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I live on the ocean, write women's fiction, love to read so much that it's an addiction rather than a hobby (I read an average of a book a day). I live on the wet west coast so it's a good thing that I like to walk in the rain.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Witchy Chicks - Sherwood Forest by Lisa Croll DiDio


I saved the biggest book for last - I just finished reading Lisa's Sherwood Forest last night. Twenty hours later, I still have puffy eyes from all the crying I did while reading the final third of this book. I couldn't put it down.

This book is Robin Hood as he was meant to be - Robin Goodfellow, Lord of the Greenwood. This book isn't about stealing from the rich and giving to the poor - it's about the battle between the old magic and the new church.

Sherwood Forest - protected by Maid Marian and her priestesses - is the last enclave of the old magic in England and it's under siege from the church. That is the plot, but what I loved about this book were the relationships. Between Marian and Robin, between Aspen and Laurel, Willow and Rowan and their Merry Men. Between the Sheriff of Nottingham and his wife, who once was a priestess of the old magic.

These relationships are filled with love - and love-making - and so is the book. It's filled with respect and love for the land, for Sherwood Forest, for the Great Stag and the Grandmother. It's full of music and laughter and sorrow.

Sherwood Forest is emotionally intense, and despite its size, is fast-paced. Once I hit the halfway mark, I couldn't put it down. Three o'clock this morning, I set it down with a sigh of sorrow, sorrow because of the story, sorrow because it was over. But I also heaved a sigh of satisfaction - I wasn't disappointed.


This book isn't a fast read but it's more than worth the time you'll spend with it. And, if you're like me, you'll read it again. And then again. And wait impatiently for the next book in this series. Thanks, Lisa, you've hooked me.

Kate

10 comments:

LadyVampire2u said...

Sounds like another wonderful read. I have to say that I really enjoy it when authors take well loved classics or fairy tales and put a new spin on things. Robin Hood is a favorite of mine both in books and movies. This is definitely one book I will have to read. Seems like I am becoming a fan of all the Witchy Chick authors. How can I not with books like this?

Theresa N. said...

Sounds good! Your review made me think of Bradley's MIST OF AVALON, which I loved.

tetewa said...

I always love when I read a book and it gives me a good cry. Sounds Fantastic, looking forward to it.

Mona said...

I've just realized I've never cried over a book before..some books made me laugh and I mean it like laugh out loud..but I've never cried..crying always comes with movies. like they say seeing is believing. so to have that sort of effect from a book. I think we'll have to read such a book.

CrystalGB said...

This book sounds great.

Jeanette J said...

This book sounds interesting..I don't think I've read any books that say a lot about the Sheriff

Meljprincess said...

"Sherwood Forest" sounds like a beautifully written book. I agree with ladyvampire. I enjoy reading books with a spin on characters such as Robin Hood.

ChristyJan said...

This sounds like a fantastic read.

Cyfarwydd said...

My kind of book! I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Lisa DiDio said...

Kate -

Thank you for the glowing review! I'm so very glad you enjoyed Sherwood Forest. Are you ready to see the movie?!?!

Did you get a copy of Standing Stones yet? If not, I'd love to send you one, my compliments. =)
Lisa