ROWAN HOOD Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest

Thirteen-year-old Rowan is out enjoying the woods when suddenly she feels incredible pain and returns home to find her mother murdered. Knowing she'll be next if she stays, she heads off to Sherwood Forest to find the father she's never known. Emily Gray narrates this tale with a gentle, mellifluous voice that lends an ethereal quality to the setting and story. Gray gives us a Rowan who can be cold, or fierce, or protective, or playful, as needed. While enhancing the poetic quality of Springer's words, she also lets Rowan's soft musings and interactions with her magical kinfolk bring out the magic she finds within herself. Gray builds the tension as the action ensues and creates distinct voices for Rowan's followers. A wonderful adventure, a coming-of-age story, and a creative extension of a true classic--a real treat. W.L.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]