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League of Archers #1
League of Archers
A girl on the run after being accused of killing Robin Hood learns what it really means to be a hero in this exciting adventure story.
“That’s the girl who killed Robin Hood!” Those words send Ellie Dray racing for the forest and the chance to clear her name.
Twelve-year-old novice nun Elinor Dray has always idolized Robin Hood. She and her friends try to be like him by sneaking out to hunt on the lands belonging to the village Baron, stealing from him to feed their poor neighbors. They call themselves the League of Archers.
While returning from a hunting trip late one night, Ellie meets a man in the forest—a hunter like herself. But suddenly the man is shot with a poisoned arrow. She manages to help him back to the abbey, but it’s too late and he dies. Only in his final moments, does Ellie realize that the hunter is Robin Hood, and that the abbess of the nunnery is Maid Marian.
With her secret revealed, the Baron immediately arrests Marian. But he needs a scapegoat for the murder of Robin Hood, and who better than a young novice nun? Ellie is proclaimed a hero—the person who killed the famous outlaw Robin Hood—but the villagers don’t agree. A mob forms, vowing to hunt Ellie down and exact their own vengeance.
Will Ellie and her League of Archers be able to find the real killer, free Maid Marian, and keep Robin Hood’s legacy alive?
“That’s the girl who killed Robin Hood!” Those words send Ellie Dray racing for the forest and the chance to clear her name.
Twelve-year-old novice nun Elinor Dray has always idolized Robin Hood. She and her friends try to be like him by sneaking out to hunt on the lands belonging to the village Baron, stealing from him to feed their poor neighbors. They call themselves the League of Archers.
While returning from a hunting trip late one night, Ellie meets a man in the forest—a hunter like herself. But suddenly the man is shot with a poisoned arrow. She manages to help him back to the abbey, but it’s too late and he dies. Only in his final moments, does Ellie realize that the hunter is Robin Hood, and that the abbess of the nunnery is Maid Marian.
With her secret revealed, the Baron immediately arrests Marian. But he needs a scapegoat for the murder of Robin Hood, and who better than a young novice nun? Ellie is proclaimed a hero—the person who killed the famous outlaw Robin Hood—but the villagers don’t agree. A mob forms, vowing to hunt Ellie down and exact their own vengeance.
Will Ellie and her League of Archers be able to find the real killer, free Maid Marian, and keep Robin Hood’s legacy alive?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2016
18 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Eva Howard
4 books12 followersEva Howard is the author of League of Archers. When she’s not writing, Eva escapes the city to hike and camp in the forest—and has even tried her hand at archery. She lives in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 16, 2017
I don't read a lot of middle grade (so little I didn't even have a shelf, I guess the early Percy Jackson books are still considered YA..? whatever, tangent) because sometimes even reading YA makes me feel old. So naturally I'm not the best judge of this story. It was cute.. mostly. I don't think I've read any Robin Hood retellings but I'm a huge fan of the Disney (shut up) and, of course, Men in Tights (the only version worth watching) so I was predisposed to liking this or at least knowing enough to keep going.
"There are two choices only that a man can make. Or a girl, of course. To shut your eyes and help only yourself, or to keep them open and shoulder the needs of the world."
Howard's version is Robin Hood after the glory days and a group, who call themselves the League of Archers, who basically through an assortment of events end up taking up the mantle of the outlaw and his group of merry men. I enjoyed that the author opened up a dialogue of how even heroes aren't immune to doing the wrong thing, that they make mistakes, choose poorly, and how often rumour isn't the truth.. or at least not all of it. It was really well done, especially as a message for children, but for me I only really enjoyed the story near the end after a certain reveal/confession.
I have an ARC of book two (sigh, cover-beauty click) and am curious to see where the story goes next.
"There are two choices only that a man can make. Or a girl, of course. To shut your eyes and help only yourself, or to keep them open and shoulder the needs of the world."
Howard's version is Robin Hood after the glory days and a group, who call themselves the League of Archers, who basically through an assortment of events end up taking up the mantle of the outlaw and his group of merry men. I enjoyed that the author opened up a dialogue of how even heroes aren't immune to doing the wrong thing, that they make mistakes, choose poorly, and how often rumour isn't the truth.. or at least not all of it. It was really well done, especially as a message for children, but for me I only really enjoyed the story near the end after a certain reveal/confession.
I have an ARC of book two (sigh, cover-beauty click) and am curious to see where the story goes next.
December 27, 2016
A nifty story for older "middle grade" readers - fun idea, with a new take on Robin Hood. But also, full of stuff that drives me nuts in too much of today's fiction ... the writer couldn't be bothered with research, and it shows. She has a tin ear for language, but worse, she has her characters eating tons of potatoes (a new world food) in the England of King John, who reigned well before Columbus sailed, and calling each other "kids" (baby goats only at that time) and various other anachronisms. More, she doesn't understand forest ecology at all.
