Today’s review is about THE TRAITOR OF SHERWOOD FOREST by Amy Kaufman. It’s a dark reimagining of the ballads of Robin Hood with feminist overtones.
Author: Amy Kaufman
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Penguin Books
Publish Date: April 29, 2025
Print Length: 416
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The Traitor of Sherwood Forest Synopsis
Synopsis
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?
The Traitor of Sherwood Forest Review
I received a free, digital, advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is my own and reflects my honest opinion about this book.
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?
Rating: 3.75
Content warnings: death, murder, blood, gore, torture, infidelity, sexism
Reading format: Kindle e-book
If you liked this book, you may also enjoy THE MIRROR OF SIMPLE SOULS by Aline Kiner.
I like that this seems to be a more twisted tale of Robin Hood. I do usually think of the animated Disney story, which has lots of humor, but I think I’d enjoy this a lot more.
I think you would, too! It’s definitely about how charm and a cause can reel in the have nots. Some realize what Robin’s doing and some don’t.
This sounds like it would be right up my alley – especially the last part about the ballads. Though I might want to start with those!
I was looking forward to reading this review and it was fantastic 😊 besides the pacing in the first half of the story this sounds wonderful and I’m very intrigue to hear a darker take on the tale of Robin Hood. It’s focus on women and their roles at the time sounds wonderful too. I’m so glad you read this as it somehow completely missed my radar until you previously mentioned it on your blog.
I’ll have to keep an eye out for this one!