“This is a variation of the Robin Hood theme. Lawhead wrote a series about Arthur and Merlin, which I enjoyed, so when I came across this while surfing the library site, I reserved it. I was not disappointed, and will reserve the next book in the series, Scarlet.
The story is similar, a man is wronged, he sees his community being persecuted, he has a struggle of conscience, and then proceeds to help the less fortunate. This version is set in Wales, not England, about 100 years before the original Robin Hood series. It deals with the border lands, especially the Marches, which figure prominently in the power struggles between Wales and England for many years. Hood is a young prince of a Wales principality, whose father is murdered and lands taken by the Normans. He appeals to the King of England, William the Red, son of William the Conqueror for justice, but is given a price to pay for his lands. He runs afoul of the Normans at this point and is presumed dead, but really is rescued and healed. He is asked, "What will you do with your life now that you have it back?", a question that Hood must ponder before coming to a resolution.
All the familiar characters are present; Little John, Friar Tuck, and Marian, with some excellent additions. A fan of Robin Hood stories from long ago, I thoroughly enjoyed this interpretation, including Lawhead's attention to detail and historical fact, something I look at as a history buff.”
PeggyMSU wrote this review Wednesday, August 20 2008.
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