From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9-This exciting sequel to The Forestwife (Orchard, 1995) features John and Emma's daughter Magda. A prologue explains that Emma has just been murdered by the evil mercenary FitzRanulf, and John and Robert, the Hooded One, have taken the infant to Marian, the Forestwife, for care. The action then shifts to some 15 years later. The forest dwellers have been enlisted to help their friend Isabel, her mother, and a nun who have been imprisoned because of Isabel's refusal to marry FitzRanulf. When the men go to seek additional help, the forestwomen fear that they won't return in time and hatch a plan to save the women themselves. In the process, Magda kills FitzRanulf, avenging the death of her mother. A subplot involves a budding romance between Magda and Tom, a character featured in the earlier novel. Readers unfamiliar with the first book may initially be confused but once the action gets going, this story stands on its own. However, the swift climax and resolution are a bit unsatisfying, mostly because the author has created characters whom readers want to know more about. The epilogue hints at a sequel. This novel will please fans of Karen Cushman's The Midwife's Apprentice (Clarion, 1995) and send them looking for the prequel to this story if they haven't already read it.
Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MICopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6^-10. This sequel to
The Forestwife (1995) is not as focused as its predecessor, but it is packed with action and energy. The story revolves around 15-year-old Magda, daughter of John and apprentice to Marian, the forestwife. Magda is impatient to leave the woods and experience life, but she gets more than she bargained for as she attempts to help Robert--Robin Hood--and his band rescue Isabel and her mother, Lady Matilda, from the Sheriff of Nottingham and his evil Wolf Pack. It takes cunning and a tumultuous final battle, in which Magda is able to display her skills as an archer, but finally the safety of the two women is ensured. Tomlinson does a fine job of juxtaposing the story's many exciting moments with history. In some cases, the characterizations are slight (and why are there two characters named Matilda?), but Magda is strong and prickly, and tender when necessary. As the epilogue implies, she will make a worthy successor to the forestwife. Libraries holding the first book, will certainly want this.
Ilene Cooper
