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teresab78's review
4.0
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
Winterwode is book three in the Wode series, but is the beginning of a new trilogy starring Gamelyn, Robyn, and Marion as they come into their own in the magic of the shire. It is essential that you read the first two books as these are not stand alone novels.
I was unsure what to expect from this book. I had hoped for more of the magic the other two had, and wasn’t disappointed. There is plenty of mysticism and evolvement of the Horned Lord and his Lady.
I also hoped for more of Robyn and Gamelyn together, and while we got some, I was disappointed that the author chose to fade to black the love making scenes that were previously more detailed. I felt we lost a bit of the give and take between our heroes that occurred between the sheets. We got more detail from an MF encounter than we did between them. However, some might enjoy the lack.
While the story is steeped in historical lore, if you are a stickler for dialogue to match the time period, you will find flaws. Though the dialects reflected the time period, the language often didn’t, using colloquialisms from more modern times. It made the story accessible and entertaining but not accurate.
There were also times I found myself unsure as to some of the subtleties being hinted at. I thought I got it, but finished the book not quite sure if I was totally on the same page. This didn’t dissuade me, as I wasn’t sure if it was just me or the intent of the book, and despite its flaws, I did enjoy this introduction to a new adventure and look forward for more to come.
Winterwode is book three in the Wode series, but is the beginning of a new trilogy starring Gamelyn, Robyn, and Marion as they come into their own in the magic of the shire. It is essential that you read the first two books as these are not stand alone novels.
I was unsure what to expect from this book. I had hoped for more of the magic the other two had, and wasn’t disappointed. There is plenty of mysticism and evolvement of the Horned Lord and his Lady.
I also hoped for more of Robyn and Gamelyn together, and while we got some, I was disappointed that the author chose to fade to black the love making scenes that were previously more detailed. I felt we lost a bit of the give and take between our heroes that occurred between the sheets. We got more detail from an MF encounter than we did between them. However, some might enjoy the lack.
While the story is steeped in historical lore, if you are a stickler for dialogue to match the time period, you will find flaws. Though the dialects reflected the time period, the language often didn’t, using colloquialisms from more modern times. It made the story accessible and entertaining but not accurate.
There were also times I found myself unsure as to some of the subtleties being hinted at. I thought I got it, but finished the book not quite sure if I was totally on the same page. This didn’t dissuade me, as I wasn’t sure if it was just me or the intent of the book, and despite its flaws, I did enjoy this introduction to a new adventure and look forward for more to come.
ellelainey's review
2.0
Book 3: Winterwode
POV: 3rd person, multi-character
Pages: 370
Star rating: ★★☆☆☆
Okay, you have to excuse me, because I'm writing this immediately after finishing the book and I'm angry.
1 – this is advertised as a “series”, only for me to discover in the Author's Note that it's actually two trilogies. Although, how it can be called that when the author claims “Winterwode is, as the beginning of a new trilogy and the third book in the overall series” when it takes three books to create a series, I just don't know.
2 – I've pushed myself through all of these three books without one ever having a proper ending. They all leave you with a cliffhanger and uncertainty. There is not ONE straight ending to ANY of the books!
3 – I was supposed to read book 4 to review, but after the lengthy and exhausting sludge through the first three books, that won't be happening. Not when I know that I'm only going to end up reading the same story, all over again, with no ending in sight. And, how do I know it's the same story? Because EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Is about Gamely and his damned existential crisis between whether to follow Robyn or follow his faith. It is not only boring, but tedious and frustrating and so damned repetitive that I could read book 1 over and over again and never miss anything important. Because NOTHING HAPPENS. Ever.
~
Right, with that off my chest, here goes my review of book 3.
I still feel like Marion's only part to play is to be a woman, cook and care for the boys, while getting her own POV to snoop on Robyn and Gamelyn, to tell us things about them that we can see quite clearly without her. Unless her real purpose is to cause trouble – because she excels at dropping the boys into hot water and then acting all innocent, like it wasn't her fault, or even going so far as to be the victim. It rubs me up the wrong way, because it's all been done before.
