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sousouaya's review against another edition
4.0
3.5-4 stars (no heavy spoilers)
So this had a slow start to it, and it took me a while to get invested. Honestly I don't know much about the crusades, so at the beginning I was very confused, which is what contributed to me reading so slowly. Once we got to know all the "Travelers Along the Way" it started to get interesting. I loved the companionship and though there wasn't as much romance(as I was expecting), it felt right for this novel.
The aspect that took me the most out of it was her Rahma's(Robin Hood) sister Zeena. She always seemed to be angry and irritable and disagreeable. I could gather that this was as much as a sister love/bonding(?) novel as much as it was a found family and historical novel. And I could understand the author trying to show banter between siblings(which is very common) but to me Zeena was so unlikable especially with her interactions with Rahma it was hard to care for that connection. I felt that Rahma had better relationships with everyone else.
This novel, especially the timeline at the end definitely made me more curious about the crusades and I'm interested to learn and research more. So I'd think any book that makes me want to expand my knowledge is a great book. Oh, and I loved the tiny fact about when Robin Hood stories originated and now I want to research more into that, too.
So this had a slow start to it, and it took me a while to get invested. Honestly I don't know much about the crusades, so at the beginning I was very confused, which is what contributed to me reading so slowly. Once we got to know all the "Travelers Along the Way" it started to get interesting. I loved the companionship and though there wasn't as much romance(as I was expecting), it felt right for this novel.
The aspect that took me the most out of it was her Rahma's(Robin Hood) sister Zeena. She always seemed to be angry and irritable and disagreeable. I could gather that this was as much as a sister love/bonding(?) novel as much as it was a found family and historical novel. And I could understand the author trying to show banter between siblings(which is very common) but to me Zeena was so unlikable especially with her interactions with Rahma it was hard to care for that connection. I felt that Rahma had better relationships with everyone else.
This novel, especially the timeline at the end definitely made me more curious about the crusades and I'm interested to learn and research more. So I'd think any book that makes me want to expand my knowledge is a great book. Oh, and I loved the tiny fact about when Robin Hood stories originated and now I want to research more into that, too.
books_over_everything's review against another edition
5.0
Initial Thoughts
This book wasn’t on my radar until I received the NetGalley widget from the publisher - but, it sounded really good so I was eager to give it a read.
Some Things I Liked
Those glorious chapter titles. They were so perfect and my music loving self appreciated every single one.
Gender bent retelling in a fresh setting. This wasn’t a standard retelling. It was so much more than that and I loved it for that. We got the classic Robin Hood characters but we also got a lot more. I loved the found family vibes and I loved that the story was moved out of the traditional setting and into a time and place that I really don’t know much about.
The romance. I loved the romance plots, especially Zeena’s story.
Plot twists. As I’d expect with a story of outlaws and thieves, there were twists a plenty in this book and I loved them. This story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Series Value
I’d absolutely adore more books about this crew but this story feels complete. However, I’d like to read more by this author and I’d like to read the rest of the Remixed Classics series!
Final Thoughts
I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I do. This was a really pleasant surprise and I hope to see more people talking about this one soon!
This book wasn’t on my radar until I received the NetGalley widget from the publisher - but, it sounded really good so I was eager to give it a read.
Some Things I Liked
Those glorious chapter titles. They were so perfect and my music loving self appreciated every single one.
Gender bent retelling in a fresh setting. This wasn’t a standard retelling. It was so much more than that and I loved it for that. We got the classic Robin Hood characters but we also got a lot more. I loved the found family vibes and I loved that the story was moved out of the traditional setting and into a time and place that I really don’t know much about.
The romance. I loved the romance plots, especially Zeena’s story.
Plot twists. As I’d expect with a story of outlaws and thieves, there were twists a plenty in this book and I loved them. This story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Series Value
I’d absolutely adore more books about this crew but this story feels complete. However, I’d like to read more by this author and I’d like to read the rest of the Remixed Classics series!
Final Thoughts
I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I do. This was a really pleasant surprise and I hope to see more people talking about this one soon!
acoldwintersread's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 ⭐️ Such a fun reimagining of Robin Hood and I always love getting new perspectives on history’s “what might have been”. The only thing I wish there was more of was establishment of relationships (romantic and non) between the main band of “merry men”. It felt a tad rushed and thrown together. I also loved the chapter titles being punny or plays on words.
haynoelle96's review against another edition
4.0
Alright, so is this the best fantasy I've ever read? No. Did it get that four stars simply because of the vibes? Absolutely.
