Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody

Will in Scarlet

by Matthew Cody

This reimagining of the Robin Hood legend tells the story of the young boy behind the bandit hero's rise to fame.
 
Will Shackley is the son of a lord, and though just thirteen, he’s led a charmed, protected life and is the heir to Shackley House, while his father is away on the Third Crusade with King Richard the Lionheart.
 
But with King Richard’s absence, the winds of treason are blowing across England, and soon Shackley House becomes caught up in a dangerous power struggle that drives Will out of the only home he’s ever known. Alone, he flees into the dangerous Sherwood Forest, where he joins an elusive gang of bandits readers will immediately recognize.
 
How Will helps a drunkard named Rob become one of the most feared and revered criminals in history is a swashbuckling ride perfect for anyone who loves heroes, villains, and adventure.

Reviewed by elvinagb on

5 of 5 stars

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This is a great re-telling of the legend of Robin Hood from the story of young 13 year old William Shackley. Young Will’s father, Lord Shackley, has been on the Crusades with King Richard and is now a prisoner with the King in Austria. As they wait for a ransom to be paid, the King’s brother, Prince John, is plotting to take the crown from his brother.
Will is forced to leave his home and finds himself taken hostage, by a gang of thieves in Sherwood Forest known as the Merry Men. Will soon finds that in order to save himself and his home he must join this gang of misfits and become a highway bandit.
This book has it all, action, adventure, sword play and marauding wolves and maybe the beginnings of a romance. A great middle school grade novel.
I received this for free in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 9 June, 2013: Finished reading
  • 9 June, 2013: Reviewed