A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund – Robin Hood (with a Twist!) Re-Told
A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund | Book Review
When accomplished historical novelist Jody Hedlund decided to enter the fray (because, yes, it is a competitive field) known as YA literature, those of us who were already devoted fans knew it was bound to be a wonderful novel. With her debut An Uncertain Choice, we were treated to a medieval fairy tale in the most chaste of manners. With her follow-up A Daring Sacrifice, she continues on with that charming trademark of historical fiction “magic.”
THE STORY | The story is blissfully simple. Our leading man is Sir. Collin, a knight recently returned to his wealth of land and fortune, hoping to do good by the title his father left him. His half-sister Irene is causing something of a stir, desiring to marry a neighboring nobleman. But it’s Collin who is most restless. Until he happens
upon Lady Julianna, the woman feared dead following her father’s crusade.
In reality she masquerades as a cloaked bandit, stealing from her calculating uncle’s lands to enrich the poor. Only it’s Collin who discovers her carefully concealed secret, which ignites a spark that began from a childhood acquaintance neither one of them can deny.
REVIEW | Lest you’ve forgotten or haven’t read An Uncertain Choice, our leading (and noble) knight, Collin was one of three young men in the first novel who vied for the fair Lady Rosemarie’s hand. At the end of that novel, Derrick was called away to assist his friend, Sir. Collin. Prior to reaching that point, A Daring Sacrifice loses itself in Story. It tells a story of high-stakes adventure. There’s a case of concealed identity in correlation with a beautiful love story that unfolds, one that might cost one of them their lives.
“I was growing more anxious to make my escape and fly like an arrow as far away as I could.” – Jody Hedlund, A Daring Sacrifice
Though we get to know a great deal about Collin in the book one, it’s nice to see him feature solely as the leading man in this story. He’s a great guy whose loyalty to what he stands for and deep love for the woman he loves is admirable. Similarly, I enjoyed meeting Julianna. Her spunk and skill with a bow (I’ve always thought this would be a neat skill to possess, but if possible, Julianna makes it all the more captivating) is catching, making her a contrast to the more sensible and delicate Rosemarie.
If you are fond of sweet, simple and romantic novels, this is just the one for you. If you’ve not read Jody’s earlier series novel (which also includes the prequel novella, The Vow), then why delay? This just might make be your summer binge-reading all the more memorable. I don’t know what else to praise about this piece of fairy tale fluff. It takes some cues from the Robin Hood myth while still stepping apart and being its own identity. Those who enjoy an adventurous YA historical without sacrificing romance or vice versa are sure to find the skillful talents of Jody Hedlund make for an ideal possibility to add to their shelves.
Sincere thanks to the publisher, Zondervan, for sending me a copy of this novel.
Sounds like a great book! I read the first one and am looking forward to this next one. And yeah, I agree- I've always wanted to have skill with the bow, probably due to watching tons of Robin Hood BBC and other fantasy or medieval shows/movies. Great review!
Wouldn't this skill be a fabulous one to have!? I'd have no logical reason to need to know about it save for it being a neat hobby. Add in the fact that I have a crush on fiction archers (*ahem* Oliver Queen and Hawkeye) and well, there you go. ;)
Thanks so much for dropping by and reading, Korin! :)
Wonderful review, Rissi! "It takes some cues from the Robin Hood myth while still stepping apart and being its own identity." YES, well said! Also I LOVE the quote you used.
Thanks – as always, for reading the encouraging words, Bekah. Always fabulous to chat with you. :)