When you see the cover and hear what the book is about, you won’t want to read it. You would be wrong. I really enjoyed this adventure novel.

Merry Owens descends from a long line of longbowmen. Centures ago, the Owens were given land by the Crown as a thank you for their skill with the longbow. Ever since, the descendents of the de Courcys have tried to get their land back, but the Owens prove their prowess with the longbow, always ready to defend the Crown, leaving the de Courcy’s without that little piece of land. In modern times, this skill has little merit because modern weapons would defend the aristocracy, but the Owens still train as longbowmen. Because Merry was born first, she is the first longbow-woman. She’s also best friends with the de Courcy’s son, James.

One day Merry finds a book. This book becomes the catalyst to the novel. The book has lost stories from a legend that dates back to the 1500s. One passage reveals that treasure can be found. Merry needs treasure. The Owens are about to lose their land due to financial difficulties, which makes the de Courcy’s thrilled (except James). In desperation, Merry attempts to find the treasure. Many have died trying. The treasure lies through the water and in the past--about 500 years in the past.

Most of the novel takes place in modern time and all of it takes place in Wales. I had heard that the novel was good, but the cover turned me off. Once I began reading, I was hooked. I like Merry--despite fear, she overcomes with courage. She only has one eye because she lost one when the bow broke and the arrow pierced her eye. She still never gave up. She stays calm and doesn’t expect anyone to rescue her. She realizes that her brains and fitness can work together. I also like James because he isn’t pretentious as his parents. He would never hurt Merry and knows something is up. They’re story does end, so it’s a stand alone novel, which I love. I was captivated the entire novel; I think you will be as well. ( )

LONGBOW GIRL by Linda Davies is the first book in an exciting time-travel adventure trilogy.

Merry lives in the mountains of Wales where she’s the latest in a long line of archers. When she stumbles upon an old book in the woods and discovers an underground river into the past, Merry must use her archery skills to save her ancestral land.

With lots of action, intrigue, and hint of romance, librarians will easily find an audience for this engaging mystery fantasy. Many young adults will be attracted to the Welsh setting, strong female lead, and autocratic kingdom of King Henry VIII. Of particular note is the effective way the author weaves the protagonist’s loss of sight in one eye into the storyline without making it the focus of the novel.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.lindadavies.com/.

Published by The Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )