*The Traitor of Sherwood Forest* offers an interesting take on the Robin Hood legend, with a blend of political intrigue and complex character dynamics. Amy S. Kaufman’s writing style is engaging, and she brings a fresh perspective to the familiar world of Sherwood Forest. The characters are well-crafted.

While the book provides a solid read, I found the pacing to be a bit uneven at times, and some of the developments felt predictable. However, the atmosphere of the story is well-done, and I appreciate the world Kaufman created.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, especially for those who love reimagined classics, but it didn’t fully capture my attention as I hoped. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC!

"An immersive, sultry, heart-pounding historical reimagining of the Robin Hood ballads, told through the piercing eyes of one of his spies.

Jane Crowe is an ordinary peasant girl who never dreamed she would work for the infamous Lord of the Greenwood. But when she's forced out of her home, she has no choice but to turn to Robin Hood for help - and he makes her an irresistible offer. He needs a pair of eyes in the King's Houses, and quiet, unassuming Jane - who has spent her whole life going unnoticed - will be the perfect spy.

At first, Jane's work for Robin seems straightforward. She whispers to him about the nobles at King's Houses and all their secrets, including the new Sheriff of Nottingham, who would like nothing more than to see Robin Hood's head on a spike. But the more Jane is drawn into Robin's world, the more she's drawn to Robin himself - a man as charismatic as he is cunning, capable of plucking at her heart as easily as he notches an arrow. As Robin's tricks grow increasingly dangerous, and shockingly violent, Jane starts to suspect that her hero cares more about his own legacy than helping the common people - and that despite his declarations of affection, he sees her as just another object to be stolen.

When Robin's schemes implicate Jane in a brutal murder, she must decide: is she prize to be won, a pawn to be used and discarded - or is she an equal player in the game between nobles and thieves?"

Ever since I first watched Disney's Robin Hood I am here for ALL THING Robin Hood.

I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't get into it. Not sure why. I think I couldn't decide if it was an adult book, or YA? (Not that I'm against YA, I just didn't know where things were going.)

Great premise—the story of Robin Hood based on the original gritty medieval lore—but lackluster execution. The protagonist, Jane, is so tiresome; despite what we're told of her insightfulness, we don't see much of it, or much of any other quality that would explain why so many people are drawn to her, let alone willing to go out of their way to help her. Robin gives several lectures about economic inequity in the beginning that feel more 21st century than 13th century, as does the book's most interesting character, the prioress Ibota. Some of the writing was lovely, but I found Amy S. Kaufman's afterword explaining how the Robin Hood myth evolved over centuries more intriguing than the novel itself.

Thank you, Penguin Group and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up. I have never read anything about Robin Hood before and I was very intrigued to pick this one up. I really appreciated the author's attention to detail and descriptions of medieval life. I especially enjoyed all the food and landscape descriptions. The beginning was a little slower than I would have liked and it was hard for me to get into the story but once I did get invested I could not stop reading. The main character Jane goes through a lot of growth throughout the book and I enjoyed getting to know her story. Robin Hood was very morally grey and not the hero he is usually portrayed as.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Viking for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I'll start with the one thing I liked about The Traitor of Sherwood Forest—because trust me, it's all downhill from there.

The one redeeming quality of the book is its unique portrayal of Robin Hood. That’s not to say I liked this depiction of Robin — I found him to be cringe, unlikeable, and repulsive from the get-go, however Kaufman takes a fresh approach to the legendary hero, offering a version of Robin who is morally complex, tempestuous, and contradictory. This Robin isn't the idealized hero of most stories. Instead, Kaufman presents him as someone who may have trampled over the innocent, become consumed by ambition and revenge, and lost sight of his original purpose. It’s a refreshing take on the Robin Hood myth, but unfortunately, it wasn’t executed as well as I had hoped. As Kaufman writes, <i>"I wanted to write Robin as the Middle Ages imagined him... both chivalrous and cruel. He steals from the rich, and he sometimes protects the poor, but he is also violent, erratic, and deeply flawed."</i> It's an interesting and unique take on the Robin Hood legend and I appreciated it, but sadly, this is where my enjoyment ended because all of the characters are insufferably unlikeable.

