Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead

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Title: Tuck

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Series: The King Raven Trilogy Book #3

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 452 pages

Published: 2009

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) "Pray God our aim is true and each arrow finds its mark."

King Raven has brought hope to the oppressed people of Wales--and fear to their Norman overlords. Deceived by the self-serving King William and hunted by the treacherous Abbot Hugo and Sheriff de Glanville, Rhi Bran is forced again to take matters into his own hands as King Raven.

Along the way Friar Tuck has been the stalwart supporter of the man behind the legend--bringing Rhi Bran much-needed guidance, wit, and faithful companionship.

Aided by Tuck and his small but determined band of forest-dwelling outlaws, Rhi Bran ignites a rebellion that spreads through the Welsh valleys, forcing the wily monarch to marshal his army and march against little Elfael.

This epic trilogy dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood as Stephen R. Lawhead conjures an ancient past while holding a mirror to contemporary realities. Filled with unforgettable characters, breathtaking suspense, and rousing battle scenes, Stephen R. Lawhead's masterful retelling of the Robin Hood legend reaches its stunning conclusion in "Tuck."

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

The importance of Friar Tuck to Rhi Bran is extremely evident in the thrilling conclusion to the King Raven trilogy. Bran and his Grellon suffer both losses and victories and the danger escalates as an even larger foe comes at them. This was an epic ending to the trilogy and left me breathless many times throughout. 

You can purchase Tuck through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Tuck? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead

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Title: Scarlet

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Series: The King Raven Trilogy Book #2

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 443 pages

Published: 2007

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) After losing everything he owns, forester Will Scarlet embarks on a search for none other than King Raven, whose exploits have already become legendary. After fulfilling his quest--and proving himself a skilled and loyal companion--Will joins the heroic archer and his men.

Now, however, Will is in prison for a crime he did not commit. His sentence is death by hanging--unless he delivers King Raven and his band of cohorts.

That, of course, he will never do.

Wales is slowly falling under the control of the invading Normans, and King William the Red has given his ruthless barons control of the land. In desperation, the people turn to King Raven and his men for justice and survival in the face of the ever-growing onslaught.

From deep in the forest they form a daring plan for deliverance, knowing that failure means death for them all.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This was a great continuation of the trilogy. The main reason I had to give this four stars instead of five is that I found the beginning half of the book rather confusing as it jumped from Will's first person point of view as he related the story of his capture to the point of view of someone else. It was hard to judge if the chapters not in Will's point of view were happening while Will was relating his story or if they were happening simultaneously. It became much clearer later on in the book that everything was happening at the same time as events in Will's story. 

All in all it was an excellent book, and I'm anxious to get on with the final book in the trilogy, Tuck.

You can purchase Scarlet through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Scarlet? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead

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Title: Hood

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Series: The King Raven Trilogy Book #1

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 490 pages

Published: 2006

Publisher: WestBow Press

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) For centuries, the legend of Robin Hood and his band of thieves has captivated the imagination. Now the familiar tale takes on new life, fresh meaning, and an unexpected setting.

Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Stephen R. Lawhead's latest work conjures up an ancient past and holds a mirror to contemporary realities. Prepare yourself for an epic tale that dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

Lawhead takes the classic tale of Robin Hood and makes it his own. Probably the best part of this re-imagining is that he takes Robin Hood out of Sherwood Forest and plops him down in Wales. This is probably the hardest part, as well - there are a lot of Welsh & Celtic names and at first it's hard to follow the story because of this. 

Early on, as you follow Bran, you both love and hate him. Through most of the book you wonder when he's going to decide to become Robin Hood and take on the task of rescuing his kingdom and his people from the Ffreinc. Definitely the start of an epic trilogy and an excellent re-telling of Robin Hood.  

You can purchase Hood through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Hood? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.