The first 10% of the story was brilliant. I loved that it started with something other than an old guy in the woods, Seeing things that were very mysterious and prophetic. But by the 15-20% mark it all unravelled a little. It became just as stagnant, repetitive and predictable as the first book was, using new characters to explore the same plot/threats in so many ways. The pattern continued with every 10-20% block of the story. Some blocks would be brilliant, some would just be rehashing stuff that we've already read before.
The one thing that definitely hasn't changed it the completely frustrating inconsistency of these “dreams” and how some are italicised, giving us fair warning of a switch from past to present POV, but most are not. It is the one thing that is plucking at my last nerve and I'm almost tempted to not read the last book, because of it. Only, the author added the new addition of not italicising a letter or even separating it from the main text, as well, so that's something...new.
The Horned Lord and Lady are useless, as far as I can see. They're nothing more than puppet masters, constantly whispering their plots and plans into Robyn and Gamelyn's ears, but never acting in time or allowing them to. If they love their people so much, then why not change things? And if it's one of those things that can't be changed, because an alternative would have more drastic consequences, why force them to try to change it at all? Or are they really so ignorant as to not let on that these things are set in time and can never be changed, hoping that the pain and consequences of the trying will make their puppets stronger? Because, if so, that's an f-d up idea. As usual, it's up to Robyn and Gamelyn to do their dirty work, often without having any clue they're doing it, and suffer the consequences.
So, I'm glad that the Dierdre issue was resolved, but I really don't get why. It was all for nothing, giving her a POV threatening revenge and then making it a huge waste of time by eliminating her from the equation. Why couldn't she simply have been killed off in the Wild Hunt, along with the Abbess, and one of her nun friends could have delivered the arrow, as Dierdre's dying wish.
Finally, we were allowed to see the Robyn, John and Gamelyn tangle unwind into something beautiful, with a hint at an MMM romance. And, while I love that it happens, because I've been waiting for it since book 1, and that neither Gamelyn or John are threatened by each other but accepting, I'm pretty miffed that there is no equality. There is no we-are-three concept, there is no equal sharing of each other between all three of them. It's merely that Robyn and Gamelyn are together, heart, body and soul, while John sits on the sidelines accepting whatever scraps that he's given. That is not a true poly- or MMM relationship and that makes me frustrated at the misrepresentation.
Worse, I really hate the constant thread of Robyn-Gamelyn-Marion. It's gross, despite the timeline, to think that Robyn and Marion are supposed to be entwined in some lovers triangle, constantly being referred to by the Gods as brother-lover or sister-lover. It's always made me feel squidgy, throughout the first two books, but this one really lays it on thick, especially with the constant hints and suggestions that Gamelyn and Marion have some sort of “connection” and are flirting with each other. I don't mind that Gamelyn is described as bisexual, in this book, what bothers me is that it was NEVER once mentioned before. He has NEVER shown interest in a woman, until it becomes convenient for the plot of this book. Worse still, this incest – because, let's not sugar-coat what the author is implying here – has no emotional or physical basis. It's not as if there is ANY hint of chemistry between Marion and anyone but Will and Much.
Which bring me to the warning that there is MF sex contained in here. It's not overly explicit, but it's there for anyone who'd rather not read it.
And while we're on that subject, I'm really annoyed that Much and John's relationship has never been explained, nor that John can't have someone of his own to love fully. Because, it's clear that while Robyn loves him, it's not the way he loves Gamelyn. John deserves to have that kind of love of his own and I'd hoped it would be Much, after that tearful, excited reunion in book 2, but that fizzled and went nowhere. We didn't even get an explanation of WHY they behaved like two long-lost lovers.
Overall, Book 2, for me, was the best. It could have easily have been a standalone novel, based on the story of Robin Hood, by adding maybe another 50-100 pages to it, to offer flashbacks to tell the story of how Rob and Gamelyn met, then how they had their romance and the inevitable “betrayal” at the end. For me, I can't see the need for any of the rest of the books. They don't amount to anything but repeating the same storyline over and over again. Book 2 is the only one that had a consistent, logical plot, with characters that grew and learned and actually had an impact, while the rest are, as I said above, just puppets being twisted in the wind by their Gods.
