What do you think?
League of Archers #2
The Stolen Crown
Ellie Dray and her League of Archers are keeping Robin Hood’s legacy alive by stealing from the rich to help the poor, but when they discover someone is trying to steal the crown, they learn that some things may be out of their league.
Ellie and her League of Archers are still on the run—living in Sherwood Forest, trying to protect the good parts of Robin Hood’s legacy by helping the poor in the neighboring villages and eluding the Baron’s men. But then King John dies unexpectedly and Ellie learns of a plot to kidnap the new king—who’s just a boy—and steal the throne. Can the League stop this scheme before it’s too late?
Kirkus Reviews described League of Archers as a book that “doesn’t shy away from deep moral dilemmas often unexplored in middle grade novels and important to acknowledge in a story with life-or-death stakes.” And Booklist said that it was a “highly enjoyable adventure story that should appeal to a wide range of readers.”
Ellie and her League of Archers are still on the run—living in Sherwood Forest, trying to protect the good parts of Robin Hood’s legacy by helping the poor in the neighboring villages and eluding the Baron’s men. But then King John dies unexpectedly and Ellie learns of a plot to kidnap the new king—who’s just a boy—and steal the throne. Can the League stop this scheme before it’s too late?
Kirkus Reviews described League of Archers as a book that “doesn’t shy away from deep moral dilemmas often unexplored in middle grade novels and important to acknowledge in a story with life-or-death stakes.” And Booklist said that it was a “highly enjoyable adventure story that should appeal to a wide range of readers.”
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 5, 2017
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 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 17, 2017
Having just read LEAGUE OF ARCHERS and having been happy with the way it ended, I went into THE STOLEN CROWN with higher expectations than maybe I should have.
While I thought the story itself -- evil baron still being evil, killing the King, kidnapping the heir, and a newcomer upsetting the dynamic of the League of Archers/Merry Men -- was good, including all the shades of grey and second chances dialogue geared towards little teaching moments for children, the characters themselves didn't impress me much this time around. Ellie was already a bit of a special snowflake in book one and in book two it's almost worse.. except we do see people questioning her choices and doubting her. The problem became the newcomer on the scene who I felt had a bit of a whirldwind and chaotic personality arc. Perhaps this is something younger readers wouldn't question but alas as a not-young reader, and I know I'm the wrong demographic so it's kinda my fault for being critical of it, it didn't exactly work for me.
There's a lot of good in Howard's story, a lot of smart writing, but I do wish some more emphasis would be given to the supporting cast. They are by far the more interesting to read about and thankfully in this installment we actually got to see some of their individuality. But I'd still like more in future books (if there are to be any more). My other major nitpick is that it got harder and harder to believe twelve year olds were capable of everything they did.. including taking out grown men trained to fight. They seemed lucky and plucky in the first installment but this time around you really had to suspend your disbelief when it came to their abilities and successes. Overall I think these are probably great for young readers but likely would've been a bigger hit if the niche had been YA instead.
2.5 stars
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
While I thought the story itself -- evil baron still being evil, killing the King, kidnapping the heir, and a newcomer upsetting the dynamic of the League of Archers/Merry Men -- was good, including all the shades of grey and second chances dialogue geared towards little teaching moments for children, the characters themselves didn't impress me much this time around. Ellie was already a bit of a special snowflake in book one and in book two it's almost worse.. except we do see people questioning her choices and doubting her. The problem became the newcomer on the scene who I felt had a bit of a whirldwind and chaotic personality arc. Perhaps this is something younger readers wouldn't question but alas as a not-young reader, and I know I'm the wrong demographic so it's kinda my fault for being critical of it, it didn't exactly work for me.
There's a lot of good in Howard's story, a lot of smart writing, but I do wish some more emphasis would be given to the supporting cast. They are by far the more interesting to read about and thankfully in this installment we actually got to see some of their individuality. But I'd still like more in future books (if there are to be any more). My other major nitpick is that it got harder and harder to believe twelve year olds were capable of everything they did.. including taking out grown men trained to fight. They seemed lucky and plucky in the first installment but this time around you really had to suspend your disbelief when it came to their abilities and successes. Overall I think these are probably great for young readers but likely would've been a bigger hit if the niche had been YA instead.
2.5 stars
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
August 18, 2017
I really like this series. It's a deep, thrilling adventure story without magic ! Featuring a girl leader!
Reviewed for SLJ.
Reviewed for SLJ.
