Recently I finished The
Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen.
It was book three in a wonderfully exciting trilogy. As I searched my TBR stack for my next book,
I realized how much I enjoyed the medieval fantasy genre. A while back I received Will In Scarlet by Matthew Cody from Random House, but hadn’t started it, so here it was a book that fit
into the genre I was looking for. I
really enjoy Mr. Cody’s writing, so I knew I was in for a treat. Little did I know that it was going to be a
huge treat!
 |
| Copy from Random House |
The legend of Robin Hood is one that has been done in film,
books and TV. Most we wish had never
been done. Yes, Kevin Costner comes to
mind. Matthew Cody’s adaptation is one
that is sure to be a hit. (We are doing
Lucy Calking unit of study on Fairy Tale adaptations right now in class.)
Will in Scarlet is the tale of William Shackley heir to
Shackley Castle. Will’s father is
currently traveling with Richard I The Lionheart. They had been away fighting. Prince John is ruling England during his
brother’s absence and the Sherriff of Nottingham is helping. Will is thirteen
and spends most of his time getting into trouble with his friend Milo. When the Sherriff arrives at the Shackley
Castle with Sir Guy of Gisborne tragedy comes with them. This sends Will and his mother fleeing to
safer places. Unfortunately, for Will he
ends up in Sherwood Forest.
While trying to stay alive Will befriends Little John, a lad
named Much, and a drunk named Rob, that used to be very good with a bow and
arrow; and was in love with fair maiden named Marian. To buy time Will tells
Gilbert, the leader of the Merry Men that he can get them into Shackley Castle
to get rich. Will’s true reason for
going back to his home is to seek revenge on the man that murdered his uncle.
I really enjoyed this book.
I liked the pace of the book and how Will knew right from wrong, but
that often that line had to be blurred for the good of everyone. The book is gritty, but I can see our guys
read book club really enjoying this book.
There is action, good vs. evil, and a pretty girl. All the things that make for a fun read. The thing that stands out the most is that it
often takes the back stories of a legend to really make them exciting. I can’t wait for this to come out in
paperback, so I can order it for Guys Read.
On a final note I am still waiting for a sequel for the Dead
Gentleman. Hint! Hint!