Let’s talk about Jane, the protagonist. From the very start, I found her frustratingly naive and, frankly, annoying. She’s inexplicably infatuated with Robin Hood from their first meeting, but her feelings are completely unearned. There’s no real reason why she should be so enamored with him—she simply admires his looks, charm, and bravery. However, these superficial qualities are not enough to justify her obsessive admiration. She lets herself be used and discarded by Robin, turning into a "pick-me" who constantly questions her worth in relation to him. Zero dignity.

Robin, despite his so-called code of honor where he supposedly never harms or disrespects women, consistently treats them poorly from the very beginning. He flirts with and uses women for his gain, and when he's done, he discards them without a second thought. One of the most blatant examples of Robin's hypocritical nature occurs when Robin makes a crude comment about another woman in the story, and Jane brushes it off, despite earlier witnessing him throw a temper tantrum when another man made a similar joke. Double standards much? She even acknowledges how demeaning he talks about women: <i>“[She] bristled. He had a foul name for the washerwoman, he did, and fouler words for Betrice, and she wondered suddenly how Robin referred to her when she wasn't in the room.”</i> And yet continues to overlook it. This is the man Jane thinks respects women? Give me a break.

But the hypocrisy doesn’t end there. Robin, the ever so chivalrous and gentlemen, bets Jane as a prize in an archery contest, saying: <i>“If you’re the better shot, then you can have the girl.”</i> Appalling. This is someone who Jane still thinks lives by his moral code, and yet he openly bets her as if she were a mere object. It’s demoralizing, and Jane, despite being repeatedly described as observant and capable of reading people, does nothing to question Robin’s behavior, even when it’s right in front of her. She ignores the glaring red flags and dehumanizing way Robin treats her, as well as his lack of respect for women in general.

Jane’s inability to see Robin’s flaws is even more frustrating when she excuses his behavior time and time again. Robin is supposed to protect the poor and vulnerable and yet when he steals wine, he doesn’t care that an innocent servant will be punished for it. Jane, in turn, dismisses this, suggesting that Robin must not have known the consequences. Like hello, girly? I thought you said he was clever. Truth is, he just didn’t care and you, for some inconceivably reason, refuse to acknowledge any of it. This is just one example of Jane’s willful ignorance; she consistently holds Robin to a different, far more lenient standard than she does others, which is both frustrating and hard to read.

There are several instances where Jane’s lack of critical thinking and self-awareness comes to the forefront. Even Robin’s own crew warns her about him, telling her that he’s manipulative, plays games, and has done worse things than they ever could. These are the people who know him best—who have been with him the longest—and they still try to caution her. But Jane, stubbornly convinced of her own perception of Robin, refuses to listen. She ignores all the warnings and continues to justify his actions. She dismisses the reality in front of her because she’s too infatuated with Robin to see him for who he truly is. One of the most infuriating moments is when Jane lashes out against Robin’s crew after they kill an innocent page boy. She says Robin would never have done that, only for Robin to later admit that he would have done the same thing. And instead of holding him accountable, Jane just goes along with it, accepting it as if everything’s justified the minute it comes out of his mouth. Girl, where did your brain cells fly off to?

To make matters worse, Jane’s relationship with her boyfriend, Bran, is poorly handled. Despite being in a committed relationship, Jane mentally cheats on him as she pines for Robin. Eventually, she physically cheats, and when Bran leaves her after discovering the betrayal, Jane has the audacity to call it a betrayal on his part. She shows no remorse, and her actions are entirely selfish. There’s a particularly infuriating scene where Jane is at church during a baptism, and Robin decides to pick a fight with soldiers and guards right in the middle of the ceremony. Babies are being baptized, and mothers and children are in danger, but Jane’s only concern is for Robin’s safety. Her brother, her boyfriend, and literal infants are at risk, and yet Jane doesn’t even think about them—she’s only focused on Robin. Here, and I quote, <i>"[Her brother] pressed through the crowd for her, risked himself, and she hadn't thought of him at all. She'd only had eyes for Robin."</i> I cannot defend her. She chose a man, who doesn’t care if she lives or dies, over her own brother. This moment was a clear of how far Jane had gone into her delusion about Robin. She puts him on a pedestal while everything around her falls apart, and it’s hard to take her seriously when she’s so blind to the reality of her situation. Also who picks a fight at a place fully of babies getting baptized? Another example right in Jane’s face that Robin doesn’t care about the innocent, he just loves the attention.