Okay, you say - it's meant for kids. Who cares? The writer should - don't write historical fiction and fail to pay heed to history. It takes two minutes on Google to confirm one's facts. Her Sherwood never grew anywhere. Sigh. Kids might not care but the carelessness soured me on an otherwise fun story.
Okay, you say - it's meant for kids. Who cares? The writer should - don't write historical fiction and fail to pay heed to history. It takes two minutes on Google to confirm one's facts. Her Sherwood never grew anywhere. Sigh. Kids might not care but the carelessness soured me on an otherwise fun story.
April 15, 2019
That was a captivating adventure! For whoever likes Robin hood, Adventure, Archery, and multiple loveable characters needs to read this book!
Elinor Dray : An outlaw who has been blamed for Robin Hood's murder now must choose if she will run or rescue Maid Marrian. Was Robin Hood the person she thought him to be? Who is behind his murder? Will the League of Archers stick with her or must she do this alone?
Find out in the first book of Eva Howard's new series!
Elinor Dray : An outlaw who has been blamed for Robin Hood's murder now must choose if she will run or rescue Maid Marrian. Was Robin Hood the person she thought him to be? Who is behind his murder? Will the League of Archers stick with her or must she do this alone?
Find out in the first book of Eva Howard's new series!
June 17, 2021
Once upon a time, I had given this book fIvE stars. It now has fOuR. The reason my rating changed is because my weird self took to reading a bunch of reviews for this book. Thank you very much, my weird self.
I know the story of Robin Hood, though I still see all of the characters as animals (Thank you, Disney), and so when I saw this at the library, and realized it was about/in a character from the world of Robbin Hood/his world, I checked it out. I do not regret my decision, even though I am disappointed by the lack of research.
At first, I had greatly enjoyed it, ignoring certain flaws and the plainness of the story/characters, but now I realize that, even though I overlooked these things does not make them any less important, and that just because this is a ‘Middle Grade’ novel does not mean that it should be historically inaccurate, and have plain, paper-thin, undeveloped characters.
The fact that any author would “forget” *air quotes* to research the history that is necessary for their book’s storyline and accuracy is beyond me.
On that note, let us get to the good things;
- Ummm, wait a sec, I’m thinking
- The mystery. Although it totally came out of nowhere, it was good enough to keep me guessing.
- And yeah, that is basically it.
So, in conclusion, I would totally recommend this book to you…
…But, if I did I would make sure you knew that this book is not necessary historically accurate.
Thank you for reading my review, it is greatly appreciated.
Now, just one last thing; you probably have a good book on your shelf, somewhere, so get off of your device and go read! If you could spend enough time to read my review, then you must have time to actually read a rEaL bOoK!!!
Okay, that’s it! Goodbye for now. :)
I know the story of Robin Hood, though I still see all of the characters as animals (Thank you, Disney), and so when I saw this at the library, and realized it was about/in a character from the world of Robbin Hood/his world, I checked it out. I do not regret my decision, even though I am disappointed by the lack of research.
At first, I had greatly enjoyed it, ignoring certain flaws and the plainness of the story/characters, but now I realize that, even though I overlooked these things does not make them any less important, and that just because this is a ‘Middle Grade’ novel does not mean that it should be historically inaccurate, and have plain, paper-thin, undeveloped characters.
The fact that any author would “forget” *air quotes* to research the history that is necessary for their book’s storyline and accuracy is beyond me.
On that note, let us get to the good things;
- Ummm, wait a sec, I’m thinking
- The mystery. Although it totally came out of nowhere, it was good enough to keep me guessing.
- And yeah, that is basically it.
So, in conclusion, I would totally recommend this book to you…
…But, if I did I would make sure you knew that this book is not necessary historically accurate.
Thank you for reading my review, it is greatly appreciated.
Now, just one last thing; you probably have a good book on your shelf, somewhere, so get off of your device and go read! If you could spend enough time to read my review, then you must have time to actually read a rEaL bOoK!!!
Okay, that’s it! Goodbye for now. :)
July 19, 2017
This IS NOT historical fiction. Ok? It's just not. This is historical fantasy. It's s fun story. But it's definitely not even ATTEMPTING to be historically accurate. :/ plus, the kids have such good luck, that it's magic and the book practically confirms it when Tuck tells them they could only find the merry men's hideout if they were meant to find it.
Very vague, limited magic? Yeah, not historical fiction. Definitely historical fantasy. There's a difference.
Still, Enjoyable enough, but some definitely some flaws.
First off, it's a very exciting story.
It will definitely appeal to younger readers. And I'm definitely liking this "after death" kinda vibe. You usually only see what happens during Robin Hood's life, not an aftermath of his death. And rarely see people trying to keep up his legacy.
I also like that there's a bit about the sheriffs men. We don't often think about them. And when we do, it's Usually only as faceless, nameless challenges for Robin & company. The man in the tavern brought up an excellent point about how they were just regular men doing their jobs.
