Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-0375868955
Published: October 8, 2013
Hardcover, 272 pages
Ages: 10 +
Although Robin Hood was one of my
favourite heroes growing up, I had only known his story through
television and never read a book about him. So when I saw this middle-grade
version I decided to read it with my twelve year-old daughter. We
enjoyed it a lot, although the story is a little darker than what the cover
implies. It felt more YA to me, and the writing style will appeal to
adults as well.
Will Shackley is a thirteen year-old
boy living during the medieval reign of King Richard. His father,
the lord of Shackley Manor is fighting the Crusades with the king and
is soon presumed to be imprisoned. When Sir Guy, a venomous man who
takes sides with Prince John, comes to the manor and stirs trouble,
Will retaliates and is then forced to flee for his life. He becomes
separated from his mother and ends up in Sherwood Forest where he
meets a group of bandits known as the Merry Men. He takes on the name
Will Scarlet and plots his revenge against Sir Guy.
There is plenty of action in this
novel, although there are also some slow spots in the beginning. The
book really took off for my daughter mid-way. I liked that the
characters are very well-built. Among the ones I liked the most were
Will, Much (a girl disguised as a boy) John Little, and Rob, the
drunkard. My daughter liked Much because she was a tough female
character. The bond that forms within this group builds just as the
tension does in the story. Will who was initially mistrusted finds
his place in the group of misfits. My daughter especially liked the
friendship between Will and Much because they are close to her age.
This is the story of a boy who becomes
a man. It's not a light-hearted tale as there are scenes that depict
the reality of many situations. But there are laugh-out-loud moments
too. There is intrigue, danger, loss and friendship. The plot is
great and unpredictable, with a bit of a twist. The ending leaves
room for more to come, and we look forward to reading more adventures
of Will in Scarlet.
Note: This book is rated V = violence for sword fights and killing.
Reviewed by Laura & Daughter
Disclosure: Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
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