In this sequel to Walk the Wild With Me, Rachel Atwood continues her delightful mash-up of the Robin Hood legends, Faerie, the Wild Folk, and characters from British and Celtic pagan folklore. Like the first book, this story begins slowly, which allows the reader to settle in to a world that defies some but not all assumptions. Each of the many viewpoint characters has his or her own backstory and goals. Yet even when the pace seems slow, the intricate connections between the ordinary world, Faerie, and the world of magic unfold like a tapestry. Characters grow and change, secrets are revealed, and the wonderful way in which Atwood upends expectations all create a personal and unique approach to the stories we thought we knew.

Now the focus is on Robin (Goodfellow/Hood) and his lost love, Marian, and it’s great to see them take center stage. For the past 60 years, Robin has lived under a curse. For half of each day, he is a hideous gnome (Goodfellow) with a bit of magic and near immortality. The other half of the day, he is human, the legendary Robin Hood. Marian is locked in a secret chamber in perpetual sleep. The curse can be broken only if Robin awakens Marian in his gnome form and she recognizes who he truly is. This is a reverse of the old ballad, Tam Lin. Then it is the woman who, seeking to rescue her lover from the faeries, must pull him from horse and hold onto him as he is transformed into a variety of beasts and other dangers. Only when he is in his true form can his enchantment be broken.

As in the previous volume, Atwood spins a new take on traditional folk elements.

I didn't read the first book in this series but I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I like the retelling of Robin Hood saga and this one worked well. Excellent world building, well developed characters, a gripping plot.
I will surely read the first book in the series and other books by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Outcasts of the Wild-Wood is the second book in a historical fantasy series that puts a twist on the familiar Robin Hood legend. In this story we follow an orphan named Nick and a cursed Robin, as they attempt to rescue a trapped Marian before she is lost forever.

I thought that the premise of the story was interesting. I liked how Atwood blended aspects of different fairytales and legends and created something new. I’m also a sucker for Robin and Marian, and fairies, so this story had lots of elements I love. I also feel, however that there was a lot, maybe even too much, going on in this book – and sometimes that interrupted my enjoyment of the story. I would have also liked to see more character development. I feel like this had the potential to be amazing, and I’m interested to see where the author takes the story next.