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Summary: Elsa Watson Constructs Her Tale with Charm and Easy Grace
Review: A few years ago, it seemed like everyone was telling the legend of King Arthur from Guinevere's point of view. Now another famous maiden from history and legend tells her own story in MAID MARIAN, a lightly entertaining and romantic tale.Marian Fitzwater, the orphaned child of noble parents, lives under the watchful, and ruthless, eye of Queen Eleanor. Married at age five to her childhood companion Hugh, Marian grows up in the royal household, quietly learning not only how to be a noblewoman but also how to exploit her noble position for her own gain. When her teenaged husband is killed before their marriage is ever consummated, Marian slyly negotiates a bargain that grants her some freedom --- at least for a little while. The young woman, who has grown up hearing tales of the dashing Robin Hood, travels with her childhood nurse to find the mysterious outlaw in the hopes that he can help her escape yet another arranged marriage, this time potentially fatal. Marian expects that Robin Hood and his Merry Men can help her gain information that can secure her liberty. What she doesn't expect is to fall in love with the leader of that merry band. Despite their political differences, which sometimes result in fierce arguments between the sharp-tongued duo, the lovers hatch a plan that will outsmart the conniving nobility once and for all. First-time novelist Elsa Watson constructs her tale with charm and easy grace, cleverly inserting well-known tales of the Merry Men into her own narrative. Maid Marian's voice is appropriately formal, as befits her noble upbringing. This elevated diction, though, means that Marian's growing feelings of love for Robin are expressed in language that sometimes feels stilted rather than genuine. It's a pleasure to observe Marian's gradual maturation from a sheltered, innocent girl into a clever, brave young woman who fights with a cudgel and bravely disguises herself. Although the plot sometimes strains credibility, it keeps up the pace right to the very end. MAID MARIAN proves that this unsung companion to the Merry Men rightfully deserves to come out from behind Robin Hood's shadow and have her own story told. --- Reviewed by Norah Piehl
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Summary: not your average chick-lit
Review: A friend who knows I like woman-centered books handed me this, and I couldn't put it down. Maid Marian is one of those women who decides that no one is going to run her life. She and her companion, a woman named Annie, fight the royal family and corruption of the time with the help of Robin Hood, and have the kinds of adventures that most men of the era probably never had. I really like Marian because she is defiant without being snotty, classy without too much reserve, and strong without being a mean, bullying woman. Good read.
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Summary: Fine version of the classic Marian-Robin romantic suspense
Review: Born an orphan and a ward of King Richard the Lionhearted, wealthy Lady Marian Fitzwater is married to Hugh of Sencaster when she is five. When she turns seventeen, he dies under mysterious circumstances turning her into a widowed virgin as they never consummated their marriage. Richard's mother Queen Eleanor and Marian's mother-in-law Lady Pernelle agree the lass must marry the latter's second son Sir Stephen as her valuable lands and wealth is up for grabs. However, Marian is no longer a preadolescent so she decides to take her fate into her own hands rather than another ill-conceived marriage forged by plotting females who care not one iota about her. She procures the help of Robin Hood and his band of merry outlaws. Marian realizes that once Stephen gains her estates her life is forfeit. As they fall in love, Robin abets Marian's escape from a deadly trek down the aisle of matrimony, but the royals are coming as she is too valuable of a property to allow outlaws to stand in the way. MAID MARIAN is an exciting rendition of the legendary tale starring two fabulous protagonists and several fascinating antagonists. The story line is at its best surprisingly in the royal courts as plotting and scheming by designing women showcase an era of court intrigue that would make Machiavelli proud. The Sherwood scenes are also interesting, but do turn a bit syrupy (I kept hearing Jane Froman singing). Still this medieval saga is a terrific rendition of the classic Marian-Robin romantic suspense. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: The story you haven't heard before
Review: Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood, but until now Maid Marian has been a sidekick and romantic interest. In this book, she becomes a full-fledged part of the story, with Robin as her partner. This is the story of the royal political intrigue that drove Marian to take control of her life and fate, and in doing so involve Robin and his men. There is plenty of lightness and humor, a little romance, and more than a few twists to her story. Book is appropriate for all ages, language is easily understandable while retaining the elegance that makes this sort of historical fiction so enjoyable. Great fast read.
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Summary: Awesome Book
Review: Great writing. Can't wait for the next one.
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Summary: an extremely entertaining and enjoyable novel
Review: I enjoy historical novels from time to time and a friend recommended Maid Marian to me. It's a fast read, with lots of neat twists and turns and very snappy dialogue that is still totally in keeping with the period. The author does an excellent job of depicting England during the 1100s, including the deep split between the Saxon and Norman cultures, and the dailylives of both the nobility and the common people. Marian is an engaging and thoughtful character, with a sharp and curious mind and a sense of humor and wonder that doestn't fade as the novel progresses. This is also a very readable light romance, without any of the usual cliches or silliness. My 15 year old daughter also enjoyed this book, and I felt totally comfortable sharing it with her. A very accomplished first novel, with a terrific medieval setting and truly likeable characters. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: maid marian
Review: I loooved this book. I found it entertaining, and very believable. I am looking forward to ms. Watson's next release.
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Summary: this book is nothing but soft porn on a few of it's pages.
Review: I loved this book! This story is, in a way, Marian's journey through her discovery of her strengths and weaknesses. She is a strong heroine who is not unreal because of her perfection. She is a real person living in a unique time in history with something to share with all of us! The story was enjoyable and historically based. Watson did a great job describing what life was like during this time period while telling a great story using interesting characters. I loved it and can't wait for Watson's next book!
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Summary: Wonderful, Romantic Escape
Review: I loved this book, not only for the story but also for the warm, rich voice in which it is told. I hate books with perfect protagonists who adventure along being better than everyone else. In Marian, Watson has created a lovely and very human spirit--not a bionic uber-heroine. With a cinematic eye, Watson draws the reader into a bright and romantic landscape populated by authentic and interesting characters. Watson's judicious use of historical detail goes a long way toward building the world of the novel without being overbearing or dry. The overall effect is an extremely readable book, appropriate for a broad range of readers, that leaves you with a sense of having vacationed in a green and wonderful spot out of time and having befriended a handful of warm and remarkable individuals there. "Maid Marian" reminded me a bit of "The Mists of Avalon," which is a good thing. The book itself is beautiful, too, in keeping with the story.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, Romantic Escape
Review: I loved this book, not only for the story but also for the warm, rich voice in which it is told. I hate books with perfect protagonists who adventure along being better than everyone else. In Marian, Watson has created a lovely and very human spirit--not a bionic uber-heroine. With a cinematic eye, Watson draws the reader into a bright and romantic landscape populated by authentic and interesting characters. Watson's judicious use of historical detail goes a long way toward building the world of the novel without being overbearing or dry. The overall effect is an extremely readable book, appropriate for a broad range of readers, that leaves you with a sense of having vacationed in a green and wonderful spot out of time and having befriended a handful of warm and remarkable individuals there. "Maid Marian" reminded me a bit of "The Mists of Avalon," which is a good thing. The book itself is beautiful, too, in keeping with the story.
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