★ 05/01/2020
Gr 7–10—The action-packed, plot-driven, reworked legend Moke's fans have come to expect, starring the daughter of Robin and Marien, Isabelle of Kirklees. Isabelle has known a quiet life inside the priory walls where she resides with her mother, the Prioress, until she is arrested by King John's royal soldiers for defending innocent villagers against his cruel laws. After Isabelle is rescued from confinement she is thrust into the world of ruthless mercenaries, sneaky thieves, and handsome wanted outlaws, where she becomes the target of Sir Rodger of Doncaster, aka the Wolf, hired by King John. While in hiding, Isabelle joins the Merry Men of Sherwood on a mission through the English countryside in search of her father, Robin Hood, former Earl of Huntingdon. With her mother's life hanging in the balance, she is forced to either betray her family, or stand up to the Wolf's treachery. Isabelle is a strong heroine, in the company of secondary characters—Adam of Locksley, Sir Rodger, Little John, and Helena—who enhance the emotional impact of her journey. Overall, the text is accessible, laden with adventure, heartfelt moments, and high humor. Robin Hood is a model hero with wit, cunning, and bravery. The ending leaves readers wanting more, and there is room for a sequel. Pair with Meagan Spooner's Sherwood, Brigid Kemmerer's Call It What You Want and Betsy Cornwell's The Forest Queen. VERDICT A twisty, fast-paced adventure that will be an excellent addition to every collection, but especially where mythology, legend, and historical fiction are in demand.—Angelina Bair, Lakewood Public Library, OH
2020-03-25
With one loosed arrow, Isabelle finds herself fleeing the only life she has ever known to search for the one person who can help her and save her mother.
Isabelle knows little of life outside the priory of Kirklees. Up until now, her life as the daughter of the prioress, Marien, has been relatively quiet. But in defense of her village she shot a soldier, and now she needs the help of a man she has never met: her father, Robin Hood. Each step on Isabelle’s path to Sherwood Forest reveals to readers a bit more of her history, painting a clearer picture of where she came from and what she is up against. Thanks to old grudges and politics, she was born with a target on her back, and all she can do now is to put on a brave front, as her mother always advises her, and find a way to save them all. But donning the Lincoln greens of the Merry Men won’t fix everything. With a strong and appealing female lead and the younger generation of Merry Men at the center of this novel, readers will be engaged and excited by this new look at a familiar story. The quick pace, daring rescues, and, of course, plenty of archery will keep the pages turning. All characters are cued as English or Scottish and white.
An exciting read from beginning to end. (Adventure. 14-17)
