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The Outlaws of Sherwood

3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 · rating details · 6,201 ratings · 521 reviews

In the days of King Richard the Lionheart, a young forester named Robin set out one morning for the Nottingham Fair. But he never arrived. By the end of the day a man lay dead in the King's Forest, and Robin was an outlaw with a price on his head.

There have been many tales and ballards about the man we know as Robin Hood, and the lady Marian, Little John, Will Scarlet and...more

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published October 28th 1988 by Greenwillow Books

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Apr 04, 2009 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-stuff

Full disclosure: I like this book a lot, and I think its best points more than outweigh its flaws.

To those disappointed by Robin Hood’s sidelining, I want to point out that McKinley’s title--The Outlaws of Sherwood--should warn you what she’s up to. Robin Hood himself is not her main focus, though he is the key and the center of the plot, and the nucleus of all the relationships of the outlaw band. Traditional interpretations of heroism and heroes don’t interest her, and mythic grandeur only whe...more Full disclosure: I like this book a lot, and I think its best points more than outweigh its flaws.

To those disappointed by Robin Hood’s sidelining, I want to point out that McKinley’s title--The Outlaws of Sherwood--should warn you what she’s up to. Robin Hood himself is not her main focus, though he is the key and the center of the plot, and the nucleus of all the relationships of the outlaw band. Traditional interpretations of heroism and heroes don’t interest her, and mythic grandeur only when contrasted with reality: otherwise, why bother to reimagine folk or fairy tales at all; they’re grand enough in original form? Myth-making, in McKinley’s view, is a vital part of human nature. Fleshing out myth with realistic characterization is what makes her stories vibrant and relatable, and all it takes is about the second page or so (“[Robin:] did not hate the fact that he was a second-rate archer…”) for Robin Hood to snap from godlike Mary Sue to complex, layered, interesting person.

She’s explored this tension before and will again--the idealization of storybook heroes contrasted with what would be the gritty reality of practical deed-doing. The Hero and the Crown showed us dragon-killing as grim, thankless vermin disposal, a clear inversion of the most typically heroic deed in Western myth; in The Blue Sword, Harry is consciously molded into a hero as a symbol she feels she can’t live up to. All of McKinley’s heroes are reluctant, uncertain, forced to step up to the plate by circumstance and character rather than high-minded inclination--they perform heroic deeds because there is no other option, not because they’re bold, noble, pure, or powerful. Like Ursula LeGuin’s Sparrowhawk, they spend their lives learning to decide to do what they must do.

She’s never before been so explicit about what she’s doing, either. There’s practically not a character in the book who doesn’t overtly refer to the act of myth creation and its contrast with the facts of their narrative. Friar Tuck tells us “tales are as much the necessary fabric of our lives as our bodies are.” Marian consciously constructs a legend of superhuman archer Robin Hood; the common folk of Nottingham have their own tales and stories of a fairy ‘Old One’ Robin Hood, savior of the Saxons; the outlaws themselves add some gloss to their versions when drinking with town girlfriends; and robbed nobles exaggerate the shocking deeds of the outlaws, or are implied to be doing so. Finally, in the afterword, if you somehow missed it, she lays it out in her own voice and tells us how and why she manipulated the Robin Hood legend the way she did. This is a story about stories, a story about the impact of stories. The next time you read it, dig for quotes about stories, tales, myths, and you’ll find them everywhere.

McKinley’s skill lies in burying this theme in a great story that stays interesting, in part because the third-person narrative POV jumps around and you don’t spend too much time in any one character’s head. Plot and character-wise, she fleshes out most generally agreed-upon elements of the Robin Hood myth--longbow archery, Sherwood Forest, robbing the rich to give to the poor, the quarterstaff meeting with Little John, the ragtag fugitives’ motley characters (seriously, didn’t we all wonder what a minstrel was doing in a forest?)--all are given plausibility, grounding, wit, motivation, and real character. I suspect that a lot of us double-X-chromosome folks are drawn to this book because she added some women to the traditional Robin Hood sausagefest, and realistic women at that. It’s difficult to tell how anachronistic they might be, since there aren’t a lot of records of women’s inner monologues in the 12th century, but at least they aren’t glaringly modern (Anne Perry, your Charlotte Pitt is a huge offender.)

