Member Reviews
You really can’t go wrong with a Disney twisted tale! I absolutely love these retellings. Maid Marian is the hero of this story!!
As a self confessed Disney Kid for Life, these Twisted Tales books have been both captivating and nostalgic reads for me. Robin Hood in particular is one of my favourite Disney films and completely underhyped so it is wonderful to see it get some love here.
While I thought the premise was good, I think this was definitely more a book written only for younger readers. There wasn't quite enough complexity to the plot and things just happened way too fast and got resolved too quickly for me. But it was still a fun, quick read and I loved the original film so was lovely to revisit.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Book Review: Disney Robin Hood: Princess of Thieves by Mari Mancusi
When I picked up Robin Hood: Princess of Thieves, I was excited to see Maid Marian take center stage as the true outlaw. From the first page, I was drawn into her journey as she returns to a transformed England, grappling with loss and injustice. Mancusi's portrayal of Marian is refreshingly bold—she’s not just a damsel; she’s a determined woman ready to reclaim her narrative.
The story beautifully blends adventure and intrigue, with Marian and her lady's maid, Lady Kluck, embarking on a mission that felt both empowering and thrilling. I loved their dynamic; their camaraderie added humor and warmth to the story, making me root for them every step of the way.
As Marian seeks to help the villagers and uncover the mystery surrounding her uncle’s death, the stakes feel high. The inclusion of Robin and his Merry Men brings a nostalgic charm while showcasing how Marian can stand toe-to-toe with the legends of old. Their interactions were a highlight for me, filled with both tension and camaraderie.
Mancusi's writing is engaging and vivid, painting a rich picture of Nottingham and the surrounding woods. I found myself immersed in the settings and intrigued by the twists in the plot. The themes of friendship, bravery, and justice resonate deeply, making it a perfect read for anyone looking for a strong female lead in a beloved story.
Overall, Robin Hood: Princess of Thieves is a delightful and empowering reimagining that left me inspired. I can't recommend it enough for fans of the original tale and those looking for a fresh perspective on a classic story!
A Delightfully Fresh Take on a Classic Tale! I love my Disney, but these twisted tales are just…..WOW!
What if Maid Marian was the one donning the hood, wielding the bow, and rallying the people of Nottingham? In Disney Robin Hood: Princess of Thieves, Mari Mancusi flips the classic legend on its head, giving Maid Marian the spotlight she deserves, and trust me, she totally steals the show!
Returning to England after a long trip, Marian finds a world turned upside down. Robin has been banished, her uncle King Richard is dead, and Nottingham is being crushed under the weight of unjust taxes. But instead of waiting for a dashing outlaw to save the day, Marian, along with her fiercely loyal lady’s maid, Lady Kluck, decides to take action herself.
With her bow in hand and courage in her heart, Marian becomes the outlaw the village needs, uncovering secrets and righting wrongs with a sense of purpose and more than a little flair.
What’s brilliant about Princess of Thieves is how it reimagines Marian as a heroine in her own right. She’s brave, smart, and not afraid to get her paws (yes, this is still the adorable animal version of Robin Hood) dirty to help her people. The partnership between Marian and Lady Kluck is fantastic, they make an unstoppable duo, full of wit and charm. Lady Kluck’s no-nonsense attitude and Marian’s resolve to fight for justice give the story heart, humour, and plenty of action.
Of course, the Merry Men do make an appearance, and seeing Robin through Marian’s eyes gives their dynamic a refreshing twist. He may be the original outlaw, but it’s Marian who’s taking the lead this time, and it’s a joy to see her step into the role of hero. Their interactions have that playful, flirtatious energy, but the story wisely keeps the focus on Marian’s growth and mission.
The plot is a fast-paced mix of daring heists, mystery-solving, and heartwarming moments as Marian uncovers the truth behind her uncle’s death. The world of Disney’s Robin Hood is lovingly reimagined, with all the charm and whimsy of the classic animated film, but with a modern twist that makes Marian’s journey feel fresh and exciting.
This story is a fun, empowering adventure that breathes new life into a beloved legend. If you’ve ever wanted to see Maid Marian step out from behind Robin’s shadow and take control of her own destiny, this book will not disappoint. With its lovable characters, thrilling plot, and just the right amount of romance and humour, it’s the perfect read for Disney fans and adventure seekers alike.
Maid Marian has officially become Nottingham’s fiercest outlaw and I am here for it!
Thank you to the publisher Igloo Books , the author Mari Mancusi , and Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
It has been years since I watched Disney’s Robin Hood, but I loved this retelling. Maid Marian is the main character, and she is so much more than Robin’s romantic interest. Returning to England she finds the King, her uncle, has died in an on road attack as he (and Robin) were making their way home from war. Now, the greedy Prince John rules and taxes the country to starvation. Marian can’t accept this and with her former nursemaid, Lady Kluck, schemes to help the poor by robbing from the rich.
Another great addition to the Twisted Tales. I’m going to look for other Mari Mancusi offerings and recommend this book and also Sally’s Lament!
4.25 ⭐️
I haven’t had great luck with reading Disney Twisted Tales in the past, but when I saw it was Mari Mancusi (I love her Frozen books) writing this one, I knew I had to give it a go. And I am happy to say, I was not disappointed.
In Robin Hood, Maid Marion is more of a side character/love interest, but in this book she finally gets a chance to shine. She doesn’t just love Robin, she’s interested in politics, equal treatment in the kingdom and doing right by its citizens - she’s also pretty badass!
I purely couldn’t give it 5⭐️, because I found the romance a bit rushed, but still really cute.
What a fab retelling of this Disney story. I really enjoyed this .would recommend to kids of all ages . thank you for the opportunity to review
I enjoyed seeing a badass Maid Marion!
Yet again this is another great addition to the Twisted Tales collection! I cannot wait to read more
This was amazing.
I love retellings and I absolutely love Disney.
I recently read the arc of a nightmare before Christmas, Sally’s Lament novel and it was everything and this one was the cherry on the cake too!
Highly recommend to anyone and everyone who loves Disney and/or retellings too!
Robin Hood but with foxes- what a wonderful premise!
Much like with Sally's Lament, I could picture everything that happened but the prose tself wasn't for me.
I'd recommend it to younger readers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
Thank you Netgalley and Igloo books for my ARC copy.
This is one of my favourite Disney movies so when I saw that this was a twisted retelling, I knew I had to read it, it really did not disappoint. I loved this so much!!Maid Marian was an absolute badass in this, the story was excellent and I will 100% be recommending this.
absolutely love these fun takes on Disney hero’s. So cool we finally have a Robin Hood themed book! I’m very excited to share this one with readers and I hope for many more of these types of books to come! Perfect for Disney lovers wanting a unique twist on their beloved favorite characters