Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody Kate Quealy-Gainer Cody, Matthew Will in Scarlet. Knopf, 2013 [272p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-375-86895-5 $16.99 Library ed. ISBN 978-0-375-96895-2 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-375-89980-5 $10.99 Reviewed from galleys R* Gr. 5-7 With his father off crusading for King Richard, thirteen-year-old Will Shackley must leave childhood mischief behind him as he takes on the responsibility of governing the Shackley estate. He makes a fine start, slaughtering two wolves during a hunt with his father’s men, but when Prince John’s thugs later attack Will’s home in an attempt to force fealty, the boy flees the battle to survive. Finding refuge among a merry band of thieves (including a drunken archer named Rob) in Sherwood Forest, Will sets out to plan his revenge but is soon confronted with the possibility that injustice is not simply the fault of one bad man. The punches packed in this historical action tale are both physical and emotional, as Will discovers that the sheltered world he grew up in is a privilege for very few and a distant dream for most. Cody’s pacing is a clever construction of frenzied but focused fight sequences balanced with quiet, subtle moments of self-reflection on Will’s part. Rich characterization does justice to each of the main players here, especially the villains: their motivations are made clear and understandable so that readers, like Will, come to realize the world is a complicated place with room for good and evil and much in between. Early scenes of wolf hunting and thrilling ambushes will likely draw even the most reluctant reader in, while the careful prose and likable hero will see them through to the satisfying conclusion. Copyright © 2013 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois