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Rowan Hood #2
Lionclaw
Lionel 15 is seven feet of pure coward who would rather play a harp than fight. He ran away to Sherwood Forest, and follows Rowan Hood, daughter of Robin. When Sir Lionclaw hears his son's music, he sends bounty hunters that capture Rowan for bait. Chided by fellows, former princess Ettarde and ragged barefoot Rook, the lion in Lionel rouses.
122 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2002
6 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Springer
191 books2,348 followersBIO -- NANCY SPRINGER
Nancy Springer has passed the fifty-book milestone, having written that many novels for adults, young adults and children, in genres including mythic fantasy, contemporary fiction, magical realism, horror, and mystery -- although she did not realize she wrote mystery until she won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America two years in succession. DARK LIE, recently released from NAL, is her first venture into mass-market psychological suspense.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Nancy Springer moved with her family to Gettysburg, of Civil War fame, when she was thirteen. She spent the next forty-six years in Pennsylvania, raising two children (Jonathan, now 38, and Nora, 34), writing, horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching. In 2007 she surprised her friends and herself by moving with her second husband to an isolated area of the Florida panhandle, where the birdwatching is spectacular and where, when fishing, she occasionally catches an alligator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 17, 2016
Mixed thoughts on this book. It certainly a lot less fun than the first book. Lionel's self-esteem and self-image issues are relentless and uncomfortable read about as is his father's crusade to murder him or get someone else to do it for him.
I was also bothered by the fact that Rowan is seemingly the only person capable of being kind to Lionel. Even Etty bullies him and calls him an idiot (that she did it to motivate him isn't much of a comfort but I am glad that she later apologised.) Robin just sees him as a problem that might get his daughter killed and Little John literally tries to assault Lionel hoping that he'll just start being manly if he gets hit enough.
On the whole the book is well written, well paced and does have a fairly satisfying conclusion. But it wasn't an entirely fun read as I spent much of the time just feeling terrible for Lionel and wanting to yank him out of the story and find somewhere safe and loving to put him instead.
Hopefully, future books will see his treatment by others improve.
I was also bothered by the fact that Rowan is seemingly the only person capable of being kind to Lionel. Even Etty bullies him and calls him an idiot (that she did it to motivate him isn't much of a comfort but I am glad that she later apologised.) Robin just sees him as a problem that might get his daughter killed and Little John literally tries to assault Lionel hoping that he'll just start being manly if he gets hit enough.
On the whole the book is well written, well paced and does have a fairly satisfying conclusion. But it wasn't an entirely fun read as I spent much of the time just feeling terrible for Lionel and wanting to yank him out of the story and find somewhere safe and loving to put him instead.
Hopefully, future books will see his treatment by others improve.
August 12, 2022
I wasn't expecting the series to shift POV every book, and I wasn't super excited at it being Lionel for the second book, but... It actually was better than I was expecting.
I'm not a fan of weak, whiny characters, and Lionel comes across as mostly useless in this book, but his backstory helps to make him more interesting, plus the character growth at the end was a good payoff. It wasn't necessarily what I was expecting, but I think I like it all the more for that.
Also, while I didn't mention this in my previous review, the appearance of the wild kid at the end felt random and like he was only there to set things up for later. In this book, we get some of the payoff. Still wish he had been introduced better, but I liked his role here, of still being mysterious and wild, but also fitting well into the band.
Overall, even with me being annoyed with Lionel at times, this book still had plenty of tension, and this felt like a good second book in the series. Lionel was the one that needed to grow next, and his growth felt satisfying by the end--in fact, I think it was a stronger ending than the first book. I'm sad Robin was hardly in this book, but his presence was great when he was there. Rowan and her band were all great as well. So, this wasn't the book I wanted, but I do think it was the book that needed to come next.
I'm not a fan of weak, whiny characters, and Lionel comes across as mostly useless in this book, but his backstory helps to make him more interesting, plus the character growth at the end was a good payoff. It wasn't necessarily what I was expecting, but I think I like it all the more for that.
Also, while I didn't mention this in my previous review, the appearance of the wild kid at the end felt random and like he was only there to set things up for later. In this book, we get some of the payoff. Still wish he had been introduced better, but I liked his role here, of still being mysterious and wild, but also fitting well into the band.
Overall, even with me being annoyed with Lionel at times, this book still had plenty of tension, and this felt like a good second book in the series. Lionel was the one that needed to grow next, and his growth felt satisfying by the end--in fact, I think it was a stronger ending than the first book. I'm sad Robin was hardly in this book, but his presence was great when he was there. Rowan and her band were all great as well. So, this wasn't the book I wanted, but I do think it was the book that needed to come next.
February 1, 2020
Rowan Hood's band returns with a new point of view - that of self-professed coward Lionel who desperately wants to play his harp and never have to use his psychical advantages (like being 7 feet tall) to hurt anyone. Too bad for Lionel his father would prefer a dead son to a live non-warrior and puts a bounty on his head that provokes outside forces to hunt him and some of the other outlaws to pressure him to man up. It was heartening to watch Lionel find his courage and also his realization that strength isn't only found in fighting - like when he reassurances another member of the band that discretion is a part of valor (admitting valor is multifaceted). This book loses stars for its brevity and tendency to tell rather than show This series would likely be improved if the novels were bound together in a single book that lets the characters grow together (and better support one another) instead of a hyper focus on each one's individual coming of age.
August 11, 2025
Rowan Hood's friend Lionel is a minstrel, a singer, a harp player who calls people "my dear" and does not raise his hands or use a weapon for fear of scarring and breaking them as his father the "Lionclaw" has done.
For all his height he lets himself be called a coward rather than fight and his father loathes him enough to put a price on his head for acting a fool. Lionel though knows his act is up and he's putting Rowan and his friends in danger, so he leaves her the silver ring that marks him as part of her band and sets out to part ways.
Yet when he learns that Rowan has fallen into the hands of their enemies he finds the lion's strength he's named for and born from had never left him.
For all his height he lets himself be called a coward rather than fight and his father loathes him enough to put a price on his head for acting a fool. Lionel though knows his act is up and he's putting Rowan and his friends in danger, so he leaves her the silver ring that marks him as part of her band and sets out to part ways.
Yet when he learns that Rowan has fallen into the hands of their enemies he finds the lion's strength he's named for and born from had never left him.
January 30, 2020
This was good. Lionel, who joined Rowan Hood's band in the first book, must face his father. He plays his harp for his father in Robin Hood's camp while his father is held captive and suffering the jests and sport Robin inflicts on him, not least is the loss of some of his valuables. Sir (Roderick?) Lionclaw send people to hunt and kill his son. Lionel's soft nature, pure singing talent, and unwillingness to fight make him detestable to his father. Lionel meets many difficult circumstances and must rise to meet them. His inner strength surges to life as he defends and protects what is truly important to him.
May 27, 2018
The second book tied in well to where the the first book ended. Even though it has such few pages the author managed to bring in new characters and develops the old ones' in friendship and courage. There is no shying away from the reality of the hardship the outlaws lived with and the consequences of their life choice. I appreciated how they didn't just over.come physical struggles but also faced inner emotional ones. It left me excited to read the next one.
March 30, 2021
Once again a book pulls me into its world and I don’t want to leave. Rowan is fearless, a healer, and understanding of all who follow her. Lionel is big, musical, and just wants to live in peace. But a Princess (Etty) is in danger, and Lionel must allow his inner lion to come out to rescue her. He is such a beautiful soul, and his father is missing out on a wonderful relationship. Etty’s father is also missing out on a relationship with his daughter. But both of these young people have found comfort in following Rowan and Robin Hood. I found comfort, adventure, and satisfaction in reading about all of their exploits.
May 19, 2021
The second installment of Springer's Rowan Hood series focuses on the cowardly harpist who turns out to be a victim of physical and emotional abuse stemming from his father. It was refreshing to see Lionel stand up for himself and his new band of friends. His transformation through bravery is believable and despite how horrible his father is, he pushes past that and realizes that he is better than the taunting words and torment he was subjected to as a boy.
December 16, 2022
This book is significantly about Lionel processing trauma and figuring out what mental block prevents him from engaging in combat. At times, it felt like characters' reactions were unrealistic. The antagonists felt cartoonish in particular. Lionel's realization that he would do anything for Rowan, including fight, was executed awkwardly, even if it's part of his character to not be fully aware of his motivations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
I loved this series when I was eleven, but it isn't really holding up under adult scrutiny. Rowan is far too pacifist for me to enjoy her. Lionel, though he grows magnificently, spends more time being annoying than not, and his slavish devotion to Rowan requires an epic saga to be justifiable, not two middle-grade trots through the woods. I like Springer's writing well enough, and she's done her historical research. The narrator of the audiobook is quite wooden and hard to listen to.