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May 10, 2011 Hope rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: robin-hood, young-adult, 2011-reads, best-couples-♥, best-characters, heroes-i-love, reviewed, retellings

I’ve been on a bit of a Robin Hood craze for the past month. Having always had a place in my heart for the noble outlaw, my interest in him was rekindled when I stumbled upon the BBC show and fell in love with the story and the characters all over again. Thus, when I started nearing the last episodes of the series, I wasn’t ready to give it up just yet. I got this sort of clingy feeling, like when you were little and you came to the end of a wonderful bedtime story and you just don’t want to go...more I’ve been on a bit of a Robin Hood craze for the past month. Having always had a place in my heart for the noble outlaw, my interest in him was rekindled when I stumbled upon the BBC show and fell in love with the story and the characters all over again. Thus, when I started nearing the last episodes of the series, I wasn’t ready to give it up just yet. I got this sort of clingy feeling, like when you were little and you came to the end of a wonderful bedtime story and you just don’t want to go to sleep.

And so, I found The Outlaws of Sherwood. And it did what I wanted, in prolonging the Robin Hood obsession a bit longer.

My main complaint about this story was that there was too much Cecily. Who is this character and why is she so important and what’s so special about her? And most of all, why is she even in this story? I just found her to be really quite flat, over all, and I’d rather have had her “screen time” replaced with Will, Marian, or Much. Because none of those characters got what was due to them. Marian got like, one chapter devoted specifically to her? Was it even that? And I LOVED that chapter. Marian’s perspective was fantastic. I would’ve put more of her in there, if I’d written this. But, alas, I did not.

I kind of liked how Robin wasn’t the best archer in the gang. But actually one of the worst. Probably the worst. Not that he’s bad, by typical standards, but he’s not great. And Robin is always great. I liked the unremarkable-ness of this Robin…but I also missed it a little. I can’t really explain why, but there’s something about the Robin Hood who never misses a target and is the best at all the cool stuff that I’m just a bit attached to. Still, I can’t complain. He was realistic, and he was still awesome. He still had that incredible leadership thing going on, which is the essence of Robin Hood anyways. One description in the book which I found most fitting went thus: “But there was something—the way the man caught the eye for no reason; the something Robin had.”

There wasn’t a lot of dwelling on the romance between Robin and Marian, but the little glimpses of it were absolutely adorable and maybe more so because of how little there was shown between them. They remain at the top or very near the top of my list of favorite fictional couples.

There’s not really a whole lot to say about the book in particular, but more about the Robin Hood legend in general. Because I’ve felt like researching, and I’ve felt like pondering, and I’ve been wondering incessantly what it is that people of all ages find so memorable and so endearing about the tale. What it is that I myself find so endearing about the tale.

My thoughts are scattered, but the conclusion I’ve come to is that people need a hero. We need to believe that a human being is capable of selflessly giving up his livelihood, whether of his free will or not, to serve and help the less-fortunate.

Robin Hood’s actual existence is rather vague. I’d like to believe that he lived, that he was real, because there’s something romantic about it all for me. But then, he might have just been an idea. A hopeful, idealistic idea that is still alive and well today even though it doesn’t take the form of ballads and epic poems.
“Robinhood” became a general name for bandits in the 1300s, apparently. But it had to start somewhere. I don’t think we’ll ever know for sure whether he was real or not, and I think I like it best that way. Because there’s this mysterious, magical feel that surrounds the legend. Hood has been exaggerated, he might have been a horrible person in reality with nothing noble about him. And that’s exactly, I think, why I’d prefer not to know entirely who he was or was not.

The ending of this novel, in my opinion, was not satisfactory. But it's enjoyable over all, with its fun as well as its serious moments. And it's definitely worth a read. :)
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Apr 25, 2010 Miriam rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

McKinley explores the circumstances that might have led to the formation of an outlaw community in Sherwood and the growth of the Robin Hood legend. She contrasts Robin's practical concerns (not being arrested and executed, taking care of his followers when the decide to live in the woods) with the more abstract political ideals of those who want to make him a symbol of Saxon resistance. McKinley's Robin is not a great archer or a brilliant strategist, but he is an inspiring leader.

This was a g...more McKinley explores the circumstances that might have led to the formation of an outlaw community in Sherwood and the growth of the Robin Hood legend. She contrasts Robin's practical concerns (not being arrested and executed, taking care of his followers when the decide to live in the woods) with the more abstract political ideals of those who want to make him a symbol of Saxon resistance. McKinley's Robin is not a great archer or a brilliant strategist, but he is an inspiring leader.

This was a great idea, but there were some serious weaknesses in the execution.

First, the political discussions. I'm sorry, I just don't believe medieval peasants talked like this, especially when they had accidentally killed someone hours before and were urgently trying to escape. Much, especially, sounds more like someone giving responses on a political talk show than someone talking about real life with friends.

The second problem -- and this won't surprise prior readers of McKinley ([cough:]Spindle's End[cough:]) -- was point of view. For the first two thirds of the book, the pov is Robin's. Then suddenly we have a brief shift to Marian at her father's castle. Then in the last few chapters we are seeing from the point of view of Cecily, Will Scarlet's little sister.

And that's third -- Cecily. She was fine as a character, but I didn't see any reason to make up an additional character when there were so many already to choose from that I could hardly keep them straight. If McKinley had wanted to add a character to to serve as narrator throughout the story, that would have made sense, but why invent one who isn't really important until fairly late in the book? If the author wanted more female perspective she could have used Marian, who really doesn't get as much page time as the character seems to deserve. And Cecily's romance was weak; you know, authors, it is okay to have a female character who doesn't fall in love with anyone. Really it is.

Lastly, I did not find the ending very satisfactory. I don't think there is a good way to "end" Robin Hood. That's why the tales are so episodic and their timeline so unclear. Robin Hood's story has a vague beginning and an even fuzzier termination; the important part is the adventures in the wood (which is as much the Forest Eternal as Sherwood), the series of jokes, tricks, and thefts against oppressive enemies, rescuing comrades from danger... Is there really a believable happy ending for a bunch of outlaws living in the wild? Not really. McKinley wants the story to be short and delineated -- a couple years in Sherwood, a couple minor victories against the Sheriff, a major battle, The End. And that's not the right feel for a story with an epic cycle. I realize that is McKinley's point. Yeah, the outlaws probably would have been lucky to make it two years before getting caught. It just was kind of a let down.

If you're a McKinley completist or fan of Robin Hood adaptations by all means pick this up. It was not unenjoyable, the flaws were just a bit too glaring for me to love it.(less)

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Mar 27, 2008 Rachel Lee added it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Title: The Outlaws of Sherwood
Author: Robin McKinley
Publisher: Ace Books Year:1988
# of pages:278 Genre: Fiction
Reading level Interest level: 11-12 Grade
Potential hot lava: Violence

General response/reaction: I had to make myself sit down and read this novel. I picked it up at least four times before I actually read it. I found it really hard to get into and very slow paced. The plot seemed to creep along and so many characters were being introduced it was really difficult to keep them straight. I...more

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May 16, 2007 Susie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Yes

I found that I adored him and that he came alive for me as Robin Hood. He is not the typical version - he is a reluctant hero, more forced into the role by his friends than by his own wishes. ("'That's why we need you,' said Much comfortably. 'You're a pessimist and a good planner.' 'I have be begun to plan and be pessimistic,' said Robin angrily.") Robin is simply average - he is not great with a bow, he can hold his own in a battle but he is not fighter; he was in the wrong place at the wrong...more

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Jul 08, 2010 Minh rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

I am a sucker for Robin Hood. Off the top of my head I can remember at least 3 versions of Robin Hood that I've read (not all loved). Robin Hood is the book that I remember the most when I think back to my primary school reading days, and I was super excited (and eventually super disappointed) for the new BBC incarnation of my favourite protagonist. I picked up Outlaws because of a yuletide story that I put to the sidelines, not wanting to spoil myself for yet another version of the Hooded Man....more I am a sucker for Robin Hood. Off the top of my head I can remember at least 3 versions of Robin Hood that I've read (not all loved). Robin Hood is the book that I remember the most when I think back to my primary school reading days, and I was super excited (and eventually super disappointed) for the new BBC incarnation of my favourite protagonist. I picked up Outlaws because of a yuletide story that I put to the sidelines, not wanting to spoil myself for yet another version of the Hooded Man.

Without a doubt my sentimental favourite for Robin Hood is the novelisation of the old TV series, Robin of Sherwood. I searched for that ominbus for YEARS. I had a search saved on ebay for it, scoured the 2nd hand search engines, looked in every library! Finally, finally I found it, of all places... In a 2nd hand bookstore at Milson's Point for $5. :D And if I hadn't turned around at the right time I would have missed it. Yes. I do believe it was Fate.

Outlaws of Sherwood! For some reason I have this categorised as a Children's Novel. I'm not particularly sure it is a children's novel but I enjoyed the spin that Robin McKinley put on this incarnation of Robin Hood. For one, he's a crap shot and readily acknowledges that a test to become one of his men, is to be better than the leader with the bow and arrow. The Marion of Outlaws is very similiar to the BBC Marion, stubborn, outspoken, yet still living at home, rebelling quietly under the farce of unassuming daughter. Will Scarlet is actually a nobelman, who takes his name from the scarlet cloths he loves to wear. Much is one of Marion and Robin's childhood friends and Little John is as always, not so little.

All the old favourites come out to play, Guy of Gisborne becomes an assassin! And yes, King Richard the Lion Heart appears. I enjoyed the novel as it portrayed Robin as a normal man, stripping away some of the myth factor that you see in so many other Robin novels. Robin is just a boy really, who somehow ends up being the figurehead of the rebellion, not all powerful by any means, not even a good shot. But a great story.(less)

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May 17, 2013 Lark rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's the age-old tale of Robin Hood and the Maid Marian, retold by Robin McKinley. We are taken through the familiar scenes of Robin fleeing into Sherwood forest and inadvertently gathering up outlaws to call his own, even as he battles his own emotions to keep his band safe and his love for Marian.

I picked this book up solely because I love Robin McKinley. I think it's one of her weaker books, but I still liked it. I think it was weaker because I really don't feel as if there was a cohesive dif...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-lit-13-25

Based on the classic tale of Robin Hood, McKinley takes a turn at telling the story of Robin, the young man who knows that he could never live up to the archery expertise of his father. One day as Robin is doing his job in the forrest an archery batter breaks-out and Robin accidentally slays a man. Fearing his punishment Robin hides in the woods and is eventually joined by his friends. These friends grow to become the merry men and the group go on several adventures. A tale of love, loss, and ad...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Loo rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: eng-356-books-13-25, retold-fairy-tales

The Outlaws of Sherwood begins with Robin, an orphaned young man, accidentally murdering a fellow forester. Granted, it was in self-defense. Granted, the other forester was a horrible person. However, the Sheriff of Nottingham is not the nicest of fellows, and Robin finds it imperative that he flee for his life. Joined in the forest by his friends Much and occasionally Marian, Robin begins the unplanned gathering of the rebels, those that will fight against the evil sheriff.

Though this wasn’t on...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Shaun rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: eng356-2nd-half

After Robin accidentally kills Tom in self-defense, he flees into the forest and hides. Once his friends Much and Marian find him, they persuade him to become the iconic hero that the oppressed people need. Robin reluctantly accepts the role, and they settle Greentree, a haven where dissenters and outlaws can live in relative peace. With the help of new additions like Alan-a-Dale, Cecily, and Little John, their group grows and overcomes many obstacles and trials together. They help Sir Richard r...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Azure rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-13-25

The story is typical to that of Robin Hood. A young archer named Robin is wanted for murder (it was self defense, really), and lives as a fugitive in the Sherwood Forrest with a band of outlaws, primarily including Much the Miller, Little John, and Will Scarlet. Also in alliance with their band is Robin's sweetheart, Maid Marian. Robin and his band of merry men gain a reputation for robbing the rich, giving to the poor, and standing against the oppression of the Sheriff. This rendition of Robin...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Ren Dexter rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

