Books for Tweens: The Saintly Outlaw

Leslea Wahl reviews a retelling of the Robin Hood legend, written with middle-grade readers in mind.

The Saintly Outlaw (Book 1 of the Virtue Chronicles series) by Paul McCusker

BOOK SUMMARY

Andrew Perry likes history, but he never expected to experience it firsthand. But that's what happens when he meets the unusual Eve Virtue, a direct descendent of the explorer and entrepreneur Alfred Virtue. Eve has uncovered Alfred Virtue's greatest secret: the mysterious Radiant Stone. Before Andrew knows it, the two of them are in twelfth-century England, caught up in the adventures of the saintly outlaw Robin Hood.

SERIES SUMMARY

The Virtue Chronicles follows the time-traveling adventures of Andrew Perry and Eve Virtue, as they use the ancient Radiant Stone to encounter the great people and events of history. Their adventures in the past also trigger mysteries in the present, as they learn more and more about the work of secretive explorer Alfred Virtue.

Review

The Saintly Outlaw is a middle-grade story about the legendary Robin Hood. This is the first novel in The Virtue Chronicles, which is a faith-based, time-traveling adventure series. These types of books are always fascinating to kids, and this one adds an extra element – faith. This series is brought to you by the Augustine Institute, and I have a feeling it will be a huge success.

Andrew has been intrigued by the mysterious Eve for a while. The day she asks him to follow her to the back of the antique store she frequents, all things change. Andrew suddenly finds himself in the time and world of Robin Hood.

This swash-buckling tale will be one kids will love. A bit of history, a sprinkling of faith, and a touch of magic combine to create a great story. One note of warning, there is a bit of violence that matches with the time but is still appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Robin Hood has been a tale that has intrigued many through the years. I mean, who doesn’t root for the hero who looks out for the little guy. I personally loved the animated version of the story when I was little. This version with modern friends Eve and Andrew will bring the story to a new generation.

Copyright 2021 Leslea Wahl
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