Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead Published by: WestBow Press (2006) 512 pages Rating: 10/10 Buy it Now:    Also by Stephen R. Lawhead: City of Dreams Patrick, Son of Ireland The Endless Knot The Silver Hand

At last. Fans of Stephen Lawhead have been waiting too long. After Patrick, Son of Ireland, over three years ago, we've had to wait with nothing more than hints and the failed !Hero series to tide us over. But at last the master is back with a new twist on an epic tale.

Yes, it's the story of Robin Hood, but not a Robin Hood like any you've ever seen. This Robin is not in Sherwood Forest - he's in Wales! There's no Nottingham or Sheriff or Prince John... In fact, it's set in the eleventh century! For those who think this outright blasphemy, Lawhead has an afterword in which he explains the research which led him to this particular version of the Robin Hood legend. Cynics might suggest that Lawhead is just infatuated with Celtic lore and is determined to write about that, regardless of the actual subject matter. Even if they're right... if it produces stories as good as this one is, I can't say as I much care. Even Lawhead's references to some of his own tales as some of the stories told to the future Hood are a delightful inclusion for longtime fans.

Our hero-to-be is one Bran ap Brychan, a rogueish young prince of the tiny British kingdom of Elfael. Just as his stubborn father is about to finally swear allegiance to the Norman king William, the Normans sweep in, slaughter the king and his warband, and lay claim to the whole land. Left without a home and wanted dead or alive, Bran flees for his life. Once escaped, he must decide whether to abandon his people and see to his own safety, or turn back... and become a legend.

Along the way, various familiar characters make their appearances in delightful ways. While Lawhead chose to place this legend in a unique time period and location, he didn't toss out all the legendary characters (even those admittedly added to the mythos much later than others).

Perhaps most intriguing about this tale is the way in which both sides believe themselves firmly in the right... with God on their side. The Normans believe that King William has been chosen by God for the throne, and therefore what he decrees must be God's will. The Britons believe their land was given to them by God, and it is their God-given right to defend it. Both receive encouragement from their own priests and other religious leaders.

If you're already a fan of Lawhead, you'll find Hood to be exactly what you would expect, and extremely enjoyable for it. If you've never experienced Lawhead before, this is a perfect place to start. Lawhead's writing is epic and glorious, filled with warmth, delight in the world that exists around us, and gritty realism.

Alas, the only downside is that the next two books in the King Raven trilogy will be released over the course of the next two years (Why "King Raven"? Read the book and you'll see!). Fortunately, there's no cliffhanger ending... this time. Highly Recommended.