The basic idea surrounding this version of Robin Hood is a take on realism. Robin McKinley tries to stay true to the episodic tales of his adventures as well as reflect the attitudes and customs of the time period. This take follows young Robin, who is not the best archer, as he becomes an outlaw by accidentily putting an arrow through another forester. The tale continues as Marian and Much persuade him to live in Sherwood forest as an outlaw. Others seek him out as the name Robin Hood gained fa...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Ryan Devaux rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

The outlaws of Sherwood is another telling of the Robin Hood story. The story tells of how young Robin went to meet up with friends Marian and Much. Robin got in an archery contest with another man Tom Moody. It is said that Robin's father was an amazing archer and that Robin does not even come close to living up to his fathers legacy. Robin somehow wins the contest. Tom Moody shoots an arrow at Robin that comes very close to killing him, Robin shoots back aiming for his leg and hits Tom in the...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Nichelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-15

This novel is a modern take on the old well known tale Robin Hood. In this novel, Robin is a teenaged boy who kills a man in self-defense, and then runs away into the forest to escape the punishment. He is a reluctant hero, still trying to come to terms with the fact that he killed a man, but ends up taking a leadership position after all. His girlfriend, Marion, and a few of his friends recruit others to join him in the forest, spreading tales of his fame and skill, and soon he becomes a legend...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Cleo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoy Robin McKinley's fantasy, and have been looking forward to reading this lesser-known book of her's for a while. The Outlaws of Sherwood, is, of course, a retelling of the story of the outlaw Robin Hood. As with a lot of McKinley's work, this book is a little slow to get into, but once you're in, you're hooked. I really do love her writing style, and the story of Robin Hood is a great tale. The book starts when Robin is just a young forester, hated by the Chief Forester because of his fat...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Gabriel Hathaway rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Robin, a young man trying to survive in a world where his parents are not there to help him. After torment and trials, Robin drops to a very low point. He is attacked by several drunk men (Tom and his group) who have tormented him before and after a challenge to see who can shoot an arrow better, Robin in a miracle beats the man who challenged him. In anger the Tom tries to kill Robin, but in haste and anxiety, robin somewhat accidentally shoots Tom through the chest. This, making him a traitor...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Hyeonjeongshin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

The main character, Robin has a sad/bad destiny that he depends himself, but accidently kills one of foresters as he shoots the foster’s heart. One of his good friends Much suggests him to hind in the Sherwood forest. Robins rejects his opinion at first, but he hinds and finds in the woods. And later the place becomes for outlaw. This book shows the outland is bigger as many people join with them, and it show their developing relationships. At the end, Robin gets the heir to Sir. Richard’s lands...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: eng-356-shelf-2

I know a lot of people that were disappointed with The Outlaws of Sherwood because of MicKinley's portrayal of Robin Hood, but I quite enjoyed it. She makes Robin Hood a much more real character, lacking the usual heroic qualities. Instead, the heroism is spread throughout the outlaws fairly equally with Marion in the forefront as the all-star archer. Robin is much more realistic, which in turn makes him much easier to relate to. Because it was written in the 80's, it makes complete sense that t...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Joe-bob Chavez rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

The Outlaws of Sherwood is a retelling of the classic Robin Hood tale. In this novel, Robin is a second rate archer and a first rate Fletcher. He is also a orphan, his mother died when he was really young and his father(who was a first rate archer) died in the past recent years. Robin get along though, selling his finely made arrows. He also has good company in his dear friends Much and Marian(Which is the classic love interest. ANd I love this Marian because she is very take charge, but also qu...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Kate Watson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

Robin really wasn’t a great archer, and he didn’t want to cause trouble. However, Tom Moody was always looking to pick a fight, and tonight he was particularly vicious. Robin pulled back an arrow in self-defense, aiming for Tom’s leg. Robin was surprised to see it hit Tom squarely in the chest, killing him. Robin ran, and began his life hiding as an outlaw, becoming “Robin of the Hood.” Robin then began to acquire a clan hidden in the forest, including his close friends, Much and Mirian. Althoug...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Jane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: english-356