December 20, 2017
A story from the perspective of Lionel Lionclaw, the bard in Rowan Hood's outlaw band. Cowardice and cunning. Bounties and ballads. Fathers and facing one's fears. Very much a coming-of-age story for young Lionel (the dear little lad), who is only fifteen despite his imposing bulk.
Eager for the third book in this series, which is already on my shelf. Forsooth!
Eager for the third book in this series, which is already on my shelf. Forsooth!
May 11, 2018
See the first book in the series for a full review.
December 14, 2020
This was really good, but it felt rushed and incomplete. I wanted more meat in the story. Still, it nicely continues the series.
July 4, 2021
Personally, I prefer Springer's female protagonists, but this story was still a quick and enjoyable read.
May 17, 2022
This second of the Rowan Hood books focuses primarily on one of her band, Lionel. He's a bit of a whiny brat at the beginning but grows into someone better as the story progresses.
January 28, 2023
NC elves, 16+
April 27, 2023
Lionel was so insufferable throughout the novel until maybe the last 30 pages. Glad he found his courage in the end
December 5, 2024
A nice tale of a mouse becoming a man, all supported by the various Rowan Hood Outlaws.
December 9, 2024
A great insight to the towering friend among the Rowan band!
April 16, 2025
2.5 rounded up. Not as good as the first and I got sick of how often the word “heart” was used.
November 18, 2025
Another good tale of Rowan Hood and her tiny merry band. Or not so merry..
January 30, 2014
Pleasant but scary interlude when Sherwood Forest can be full of birds and feasting with friends or cold rain and enemies seeking death. Lionel 15, giant, harper rejected by warrior father Sir Roderick Lionclaw, whimpers and simpers until scolded by new leader Rowan Hood, runaway princess Ettarde, even ragged barefoot Rook. Lionclaw, after capture by Rowan's father Robin, recognizes Lionel's song, roars his rage, and offers £1K for his son's dead body. Lionel flees, but returns when bounty hunters' man trap catches Rowan for bait.
Does a boy grow up or simply release a berserker rage that fits his body size and strength? Tis relief when he finally saws off the straggling locks that catch in every branch, stops cowering, repeating foppish "my dear fellow" p 44. Quasi-psychoanalysis that he is not a coward for wanting to protect his hands begs the question of his mannerisms. He "can't kill a man in cold blood! Not in hot blood either!"
"Heroes" who leave villains unharmed to renew murderous intents are foolish. Better is Angelina Jolie's Agent Salt, who disable opponents more long-term, kills criminals outright first chance. The ending is puzzling, becomes little better after thought.
Does a boy grow up or simply release a berserker rage that fits his body size and strength? Tis relief when he finally saws off the straggling locks that catch in every branch, stops cowering, repeating foppish "my dear fellow" p 44. Quasi-psychoanalysis that he is not a coward for wanting to protect his hands begs the question of his mannerisms. He "can't kill a man in cold blood! Not in hot blood either!"
"Heroes" who leave villains unharmed to renew murderous intents are foolish. Better is Angelina Jolie's Agent Salt, who disable opponents more long-term, kills criminals outright first chance. The ending is puzzling, becomes little better after thought.
May 24, 2012
For a such a short book, this certainly has a lot of character development all around. The wild boy gets a name, Lionel becomes brave (braver?) … Overall, a sweet, well written and good story from the Springer’s world of Robin Hood. It fleshes out the characters from the first book, even though this book is incredibly small and shorter in comparison.
I admired Lionel’s devotion to Rowan. I admired all of the Rowan Band’s devotion to her, actually. I’m a little curious as to if Lionel is just really grateful for all Rowan’s done for him, or if he has a crush on her. This wondering led me to realize how unrealistic it is that a bunch of young teens could survive in a forest. Even with Robin Hood himself dropping in from time to time. (By the way, when Robin left for that other forest… Yeah. No father would just leave his young, thirteen-ish year old daughter in the woods. I don’t care how independent she is in his eyes.) And… again. Teens living in a forest. Teens. That’s asking for trouble.
Truly, I enjoyed this book. It fleshed out the characters well. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll probably like this one if you don’t mind the focus of the book switching to someone else.
Warnings/heads up/what’s in this book - some cursing. No f bombs, but still cursing. Very mild, though, considering this is a children’s book. I was surprised there was cursing at all. There is also the whole “follow your heart” thing which, if you don’t believe in, might irritate you. Nothing in here felt like it needs any rating higher than PG.