~
Favourite Quote
“Only Robyn would call him “beloved” with tears running down his cheeks, and mere moments after hurling a veritable fury of indignation; a backdraft of fire up a turret stair, just as quickly sucked back into the depth.”
POV: 3rd person, multi-character
Pages: 370
Star rating: ★★☆☆☆
Okay, you have to excuse me, because I'm writing this immediately after finishing the book and I'm angry.
1 – this is advertised as a “series”, only for me to discover in the Author's Note that it's actually two trilogies. Although, how it can be called that when the author claims “Winterwode is, as the beginning of a new trilogy and the third book in the overall series” when it takes three books to create a series, I just don't know.
2 – I've pushed myself through all of these three books without one ever having a proper ending. They all leave you with a cliffhanger and uncertainty. There is not ONE straight ending to ANY of the books!
3 – I was supposed to read book 4 to review, but after the lengthy and exhausting sludge through the first three books, that won't be happening. Not when I know that I'm only going to end up reading the same story, all over again, with no ending in sight. And, how do I know it's the same story? Because EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Is about Gamely and his damned existential crisis between whether to follow Robyn or follow his faith. It is not only boring, but tedious and frustrating and so damned repetitive that I could read book 1 over and over again and never miss anything important. Because NOTHING HAPPENS. Ever.
~
Right, with that off my chest, here goes my review of book 3.
I still feel like Marion's only part to play is to be a woman, cook and care for the boys, while getting her own POV to snoop on Robyn and Gamelyn, to tell us things about them that we can see quite clearly without her. Unless her real purpose is to cause trouble – because she excels at dropping the boys into hot water and then acting all innocent, like it wasn't her fault, or even going so far as to be the victim. It rubs me up the wrong way, because it's all been done before.
The first 10% of the story was brilliant. I loved that it started with something other than an old guy in the woods, Seeing things that were very mysterious and prophetic. But by the 15-20% mark it all unravelled a little. It became just as stagnant, repetitive and predictable as the first book was, using new characters to explore the same plot/threats in so many ways. The pattern continued with every 10-20% block of the story. Some blocks would be brilliant, some would just be rehashing stuff that we've already read before.
The one thing that definitely hasn't changed it the completely frustrating inconsistency of these “dreams” and how some are italicised, giving us fair warning of a switch from past to present POV, but most are not. It is the one thing that is plucking at my last nerve and I'm almost tempted to not read the last book, because of it. Only, the author added the new addition of not italicising a letter or even separating it from the main text, as well, so that's something...new.
The Horned Lord and Lady are useless, as far as I can see. They're nothing more than puppet masters, constantly whispering their plots and plans into Robyn and Gamelyn's ears, but never acting in time or allowing them to. If they love their people so much, then why not change things? And if it's one of those things that can't be changed, because an alternative would have more drastic consequences, why force them to try to change it at all? Or are they really so ignorant as to not let on that these things are set in time and can never be changed, hoping that the pain and consequences of the trying will make their puppets stronger? Because, if so, that's an f-d up idea. As usual, it's up to Robyn and Gamelyn to do their dirty work, often without having any clue they're doing it, and suffer the consequences.
So, I'm glad that the Dierdre issue was resolved, but I really don't get why. It was all for nothing, giving her a POV threatening revenge and then making it a huge waste of time by eliminating her from the equation. Why couldn't she simply have been killed off in the Wild Hunt, along with the Abbess, and one of her nun friends could have delivered the arrow, as Dierdre's dying wish.
Finally, we were allowed to see the Robyn, John and Gamelyn tangle unwind into something beautiful, with a hint at an MMM romance. And, while I love that it happens, because I've been waiting for it since book 1, and that neither Gamelyn or John are threatened by each other but accepting, I'm pretty miffed that there is no equality. There is no we-are-three concept, there is no equal sharing of each other between all three of them. It's merely that Robyn and Gamelyn are together, heart, body and soul, while John sits on the sidelines accepting whatever scraps that he's given. That is not a true poly- or MMM relationship and that makes me frustrated at the misrepresentation.