The Outlaws of Sherwood sets out to tell a retelling of the Robin Hood legend, and it does this by following exactly what it says in the title. More than anything else, it is ALL the outlaws of Sherwood that are focused on. Along with that, many more female characters are focused on and given more importance than before. Marian is shown to be a smart and free woman that is more than capable of fighting as well as Robin Hood can. It is a retelling, but one that I believes does all the characters...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Kirstie Pelot rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: english-356-13-25

The Outlaws of Sherwood is a twist on the classic Robin Hood tale. However, in this story, Robin isn't the best archer or the fearless leader everyone expects Robin Hood to be. Marian is really the best archer and also a main component of the story. One day, as Robin is on his way to visit Marian and Much, he runs into some other foresters. Curing the encounter, Robin accidentally kills one of the men which forces him into being an outlaw. Soon, many others join his gang as well and they start a...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Kelsey rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

Robin is a boy who becomes an outlaw by mistake. Threatened by a band of men, Robin accidentally kills one and finds himself an outlaw. A legend is born of this and people come to join him in the woods, creating a story of a person Robin isn't. This book humanizes Robin in a way most other novels don't and allow the reader to see him as a person. With a ransom on his head from the King, others join him in hopes of obtaining a better life as an outlaw and before long, Robin has a whole crew with...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Brick Andreasen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: english356sec2-13-25

In this retelling of the classic tale of Robin Hood, McKinley shows the story of Robin, an orphaned arrow-maker and hunter, whose archery skills are moderate. His friends Maid Marian--an accomplished archer--and Much are trying to simply go through life while King Richard's absence in the Crusades leaves the oppressive Sheriff of Nottingham to take advantage of the people. When an accident of self-defense makes Robin murder a bullying man, he is forced to flee into the woods, where he is joined...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Esther rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

In this epic retelling of the adventures of Robin Hood, Robin mistakenly looses his arrow into the heart of one of the Sheriff's foresters. As an outlaw he seeks fro help from his childhood friends Marian and Much. They convince him to lead a band of outlaws deep in Sherwood forest. Robin is at first reluctant, but the band begins to grow and the adventure begins. Little John, Alan-a-dale, and Will Scarlet all join the band and fight for the helpless in Nottingham and Saxon freedom.

I really coul...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Allison Evans added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-25

The Outlaws of Sherwood stays true to many of the classic myths surrounding Robin Hood's adventures. However McKinley still brings a few new elements to the tale that sets her novel apart from other tellings. The story opens with Robin and his two friends Much and Marian. Already we have new element as Robin Hood rarely is granted a companion. He is also less than in regards to the long bow. This idea permeated through out the entire story, as much of Robin's band of outlaws could out shoot him....more The Outlaws of Sherwood stays true to many of the classic myths surrounding Robin Hood's adventures. However McKinley still brings a few new elements to the tale that sets her novel apart from other tellings. The story opens with Robin and his two friends Much and Marian. Already we have new element as Robin Hood rarely is granted a companion. He is also less than in regards to the long bow. This idea permeated through out the entire story, as much of Robin's band of outlaws could out shoot him. In this version Robin becomes an outlaw for killing a bully in self defense. His small group of friends, seeing an opportunity to usurp their oppressive Norman lords, turn Robin into a symbol of sorts, and begin their lives as the Outlaws of Sherwood. The band steals from the rich and gives to the poor, but goes in over their heads as they seek to outdo the Sheriff of Nottingham to his face in restoring a local lord to his unfairly lost lands. After this the climax begins to build, and the band of merry men (and women) most brave the battles ahead of them.

It took me a little while to get into this story honestly. I could not seem to get past the fact that Robin was not good with his bow and arrow. Before he was an outlaw even, he was a forester. How in the world did he function with out an proficiency with the bow? I think part of my problem with the novel was McKinley's writing style and language. It didn't flow as smoothly in my mind, and I had trouble getting close to the characters because of it. It was interesting how McKinley broadened her scope a bit more, and focused on other characters instead of just Robin and Marian. In all honesty these were my two least favorite characters in the novel. All through out the story they're struggling, trying to figure out how their love can work, but all through out I just did not feel any chemistry between them. And when they finally got together, it felt completely anti-climatic. It was all a bit too forced for me I think. Little John and Cecily on the other hand, had a relationship I could get behind. Theirs seemed more simple and sincere. It even took me by surprise a bit, but I enjoyed seeing them interact. Over all it was a good read, and I did enjoy myself, but this was not my favorite telling of Robin Hood's adventures. (less)

