Artemis's Review of The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest (Medieval Fairy Tale, #1)

by Melanie Dickerson

In the Robin Hood reimagining, a beautiful maiden poaches to feed the poor, while a handsome forester is on a mission to catch her.

The margrave owns the finest hunting grounds for miles around-and who teaches children to read, but by night this young beauty has become the secret lifeline to the poorest of the poor.

For Jorgen Hartman, the margrave's forester, tracking down a poacher is a duty he is all too willing to perform. Jorgen inherited his post from the man who raised him . . . a man who was murdered at the hands of a poacher.

When Jorgen and Odette meet at the Midsummer festival and share a connection during a dance, neither has any idea that they are already adversaries.

The one man she wants is bound by duty to capture her; the one woman he loves is his cunning target . . . What becomes of a forester who protects a notorious poacher? What becomes of a poacher when she is finally discovered?

From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson, The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest is a story of danger and love.

Praise for The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest:

"The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest reminds me of why adults should read fairy tales. Author Melanie Dickerson shoots straight to the heart with a cast of compelling characters, an enchanting story world, and romance and suspense in spades. Reaching The End was regrettable-but oh, what an ending!" -Laura Frantz, bestselling author of The Lacemaker

"Melanie Dickerson does it again! Full of danger, intrigue, and romance, this beautifully crafted story will transport you to another place and time." -Sarah E. Ladd, bestselling author of The Governess of Penwythe Hall

"Melanie Dickerson's The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest is a lovely, romantic read set during one of the most fascinating time periods. Featuring a feisty, big-hearted heroine and a hero to root for, this sweet medieval tale is wrapped in a beautiful journey of faith that had me flipping pages well after my bedtime. Delightful!" -Tamara Leigh, USA TODAY bestselling author of Baron of Godsmere

"Melanie Dickerson weaves a tantalizing Robin Hood plot in a medieval setting in The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest. She pits a brave heroine with unique talents against a strong, gentle hero whose occupation makes it dangerous to know him. Add the moral dilemma and this tale makes a compelling read for any age." -Ruth Axtell, author of She Shall Be Praised and The Rogue's Redemption

"For stories laden with relatable heroines, romantically adventurous plots, once-upon-a-time settings, and engaging writing, Melanie Dickerson is your go-to author. Her books are on my never-to-be-missed list." -Kim Vogel Sawyer, author of When Mercy Rains

Reviews at The Artemis Reader

To start off I had no idea this was a romance novel. I really should have done more research, especially since the person who told me to read this loves romance novels. She pitched this to me as Swan Lake meets Robin Hood, set in 1300s Germany. I wish I had read the blurb before I started this.

The writing wasn’t bad. The plot moved fairly swiftly but it was your typical historical romance novel with a good dose of Christian preaching. Granted the religious overtones weren’t super present throughout, it did seem like a bit of an “after-the-fact” toss in. If you enjoy historical romance and retellings, then you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. It was a quick read (about 260 pages according to my iPad), and the characters are easy to understand.

The so called “twist” wasn’t really a twist at all, mostly because it was so underdeveloped. I felt like the story suffered because of the romance focus. I wanted more on the poacher that tried to kill Jorgen’s father – I mean he had similar arrows as Odette! Literally the only information we get about that mystery. The “bad guys” were really underdeveloped.

Two stars because I felt the writing was strong, and I liked the historical setting. But the characters were weak and that took a lot out of this for me. The relationships were absolutely cliche and at times really forced. Nothing felt real about Jorgen and Odette’s “love”.

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest (Medieval Fairy Tale, #1)

by Melanie Dickerson

Reviewed by Artemis on Mar 2, 2016

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