Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books and author for accepting me as arc reader for this romantasy. 💗🫧

4.2⭐️ out of 5

The reason why I was drawn to this book was because I love the story of Robin Hood and the cover is really beautiful, in fact one of the nicest cover I have seen. The story, the pacing, the flow, was great. The description was beautiful, and the scenes were all vivid. I could see how strong the author’s imagination is. I love how strong the female lead Marian is, refusing to bend to life’s weight. The chemistry between the FC and MC was great, I can really feel how they fell in love. It may not be a story that stay with me for a long time but it was definitely a good read.

- Slow burn
- Fae and mortal
- Robin Hood retelling
- Romantasy
- Strong female character
- Happy ending

Stunning prose and sentence structure. The setting was phenomenal, and being from the PNW, I could easily immerse myself in this world. I did find the FMC to be insufferable at times, but the tension between her and the MMC was incredible. Minor issues noted @ Loc 191 and the formatting on kindle is not comprehensive throughout, but I'm sure will be corrected :)

thank you netgalley for this ARC! <3

It took me a minute to stop picturing these characters in their Disney animal forms! OOO DE LALLY! Robin Hood being fae just makes sense. Now, Little John being a 7 foot tall tattoo'd fae was a surprise. Fingers crossed for a Little John book!

I thought this retelling did an excellent job. Mare with her prejudice vs. hot Robin. A battle of wills for the ages! While I did find Mare's prejudicial views irritating, I also felt like it was probably an accurate representation.

The slow burn really out did itself in this one! The pacing in this book was fast and enjoyable. I really liked the characters. While they have the same names and similar roles as in the fairy-tale, they felt fresh and new. They gave a different perspective on the Robin Hood fairy-tale while still remaining true to the nature of Robin Hood. There is definitely a narrative on environmentalism and conservation in this book that reminded me a bit of Avatar.

This was fun and spicy and exactly what I wanted from a Robin Hood retelling!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC!

Thanks so much for the ARC! I will put a shorter review on Goodreads. I also found typos I will share with you at the end here but not put on Goodreads.

This was an extremely well written debut book. (I believe it is a debut since Rivers had no other books listed on Goodreads). The writing was beautiful. It read almost like poetry mixed with a fairytale at the beginning. I found myself pausing to admire so many lines for being so well constructed. River's descriptions of the nature of Sherwood were so pretty.

The plot was interesting but overall a little cliche. The author did fall into using a lot of common tropes in the genre, therefore the story was not groundbreaking. But these tropes are overused for a reason - they are fun to read. So while this did not challenge me as a reader or shock me, I still enjoyed the ride. The text being in present tense did trip me up at first but I got used to it after a couple of chapters. I think I am used to books written in past tense.

One thing River's explored which I found fascinating was making a comparison between mortals and Fae in this fictional world and colonizers and indigenous people in our world. The Fae are stewards of the land, they respect nature. They live in harmony with the natural world and give back just as much as they take. The mortals want to extract all the natural resources, raze the land, kill the Fae, conquer, and destroy. The mortals use violence and fear to impose their wills and it is mostly the MEN who uphold this system. The parallels between real-world colonizers and the mortals in the story resonated deeply with me. I also absolutely loved the themes of feminism. Rivers had such insightful takes on how a patriarchal system impacts everyone negatively. There were comparisons between men destroying nature and taking, using, exploiting resources to them being entitled to take a woman's body. They conquer as if women are a resource to be consumed. That was a very well done and it impacted me greatly. I have pulled a few of my favorite lines below.

The negatives I had for this story were I did not love how impulsive and stubborn the FMC was. She made really dimwitted decisions for most of the book which drove me crazy. HELLO - you escaped from the Sheriff who wanted to brutalize and torture you and now you get to live in a happy Fae village where everyone is chill and nice and you are FREE and yet you want to escape and go back??? LIKE WHAT? I get it she thought she could barter for her freedom from the marriage, but that was not a guarantee. I think the motivation for her to smack him in the head with a shovel and escape back to home made no sense. WHY would she want to go back to a life of torture? I think there should have been a stronger reason for her to want to escape than just loose hatred of the Fae. Sure she has been taught to hate them her whole life but by that point she had already mostly deconstructed those things as lies. She sees the Fae as not evil really soon upon living with them so I think he desire to go back home to her awful father and evil groom-to-be are very weak.

Another thing I did not love was the romance. It moved to fast for my taste. She was instantly attracted to him and him her. We don't really get a reason for why he is so into her aside from the forest told him to be. That feel flat to me. Later on as the relationship developed it got better but I wanted more tension and build-up to them being together. I did like the antler scenes though...ha!

