by Josephine Smith
Age – 14 – Adult
Published -
Hood: September 1, 2006
Scarlett: August 3, 2007
Tuck: February 4, 2009
Book Review
The tales of Robin Hood goes ever on. In this story, Stephan Lawhead moves the great ballad to the Welsh wilds of the Dark Age. After the battle of Hastings during the invasion of the Normans upon the British Isle. In this story, our “Robin Hood” takes on the character of young Lord Bran ap Brychan, the wild son of a Welsh king whose right to rule is stolen by the Norman invaders. Set to take back his home and free his people from the heavy bondage of their new overlords, Bran becomes the leader of a band of Welsh who wish to take back their homeland.
Plot Summary
Hood -
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.
Hunted like an animal by Norman invaders, Bran ap Brychan, heir to the throne of Elfael, has abandoned his father's kingdom and fled to the greenwood. There, in a primeval forest of the Welsh borders, danger surrounds him--for this woodland is a living, breathing entity with mysterious powers and secrets, and Bran must find a way to make it his own if he is to survive.
Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Stephen R. Lawhead 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.
Taken from https://www.stephenlawhead.com/the-raven-king-trilogy
Scarlett -
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.
Scarlet continues Stephen R. Lawhead's riveting saga that began with the novel Hood, which relocated the legend of Robin Hood to the Welsh countryside and its dark forests.
Taken from https://www.stephenlawhead.com/the-raven-king-trilogy
Tuck -
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.
Taken from https://www.stephenlawhead.com/the-raven-king-trilogy
Christian References
This book is within the realm of Christian fiction. Most of the main characters of the books are Christians. The book takes on some discussions of theology, such as if it is okay for Christians to steal or fight. Prayer is also a very prevalent part of the books. It is supposed to take place before the Protestant church so thus they are Catholic.
Rating
Violence/Gore – The books contain violence such as hanging, battle with handheld weapons, purposely inflicted harm, and the use of bows and arrows in battle. These events are not described in detail.
Profanity – Mild swearing. The book is written in an Old English style of speech and some words used held different meanings back in the 11th century in which this book takes place.
Sexual Content – Kissing, minor reference to dating outside of marriage, display of affection between multiple married characters.
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