Five stars and my third five star read by this author. This is the sequel to Lady of the Forest and a retelling of the story of Robin Hood. The previous book is almost a prequel as it is of the time leading up to Sir Robert Locksley being outlawed and becoming Robin. The previous book was amazing, and this author takes the reader into the minds and lives of the characters as well as painting a clear and real picture of what is happening in their lives. In Lady of the Forest we were introduced to all of the characters of Robin's so called Merry Men and the realism of the story makes it apparent it was not a very merry time at all. In reality it was a very brutal time in history and one where women had no rights at all. The author in her notes in the previous book explained how the legend began as British folklore handed down for centuries before it was written down by various people. It is unclear whether Robin really existed or perhaps his story is a combination of several different stories. Much like King Arthur's legend, it takes on a life of it's own every time it is retold. It is also unclear just when it happened and who was King at the time, but the author chose Richard the Lionhearted to be the ruler. and Sir Robert Locksley was knighted on the field of battle during the Crusades in the Holy Land by non other than King Richard. At the end of the first book, Richard lies dying without an heir which can and will change the lives of Robert, Marian and all of their friends.I almost hated to start this book knowing the good things that had happened to these wonderful people were soon to end. And end they did. This sequel is, as the other book is, full of political intrigue and maneuvering of real people of the time and how it influenced our "merry band" to flee to Sherwood Forest and begin a life that none of them want and some are not prepared for. I love the way this author has shown the love, the companionship, and the hatred between the players of the legend. The Sheriff of Nottingham is as evil as ever, but I've never seen so clearly into his motives before. One of the characters that was so interesting in this book is the knight, Mercardier, who really was a war leader of King Richard's and a figure from history. He is not usually in Robin Hood's story and there is no history that he was in England at this time, but after all - he could have been. He is a very well written character who is fearsome, bad (but how bad), obviously does not like Sir Robert at all and rightfully is jealous of him. Mercardier is a mercenary but devoted to King Richard and fought at his side for many years. Robert is an Earl's son, the Crusades being his first war experience, and becomes a favorite of the King and is knighted while that could never happen to Mercardier, a commoner. The relationship between the two when Mercardier comes to guard and transport the tax money from the Sheriff to the new King is not a huge part of the story, but one of the most interesting.This of course is a love story too, and the development of Lady Marian from innocence and vulnerability to strong and capable is a slow process and done very logically. Either a person gives up or they do what they have to in order to survive. If one is looking for a torrid romantic noel, this is not it, but the love story of these two winds throughout both books and is well done. I originally bought these books in paperback but since have purchased the beautiful hardback versions. They are keepers and will be re-read.
The sequel to Roberson's "Lady of the Forest," her retelling of the Robin Hood legend.I enjoyed the first one enough to pick this one up... though the first one pretty much seemed to have it covered; as far as the original story. Where was she going to go from there?The outlaws were pardoned by the king himself, Marian had inherited her manor house and was living in bliss with Robin, everything was going well and all our heroes were seemingly enjoying their happy ending.Well - King John bites it, refusing to name an heir, leaving the land in a state of unrest. The nasty Sheriff of Nottingham takes this opportunity to rescind the pardon and persecute Marian; threatening to take all her property and execute all of her friends.So - we're basically back to square one, and we can re-run the story... while there's a bit of a sense of deja vu, it's still enjoyably written, and recommended for any fans of the Robin Hood legends...
What do You think about Lady Of Sherwood (1999)?
This set of novels by Jennifer Roberson is an adult version of the Robin Hood story. The original characters are here(Robin, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, Little John, the Sheriff of Nottingham) along with some of Roberson's additions. Very well written, action packed, and will keep you turning pages. While the story is much like the old tale I would not recommend it for my 13 year old as there is some adult content. (My daughter always wants to know what I'm reading. Maybe I'll get her to start her own journal, she is a very avid reader of youth fiction.)
—Shelly
Richard the Lionheart has just died, and for his subjects, the world has turned upside down. Richard's nefarious brother, John, is his likely successor, a situation that is treacherous for many of Richard's favorites. Five years earlier, Lord Robert of Locksley in the shire of Nottingham, infuriated the dastardly Sheriff DeLacey by absconding with the money meant for John to use in his plot to supplant his as king. Richard pardoned Robert, but all deals are off. Jennifer Roberson has spun out a romantic, adventure filled tale about how Robert of Locksley became Robin Hood. We are all familiar with his Merry Men and with the love of his life, Marian, and now new life has been breathed into their ancient legend. This is an exciting, suspenseful tale marred only by the author's propensity for making "types" of her characters, and for revisiting the reasons for their behavior over and over again. Archetypes are great for legends but not so great for historical novels. Nonetheless, Lady of Sherwood makes for great escapist reading.
—Linda
This story was okay, but predictable. King Richard dies, Robin and his men become outlaws again, and the sheriff of Nottingham plots to seize Marian's manor and lands. The story centers on Marian and Robin and their battle with the sheriff of Nottingham. The only really interesting character in the book was Mercardier, the mercenary who believes in honor yet claims he has no conscience. I would have liked to have read more about him and less about the thoughts and motivations of the sheriff and Robin's father.
—Lauren
