Book 2), Scarlet (The King Raven

Lawhead continues his extraordinary retelling of the Robin Hood myth in this latest novel. For this chapter in the trilogy, the story is told from the point of view of Will Scarlet, one of Hood's most notorious of his "merry men." Sitting in a cell awaiting execution, Scarlet orates the story of how he came to be in the service of the infamous outlaw.

Continuing to write from more of a historical perspective instead of solely relying on myth, Lawhead creates a realistic view of the Robin Hood legend that is sure to capture the reader's imagination. Incorporating adventure, romance, fantasy, and even military themes into the story, the author has succeeded in delivering what is sure to be a classic of modern literature.

This is the second book in the King Raven Trilogy, and it was stunning. One must keep in mind that the book switches perspectives off and on throughout, but Lawhead does it with class. Essentially, however, it is told through Will Scarlet's point of view (who does not seem to be related to Bran in any way), about how he came to become part of King Raven's band of men and was eventually captured. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat till the end, and you'll be wanting to pick up the third installment, Tuck, as you as you can get your hands on it (February 2009).

Scarlet: The King Raven Trilogy - Book 2 by Stephen R. Lawhead

Fans of Hood, the first installment of the King Raven Trilogy, will be happy with the sequel, named Scarlet.

In this book, readers take on the view of William Scatlocke, or Will Scarlet, as people call him, from his prison cell within the bowels of Ffreinc tyranny. Will is set to be hung as soon as he finishes relaying the story of King Raven and the Grellon, all leading up to his capture, to Brother Odo, a seemingly ignorant monk.

Is there any hope for Ol' Will? There is much to find out and a plethora of twists that will leave you wanting. If you enjoyed Hood, this novel will not leave you disappointed! Entwined with Celtic mythology, as well as strikingly realistic historical facts, Scarlet will further immerse you into the world of King Raven and his flock.

Excellently woven story. Will Scarlet's personality and idiomatic speeches are delightful. Twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat without having to suspend disbelief in their wily survival. Can't wait to read Tuck!

I liked Hood & enjoyed Scarlet even more. I haven't read Tuck yet but look forward to it. I'd like to thank the author for making this available in a 3 in 1 ebook. I also bought the Dragon King trilogy & will probably wind up getting more as they come available.

I've been just delighted with this series. It has given new life to a tale that's been just done to death. It's also given it life in that it pulls so much from the period. It has you considering just what life would have been like during this time. While the gooey romance is gone the intrigue is bursting. These people seem real. Even a lesser character is fleshed up enough to seem human. This is my first read with S Lawhead but I will be perusing his books in the future.

I was excited to start reading the sequel to Hood, until I actually began. For some reason, I really could not get into the story as told by Will Scarlet. I kept thinking that either Bran died or Will is a traitor - neither turned out to be true. The best thing about this book is the ending because it leaves you hanging and waiting till the next installment. I can only hope that it does not disappoint.

Just finished the whole series. Great read. Great series.

This book was the weakest of the three--the change in POV is REALLY distracting, but the story makes up for it.

(hint: first 30-45 pages are long... and... boring... but it gets REALLY good after that.

I loved Odo's character.

HOOD had atmosphere, an intriguing male lead. What it lacked was a plot. This is Robin Hood, for goodness' sake!

The second book, SCARLET, adds to the problems of the first by making the main character not Robin Hood, but Scarlet! What a travesty!

And it's written in 1st person. Totally different style of writing from the first book.

Past the initial shocks, the book is largely forgettable. It adds nothing to the main plot of Rhi Bran getting Elfael back. All SCARLET does is give us new characters.

The situation remains largely the same. What an utter waste of words.

I thought that this was much better than "Hood". The narrative was pretty cool, as it was written as an auto-biography. I also liked how the origin of Robin Hood made its appearance from the mis-pronunciation of the Welsh. I can't wait for "Tuck".

Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Lawhead makes his home in Austria with his wife. Stephen Lawhead is one of my all time favourite authors and I am only sorry that he does not write more often.

This is the second book in the King Raven series, a completely re-imagined tale of the man known as Robin Hood, but told in a totally different way from the story that many of us know.

As the story of King raven continues, the stakes are getting higher and the lives of Bran's band become more precarious with every passing day. Will Scarlet is about to be hung after being caught in a failed attempt to kidnap sheriff Richard de Glanville Meanwhile Bran discovers a secret that leads them on a sea voyage to France in a daring attempt to reveal a plot against King William by his brother, Robert. Will his efforts increase the sheriff's determination to destroy King Raven.

This second Novel in the series keeps it fresh and alive from a different characters point of view-Will Scarlet. I love the Welsh setting and the medieval intrigue is priceless. YOU ARE THERE- narrative puts it all in a new perspective. A great adventure awaits within. Read it now and live in yesteryear.

I have very much enjoyed the telling of Robin Hood in a different light. Lawheads setting & style seem much more real life (like it actually happened), which in turn makes it a more enjoyable book for me.

This second Novel in the series keeps it fresh and alive from a different characters point of view-Will Scarlet. I love the Welsh setting and the medieval intrigue is priceless. YOU ARE THERE- narrative puts it all in a new perspective. A great adventure awaits within. Read it now and live in yesteryear.

I have very much enjoyed the telling of Robin Hood in a different light. Lawheads setting & style seem much more real life (like it actually happened), which in turn makes it a more enjoyable book for me.

I've read everything Stephen Lawhead has published and this is true to his form. Engaging and a fun read. I enjoyed the Pendragon series a bit more but was not disappointed at all in this series. He breaths new life into a story we all know and makes it new again.