Lionclaw, a Tale of Rowan Hood

You'll understand this book better if you have read Rowan Hood first. There is less focus on Rowan in this 2nd book of the Rowan Hood Series, as it follows the character of the bumbling young giant Lionel, and allows us to learn more about him. Each of the next 3 books in the series focuses on another member of Rowan's band, with the final book back to Rowan herself. This is a very strong tale, and well told, with plenty of adventure in spite of its brevity (122 pages). The writing is worth 4 stars, but if you are offended by certain types of magic you may not like Lionel's attitude toward the elfin "spirits" of the forest. His words to them are like the words one would use when praying, thus implying that he thinks of them as substitutes for God. People of this time period believed in the power of both good and bad spirits, and respected or feared them.

This book is entirely appropriate for its intended audience - pre-teen and young adults, though I, too, found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable short read. The characters and plot are sufficiently complex and unexpected to keep the reader engaged. The writing style is fresh and vivid. From a parent's point of view: There are moderately graphic descriptions of fighting and peril. There is a rather hateful, abusive father figure in the story that some may find overly disturbing. But the abiding message is of tolerance, loyalty, and self-respect. I would consider this a fine book for my own son. I have not read any of Nancy Springer's other works, so I cannot comment on the quality of this book relative to others. But I certainly intend to sample more of her wares and I'll get back to you...