I found the connection to Robin Hood very flimsy, it almost pulled me out of the story whenever they called him Robin Hood because the story really was not following that tale. To me, it was goofy and cartoonish when references were made to Maid Marian and Robin Hood and I think it would have been better to not try and make connections back to the fairytale. You did not need them to have the same names as the characters from Robin Hood to still explore the themes of that story.

Favorite lines:
"How could creatures so malevolent call this hallowed wood home? How could cruelty dwell in a place that felt holier than any chapel she’d ever kneeled in?"

" But nothing that burns stays hidden for long."

"‘Dusk is Sherwood’s favourite hour,’ Allen says. ‘Sun too shy to strut, and the moon not yet dressed.’"

" And maybe this is what mortal men fear–what a woman becomes when no one else dictates her shape."

Typos I found:

Location 197 of 3828 (Chapter 2): "steel father’s in a mood already.’ She yourself, girl. Your" - The formatting of this line is messed up and out of order. It is when Tilda is talking to Marian after her bath.

Location 951 (Chapter 7): "He snaps his quietly when they’re fingers in thought." - again the formatting of this sentence is messed up. This is when she is telling Allen she is not hungry and he is offering her a honey cake tomorrow.

Location 2230 (Chapter 17): "chest-tochest" you are missing another dash here. This is when she is fighting Lox.

This was beautifully done. I loved the way the characters were developed. The plot held my attention.

'Wench' is the Robin Hood retelling I've been waiting for. It is full of fae magic, heart-fluttering romance, and a woman's search for the truth. A truly fantastical read!

I absolutely loved this, the story and the characters. The romance was amazing and i loved the descriptions of Sherwood. The side characters were great especially Allen. I was scared at the end thinking Marian might actually die but im glad she survived. I am definitely buying a physical copy when it is published!!

First of all, the final cover for this book is stunning!!! 😍

I do feel like it was a little slow to get going, but it was pretty good when it picked up. Also, a couple of things were kind of unrealistic, like how Marian became a more skilled fighter than actual soldiers with minimal training. Or despite receiving almost fatal injuries multiple times, she was still able to fight, and even come out on top. I also did call what was going to happen at the end, but I’m not too mad about it.

Otherwise, the best thing about this one for me was the writing! It was so lyrical and the sentences flowed so nicely, just stunning 🙌 Plus, I enjoyed the feminist themes and feminine rage explored here. Marian was slightly annoying at times, but she wasn’t the worst FMC I’ve read. and she did have pretty valid reasons for acting out, even if that was a little irritating to me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC!

"If you drown, I will call you back to shore. Every time. I will be the rope at your waist and the hand on your collar. And when I go under, you'll pull me to the surface too"

Wench is without a doubt one of my all-time favorite fantasy novels! This story is perfectly whimsical and lyrical - it sings a song as it tells the story of trees and vines, of protectors and sacrificial love, of magic and ancient earth. If there was ever a place I'd want to be lost, it would be the Sherwood Forest of Erynne Rivers.

Wench is the story of Robin Hood retold through the push and pull of an age-old conflict between the fae and the humans. As tradition tells, the Sheriff seeks to bleed the earth of power and money by inflicting sheer force. Marian, enraged over her dreaded betrothal, finds herself lost in Sherwood Forest and faced with the impossible idea that the world she grew up in may have told her to hate what she did not know or understand. Marian discovers that life is fulfilling and effervescent outside of the world she knew. She's faced with the realization that just because something is different doesn't make that thing wrong. There is always room to unlearn the things we've been taught, even when we've learned those things out of fear. Fear doesn't always keep us safe. The real question becomes, is all that she has faced enough to change her path?

I've never read an author who paints a picture as clearly or as delicately as Erynne Rivers. She's a master of her craft. There were times I found myself rereading phrases because the word pictures she painted were so clear that it felt like I was in the exact moment on the page and wanted to savor that sensation. There's nothing greater than the feeling of being thrust between the pages of your favorite childhood fairytale. Read slowly enough so that you have time to soak in the atmosphere and sanctity of the moment she has created.

Wench is for readers who love epic romances paired with classic tales retold. This book was full of searing love, sacrifice, high stakes, ancient magic, all on the foundation of a fantastic story. It's a book that encourages you to be curious about what could be if we were brave or humble enough to consider it. And above all, choice matters - not only in the freedom to claim it for ourselves, but in the quiet honor of offering it to others.

Thank you to Erynne Rivers, NetGalley, and Avon UK for the incredible honor of reading and offering my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Erynne Rivers for an ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

First of all, the cover of this is absolutely stunning - it definitely drew me in. I did really enjoy this author’s writing style - very descriptive and made me feel like I could picture this perfectly. I did feel like it was a bit more telling then showing, which is a negative for me and I didn’t feel the chemistry between the characters.