Worse, I really hate the constant thread of Robyn-Gamelyn-Marion. It's gross, despite the timeline, to think that Robyn and Marion are supposed to be entwined in some lovers triangle, constantly being referred to by the Gods as brother-lover or sister-lover. It's always made me feel squidgy, throughout the first two books, but this one really lays it on thick, especially with the constant hints and suggestions that Gamelyn and Marion have some sort of “connection” and are flirting with each other. I don't mind that Gamelyn is described as bisexual, in this book, what bothers me is that it was NEVER once mentioned before. He has NEVER shown interest in a woman, until it becomes convenient for the plot of this book. Worse still, this incest – because, let's not sugar-coat what the author is implying here – has no emotional or physical basis. It's not as if there is ANY hint of chemistry between Marion and anyone but Will and Much.
Which bring me to the warning that there is MF sex contained in here. It's not overly explicit, but it's there for anyone who'd rather not read it.
And while we're on that subject, I'm really annoyed that Much and John's relationship has never been explained, nor that John can't have someone of his own to love fully. Because, it's clear that while Robyn loves him, it's not the way he loves Gamelyn. John deserves to have that kind of love of his own and I'd hoped it would be Much, after that tearful, excited reunion in book 2, but that fizzled and went nowhere. We didn't even get an explanation of WHY they behaved like two long-lost lovers.
Overall, Book 2, for me, was the best. It could have easily have been a standalone novel, based on the story of Robin Hood, by adding maybe another 50-100 pages to it, to offer flashbacks to tell the story of how Rob and Gamelyn met, then how they had their romance and the inevitable “betrayal” at the end. For me, I can't see the need for any of the rest of the books. They don't amount to anything but repeating the same storyline over and over again. Book 2 is the only one that had a consistent, logical plot, with characters that grew and learned and actually had an impact, while the rest are, as I said above, just puppets being twisted in the wind by their Gods.
~
Favourite Quote
“Only Robyn would call him “beloved” with tears running down his cheeks, and mere moments after hurling a veritable fury of indignation; a backdraft of fire up a turret stair, just as quickly sucked back into the depth.”
saraubs's review
4.0
3.5 stars for the third instalment of a series that has quickly captured my attention and my heart.
The Wode series recasts Robin Hood (known within these pages as Robyn Hode) as a druid-outlaw, maintaining the "Old ways" and trying to secure a safer future for his people. The first two entries in the series served more as a Bildungsroman, highlighting the struggles of Robyn, who is forced to come into his power before he is ready, and Gamelyn, the young, Christian boy who befriends (and later falls in love with) him.
Winterwode serves to progress this series past its adolescent beginnings and expand upon the political intrigue that has been meticulously built over the previous two novels. We continue to see the impact of Christianity on the peasants of the English countryside and follow Robyn's struggle to adapt to a new way of life while trying to honour his own beliefs. Gaemlyn, whose inner conflict drove the narrative in book 2, continues to reject both his Christian upbringing and his pagan ties, and its mostly his endless self-flagellation that made this a slightly less enjoyable read for me. While I still find his relationship with Robyn to be drawn with perfect tension, his frequent (and longwinded) musings about his purpose and his identity have grown somewhat stale. I don't necessarily expect him to resolve such a deep and intimate conflict immediately, but I also don't care to continuously have a front-row seat to his indecisive wallowing.
Beyond narrative concerns, I would also love to be granted more about Robyn's outlaws; the additional focus on Much was well appreciated! John continues to be given page time, but only to highlight his importance to Robyn. I want to know more about the outlaws' lives; we're provided with surface-level explanations about what drew them to Robyn, but they lack the rich characterization that makes Robyn, Gamelyn, and Marion such fascinating protagonists to follow.
While Winterwode may not have sparked the same type of reaction as its predecessors, this novel still contained so much of what I love about this series: lyrical writing; an immersive setting; fantastic worldbuilding; and a nebulous, dark magic system that would drive any Sanderson fan mad, but I can't help but love. Robyn remains one of the best fantasy characters in recent memory, and though I may disagree with some of the narrative choices, this pagan-inspired retelling still aligns so perfectly with everything I love about historical fantasy.
