Wild Boy

Rowan Hood #4

by Nancy Springer

Ever since the Sheriff of Nottingham killed his father, Rook has run wild in Sherwood Forest, dreaming of his day for vengeance. Finally, he has found his chance. Not with the sheriff himself, but with the evil man’s son, snared by one of the mantraps his own father planted to catch outlaws such as Rook. Filled with clashes of sword and emotion, this page-turning installment in Nancy Springer’s Tales of Rowan Hood series will leave readers eager to return to Sherwood, where outlaws are often innocent, and survival is no game.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical, Adventure, Fiction

115 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2004

About the author

BIO -- NANCY SPRINGER


Nancy Springer has passed the fifty-book milestone, having written that many novels for adults, young adults and children, in genres including mythic fantasy, contemporary fiction, magical realism, horror, and mystery -- although she did not realize she wrote mystery until she won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America two years in succession. DARK LIE, recently released from NAL, is her first venture into mass-market psychological suspense.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Nancy Springer moved with her family to Gettysburg, of Civil War fame, when she was thirteen. She spent the next forty-six years in Pennsylvania, raising two children (Jonathan, now 38, and Nora, 34), writing, horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching. In 2007 she surprised her friends and herself by moving with her second husband to an isolated area of the Florida panhandle, where the birdwatching is spectacular and where, when fishing, she occasionally catches an alligator.

Reviews

[Hannahreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was fun revisiting a favorite from my younger years. (On audio.)

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Continuing the Rowan Hood series, I was a bit reticent to pick up this installment. I've been a bit meh about this series overall, and haven't really gotten into the whole 'each book being about the backstory of a different character' thing.

Added to that the fact that Rook, while an interesting character, has always been on the periphery, and I didn't really know what to expect from this book.

That said - it ended up being one of my, if not thee, favorites of the series. Rook's story is touching and sad, and his character transformation is one of the most natural of the stories so far.

It's still lacking the connection with the wider world at large, though we did have the introduction of Tod, the Sheriff's son, who was an interesting parallel for Rook.

As to the other characters, Rowan continues strong, though Beau and Lionel are a bit annoying with their bickering and whatnot - though there were some nice moments with Beau and Rook.

Most pleasantly Robin came across as more heroic in this book than the others. He had that mixture of strength and gentleness, and wasn't as much of a flippant git as he often was in the earlier books. Much improvement all around.

I'm curious as to how the last book in the series will tie everything off. Time will tell, I suppose.

[EJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a whole lot of teenage angst and melodrama going on in this series.

[Steven Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most enjoyable of these books so far...

I mean again we sort of have the third book in a row where the villain is the abusive father of one of the characters thing, but at least this time it's a little bit different with the twist of Rook having to deal with his feelings about his father's death at the hands of another character's father...

I think what really makes this book standout is that there's an incredible amount of character growth for Rook in this story. With "Lionclaw" and "Outlaw Princess of Sherwood" both Lionel and Etty aren't changed that much by the story. They experience some growth but on the whole remain the same people (just with a modified outlook) at the end.

In this book, Rook really undergoes a transformation. He goes from hating Tod and wanting him to die at the beginning to wishing he could leave with him at the end (I'll admit it's very hard for me not to read this as romantic.) Rook lets go of the pain he's been carrying and drops the facade of being a wolf or a wild thing that feels nothing and cares about no one.

I can't possibly imagine how this series could end (because it feels like it's still getting started) but I am curious to find out.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just have to say, I'm not much of a reader, but I liked this book. I would recommend it to people who are like me. This book is about the back story of one of Robin Hood's fellow out-laws and the sheriff of Nottinham's son. In the story it talks about how they live in the woods. Everything is going fine and dandy, until one day a boy rides though the woods. The out-laws kidnap the boy to question him, and find out he is the sheriff of Nottingham's son. He snuck out and stole a horse to go to the woods to bring back an out-law to try to gain his father's respect. The out-laws keep him hostage, but one day he escapes and gets caught in one of his father's man traps. Some of the out-laws didn't want to save him. Later in the book, one of the out-laws gets kidnapped, so they arrange a trade. The sheriff's son for the out-law. What happens will probably suprise you.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This character had the most random introduction in the series, but his book was a lot of fun. I loved seeing the world through his eyes and how his thought process worked. I also really enjoyed the plot and the new character of the Sheriff's son. The Sheriff's son might actually be my favorite character in the whole series, outside of Robin Hood (I love this version of Robin).

Overall, it was a great exploration of Rook and how he fits into everything, as well as how he has to deal with the trauma in his life. I love how the forest is described through his eyes, as well as the transitions with how his relationship changes with the wild. I loved the Sheriff's son and the ending made me a bit sad with him, as I was hoping things would go in a different direction, but... It was still a satisfying conclusion.

