Outlaw Princess Of Sherwood (2005) - Plot & Excerpts
Spoilers if you haven’t read the first two books.I’m beginning to suspect Springer had/has daddy problems. Even Robin might as well be a casual brother, and not Rowan’s father. And this also seems like a rehash of book two, only tailored to fit the main lead of this book - the runaway princess Etty. Like Lionel from book two, Etty thinks herself a coward. Etty too has daddy issues. Etty also leaves the band/group to try and do things on her own, only to find out she needs the rest of the group to get things done. It’s rather sweet how Springer tries - intentionally or not - to show that we need to rely on our friends, and they shape a large part of us. It’s an interesting balance, really. Springer makes the characters try to independently strike out on their own, only to draw them back to Rowan’s band…I’m also getting a sneaking suspicion that Springer has some feminist ideals. The whole “never let a man put you in a cage” thing? Maybe that’s me. Overall, though, I think it’s overlook-able and the book isn’t less enjoyable because of that (because no one can stand having opinions shoved down their throat, whether they agree with them or not). Etty definitely grew into her own character (especially with that ending!), but I was making too many parallels to the second book with what Lionel went through emotionally as a character to really like it.Would I recommend it? If you’ve stuck through the second book, sure. You might as well.Warnings/heads up/what’s in this book - some “cursing” that borders on iffy for a children’s book, I believe. The whole feminist thing, if that bugs you and you’re not looking for a message. There’s some interesting views on sacrifice and nobleness, which you might not agree with**. And I still hold to the fact that a group of teens living in the woods wouldn’t be all friendship, etc. Great idea in theory, but I have serious doubts it would work out.Random question: am I the only one who noticed so far that Robin doesn’t seem to do much stealing from the rich and giving to the poor? And that he’s just a really notorious outlaw?**Actual spoiler: Yes. I kinda think Etty should’ve gone and married what’s-his-face. Sure, her father could’ve left the gates open for his rival, but that might not have avoided bloodshed. I feel like that answer to the issue was Etty avoiding choosing whether or not to marry what’s-his-face or not and save her people.
The 3rd book in the Rowan Hood series, this one focuses on a runaway princess who is part of Rowan's outlaw band. She has run away to escape being forcibly married to a brutal older lord. But her father wants her back and to lure her close so he can capture her, he imprisons her mother in a big golden cage outdoors in the cold, clad only in her "small clothes," surrounded by guards. But of course, the plucky band of outlaws pulls off a rescue. Logan likes the adventure and the time period. I like the good dialog and and humor. The great reader of this audio book really helps.
What do You think about Outlaw Princess Of Sherwood (2005)?
This actually surprised me with how good it was. I only picked up the first because I love the story of Robin Hood and a story about his daughter seemed interesting. I only read the second about Lionel because I wanted to know what happens to them likewise with this one. I found this a pleasurable read and I literally laughed (or chuckled) out loud while reading this. It took about two hours for me to finish this. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it reminded me way to much o
—Anna
After reading books 1 & 2, I'm starting to find this series a little too simple for my taste. Sometimes I really love YA books; other times they're a little too childish. This third book in the Rowan Hood series focuses on Princess Etty as her father returns to Sherwood to look for her. I think a young reader would enjoy the strong and educated young girl who sticks up for freedom, but I found her unrealistic. (I don't remember any swearing in this book.) BTW, this author likes the adjectives "owlish" and "clotted."
—Lisa Rathbun
For those of you who like beautiful description and lyrical writing, this is a good book. I think I liked it even more because I got to listen to the narrator do an English accent. (Everything sounds better with an English accent, which is why one day I will develop one.)I must say though that I wanted a different ending. I wanted the band of outlaws to somehow find a way to . . . well, I won't add any spoilers here. And it is only the third book, so maybe the ending I want is in one of the next books.
—Janette