But the worst moment for me was when Jane considers lying about being raped to convince the Prioress of her distress. She briefly entertains the idea of claiming she was raped to make her story more convincing and gain sympathy. This was the moment I lost all remaining respect for her. Irredeemable. Absolutely not. That is abysmal.

In addition, Jane’s ability to sneak around and do her job is laughable. Her urges to be near Robin are so overwhelming that she rides out to see him without thinking. She’s shocked when a hunter following her tracks leads straight to Robin’s hideout. At one point, Jane steals a key to the cell that is holding Robin prisoner. She steals it from a woman who has just confided to her that she has been used and discarded by Robin, reminiscing and contemplating about what she did and felt. Jane hopes the woman won’t notice the missing key, thinking to herself, <i>“But why would she look for the cellar key, unless she was thinking about Robin?”</i> Are you kidding me? She was just talking to you about Robin 37 seconds ago. Absolute buffoon Jane is. Likewise, Robin’s supposed cleverness also seems to evaporate in critical moments, leading to situations that don’t make much sense. Such as going to a place that has already been exposed to the authorities and shooting arrows in broad daylight. If he’s supposed to be clever, his actions certainly don’t reflect that.

There is also this strange moment I just have to mention because it’s so ridiculous. A character who has taken Jane under her wing offers to shelter her at her nunnery, where no one would look for her. Jane is hesitant, not because she’s worried about her safety, but because she doesn’t want to be a nun—she wants a man. The nun then suggests that Jane could have a secret relationship if she’s careful, which is both so wild and disrespectful to the whole image and title of a nun. It was so absurd I had to laugh. Seriously, what am I reading.

And even at the end of the book, Jane continues to delude herself. She recognizes that she isn’t someone who wants to be at the forefront of war with deaths and killing and instead is a person that yearns for peace and safety. She mourns Robin and says that above everybody else Robin was the only person who truly knew her. Which is so laughable because just before he shamed her for being overwhelmed from seeing a sadistically tortured and brutalized body. He taunts and belittles her saying he thought she was different and was disappointed in her. He scolds her for not being grateful that he saved her and manipulates her into upholding undying loyalty for him. He shames her for not handling the brutality of war and murder, and yet she continues to idealize him, even in death. Even in the end, this character makes no sense.

The supporting characters don’t fare much better. The entire plot often feels like everyone is easily fooled, even when they’re face-to-face with Robin. People who have been hunting him for years are suddenly eager to play his games rather than capture him on sight. It’s hard to believe that even the most naive character would fall for this.

In conclusion, while The Traitor of Sherwood Forest had a promising premise with its complex take on Robin Hood, the execution ultimately fell flat. Jane’s character was more insufferable than endearing, and I found it hard to sympathize with her, especially given her naïveté, lack of self-respect, and obsession with a flawed, hypocritical man. The book just didn’t resonate with me, and I can’t say I enjoyed it.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman is a third person-POV historical novel examining the story of Robin Hood through the original Medieval lens. Jane has few prospects in life and has little respect for her mother relying so much on men. When Jane meets Bran, she finds someone who is calm and steady but maybe doesn’t necessarily fill her with excitement. But then Bran brings her to meet Robin Hood, setting off Jane’s own journey of self-discovery and she’s going to have to make a lot of sacrifices if she’s going to survive.

The author’s note helped to contextualize a lot of what happens in the book, particularly in regards to Robin Hood. Like a lot of Americans, I grew up on the Disney version and all the stories of the selfless Robin and his beloved Maid Marion. This is all apparently a revision that started in the time of Henry VIII and the original Robin Hood was much more morally gray and didn’t really have a love interest as he instead devoted himself to the Virgin Mary. It was a really interesting experience for me to read this because it showed me how much my enjoyment of an adaptation is colored by the version I grew up on and prefer.

Beyond Robin’s devotion to Mary, Jane’s brother has joined the Church and there are discussions around the ways the Church abused their power in the Medieval era. It isn’t a secret that the Catholic Church had a lot of power in Europe for centuries and it handled that power very poorly, with many of the people who claimed to serve God using the Church as a shield to commit heinous acts, acts that, unfortunately, do continue today. Not all depictions of the Church are painted in a bad light, as Jane’s brother is genuinely devoted to God and appears to be a better man than some of the other members of the clergy and Jane works with a nun who is trying to convince Jane to join a nunnery so she can have some kind of power over her own life.

The romantic elements between Bran and Robin are definitely frustrating, mostly because I could see Jane falling for Robin a mile away and how toxic he would be for her. Bran is a good partner who cares about her and respects her boundaries, but he’s also safe. Despite all the negative things Jane thinks about her mother, she still made less than ideal choices regarding men. This helps to show the cycle that many people wind up in when it comes to partners and how anyone can be lured in by a charismatic personality.

Content warning for mentions of CSA and sexual assault

I would recommend this to fans of Robin Hood looking for something based on the original ballads and readers of historical fiction who like more morally gray characters

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman is a gripping and immersive twist on the classic Robin Hood legend, and it’s sure to captivate fans of historical fiction, intrigue, and moral dilemmas. This isn’t your typical Robin Hood tale; Kaufman delivers a darker, more nuanced version that explores betrayal, loyalty, and the complex nature of heroism. It’s a fresh perspective, told through the eyes of Jane Crowe, a peasant girl who unexpectedly becomes a spy in Robin’s band of outlaws. What begins as a mission to gather intelligence quickly spirals into a tangled web of deceit and moral conflicts that Jane has to navigate carefully. 🕵️‍♀️💔

The world-building is one of the book's standout elements. Kaufman does a fantastic job of blending the familiar Sherwood Forest setting with historical details that make it feel both authentic and vivid. You can almost hear the rustling of the leaves in the woods and feel the tension in the air as the characters move through dangerous territory. The atmosphere is thick with suspense, and the stakes are high throughout, with every action feeling like it could tip the balance between life and death. 🌳🔪

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the portrayal of Robin Hood himself. Kaufman takes this legendary figure and turns him into a morally grey character, challenging the classic “noble outlaw” image. Robin is still a leader, still a symbol of resistance, but he’s far from perfect. As Jane gets closer to him, she realizes that Robin’s methods can be ruthless, and his ideals might not always align with the greater good. This portrayal really adds depth to the story, and I found myself constantly torn between admiration and doubt when it came to Robin. It makes for a compelling and morally complex read. 💔⚔️

As for Jane, the protagonist, she’s relatable and full of internal conflict. At first, she’s a bit naive—thrust into a world much bigger than she anticipated. But as the story unfolds, we see her grow stronger, more determined, and less willing to accept the black-and-white notions of right and wrong. Her personal journey is just as compelling as the political intrigue around her, and it’s a joy to watch her evolve from a pawn into a more active player in the unfolding drama. Jane’s internal struggle between loyalty to her mission and her growing feelings for Robin is both heartbreaking and riveting. 💔🔒

The supporting cast is equally rich in complexity, with Ibota, the prioress, standing out as a fascinating character with her own secrets and motivations. The relationships in the book—especially Jane’s interactions with Robin and the other members of the outlaw band—are layered with tension, trust, and betrayal, keeping you on the edge of your seat the entire time. 📚🔮

While the pacing of the book is generally well done, I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed. The conclusion comes fast and furiously, which left me wishing for a bit more space to explore the emotional and plot-related payoffs. I loved the build-up to the final moments, but I could’ve used a little more resolution in terms of character arcs and motivations. The climactic moments are satisfying but could have been deeper and more detailed. ⚡⚖️

Overall, The Traitor of Sherwood Forest is a fantastic and refreshing take on the Robin Hood mythos. It’s a tale of betrayal, complex morality, and characters that feel real and conflicted. The plot keeps you guessing, the characters make you feel invested, and the dark atmosphere pulls you into the story from start to finish. If you’re a fan of historical reimaginings, morally ambiguous characters, or just love a good tale of betrayal and adventure, this book is a must-read! 📖🔥

Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction, gritty fantasy, and anyone looking for a story that’s more than just black-and-white heroes and villains. Can’t wait to see what Kaufman does next! 🌟

When I came across this book, I was so excited about the idea of a retelling of the Robin Hood story. My only familiarity with this legend is from the Disney movie in my childhood, so I was interested to see how this novel might flip the well-known tale on its head.

In this regard, The Traitor of Sherwood Forest does a decent job through the characterization of Robin and by telling the story through the lens of the ordinary girl he turns into a spy in the world of wealthy nobles.

I want to highlight the medieval setting, which was my favorite part of the story. The lush descriptions and details made sense when I saw that the author has a PhD in medieval literature.

The characters and plot, unfortunately, fell a little flat for me. I felt that the pacing was too slow to ever really get into the story, and I did not care about Jane enough as a protagonist. I did like that her motivations and allegiances became more and more unclear as the book went on, but it was not enough to draw me into the story as a whole. However, fans of medieval retellings and anyone who is really into the Robin Hood legend may still enjoy this one.

I received this book courtesy of NetGalley, and I’m grateful to them and Penguin for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication! The Traitor of Sherwood Forest will be published on April 29th, 2025.

I’m going to try and give a truncated version of my thoughts up top to keep this as spoiler free as possible. I think those interested in reading this book should really go in not quite knowing what’s to come. Maybe even especially true for Robin Hood fans, because it was fun to be surprised and excited when familiar elements popped up!

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest follows Jane Crowe, a young woman who becomes Robin's spy inside Kings Houses, where she works in the kitchen. It follows her complicated relationship with the morally gray actions of Robin and his men, and the spiraling events that occur while she becomes increasingly involved.

In short, I have really mixed feelings about this book. It is very specifically an adaptation of medieval Robin Hood ballads, which will clue readers in on what to expect depending on how familiar they are with those texts. It borrows only a few things from more contemporary Robin Hood works. By a few things, I mostly mean that Friar Tuck here is “Tuk”, a Muslim mercenary in the newer tradition of having a Muslim character among the Merry Men (i.e. Djaq in the 2006 series, Azheem in Prince of Thieves). That’s the primary concession made. Otherwise, I can only assume that the oft-used description of Robin’s hair as “fox-colored” is a nod to the Disney movie, which has perhaps contributed to the proliferation of ginger Robins running around. No complaints.

I think the publisher's summary of the book makes it pretty clear that Robin is a violent and dangerous individual, but learning how much of that is true or not is part of the entertainment of the novel so I won’t spoil that. That said, this is definitely gritty. If you want a fun book, this ain’t it. It was hard to predict exactly how this book would end, although I had a pretty good idea about one element of the ending because of my familiarity with Robin Hood lore. The suspense elements at play were quite enjoyable, though!

I’m not sold on Jane as a protagonist. I understand her role in the story, and why she is the way she is, but I wish I had found her more intriguing as a character in her own right, rather than as an avenue to the story being told. Her decisions and logic were frustrating as she became increasingly wrapped up in the world of the plot. I wish I had understood her choices more or shaken some sense into her.

I’m not the most well-versed or academic when it comes to medieval Robin Hood ballads, so I won’t speak too much on how this book presented its interpretations, but it was interesting to see how the author chose to stitch them together into her narrative, and what changes she chose to make.

Okay, spoilers below this! I don't want to kill the suspense element for anyone.

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest adapts Robin Hood and the Potter, The Geste of Robin Hood, Robin Hood and the Monk, and The Death of Robin Hood. That last one is what makes this list a spoiler, although I was absolutely expecting it. I screeched a bit when the prioress was introduced early in the story, and knew immediately that Robin would die. The prioress, here named Ibota, was a marvelous addition, and I’m glad that she was present throughout the novel.

I don’t like gritty Robin Hood stories. I just don’t. I liked elements of this book and elements of what it was trying to do. Some of the writing was quite lovely. It was descriptive and evocative (although it perhaps overused similes), and that includes descriptions of violence. Parts of this book were so gory and unpleasant that I gagged. Your mileage may vary, of course.

However, regardless of my mileage, I don’t want to read about Robin torturing people. Which he does, twice. Once, while killing Guy of Gisborne and once while killing the sheriff. While killing the sheriff, he specifically calls the act “fun”, and views it as a “reward”. Little John actually mercy kills the sheriff against Robin’s wishes.

