Scarlet

Lawhead, Stephen

Book - 2007

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From his gaol cell, outlaw Will Scatlocke waits to be hanged. Before he swings, Will - known to his friends as Scarlet - dictates his story to Odo, a duplicitous monk who has been given the job of recording his confession. Odo serves the ambitions of Abbot Hugo, who is gathering evidence that will lead to the capture of the men who have plagued the aristocracy and robbed the church of treasure. Hugo seeks the destruction of the elusive King Raven and his band, the Grellon.

Driven from his home in the north of England, Will has trekked to Wales to join his fortunes with that of the man whose reputation is growing throughout Britain. A forester skilled with the longbow, Will is soon part of Bran ap Brychan's inner circle. In a failed attempt to kidnap sheriff Richard de Glanville, Will is captured. With rumours of conspiracy deepening at court, the humble prisoner becomes a vital link to the outlaws who abandoned him - and on whose loyalty their lives depend - and the throne of England.

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Publisher: Atom, 2007

ISBN: 9781904233725

Branch Call Number: YF LAWH

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artemishi May 20, 2015

Scarlet is the sequel to Hood, which I reviewed last week. I'm sad to say, while Hood captured my interest and engaged me, Scarlet left me feeling 'meh'.

I'm not exactly sure why this is. It isn't poorly written, although both the narrator and the narration style differ from book 1 in the trilogy. Will Scarlet is a likable character, and the machinations from the first book continue to grind away in the plot. It just lacked something to make me feel invested.

Because I know the legend of Robin Hood, and the 'becoming an outlaw' part is apparently more interesting to me than the 'continued adventures of' part, I felt that the plot moved a bit more slowly. I don't regret reading it, but neither do I feel inclined to read the final book in the series, Tuck.

I recommend it for fans of the Robin Hood legend who have already read Hood. Because you'll definitely care more if you've read the first book in the series.

pask Jul 09, 2011

I nearly didn't perservere but i am glad i did. Gets more exciting as it progresses. And an interesting slant on the old Robin Hood myths.

kpalichuk Apr 22, 2010

This is the second book in the King Raven trilogy - the Robin Hood tale relocated to Wales, and placed during the Norman conquest.
Will Scarlett was a freeman, who worked for his lord, until the land was taken by the Normans and he was turned out to fend for himself. Wandering through the countryside, he heard rumours about a King Raven. Intrigued, Will decides to see if the rumors are true. This is a brilliantly written second novel, narrated by Will. I had a bit if a hard time with the dialect at first, but after the first few pages, I was hooked. Great plot, great pacing.