I admired Lionel’s devotion to Rowan. I admired all of the Rowan Band’s devotion to her, actually. I’m a little curious as to if Lionel is just really grateful for all Rowan’s done for him, or if he has a crush on her. This wondering led me to realize how unrealistic it is that a bunch of young teens could survive in a forest. Even with Robin Hood himself dropping in from time to time. (By the way, when Robin left for that other forest… Yeah. No father would just leave his young, thirteen-ish year old daughter in the woods. I don’t care how independent she is in his eyes.) And… again. Teens living in a forest. Teens. That’s asking for trouble.
Truly, I enjoyed this book. It fleshed out the characters well. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll probably like this one if you don’t mind the focus of the book switching to someone else.
Warnings/heads up/what’s in this book - some cursing. No f bombs, but still cursing. Very mild, though, considering this is a children’s book. I was surprised there was cursing at all. There is also the whole “follow your heart” thing which, if you don’t believe in, might irritate you. Nothing in here felt like it needs any rating higher than PG.
December 5, 2012
Lionel believes that he is nothing but an awkward coward, and he much prefers playing his harp to drawing a sword. Banished by his warrior father, Lord Lionclaw, he finds refuge in Sherwood Forest and joins a misfit band of outlaws led by Rowan Hood, daughter of Robin. Lionel is loyal and grateful to his good friend Rowan, yet he is also determined to make peace with his father. But when Lionclaw is taken prisoner by Robin Hood one night, he spots his son among the outlaws and vows revenge on him. Suddenly Sherwood Forest is filled with danger, and Lionel wants nothing more than to turn and run. Then Lionclaw's bounty hunters capture Rowan and use her as bait, and suddenly the lion in Lionel is awakened.
I enjoyed this sequel of Rowan Hood better than the original. Lionel's character was much more detailed and the story focused on his development. The plot flowed better, though I wondered why the devoted attachment to Rowan Hood. There was an element of the aelfe, but not to the degree of the first book. Still I have to ask ... where is Enola Holmes??
I enjoyed this sequel of Rowan Hood better than the original. Lionel's character was much more detailed and the story focused on his development. The plot flowed better, though I wondered why the devoted attachment to Rowan Hood. There was an element of the aelfe, but not to the degree of the first book. Still I have to ask ... where is Enola Holmes??
June 27, 2009
There is less focus on Rowan in this 2nd book of the Rowan Hood Series, as it follows the character of the bumbling young giant Lionel, and allows us to learn more about him. Each of the next 3 books in the series focuses on another member of Rowan's band, with the final book back to Rowan herself.
This is a very strong tale, and well told, with plenty of adventure in spite of its brevity (122 pages). The only reason I marked it down to 3 stars is because of Lionel's attitude toward the elfin "spirits" of the forest. His words to them were like the words one would use when praying, thus implying that he thinks of them as substitutes for God. Although people of this time period believed in both good and bad spirits, I don't think they prayed to them; they just respected or feared them.
I personally am not offended when a character in a book believes in a god that is not the same as mine, but some people do -- thus the caveat.
This is a very strong tale, and well told, with plenty of adventure in spite of its brevity (122 pages). The only reason I marked it down to 3 stars is because of Lionel's attitude toward the elfin "spirits" of the forest. His words to them were like the words one would use when praying, thus implying that he thinks of them as substitutes for God. Although people of this time period believed in both good and bad spirits, I don't think they prayed to them; they just respected or feared them.
I personally am not offended when a character in a book believes in a god that is not the same as mine, but some people do -- thus the caveat.
September 30, 2014
Great story! In the first Rowan Hood book, I thought Lionel was kinda annoying, but he shines SO BEAUTIFULLY in this story in a way I never thought possible. *laughs* (He's actually my favorite character now.) I loved how he changed from a complete coward and into some... crazy fierce person. Like geez, who is this dude? Did he hit his head or something? Does he have an evil twin? NOOOOOPE, THAT'S TOTALLY THE SAME GUY. *Faints* His bravery especially surprised me at the end when he faced his father... I was probably more scared than him. :P
This is apparently a kids book, but there's some language and violence in it that kinda made me go "ummmm..." about the age level... PG 12+? That's what I'd mark it as.
Oh yeah, as a Final Fantasy fan, I cannot help but notice the charming similarities between Lionel and Edward from Final Fantasy IV. Both musicians, cowards, and yeah... SO COOL!
This is apparently a kids book, but there's some language and violence in it that kinda made me go "ummmm..." about the age level... PG 12+? That's what I'd mark it as.
