Tim Hall (1)

Here's what I think: when you start this book, be prepared to ignore whatever else is going on in your life and sink into the world of Bert Shambles. Recent circumstances have left him in a bad place, but he's moving on--and you'll love being there as he does. There was a vulnerable honesty to the character that, coupled with author Tim Hall's humor, made this the perfect cozy mystery for a cross country flight. I found myself pausing only to make sure we still had a few hours left before we show more landed so I could finish reading! show less

There is nothing I love more than a book with an actual plot.

Or a book with drama and mystery.

Or a book where the underdog rises up.

Or a book with an array of interesting characters.

Or a book with a sweet romance that actually adds to the plot.

Or a book that suddenly turns into an episode of Supernatural.

Or a book with kickass actions scenes.

Or, any book that reminds me of Game of Thrones. (that’s an instant win.)

Shadow of the Wolf has all of the above. A gory and dark take on Robin Hood show more (and the more that I read I started to realize that I had never seen Robin Hood. Ever.), that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering who was who and what was what.

And although it is interesting, it didn’t get a good pace until about 70% through.

This book seems huge! If you’re not into reading long, descriptive paragraphs without any dialogue for pages at a time, this book is a challenge to get through.

And even when the descriptions are beautiful and you feel like you’re walking around with one of the characters, it was kind of boring. I found myself skimming that first half of the book.

Shadow of the Wolf is the first in what is sure to be an epic trilogy. Mixed with action sequences to blow you away. Full of evil villains and loyal friends. The cover isn’t the only thing that will catch your eye.

Review at yabookscentral.com! show less

This is a wonderfully dark and magical re-telling of the legend of Robin Hood. Grimy and brutal, with a Sheriff who is straight-up sadistic and a Marian who is equal parts spoiled lady of the manor and damaged warrior maiden. Another of those YA titles that, but for the ages of its protagonists, could have easily been marketed to an adult readership.

Well this was an interesting and dark take on the legend of Robin Hood.

I thought Tim tried to weave in too many elements and the novel is pretty lengthy as a result. I often comment on some YA books needing to be edited in order to make them more engaging and therefore have less opportunities for Readers to lose interest, and this is another case of that. I think this book will appeal to teens however, I believe that many will be put off by the length. I know this based on years of working show more in a high school library. I am not talking about experienced Readers in this instance by the way, I talking about those teens new to reading, or pressed for time, or those for whom reading is a challenge. Size matters. So when I see a relatively engaging story bogged down by extraneous subplots then I do think it's a bit of a shame because it reduces the potential audience.

Gripes about length aside, it was a good book. No tights in sight here but instead a dark and deeply disturbed Robin lurks in the Winter forest waiting to exact revenge upon those who wronged him. Our Maid Marion is headstrong, intelligent and prepared to take down the corrupt Sheriff. I didn't like the weird forest nymph thing subplot at all. That could have been axed. I think this has an audience at my school and I look forward to booktalking it. show less