The action was fun. Definitely some bloodshed, but nothing to terribly dark for a middle grade novel. And I've read some fucked up shit in middle grade books, let me tell you! This was actually pretty mild compared to the darkness I've seen in other series.
The pacing was good, the story moving a long at a good pace. I never felt bored while reading this. Extra important for middle grade reading.
Some of the settings were very creative. I absolutely loved the major oak. :)
The characters were pretty good, even if most the League was kinda flat. I loved Tuck & Ellie was a decent main character. Definitely dealing with some moral dilemmas, there, aren't you? Robin Hood? I loved the mixed emotions everyone has about him. As Tuck put it, (I'm paraphrasing) "you know the legend. I knew the man." Such a complex character, even in death. I hope we get to learn more about him in book 2.
It could have been a 4 star review. But the author got some very basic things wrong and it bugged me, so only 3 stars.
1. There are not fucking potatoes in king John's England. Potatoes are a NEW WORLD FOOD. It takes two fucking seconds to google that. Writers, stop putting potatoes in Hood stories. It is just not ok.
2. A young teen like Ellie could not use Robin Hood's long bow. And she certainly couldn't plant an arrow all the way to the feathers in a tree. Sorry to burst your little girl power bubble. It's not sexist it's fucking fact. Grown man stronger than teenage girl. You know how hard it is for a grown man to pull back a longbow? It takes LOTS of muscle and lots of skill. Look it up. I'm all for girl power, but don't insult my intelligence as a reader.
3. Ok, so we state that peasants can't wear purple. Cause it's a royal color? 'Kay. I'lol buy that. But no one freaks out that girls (particularly an ex-novice nun) are running in pants? People couldn't dress above or below their social class in this time. And women certainly weren't allowed to dress like the men. :/
Ok. Done ranting. Some facts were gotten wrong but it was still a good story. I will be reading book 2 when it comes out. I just wish author's cared just a little bit more about facts. Just because it's "a kid's book" doesn't mean we should ignore research.
Recommended to fans of middle grade and Robin Hood books
Very vague, limited magic? Yeah, not historical fiction. Definitely historical fantasy. There's a difference.
Still, Enjoyable enough, but some definitely some flaws.
First off, it's a very exciting story.
It will definitely appeal to younger readers. And I'm definitely liking this "after death" kinda vibe. You usually only see what happens during Robin Hood's life, not an aftermath of his death. And rarely see people trying to keep up his legacy.
I also like that there's a bit about the sheriffs men. We don't often think about them. And when we do, it's Usually only as faceless, nameless challenges for Robin & company. The man in the tavern brought up an excellent point about how they were just regular men doing their jobs.
The action was fun. Definitely some bloodshed, but nothing to terribly dark for a middle grade novel. And I've read some fucked up shit in middle grade books, let me tell you! This was actually pretty mild compared to the darkness I've seen in other series.
The pacing was good, the story moving a long at a good pace. I never felt bored while reading this. Extra important for middle grade reading.
Some of the settings were very creative. I absolutely loved the major oak. :)
The characters were pretty good, even if most the League was kinda flat. I loved Tuck & Ellie was a decent main character. Definitely dealing with some moral dilemmas, there, aren't you? Robin Hood? I loved the mixed emotions everyone has about him. As Tuck put it, (I'm paraphrasing) "you know the legend. I knew the man." Such a complex character, even in death. I hope we get to learn more about him in book 2.
It could have been a 4 star review. But the author got some very basic things wrong and it bugged me, so only 3 stars.
1. There are not fucking potatoes in king John's England. Potatoes are a NEW WORLD FOOD. It takes two fucking seconds to google that. Writers, stop putting potatoes in Hood stories. It is just not ok.
2. A young teen like Ellie could not use Robin Hood's long bow. And she certainly couldn't plant an arrow all the way to the feathers in a tree. Sorry to burst your little girl power bubble. It's not sexist it's fucking fact. Grown man stronger than teenage girl. You know how hard it is for a grown man to pull back a longbow? It takes LOTS of muscle and lots of skill. Look it up. I'm all for girl power, but don't insult my intelligence as a reader.
3. Ok, so we state that peasants can't wear purple. Cause it's a royal color? 'Kay. I'lol buy that. But no one freaks out that girls (particularly an ex-novice nun) are running in pants? People couldn't dress above or below their social class in this time. And women certainly weren't allowed to dress like the men. :/
Ok. Done ranting. Some facts were gotten wrong but it was still a good story. I will be reading book 2 when it comes out. I just wish author's cared just a little bit more about facts. Just because it's "a kid's book" doesn't mean we should ignore research.
Recommended to fans of middle grade and Robin Hood books
January 27, 2018
urrrrrgh this is so frustrating.
1) As mentioned multiple times while reading, the adult part of the story was really what I was interested in, not a bunch of kids mysteriously holding their own against adult soldiers and adult villagers in MULTIPLE fight and chase scenes that all kind of rolled together.
