The Last Arrow

Medieval history intertwines with legend as award-winning romance author Canham resumes her retelling and reinvention of the Robin Hood story, begun in Through a Dark Mist and In the Shadow of Midnight. This latest outing takes up the tale of Robin's tomboy sister, Brenna, a fiery archer who is astonished to find herself falling for a mysterious and possibly dangerous stranger who calls himself Griffyn. From their home in France, Robin, Brenna and assorted brothers and associates must travel first to a tournament and then to England, where they face down the Sheriff of Nottingham to rescue Friar Tuck and ensure the safety of Robin's beloved, Marienne, as well as a ""lost"" princess. At every step, Griffyn provides Brenna and Robin with surprises, not all of them welcome. The book's first half is weighed down by excessive background information, much of it awkwardly related in dialogue. Nevertheless, rousing action, a strong sense of medieval life, a satisfying love story and intriguing spins on historical events as well as the familiar Robin Hood characters should bring readers back for more. Part of Dell's Four of Hearts promotion. (May)