This dark reimagining of Robin Hood presents a compelling and nuanced portrayal of a deeply troubled medieval protagonist, a significant departure from the traditional chivalrous archetype. The narrative and character development are exceptionally well-executed, maintaining consistent engagement. While the female lead character exhibits occasional naivete, her arc is convincingly developed. The author's inclusion of historical notes is a welcome and insightful addition.

An interesting take on a retelling of the classic character of Robin Hood. This novel takes a different angle at the character as he isn't wholly good and leans morally gray, which is a slight shock to what you generally know of the stories.

I love Robin Hood retellings so was excited to try this one! Unfortunately, it’s a soft DNF for me now. The dialogue in the first two chapters felt clunky and odd, and I was not able to get into the story or really engage with the characters.

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman is an intoxicating, gritty reimagining of the Robin Hood legend that peels back the myth to show something darker—and far more human. This isn’t your childhood Robin Hood tale of merry men and noble robberies. Instead, it’s a tense, morally fraught story told through the sharp eyes of Jane Crowe, an ordinary girl thrust into the world of outlaws and spies. The result is a page-turner that feels both familiar and thrillingly unpredictable.

Jane is an incredible protagonist—not because she’s extraordinary, but precisely because she’s not. She’s a peasant girl who has spent her whole life unnoticed, navigating hardship and obscurity. That makes her perfect for Robin’s purposes as a spy in the King’s Houses. But what makes Jane’s story so compelling is her slow, devastating realization that even the "hero of the people" might be more complicated—and dangerous—than the songs would have you believe.

Kaufman’s Robin Hood is magnetic, sure, but there’s a menace beneath his charm. His affection for Jane feels real, yet tinged with manipulation. You can see why Jane is drawn to him—he’s her savior, her chance to be something more than invisible—but you can also see the cracks forming. Their relationship is a study in power dynamics, desire, and betrayal. The slow-burning chemistry between them is deliciously tense, but it’s never clear if Robin truly loves Jane or if she’s just another tool in his war against the nobility.

The supporting cast of characters is also rich and morally gray. The Sheriff of Nottingham is more than just a villainous bureaucrat—he’s cunning and ruthless but not cartoonish. Meanwhile, the outlaws in Robin’s band aren’t exactly saints, either. Kaufman refuses to paint in black and white, instead delivering a narrative where the line between hero and villain is thin, frayed, and easily crossed.

The pacing is tight, with each chapter adding a new layer of tension as Jane is pulled deeper into Robin’s schemes. The historical setting is vividly drawn, with muddy forest clearings, lavish noble halls, and dark, dangerous shadows that make you feel the stakes of every secret passed and every risk taken. Kaufman’s prose is lush but never overwrought—it’s the kind of writing that grips you and doesn’t let go.

If there’s a drawback, it’s that the ending feels a touch abrupt. Just as Jane fully comes into her own—no longer a pawn or a prize—the story cuts off in a way that left me hungry for just a bit more closure. That said, it’s fitting for a tale about betrayal and survival that the answers aren’t all neat and tidy.

At 4 stars, The Traitor of Sherwood Forest is an enthralling, seductive retelling that strips away the romantic veneer of the Robin Hood legend to ask tough questions about power, justice, and agency. Jane’s journey from overlooked peasant to a woman who refuses to be used is both heartbreaking and empowering. If you like your historical fiction with a side of intrigue, slow-burn betrayal, and complicated anti-heroes, this one will leave you breathless—and maybe a little wary of charming men in green cloaks.

i had several quips come to me while reading this novel and i will share some here:
1. pick me girl representation
2. the perfect sick day read
3. i don't hate historical fiction, it just has to be the medieval period

overall a pretty solid debut. the writing felt a bit ya but did not deter from the story, which was gripping! i have only come across one other robin hood retelling in my time so i was intrigued when i saw this. the author's historical note at the end added a layer of appreciation to the tale. bonus points if you picture carey elwes as robin hood the entire time.

The traitor of Sherwood Forest. A retelling of Robinhood, except where Robin Hood is basically a complete jerk .

I tried to get into this book, kept reading it hoping it would get better or pick up speed but no matter how much I tried I just could not get into this book.

I am not saying this book wasn’t well written it clearly is, I am just not into the direction the writer took Robin Hood’s Character.

Do I think others will enjoy this book? Oh absolutely , was it a book for me? Absolutely not .

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin group Viking Penguin and penguin books

This is such a fascinating tale. It took me a while to warm up to it, especially because it can feel like a story slowly unwinding. Much like the Greek tragedies you will feel and feel, but never satisfaction.

If Robinhood were real, he’d be a self assured narcissist with low self control and a heart for admiration. He’s crude and crass, and unfair to those who follow him. In a way, he is almost childlike. And Jane, a lost girl never truly found.

The last 25% of this page held me in a vice and I was eager to finish the story. I am however, a fan of happy ends.

I really liked this fresh take on Robin Hood as a more flawed, morally grey character. It felt grounded in history without being overly detailed, which kept the story engaging. Jane’s journey, as she realized the real Robin wasn’t the hero from the legends, was one of my favorite parts.

The story did get a bit slow and repetitive in places, but overall, it was a solid and enjoyable read.

"The Traitor of Sherwood Forest" by Amy S. Kaufman is a fresh take on the classic Robin Hood legend. This version introduces us to Jane Crowe, a peasant girl with a mysterious family background who finds herself thrust into the world of Robin Hood and his band of thieves. Jane's journey from outcast to spy in the King's court is filled with twists and turns that kept me hooked. I loved how Kaufman stayed true to the essence of the original tale while adding her own unique spin. The character development, especially Jane's, was nicely done, even if her naivety sometimes made me want to shake her. The darker tone of the story added depth, making it feel more realistic and gritty. Plus, the historical notes at the end were a nice touch. Big thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC!

Thrilling and romantic—this was the legend of Robin Hood told from the eyes of a common servant girl roped into his many plots. A story about who’s forgotten in man’s search for greatness, the untold stories of the helpers, ordinary people whose names are lost to history. I was drawn into by the fact that this was a retelling of the myth from a medievalist scholar, and I adored the plain Jane heroine who was relatable, real, and full of heart who found herself enthralled with this figure who had grown to mythological proportions.

I inhaled this and loved every minute.

A really cool historical fiction, different from any I’ve read. I love the tale of Robin Hood so the retelling in this perspective was very unique and intriguing to me! It felt well researched and methodical. I liked that this Robin Hood was morally ambiguous and you got to see how Jane, along with others that were disadvantaged, were affected by his actions.

I reaaaaaaaally wanted to like this.


And while I didn’t hate it, I can’t give it more than 2.5⭐️.


The historical accuracy was very well done and world building was great! However, I found myself absolutely despising Jane and her inability to make a single decision that made sense, even when the right choice was CLEARLY there. Her obsession with Robin was nauseating at best, considering I could count on one hand the number of times she actually interacted with him. And in those interactions, he was a total douche. Not exactly obsession material.

Then there was the issue with pacing. I honestly felt that the first half of the book was irritatingly slow and even though there were definitely parts that held my interest, it was challenge to force myself through. The ending, however, was completely rushed and felt unfinished to me. There was so much more that could have happened, I was just left questioning why there wasn’t more.


I feel like if this was given a second work through and weeded, (also giving the ending something more deserved) I would have rated this higher. It just wasn’t it for me. I know there will be people who love it, and I’m so glad! But I won’t be one of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for allowing me to read this Arc!

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman is a fantastic reimagining of Robin Hood. I have always loved books that take beloved stories of the past and reworking them into something new and exciting.

This particular story features our fmc Jane Crowe, a peasant girl with a questionable mother and very interesting family members. Jane’s story starts with her being cast from her home and she meets with the famed Robin Hood and his band of thieves. He has plans for Jane and it’s from here she is tested and becomes a spy in the King’s house. She is able to blend in and pass the nobles secret whispers, including the infamous Sheriff Nottingham to him. It does seem though she is being tested by everyone constantly. I feel the story had many twists and turns that left me surprised. The ending was a surprise to me as well.

YES, YES, YES! TO FIND REFUGE IN SHERWOOD FOREST SOUNDS PRETTY NORMAL FOR THOSE STEALING FROM THE RICH. FINDING THIS FOREST IS NOT WHAT IT'S THOUGHT TO BE. aT THE CENTER OF THE CHAOS, IS ROBIN HOOD HIMSELF. THIS WAS A FRESH TWIST ON AN OLD TALE.

I’m not sure how to feel about this. It felt mediocre and bland. the beginning was very slow and even though it picked up after the halfway mark, the ending was too rushed and anticlimactic. I didn’t even know that it was the last chapter because it didn’t feel like a scene that should’ve been the ending of a book. It caught me heavily off guard when I clicked for the next page but ended up at the acknowledgments. There should’ve at least been an epilogue. I also think I couldn’t completely enjoy the story due to not liking the characters. Jane was just overly naive and Robin was just mean. I’m not sure if the author wrote them like this on purpose but I disliked every character in this book since the beginning except the Prioress, Ibota. She’s the only one in this story who has brains. Well to be fair, even though I didn’t like John for a while, at the end he also had some really good character development.

Robin Hood is one of my favorite Disney movies and combined with a completely different point of view. Loved of you were made to not really like anyone but still enjoy the story. Also enjoyed the historical accepts.

I love the story of Robin Hood so seeing this as a retelling of it was so much fun and I immediately knew I was going to love it. And I did! Think Kaufman stayed true to the story and the messages while also having their own spin on it and that made the story even better. I think the pacing was good and the characters were a treat to follow along with.

This was such an interesting, darker retelling of Robin Hood. Not the knight in shining armor you would be expecting, but a deeply troubled medieval man. The storytelling and character development was so good and it kept me intrigued the whole time! The FMC was a little naive and she drove me crazy at points, but her character development was on point! The historical note that the author has added at the end is also really interesting! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc! This book did not draw me in as I felt no real connection to the characters who more or less annoyed me. It missed the mark for me.

2.5 rounded up to 3

First, thank you to Penguin Books, NetGalley, and author for the chance to read and review before being published!

This book missed the mark for me. There were parts where it pulled me in, but much of the book dragged on, and I had no personal connection or interest in any of the characters, minus maybe Ibota.

It took me longer than usual to read this book and found myself making goals like making it to 50%, etc.
If it wasn’t an ARC, I most likely would have DNFed it. But I wanted to give it a completely fair review.

This book is a good depiction of the term “grey area”. None of the characters are truly good or bad, really. They’re all just selfish and have to decide what is worth it to them. If you like books like this, you’d probably love The Traitor of Sherwood Forest!