So we start off the book with not my favorite way of reading a story, with it being told in first person. And with the added bonus of the narrator (Rahma) directly addressing the readers and breaking the fourth wall. Now, I don't necessarily enjoy this type of storytelling because it can be awkward and stilted, while sometimes taking you out of the story. However, I felt like this was not the case in this book. Much like the Percy Jackson books, the narrator had a funny voice and constantly had me laughing to myself. I enjoyed being in her head and being addressed by her, as Safi was able to use this method of storytelling to her advantage, and very well, I might add.
In the beginning I was a little skeptical as even though I knew it was a Robin Hood retelling, it took a little bit for our story to get there. And it was a little jarring to be introduced to that type of storytelling when usually I'm reading from 3rd person perspective. After I was used to the voice of the story, I began to have fun with it and just had a good time. The situations were ridiculous, the way that they got their crew together was odd and farfetched, and how they were able to pull off the whole plot was not realistic, so if you're looking for a serious Robin Hood retelling set during the 3rd crusades then this probably isn't for you. BUT, if you're willing to overlook the serious and just have a good time (literally on vibes alone) then you'll have an awesome time!! And this book will make you feel warm and comfy inside.
One of the things that I really enjoyed in this book is the relationship between the two sisters. Usually in YA novels, we only have a couple options when in regards to siblings. The main character either doesn't have siblings, hates their siblings, or they love their siblings but their murdered or something else similarly sad and tragic. This isn't the case in Travelers Along the Way. Both Rahman and Zeena bicker and yell at each other, but ultimately love one another and you can tell through their interactions.
After they meet their whole crew, Viva especially because she likes to blow things up and I love that, it just made the whole book better. You had a feeling who each character was meant to represent, but they managed to make their own path through the book and you were able to see them grow and help the mission in one way or another. John was such a precious bean and Tiva had this "fuck around and find out" kind of attitude that was everything. All in all the characters really made the story for me, and if the author released another book with these characters on a different mission, I'd be first in line to go pick it up.
The whole plot of the book would make more sense to me if I had stutied the crusades more in depth and had an idea of who was vying for which part of the holy land for what reason. I do like the way that they story changed from just trying to escape from one part of the land to another, to actively trying to achieve peace in an everlasting war. The extra chapters that we got from Isabella, Richar, and the Sultan were super interesting and I liked the way the author did that to kind of juxtapose their very serious chapters, to then the light-hearted tone of when Rahma is narrating.
I was looking at a different review, and it said that it wouldn't want to classify this book as being big in having LGBT+ rep. I would tend to agree, as it's not a major part of the book, nor does it have a big plot line that makes it a huge deal. There is a WlW relationship in the book that is very sweet and wholesome, but it's kind of in the background while they're running around trying not to die lol. You can tell very early on, and there is a HEA, so in this book there is no "bury your gays" trope I promise.
One thing that this book had that I also really enjoyed was that Safi made sure that you knew, as the reader, that the main characters were Muslim. They practiced the Muslim faith and were using Arabic throughout the book.
Overall, this book was really fun and a really cool and interesting Robin Hood retelling. If you're looking for something fun, then pick this up!! If you're expecting something serious, please rethink your views and go into this book with an open mind. More people should read it!!!
So we start off the book with not my favorite way of reading a story, with it being told in first person. And with the added bonus of the narrator (Rahma) directly addressing the readers and breaking the fourth wall. Now, I don't necessarily enjoy this type of storytelling because it can be awkward and stilted, while sometimes taking you out of the story. However, I felt like this was not the case in this book. Much like the Percy Jackson books, the narrator had a funny voice and constantly had me laughing to myself. I enjoyed being in her head and being addressed by her, as Safi was able to use this method of storytelling to her advantage, and very well, I might add.
In the beginning I was a little skeptical as even though I knew it was a Robin Hood retelling, it took a little bit for our story to get there. And it was a little jarring to be introduced to that type of storytelling when usually I'm reading from 3rd person perspective. After I was used to the voice of the story, I began to have fun with it and just had a good time. The situations were ridiculous, the way that they got their crew together was odd and farfetched, and how they were able to pull off the whole plot was not realistic, so if you're looking for a serious Robin Hood retelling set during the 3rd crusades then this probably isn't for you. BUT, if you're willing to overlook the serious and just have a good time (literally on vibes alone) then you'll have an awesome time!! And this book will make you feel warm and comfy inside.
