The Blind Bowman: Dark Fire

Robin Hood and Marian have made the forest their home and scores of outlaws have joined them to prepare for battle with the Sherriff of Nottingham. Able to steal a small moment of peace among the skirmishes with the sheriff's ever-emboldened men, Robin and Marian dream of a day when the forest will be at peace.

Whilst displaced townsfolk seek refuge and the outlaw bands learn to work together, Robin finds himself in the deepening parts of the forest, far from everything he knows. He discovers his awareness of the forest, its feelings and thoughts, even down to the smallest creature, is becoming clearer, and with this knowledge, his power to wield the might of Sherwood itself.

Tormented as ever by the Goddess, and shocked by the arrival of a young boy, Kit, who bears a striking resemblance to Robin, they battle to defeat the ever-menacing and brutal destruction by the Sheriff, but will it be enough to save their beloved forest and home?

Dark Fire is the second in The Blind Bowman trilogy by Tim Hall, and what a sequel! Not for the faint-hearted, it is full of blood, gore and battle almost from the outset, with the destruction and viciousness of the Sheriff's actions becoming more brutal and sickening as the story unfolds. In stark contrast, the vivid descriptions of the beauty and wonder of Sherwood, its nature and creatures, envelop the reader entirely, making the narrative all the more heartbreaking and devastating.

One could think that the book is a message about man's destruction of earth and its natural resources, or a seemingly unending desire by humans to destroy one another, but this book is so much more. It encompasses love and humanity, the wildness and power of nature, along with the wonder and beauty of creation. The story depicts the bleakness of men seeking ultimate power, and the cruel, detached nature of some, albeit madmen.

Dark Fire truly had me spellbound and there are not many sequels that hold up to first book in a series, but I am almost inclined to say this is better than the original, Shadow of the Wolf.  Reminding me of The Chaos Walking Series by Patrick Ness, where the plot gains pace and darkness, this book will appeal to those that love adventure, twists, battling nemesis and a storyline to keep you on the edge of your seat. Certainly a page-turner, be prepared to put the book down to steady your heart, for who could fail to fall in love with Sherwood Forest?

The final part of the trilogy (Wildwood Rising) releases in 2025 and I'm not sure I can wait that long. Highly recommended.

448 pages /   Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+