eleventh century England. Since the arrival of the Norman invaders, the Celts were driven into the mountains of Wales. Hunted like an animal, Bran ap Brychan, heir to the throne of Elfael was forced to abandon the kingdom of his father to take refuge in the forest walks, woods where danger lurks primitive ...
This is the story of Robin Hood by Stephen Lawhead. It moves the story in time and space, to locate it so in the eleventh century in what is now Wales, and it makes him a Briton facing the Norman invasion. And my belief we can say that it is more successful and more credible. I loved reading this book, yet I left with major doubts, did not like what I had read of the author until now.
By cons, a small precision although this book to be published by Orbit and despite the coverage that could cast doubt, in my opinion, we are not here in the presence of a fantasy novel, but a novel of adventure. Anyway, this first volume, has in my opinion none of the usual characteristics of Fantasy. We'll see if the suites are similar or whether they are stronger Fantasy.
In any case, it does not stop me to really enjoy this book. It is well written, and the main character is sufficiently well described that they may have wanted to slap or shake it at the desired times and want to cheer with the others when it deserves it. Despite his side a little brat, spoiled rotten from the beginning of the book, the focus quickly to him. One quickly understands that he has not always had it that easy.
The second main character that quickly meets Bran, in the foreground with Bran alone for more than half of the story. It is a rather mysterious character, which again is focused very quickly. Observed with amusement the interactions between the two characters, and subtle changes that this meeting brings in Bran. It also includes
course from the beginning that Bran = Robin, but we do not understand how Bran can give Robin, and it is said that one place the book and more like a sort of wink that as an explanation. This is also perhaps a bit farfetched but it has the merit to smile. It is a little similar to fellow "Robin", Little John and Tuck, they are not widely known like that and the explanation is there also a little as wink.
Finally, there is a very good book, well written and well constructed, and when one closes one's got the urge to take the second volume immediately for the further adventures of Bran and his companions. Only those who absolutely had to read a novel typical fantasy may be disappointed. A book to advise all fans of Robin Hood and also to those unfamiliar with the character only through the Disney movie, but that will not be lost, however.
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