Scarlet

 

(book 2 of The Journey..yes that means I have done the Journey twice..so far)

Scarlet by Stephen R Lawhead.

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 10, 2008)
ISBN-10: 159554089X

Book Description

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. Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Lawhead's trilogy conjures up an ancient past and holds a mirror to contemporary realities. Prepare for an epic tale that dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood.

Hood was  quite a good book. Easy reading and enjoyable..

Scarlet is even a better book. Easy reading and even more enjoyable!

I couldn’t ask for more from a second book of a trilogy.  The last third of the book, Hood, picked up considerably and made me want to know “what next”.  When I began Scarlet I did not know who Will was nor why he was in jail waiting to be hanged.  Will was yet another one of the “merry men”, but one who was captured and was going to be hanged.  It suddenly became a book I wanted to read!   All the time he was in “prison” Will was “confessing” to Odo who was scribing whatever he said in hopes he would give up Bran and the others, which of course, he does not. The hangman's knot awaiting him at all times.  But in the interim we begin to know Monk Odo and get to like him as well. Has Scarlet made a friend? (you will have to read it to find out!)

Scarlet (Will) receives a “typical” Robin Hood save, when Bran and others come to try to free him dressed so as no one would recognize him and wants a contest that “might” win Will his freedom from hanging. 

I think this book was more gripping than Hood, and by the time you get to the end of the book you are ready to spit and fight for Bran and his men yourself lol..

I am enjoying this series of books that I began with quite a bit of doubt that I’d even finish book one.  Lawhead (so far) as done a superb job of “reinventing” Robin Hood.  I have a feeling the last book, Tuck, will bring things to a happy conclusion… but not before a rousing adventure to get there!

I am glad I have finally gotten to read this trilogy and sorry I let it set on the bookshelf so long!