"Voigt is extraordinary in her subtle development of every single character and in her ability to immerse her readers in a time many centuries back...
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Oct 06, 2011
Savannahh_wv
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Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt is about Gwyn, the innkeeper’s daughter. This is set a long time ago, before refrigeration, heating systems, and air conditioning. It’s also before people take baths in winter, which was really weird for me to read about. It takes place during a hard winter where people don’t have enough to eat. They start to rely on the masked Jackaroo to help them get through it. But who is the masked Jackaroo?
This book wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be. I thought More...
This book wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be. I thought More...
Dec 18, 2011
Megan
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Apr 29, 2009
Linda
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Well now! Here's just what a medieval romance ought to be! The writing is very good. The plot is very satisfying. And the characters are real. "Jackaroo" is a storybook legend of a swashbuckling mystery-man who rides to the aid of the poor, rather like a Robin Hood. Sixteen-year-old Gwyn has never believed the stories, until she chances on the clothes and cape and mask hidden deep inside Old Megg's cupboard. But she certainly can see the good that is needed to be done by such a h
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Dec 06, 2009
Megan
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This book has been in the back of mind as "to read" since about junior high school, and I'm glad that I finally had the chance to read it. It was very well-written with a strong plot and characterization. I was easily drawn into the story, and everything seemed very real to me as I was reading. I loved that Gwyn, the heroine, had the ability to see the difficulties faced by the people of the Kingdom when others often saw only their own needs and that she had the strength to try and
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Mar 22, 2009
Paula
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I understand his is the first book in a loose trilogy, as the next in the series apparently focusses on the granddaughter of the protagonist in Jackaroo.
All three novels are set in the Kingdom, an ultra-hierarchical society where the lower classes cannot even know the given names of their Lords and where everyone else is usually addressed by either a name indicating what they do (Weaver, Innkeeper and so on) or by a name that indicates their relationship to someone with a trade.
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All three novels are set in the Kingdom, an ultra-hierarchical society where the lower classes cannot even know the given names of their Lords and where everyone else is usually addressed by either a name indicating what they do (Weaver, Innkeeper and so on) or by a name that indicates their relationship to someone with a trade.
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May 29, 2010
Rui
rated it:
I used to love this book as a middle-schooler, when I first found it. It was like Robin Hood meets all the wuxia stories I heard about as I grew up, where girls disguised themselves as guys and explored, and made differences in the world where they could. It was refreshing to read a story like this, in English. ^_^
But then I read the other Kingdom novels. And eventually, a few months ago, I reread Jackaroo. And all of a sudden, though it was still a refreshing scenario, the story, the wri More...
But then I read the other Kingdom novels. And eventually, a few months ago, I reread Jackaroo. And all of a sudden, though it was still a refreshing scenario, the story, the wri More...
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Dec 06, 2010
Jessica
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I really wish they had half stars on this sight, because I think this book is the perfect example of a 3 and a half star book. Jackaroo, the first book in the Kingdom series is very different from anything else I've ever read from Cynthia Voight. I really liked Gwyn, especially at the beginning of the book when Voight juxtaposed Gwyn's patience, fortitude, and against the non-virtues of her spoiled younger brother Tad. It was a great way to set the story in a few pages. I thought the entire stor
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Jan 18, 2010
Sara
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This series takes place in a fictional kingdom set in a middle ages time period. The main character is Gwyn, the Innkeeper's daughter, who is frustrated by the poverty and injustice of the lowly people in the Kingdom. She sets out to do something about it...adventure, romance, and intrigue ensue. I really like this YA author; she doesn't gloss things over but isn't gratuitous at the same time. She was kind of at the forefront of the YA genre in the 70s and 80s. There are 3 other books in th
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Jun 05, 2011
Karen
