Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson is a thrilling tale of adventure, love, and betrayal set in the tumultuous times of the Wars of the Roses. The story follows young Dick Shelton as he sets out on a quest for vengeance after his father is murdered by his guardian, Sir Daniel Brackley.

Stevenson’s vivid descriptions bring the medieval setting to life, from the harsh landscapes of the English countryside to the bustling streets of Bristol and the treacherous marshes of the fens. The action-packed plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as Dick navigates a world filled with danger and intrigue.

The characters in Black Arrow are richly drawn, from the brave and resourceful Dick Shelton to the enigmatic and cunning Black Arrow, a mysterious figure who becomes both friend and foe. The romance between Dick and the beautiful Joanna Sedley adds a touch of sweetness to the story, while the complex relationships between the various factions vying for power provide depth and complexity to the narrative.

Overall, Black Arrow is a gripping historical adventure that will appeal to fans of swashbuckling tales and medieval dramas. Stevenson’s skillful storytelling and evocative prose make this a compelling read that will transport readers back in time to a world of knights, outlaws, and political intrigue.

Book Description:
In the unsettled years of England's War of the Roses, where a man stood on the issue of kingship could make his fortune... or end his life. Dick Shelton, a nobly-born lad, is on the cusp of manhood, and he is thrust bodily into this stew where allegiances shift under one's feet. Circumstances cause him to fall in with a gentlemaiden in boy's disguise. Until he learns of the deception, Dick is unaware that the young lady is an heiress whom his guardian Sir Daniel had kidnapped. And the introduction of an outlaw with a penchant for putting black arrows into the bodies of the men who had wronged him affords Dick a worrying hint - that Sir Daniel might have been the man that had murdered Dick's father! - Summary by Mark F. Smith