Oh yeah, as a Final Fantasy fan, I cannot help but notice the charming similarities between Lionel and Edward from Final Fantasy IV. Both musicians, cowards, and yeah... SO COOL!
August 5, 2016
Lionel is the timid, minstrel-playing son of Lord Roderick Lionclaw. Much to his father's dismay, he refuses to fight or act more "manly" so his father banishes him to the woods, where he teams up with Rowan Hood, daughter of Robin Hood. While his bravery is not that usually associated with a ban of outlaws, his music and voice become the fixture of their group.
That is, until one day Lord Roderick learns what Lionel has been doing and places a price on his son's head. Rowan's band comes under attack but she still refuses to leave the forest. When Rowan is caught by the bounty hunters, Lionel is ready to give his life for hers. Faced with his own son's life. Lord Roderick decides to spare him but still does not acknowledge him as a son. Lionel, hoever, does learn to accept his father for who is is.
That is, until one day Lord Roderick learns what Lionel has been doing and places a price on his son's head. Rowan's band comes under attack but she still refuses to leave the forest. When Rowan is caught by the bounty hunters, Lionel is ready to give his life for hers. Faced with his own son's life. Lord Roderick decides to spare him but still does not acknowledge him as a son. Lionel, hoever, does learn to accept his father for who is is.
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August 11, 2011The second in the series about Rowan Hood, this one focuses on Lionel. Is he truly a coward? Is his father really seeking to kill him?
Readers learn what prompted Lionel to act the way he does and what his greatest fear is.
The first book, though Robin Hood was a character, would probably interest girls more. I thought this book might interest guys as the focus is on a boy becoming a man and on the rocky relationship with his father.
There are fewer references to spirits than in the first book, although they are there. The language, however, is more graphic than the first book (2 h***, 2 b*****d, 1 j*******, and several d***, in case anyone needed to know exactly).
Readers learn what prompted Lionel to act the way he does and what his greatest fear is.
The first book, though Robin Hood was a character, would probably interest girls more. I thought this book might interest guys as the focus is on a boy becoming a man and on the rocky relationship with his father.
There are fewer references to spirits than in the first book, although they are there. The language, however, is more graphic than the first book (2 h***, 2 b*****d, 1 j*******, and several d***, in case anyone needed to know exactly).
July 2, 2014
This will be a very short review, but I feel as though I have to explain my low rating.
For some reason, this book really didn't draw me in like the first one. I wasn't crazy about Lionel as the main character, honestly, (I didn't care for him in the first book, either) although he certainly improved by the end of the story. Overall, I just didn't find the plot as interesting as the first and my favorite character (Robin Hood :D) wasn't in it very much at all, which was also a bit disappointing.
That being said, by no means did I hate the book. It was just okay, as the rating suggests. It was a short little adventure to wile away an afternoon or two, but not something I would read again. I'm still continuing the series, however.
For some reason, this book really didn't draw me in like the first one. I wasn't crazy about Lionel as the main character, honestly, (I didn't care for him in the first book, either) although he certainly improved by the end of the story. Overall, I just didn't find the plot as interesting as the first and my favorite character (Robin Hood :D) wasn't in it very much at all, which was also a bit disappointing.
That being said, by no means did I hate the book. It was just okay, as the rating suggests. It was a short little adventure to wile away an afternoon or two, but not something I would read again. I'm still continuing the series, however.
April 20, 2015
Springer's second book of the series continued to attract my boys' need to know. We read it out of order, but there was enough background to follow.
She describes the forest in detail, with flowery words so like the times that she writes in. A book difficult to read out-loud, and with some profanity which could be omitted. My boys listened without difficulty.
Lionel, told by his father to be a coward, finds bravery is not just in brute strength and control. He finds a place where his bravery is needed and stands the test. It's a story of soul searching and answering questions in the setting of Sherwood Forest and outlaws.
Lionel finds bravery doesn't have to be bullying another. He finds secrets of himself that answers questions of his heart.
She describes the forest in detail, with flowery words so like the times that she writes in. A book difficult to read out-loud, and with some profanity which could be omitted. My boys listened without difficulty.
Lionel, told by his father to be a coward, finds bravery is not just in brute strength and control. He finds a place where his bravery is needed and stands the test. It's a story of soul searching and answering questions in the setting of Sherwood Forest and outlaws.
Lionel finds bravery doesn't have to be bullying another. He finds secrets of himself that answers questions of his heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews