Shirewode

This second volume in the Books of the Wode series, a queer spin on Robin Hood could easily feel like parody, but that is not what this beautifully written book is. The author has done her homework and captures time and place with skill. The characters are richly drafted. Characters are imperfect and situations are nuanced. Greenwode is the first of a five book series.

This carries on the story after the rather grim cliffhanger of book one. The story is occasionally violent… characters sometimes do things that are reprehensible, but this is the Middle Ages. It is a well written story with complicated, imperfect characters. I got a bit bogged down in parts… at times the “enmity” between Robin and Gamelyn seemed a bit forced in its hyper-aggressive stereotypes of male behavior. The female author at times seems to be stuck in a certain perception of masculine thinking that as a male reader at times threw me out of the book… it was just off at times. Perhaps in a similar way that a male author writing from the perspective of a woman can sometimes not quite get it, despite being a solid writer in general.

But that said, it was an entertaining book. If you read book one, you kind of have to read book two. This book in the series ends in a tidy enough manner that I feel content in not moving into the other books  of the series. The books can get a little slow in terms of plot movement. But I may move on to the third book at some point. These are definitely a worthy variation on the Robin Hood legend.

I listened to the audio book. The narrator is excellent in capturing the accents and characters.

* * * * *

Home razed by Church edict, loved ones struck down by treachery, Rob is left for dead. Taken by the old druid master into the deeps, he emerges with a new name and purpose: leader of a band of tight-knit outcasts, claiming the ancient forest and wielding the Horned God’s vengeance with silent, deadly arrows.

Also escaping the aftermath of Loxley’s destruction, Gamelyn has returned from Crusade with his own new identity and purpose–but no absolution.

When the two boyhood lovers next cross paths, a brutal, blindfolded game of foxes and hounds ensues, pitting Templar assassin against Heathen outlaw.

And as Robyn discovers his sister Marion is still alive, the game turns.

Thwarted kings of a breaking realm, Robyn Hode and Guy de Gisbourne must restore the Maiden to her rightful place– and manage to not destroy each other in the process.

The Purple Fantastic Steam rating gives this a 4 out of 5. It gets pretty steamy at times, but ALWAYS in context of plot and character. I never found it to be excessive, but it does not dance around the sexy bits. You can read more about the Steam Ratings on the About Page.