2) In the end, the adult side of the story sidestepped out of really throwing the punch, which was disappointing. It's not that I WANT Robin Hood to turn out to have some bad aspects to him, necessarily, but if you say he does it can't just all be a misunderstanding in the end. One or the other are both fine options. Promising one and delivering the other just felt like a cheat.
3) So little research seems to have been done, it hurts me. Robin Hood doesn't need to be completely historically accurate and rarely is. But. gah.
4) Nothing about the baron's plan with Ellie seemed believable to me at any point. And why did he even feel the need to frame anyone? It doesn't make sense, and so many other plot points lean on it. It also requires
5) Overall I liked a lot of the IDEAS of the book better than the execution of it--things like having the lead character be in a nunnery and fairly okay with that, or wondering what happens when Robin's band gets old, and what if the band split over some huge problem, what would people who have adored Robin for years do with this situation? What happens when everyone gets a bit disillusioned and finds out that their heroes (and friends, leaders) are ordinary men and women who make mistakes?
Cool ideas, but overall a very mediocre reading experience for me.
1) As mentioned multiple times while reading, the adult part of the story was really what I was interested in, not a bunch of kids mysteriously holding their own against adult soldiers and adult villagers in MULTIPLE fight and chase scenes that all kind of rolled together.
2) In the end, the adult side of the story sidestepped out of really throwing the punch, which was disappointing. It's not that I WANT Robin Hood to turn out to have some bad aspects to him, necessarily, but if you say he does it can't just all be a misunderstanding in the end. One or the other are both fine options. Promising one and delivering the other just felt like a cheat.
3) So little research seems to have been done, it hurts me. Robin Hood doesn't need to be completely historically accurate and rarely is. But. gah.
4) Nothing about the baron's plan with Ellie seemed believable to me at any point. And why did he even feel the need to frame anyone? It doesn't make sense, and so many other plot points lean on it. It also requires
5) Overall I liked a lot of the IDEAS of the book better than the execution of it--things like having the lead character be in a nunnery and fairly okay with that, or wondering what happens when Robin's band gets old, and what if the band split over some huge problem, what would people who have adored Robin for years do with this situation? What happens when everyone gets a bit disillusioned and finds out that their heroes (and friends, leaders) are ordinary men and women who make mistakes?
Cool ideas, but overall a very mediocre reading experience for me.
February 14, 2021
While this book is far from perfect, I think it has a lot going for it. I really enjoyed the setting and how that affected the overall mood. I liked Ellie as a character, and the loyalty of her friends is just so heartwarming to see. All the members of the League of Archers are likable, but my favorite is probably Ralf, he’s adorable. Even though they’re very young, these characters have seen a lot of tragedy, and they just want to make a difference.
I think part of the reason I’ve enjoyed so much middle grade recently is that often, the protagonist is trying to make more responsible decisions. Ellie definitely fits this category. I found that I related to her more than I expected to. She’s trying to figure out how to do the right thing, and I respect that. This book actually takes some deep dives into ethical and philosophical dilemmas, and it’s written in a pretty interesting way.
I found the ending felt a little rushed and that there were still some unanswered questions.
Some of those were answered in the sequel and some went ignored.
All in all, while it’s not the most unique or groundbreaking book I’ve ever read, I really enjoyed it. I think this story has a lot of potential and I wish there was a book 3. I would like to see what impact the characters leave of the kingdom as they get older. I think this book deserves more recognition.
I think part of the reason I’ve enjoyed so much middle grade recently is that often, the protagonist is trying to make more responsible decisions. Ellie definitely fits this category. I found that I related to her more than I expected to. She’s trying to figure out how to do the right thing, and I respect that. This book actually takes some deep dives into ethical and philosophical dilemmas, and it’s written in a pretty interesting way.
I found the ending felt a little rushed and that there were still some unanswered questions.
Some of those were answered in the sequel and some went ignored.
All in all, while it’s not the most unique or groundbreaking book I’ve ever read, I really enjoyed it. I think this story has a lot of potential and I wish there was a book 3. I would like to see what impact the characters leave of the kingdom as they get older. I think this book deserves more recognition.
Read
October 20, 2016One of my middle grade read favorites! If you're looking for a brave and strong female protagonist, this book has got it. Can't wait for more adventures with the League of Archers!
January 19, 2017
If you enjoy the Robin Hood Legend you will enjoy this book! The book gives you a very Human side of Robin and his Merry Men.
March 19, 2018
I originally began reading this book since I made the new years resolution to read more middle grade fiction. I noticed that most of the books I’ve read in the middle grade genre are made up of either Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, so this needed to change. However, it is clear to me that this book will not be on the same level as those books, and I doubt I will come to remember this story in a few months time.
This book tells the story of novice nun Ellie Dry, a girl who idolizes Robin Hood and his Merry Men. One day while out hunting, she comes across the very man himself, and helps him to the abbess when he is shot in her presence with a poisoned arrow. He dies from his wound, and Ellie is blamed for the murder by the local barron. Now her and her friends, who call themselves The League of Archers, must fight to clear Ellie’s name and find the real killer, before the towns people hang her for it.