I had a look at the Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne ballad, and in it, Robin cuts off Guy’s head and then mutilates it so it is unrecognizable. That’s already a lot to handle. In Traitor, Robin mutilates Guy while he’s still alive, and Guy dies from the torture of it, and then loses his head. That’s a lot to handle! There are a few other changes to the ballads adapted, but this one was rough. I didn’t like it. Okay, as a reader, I wasn’t supposed to. I’ll admit that. But as a reader, it downgraded my opinion of the book, too. It just felt like it went too far.

There are multiple points in this book that really smack the reader over the head with the message that Robin Hood is not actually a hero. Multiple people talk about it, and Jane explicitly states it. Robin is a genuinely scary, horrifying person. The last third of the book reads a bit like horror, but it’s Robin Hood who wants to slowly torture people to death. While his character is nuanced enough that you can see how he might have been a good person once, he starts to seem like an irredeemable psychopath. I think that’s a bad faith interpretation of the medieval ballads. I get what the book wanted to do and say. I even think it’s kind of cool to build a story entirely around only the medieval ballads themselves, but this isn’t the message I wanted from that theme.

Here, have some pretty writing that I liked. This was so nice, it made me want to be there. A palette cleanser: “A massive oak held court in the forest’s center, thick and strong among the birch trees’ snow-white bones. Seashells danced on ropes throughout the oak’s branches, tangled white and gray and pink among the crisping leaves. The shells sang like tiny church bells when the wind swept through.”

I do think that if you want a gritty Robin Hood book, this is a really good one. Jane’s slow descent from wonder to confusion to horror is fascinating. The use of the medieval ballads as a base is unique, if not done in a way that I personally like. I don’t want a gritty Robin Hood book, though. I don’t particularly care if the idealized, romanticized Robin Hood is not the same as the Robin Hood of medieval ballads. I like him to be idealized and romanticized. I like empathetic heroes. I don’t think ultra-violence is required for Robin Hood to be a subversive character and story. I like Robin Hood. I don't really want a book to give me any reason to hate him.

The premise of this book intrigued me, but the story's execution was just ok. While it doesn't fall into the genres I usually read, I was excited to read a female perspective of the Robin Hood story. It does come across as a bit slow, which I think is the biggest factor in why it wasn't a favorite read of mine. The writing was solid, but the story just wasn't for me.

This book just wasn’t what I was hoping it would be.

I loved the premise of it - a peasant girl who works for Robin Hood, whispering secrets of the household she works in. Robin’s tricks implicate her in a murder and she needs to decide if she is a pawn in the game or an equal player.

Unfortunately, I don’t think the book really lives up to it. There isn’t much action in the book, it feels like a long drawn out story that meanders from place to place but doesn’t really pick up till 60% of the way through. I didn’t find myself wanting to read it.

Jane is a selfish main character who seems forever unhappy with what she has gotten in life and I found it difficult to care about her.

The story is at its core about the hunt for Robin Hood by three different people, and that Robin Hood is not the hero he is perceived as. In that sense, it did a great job getting that across, but the story lost the sense of adventure that typically comes from Robin Hood stories. Instead this was a brutal and almost gory version where it’s just a timeline of people murdering each other. Jane has no chance to grow and there is no pivotal moment where she is really implicated and needs to make a tough decision or can really have an impact and think for herself. She’s supposed to be the main character but is really just subject to the whims of everyone else until essentially the last page. I really wanted to see her take control of her own narrative.

I was able to get this book through Net Galley. Everyone has heard of Robin Hood but what about a girl namea Jane. This is the story of Jane and the events in her life that caused her to find herself. It did take a few chapters to get into this story but it was worth it.

This had such a fun premise with a Robin Hood retelling, told from a female perspective.

Sadly, the book didn't quite live up to the potential of the premise. The characters, especially Jane, seemed very juvenile to me. She behaves like a young girl, but also talks about "bedding" men. I found myself being annoyed by the characters and this really prevented me from enjoying this book as much as I expected I would.

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest is retelling of the Robin Hood stories from the perspective of Jane Crowe, the main character. She reminds me of the friend who’s boyfriend is a walking red flag, but “he’s different with her.” Most of the book I was rooting for Jane to stop justifying Robin Hood’s actions; he is an easy to hate villain. My favorite character by far is the total badass, Prioress Ibota. She wasted no time calling out the incompetent men who unfortunately surrounded her. Ultimately, I think if the Prioress had more on on page time, I would’ve given this book four or five stars instead of three. The Traitor of Sherwood is your next read if you like retellings and complex characters.

