This is book 2 of The King Raven Trilogy.

Hood was an incredibly good book. Scarlet was even better.

Like all first books in a series, Hood had to spend a fair amount of time in character introduction and development. Scarlet, being the second in the series, wasted no time in getting to the good stuff.

Unlike Hood, this book is narrated mostly in a first-person account told in something of a flashback by Will Scatlocke (aka Will Scarlet). The portions of the story that he is unable to narrate are carried on by the same omniscient third person that gave voice to Hood.

Without describing the plot I will simply say that the political intrigue continues to build. Bran and his Grellon increase their mischief and their meddling. There is no shortage of espionage and infiltrations. There is also no lack of the longbow.

For those who have already enjoyed Hood, you will find Scarlet to be a rewarding continuation of an already outstanding series. If you haven't read either book yet, stop wasting your time by reading these reviews. Hurry up and order the books already!

Share/Like this Review?

Gripping, intriguing, believable. The best of the King Raven trilogy.

Share/Like this Review?

Will Scatlocke lost his home and his livelihood with the coming of William the Red to the throne. As he travels, working to feed and house himself he hears about King Raven, a robber of the wealthy, who shares what he gets with those who have little or nothing.

The story is told largely by Will who becomes Will Scarlet when he joins King Raven's band. He is accepted after a bow duel with Raven himself. Raven beats him by a hair but welcomes him into the group anyway. As they strive to win back Raven's throne, they encounter the wrath of Abbott Hugo who has lofty ambitions, Count de Broase, who rules Raven's lands and people, and Richard de Glanville, the cruel sheriff of the March. In a daring raid, Will is captured and thrown into prison where he make a friend of a Monk named Odo who interviews him day after day. It is only when Will goes to the gallows that he realizes how tenuous his existence really is.

The character of Will Scarlet is complex, likable and loyal. And, the book includes a wonderfully inspiring romance between Will and Noin who at last find a way to be wed. The tale is long and convoluted but fascinating. Recommend this one to anyone interested in the story of Robin Hood but do read the first in the series, Hood, before reading Scarlet.

Share/Like this Review?

Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead continues the King Raven saga started in the first book in the series, Hood. This is the story of Will Scatlocke, aka Will Scarlet, friend and liege man of Rhi Bran Hud. Told from the perspective of Scarlet, it contains his 'confession' as told personally to the impressionable monk and scribe Odo over a five month period prior to his intended public execution. Through this confession, we learn how Will meets Bran, how he falls in love with Noin, and most important, develop a precise understanding of his perspective of honor and virtue.

Lawhead continues his weaving of the story of a very familiar legend, yet slightly removed in time and space. A risky feat, but one that is handled with mastery and finesse, like the legend Robin Hood himself. Lawheads descriptive and fluid style makes the read easy and the emotions swell; may be the easiest 449 pages I've ever read. [4/5]

Share/Like this Review?