Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Before she was Maid Marian, she was Matty. . . .Matty has been raised to dance well, embroider exquisitely, and marry nobly. But when Matty's mother is murdered before her very eyes and her father, a nobleman, is reduced to poverty, Matty's life changes.As the daughter of Nottingham's most famous falconer, she finds a new destiny in the hawks her father keeps. She begins to understand their thoughts and even speak their language. The beautiful merlin Marigold becomes Matty's closest winged companion and her fiercest ally.It is a treacherous time in England. The sheriff of Nottingham is rising to power, and a true king has been kidnapped. Determined to fight, Matty's friend Fynn becomes Robin Hood. As Maid Marian, Matty joins Fynn and his Merry Men, famously robbing from the rich to give to the poor.You thought that you knew the legend, but this is the untold story. Bestselling author Kathryn Lasky soars to magnificent new heights here, giving us a bold tale of bravery and romance.
Is Hawksmaid: The Untold Story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Parents should know this retelling includes the murder of the protagonist's mother and themes of poverty and social injustice, but violence is not graphic. The focus is on bravery, friendship, and fighting for justice through magical connection with hawks.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include murder, death of parent, and class struggle.
Who'll love this
Kids will love this fresh take on Robin Hood with a brave girl who can speak to hawks and becomes the legendary Maid Marian.