THE FORESTWIFE TRILOGY by Theresa Tomlinson
Theresa Tomlinson’s Forestwife is a good kids’ book. For the most part, it kept me interested, but there were many “cheesy” sections that ended way too “neatly” for me. There was also no recognizable “bad guy” which makes a plotline sort of boring and unrecognizable.
The nice thing about The Forestwife was that it was not your typical Robbin Hood/Maid Marian novel. Marian was more of a hero herself in this version, making it an empowering book for young girls, and for any reader that is sick of Marian having to be “rescued” all the time. While Theresa Tomlinson’s take on the characters were refreshing, unfortunately it did not save the book from the all-too-simple plotline and underdeveloped supporting characters.
The writing was easy and didn’t flow very well. Even third graders might not enjoy this book. This type of book would have fared much better as an adult book. I kept waiting for some steamy love scenes with Marian and Robbin Hood, but then had to remind myself that it was a kids’ book and I was out of luck. Disappointing overall.
Julie Waineo, one of our earliest guest reviewers, earned an MBA at Bowling Green State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in French. Now living in Virginia with her husband and dog, Julie is an avid reader of not only fantasy, but historical fiction, the occasional “chick lit,” and children’s literature.
Thanks for the kind words, Marion! Coming as they are from a professional writer, they are much appreciated!
Wonderful review, Sandy.
The "body count" bothered me a bit less because being dead seemed more like an inconvenience than anything else... unlike…
Detailed, thoughtful review, Bill. I'm going to read it for two reasons. First, Karen Russell wrote it, and second, it…
this sounds like a fun one