This is a story that middle schoolers may like as it contains a lot of action and it moves at a fast pace. I also like the theme of knowing the man versus the legend, and seeing how someone you admire can fall from grace so easily. This is something that a middle school student can learn and find interesting.
Yet, sadly this is the kind of book that, as an adult, I find simply lacking the rest of the time. We spend a lot of time with the League of Archers, but they all blend together. Ellie herself is a bit of a blank slate. I do not remember many of the characters in this book because they are all used for one purpose or another, and little else. Then, the idea of Robin Hood being more of a fallible man than a hero is an idea that is introduced and then dropped until the very end of the book, when it comes back up again. It just seems like it is something that, like everything else is used as a plot device, as opposed to anything substantial.
It is for these reasons that I am giving this book a two out of five. It may be nice for middle school readers, but for me, it was just lacking in so many areas.
This book tells the story of novice nun Ellie Dry, a girl who idolizes Robin Hood and his Merry Men. One day while out hunting, she comes across the very man himself, and helps him to the abbess when he is shot in her presence with a poisoned arrow. He dies from his wound, and Ellie is blamed for the murder by the local barron. Now her and her friends, who call themselves The League of Archers, must fight to clear Ellie’s name and find the real killer, before the towns people hang her for it.
This is a story that middle schoolers may like as it contains a lot of action and it moves at a fast pace. I also like the theme of knowing the man versus the legend, and seeing how someone you admire can fall from grace so easily. This is something that a middle school student can learn and find interesting.
Yet, sadly this is the kind of book that, as an adult, I find simply lacking the rest of the time. We spend a lot of time with the League of Archers, but they all blend together. Ellie herself is a bit of a blank slate. I do not remember many of the characters in this book because they are all used for one purpose or another, and little else. Then, the idea of Robin Hood being more of a fallible man than a hero is an idea that is introduced and then dropped until the very end of the book, when it comes back up again. It just seems like it is something that, like everything else is used as a plot device, as opposed to anything substantial.
It is for these reasons that I am giving this book a two out of five. It may be nice for middle school readers, but for me, it was just lacking in so many areas.
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July 15, 2020Twelve-year-old Elinor (Ellie) Dray is a novice nun who has always idolized Robin Hood. Along with her friends, Elinor creates a League of Archers who try to be like Robin Hood. They begin by hunting illegally on the lands belonging to the village Baron, to help feed their poor neighbors.
Returning from a hunting trip late one night, Ellie meets a man in the forest; a hunter just like her. He is shot by a poisoned arrow and Ellie manages to get him back to the nunnery. What ensues is a dilemma that involves Robin Hood, Maid Marian, the evil Baron and a mob of villagers set on hunting Ellie down for revenge!
The author successfully shows the price that one pays when taking the role of a thief, even when done for righteous reasons. Ellie and her Archers come to understand how trust and communication are lost if you are constantly stealing from others. The author also does not sugarcoat the fact that behaving outside of the law (even if the laws are bad) has its consequences.
While the internal struggles of Ellie is an integral part of the story, it does not dominate this suspenseful, and entertaining tale. For fans of the Robin Hood story, this book is loaded with enough medieval fantasy fiction, action and adventure to keep the pages turning and having a strong female protagonist is a great twist!
Returning from a hunting trip late one night, Ellie meets a man in the forest; a hunter just like her. He is shot by a poisoned arrow and Ellie manages to get him back to the nunnery. What ensues is a dilemma that involves Robin Hood, Maid Marian, the evil Baron and a mob of villagers set on hunting Ellie down for revenge!
The author successfully shows the price that one pays when taking the role of a thief, even when done for righteous reasons. Ellie and her Archers come to understand how trust and communication are lost if you are constantly stealing from others. The author also does not sugarcoat the fact that behaving outside of the law (even if the laws are bad) has its consequences.
While the internal struggles of Ellie is an integral part of the story, it does not dominate this suspenseful, and entertaining tale. For fans of the Robin Hood story, this book is loaded with enough medieval fantasy fiction, action and adventure to keep the pages turning and having a strong female protagonist is a great twist!
June 1, 2019
Ellie Dray, a novice spends her days in prayer and her evenings hunting and roaming the woods near her Abbey. However, when a tragic turn-of-events, has Elinor Dray accused of the murder of the famous or rather, infamous, Robin Hood, she is on the run, much like Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the Merry Men.
Joining her along the way are her friends, known amongst themselves as the League of Archers.
Robin Hood Fanatic Ralf, archer and shy Jacob, animal and environmental peacekeeper Margery, and snappy short tracker, Alice, all believe Elinor's innocence and vow to help her set things right.