[3.75/5] THE TRAITOR OF SHERWOOD FOREST is a standalone historical fiction that reimagines the Robin Hood ballads. One doesn't need to be familiar wit them to enjoy this book. However, familiarity with those tales may provide the reader more context and, possibly, increased appreciation for Amy Kaufman's story. After a recommendation from her beau, Robin Hood recruits Jane as one of his spies at King's Houses, which often hosts nobles and clergymen. Jane agrees because mainly because she is about to lose her childhood home, but also because she sees the allure in Robin's alleged mission and the man himself.

Many readers are probably mostly familiar with the Disney version of Robin Hood who steals from the rich to give to the poor. THE TRAITOR OF SHERWOOD FOREST is not that nostalgic story. It's a tale of good will twisted by toxic loyalty and the desire to always triumph. Jane's primary asset for Robin is her keen judge of character. Robin needs this and information about the nobles to successfully carry out his tests and tricks. Initially, it appears as though he wants to root out corruption in the church and the various echelons of nobility. However, the longer Jane works for him, the more she sees that glint in his eye. Yet, at the same time, she finds herself drawn to his confidence and charisma.

This tale is also about the various roles women take on, usually as a way to survive in medieval Europe. They are spies, lovers, caretakers, cooks, ladies maids. They are strong willed, but throw on a mask of subservience to cool men's tempers. Jane steps in and out of these various roles or watches other women do the same. And while she recognizes the importance of this for survival, she still waivers in the face of temptation. It's all well and good to recognize it from a distance, but quite another when faced with it directly.

Themes aside, I enjoyed the writing of Kaufman. It is easy to get into and not dry or flowery. THE TRAITOR OF SHERWOOD FOREST is definitely a more character- than plot-driven story. This is perhaps why it feels a bit slow for the first half of the book. There is a decent amount of action in the last 50% of the book. But the crux is Jane's journey discovering that not all that glitters is gold. Finally, the Author's Note provides some good context about the Robin Hood ballads that are quite interesting. So definitely don't skip those.

Overall, this Robin Hood reimagining is a great pick for those who appreciate character-driven medieval fiction and morally grey characters. Robin Hood brings the charm and action, but at what cost?

Title: The Traitor of Sherwood Forest  
Author: Amy S. Kaufman         
Genre: Fiction  
Rating: 3 out of 5

Jane Crowe is an ordinary peasant girl who never dreamed she would work for the infamous Lord of the Greenwood. But when she’s forced out of her home, she has no choice but to turn to Robin Hood for help—and he makes her an irresistible offer. He needs a pair of eyes in the King’s Houses, and quiet, unassuming Jane—who has spent her whole life going unnoticed—will be the perfect spy.

At first, Jane’s work for Robin seems straightforward. She whispers to him about the nobles at King’s Houses and all their secrets, including the new Sheriff of Nottingham, who would like nothing more than to see Robin Hood’s head on a spike. But the more Jane is drawn into Robin’s world, the more she’s drawn to Robin himself—a man as charismatic as he is cunning, capable of plucking at her heart as easily as he notches an arrow. As Robin’s tricks grow increasingly dangerous, and shockingly violent, Jane starts to suspect that her hero cares more about his own legacy than helping the common people—and that despite his declarations of affection, he sees her as just another object to be stolen.

When Robin’s schemes implicate Jane in a brutal murder, she must decide: is she prize to be won, a pawn to be used and discarded—or is she an equal player in the game between nobles and thieves?

I liked the voice of this, I just wasn’t a huge fan of the story itself. This is just a ME problem, not a problem with the writing, which was solid and vivid. I wanted to smack Jane for being stupid several times (okay, a lot), although with her background, it wasn’t a surprise she was so sheltered. This isn’t a sunshine and roses retelling of a Disney tale, but much more realistic.

Amy S. Kaufman is a former English professor. The Traitor of Sherwood Forest is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review.)
(Blog link live 4/22).

