Princess Of Thieves by Mari Mancusi

My review

3/5 stars

I've enjoyed many of the Disney Twisted Tales at the this point. This latest offering explores the story of Robin Hood, but with Maid Marian taking on the role of the popular vigilante who robs from the rich to give to the poor.

As with the other Twisted Tales, I found the plot twist to be really fun. I loved the idea that Maid Marian was the one driving the decisions to undermine Prince John and help those most in need. Her motivation was strong, and her passion was clear. She is often portrayed as merely a love interest for Robin Hood, so it was great to see a more empowered version of her. In a similar vein, I very much enjoyed the story development that Lady Cluck enjoyed. She was a brilliant character in the film, so it was lovely to see her expanded upon.

The author also managed to keep Robin Hood likeable in spite of changing his major character driver. She did this by giving him noble reasons for making the choices he made, and essentially keeping his purpose the same but just shrinking the scale on which he was actioning it.

Where I struggled with this book was in suspending my disbelief around reading about talking animals. I can't explain why, because I have no such problem when watching talking animals in a film, but for some reason I couldn't completely immerse myself in the story because the talking animals felt a little jarring.

Another good addition to the Twisted Tales series, but not my favourite.

Book blurb

What if Maid Marian were the real outlaw?

Returning from an extended trip abroad, Maid Marian finds that much about her beloved England has changed. Her best friend, Robin, has been banished; her beloved uncle, King Richard, is dead; and the village of Nottingham and its citizens have been impoverished by taxes.

With the help of her lady's maid, Lady Kluck, Marian decides to take matters into her own paws. She is determined to help all the villagers while also solving the mystery surrounding her uncle's death.

Deep in the woods, she finds Robin and his Merry Men. Will they help Marian with her plan or leave her and Lady Kluck to forge ahead on their own?

More...

You can buy the book here now. It was published by Autumn.

For more on the author, you can head to her website, follow her on Instagram, or check out her Goodreads page.