A colorful cast of characters including the legendary Robin, Marian and others from the tales, joins the League in the quest to right the wrongs or to even track down Elinor for her "crime". Can she escape and dole out justice? Who really did kill Robin Hood? Find out in this action-packed story that shows that our heroes may not be so grand, that friendships delve deeper than we imagine, and that loyalty to a 'myth' may be the greatest form of support there is!
Joining her along the way are her friends, known amongst themselves as the League of Archers.
Robin Hood Fanatic Ralf, archer and shy Jacob, animal and environmental peacekeeper Margery, and snappy short tracker, Alice, all believe Elinor's innocence and vow to help her set things right.
A colorful cast of characters including the legendary Robin, Marian and others from the tales, joins the League in the quest to right the wrongs or to even track down Elinor for her "crime". Can she escape and dole out justice? Who really did kill Robin Hood? Find out in this action-packed story that shows that our heroes may not be so grand, that friendships delve deeper than we imagine, and that loyalty to a 'myth' may be the greatest form of support there is!
August 26, 2019
Twelve-year-old Ellie Dray’s mother sent her to the local nunnery and then was hanged. Orphaned Ellie and her friends, members of the League of Archers (a kind of Robin Hood fan club) meet up to hunt in secret. Imagine her horror when a stranger she meets one night in the woods is shot by a poisoned arrow and dies shortly after she drags him back to the convent—and he turns out to be Robin Hood. Imagine her surprise when her beloved abbess (who turns out to be Maid Marian) is arrested and sentenced to death by the nefarious Baron. Imagine her shock when, as the scapegoat, she is charged with the murder and the villagers turn against her. Ellie ends up on the run, with the League helping her to free Maid Marian and find the murderer of Robin Hood. As the League of Archers learns that some of the actions of their hero and his Merry Men had serious repercussions that ended in his death, they vow to fight the Baron’s injustices and care for the villagers, just like Robin Hood did.
June 19, 2019
It's a fun enough romp through the Sherwood Forest. I wasn't particularly wowed or emotionally moved, quite honestly, but I still enjoyed the adventure.
I had some trouble keeping the young characters straight, but the references and characters from the Robin Hood source material were nostalgic. I appreciated the more nuanced perspective of the mythical man himself. The setting of the novel was interesting as well, coming at a time when the man - still alive - has already begun to fade into legend but the problems and abject poverty of the Nottingham area is still very much alive.
Overall, it was fun enough for me to finish the book, but concurrently not particularly compelling or special.
I had some trouble keeping the young characters straight, but the references and characters from the Robin Hood source material were nostalgic. I appreciated the more nuanced perspective of the mythical man himself. The setting of the novel was interesting as well, coming at a time when the man - still alive - has already begun to fade into legend but the problems and abject poverty of the Nottingham area is still very much alive.
Overall, it was fun enough for me to finish the book, but concurrently not particularly compelling or special.
June 3, 2017
Ellie Dray is both a nun-in-training and leader of the League of Archers, a group she created with her friends to poach of the Baron's land and modeled after their hero Robin Hood's group. While returning home on night, Ellie meets her hero Robin Hood and moments later watches as he is shot with a poison arrow. After the Baron pins his death Ellie, she and her friends set off to clear her name and find Robin's true killer, while also trying to save Maid Marion from being executed.
I would recommend this book to upper level elementary school children who enjoy fantasy and action filled stories.
I would recommend this book to upper level elementary school children who enjoy fantasy and action filled stories.
October 11, 2017
This book was really good, though I felt like it was kind of slow in the middle. They were pretty much just going on a wild goose chase. But it really picked up in the end, and the person they were looking for ended up being the last person you would think it was. I also really liked the main character, Ellie. I got really attached to her, and it was pretty scary when some of the big things happened to her. I also liked Sister Mary Ursala. Even though she was kind of a villain, I thought she was pretty funny. The fact that all the characters from Robin Hood and all the places made it even better.
July 3, 2017
4 1/2 stars
Strong female lead, loved the premise, and so very glad that it carried all the way through to the end. Cannot wait for the sequel! Love that there was NO love interest--thank you! (Far too many books that are only interested in developing that...even as our MC fights for survival she must fight for love *sigh* Really?) Also glad that things did NOT wrap up neatly all the way around; life doesn't always have clear answers or work out the way we want. Thank you.
Strong female lead, loved the premise, and so very glad that it carried all the way through to the end. Cannot wait for the sequel! Love that there was NO love interest--thank you! (Far too many books that are only interested in developing that...even as our MC fights for survival she must fight for love *sigh* Really?) Also glad that things did NOT wrap up neatly all the way around; life doesn't always have clear answers or work out the way we want. Thank you.
May 23, 2017
I was prepared to love this. Female archer, set in Sherwood Forest? What an awesome starting point. I did enjoy the story, but longed for more descriptive details from the author's research. I needed more convincing that the character knew what it was like to really feel hungry, to walk for days, to hunt animals for food. Read a bit like fan-fiction at times, which I suppose it is in a way.
