Book Review: Longbow Girl by Linda Davies

Longbow Girl by Linda Davies

I am not usually very attracted to stories set in the modern day, even if they might have a time travel flair. However, as soon as I saw the title, I knew this book was for me. Ever since I read the Ranger's Apprentice Series, I have always loved longbows, and the idea of there being a longbow girl book, was really amazing! 

To begin with,I was a bit confused, as despite the promising start, (a homeschooled girl,  who could shoot a longbow (!!) ) the story seemed firmly set in the modern day. However, as you learn more about Merry and her friend James, you realise that this might be a fantastic book after all. It was a little slow going at times, but on the whole, it was a great book, with a little hint of mystery, and a whole lot of suspense.

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WARNING! SPOILERS!

The book starts with Merry and James. They are neighbours, and have a deep friendship, but hundreds of years of hostility between the two families means that their meetings are often held when their parents are out. It has ties to Romeo and Juliet, but without the strong romance and drama; as it's just a healthy friendship. Merry's family (the Owens) is in deep debt, and with the sudden death of their finest horse, they have no hope of paying it off. Meanwhile, James' mother desperately wants the Owens' cottage, as she considers that it spoils her view from her house/castle. Just as the debt is about to push the Owens off the land, Merry finds an ancient burial mound, filled with priceless and ancient treasure. 

But, this does a lot more than help her family out of their sticky situation, as by following the clues, Merry finds a way to go back in time; to the time when the Owens were nothing more than horse farmers, giving her a way to reverse her families fortunes once and for all. But, a mysterious villain stalks her at every turn. Who is this foe, and will she manage to defeat them?

Final Review

Does this book reach the standard of the sweet and salty popcorn? (Four stars, for those picky readers out there) Yes. By a million miles, yes. I loved the dual narrative, and thought that the writing sytle was rather beautiful. The one thing holding it back from a caramel badge (Five Stars) is its slow start, and sometimes plodding pace, but it is definitely a great stand alone story that I'd recommend to other young teenagers.