One of the things that I really enjoyed in this book is the relationship between the two sisters. Usually in YA novels, we only have a couple options when in regards to siblings. The main character either doesn't have siblings, hates their siblings, or they love their siblings but their murdered or something else similarly sad and tragic. This isn't the case in Travelers Along the Way. Both Rahman and Zeena bicker and yell at each other, but ultimately love one another and you can tell through their interactions.
After they meet their whole crew, Viva especially because she likes to blow things up and I love that, it just made the whole book better. You had a feeling who each character was meant to represent, but they managed to make their own path through the book and you were able to see them grow and help the mission in one way or another. John was such a precious bean and Tiva had this "fuck around and find out" kind of attitude that was everything. All in all the characters really made the story for me, and if the author released another book with these characters on a different mission, I'd be first in line to go pick it up.
The whole plot of the book would make more sense to me if I had stutied the crusades more in depth and had an idea of who was vying for which part of the holy land for what reason. I do like the way that they story changed from just trying to escape from one part of the land to another, to actively trying to achieve peace in an everlasting war. The extra chapters that we got from Isabella, Richar, and the Sultan were super interesting and I liked the way the author did that to kind of juxtapose their very serious chapters, to then the light-hearted tone of when Rahma is narrating.
Spoiler
Also, I'm sorry the ending? How they literally all just decided to go on their own into their own territory so they could live in peace on their own without any chance of fighting or war. And how they literally brokered a peace between the warring kingdoms when in the beginning of the book they got dragged into this mess by accidentally stealing Queen Isabella's horse. Because there is no room for horse abusers in this world, not while Rahma al-Hud is there. And you got the hint of romance, which was very sweet, but it didn't take up the entire book which was also nice.I was looking at a different review, and it said that it wouldn't want to classify this book as being big in having LGBT+ rep. I would tend to agree, as it's not a major part of the book, nor does it have a big plot line that makes it a huge deal. There is a WlW relationship in the book that is very sweet and wholesome, but it's kind of in the background while they're running around trying not to die lol. You can tell very early on, and there is a HEA, so in this book there is no "bury your gays" trope I promise.
One thing that this book had that I also really enjoyed was that Safi made sure that you knew, as the reader, that the main characters were Muslim. They practiced the Muslim faith and were using Arabic throughout the book.
Overall, this book was really fun and a really cool and interesting Robin Hood retelling. If you're looking for something fun, then pick this up!! If you're expecting something serious, please rethink your views and go into this book with an open mind. More people should read it!!!
moriahtsharpe's review against another edition
4.0
Four and a half stars. This is an excellent third entry in the Remixed Classics series. It is set in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade and follows Rahma al-Hud, the Green Hood, and her band of merry teenagers as they scheme to take back their land from the crusaders. They come up with various plots to rob the invaders and spread the loot among those they come across, from lost orphans to helpful villagers. I felt it stayed true to the base elements of the Robin Hood story while adding in a new setting and diverse characters.
lagunabayfables's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a good book! Solid story, exciting setting, great ensemble cast.
I’m a sucker for rarely explored historical places and well-written female villains, and this book delivered. The only reason I’m leaving out a star is because of the main romance. I liked the MC and her LI individually, but I really wish their relationship was more fleshed-out. All in all, I really loved this twist on Robin Hood.
I’m a sucker for rarely explored historical places and well-written female villains, and this book delivered. The only reason I’m leaving out a star is because of the main romance. I liked the MC and her LI individually, but I really wish their relationship was more fleshed-out. All in all, I really loved this twist on Robin Hood.
booksthatburn's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
TRAVELERS ALONG THE WAY takes place during the Crusades (just as in the original Robin Hood tales), and features characters whose archetypes and circumstances are recognizable, but don’t require that similarity to be enjoyable. I like Rahma, and the generally breezy rapport between the party members. There are moment of tension, especially related to the actual war which is the whole reason Rahma and her sister are here in the first place. My favorite bit is the sequence with the Templars, and I like how the whole thing wraps up.
I enjoyed it while reading but I’m having trouble teasing out anything in particular for comment afterwards that wouldn’t be a huge spoiler. The audiobook narrator did a great job, and I’m glad this is part of the Remixed Classics collection.
