Hood by Jenny Elder Moke (review)

Seventeen-year-old Isabelle is the daughter of Marien, the Prioress of Kirklees, and Robin Hood, whom Isabelle has never known. When a noble known as the Wolf sets out to get Robin, Isabelle is sent away from the priory for her protection and joins up with the Merry Men, getting to know her father and engaging in the band’s schemes in the name of justice. When the Wolf holds her mother hostage and demands Robin in exchange, Isabelle must choose between the elusive parent she just met and the parent she’s known her whole life. Moke does the Robin Hood tale justice, imbuing the legend with historical accuracy (with mentions of the Magna Carta and Robert Fitzwalter, real leader of King John’s opposition) and a good dosage of the classic, jovial shenanigans of the Merry Men, outlandish disguises and cunning feats included. The focus on the children of legendary figures allows some wiggle room to play on the old tales, and romance fans will be pleased by the simmering relationship between Isabelle and one of the Merry Men. The story is by turns romping and tragic, and the resounding theme of fighting injustice and oppression rings true for present times.