Wench offers a richly atmospheric reimagining of the Robin Hood legend, blending emotional character growth into a compelling fantasy narrative. The story follows Marian as she is drawn from the rigid expectations of her human world into the sacred and mysterious realm of Sherwood, shaped by living, sentient magic. Marian is a headstrong and layered protagonist whose journey focuses on reclaiming her autonomy and identity. The vivid world-building gives an ethereal, enchanting quality that makes it easy to become fully immersed in the story. This novel will especially appeal to readers who enjoy slow-burn, yearning-charged romance woven into character-driven fantasy.

The side characters add warmth, humour and depth, strengthening the found-family dynamic that anchors the story. Marian’s character arc is especially compelling as she learns to challenge societal expectations placed upon her as a noblewoman, gradually freeing herself from a life defined by obedience and duty. She is stubborn, outspoken and emotionally complex, yet still healing from a lifetime of being taught to diminish her own worth. Written with an immersive style, the novel delivers a fresh perspective on a familiar tale while setting up intriguing possibilities for future instalments.

Incredible debut ! 10/10 ! Although I knew where the story would lead interms of the reveals/twists, I still enjoyed the ride. The characters were multifaceted, the writing transferred me into a new world

Beautifully written. I love works that involve settings in a forest, the beliefs that they tie to them. This author wrote so poetically, that I found myself in sheer awe at how alive the words seemed. It didn’t feel like undeserved imagery; everything was rooted in a space carved out with the author’s bare hands.

Too often I come across books written in white void rooms. This book felt lush in its descriptions, not only in its places but in its characters too.

I liked the characters a great deal; Allen was hilarious, and I appreciated Will’s hesitation about Marian. I like how Little John was an anchoring rock, steadfast in a stream and yet his inability to speak is not treated like it makes him a wounded animal. Marian had her faults, many of which I both understood wholly and equally felt frustrated with her for. Lox was passionate and stoic, but he held none of the typical tropes of “broody, aggressive man”(in my opinion). I’ve grown tired of the same types of pairings over the years — and this one, while still familiar, was just different enough that I found my appreciation for it all the same. If he was aggressive, it was because he was passionate, not violent.

I feel like this book captures the feel of Robin Hood quite beautifully, with its own whimsical twist.

This author has beautiful prose and a distinct style. I found the romance aspect rushed— the FMC character has some tropes applied that make the plot somewhat predictable. Thank you NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Truly beautiful prose, vivid setting, and an overall intriguing homage to the original Robin Hood.

Rivers writing paints a beautiful world and uses the literary elements of green spaces to tell a unique take on Robin Hood and executes it all so well. Even though I found myself frustrated with Marian at times I always think that I'd rather be frustrated with a character than apathetic to them as evoking emotions like that proves the character is well developed and feels human.

Stunning all around!

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for this opportunity.
I was super exited to receive an arc of Wench by Erynne Rivers and it didn’t disappoint ! What a wonderfully imaginative retelling that gives a breath of fresh life into the Robin Hood legend with a magical romantasy twist. The fae touched Sherwood Forest is richly atmospheric, giving the story a sense of enchantment and danger that pulled me in straight away.
Marian is a compelling heroine who is strong willed, layered, and easy to root for, also her dynamic with Robin delivers a satisfying slow burn romance full of tension and heart. The blend of folklore, fantasy, and character growth feels both classic and refreshing.
Fans of romantic fantasy and fairy-tinged retellings, especially readers who enjoy A Court of Thorns and Roses style vibes, will find plenty to love here. A charming, immersive read I thoroughly enjoyed

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I thought the writing was very beautiful and really leant into the theme of the story, with fae and magic and fantasy. I loved the tie-ins to the original Robin Hood story, while still keeping this as its own tale. Lox and the Merry Men were immediately lovable to me, and I would love a whole book on just them!
I did struggle with Marian for a good portion of this story, thought I do not think she is acting entirely unrealistically. She is seeing and learning that the fae are not at all what she thought, but she still has all those bad thoughts about them deeply ingrained in her. As the reader it is easy to find frustration in her actions, but when you imagine yourself in her shoes it’s more understandable. After all, she is a mortal among powerful beings, that she has only ever known to be cruel and tricksters. It makes sense that it takes her so long to trust them and get out of her head, while at the same time you just wanna shake her and tell her to get over it haha. I do love how she came into her own, and how supportive Lox was of her and her choices.
I do wish this story had been a little longer, with perhaps more going into the romance and them really falling for each other. There were lots of good plot lines throughout, but I would have loved to see them embellished upon a little more.
I truly did enjoy this, and I definitely recommend to any romantasy lovers out there!!

