Into the Forest discussion

Here is the place to discuss retellings, traditional tales, or fairytale/folklore books where a character(s) has an Outlaws,
which includes thieves, assassins, pirates, and other nefarious folk

If anyone is looking for a quick middle-grade read in this category, I read Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren this year and thought it was a great read. It features some lesser-used mythological creatures.

I just found a copy of The Black God's Drums by P. Djèlí Clark on clearance, and the reviews/summaries mention "thieving" and "sky-pirates." So, I assume that may fit for this year.

I suggest:
Little Thieves

I wonder if Zorro would work. I am due a reread! :)

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang would be a great fit here.

there are two fun Icelandic sagas about outlaws, grettir's saga and Gisli's saga. I would even say that these two sagas are two the best ones.

Roelofsky wrote: "there are two fun Icelandic sagas about outlaws, grettir's saga and Gisli's saga. I would even say that these two sagas are two the best ones."

After your recommendation I started Gisli's Saga. Although I didn't enjoyed it as much as I thought, Icelandic Sagas are offering nice insight into the country's old customs and traditions which is welcomed in my book :). Personally I loved Njall Saga much more.

Njál, Egil and Laxdæla are my favorites, but I would put Grettir's saga also in that list. Its a bit similar to Gisli's, but better 🫣

Andy wrote: "I suggest:
Little Thieves

I wonder if Zorro would work. I am due a reread! :)"

I think it would even though if I remember correctly it is more realistic historical fiction. The Zorro character in itself is mythological. If I don’t find anything for this prompt I might reread it.

I can’t think of many books for this prompt but I’m sure there are lots.
Off hand I think of
The Child Thief by Brom a kind of creepy retelling of Peter Pan. I remember liking it.
Of course any book featuring Robin Hood would work
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi The lead character is a pirate. I loved it
fairy tales like Ali Baba and the 40 thieves or The Robber Bridegroom……

If someone is interested in the classics, there is a possibility of "The Water Margin"/"Outlaws of the Marsh" by Shi Nai'an from China

Roelofsky wrote: "Njál, Egil and Laxdæla are my favorites, but I would put Grettir's saga also in that list. Its a bit similar to Gisli's, but better 🫣"

I read all three titles you mentioned :). I see I gave the highest score to the first one.

All great recs! I'll probably read the second Amina book for this challenge, thought I'll read at least one more, too.

I wonder, we didn't include this in the definition, but now that I'm thinking of the idea of villains in fairytales, I would think that retellings told from the villain's perspective would count, like the wicked witch in Snow White, or Medusa. There are so many Medusa retellings I haven't read yet.

Other recs:
Nimona by N.D. Stevenson: YA graphic novel all about what it means to be a villain and a hero.
Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson: sci-fi about outcasts.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab is like a villain origin story. I don't want to say too much about that.
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo, a novella from a demon's perspective.
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland: a funny fantasy pirate novel.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark: Not my favorite of his, but definitely fits the challenge well.
Girls Made of Snow and Glass and Forest of a Thousand Lanterns for snow white retellings that include the villain's perspective.
Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder is a horror about women becoming the villains by turning into monsters.
Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell is a horror romance about a monster and villain.

Margaret wrote: "All great recs! I'll probably read the second Amina book for this challenge, thought I'll read at least one more, too.

I wonder, we didn't include this in the definition, but now that I'm thinking..."

There is a new Amina al Sirafi book out! 😄 I’ve been checking periodically but hadn’t seen it! Yay! I’ll definitely read it for the challenge! I’m trying to read 2 for each prompt so still don’t know about the other

I realize I misread the prompt when I filled this out. It's not villains, it's outlaws lol.

Jalilah wrote: "Andy wrote: "I suggest:
Little Thieves

I wonder if Zorro would work. I am due a reread! :)"

I think it would even though if I remember correctly it is more realistic ..."

Ah, sorry, did not read the reply! I think it is folktale? I took prompts a bit liberaly! Ah! I might have to adjust! :P

I love how wide this category can be. Outlaws in folklore aren’t always purely “villains” sometimes they’re protectors, rebels, or people pushed outside the law by unjust systems. That tension is what makes them so compelling to me.

I’m tempted to pick something that leans more into myth or moral ambiguity rather than straight adventure. Curious if anyone is going darker with their choice?

Andy wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "Andy wrote: "I suggest:
Little Thieves

I wonder if Zorro would work. I am due a reread! :)"

I think it would even though if I remember correctly it is..."

I think it’s considered a legend.