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What makes a legend? Gwyn, daughter of an innkeeper, discovers a set of clothes that match the description of those worn by "Jackaroo", a Robin Hood sort of figure who helps those less fortunate. She decides to put them on occasionally and use them to do just that -- bring food and money to the poor, and find ways to help others in difficult times. There are other sightings of the Jackaroo, and we figure out quickly that Gwyn's not the only Jackaroo in the land. But what are their
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Nov 02, 2010
Chris
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I picked this up awhile after reading Wings of a Falcon when I was younger; A, because the authors name was familiar and B, because I thought the name was funny. I had no idea that the two were intertwined until I noticed that the land/setting, “The Kingdom”, was the same. Overall this book made me realize that anyone, male or female, rich or poor, could take on a Robin Hood type role and still stand up for what is right. The plot of this book is woven like a fine rug, and the bright characte
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Jan 22, 2012
Evelyn
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Excellent. Gwyn was not particularly unique - a fiery redheaded heroine with a strong sense of justice - but thankfully she was also sensible, and so avoided being annoying. The romance <spoiler>with Burl</spoiler> I saw coming a mile off but it developed naturally and its resolution <spoiler>in the last three pages - see below</spoiler> made me want to start clapping. It helped that the guy was one of my favorite characters in the book. <spoiler>I'm glad her intere
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Mar 28, 2011
Kaion
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The harvest has been spare and still the earls taxes more than ever, leaving the people hungry and victim to lawlessness, and fueling their talk of the legendary bandit and protector of the poor, Jackaroo. As an innkeeper’s daughter, Gwyn notices the burgeoning whispers of his reappearance, but considers them merely beautiful stories. That is until a mysterious pair of Lords come to the inn and draft her to serve them on a mapmaking sojourn North and she is faced with the mask of Jackaroo hersel
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May 23, 2009
Luann
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I guess so many people have this shelved as a fantasy because of the "alternate history" aspect to the story. We never really know it takes place in OUR past and no real-world names that I know of are given for places. But there isn't any magic or sorcery. The School Library Journal calls this "an intense and elegantly written historical adventure-romance ." There really isn't even much of a romantic aspect to the story unless you count the romantic, swashbuckling legend
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Jul 25, 2011
Cherise
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This book started out a little slow, but halfway through things started to get interesting, and by the end I discovered that I had absolutely fallen in love with the book! It was thoughtful, vivid, full of unique and interesting characters, realistic and yet hopeful, portraying the hardships of life without at all diminishing the fantastic moments of adventure. And the ending! It was a legitimate, beautiful happy ending, one that leaves you grinning from ear to ear at the end. I highly recom
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Jul 07, 2011
Angt27
rated it:
After reading the Tillerman series I was expecting great things from Jackaroo but what I got was nothing. The book could easily have been 100 pages shorter. The characters didn't make any sense - why was the Lordling so quiet? Why did the Earl care what happened to the people? Gwyn was boring. And the plot just kind of wandered along, but instead of wandering along an interesting path, it wandered along a really boring path, with very few landmarks.
Blah. Not recommended.
Blah. Not recommended.
May 13, 2010
Sally
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This was my favorite book the first time I read it, when I was about 12 years old. I still adore it and recently reread it. The thing that appealed to me, and still allows me to admire the story, is how confident the heroine is, how her actions are motivated by a sense of justice, fairness, and looking beyond herself to the needs of others - add to that a little taste of Robin Hood-like adventures, and it's the perfect story for any young girl to enjoy!
Mar 30, 2011
Aubrey
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I don't know why I just recently discovered Cynthia Voigt. I've been deprived these many years. Her writing is a little bare, but I've discovered that she is saying a lot by saying a little. Her main character is so strong and sure of her capabilities. I hoped that the love story would resolve itself just the way that it did, which made me happy! I was greatly intrigued by her "kingdom." It is a very interesting place to discover and explore.
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Jul 01, 2009
Craig
rated it:
Reread recently for the third time since it was published. It's maybe getting a touch dated, but mostly in comparison to the rising quality of YA fiction. And in fact it still does a great job of telling the story of a girl coming-of-age and seeking a way to live outside the strictures of her hierarchical society. A little adventure and a little romance keep the pages turning, but it's a little darker and more serious than one might expect.
