My Review
The myth. The man. The legend. Or is it woman? We all know the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Ms. Moke brings us a fresh gender bent retelling of Robin Hood that will especially appeal to fans of young adult fiction.
“Hood” by Jenny Elder Moke explores the next generation after Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Our main character, Isabelle, becomes a new Robin Hood figure and explores her place in the Merry Men, her family and the world around her. She is a smart, brave, fierce and kind heroine. Throughout the book, Isabelle is trying to fit in and find her place in the world. Isabelle meets many old, familiar characters as well as a new generation of Merry Men (and women). She develops some strong friendships and I love the “squad” she becomes a part of. There is even a sweet romance.
“Hood” is written with lots of great lessons to take away as well. Isabelle learns to be braver than she feels and to not let the constraints of the past define her future. At some points, I felt the pacing rather lagged, whereas at other points the book is very action packed. There are some great fight scenes and archery contests (of course!). Overall, it is a fun retelling of Robin Hood that fans of retellings, Disney, Robin Hood and young adult literature will love!
Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: people are at a pub, many are drunk and use ribald language, but it’s not actually written; the word “as*” is used in reference to a horse; the words “bloody,” “hell” and “d*mn” are used; there is mention of a girl being physically abused in her past; a man curses, but the words aren’t written; the word “bastard” is used; a girl dresses up as a prostitute as a disguise; there are a few sexual innuendos.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars.
I want to thank Jenny Moke, Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
About the Author
Jenny Elder Moke writes young adult fiction in an attempt to recapture the shining infinity of youth. She was a finalist in the 2017 Austin Film Festival Podcast Competition, and studied children’s writing with Liz Garton Scanlon.
When she is not writing, she’s gathering story ideas from her daily adventures with her two irredeemable rapscallions and honing her ninja skills as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Jenny lives in Austin, TX with her husband and two children.
Her debut novel, HOOD, about the daughter of Robin Hood and Maid Marien, will release from Disney/Hyperion in Spring 2020. She is represented by Elizabeth Bewley of Sterling Lord Literistic.
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