is the one who broke his word and returned without her brother.
The familiar Robin Hood tale comes alive with a feminist twist. Alys encounters Wilmot Scarlet, Little John, Friar Tuck, and others. She walks the line between castle life and outlaw living. Her experiences as farmer’s daughter to handmaiden to bandit give readers a multifaced view of the period. Of course, details about archery are the most vivid.
Alys’s motivations arise from familial bonds (particularly with her brother), working on arrows with her father, and her own personal freedom. As an asexual character, she longs for a life without the pressures of marriage. As she infiltrates the Merry Men and experiences a life in the wild, Alys wrestles with the sheriff’s versus Robin’s conflicting viewpoints in meaningful ways. Who draws the lines between lawful and unlawful?
The Red Fletch is a compelling tale told through the eyes of a female archer as she grapples with choices that affect the lives around her. It’s also simply a fun adventure!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
The familiar Robin Hood tale comes alive with a feminist twist. Alys encounters Wilmot Scarlet, Little John, Friar Tuck, and others. She walks the line between castle life and outlaw living. Her experiences as farmer’s daughter to handmaiden to bandit give readers a multifaced view of the period. Of course, details about archery are the most vivid.
Alys’s motivations arise from familial bonds (particularly with her brother), working on arrows with her father, and her own personal freedom. As an asexual character, she longs for a life without the pressures of marriage. As she infiltrates the Merry Men and experiences a life in the wild, Alys wrestles with the sheriff’s versus Robin’s conflicting viewpoints in meaningful ways. Who draws the lines between lawful and unlawful?
The Red Fletch is a compelling tale told through the eyes of a female archer as she grapples with choices that affect the lives around her. It’s also simply a fun adventure!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
September 26, 2021
Alys Fletcher loves her family, her brother Hob, and their quiet life in Locksley, farming and fletching arrows. Until Robin of Locksley destroys it all by taking Hob with him to Jerusalem to fight in the Holy War.
Alys is forced to move to Nottingham to attend to Maid Marian and, with both children gone and taxes ever higher, her family soon loses everything. Then Robin returns, causing havoc and becoming an outlaw, having abandoned Hob at war. So, when the Sheriff promises he can bring Hob back if Alys helps him capture Robin, she is only too happy to agree. Until she discovers that not everything is as it seems...
The Red Fletch is a gorgeous retelling of the well-known Robin Hood legend, looking at the famous outlaw through the eyes of a young woman desperate to fight for her family. This book takes a beloved legend and turns it into a highly original and engaging story, full of twists and turns. The characters we all know and love, like Robin and Marian, Little John, Friar Tuck and the Merry Many (not just men!), are all there, and are joined by an impressive original cast that will be hard to forget.
Alys is a fantastic main character, full of spirit and wit, not afraid to go against the limits imposed on her by society because of her sex. Her growth arc was a joy to follow, as she learns things the hard way and works hard to correct her mistakes, ultimately having to decide just how much she is willing to risk to do the right thing. I also loved the asexual/aromantic representation in this.
The plot is gripping and the stakes are high, and I found myself quickly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Still, the author managed to weave in several more reflective moments, dealing with a wide range of issues and questions of justice, identity, ethics and morality that kept me mulling over them long after the final page had turned.
The Red Fletch is a solid debut, likely to capture younger audiences and adults alike, and I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next. Highly recommended to historical fiction fans and lovers of feminist retellings of beloved legends.
This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery on 18th September 2021. I received a review copy of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.
Alys is forced to move to Nottingham to attend to Maid Marian and, with both children gone and taxes ever higher, her family soon loses everything. Then Robin returns, causing havoc and becoming an outlaw, having abandoned Hob at war. So, when the Sheriff promises he can bring Hob back if Alys helps him capture Robin, she is only too happy to agree. Until she discovers that not everything is as it seems...
The Red Fletch is a gorgeous retelling of the well-known Robin Hood legend, looking at the famous outlaw through the eyes of a young woman desperate to fight for her family. This book takes a beloved legend and turns it into a highly original and engaging story, full of twists and turns. The characters we all know and love, like Robin and Marian, Little John, Friar Tuck and the Merry Many (not just men!), are all there, and are joined by an impressive original cast that will be hard to forget.
Alys is a fantastic main character, full of spirit and wit, not afraid to go against the limits imposed on her by society because of her sex. Her growth arc was a joy to follow, as she learns things the hard way and works hard to correct her mistakes, ultimately having to decide just how much she is willing to risk to do the right thing. I also loved the asexual/aromantic representation in this.
The plot is gripping and the stakes are high, and I found myself quickly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Still, the author managed to weave in several more reflective moments, dealing with a wide range of issues and questions of justice, identity, ethics and morality that kept me mulling over them long after the final page had turned.
The Red Fletch is a solid debut, likely to capture younger audiences and adults alike, and I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next. Highly recommended to historical fiction fans and lovers of feminist retellings of beloved legends.
This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery on 18th September 2021. I received a review copy of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.
August 15, 2021
Beautifully written book! I loved following Alys’ internal conflict and growth as a character throughout the story. Overall, the whole book was entertaining and captivating, and I am excited to read the next one!!
December 16, 2021
This book was a really fun journey. I loved following Alys Fletcher through all her hardships. See my full review here: https://www.itsyourbookcoaching.com/p... (the video does contain spoilers)
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November 13, 2022A fun and quick paced adventure. And despite the quick read, there is a strong sense of setting and character. Sort of like reading a Ken Follet book in 225 pages. Looking forward to the next adventure.
October 24, 2021
Alys Fletcher is my new favorite archer. The Red Fletch centers around a young woman's struggle with conflicting pressures and influences while she finds her true self. We walk along with her as she's torn between the love of her family and the family she discovers. Which family will she be forced to choose? In this life or death struggle, will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice? Margaret McNellis brings us on a fast-paced adventure filled with heart and beautifully written characters.
December 3, 2025
A satisfying read. While Robin Hood and his merry friends are the basis of this story, it's really Alys' story who initially was reluctant to join Robin Hood's band. Alys is a delight to "be with": she's relatable and gutsy. McNellis drew me into the historical period. The author note at the end explains some of the Robin Hood history and why Alys' actions are realistic. And I learned a new term: ace or asexuality. I'm starting the next in the series.
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Red Fletch was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Red Fletch was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!
March 19, 2022
I didn't enjoy anything about this book.
February 7, 2025
I was expecting a bit more from this based on the super fun premise. The story was ok, the writing was ok. Not mad I read it, but won’t stick with me.
My one annoyance was that the author changed it to “Robin Hood and the Merry Many” because it includes women (how feminist!), yet not a single other woman was ever mentioned as part of the Merry Many besides our heroine. Hmm.
My one annoyance was that the author changed it to “Robin Hood and the Merry Many” because it includes women (how feminist!), yet not a single other woman was ever mentioned as part of the Merry Many besides our heroine. Hmm.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews