Heart of Sherwood by Edale Lane is a sweet, lesbian retelling of Robin Hood. The audiobook is a good listen and if you like novels with a fair amount of historical accuracy then this is for you.
Robyn loses everything when her father and brother die in the war. As a woman, she can’t inherit her family’s land or title. Her options are to marry or become penniless. Desperate and alone Robyn is travelling through the woods when she runs into Little John. She bests him in a dual and he takes her under his wing, becoming one of his merry band of misfits. Even though she goes from having everything to having nothing and living as an outlaw in the guise of a boy, she is determined to make the best of her new life.
Meanwhile, Marian, Robyn’s childhood friend, hears about Robyn’s misfortune and leaves the queen’s court to head home to Nottingham. Her goal is to find Robyn and help. But when Queen Eleanor asks her to become a spy Marian becomes embroiled in the politics of the country.
Queen Eleanor is trying to raise the money to pay for her son, King Richard’s, ransom but she suspects her son, Prince John, Sir Guy and the Sheriff of Nottingham are plotting something. And since Marian has caught Sir Guy’s eye Eleanor asks the noblewoman to keep an eye out for any plots against the absent King.
When Marian and Robyn reunite they soon discover that the bond that has always been between them is stronger than ever, but changed. An attraction exists and Robyn takes every opportunity to steal away to her new sweetheart.
This is the story of three strong women who try to make England a better place, one move at a time. It’s about overcoming cruel plots and powerful men. And underneath it all is the story of hope and finding love.
Wring and Story
I enjoyed this gender-bending historical retelling.
Don’t expect fantasy, it is written as a historical story of strong women with a sapphic romance subplot.
In terms of the audiobook, if you like audiobooks then this is a well-produced, well-narrated one. The characters were clear, the male voices were distinct and the accents were fun to listen to.
Pros
I love the cover.
I really enjoyed the historical elements of the book. My favourite way to learn is through fiction so this was a fun book from the perspective of getting a glimpse into the world at the time.
I also really liked how the women in the story were strong and independent despite their circumstances.
Heads up
There are a couple of scenes which mention rape or allude to it but nothing graphic happens.
The Conclusion
I expected something that felt a little more like a fairytale or fantasy and I was surprised when it read much more like a historical novel. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
The threads of the story are beautifully woven together. The romance between Robyn and Marianne is sweet and just enough to keep my romantic heart happy.
The audiobook is worth it if you are a fan of audiobooks. It’s well narrated and at a few minutes shy of 14 hours it’s not a bad length.
Excerpt from Heart of Sherwood by Edale Lane
Robyn narrowed her eyes, contemplating the colossal older fellow. “What toll do you mean, sir?” Her voice was naturally deep and somewhat ambiguous to gender, but she did alter it in accent in order to sound more common and less high-bred. “Last I heard, this was a public road.”
“Ah, well, yes, you see,” he began, relaxing his stance, a glint of humor in his broad face. “It seems Prince John is taxing everyone nowadays. And while I admit the tax I charge will not be adding to the royal coffers, it will help me and mine to have a better meal or two. So, out with it, lad. Let me see your coin.”
Under different circumstances, Robyn may have been amused or felt compelled to simply donate to the unfortunate bandit, but he had caught her in a foul mood and completely lacking in resources. “I am sorry to disappoint, oh mighty little man of the bridge, but I have nothing to donate to your supper. So if you will kindly step aside, I have places to be.”
He bellowed a roaring laugh and declared, “What an impudent little insect! You have the mouth of a lion, but the body of a mouse. You must be taught a lesson. Have you a staff?”
Robyn held out her arms, dropping a bag filled with the only things she had time to pack. “You can see that I do not, and while I have a bow and sword, I prefer not to kill anyone today.”
The bridge master, feeling not the least bit threatened, replied. “I see you are a man of honor who deserves a fair fight.” He held up a finger and stepped away just long enough to pick up a more averaged size staff from the other side of the stream and return with it. Robyn removed her bow and quiver to achieve a better range of motion but kept her hood up. “Here you go!” He tossed the wooden rod in Robyn’s direction, and she caught it. “First one in the drink loses.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN Number: 978-1087282046
Publisher: Indie Author
Audiobook Publisher: Past and Prologue Press
Audiobook Length: 13 hours and 54 minutes
Narrator: Jennifer Lewis
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