I have loved every Robin Hood inspired YA novel that I’ve read and Hood by Jenny Elder Moke is no exception. I fell in love with the idea that Robin of Locksley and Lady Marien got their happy ever after (well sort of) and as a result got to see the next generation of protectors of Sherwood Forest. I found this take on the subject of Robin Hood a unique perspective on the legend because I haven’t seen a plot that centres around a less than confident female lead like Isabelle. She had to learn quick how the real world worked and she adapted the best she could. She is a main character who isn’t great at everything and I found that refreshing, plus her development throughout the plot was substantial. It ushered in a new perspective of how Robin’s actions have affected the lives of his beloved village years later. This is a story about loyalty, justice, and heart. It’s incredibly easy to follow, there’s tons of character development across many characters, and this features a main character who’s the best of both of her parents as she’s stubborn like her mother and strong like her father.
“These men don’t deserve your fear, Isabelle,’ he said, brushing his thumb across her cheekbone. ‘You’re stronger than the whole bleeding lot of them. Don’t you forget that.”
Let’s talk about Adam. Adam exudes a cocky confidence while still showcasing his responsibility for The Merry Men. He seems to have adapted to Robin’s previous role as their leader and he does it perfectly. He has the perfect balance of Robin and Alan. I appreciate seeing someone like Adam in this role because it respects and honours the legacy left behind by these characters. He’s also absolutely adorable with Isabelle and the chemistry between them is palpable as it’s an immediate connection with a slow burn romance built on respect and skill. She wants to prove herself strong enough to hold her father’s heavy legacy and he sees that. He’s not a jerk to her, especially when he sees her struggling, instead he offers advice to help her grow. It sounds kinda cheesy, but I swear it doesn’t read like that at all. There’s this pivotal point where she’s keeping a secret from him and despite knowing it, he lets her keep it to herself until she can come forward. He’s astute and smart while still keeping his cockiness which I loved. He’s a different type of love interest in the YA fiction genre and I’m here for it. He’s not completely full of himself or an uncoordinated book worm, he has both and that makes him the perfect match for the daughter of Robin Hood and Lady Marien.
There is one thing that did bother me about these two however. In the beginning, Adam would call Isabelle “sister” a lot showing her connection to the church where she was born and raised in order to keep her save from Robin’s vast amount of enemies which should make sense, but it only came across as off-putting. It was cringey to read. He would say it in a way that would make it feel like they were related rather than a clever play on words to reflect her past. For me, this killed the budding romance trying to form between them. It sounds so creepy when you read it because it takes you into a whole other head space where they shouldn’t be together because they’re related (similar to the Shadowhunters series with Clary and Jace).
I understand the whole sister angle, but I mean the way they said it and the reputation of the Merry Men being a band of friends that really act like a family, them calling her sister made it sound like they saw her as their literal sister, so when Adam teased with that name it felt off. I think it was a mistake to be honest because instead of pointing out maybe her innocent, naïve nature (due to living in a convent) it conveyed very differently to me as I read it. I got past this as the scenes between him and her increased and that teasing stopped, but it’s always going to be there and unfortunately, it’s at the beginning. The romance does get better and this particular aspect does fade away thankfully but prepare yourself! Let me know if you felt the same way about this in the comments because I’m definitely curious if this is all just in my head or if someone else got that same feeling!
“You’ll certainly do a sight better than me with those big blue eyes of yours. Men love a good damsel in distress, something about her helplessness makes them feel even manlier. Which is pathetic, frankly, because it takes a real man to handle a woman who can speak her own mind.”
I was worried that there might not be many female characters in here as this is mostly a male dominated legend, but thankfully Moke included a merry maiden as well to this new generation and her name is Helena. She’s sharp tongued and she’s an absolute riot in scenes. Helena is all business and she’s exactly what the merry men need. Very worthy addition! She is not a girly girl and SHE is an equal in the band.
Another thing I really loved with this book was hearing about Robin and Marien’s love story from Robin to his daughter. It was heartwarming and adorable and it completely fit the tone and voice of their history. This is a prime example of how well Moke respected the legend while still keeping it unique. This scene was perfect for this hopeless romantic.
“I love you, my infuriating daughter,’ she said, giving her another kiss. ‘Find the place that calls your heart.”
Moke really had me going there for a while near the end. I get realistic endings, but I’m that girl hoping for a happily ever after every time. My heart almost stopped because I had no idea what direction this book was going to end in. I’m so glad that Moke left it open ended with a possibility of a sequel (right now this book is planned as a stand-alone but the chance of more is always a good thing!)
“You have the blood of kings and rebels within you, love. Let it rise to meet the call.”
Hood is another fantastic Robin Hood retelling and if you love these types of books as much as I do then add this one to your TBR right now! You will not be disappointed! I also highly recommend A.C. Gaughen’s Scarlet series which centres around another very strong female character.
Hood is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Will you be picking up Hood? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
You have the blood of kings and rebels within you, love. Let it rise to meet the call.
Isabelle of Kirklees has only ever known a quiet life inside the sheltered walls of the convent, where she lives with her mother, Marien. But after she is arrested by royal soldiers for defending innocent villagers, Isabelle becomes the target of the Wolf, King John’s ruthless right hand. Desperate to keep her daughter safe, Marien helps Isabelle escape and sends her on a mission to find the one person who can help: Isabelle’s father, Robin Hood.
As Isabelle races to stay out of the Wolf’s clutches and find the father she’s never known, she is thrust into a world of thieves and mercenaries, handsome young outlaws, new enemies with old grudges, and a king who wants her entire family dead. As she joins forces with Robin and his Merry Men in a final battle against the Wolf, will Isabelle find the strength to defy the crown and save the lives of everyone she holds dear?