The Wode series recasts Robin Hood (known within these pages as Robyn Hode) as a druid-outlaw, maintaining the "Old ways" and trying to secure a safer future for his people. The first two entries in the series served more as a Bildungsroman, highlighting the struggles of Robyn, who is forced to come into his power before he is ready, and Gamelyn, the young, Christian boy who befriends (and later falls in love with) him.
Winterwode serves to progress this series past its adolescent beginnings and expand upon the political intrigue that has been meticulously built over the previous two novels. We continue to see the impact of Christianity on the peasants of the English countryside and follow Robyn's struggle to adapt to a new way of life while trying to honour his own beliefs. Gaemlyn, whose inner conflict drove the narrative in book 2, continues to reject both his Christian upbringing and his pagan ties, and its mostly his endless self-flagellation that made this a slightly less enjoyable read for me. While I still find his relationship with Robyn to be drawn with perfect tension, his frequent (and longwinded) musings about his purpose and his identity have grown somewhat stale. I don't necessarily expect him to resolve such a deep and intimate conflict immediately, but I also don't care to continuously have a front-row seat to his indecisive wallowing.
Beyond narrative concerns, I would also love to be granted more about Robyn's outlaws; the additional focus on Much was well appreciated! John continues to be given page time, but only to highlight his importance to Robyn. I want to know more about the outlaws' lives; we're provided with surface-level explanations about what drew them to Robyn, but they lack the rich characterization that makes Robyn, Gamelyn, and Marion such fascinating protagonists to follow.
While Winterwode may not have sparked the same type of reaction as its predecessors, this novel still contained so much of what I love about this series: lyrical writing; an immersive setting; fantastic worldbuilding; and a nebulous, dark magic system that would drive any Sanderson fan mad, but I can't help but love. Robyn remains one of the best fantasy characters in recent memory, and though I may disagree with some of the narrative choices, this pagan-inspired retelling still aligns so perfectly with everything I love about historical fantasy.
crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
5.0
Robyn's band is all back together. His sister, Marion, is back at his side. And he's recovered the lost love of his youth, Gamelyn. Except Gamelyn isn't just Gamelyn anymore. Guy of Gisborne, Templar, still resides in there somewhere. It's an identity that can't easily be shed. But Robyn is patient, and Gamelyn sometimes seems willing to try.
When a traveling minstrel informs the Shire Wode outlaws that the Queen Mother is essentially being held prisoner by Prince John, their relatively happy reverie is broken. Despite being branded outlaws, they're too noble to let that stand. Of course, it helps that it's an opportunity to stick it to the tyrannical prince.
There are a few problems, though. Not only do they need to sneak in and break out the Queen Mother. They will need to take her to Temple Hirst, thrusting Gamelyn/Guy right back into the Templar order. And to complicate matters even more, someone with knowledge of the Wode's magic is on their trail. And he may just be a force to be reckoned with.
Can they pull off the rescue? And if Gamelyn rejoins his fellow knights, will he fall back into the life of Guy? Will Robyn lose him forever? And what would that mean for the Lady's prophecy?
---
I'm such a fan of this series, and I'm so glad there are some additional books coming. It's such a well-written retelling of the Robin Hood story. This history, the imagery, and the fantasy combine to create such a rich, dynamic world. And I've honestly devoured every page since I started the first book in the series.
There are some wonderful twists and turns in this book that certainly serve to keep readers on the edge of their seats. And the tension that exists throughout creates an incredible thread to pull you along. Writing of this caliber is a rare find.
When a traveling minstrel informs the Shire Wode outlaws that the Queen Mother is essentially being held prisoner by Prince John, their relatively happy reverie is broken. Despite being branded outlaws, they're too noble to let that stand. Of course, it helps that it's an opportunity to stick it to the tyrannical prince.