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Nov 24, 2012 Nancy Anderson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-24

Robin becomes an outlaw after killing someone in self-defense. He hides in the forest and gradually others join him, fleeing from their pasts. They only take from those who have enough to lose some valuables and start gaining a reputation. A couple of the outlaws are high up noblemen and women who were tired of court games. Eventually, the Sheriff is fed up with their action and hires Guy to kill Robin Hood. Guy mistakes an imposter for Robin Hood and injures the person. The imposter and other...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Ryan Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: goodreads-1-12

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Oct 03, 2012 Michele Bolay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, own, recommended

In Praise of The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley

Before there was Katniss Everdeen, there were the female archers of Robin Hood's band of outlaws...

Robin McKinley is possibly best known for her Newbery Honor book, The Blue Sword, and for her fairy tale retellings (Beauty, A Knot In the Grain, Spindle's End), but her lesser-known reworking of the Robin Hood legend, The Outlaws of Sherwood, is a gem.

Most versions of the Robin Hood legend portray the outlaws as adults. In McKinley's version, w...more In Praise of The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley

Before there was Katniss Everdeen, there were the female archers of Robin Hood's band of outlaws...

Robin McKinley is possibly best known for her Newbery Honor book, The Blue Sword, and for her fairy tale retellings (Beauty, A Knot In the Grain, Spindle's End), but her lesser-known reworking of the Robin Hood legend, The Outlaws of Sherwood, is a gem.

Most versions of the Robin Hood legend portray the outlaws as adults. In McKinley's version, with the exception of Little John and a few others, Robin and the outlaws are young, in their late teens to early twenties. This raises the stakes for both the characters and the reader.

Far from having the single noble goal of taking from the rich to give to the poor, the people who find their way to Sherwood in McKinley's version have many reasons for doing so. Some do come with that goal already in place, but with little understanding of what that entails. Some are poor and homeless and simply have nowhere else to go. Some are actual outlaws, exiled and hiding from the sheriff's men. And some are running from a life that was not of their own choosing. They are all united in their misfortune, in their care for each other, and ultimately in their struggle for justice, both for themselves and others.

Many of these characters are girls and women. As difficult as life could be for the average man in the Middle Ages, for the average woman it was even more so. She had few choices, no power, and little authority over her own life, let alone anyone else's. Unless she was a nun or a high-born lady, she likely had no formal education as it was thought unnecessary to educate girls. Very few jobs were open to her. When she married, as most women did, everything that was hers (her land, her money, the children she would have, even her own person) became the property of her husband, to do with as he liked, whether or not he was a good person.

As with the traditional legend and its previous adaptations, there are lots of adventures and action-packed scenes; in particular, the ones where Marian disguises herself as Robin to attend the
tournament, and the final battle between the outlaws and Gisbourne's men are edge-of-your-seat suspenseful. But in McKinley's tale, outlawry is serious business. Violence has heart-breaking, real-life consequences. Capture is basically a death sentence. People are injured, people are killed, people have to answer for their actions and choices. These are believable human beings, not the superheroes that the legend often portrays.

McKinley's tale remains faithful to the basic outline of the legend, but she puts her original spin on almost every aspect of the story. One of the nicest surprises is that Robin is not the best archer in Sherwood (far from it): Marian is. Another is that he is often a reluctant leader. He has doubts, he struggles to keep his temper, he is not invincible. Indeed, in the final battle, his life is ultimately saved by one of the female outlaws.

Throughout the book, McKinley's writing is smart, funny, original, thought-provoking, and compassionate. Because of her training as a fantasy writer, she knows how to write an action scene. But she also knows how to make a quiet moment shine, and how to create characters that are complex and compelling. This is a book to be read and re-read. A modern classic, and not to be missed.(less)

like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 Tredyffrin Kids rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventures, classics, empowering, fairy-tale-inspired, friendship, good-for-boys, historical, michele, middle-school-picks, why-did-this-not-win-the-newbery

In Praise of The Outlaws of Sherwood

Before there was Katniss Everdeen, there were the female archers of Robin Hood's band of outlaws...

