Tuck

Book was just as described. Very well packaged.

I have read the trilogy of The King Raven series. I was swept away in the time and place. The believability of Robin Hood over the standard story Nottingham story was one that captured my heart. I have been in the many places mentioned in the books, and could see in my minds eye the people and places. My Welch heritage made me feel proud of these people. Wherever one goes it is nice to hear that the bowman of Wales are second to none. They even helped King Henry V at Againcourt in the battle that even Shakespeare wrote about. These are a must read from the pen of Lawhead. From Hood, Scarlet and lastly Tuck, you want him to win and keep the Country of Wales safe and secure.

Robin Hood . . . that wonderful tale replayed over and over in film, television, and printed page is wonderfully re-presented in Stephen Lawhead's excellent trilogy. I must give a disclaimer here as I am an ardent fan of Lawhead and his writing. In each book of this lively and engaging trilogy the characters come to life right off the page. We are engaged, enlightened, challenged and informed. My favorite of the three in the series, the irreverent, jovial, grumpy and delightful Tuck comes to life as never before in this adaptation of the story of our childhood hero . . . The easy to read style and the unique character of Lawhead's writing make this a most enjoyable read. I actually read all three of the series in a single week, and then passed them on to my grandson. This is Robin Hood of our imagination with all the fun, danger, excitement, and romance of an earlier age. Couldn't put them down . . .

The King Raven Series is one of the most well-written, well-crafted, entertaining stories we have read. My wife and I read to each other. We looked forward to each and every chapter. Outstanding reading!

In the King Raven trilogy, Stephen Lawhead creates his own version of Robin Hood, this time placing him in the 12th century under the rule of William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror. This Robin is actually the rightful heir to a fiefdom in The March, a band of Wales that is on the border with England. Tuck is the third volume, this time following Friar Tuck's role and adventures in the whole story. Written in third person omniscient, the narrative will sometimes wander to Robin or other characters, giving the reader a panorama view of all the players and their activities and conversations. While Robin is still the leader and main hero, this time Friar Tuck's role is brought much more to the forefront. His contribution to the final denouement is crucial; more than that I dare not say lest I give away the finale. Friar Tuck is much more well developed as a character in this novel than in most stories; he is usually presented as the somewhat jolly gourmand who is fond of ale and food, but he seems a bit questionable in his true piety and devotion to God. Happily, Lawhead's Tuck has a deeper relationship with his Lord and does seem to want to follow God. He is in contrast to the rich, powerful and power-hungry Abbots and Bishops that scheme to take land and money from the true Britons and Welsh people. Tuck is a servant, a simple priest as he says, but he knows his scripture. Tuck has great depth to his character. Time and again, Robin puts his trust in Father Aethelfrith (Tuck's real name) to perform tasks could affect life or death for the whole group of followers in Robin's camp. There are the familiar tales of broken promises and subterfuge on the part of the sheriff, the greedy Abbot, and the king, as well as many daring exploits with Robin and his Grellon winning against impossible odds in skirmish after skirmish. One difference in this story, though, is that the forest dwellers recognize that the successes come from the intervention of God. They feel certain that their cause is just, so therefore God is on their side. Above all, Lawhead presents a convincing case for his version of Robin Hood's story, why it might be the true story and how the other versions may have evolved over time. His use of a ballad of Rhi Bran y Hud and his Grellon cradles the narrative in the form that our earliest known versions came from, the ballads of early minstrels. With an abundance of Celtic, French, and Welsh language thrown around, coupled with detailed cultural ambience that appears to be authentic of the time and the Welsh and Norman peoples, the tale of King Raven (it has to do with a translation like Rhi Bran, which led to Robin donning a terrifying big Raven costume to frighten enemies) sounds plausible. Those who love legends like Robin Hood and King Arthur will devour Tuck as well as the other two books in the series, Hood and Scarlet. I am sure it would be better if the books could be read in order, but I personally haven't read the first two,

"It is an end worth fighting for," mused Bran. "It may be for others to complete what we've begun, but there must be a beginning." (p. 334) Rhi Bran ap Brychan only wants restored what has been taken from him - his kingship on the throne of Elfael. Red William has led the Ffreinic in a seemingly endless battle against a mysterious group of outlaws under the leadership of King Raven. When he finally decides he will not tolerate another moment of rebellion - because he cannot afford the debt he must pay for the souls he has killed, a battle of epic proportions begins to form in the vale of Elfael. Throughout the story, there is a short, stout friar named Tuck who faithfully fulfills the requests made of him by his fearless leader Rhi Bran. He is asked several times to go face to face with the enemy and ask that peace be considered, only to have his life threatened and his leader defamed. Yet Tuck remains faithful to pray for Bran and those who fight by his side, and the Lord is faithful to answer Tuck's prayers in some very unexpected ways! Although Tuck is the final book of Stephen Lawhead's King Raven trilogy, it is a book that can be enjoyed on its own as well. I am almost embarrassed to admit that it's my first introduction to Lawhead's work, but you can be certain I am now a fan! Tuck absolutely transports the reader to another time and place, and from the opening sentence to the final page this epic story plays out in rich imagery, heroic daring and breathless chases! I couldn't help but laugh at Alan A Dale and his hilarious interpretations during Bran's masquerade as Count Rexindo, and I wept at the loss suffered by Bran and Scarlet during one of the final battles. Truly, the King Raven trilogy is an epic tale, and I highly recommend it!