klambson's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this. I love the story being set in Wales and the weaving of the old stories into the narrative. The prose can be slightly sleep-inducing in its flow at the end of a long day, but it is expertly done. I appreciate the research you can tell went into the writing, and liked the characters quite a lot. Excited to finish the trilogy.
yatosuz's review against another edition
2.0
Another take on the Robin Hood tale. The book was slow-moving in many places, and for its length, not a great deal happened overall. The story reveals how a young man named Bran evolves into Hood, and that's essentially it. No surprises. No deep insights.
The Kindle version has a number formatting issues.
The Kindle version has a number formatting issues.
leahegood's review against another edition
3.0
What if Robin Hood was an irresponsible Welsh prince with a deceased mother, a borderline abusive father, and a homeland invaded by the Franks?
Despite the promising premise, this book got off to a very slow start. Some of the details, backstory, and lore could have been tightened a lot to improve the pace of the story. By the halfway point, I started actually caring about Bran. His character arc took on, for a little while, a "man who learned better" feeling similar to that of [b:Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince|6313905|Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince A Tale of Long Ago|Sidney Baldwin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1236192430i/6313905._SY75_.jpg|6499098]. Then it flipped a switch and jumped into a more classic adventure novel style.
It was a bit annoying to constantly change gears with the story telling style. And, of course, no one picks up a book hoping to get hours into the story before the interest level ramps up. It improved enough, though, (and ended on a slight cliff hanger) that I will probably listen to book two.
Despite the promising premise, this book got off to a very slow start. Some of the details, backstory, and lore could have been tightened a lot to improve the pace of the story. By the halfway point, I started actually caring about Bran. His character arc took on, for a little while, a "man who learned better" feeling similar to that of [b:Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince|6313905|Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince A Tale of Long Ago|Sidney Baldwin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1236192430i/6313905._SY75_.jpg|6499098]. Then it flipped a switch and jumped into a more classic adventure novel style.
It was a bit annoying to constantly change gears with the story telling style. And, of course, no one picks up a book hoping to get hours into the story before the interest level ramps up. It improved enough, though, (and ended on a slight cliff hanger) that I will probably listen to book two.
bethboo's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It wasn't bad, but I also found myself sort of bored halfway through. I liked the idea, but this isn't written like your run of the mill action and adventure book. This was written like a tale, or simply a narrative. This is a retelling of the legend of Robin Hood and his merry band of thieves. The settings a little different, taking place during the time when England was changing hands a bunch. The Danes and Normandy and the Welsh and Britons are all kind of mushed and trying to climb over one another to be in charge. Idk what that time period is called. And instead of Robin hood, he is the Raven King.
I liked it! Don't get me wrong, I just wasn't bedazzled by it's brilliance or anything. It got a little dense, like it was a historical nonfiction rather than an adventure tale.
I liked it! Don't get me wrong, I just wasn't bedazzled by it's brilliance or anything. It got a little dense, like it was a historical nonfiction rather than an adventure tale.
maurganne's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this version of Robin Hood. I found the writing beautiful, the characters vivid, and the setting deliciously wild and creepy. I particularly enjoyed the author's note at the end, explaining some of his choices for the story with historical evidence. It is fascinating to think that there is some kind of truth to these stories.
sydneysumpter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
3.0
Overall not bad - the Alternate History version of this (with the Epilogue and Explanation) make this an interesting point of view for the Robin Hood myth beginnings. The story comes across as more History than Action Adventure, and that is where it falls flat for me. There is no excitement to me, only the story and I am being told everything. It is done Quite well, just not enough for me to continue this series.
lahariel's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This is a Welsh take on the Robin Hood mythos. It's a 'classic' style read where it can be a bit dense and flat at times because the main premise is the heart of the plot and not entirely the characters in most instances. I would approach it as though you're reading historical fiction. I found it easier to get through the story by listening via audiobook.
charlibirb's review against another edition
3.0
It gets 3 stars because it was well researched, and the concept is really good, but the characters are flat and boring. I. Just. Don't. Care.
It was hard to finish, and I'm definitely NOT reading the rest of the series.
It was hard to finish, and I'm definitely NOT reading the rest of the series.