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2020page 34 of 304 of The Stolen Crown: DNF - yeah so I got bored, also I kinda had to suspend my disbelief. The first book was cute, a little feisty, and a little too long but that's that it should've stayed as one book. I'm a completionist so this hurts me but nah I'm not gonna torture myself.
December 5, 2017
For a sequel I didn't expect, I rather enjoyed this. I like the spin on the Robin Hood mythos and I felt like the struggles of the League were realistic here - they are still children, after all, and with extremely lofty goals in a time and place when dreams are more dangerous than inspiring. I felt as if the twist with Tom was extremely obvious, but may present as less so to a younger reader. Overall, pleased I gave it a shot, but would be content if this doesn't become an ongoing series.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital advance reader's copy, provided via Edelweiss.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital advance reader's copy, provided via Edelweiss.
January 23, 2020
“We've stolen from the rich to give to the poor.”
“Like Robin Hood.”
-Ellie & Ralf, page 297
Publication: December 5th 2017
Synopsis: "We're the League of Archers! You know the Merry Men? We're like them."
Ever since Ellie and her friends saved Maid Marian from execution, the Lord de Lays has been taking his anger out on the villagers, raising taxes and imprisoning those who can't pay.
But the League of Archers has an idea, and if it works, it will bring freedom to the poor.
Everything goes according to plan...until King John is murdered before Ellie's eyes.
As a result, unrest is rising. The longer the people go without a king, the more vulnerable Nottingham becomes. And when Ellie learns of the Lord's plan to kidnap the crown prince, civil war seems imminent. Can the League of Archers make sure the new king is crowned before it's too late?
Review/Thoughts: I went far to long not knowing there was more to the story of Elinor Dray. I loved the first book, and I thought if ended on a great note. The perfect ending. I guess I wasn't really expecting a book 2. I love her story, so I'm not complaining that she did end up getting a second book.
This book was great. It introduced some new characters, and struggles. In this book Ellie and her League are trying to build a farm, a safe haven from Lord de Lays for the very people he has kicked off their land. But building something like that doesn't come cheep. Ellie poses as a servant at one of King John's parties in hopes to steal the money needed. Let's just things go very wrong and we end up meeting Stephen.
When we first met him, I took a liking to him. There was something about him that I really did like. I was sure I had found my new favorite character. He ends up joining the League and while things start out okay they don't stay that way. Halfway through the book I lost a lost of respect for this character. He was just so rude and...agh! He just got on my nerves. He did end up getting a nice redemption, a second chance to prove his worth, but by the end of the book he just wasn't my favorite any more. That being said, I don't really know if I have a favorite character for this series.
I felt for Elinor Dray in this book. My heart ached for the struggles she had to face between her friends, Stephen, and doing her best to build up the safe haven from Lord de Lays.
One thing I would have loved to see throughout, well, both books was Robin himself. He was briefly in the he first, but I would have loved to see how he personally reacted to Ellie's decisions and what she was striving for with the League. We got to see how Marian and Tuck reacted to it all, but I would have loved to see how Robin Hood would have reacted and thought about what she was doing.
This was a very interesting second book and quite an quick easy read, very enjoyable. I do think the first book is defienlty better than this one. I just think it has a better storyline and it was even more enjoyable for myself personally.
~Till the next Chapter~
You can also find me on:
WordPress: https://wordpress.com/post/areaderswo...
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“Like Robin Hood.”
-Ellie & Ralf, page 297
Publication: December 5th 2017
Synopsis: "We're the League of Archers! You know the Merry Men? We're like them."
Ever since Ellie and her friends saved Maid Marian from execution, the Lord de Lays has been taking his anger out on the villagers, raising taxes and imprisoning those who can't pay.
But the League of Archers has an idea, and if it works, it will bring freedom to the poor.
Everything goes according to plan...until King John is murdered before Ellie's eyes.
As a result, unrest is rising. The longer the people go without a king, the more vulnerable Nottingham becomes. And when Ellie learns of the Lord's plan to kidnap the crown prince, civil war seems imminent. Can the League of Archers make sure the new king is crowned before it's too late?
Review/Thoughts: I went far to long not knowing there was more to the story of Elinor Dray. I loved the first book, and I thought if ended on a great note. The perfect ending. I guess I wasn't really expecting a book 2. I love her story, so I'm not complaining that she did end up getting a second book.
This book was great. It introduced some new characters, and struggles. In this book Ellie and her League are trying to build a farm, a safe haven from Lord de Lays for the very people he has kicked off their land. But building something like that doesn't come cheep. Ellie poses as a servant at one of King John's parties in hopes to steal the money needed. Let's just things go very wrong and we end up meeting Stephen.
When we first met him, I took a liking to him. There was something about him that I really did like. I was sure I had found my new favorite character. He ends up joining the League and while things start out okay they don't stay that way. Halfway through the book I lost a lost of respect for this character. He was just so rude and...agh! He just got on my nerves. He did end up getting a nice redemption, a second chance to prove his worth, but by the end of the book he just wasn't my favorite any more. That being said, I don't really know if I have a favorite character for this series.
I felt for Elinor Dray in this book. My heart ached for the struggles she had to face between her friends, Stephen, and doing her best to build up the safe haven from Lord de Lays.
One thing I would have loved to see throughout, well, both books was Robin himself. He was briefly in the he first, but I would have loved to see how he personally reacted to Ellie's decisions and what she was striving for with the League. We got to see how Marian and Tuck reacted to it all, but I would have loved to see how Robin Hood would have reacted and thought about what she was doing.
This was a very interesting second book and quite an quick easy read, very enjoyable. I do think the first book is defienlty better than this one. I just think it has a better storyline and it was even more enjoyable for myself personally.
~Till the next Chapter~
You can also find me on:
WordPress: https://wordpress.com/post/areaderswo...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shylas_sher...
January 25, 2022
🏹🎯❤💙THE STOLEN CROWN💙❤🎯🏹
Ellie Dray watches as the king is killed before her eyes. When the barons son Stephen helps her escape the castle and begs to join the League of Archers. Together they must hope that they can help the crown prince ascend to the throne.
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏. I found that in with both books in the League of Archers duology the beginning is riveting and a precursor to a amazing story. It pulls you in with a quick start and a interesting premise.
Around the middle of the book the plot slowly slowed down to the point were it seemed aimless. It was a lot like a filler filling up the time till we really got into the story. At first I wasn't really sure if a book 2 would be necessary. If you think about at least in my perspective it didn't add too much to the plot or book 1.
The beginning starts with a repetition "someone being murdered, Ellie framed, and a outlaw." I still wish though the side characters are good, I wanted a deeper delve into there character. Ellie herself isn't that complex, she mostly wants to be a hero and save everyone. I found it annoying at times when she said "what would Robin Hood do." She wanted to follow Robin Hoods path and be like him but 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧.
There were many paths they took that ended up being aimlessly unneeded. A lot of things happened in to the League that didn't need to be there. It was interesting I liked Ellie, she was strong brave, but most of all I found Stephen the most intriguing character. Even though he was just introduced he seems the most complex of the group. He had redeeming, and a interesting story, moral, and made mistakes in which he 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
The plot twist was okay. The pacing was not the best. The characters are okay. This was overall a okay book, I'm unsure what to exactly rate this. I was going between 2.5 ( it was okay) or 3 I liked it. This book does have its good parts, and I speed through it quickly.
🏹🎯❤💙CHARACTERS💙❤🎯🏹
🆗ELLIE
🆗RALF
🆗JASON
🆗MARGERY
🆗ALICE
✅STEPHEN
🏹🎯❤💙CONCLUSION💙❤🎯🏹
For fans of archery and Robin Hood!
Ellie Dray watches as the king is killed before her eyes. When the barons son Stephen helps her escape the castle and begs to join the League of Archers. Together they must hope that they can help the crown prince ascend to the throne.
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏. I found that in with both books in the League of Archers duology the beginning is riveting and a precursor to a amazing story. It pulls you in with a quick start and a interesting premise.
Around the middle of the book the plot slowly slowed down to the point were it seemed aimless. It was a lot like a filler filling up the time till we really got into the story. At first I wasn't really sure if a book 2 would be necessary. If you think about at least in my perspective it didn't add too much to the plot or book 1.
The beginning starts with a repetition "someone being murdered, Ellie framed, and a outlaw." I still wish though the side characters are good, I wanted a deeper delve into there character. Ellie herself isn't that complex, she mostly wants to be a hero and save everyone. I found it annoying at times when she said "what would Robin Hood do." She wanted to follow Robin Hoods path and be like him but 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧.
There were many paths they took that ended up being aimlessly unneeded. A lot of things happened in to the League that didn't need to be there. It was interesting I liked Ellie, she was strong brave, but most of all I found Stephen the most intriguing character. Even though he was just introduced he seems the most complex of the group. He had redeeming, and a interesting story, moral, and made mistakes in which he 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
The plot twist was okay. The pacing was not the best. The characters are okay. This was overall a okay book, I'm unsure what to exactly rate this. I was going between 2.5 ( it was okay) or 3 I liked it. This book does have its good parts, and I speed through it quickly.
🏹🎯❤💙CHARACTERS💙❤🎯🏹
🆗ELLIE
🆗RALF
🆗JASON
🆗MARGERY
🆗ALICE
✅STEPHEN
🏹🎯❤💙CONCLUSION💙❤🎯🏹
For fans of archery and Robin Hood!
October 22, 2019
*actual rating is 3.5 stars*
This was quite good, however, it was too similar to the first book for me to read them back to back.
Overall, I liked this series and would recommend it to kids and teens that like retellings, books set in the Middle Ages, or action-packed novels (with bows and arrows!).
This was quite good, however, it was too similar to the first book for me to read them back to back.
Overall, I liked this series and would recommend it to kids and teens that like retellings, books set in the Middle Ages, or action-packed novels (with bows and arrows!).
August 11, 2026
so I read this a long time ago and its probably not as well written as I remember🤣
but its a very fun middle grade read and I enjoyed it a lot when I first read it.
language 1/10
violence 2/10
suggestive content/romance 1/10
LGBT content: no
other: no
but its a very fun middle grade read and I enjoyed it a lot when I first read it.
language 1/10
violence 2/10
suggestive content/romance 1/10
LGBT content: no
other: no
June 21, 2018
Best way to end a series!!!!!!
I loved it 10 out of 5 stars!!!!! I want another
I loved it 10 out of 5 stars!!!!! I want another
November 3, 2019
Sequel to MSBA-nominated League of Archers. Brave Ellie Dray is back in this new post-Robin Hood world adventure.
September 28, 2020
It was super amazing, lots of suspense and keeps you reading till 11 at night!
Read
May 12, 2021exciting
November 5, 2025
I enjoyed it just as much as the first one
May 9, 2018
Ellie and her League of Archers have been fighting against Lord de Lay by providing a haven for destitute villagers affected by his tyranny. Ellie’s goal is to create a self-sustaining farm inside Sherwood Forest, but they lack money. With no other choice, the League begins stealing from the rich to help the forest refugees. One of Ellie’s stealing adventures goes horribly wrong when she witnesses King John’s murder, a plot devised by de Lays to take over the throne. Luckily, de Lays’ son, Stephen, helps Ellie escape and then later begs to join the League. Ellie reluctantly agrees, and Stephen’s presence begins to splinter the League’s tight knit bond.
Just as adventurous and suspenseful as the first book, Ellie and her League of Archers get caught up in another evil plot with Lord de Lays, only this time it has royal consequences and friendship casualties. When Ellie lets Stephen de Lays join the League, the only thing she is sure of is his hatred for his father. But Ellie soon learns that Stephen’s hatred doesn’t mean he agrees with every decision Ellie makes as the League’s leader. Stephen’s influence sparks a harsh division between Ellie and her dearest friends, causing the League to almost fall apart. Only by fighting for what she knows is right and finding common ground with Stephen does Ellie finally gain healing and unity with her beloved League of Archers. Another thrilling ride-of-a-read, League of Archers: The Stolen Crown is a fantastic follow-up from Howard’s first book. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.
(Review found on Children’s Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
Just as adventurous and suspenseful as the first book, Ellie and her League of Archers get caught up in another evil plot with Lord de Lays, only this time it has royal consequences and friendship casualties. When Ellie lets Stephen de Lays join the League, the only thing she is sure of is his hatred for his father. But Ellie soon learns that Stephen’s hatred doesn’t mean he agrees with every decision Ellie makes as the League’s leader. Stephen’s influence sparks a harsh division between Ellie and her dearest friends, causing the League to almost fall apart. Only by fighting for what she knows is right and finding common ground with Stephen does Ellie finally gain healing and unity with her beloved League of Archers. Another thrilling ride-of-a-read, League of Archers: The Stolen Crown is a fantastic follow-up from Howard’s first book. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.
(Review found on Children’s Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
March 6, 2018
I really liked the first book in this series and I really liked the second one too. I liked it because of the time frame it took place in and because of all the action and mystery in it. I really like books that take place in the medieval ages because of the style of fighting they had then. A good book for any one who likes robin hood and other things in that time period.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews