School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 7 Up-In Marian's time, women (especially noblewomen) don't have much freedom. Yet with her betrothed, Robin of Locksley, she knows she will have more freedom than most. So when Robin dies during the Crusades, Marian is all the more devastated. And now the Sheriff's charge, Sir Guy of Gisemore, has been given the Locksley estate and has asked for her hand. Meanwhile, all of Nottingham is suffering under the Sheriff and Prince John. Fed up with the way her people are being treated, she dons Robin's hooded cape to seek justice. Spooner's novel is well written and engaging from open to close; readers won't mind the length of this hefty page-turner. It is primarily told from Marian's perspective with an occasional flashback to Robin before the Crusades. There is action, adventure, and just the right amount of romance. -VERDICT Perfect for public and school libraries seeking more female-driven adventure stories and retellings of classic tales.-Kristin Joy Anderson, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Lady Marian's future is clear. When Robin of Locksley, her childhood love, returns from the Crusades, they will wed; Robin, who understands her fierce independence, will never force her to become something she isn't. But then Robin dies in the Holy Land. Marian's grief is interrupted only by Guy of Gisborne, the long arm of the sheriff of Nottingham, who's poised to take over Locksley now that Robin is gone, and he is determined to wed Marian as well. As she dodges his attentions, her eyes are opened to the realities of Nottingham's poor, and, disguising herself with Robin's cloak, she sets out to right injustices. And if people think she's Robin's ghost come back to save them, then who is she to argue? Robin Hood purists may be surprised by a new romance, but this is a lively adventure featuring a lionhearted heroine. Those intrigued by the original legend will be fascinated, but this has plenty of appeal for readers of A. C. Gaughen's Scarlet (2012) and Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small quartet.--Maggie Reagan Copyright 2019 Booklist

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A new hero dons the iconic green cloak in this retelling of Robin Hood's tale.Young Lady Marian of Edwinstowe is not a typical damsel in distress. Long betrothed to Robin of Locksley, Marian relishes freedom more than future romance, prizing horseback riding, archery, and Sherwood Forest over feminine, domestic pursuits. But when Robin falls to stock-character Saracens in the Crusades, Marian is nevertheless devastated and wonders how to protect Robin's people, Locksley villagers and outlaws alike. Haunted/guided by Robinor an idealized version of himMarian uses her noble station, tall stature, and unparalleled archery skills to become Robin Hood. The requisite (albeit not-so-) Merry Men, daring heists, and archery contest follow, all retold with feminist and egalitarian undercurrents. Secondary character Guy of Gisborneblack-clad, scarred, seemingly sinister and servilesurpasses his traditional toady role and evolves to become a suitable foil to feisty Marian. Spooner (Hunted, 2017, etc.) grounds Marian's adventures with rich historical details and offers a flawed, fervent heroine whose revolutionary desires and short-term schemes encounter brutal medieval realities like war, death, taxes, and the inherent chauvinism of chivalry. All characters are assumed white.Steeped in tradition but infused with feminism and political concerns, a Robin Hood for a new audience. (Historical fiction. 12-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.