A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund {Teen Fiction Review}

A Daring Sacrifice

An Uncertain Choice, #2

Jody Hedlund

Teen Fiction

The only thing harder than

fighting for what's right . . . is fighting their

feelings for each other

For three years, the Cloaked Bandit has terrorized Wessex, robbing the nobility by knifepoint and a well-placed arrow. But little does anyone know, this bandit is in fact Juliana Wessex, the rightful ruler of the land and a girl her tyrannical uncle--the current Lord Wessex--believes was killed along with her father.

Juliana has become skilled at hiding from Lord Wessex in the forest, using her stolen goods to provide food and shelter to the peasants her uncle has taxed into poverty. But when she robs Collin Goodrich, her red hair betrays her true identity. Lord Collin remembers Juliana from their childhood--and challenges her to stay on his estate for a week in hopes she will leave her thieving ways and become a proper lady once more. Juliana is intrigued by Collin and his charms, but only time will tell if he can overcome her distaste of the nobility--as well as win her heart.

My Thoughts
I really love a good fairy tale. Such a nice escape from reality. But I have to say that I never really enjoyed the story of Robin Hood. The whole stealing from the rich to give to the poor just went against my ingrained two wrongs don't make a right.
Then along came A Daring Scrifice by Jody Hedlund. It's a retelling of the Robin Hood story with several twists. I couldn't resist reading it because, well . . . Jody Hedlund! I'm so glad that I did. Jody used what I don't like about the original to bring about a tension that would ultimately lead to a crisis of conscious.
The story of Juliana Wessex is one of turning tragedy into triumph. She learns as we all must that our salvation isn't within ourselves, it comes from a higher source. The character of Lord Collin Goodrich is what we all want in a man--daring yet disciplined, loyal and devoted, brave and trustworthy. If his name seems familiar it is because you may have met him in An Uncertain Choice. (By the way, if you haven't read that one . . . treat yourself!) The tension between the two make a wonderful story of yearning for something that is seemingly in contrast to the duties they are bound to.
I would recommend this book for teen girls age thirteen and above. It has scenes of torture (it is set in medieval times) and it has two people falling in love and outward expressions of that. There's absolutely nothing scandalous but you may not want your ten-year-old avid reader consuming it. (That would have been me!) If you're on the fence about it I say read it for yourself. You'll probably love it like I did and that makes a nice treat for the momma!
In the back of the book there is a group of discussion questions. I'm thinking about using it for a mother/daughter read for my book club. Doesn't that sound like fun?!!
Other Reviews For This Author
Unending Devotion A Noble Groom Love Unexpected An Uncertain Choice Hearts Made Whole
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