There are a few problems, though. Not only do they need to sneak in and break out the Queen Mother. They will need to take her to Temple Hirst, thrusting Gamelyn/Guy right back into the Templar order. And to complicate matters even more, someone with knowledge of the Wode's magic is on their trail. And he may just be a force to be reckoned with.
Can they pull off the rescue? And if Gamelyn rejoins his fellow knights, will he fall back into the life of Guy? Will Robyn lose him forever? And what would that mean for the Lady's prophecy?
---
I'm such a fan of this series, and I'm so glad there are some additional books coming. It's such a well-written retelling of the Robin Hood story. This history, the imagery, and the fantasy combine to create such a rich, dynamic world. And I've honestly devoured every page since I started the first book in the series.
There are some wonderful twists and turns in this book that certainly serve to keep readers on the edge of their seats. And the tension that exists throughout creates an incredible thread to pull you along. Writing of this caliber is a rare find.
sethxo's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
shile87's review against another edition
4.0
Writing - 5++++ stars
Story - 3.5 stars
This was a different journey from the previous two books. The writing in this series is amazing, the world building and characterization is truly incredible. I enjoyed some parts, other parts were just okay, and i felt they dragged on and on. This book is over 700 pages, that is a lot to read. It was a build up that never panned out.
The characters are still entertaining, but i feel like the humor that was there in book 1 and 2 was a bit toned down. I wish that was not the case.
Overall, it was still a good read, but lacked the wow factor that was present in book 1 and 2.
Thanks so much to my amazing buddy readers for the wonderful company.
Story - 3.5 stars
This was a different journey from the previous two books. The writing in this series is amazing, the world building and characterization is truly incredible. I enjoyed some parts, other parts were just okay, and i felt they dragged on and on. This book is over 700 pages, that is a lot to read. It was a build up that never panned out.
The characters are still entertaining, but i feel like the humor that was there in book 1 and 2 was a bit toned down. I wish that was not the case.
Overall, it was still a good read, but lacked the wow factor that was present in book 1 and 2.
Thanks so much to my amazing buddy readers for the wonderful company.
alisonalisonalison's review against another edition
5.0
ETA: I've now read this a third time, and it's still utterly superb.
Superb. This is the amazing third book of J. Tullos Hennig's epic historical fantasy series concerning the adventures of Robyn Hood and Co., and it does not stand alone. These books are very special to me and it's hard to know what to say at this point other than "this series is spectacularly good and I love it so much." It's an amazing reading experience and completely immersive. This story is complex and vivid and full of emotion and requires that you pay attention. There is such substance here. The writing is gorgeous, the characters are magnificent, the plot is nicely complicated, and it all has so much depth. This is wonderful storytelling and I re-read the series right after finishing this book. I found it completely riveting the first time, and even more so the second time. This is a big, grand, epic story full of life and I absolutely love it. There's so much more to come in this story and I am tremendously excited for the next book.
Superb. This is the amazing third book of J. Tullos Hennig's epic historical fantasy series concerning the adventures of Robyn Hood and Co., and it does not stand alone. These books are very special to me and it's hard to know what to say at this point other than "this series is spectacularly good and I love it so much." It's an amazing reading experience and completely immersive. This story is complex and vivid and full of emotion and requires that you pay attention. There is such substance here. The writing is gorgeous, the characters are magnificent, the plot is nicely complicated, and it all has so much depth. This is wonderful storytelling and I re-read the series right after finishing this book. I found it completely riveting the first time, and even more so the second time. This is a big, grand, epic story full of life and I absolutely love it. There's so much more to come in this story and I am tremendously excited for the next book.
darth_aubs's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars for the third instalment of a series that has quickly captured my attention and my heart.
The Wode series recasts Robin Hood (known within these pages as Robyn Hode) as a druid-outlaw, maintaining the "Old ways" and trying to secure a safer future for his people. The first two entries in the series served more as a Bildungsroman, highlighting the struggles of Robyn, who is forced to come into his power before he is ready, and Gamelyn, the young, Christian boy who befriends (and later falls in love with) him.