I really enjoyed this magical take on the Robin Hood tale from Marian's perspective The author has a lovely writing style which successfully blended folklore and romantasy to re-tell a much loved story with a modern twist.

The Set-up
Marian Hallowmere has been promised to the Sheriff of Nottingham by her cowardly father. She must travel from her father's estate just outside Sherwood Forest to the Sheriff's home to be wed. The Sherwood Forest is home to the Fae led by Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and Marian has been taught to believe they are cruel monsters. When their path is blocked, the Sheriff's men decide to travel deeper into Sherwood to get Marian to her wedding before dark. This leads them into a skirmish with the Merry Men, and Marian is brought to the Fae village. Here she meets Robin Hood ("Lox") and learns she has been fed lies about the Fae her entire life.

The Plot
I found this book a little slow to start, but about 1/3 of the way in, I became hooked. The major conflict of the book surrounds the Sheriff of Nottingham and his desire to reclaim Marian as his bride while continuing to exploit Fae ore to feed his coffers. The world of Sherwood and the role Robin Hood plays within it was very interesting, and the way Erynne writes is very lyrical and descriptive. Questions soon emerge about why Marian is accepted by Sherwood and what role she may play in its future, and I found that to be the most gripping part of this book.

The Characters
Maid Marian is a very strong-willed FMC, and for the most part I really enjoyed her perspective. She is quite stubborn, which was frustrating at times, but also felt true to her character. We got to know the Robin Hood character later in the book than I was expecting, which is probably why I found this book a little slow to start. Once he is properly introduced, I did enjoy his character. He was loyal to Marian but also not afraid to challenge her. I wish we had a bit more time for their romance to develop. The supporting characters (The Merry Men) were entertaining and added a lightness to the story.

The Gist
I am not super familiar with the Robin Hood lore other than the basics (steal from the rich and give to the poor), so I can't speak to the authenticity of this retelling. However, I thought this was a beautifully written story with a swoon worthy MMC and a strong FMC whose love story I rooted for. It had the perfect amount of spice for me, too. 4/5

Erynne Rivers has absolutely made a statement with her debut novel Wench! This Robin Hood retelling was delightfully sweet and cozy while also tackling serious topics in a very unique way. Our main characters are far from flawless but they don't pretend to be, and openly reckon with the impact of their actions on those they love and care about. I found Rivers' prose to be so delectably descriptive which further enraptured me in the story! The combination of beautifully flawed characters, unique magic systems and vividly-rich writing has made Wench a debut to remember!

Being a Romancy fan, I knew that I had to read Wench. From the very first page I was hooked and drawn into the story with the characters. I loved the author's writing style and there was enough content to keep me interested and reading until the end. I enjoyed this spin on Robin Hood, it made for an interesting read. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Avon books, the author Erynne Rivers and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This grew on me for sure. Whilst I’ve never watched or read(?) Robin Hood I know the general story and so I was very interested in a fae retelling. Whilst it was compared to Knight and Moth this felt more whimsical romantasy and similar to Cruel Prince with the different creatures, in depth descriptions of characters and world. At the start I couldn’t get to grips with the third person present tense but I soon didn’t notice it. It felt very jovial and medieval and at first I wasn’t sure if this was going to be more of a juvenile YA style of writing but it definitely wasn’t. And yeah definitely improved as it went on once the fmc got past her stubbornness. The MMC was great and there was great banter between them and the other main side characters. It looks like there will be more in the series I would have been very happy with it being a standalone as it did seem like things were wrapping up abit but I probably would still check out the next book, I don’t think it needs to be more than a duology however!

Oh my gosh. This was such an easy FMC to root for. The plot made it immediately clear who the villains were even if the FMC didn't...

I loved the mix of Fae setting/characters with the Robin Hood Maid Marion retelling. Lox is a brilliant MMC who creates perfect tension.

I not only adored the romance, but I appreciated the other characters and found family.

Perfect spice 🌶️ that was deliciously slowburn ❤️‍🔥

My favourite book so far this year! Immersive, beautiful, a love letter to mixed people everywhere. I am in awe of the way Rivers has written a sentient forest. The world building is vivid, the writing is beautiful, Marian is a badass female character, it's just a stunning book.

This book was fantastic, if you love romantasy and fairytale vibes then this is the perfect book for you.

This story reimagines the legend of maid Marion and Robin Hood with a twist of fae. Marian is forced into an arranged marriage with the sheriff of Nottingham, but everything changes when she is kidnapped by Robin Hood. As she spends more time with him she begins to question everything she has ever been told.

The romance was definitely the highlight of the book, the tension between Marion and Robin builds slowly. They have the perfect captor - energy!

I’d rate this 4 stars - it was a fun read and I found it easy to get into. We love a good retelling and a retelling of Robin Hood was always going to grip my attention. What a fab book!