Shadow of the Wolf

It's always a thrill to find a new writer who can deliver a story with panache and integrity. In Tim Hall's debut, a retelling of the Robin Hood myth (published by David Fickling Books), you also have a talent for writing that is sure to see this book on plenty of award shortlists in the coming year.

Shadow of the Wolf traces how Robin Hood and Maid Marion are drawn together against a medieval backdrop of violence, the abuse of power and corruption where the poor struggle to survive. When Robin and Marion try to flee together, Robin is captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham, blinded and left to fend for himself in the vast and mysterious Sherwood Forest.

It's at this point that the story develops its own mythology as mythical characters and gods are brought forward to give Robin the knowledge and power he needs to survive and to help him to find Marion once again. Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood's home turf, becomes tinged with the wonder and sadness of the Norse myths that trace the end of the world and we wonder what the future is going to be for the forest and its gods. As Robin assumes his own mythical powers, he sets off once more in pursuit of Marion but in this story, it is Marion who demands revenge and we know that a final conflict between the Outlaws of Sherwood and the Sheriff and his men is inevitable, but we will have to wait until book two to find out what happens.

This is a multi-layered and intriguing story that will leave you breathing and hearing the smells and sounds of the great forest and willing Robin and Marion to survive. It will be enjoyed by confident readers aged 12+; I for one will be looking out for the follow-up.

450 pages / Reviewed by Melissa Chard

Suggested Reading Age 11+