Hood
by Jenny Elder Moke
Synopsis:
Isabelle of Kirklees has only ever known a quiet life inside the sheltered walls of the convent, where she lives with her mother, Marien. But after she is arrested by royal soldiers for defending innocent villagers, Isabelle becomes the target of the Wolf, King John’s ruthless right hand. Desperate to keep her daughter safe, Marien helps Isabelle escape and sends her on a mission to find the one person who can help: Isabelle’s father, Robin Hood.
As Isabelle races to stay out of the Wolf’s clutches and find the father she’s never known, she is thrust into a world of thieves and mercenaries, handsome young outlaws, new enemies with old grudges, and a king who wants her entire family dead. As she joins forces with Robin and his Merry Men in a final battle against the Wolf, will Isabelle find the strength to defy the crown and save the lives of everyone she holds dear?
Review:
Isabelle is the daughter of Mariena and Robin Hood. Though Robin Hood has been an absent father, Isabelle is just as talented a marksman. When she’s forced to find her father to save her mother, Isabelle joins up with the Merry Men while keeping her identity secret.
Though I feel like the Robin Hood legend has been played to death, this was fun, fresh take – focusing on his daughter. So, it was a new story with several new characters (offspring of the Merry Men).
This is a young adult novel that will appeal to wide range of readers. It’s a mostly lighthearted, exciting story with suspense and a bit of romance. It certainly has the feel of a traditional swashbuckling Robin Hood adventure for a younger generation. The final showdown is thrilling with a surprising somber note. And though this is a standalone novel, it would be a fun start of a new series as well.