Books - Amy S. Kaufman

“A dazzling tapestry of history and legend…”

—Mary McMyne, author of The Book of Gothel

“Fans of thought-provoking historical fiction and compelling characters will enjoy this book.”

—Library Journal, starred review

Meet the medieval Robin Hood through the eyes of his sharpest spy.

Jane is an ordinary peasant girl who never dreamed she would work for the infamous Lord of the Greenwood. But when she’s forced out of her home, she has no choice but to turn to Robin Hood for help—and he makes her an irresistible offer: He needs a pair of eyes in the King’s Houses, and quiet, unassuming Jane will be the perfect spy.

But the more Jane is drawn into Robin’s world, the more she’s drawn to Robin himself—a man as charismatic as he is cunning, capable of plucking at her heart as easily as he notches an arrow. As Robin’s tricks grow increasingly violent, Jane must decide: is she a prize to be won, a pawn to be used and discarded, or is she an equal player in the game between nobles and thieves?

Available now from Penguin Books!

Praise for The Traitor of Sherwood Forest:

“A dazzling tapestry of history and legend, this is Sherwood Forest as you’ve never seen it: through a woman’s eyes. Kaufman delivers a medieval England so real, so full of light and shadows and nuanced characters, you can’t help but wonder if this is what really happened.”

"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." VERDICT: Fans of thought-provoking historical fiction and compelling characters will enjoy this book.

"In this refreshing and entertaining retelling of the Robin Hood legend, Kaufman upends the image of the noble protector of the poor in favor of a more medieval Hood."

"Thrilling and romantic, this was the legend of Robin Hood told from the eyes of one of his little birds, a common servant girl roped into his plots...The characters were sharp and full of life, and the ending was one of the best I’ve read in years. I inhaled this and loved every minute."

"I cannot recommend The Traitor of Sherwood Forest enough—it is more than a good read. It is a fresh, authentic rereading of a legend previously told over and over again, but from a point of view that is uniquely Jane’s—and Amy Kaufman’s"

“Peasant girl Jane Crowe enters the dappled glades of Sherwood Forest seeking safety and freedom. Instead she stumbles upon a darkly woven web of danger, deceit, and violence with none other than Robin Hood at its center. Kaufman paints fresh shadows upon an ancient tale, entwining new characters with old history for a satisfying and compelling read.”

"The progression of Jane's realization of Robin's true nature is appealing to follow as she ends up in more and more dangerous situations. Readers will enjoy watching her decide if she will remain loyal to Robin or loyal to herself."