The Outlaws of Sherwood

Like most of McKinley's books, Outlaws of Sherwood starts off a bit slow, but this is mostly because her Robin is not the perfect hero envisioned by earlier tales. Ultimately, McKinley's careful character development and deliberate threading of various stories makes the tale that much more intriguing and so much more satisfying at the end. None of her characters are their stereotypical selves -- how easy it would be for Little John to be only large and silent, or Marian merely willful! I have read this book over and over and over again, revisiting favored parts, sometimes discovering new ones, and each time, I get to the end and close it with a sigh, wishing there could be more.

This is absolutly my most favorite of books! I must have read it at least five times already, if not more, and I intend to read it many more times. It is very realistic, the characters down-to-earth, not stereotypical or superficial, and Sherwood Forest is given a practical yet mystical air. The characters are very witty and humorous and have made me laugh many times. They are also each very distinct individuals, with backgrounds and emotions that bring them alive. As for action and adventure, this book has it all: sword fights, battles, heroes and heroins, true love, and lasting friendships. I consider this a sophisticated and well written book- McKinley's finest work. If you love a good adventure story, then I highly recommend this book. But beware, the end comes all too soon!

I dearly love Robin McKinley's stories, and when I saw that The Outlaws of Sherwood had been reissued, I thought it might be repackaged and was curious. What was curious was that the store had this book listed as a 4 to 8 years reading level! Although the story is old, the writing is sophisticated. The story is familiar, but the writing is refreshing. The tale may be simple, but the telling is complex. This is not a children's book. It is a wonderful book for anyone who can read it, not just kids.

I will admit that it's wonderfully done and realistic, and for that it deserves more stars. But while I admire the craftsmanship and the beauty of this book, I am also a hopeless romantic and very affected by what I read, and so was dreadfully disappointed by the end. I think . . . though it was a fair and decent end, it could have been rendered . . . more hopeful. I was, all in all, quite distressed.

I LOVED THAT BOOK! I think that Outlaws of Sherwood is one of my favorite books. It tells about Robin Hood, but Robin Hood is not a great cocky, archer! He's a lovesick man who admitts he can't hit a moving target! If you have read any of Mckinleys books and liked them, I'm sure you'll love this one!

I like retellings and McKinley is usually a good author for such things. This is no exception.

This is a retelling of Robin Hood that holds some of the usual cast plus some new ones. It plays on the Norman/Saxton politics as well. People who are not familiar with the history might want some more explanation.

There are places that McKinley didn't go with the tale that I wish she had, thus the 4 stars. She mentions a legend of Robin Hood as a reborn pagan god, but leaves it as a rumor and does not flesh out that piece. I would have loved to know where that would have led.

Once again, Robin McKinley has astounded me with her writing ability. She makes situations and characters as realistic as they can get. I found the fighting at the end compelling and thrilling, and McKinley's subtle sense of humor is very enjoyable. I was intrigued by the history of Robin, Marian, and Much, as well as that ot the other characters, and it was as impossible not to love the characters meant to be loved as it was to loathe the characters meant to be loathed. McKinley certainly knows how to write a story that will be read in under two days and never leave your mind.

This book is barely readable. I read about half of it before deciding it was too painfully boring to continue with. McKinley clearly knew the skeleton of the story she wanted to tell but failed to give it any spark of life. The writing style comes off as incredibly passive--there is never any sense of immediacy, and the scenes that should have the most action are unwieldy and sometimes interrupted by irrelevant descriptions. Every event feels forced, as though McKinley wrote an outline based on other Robin Hood stories and followed the outline like a business agenda without any regard to narrative flow. The dialog is marked by attempts at renaissance-fair wit that comes off as neither accurate nor witty, and often requires re-reading figure out what was meant. The characters are flat, the world building (no matter how well researched) is flat. It is totally beyond me why this has so many glowing reviews.

The Outlaws of Sherwood is a wonderful book. I rate it a 5 out of 5. i think it might even be better than the Harry Potter series. I thought it might be hard for Robin to beat The Hero and the Crown but now she has really outdone herself. I think Robin Hood is my favorite legend and she has made him and is band of outlaws seem as if they were once living and breathing people fighting for justice against the cruel and selfish sheriff of Nottingham.I especialy liked how she made Maid Merrian a heroin. Robin Mckinnley has never forgotten to add a heroin to her stories. Thank you for all your wonderfully written stories.

I absolutely adored this version of the tale of Robin and his merry men. It is a fresh new take on the old stale tale. Maid Marian is the real hero here. Chalk one up for girl power. Robin is also very realistic. And living in Sherwood forrest is not as fun as we would have expected its a raw and gritty existance to be an outlaw.

Your site has this advertised as a picture book for ages 4-8.
You've not read the book and/or you've made an error. Please look inside a copy, even!
I have read "The Outlaws of Sherwood." As in all her books, McKinley masterfully combines sound and meaning of advanced vobcabulary to create poetic magic in her storytelling.

Ethelyn Lunt
Elementary School Media Center Specialist

This is an excellent book that I strongly recommend. All the characters are unique, and none are boring. McKinley does an excellent job by transforming a normal guy to a loved heroine. You'd like the subtle humor and the subtle witty writing style. This is one of McKinley's best books. Anyone looking for a book with adventure and a bit of romance needs to read this book.