Book: The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: A
For: hmmm.... I don't think this fulfilled any challenges.... so... for fun!
From: Paperbackswap
This one was actually on my list for last year's TBR Challenge, and in fact, I think I started it in December, but obviously failed at finishing it for that challenge. And now... hello!? How many books have I read since then? Poor neglected book.
But then, I watched the BBC Robin Hood series, seasons one and two, and thought to myself, why have I not finished Outlaws? What am I waiting for?
So, I finally picked it up and made it be my main book of focus and finished it in just a day or so. Of course I loved it. How could I not? It's portrayal of Robin Hood was quite similar to the one I'd just been watching on the TV, so that was nice. A few of the other side characters were quite different, but in a fun interesting way. Guy of Gisbourne was WAY different, but at least he was in there! I'd never heard of him before watching the series, but I guess he is truly a part of the whole legend.
This particular take on Robin Hood starts out with Robin Hood accidentally killing someone and thus being forced to hide out in the forest. Suddenly, a bunch of other refugees have joined him and he finds himself the leader. Slowly, the rest of the core gang (Little John, Will Scarlet, Alan a Dale, Friar Tuck) join him. Of course, Much and Marian are with him from the start. They begin their adventures of robbing the rich as they travel through the forest and giving the spoils to the villagers.
It all seemed to follow right along with the idea I have of the Robin Hood story and has just managed to fuel my current obsession. It's such a fun and fabulous story! And once again, it fulfilled that need I was having to read something "real". I know, it's a legend (based on someone real I'm quite sure) but it all felt so very real.
Bottom line: I loved it!
Click here for more on Robin McKinley, author of tons of wonderful books!
Other Reviews:
Angieville
Fyrefly's Book Blog
But then, I watched the BBC Robin Hood series, seasons one and two, and thought to myself, why have I not finished Outlaws? What am I waiting for?
So, I finally picked it up and made it be my main book of focus and finished it in just a day or so. Of course I loved it. How could I not? It's portrayal of Robin Hood was quite similar to the one I'd just been watching on the TV, so that was nice. A few of the other side characters were quite different, but in a fun interesting way. Guy of Gisbourne was WAY different, but at least he was in there! I'd never heard of him before watching the series, but I guess he is truly a part of the whole legend.
This particular take on Robin Hood starts out with Robin Hood accidentally killing someone and thus being forced to hide out in the forest. Suddenly, a bunch of other refugees have joined him and he finds himself the leader. Slowly, the rest of the core gang (Little John, Will Scarlet, Alan a Dale, Friar Tuck) join him. Of course, Much and Marian are with him from the start. They begin their adventures of robbing the rich as they travel through the forest and giving the spoils to the villagers.
It all seemed to follow right along with the idea I have of the Robin Hood story and has just managed to fuel my current obsession. It's such a fun and fabulous story! And once again, it fulfilled that need I was having to read something "real". I know, it's a legend (based on someone real I'm quite sure) but it all felt so very real.
Bottom line: I loved it!
Click here for more on Robin McKinley, author of tons of wonderful books!
Other Reviews:
Angieville
Fyrefly's Book Blog
I love Robin McKinley. I haven't read this one in forever. I should go back and read it again. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link! I haven't watched the Robin Hood series, although I suspect I'd really like it... obviously you recommend it? My Netflix queue is starting to feel a bit like my TBR pile... and is almost as big, heh. :)
ReplyDeleteI really need to read some Robin McKinley! She seems so popular. I have one of her books- I think it's called Sunshine? I have a feeling it's about vampires or something, so I haven't been quite compelled to pick it up. But I should, if she's so great!
ReplyDeleteI'm so tickled you enjoyed this one, Suey. It's one of my go-to comfort reads. I just love Robin and Marian and Cecily and Much and the whole gang. :)
ReplyDeleteActually, this is my least favorite McKinley book. But I do like how she made a fable feel so realistic, and now I'm intrigued about the TV show!
ReplyDeleteThis one has been on my list... just haven't gotten there yet. ;)
ReplyDeleteLooks good!!
Karen: Strange how it took me so long to get to this one.
ReplyDeleteFryefly: YES I recommend it! I hear the third season isn't as good though, but oh, well. I'm going to watch it anyway as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Aarti: Yes, you should! I really liked Sunshine, and yes it's about vampires, but in a different way than you might imagine.
Angie: I just love them all too! :)
Jeane: Interesting that it's your least favorite. My least favorite of hers is Dragonhaven.
Britt: Yes, it's good, especially if you are in a Robin Hood sort of mood. :)
I have never seen any Robin Hood movies--(except for the Disney one!) but I have read several McKinley's and enjoyed them all. I guess I should look into this one too.
ReplyDelete*smiles*