I already knew I would be reading frantically through the month of October. I’d already received advance reader copies (ARCs) of a handful of books publishing this month. Still, when The Nerd Fam sent out emails looking for readers interested in The Outlaw Witch of Sherwood, I couldn’t resist applying. The description of the story was simply too good for me to pass up. I want to give a very big thank you to The Nerd Fam for this one, despite my packed schedule!

This one will be coming out on Tuesday, October 7th in both paperback and hardcover editions. Both options are currently available for preorder.

Summary:

Despite the old adage about judging books by their covers, this one is an excellent representation of what’s inside. The title alone is able to convey the majority of the concept. In the traditional story of Robin Hood, Robin is the former Earl of Locksley. He uses his exceptional skill in archery and the guile of his loyal friends to steal from the rich and give to the poor. For this, his people see him as a far greater hero than if he had maintained his privilege as a noble.

Renna’s journey is similar, except she was a princess preparing to ascend to the throne. During these preparations is when she finally starts to see the real toll of the income disparities in her kingdom. The demands of the goddess they worship are greater than Renna ever realized. The blood tithes demanded are drawn disproportionately from the poor, from those less able to pay. To take her place as queen, Renna must prove her connection to this goddess through a display of her magic. The more she starts to see of the state of the kingdom, the less connected she feels.

My Thoughts:

This book has all the elements of an amazing story. I’ve long been a huge fan of the Robin Hood narrative, whether that’s the Howard Pyle original, Cary Elwes in tights, or an animated fox. I love many varied adaptations and was psyched to see a genderbent version, especially with a woman of color. There are also a very thoroughly developed magic system and a world with a rich populace and history. We’ve got some phenomenal representation, and even a few amazing animal companions. The romantic interest is far more than a pretty face.

Unfortunately, the execution through a hefty part nearly ruined this one for me. I felt as though the story began too soon on Renna’s path toward her destiny. This resulted in a large pacing issue through the first half of the book. Around the halfway mark is where it finally began to gain traction. It wasn’t until about 70% of the way through that I truly felt invested in the story again and as though I had formed emotional connections to the characters. From there it was able to capture my interest enough that I definitely want to read book two. However, on its own, I couldn’t bring myself to give this one a very high rating after having to force myself through such a large portion of it. Truthfully, I only got as far as I did because other ARC readers assured me the story picked up later.

I am glad I finished it. If the second book is like the final third of this one, it’s going to be incredible. I really want to learn more about this world and magic system, especially with the big reveal of what Renna found. So many of the characters are wonderfully loveable as well, once their personalities really get to come to the forefront through their habitual behaviors. I loved the handling of representation too. Many discriminated-against traits in our world are completely normalized in Hansen’s. That’s true for skin color, sexual orientation, preferred pronouns and more. All are openly and unabashedly stated, but never dwelt upon. Discrimination here is based on your magical ability instead.

We see abundant use of sign language as well, and I recognized a few actual signs from ASL. It’s not only the deaf and nonspeaking characters using it either. It’s everyone who spends significant amounts of time with them. They keep flash cards to teach newcomers. Characters occasionally simply “don’t feel like” speaking, or verbal communication would be inconvenient in the moment. As the parent of a child with a speech delay, I loved seeing that.

Overall, this one balanced out as an okay read. I think the next one will be amazing. If I’m right on that point, I will absolutely be recommending the duology as a whole in the future. I’m really excited to see what comes next for Renna and her kingdom.

Content Warnings: Self-Injury (primarily of ritualistic nature), Graphic Sexual Content, Torture, Graphic Depictions of Violence & Injury, Religious Abuse & Trauma, Gaslighting & Manipulation, Child Abuse, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Blood, Animal Cruelty, Segregation, Genocide, Classism, Mutilation, Slavery

After I Finished The Outlaw Witch of Sherwood

The Outlaw Witch of Sherwood was the last book that I started in September. We’re now into spooky season and I wanted a book that fit the vibe accordingly. I had an ARC on my list that I knew was exactly that. The synopsis calls it “a mesmerizing Native American Southern Gothic.” It features ghosts and other hauntings, disappearances, generational curses, and lines blurring between dreams and reality. I couldn’t wait to dive in.

My next review will be for If the Dead Belong Here by Carson Faust.