September 6, 2023
This was a fun little book, though I must say I don't agree with the library I borrowed it from marking it as historical fiction. Between the potatoes and the way the heroine is a 12 year old girl running around with Robin Hood's bow and nobody questions this, this is clearly taking place in the Hollywood fantasy version of the past and not one anywhere close to reality.
But the basic premise is neat and I do like some of what it does. Elinor is a novice nun living near Sherwood forest who sneaks out at night to hunt with her friends to help provide the villages and nuns with enough food to survive. One night she meets a mysterious stranger who proves to be Robin Hood, only for him to be fatally wounded. This reveals that the leader of the convent is Maid Marian, and when she's arrested and Elinor is blamed for Robin's death, she has to run off and go rogue to try to clear her name and save Marian.
I've never read much Robin Hood stuff, but I'm pretty sure a poison arrow is how he meets his end in a lot of the tales, so it's nice to have this set up as a sequel to the original stories. A lot of the book is about exploring Robin's legacy as a hero and the questions of what you do when you realize the reality of your idol is different from the stories told about him. It emerges that Robin definitely did kill people and wasn't quite as noble as he's portrayed, and it leads Elinor to try to figure out what she wants to do. Even Robin's murder isn't as straightforward as it seems, and I like the idea that the Merry Men have fallen apart over time, with only a few left who can be called up to help the new heroes.
The story isn't totally mindblowing and it definitely has some flaws in terms of historical accuracy and the logic of the main character being 12 when she's doing all of this in a Medieval setting. But it's a reasonably enjoyable read and I imagine a target audience of kids hungry for more heroic female archers would have fun with this book. I'm surprised that there's only one sequel, since the premise feels like one that could support a number of stories. Overall, I had a fun enough time with this, though it's not going to rocket to the top of my favorite kids books all of a sudden.
But the basic premise is neat and I do like some of what it does. Elinor is a novice nun living near Sherwood forest who sneaks out at night to hunt with her friends to help provide the villages and nuns with enough food to survive. One night she meets a mysterious stranger who proves to be Robin Hood, only for him to be fatally wounded. This reveals that the leader of the convent is Maid Marian, and when she's arrested and Elinor is blamed for Robin's death, she has to run off and go rogue to try to clear her name and save Marian.
I've never read much Robin Hood stuff, but I'm pretty sure a poison arrow is how he meets his end in a lot of the tales, so it's nice to have this set up as a sequel to the original stories. A lot of the book is about exploring Robin's legacy as a hero and the questions of what you do when you realize the reality of your idol is different from the stories told about him. It emerges that Robin definitely did kill people and wasn't quite as noble as he's portrayed, and it leads Elinor to try to figure out what she wants to do. Even Robin's murder isn't as straightforward as it seems, and I like the idea that the Merry Men have fallen apart over time, with only a few left who can be called up to help the new heroes.
The story isn't totally mindblowing and it definitely has some flaws in terms of historical accuracy and the logic of the main character being 12 when she's doing all of this in a Medieval setting. But it's a reasonably enjoyable read and I imagine a target audience of kids hungry for more heroic female archers would have fun with this book. I'm surprised that there's only one sequel, since the premise feels like one that could support a number of stories. Overall, I had a fun enough time with this, though it's not going to rocket to the top of my favorite kids books all of a sudden.
January 23, 2022
🏹🎯❤💙LEAGUE OF ARCHERS 💙❤🎯🏹
Elinor Dray, has always dreamt of meeting her idol Robin Hood, and creating her own Merry Men. One day after hunting with her League of Archers, she meets Robin Hood. Robin Hood dies in an instant, shot down by a arrow, and Ellie is framed. An outcast Ellie runs away. With Maid Marian captured, Ellie must find the Merry Men, along with her friends the League of Archers.
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐨. I hoped for more adventure, and in certain parts it did slow down. I do remember a little bit of the Robin Hood tale, and this was a sequel to Robin Hood. Our main character Elinor Dray was the perfect amount of good and bad, but she was a lot like every-other-female-protagonist.
The other characters were a lot like other side-characters too but were good ones. I enjoyed the cast of League of Archers, Ellie, Ralf, Jason, Alice, and Margery. There loyalty, and the crew were amazing. The whole bow and arrow concept was cool, and I loved the whole archer-fight scenes and themes.
The whole thing started with Ellie being framed, and the plot met a lot of dead ends. A lot o the time they went to places but it ended about being a dead-end, and not necessary to the plot. The plot was still fast paced, easy to follow, and a quick read.
League of Archer has a unique plot that I don't see too often, and I enjoyed it. The plot twist was pretty good, but the thing is this book is the type of book where I won't really remember the characters and plot after a long time.
This was still a fun read for those interested in Robin Hood, archery, murder-mystery, and friendship.
🆗CHARACTERS
🆗PLOT
🆗PLOT TWIST
🏹🎯❤💙CHARACTERS 💙❤🎯🏹
🆗ELLIE
🆗RALF
🆗JASON
🆗MARGERY
🆗ALICE
🏹🎯❤💙CONCLUSION 💙❤🎯🏹
A good read!
