The Last Arrow (Paperback)

by Marsha Canham (Author) "Lady Brenna Wardieu raised her head ever so slowly, lifting her two startlingly clear violet eyes and the tip of her nose barely above the..." (more)
Key Phrases: archery run, gold falcon, dragon ring, Griffyn Renaud, Robert Wardieu, Lord Randwulf (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Returning to the 13th century during the treacherous reign of King John, Canham completes her "Robin Hood" trilogy (e.g., In the Shadow of Midnight, Dell 1994) with the tale of Robin Wardieu d'Amboise's sister, the fiery archer Brenna, and mysterious mercenary Griffyn Renaud de Verdelay. The action sweeps from Normandy to Sherwood as they fight to protect the legitimate heir to the English throne and end up discovering a surprising secret that changes the direction of England forever. Although the penchant of the villains for sadistic sexual torture may offend some and the beautifully done historical detail and description occasionally slows the pace of the story, fans of both the Robin Hood legend and of medieval tales of derring-do will like this one. Canham lives near Toronto, Canada.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
Lady Brenna Wardieu usually doesn't conduct herself in a lady like manner at all. In fact, Brenna would rather shoot an arrow straight into a tree instead of into a man's heart. This is evident when she makes it clear to a trespasser on her father's land that she would just as soon put an arrow through his heart than let him take another advancement towards her. The stranger concedes to letting himself be captive to this lovely and spirited young woman, until they reach the castle and her father's presence. Griffyn Renaud de Verdelay could have any woman in all the land that he wanted. However, he is on his own mission which doesn't involve getting caught up in a woman's fancy. Although Brenna is quite pleasing to the eye, he has his own battles to win before he can truly give his love to another. Brenna doesn't know what to think when she finds Griffyn Renaud accepted by her brothers and welcomed by her family. She doesn't trust him and she's going to make sure that she keeps her eye on him at all times. As she makes her own plans Renaud also makes his, but neither can help the fact that they continually find themselves defending each other in battle. Before long they come to realize their goal is mutual, and that working together for the good of their cause may be the only way to flesh out a murderer, and a traitor in their midst.Marsha Canham will send an arrow straight through your heart and send this book straight for the keeper shelf! Ms. Canham can weave a tale of adventure that is all too rarely seen between the pages of a book! The Last Arrow, aims for the heart and Ms. Canham doesn't miss!Pamela James -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

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Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Dell (April 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440222575
• ISBN-13: 978-0440222576
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #275,065 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Swashbuckling Medieval Romance!! Excellent!, January 1, 2004

By	Jana L. Perskie "ceruleana" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Filled with swashbuckling adventure, sweeping pageantry and the story of a passionate romance, Marsha Canham outdoes herself with this superb historical novel. "The Last Arrow" is the final book in a trilogy which began with Ms. Canham's "Through A Dark Mist," followed by "In The Shadow Of Midnight." It is not necessary to read the first two books, however, in order to thoroughly enjoy this one. The author gives a wonderful summary of her previous two novels here, and this book certainly stands on its own very well. I have read many series novels and rarely does an author succeed in continuously creating fresh ideas and storylines throughout. One of Ms. Canham's major achievements with this trilogy is that her plots are always original, never repetitious or contrived, and her characters continue to grow and acquire depth as the years, and pages, pass. The backdrop for this adventure-filled romance is medieval England, Wales, Normandy and Brittany during the reign of King John "Lackland."

Lady Brenna Wardieu, daughter of Lord Lucien Wardieu, Baron de Gournay, (called the Black Wolf), is the book's heroine. Lovely, but not ladylike, Brenna has tagged after her warrior brothers since she could crawl. With much tutoring and practice she has become a master of the longbow, rivaling the best archers in the land. Feisty, with the heart of a noble knight in her woman's breast, she meets her match in Griffyn Renaud de Verdel, a mysterious mercenary who unknowingly trespasses on her father's land. Taken aback by her skill with the bow and arrow, Griffyn could have still overpowered Brenna. He allows her, instead, to capture him and bring him to face her family. She discovers that Griffyn and her brother Robin have already met. The two men jousted in the past at a tourney. Griffyn lost - the only loss he had sustained in many years. The consequences were tragic. He is intent on a rematch at the great upcoming tournament in Chateau Gaillard, Normandy.

This wonderful adventure begins long before the treachery at the French tournament. There are fascinating plots and subplots, filled with meticulously researched historical detail and peopled with extraordinary characters. England's troubled times and her evil king are woven into the story with great skill, as is a unique version of the Robin Hood tale. Political intrigue, hatred, revenge and fated love abound. Family sins and throne-rocking secrets are exposed. Royal power is unleashed. Some pretty unsavory, depraved characters murder, maim and threaten. Love and passion sizzle. Armored knights ride to battle and a royal princess is rescued. This novel has it all - from cliff-hanging escapades to steamy sensuality. The action doesn't stop until the last sentence on the last page.

As usual Ms. Canham writes with elegance and flair. Her characters are lifelike, varied and, occasionally, quite humorous. This wonderful book is definitely a keeper!
JANA

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite stories of all time, August 2, 2003

By	J. Wilson "sonwil" (Santa Rosa, California USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When she captures a trespasser on her father's lands, Lady Brenna Wardieu knows that Griffyn Renaud cannot be trusted despite the fact that he turns out to be an acquaintance of her brother, Robin. And she is right. Griffyn has been hired to challenge Robin in an upcoming tournament and kill him. His only obstacle is Brenna who is determined to find out the truth about him. He is also very attracted to the Lady Brenna and it's becoming harder and harder to go about destroying her brother. There is a lot more to this story, but it's too complicated to go into without ruining the story.

The Last Arrow is an engrossing read that keeps you guessing until the end. Not only is there a great romantic conflict, but there is also a lot of action, a truly evil villain and some great secondary characters. While The Last Arrow can stand on it's own, I really recommend that you read it in context with the series: Through A Dark Mist, In The Shadow Of Midnight, and The Last Arrow. If you like Medeival Romance, I can't recommend these stories enough.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Take on the Robin Hood Legend, April 18, 2006

By	Misfit (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

What an awesome rolicking romp. Especially once everyone got to England and Nottingham. I really liked the way the author brought the characters with their names into the Robin Hood saga. Things really cooked in the last part of the book when they got to Sherwood and the battle, etc. with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Loved the reunion with Robin and Merianne (sp?). All around great read -- I am dying to read the first two books of the series -- back ordered by Amazon and I am patiently waiting.