Robin McKinley is possibly best known for her Newbery Honor book, The Blue Sword, and for her
fairy tale retellings (Beauty, A Knot In the Grain, Spindle's End), but her lesser-known reworking of the Robin Hood legend, The Outlaws of Sherwood, is a gem.

Most versions of the Robin Hood legend portray the outlaws as adults. In McKinley's version, with the exception o...more In Praise of The Outlaws of Sherwood

Before there was Katniss Everdeen, there were the female archers of Robin Hood's band of outlaws...

Robin McKinley is possibly best known for her Newbery Honor book, The Blue Sword, and for her
fairy tale retellings (Beauty, A Knot In the Grain, Spindle's End), but her lesser-known reworking of the Robin Hood legend, The Outlaws of Sherwood, is a gem.

Most versions of the Robin Hood legend portray the outlaws as adults. In McKinley's version, with the exception of Little John and a few others, Robin and the outlaws are young, in their late teens to early twenties. This raises the stakes for both the characters and the reader.

Far from having the single noble goal of taking from the rich to give to the poor, the people who find their way to Sherwood in McKinley's version have many reasons for doing so. Some do come with that goal already in place, but with little understanding of what that entails. Some are poor and homeless and simply have nowhere else to go. Some are actual outlaws, exiled and hiding from the sheriff's men. And some are running from a life that was not of their own choosing. They are all united in their misfortune, in their care for each other, and ultimately in their struggle for justice, both for themselves and others.

Many of these characters are girls and women. As difficult as life could be for the average man in the Middle Ages, for the average woman it was even more so. She had few choices, no power, and little authority over her own life, let alone anyone else's. Unless she was a nun or a high-born lady, she likely had no formal education as it was thought unnecessary to educate girls. Very few jobs were open to her. When she married, as most women did, everything that was hers (her land, her money, the children she would have, even her own person) became the property of her husband, to do with as he liked, whether or not he was a good person.

As with the traditional legend and its previous adaptations, there are lots of adventures and action-packed scenes; in particular, the ones where Marian disguises herself as Robin to attend the
tournament, and the final battle between the outlaws and Gisbourne's men are edge-of-your-seat
suspenseful. But in McKinley's tale, outlawry is serious business. Violence has serious, heart-breaking, real-life consequences. Capture is basically a death sentence. People are injured, people are killed, people have to answer for their actions and choices. These are believable human beings, not the superheroes that the legend often portrays.

McKinley's tale remains faithful to the basic outline of the legend, but she puts her original spin on almost every aspect of the story. One of the nicest surprises is that Robin is not the best archer in Sherwood (far from it): Marian is. Another is that he is often a reluctant leader. He has doubts, he struggles to keep his temper, he is not invincible. Indeed, in the final battle, his life is ultimately saved by one of the female outlaws.

Throughout the book, McKinley's writing is smart, funny, original, thought-provoking, and
compassionate. Because of her training as a fantasy writer, she knows how to write an action scene. But she also knows how to make a quiet moment shine, and how to create characters that are complex and compelling. This is a book to be read and re-read. A modern classic, and not to be missed.(less)

like · see review

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About Robin McKinley

Born in her mother's hometown of Warren, Ohio, Robin McKinley grew up an only child with a father in the United States Navy. She moved around frequently as a child and read copiously; she credits this background with the inspiration for her stories.

Her passion for reading was one of the most constant things in her childhood, so she began to remember events, places, and time periods by what books...more

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“She poured the water, arranged some bread near enough the embers to scorch but not catch fire, and looked up at Little John. She was so accustomed to his step, to his bulk, that it took a moment to notice his face; and when she did . . . It was, she thought, rather like the moment it took to realize one had cut one's finger as one stared dumbly at the first drop of blood on the knife-blade. You know it is going to hurt quite a lot in a minute.” — 10 people liked it

“One keeps searching for ease, she did not say, and not finding it, till the memories of no-pain seem only like daydreams.” — 7 people liked it

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