Jane Crowe has grown up as a common peasant girl, in a home where she didn’t receive much love. At 19, she now has the chance to leave her abysmal home life behind and work for Robin Hood as a spy in the King’s Houses. Jane is immediately drawn to Robin’s charismatic personality and she is willing to pass on the information he’s looking for. As Jane spends more time with Robin and his men, she realizes there is more danger involved and she starts to question her work for Robin and the feelings she’s had for him since their first meeting. Now Jane must decide what’s right and what’s wrong, and what her ultimate role will be in the game between Robin and the nobles.

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest is an interesting take on the Robin Hood legend. I enjoyed having the story told from a female perspective and seeing how Jane wants to prove herself, but is also naive to the situation she gets caught up in. I found myself feeling sorry for Jane throughout much of the book, because her bad decisions and lack of experience brought a lot of chaos to her life.

There is no definitive line between “good” and “bad” characters in the book. Robin is not your typical whimsical, good-natured character from other Robin Hood stories. He is very much morally grey, and I really loved the idea of his character’s initial purpose being a proponent for the undervalued in society, while losing sight in taking things too far with his fight against the nobles. The book did have one likable character that I connected with (Ibota), and I found her to be a strong female character, who was the voice of reason to Jane’s poor decision making.

There is a great historical feel to the story, and Kaufman includes an Author’s Note, that explains some of the decisions she made in her writing, that I really appreciated. I did find the Baron’s War to be a bit confusing, which caused me to not feel as strongly connected to some of Robin’s motivations. I think this was probably due to some pacing issues, that muddled the story, for me.

If you are looking for an intriguing historical fiction read, with a fresh perspective on the Robin Hood legend that explores the lines between heroes and villains, then I would definitely recommend The Traitor of Sherwood Forest.

5-Star Review for The Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman is an absolutely thrilling and heart-pounding adventure that will captivate readers from start to finish! As a huge fan of the Robin Hood legend, I was excited to see a fresh take on this classic tale, and Kaufman does not disappoint. The writing is rich and immersive, drawing you straight into the heart of Sherwood Forest, where betrayal, loyalty, and fierce battles await.

The characters are expertly crafted, each one with their own complex motives and personalities. I found myself fully invested in the fates of both familiar faces and new ones, especially as they navigated the moral gray areas of their loyalty to the outlaw band. The tension between friendship and betrayal adds an emotional layer that keeps you turning the pages. Kaufman’s exploration of trust, duty, and sacrifice makes the stakes feel incredibly high.

The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of action-packed scenes and quieter moments of reflection. The world-building is lush, and you can practically feel the cool air of the forest and the danger lurking around every corner. The plot twists are clever, and there are plenty of surprises that will leave readers gasping.

Overall, The Traitor of Sherwood Forest is a brilliant reimagining of a legendary story, with compelling characters and a gripping narrative that never slows down. Amy S. Kaufman has crafted a tale full of heart, suspense, and unforgettable moments. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, adventure, or the Robin Hood legend, this book is an absolute must-read!

Thanks to Viking Penguin Books for the eARC copy! #TheTraitorofSherwoodForest #NetGalley

I love a good retelling and this one was really well done! This story is told from the POV of our FMC Jane, a young woman sent to work in the kitchens as one of Robin Hoods spies. She's young and naive of the world she is now part of, but I really appreciate that author maintained that she is a normal young woman trying to navigate her way through. Jane has heard the rumors of the legendary outlaw hero Robin Hood and gets drawn in by his charms and charisma. I was expecting she would learn to fight or train as an archer, but instead she has to use her mind and make her own choices. But with no experience outside of her small world, she overthinks, questions herself, and makes mistakes that leads to a disastrous situation that could cost her own life. She has to form her own connections with the people she's serving and takes matters into her own hands in order to save herself.

With this story set in the Medieval times, this version of the Robin Hood is so much darker and grittier than the stories I think we're all so used to. (The author has an amazing historical note at the end of the book which highlights where she got her inspiration.) This Robin Hood is less vigilante hero and more vicious sociopath with his band of Not-So-Merry men.

The pacing in the first half was a little dicey for me, but it evened out and was very enjoyable about 45% of the way through and that's when all the dominoes started falling into place and the story took off. Super impressed for a debut novel!