Brightfall

A magic-wielding Maid Marian takes center stage in this solid dip into the legend of Sherwood from Moyer (Against a Brightening Sky). Robin of Locksley abandoned Marian Annalise and their children, Katie and Robbie, to join a monastery, leaving his brother, Will Scarlett, to pick up the pieces. Twelve years later, Will becomes the latest victim of a curse that’s picking off those close to Robin, and Abbot Tuck requests Marian’s help in finding the perpetrator. With the Fae guarding her children from harm, Marian agrees, setting off to investigate with the help of companions Jack and Bert, himself of the Fae—and reluctantly taking Robin along at Tuck’s insistence. The deeply unlikable Robin makes his less than favorable opinions about the Fae and Marian’s own magic known, raising tensions between himself and the rest of the party. And when Marian finally uncovers the person behind the killings, the perpetrator is closer to home than she expected. Though readers will likely predict the final reveal, the path there is enjoyable. Full of mystery and magic, this revisionist take on Robin Hood is sure to please fans of the original legends. Agent: Michael Carr, Veritas Literary. (Mar.)