Outlawed (Heroes of Sherwood)
Since killing the Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Alys is on a quest to obtain a pardon from King Richard. However, he’s being held hostage by the Holy Roman Emperor. Accompanied by fellow outlaw, Graham, and Barnaby the horse, the trio must travel through London under the nose of Prince John—the man who ordered Alys’s capture—on their journey to where King Richard is held captive. However, her quest is twofold. Alys must also save the king from captivity and return him to England in order to end Prince John’s tyranny.
I enjoyed Alys’s growth in confidence and leadership. However, the majority of her growth didn’t happen until near the book’s end. For the first half, Alys is often angry at those around her for reasons that feel unnecessary. For example, being angry at a man whose proposal she rejected as he falls in love with another woman (even though Alys has no desire to marry) feels out of character. Alys also becomes frustrated by those who want to be with family over going into battle; meanwhile, she takes time to visit her family before engaging foes. This makes Alys harder to empathize with. The pacing is slower than it was in Book 1, The Red Fletch, but the meticulously crafted setting, which readers get to explore and feel immersed within, will captivate. Both novels highlight the author’s strong research and talent at crafting historical adventure tales. This is an enjoyable series, and I look forward to what’s next for these characters.
