Robyn Hoodlum continues to be a cute spin on Robin Hood, and I continue to wish it was young adult with romance.


Like I think it’s awesome having a little POC mg Robin Hood girl fighting against a Hunger Games-esque evil government. I also love the fact that she’s totally going to hook up with Merryan, aka Maid Marian. I’m basically sticking around for that, because, cute as it is, I’m not invested in the plot (mostly because the weird prophecy stuff leaves me cold). Basically every time Merryan smiles at her or touches her, Robyn gets feelings she can’t explain and I’m mentally trying to age them all up a few years.

TBH, I do think this whole concept would be stronger with older protagonists. Robyn’s twelve, and she’s heading up the rebellion. And, like, early on, they’re not sure how she can go undercover in the Iron Teen competition (again Hunger Games-y) because her braid is so recognizable. It takes a bit for her to think of cutting her hair. And she still forgets to take off her unique necklace. All the tiny baby children can drive apparently? And they can hack government systems? Okay, sure, whatever you say. They routinely make very terrible decisions, which hey they’re like middle school dropouts, but also they are actually challenging the government which um no.

The world building and plotting beg a lot of questions, but I’ll probably keep sticking around for that future f/f mg ship.

Excellent adventure and mystery! Kekla Magoon has a brilliant multi-racial narrator and a wonderful modern retelling of the Robin Hood Adventure story. Great for middle school girls who like action adventure!!