Review of Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody (Middle Grade)

Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody

Age Range: 10 and up

Grade Level: 5 and up

Series: None

Paperback: 272 pages

Publisher: Yearling; Reprint edition (August 26, 2014)

Source: From publisher via NetGalley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

About the Book:

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.

Find the Book:

Amazon | Goodreads | B&N

My Thoughts:

This is the story about a young boy who helps create the legend of Robin Hood. It's an adventure story full of sword fights, betrayal, cross dressing, and friendship.

The characters all develop over the course of the book, but Will makes the biggest changes.  Will starts out being prodded into manhood by his family, and indignant at still being treated like a child. Soon however, his childhood is violently ripped away from him. He must face his demons and master his thirst for revenge. He makes friends along the way and learns about loyalty, justice, and what it truly means to be a man.

This book will appeal to fans of Robin Hood, adventure, and historical fiction.

Content: violence and mild language

4 STARS

Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.