Hood by Stephen Lawhead ~ Tim's Take

Hood is a fantasy/historical book by Stephen R. Lawhead. It is the first book in the King Raven series, the second being Scarlet.

Bran of Elfael was a mischievous youth without a care in the world. He would flirt with any maiden he wanted and would disobey his father the king constantly. All this changed when his father’s force of knights were ambushed by the Ffreinc on the way to London. Before Bran knows it, the Ffreinc Count Falkes has taken over his home and the people in it. Bran, as the heir to the throne of Elfael must somehow save his people. At first he is scared of taking this great responsibility and flees to his mother’s people, but is ambushed by Ffreinc knights. He eventually comes to realize his loyalty to his people. He and his friends must help his people regain their land and be free.

This book looks at the character of Robin Hood differently to others. It not only focuses on the good aspects of him, but the negative ones as well, especially at the start. This helps the reader to understand him more than if it were all about his good deeds.

The book is set well and gives lots of backup information to do with the different nationalities and events, including the Battle of Hastings.

I really enjoyed the great diversity of characters, from the bandy-legged Aethelfrith to the gossiping Ffreinc sisters at Baron Neufmarche’s castle. It is a great read and I would highly recommend it to any fan of Robin Hood.

Guest reviewer:~ Tim (my talented nephew!)