The Traitor of Sherwood Forest

A Novel

By: Amy S. Kaufman

Narrated by: Grace Gray

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 a prize to be won, a pawn to be used and discarded—or is she an equal player in the game between nobles and thieves?

Critic reviews

"Kaufman has a PhD in medieval literature and kicks this debut novel up a notch by introducing readers to a more authentic version of the Robin Hood legend. With engaging and emotionally relatable characters, both fictional and based on real-life historical figures, Kaufman’s story provides the right details to establish daily life and expectations or limitations of different social stations. The right amount of historical background and subtle inclusion of period-appropriate combat combine to make this action-adventure story a unique exploration of human relationships and growth. Fans of thought-provoking historical fiction and compelling characters will enjoy this book." —Library Journal, starred review

"[A] fascinating retelling of the tale of Robin Hood…” —Booklist

“Peasant girl Jane Crowe enters the dappled glades of Sherwood Forest seeking safety and freedom. Instead she stumbles upon a darkly woven web of danger, deceit, and violence with none other than Robin Hood at its center. Kaufman paints fresh shadows upon an ancient tale, entwining new characters with old history for a satisfying and compelling read.” —Liz Michalski, author of Darling Girl

"A dazzling tapestry of history and legend, this is Sherwood Forest as you’ve never seen it: through a woman’s eyes. Kaufman delivers a medieval England so real, so full of light and shadows and nuanced characters, you can’t help but wonder if this is what really happened." —Mary McMyne, author of The Book of Gothel and A Rose By Any Other Name

A Storm of Promise Clouded by Cringe

Listening to this book was like riding a majestic steed through a thrilling thunderstorm... exhilarating at times, but often soaked in the downpour of overworked prose.

First, the narrator. Chef’s kiss. A velvet-voiced bard who guided me through every plot twist like a candle in a moonless forest. The reimagining of the classic Disney tale I grew up with felt like discovering a hidden glade in a forest I thought I knew. A refreshing and exciting spin that kept me leaning forward in my saddle.

But then there’s Jane. As warm and inviting as a thornbush at midnight. Spending time with her felt like being locked in a tower with a peacock who thinks it’s a dragon. I kept hoping she'd evolve into someone I could root for, but instead, I just tolerated her like a splinter I didn't have tweezers for.

And the metaphors. Every emotion cracked, burst, shattered, or sang like some kind of symphony of forced imagery. At one point I felt like I wasn’t listening to a book, but to a poetry slam hosted during a lightning storm on a ship made of analogies. Sometimes less is more, but here, more was too much, and then even more was piled on top like whipped cream on a soup.

In the end, it’s a solid three stars. A fun concept with a stellar narrator, marred by an unlikeable lead and prose that tried so hard to sparkle, it blinded me with its literary glitter.