League of Archers: The Stolen Crown by Eva Howard

Ellie and her League of Archers have been fighting against Lord de Lay by providing a haven for destitute villagers affected by his tyranny. Ellie’s goal is to create a self-sustaining farm inside Sherwood Forest, but they lack money. With no other choice, the League begins stealing from the rich to help the forest refugees. One of Ellie’s stealing adventures goes horribly wrong when she witnesses King John’s murder, a plot devised by de Lays to take over the throne. Luckily, de Lays’ son, Stephen, helps Ellie escape and then later begs to join the League. Ellie reluctantly agrees, and Stephen’s presence begins to splinter the League’s tight knit bond.

Just as adventurous and suspenseful as the first book, Ellie and her League of Archers get caught up in another evil plot with Lord de Lays, only this time it has royal consequences and friendship casualties. When Ellie lets Stephen de Lays join the League, the only thing she is sure of is his hatred for his father. But Ellie soon learns that Stephen’s hatred doesn’t mean he agrees with every decision Ellie makes as the League’s leader. Stephen’s influence sparks a harsh division between Ellie and her dearest friends, causing the League to almost fall apart. Only by fighting for what she knows is right and finding common ground with Stephen does Ellie finally gain healing and unity with her beloved League of Archers. Another thrilling ride-of-a-read, League of Archers: The Stolen Crown is a fantastic follow-up from Howard’s first book. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.

League of Archers by Eva Howard

Elinor Dray can’t handle being a novice nun. Mercifully, the Reverend Mother uses Elinor’s archery skills to supplement the nunnery’s scarce provisions. Escaping the abbey, Elinor rejoins her friends—her League of Archers—to hunt and daydream about Robin Hood’s deeds. One night Elinor meets a mysterious archer. As they talk, he is shot with a poisoned arrow. While the man dies in the abbey, Elinor learns he is Robin Hood and the Reverend Mother is Maid Marion. As if planned, the constable arrives to arrest Marion—still a wanted criminal—and take Elinor to Baron Lord de Lay’s castle. Once she is there, the baron proclaims Elinor killed the well-loved Robin Hood.

There are many stories based on what happened after Robin Hood and his men finished their excusable plundering days. Most have clumsy structures based more on Hollywood fluff and less on the actual Hood legend. League of Archers, however, is a successful exception. Howard shows the real price one pays when playing a thief, even if it is done for righteous reasons. Trust and communication are lost when one is constantly stealing from others. Elinor and the League must learn from Robin’s mistakes because they are all slipping into his lifestyle, whether they like it or not. Only by building on the solid foundation of friendship and integrity can they have a chance at surviving. League of Archers is a suspenseful, stunning start to a new middle-grade series.