I enjoyed it while reading but I’m having trouble teasing out anything in particular for comment afterwards that wouldn’t be a huge spoiler. The audiobook narrator did a great job, and I’m glad this is part of the Remixed Classics collection.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and War
Minor: Death, Sexual content, Slavery, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Grief, Cannibalism, and Death of parent
arcookson's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ari_bryce's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cleo_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Solid B
I enjoyed this reimagining of Robin Hood told from a female and Muslim perspective and set in the area around Jerusalem during the 3rd crusade. It was fun but a little uneven.
I had to take a break around the halfway mark because the main character started behaving irrationally and irresponsibly - I felt like her behavior was driven more by the plot need to become a merry band of clever thieves than anything else and that annoyed me. There were actually a lot of impulsive and reckless decisions that made me cringe but only one that made me put the book down. I think some of that is just typical of the genre, which is why I don't usually read this sort of YA adventure novel.
My other issue was with the tone - I tend to not pay much attention to historical accuracy but I felt the tone shifted too much - from sounding like a fable to a more serious historical novel to anachronistic and that was jarring to me.
I have a soft spot for Robin Hood retellings because I read The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley at a formative age. This is the first one I've read that's not set in Sherwood Forest and I thought moving it was really interesting. It hits a lot of the familiar beats with one notable exception - this merry band of thieves do not have a home base. There's no Sherwood. Instead we follow Rahma al-Hud (who has a green hood that reminds her of the Tiber river and home) and her older sister Zeena as they leave the besieged city of Akko (Acre) after it falls. As they make their way to Jerusalem they encounter various armies, acquire traveling companions of different religions and origins and they sort of fall into stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. When Rahma rescues a horse that's being mistreated, she also acquires a nemesis - Isabella, Queen of Jerusalem, who fills the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Rahma also ends up getting tangled up in diplomacy / efforts to end the war and in that way, she is a more political Robin Hood than most versions I've read or seen.
I enjoyed the characters and once things got going and Rahma stepped into her role as the Green Hood, I enjoyed the adventure - there's an excellent heist, a daring rescue and lots of bantering. There are two very low key romances, one f/f and one m/f but it's definitely not a genre romance. Perhaps my favorite parts were those that didn't really have anything to do with the legend of Robin Hood. I would have happily read the story of two teenage sisters trying to make their way home from the 3rd crusade / find their place in the world without the green hood.
I enjoyed this reimagining of Robin Hood told from a female and Muslim perspective and set in the area around Jerusalem during the 3rd crusade. It was fun but a little uneven.
I had to take a break around the halfway mark because the main character started behaving irrationally and irresponsibly - I felt like her behavior was driven more by the plot need to become a merry band of clever thieves than anything else and that annoyed me. There were actually a lot of impulsive and reckless decisions that made me cringe but only one that made me put the book down. I think some of that is just typical of the genre, which is why I don't usually read this sort of YA adventure novel.
My other issue was with the tone - I tend to not pay much attention to historical accuracy but I felt the tone shifted too much - from sounding like a fable to a more serious historical novel to anachronistic and that was jarring to me.
I have a soft spot for Robin Hood retellings because I read The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley at a formative age. This is the first one I've read that's not set in Sherwood Forest and I thought moving it was really interesting. It hits a lot of the familiar beats with one notable exception - this merry band of thieves do not have a home base. There's no Sherwood. Instead we follow Rahma al-Hud (who has a green hood that reminds her of the Tiber river and home) and her older sister Zeena as they leave the besieged city of Akko (Acre) after it falls. As they make their way to Jerusalem they encounter various armies, acquire traveling companions of different religions and origins and they sort of fall into stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. When Rahma rescues a horse that's being mistreated, she also acquires a nemesis - Isabella, Queen of Jerusalem, who fills the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Rahma also ends up getting tangled up in diplomacy / efforts to end the war and in that way, she is a more political Robin Hood than most versions I've read or seen.
I enjoyed the characters and once things got going and Rahma stepped into her role as the Green Hood, I enjoyed the adventure - there's an excellent heist, a daring rescue and lots of bantering. There are two very low key romances, one f/f and one m/f but it's definitely not a genre romance. Perhaps my favorite parts were those that didn't really have anything to do with the legend of Robin Hood. I would have happily read the story of two teenage sisters trying to make their way home from the 3rd crusade / find their place in the world without the green hood.