Winterwode serves to progress this series past its adolescent beginnings and expand upon the political intrigue that has been meticulously built over the previous two novels. We continue to see the impact of Christianity on the peasants of the English countryside and follow Robyn's struggle to adapt to a new way of life while trying to honour his own beliefs. Gaemlyn, whose inner conflict drove the narrative in book 2, continues to reject both his Christian upbringing and his pagan ties, and its mostly his endless self-flagellation that made this a slightly less enjoyable read for me. While I still find his relationship with Robyn to be drawn with perfect tension, his frequent (and longwinded) musings about his purpose and his identity have grown somewhat stale. I don't necessarily expect him to resolve such a deep and intimate conflict immediately, but I also don't care to continuously have a front-row seat to his indecisive wallowing.
Beyond narrative concerns, I would also love to be granted more about Robyn's outlaws; the additional focus on Much was well appreciated! John continues to be given page time, but only to highlight his importance to Robyn. I want to know more about the outlaws' lives; we're provided with surface-level explanations about what drew them to Robyn, but they lack the rich characterization that makes Robyn, Gamelyn, and Marion such fascinating protagonists to follow.
While Winterwode may not have sparked the same type of reaction as its predecessors, this novel still contained so much of what I love about this series: lyrical writing; an immersive setting; fantastic worldbuilding; and a nebulous, dark magic system that would drive any Sanderson fan mad, but I can't help but love. Robyn remains one of the best fantasy characters in recent memory, and though I may disagree with some of the narrative choices, this pagan-inspired retelling still aligns so perfectly with everything I love about historical fantasy.
The Wode series recasts Robin Hood (known within these pages as Robyn Hode) as a druid-outlaw, maintaining the "Old ways" and trying to secure a safer future for his people. The first two entries in the series served more as a Bildungsroman, highlighting the struggles of Robyn, who is forced to come into his power before he is ready, and Gamelyn, the young, Christian boy who befriends (and later falls in love with) him.
Winterwode serves to progress this series past its adolescent beginnings and expand upon the political intrigue that has been meticulously built over the previous two novels. We continue to see the impact of Christianity on the peasants of the English countryside and follow Robyn's struggle to adapt to a new way of life while trying to honour his own beliefs. Gaemlyn, whose inner conflict drove the narrative in book 2, continues to reject both his Christian upbringing and his pagan ties, and its mostly his endless self-flagellation that made this a slightly less enjoyable read for me. While I still find his relationship with Robyn to be drawn with perfect tension, his frequent (and longwinded) musings about his purpose and his identity have grown somewhat stale. I don't necessarily expect him to resolve such a deep and intimate conflict immediately, but I also don't care to continuously have a front-row seat to his indecisive wallowing.
Beyond narrative concerns, I would also love to be granted more about Robyn's outlaws; the additional focus on Much was well appreciated! John continues to be given page time, but only to highlight his importance to Robyn. I want to know more about the outlaws' lives; we're provided with surface-level explanations about what drew them to Robyn, but they lack the rich characterization that makes Robyn, Gamelyn, and Marion such fascinating protagonists to follow.
While Winterwode may not have sparked the same type of reaction as its predecessors, this novel still contained so much of what I love about this series: lyrical writing; an immersive setting; fantastic worldbuilding; and a nebulous, dark magic system that would drive any Sanderson fan mad, but I can't help but love. Robyn remains one of the best fantasy characters in recent memory, and though I may disagree with some of the narrative choices, this pagan-inspired retelling still aligns so perfectly with everything I love about historical fantasy.
anidragon's review against another edition
4.0
While the third book of the Wode series took a bit longer than the previous books to set the stage, it was still well worth the read. One of my favourite things about the book was Gamelyn's struggle with his identity, and if he could truly return to being Sir Guy. And while I feel like his identity crisis is far from over, the book left him at a very satisfying place.
I also need to mention how much I loved the healthy polyamoury between Gamelyn, Robyn, and John. It's so refreshing to see such a positive relationship with no jealousy between them.
I also need to mention how much I loved the healthy polyamoury between Gamelyn, Robyn, and John. It's so refreshing to see such a positive relationship with no jealousy between them.