The first thing I should say about this book is that it's very remarkably well done. It's narrated in the first person by Will Scarlet, a Saxon-Englishman who has been removed from his position as chief forester to King Aelred, when that king is evicted and his lands placed under forest law. Scarlet finds his way into the greenwood forest of Wales where he finds Rhi Bran and his band of merry men and becomes a valued member, accompanying them on many adventures (and misadventures).
The first person narration is astoundingly well done. Reading it, I could hear Scarlet's voice in my head, with his charming brogue and unique words. It made it much more realistic, that it was written in Scarlet's voice. I appreciate the hard work that went into that aspect of it.
One thing that I found a little difficult was the way the narration switched between first and third person throughout the book. Even so, there was enough change in the voice--from Will Scarlet's beautiful narrating voice to the distant, omniscient, third person narrator--that it was easy enough to adjust to. It just felt a little disjointed at first.
The story itself was well told. The characters were colourful and well made. This novel made a good continuation to the story begun in Hood. Also, the ending was very compelling. It makes me really want to buy the next book.
So, here's my verdict: it's well worth the time it takes to read it.
The first person narration is astoundingly well done. Reading it, I could hear Scarlet's voice in my head, with his charming brogue and unique words. It made it much more realistic, that it was written in Scarlet's voice. I appreciate the hard work that went into that aspect of it.
One thing that I found a little difficult was the way the narration switched between first and third person throughout the book. Even so, there was enough change in the voice--from Will Scarlet's beautiful narrating voice to the distant, omniscient, third person narrator--that it was easy enough to adjust to. It just felt a little disjointed at first.
The story itself was well told. The characters were colourful and well made. This novel made a good continuation to the story begun in Hood. Also, the ending was very compelling. It makes me really want to buy the next book.
So, here's my verdict: it's well worth the time it takes to read it.
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