[C.J. Milbrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the fourth installment in the tales of Rowan Hood's outlaw band, we learn the truth about their unkempt, unsmiling, untamed member.

Wild boys and wild boars. Freckled noses and matted hair. Bruised ribs and battered hopes. Resurfacing memories and brave boys. In this volume, we have Rook's story, which neatly unfolds alongside Tod's (a runaway from Nottingham). Ah, my heart ached for them. With Robin Hood's help, both boys find some measure of comfort and resolve where their respective fathers are concerned. Bittersweet and hopeful.

[Elzbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the Rowan hood serious and honestly, this book just falls in with the others I’ve enjoyed. My only complaint overall is the length of the books isn’t enough to really get to know the characters. Or maybe that it’s more narrative heavy and you get inside their heads less. Either way, I don’t connect with the characters on a personal level. But you know? That’s okay. Not every series has to do that. Sometimes you come across a series that you don’t necessarily connect with, but you still get, you still love and you still read over and over. And for me, this is that series.

[Abigail G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book about Rook because he intrigued me. His story was difficult because unlike the others he wouldn't let himself trust and that led to him fighting until the very end. Even after he accepted that he could be open with the others he still had to fight the habits that he had formed. Now of course there was still the fun adventure of the story but it showed the pervasiveness of the root of bitterness.

[Courtenay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biggest part of this story for me were the descriptions of fathers and sons, living and dead. Springer weaves a loving story of Outlaws and those who hunt them, as well as lost sons and those who want them, or simply tolerate them. This is Rook’s story and it’s a good one - rebellion, grief, acceptance, survival. I feel as if I’m in the story, so I feel it deeply. CoVid isolation? Good storytelling? Whatever it is, 5 stars!

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth installment of Springer's Rowan Hood series focusing on Rook, the wild forest boy. We learn his father was caught in a man trap and killed by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Rook learns about forgiveness, humility, and compassion as he grapples with the sheriff's son who was similarly wounded in a mantrap. This was a nice addition to the series as it explores difficult themes we all need to learn about.

[Nav · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still think this series would likely be improved if the novels were bound together in a single book that lets the characters grow together (and better support one another) instead of a hyper focus on each one's individual coming of age. Though abusive fathers is once again a concern of this part of the series, the main focus of this is grappling with grief.

[Mary K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

An unsatisfying back story about Rook; I was disappointed at the lack of believability and nuance.
And yes, I know this is juvenile literature but as a fourth in the series, it was better not written.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

See the first book in the series for a full review.

[Candace Smith-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book in the series. I like Rook's story & characters arc more than Rowan's🤣

[Library Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 2.75

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fine tale in this series.

[Annette Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how this series delves into each unique member of the Rowan Wood band of outlaws. The stories just build and build book to book.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars-good character arc

[Kalynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers if you've not read the first books.

A short but poignant addition to the Rowan Hood series. We finally hear Rook’s tale, why he is who he is. His story isn’t entirely surprising if you’ve read the other books (it’s a tad predictable), but it’s still well written. This would definitely be my second favorite book.

Springer keeps the world solidly consistent with what happened in the other books. There was also a nice, though never said in the exact same words, message that the son of the father is not responsible for the father’s acts. Each person is responsible for his own acts, not others. Rook learns that, and forgiveness, and how infective revenge can be. His character is very well portrayed and an interesting mix of character traits. His exclaiming, “Bah!” from time to time reminded me of a crotchety old man (Bah humbug anyone?), and his refusal of help reminded me strongly of any classic teen. I couldn’t help but think he was the historical version of an emo/punk. Rook really is just a big old softie, despite what he said to the contrary, but his fight and inward struggle was very real.

The plot… Springer really must have daddy problems. So far only Rook and Rowan escaped that issue. Everyone else had angry, mean dads who made the lives of everyone in Sherwood forest miserable. Either that, or Springer recycled that idea because all other plots were a bit less than kiddie friendly. Maybe that’s why this is my second favorite book - lack of daddy issues.

Would I recommend it? Rook was always one of my favorite characters, so I may be biased, but yes. I would recommend it. If you got through the other books, and still like them, then read this one by all means!

Warnings/heads up/what’s in this book - revenge is dark for a theme, if you think about it, and this is a child’s version of revenge. Spoiler: Rook wants to kill a certain person his age for revenge, basically. End spoiler. There’s also the normal amount of fantasy-children-action violence you’d find in a PG movie. Nothing extreme you need worry about, though, and the revenge aspect was dealt with deftly.

[Lisa Rathbun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Followers of the series will be glad to finally hear Rook's story: who is he and why is he living wild in the forest? Young readers will thrill to the adventure, feel the sorrow of loss, and be glad that Rook learns to forgive and move on.



For me, however, this series started feeling repetitive: * possible spoilers* Lionel is extremely tall and strong (like Little John) and a minstrel (like Allan-a-Dale). Rowan AND Tod And Rook's father are all caught in man-traps. Rowan and Beau both disguise themselves as men. Etty and Lionel's fathers are both cruel, as now is Tod's father in this story. To some extent, I can understand that there will be some overlap: after all, for teenagers to become outlaws, something bad had to happen to them. And if the Sheriff has been setting man-traps in the forest, surely more than one person would be caught in them. But it does seem to me as if the stories start repeating themselves a bit. For example, check out how many of them chop off their hair at some point! Rowan does, Etty does, Lionel does, and in this book Rook must because of a head wound and Beau does hers first so he'll join in. Is this a purposeful motif or just an author without a fresh idea?



I like that Robin Hood is admirable, but he might be just too good to be true - especially as a father figure.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

WIld Boy by Springer brought the boys into the mind of this hurting boy whose father was killed by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Now the sheriff's son is caught in a man's trap and asks, not begs, for help, in spite of the pain of the trap. Wild Boy learns that the wild can and do feel and express pain. The events make him realize the pain that he has hidden and denied, in order to survive. Robin Hood presents a gentle father who strives to make him and the sheriff's son do what is right, in spite of what is done to them.

Springer tugs your heart along as they seek to feel the pain, then learn to do what is right.

The series wraps around your heart and helps you cry for these outlaws who are young and learning to grow to be adults. The boys would deny any crying, but I cry for them. They ask to keep reading whenever we stop.

I almost grow sad that there is only one book left in the series.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little worried because this story is darker than the others in the Rowan Hood series. It focuses on Rook, the nearly-naked, aloof boy who doesn't speak much, but is loyal to Rowan in his own way. Rook lost his beloved father to a man-trap and turned his grief inward. A new character is brought in to contrast and compare Rook to, a boy with a vicious father, a boy who wants to prove himself. Rook begins to realize it might be better to have a father who loved him but died than a live father who despises and beats him. I don't think Logan was too traumatized by it. I actually think it would be more upsetting if he were older and could relate more. Still, I don't think this was a favorite for Logan, as much of the book is about what's going on inside the characters and less adventure.

[G H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because Rook is so unknown, a mystery. And in this book we find out about him. I think it's interesting that he thinks of himself as a wild animal, but am glad that he comes to see that he isn't. I also think it's interesting that he has such hatred toward this boy who didn't have anything to do with his father's death. And that they become friends. I love how smart Rook is but that he tries to hide it behind his wildness. I liked that, it seems to others, that he has very little emotions. But in reality he's just trying to suppress them. I wonder though, why does he think of himself as an animal? Is it because he is so alone or is it a situation like Lionel's? Where at first it was like a game but then became more natural and real? Hmm.

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ninja were cutting onions while I was reading this.

:'(

OH WAHHH, THIS BOOK HAS SUCH A TOUCHING STORY. I really liked it, and it's probably my favorite in the series now. It turned out better than I thought it would!

I love how Rook's heart and courage are put to the test, and how he's ACTUALLY ABLE to show mercy and compassion to an enemy he once hated tremendously... This book has a very good message about loving and caring for your enemies! A lotta people in this world could learn a thing or two from this Wild Boy.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the things that is really cool about the Rowan Hood series is that Springer plays a lot with the appropriate gender roles for her characters. Not all the girls are ladies, not all the men are fearsome. . .but neither is it the other way around. Instead there is an idyllic blend of kindness, courage, wisdom, passion, and a variety of flaws in each major player (boy or girl). This is good for young folk of any gender to read.

[Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I decided that "wild boy" is my fav rowan hood story. We got to learn about took, see the sheriff, and even meet his son. Also, rooks character growth seemed the most realistic out of all the characters. Tod offered a perfect way for took to realize he's NOT a wild thing. And I loved that robin hood got a bigger more heroic role in this one. Instead of just wandering around in a costme failing to be funny. :)

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good Rowan Hood book. I liked getting to know Rook and to learn what has made him who he is. I also thought his discoveries (both self and otherwise) were very well done, particularly because everything didn't magically fall into place for him but remained a struggle until he was willing to be accepting and allow himself to change and understand.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a good book man this person is a guinus and i loved the book i thought is was sad because the sherif killed rooks dad but i also loved the thrilling of it i couldnt stop reading it and it was amazing i always loved the robin hoods books i read scarlet the book and it was the same as this book they were both exciting to read and thrilling.