Customer Reviews

Wild Boy: A Tale of Rowan Hood

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to admit, Wild Boy is rather predictable. It's also a little bloodier and with weightier issues (such as violence, loss and bereavement) than I would have thought suitable in a book recommended for kids as young as 9. (But then again, 'Old Yeller' is deemed suitable as a kids' book, and kids seem to handle it okay, so what do I know?) It also has a few too many long and florid descriptions of forest flora in it. However, those things aside, it's actually quite a decent book, and in my opinion much better than its two predecessors. It has a lot of action, and moves along at quite a quick pace, which helps to keep the reader interested. Plus, it is very emotive, drawing the reader in and making them feel strongly for the plight of the characters.

This book deals very well with serious issues such as loss of a parent, child abuse, relationships between family and friends, alienation, and belonging to a peer group. I think kids will really learn something from it. But even if they don't give a fig about the morals of the story, they're probably still going to like the drama and action aspects!

I would recommend this book, although mainly to kids aged 10 or 11 and up. Fans of the Rowan Hood series will not be disappointed with it.

I read this book. it's not as good as the first but you learn alot about rook. it a book you must read to read the series.

I purchased this for my daughter; she could not put the book down. She read it straight through and then read it again in case she missed something. It was a great purchase for me.

Rowan Hood and her band of young survivors are fun characters to know through these books. Book 1 follows Rowan's journey to seek out her father and deal with the aching loss of her mother. Book 2 (Lionclaw) follows Lionel's journey to deal with his messy family issues. Book 3 (Outlaw Princess of Sherwood) features Princess Ettarde and her heart-pulling tale of duty, friendship, and sacrifice. By far, book 3 has the best cover in my humble opinion. This one (Wild Boy), Book 4, follows Rook's emotional and physical journey to set his past to rest. Book 5 (Rowan Hood Returns: The Final Chapter) brings the whole band back together for one final adventure and a renewed focus on our brave heroine, Rowan.

I thought the start a little slow, but the pace shot into stampede speed near the book's middle. This is not my favorite Rowan Hood tale, but it passed both personal tests for a compelling book. I found my eyes skipping ahead just to absorb it all and I ignored the call of nature, only really good books can do both to me.

Like all Rowan's little band, Rook's got some serious emotional baggage to tote around. His father died in a man-trap set out by Sheriff of Nottingham, so when Rook stumbles upon the sheriff's own son in just such a situation he's less than joyful about the prospect of saving the lad. Springer had done a lovely job of deepening Rook's character. Like I said before, the book's predictable, but if you enjoy fun fantasy stories, you won't be disappointed.