Jan 28, 2010
Tiana
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I took this book with my to Europe because it was a small paperback that stuffed easily into my purse. I've had it sitting on my shelf for years, but just never got around it. I really enjoyed it! Voigt is a gifted storyteller and the characters were great, even if the writing wasn't amazing. It was nice to just get lost in the story and really want to know what happens next.
Jun 06, 2009
Kathy
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As I started reading this I realized I had started it before and never finished. I suppose that is what kept me at it this time. My expectations were a bit too high, I had heard this compared to Robin Hood or even Scarlet Pimpernel, so as I read I was a little disappointed in the story. I think it had a lot of promise, but it was a little lacking for me. Gwyn was a pretty good heroin, and she grows a lot throughout the story. I think Burl (her good friend, and father’s servant) was under used an
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May 10, 2010
Kim
rated it:
Another 3.5 in my mind. I am sure I read this as a kid, but I can't remember it for sure. It was a great read for the day, but a few things in the unveiling of the storyline annoyed me - Voigt seemed to jump to conclusions without explaining how they got there. Entertaining and easy to read, with a bit of social justice thrown in.
Dec 22, 2008
DDog
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I chose this book from a list of options to write a book report about in middle school, and I absolutely loved it. I would read it while listening to Loreena McKennitt's musical rendition of "The Highwayman." I didn't know this was only the first one until looking it up on Goodreads; I will have to track down the others.
Jun 23, 2011
Debbie
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(Shelf note: this isn't a fantasy, but it feels like one.)
I really like this book and its companion On Fortune's Wheel. I think there's a third in the series, but I've never found it.
I really like this book and its companion On Fortune's Wheel. I think there's a third in the series, but I've never found it.
Jan 05, 2009
Angela in ABQ
rated it:
I am going to give this a 4 until I read it again but I remember reading this in Middle school or High school. They have newer editions since. I read this book over and over again. I have loved fantasy type books for a long time. This one, while "tweenish" only slightly is still a good read.
May 03, 2011
Becky
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This has always been one of my favorite YA books. Focuses on a downtrodden people who look to a mythological hero, Jackaroo, for some hope. When Jackaroo comes to life, the people wonder if he can actually make a difference for them or maybe he can inspire them to make a difference for themselves.
Sep 03, 2010
Good story, there were a few times where I didn't know what was going on and wished the author would just come right out and say it. By the end I understood, but it was a little annoying at times to be confused. Despite that, I enjoyed the story and liked the underlying morals.
Jun 03, 2010
Jessie
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This is usually classified as a Teen book and as such, lacks the edge of adult fantasy. On the other hand, it manages to avoid the overdone sexuality rampant in adult fantasy. The story is good, very much a Robin Hood story, but with well-developed characters and a rich setting.
Apr 19, 2010
Kelli
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I really liked this world. I could feel the fire crackling and hear the people chatting in the Inn. Voigt has a gift with creating a world you feel like always existed. The story isn't predicable nor cookie cutter, but the ending is happy and the characters interesting. I recommend.
Jun 13, 2010
Terri
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Again, I wish I could give half stars. I really did like this book, but would probably only give it 3.5 stars. Jackaroo is a novel about a girl named Gwyn in a fictional English-type kingdom during the middle ages. I really liked Gwyn and her strong character. I loved the setting and the descriptions. The story was a bit predictable, with Jackaroo being a Robin Hood type of character. The little romance was nice, but again predictable.
My big problem though, was with the dialogue. Th More...
My big problem though, was with the dialogue. Th More...
Jan 19, 2011
Mariah
rated it:
In a time of poverty and famine, stories abound of Jackaroo, a highwayman who helps the poor. Gwyn, an innkeeper's daughter thinks this is all nonsense. Yet her life begins to change after a Lord and his son ask her to accompany them on a map-making expedition. As Gwyn learns more about the world around her, she starts to wonder if Jackaroo is in fact a real person.
This book has a slow pace, but I enjoy the poetic descriptions.It's refreshing to have a focus on ordinary peasant charac More...
This book has a slow pace, but I enjoy the poetic descriptions.It's refreshing to have a focus on ordinary peasant charac More...
