The Traitor of Sherwood Forest

DEBUT Nineteen-year-old Jane Crowe’s beau Bran helps her secure employment at the King’s House in the kitchen, but it comes at a cost. Introduced by Bran to the charming outlaw Robin Hood, Lord of the Greenwood, and a group of fellow Barons’ War compatriots, Jane falls under his spell and willingly participates in acts against the Crown. Even after hearing from trustworthy sources that Robin might not be all that he seems, Jane refuses to believe that supporting his actions might cost her everything. Kaufman has a PhD in medieval literature but 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.