Elinor Dray, has always dreamt of meeting her idol Robin Hood, and creating her own Merry Men. One day after hunting with her League of Archers, she meets Robin Hood. Robin Hood dies in an instant, shot down by a arrow, and Ellie is framed. An outcast Ellie runs away. With Maid Marian captured, Ellie must find the Merry Men, along with her friends the League of Archers.
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐨. I hoped for more adventure, and in certain parts it did slow down. I do remember a little bit of the Robin Hood tale, and this was a sequel to Robin Hood. Our main character Elinor Dray was the perfect amount of good and bad, but she was a lot like every-other-female-protagonist.
The other characters were a lot like other side-characters too but were good ones. I enjoyed the cast of League of Archers, Ellie, Ralf, Jason, Alice, and Margery. There loyalty, and the crew were amazing. The whole bow and arrow concept was cool, and I loved the whole archer-fight scenes and themes.
The whole thing started with Ellie being framed, and the plot met a lot of dead ends. A lot o the time they went to places but it ended about being a dead-end, and not necessary to the plot. The plot was still fast paced, easy to follow, and a quick read.
League of Archer has a unique plot that I don't see too often, and I enjoyed it. The plot twist was pretty good, but the thing is this book is the type of book where I won't really remember the characters and plot after a long time.
This was still a fun read for those interested in Robin Hood, archery, murder-mystery, and friendship.
🆗CHARACTERS
🆗PLOT
🆗PLOT TWIST
🏹🎯❤💙CHARACTERS 💙❤🎯🏹
🆗ELLIE
🆗RALF
🆗JASON
🆗MARGERY
🆗ALICE
🏹🎯❤💙CONCLUSION 💙❤🎯🏹
A good read!
February 14, 2024
honestly I've been on such a depressing reading slump that the fact that I wasn't desperately bored is enough to bump this to an intensely average 3. I don't read a lot of MG these days so I feel bad skewering it on much, anyway (besides the occasional "Mr." that got dropped in instead of Master, and the spelling of draught as "draft," and the lackluster prose in general, and the interchangeability of the kid characters besides Ellie and Alice). And I always applaud a female MG protagonist with a dead body count - multiple bodies, even, taken with intention! I say "always," though, as if I've ever read one. Good going, Ellie, and I think Alice might have an even longer list.
It's also been a really, really long time since I read a good Robin Hood book, and while this isn't a GOOD one, it's pretty okay, and absolutely the least annoying "spirited Special Girl takes over the Robin Hood name" type that I can remember. I am also very, very fond of this Maid Marian, what can I say.
It's also been a really, really long time since I read a good Robin Hood book, and while this isn't a GOOD one, it's pretty okay, and absolutely the least annoying "spirited Special Girl takes over the Robin Hood name" type that I can remember. I am also very, very fond of this Maid Marian, what can I say.
September 26, 2021
I loved this book. I loved the plot line. And I enjoyed seeing some of Robin hood's old friends. And I think she is the prefect one to be in charge of the league of archers. She has friends willing to fight for justice and give to the poor and sick. I just had so many thoughts running through my head while reading it. I just kept connecting the dots together. It is worth a try to read it. You won't be disappointed about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
I loved this book. It took a well known story and swapped it to a girl's point of view, if you like this book I would definitely recommend Hawksmaid, another Robin-hood retale from a girl's point of view, except this time she is friends with him, and he is one of the main characters instead of a side one.
October 21, 2020
I liked this book very much. I liked Ellie's story and what she did try to save Maid Marian and all. I think I just like the characters that fight, and know how to use a bow and arrow. I found this book very similar to The Hunger Games and I liked that. I recommend this book to anyone who liked the Hunger Games trilogy.
February 13, 2017
Ellie and her friends have grown up hearing stories of Robin Hood and playing out the legends as their own League of Archers. But it all gets real the night Ellie meets the real Robin Hood, witnesses his murder, and becomes an outlaw in her own right.
May 22, 2017
I really liked this book and am eager to read the next. It's a spin off on the adventures of Robin Hood. This is generally the next generation who call themselves, the League of Archers. It's really well written, with a great twist.
July 10, 2017
Loved the clever spin-off—especially the girl hero in this classic world of Robin Hood and His Merry Men! Filed with courageous kids ready to take a stand for good against evil, and to take the difficult path even when an easier one is available.
January 22, 2018
Loved this updated tale of Robin Hood and his Merry Men! Only this time, Ellie Dray is the hero as she takes the reins from a flawed and very human, Robin Hood. Ellie provides new insights of the man as she learns that all violence has a cost. Great strong female protagonist.
February 28, 2017
This entertaining adventure story should appeal to fans of The Ranger's Apprentice books.
May 22, 2017
A nice, if predictable, addition to the Sherwood genre. Fails to address the issues inherent in being a lone female in the woods, or the work necessary to become the shot Ellie is.
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