R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 10/17/2011 + 1451 more book reviews

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.

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