Hawksmaid

August 23, 2010
In this lively Robin Hood and Maid Marian origin story, tragedy strikes the family of young Matty Fitzwalter when her mother is murdered and her father refuses to ally with the corrupt Prince John. In the wake of this loss, Matty's father trains her as a master falconer, an art for which she demonstrates a natural talent. As political corruption in the region worsens, Matty goes to live with her rebellious friends in the forest to enact civil disobedience and takes a new name, Maid Marian, as does her friend Fynn, who becomes Robin Hood. In the forest, Matty struggles with being a girl in a boys' world, even as she develops romantic feelings for Fynn. But personal transcendence comes through her mystical ability to experience her hawks' senses of sight and sound, as well as communicate with them in their own language. Written in lovely, fluid prose, Lasky (the Guardians of Ga'hoole series) offers an action-filled adventure that has both brains and heart. Ages 10–up.