BOOK REVIEW: Hood 

 

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by: Laura V. Hilton

Dancing Word Reviewer

 

Title: Hood      

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead

Publisher: WestBow

ISBN: 1-5955-4085-7

Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Fiction

 

Bran ap Brychan, heir apparent to the small fiefdom of Elfael, is taking on the entire Roman world; single-handedly. At least he would, had he not a few faithful friends intent on saving him from himself! His mother passed away when he was eight. A few years later his father, while on his way to swear loyalty to the new king and thus save his lands from seizure, was cut down like a dog in the highway by a Norman war-band.  Bran’s own life, as the heir apparent, now hangs by a very thin and fraying thread. Striving to grow up, while struggling to survive, Bran’s hot-blooded youth almost costs him his life. Rescued by a female bard, Bran is slowly taught the history of his people, and brought to realize his own responsibility to them, and to the land.

 

Reluctantly, Bran ap Brychan takes up the traces of leadership and becomes King Raven, lord of the forest and protector of the Britons. If you dare to enter the clearing, leave your gold behind!

 

In yet another masterfully crafted work, Stephen R. Lawhead peels away the veneer of fable, fancy and folklore and presents to his readers an historical “Lord of The Greensward,” Robin Hood. Returning to a time before the legends were born, in HOOD, we are introduced to Bran ap Brychan, prince of Elfael and heir apparent to the throne of the small kingdom. Impetuous, willfully headstrong, and possessed of a fiery temper, we are given a glimpse of the origins of the legendary Robin Hood. Hood is wonderfully written, with well-developed, complex characters and a pace that never lags, I was compelled to finish this book in only two days.

 

Having said that, I must venture one disclaimer. If you are looking for “bouts at quarterstaff,” and “archery contests,” and “feasts on the greensward,” you’ve come to the wrong place. In creating a hero, Lawhead has banished a legend, and the childhood part of me that grew up with The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood cannot but help feel a pang at the loss. 512 pages. $24.99 (hardcover)