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Post by twyrch on Jun 28, 2006 19:04:48 GMT -5
Well, the Advanced Reader's Copies are out in the public now and we might have people who have read the new book and who might want to talk about things. To try and save people who do not want to be spoiled, all discussion of the ARC should happen within this one thread until we get closer to the book's release. I have not gotten my hands on an ARC yet, but if I manage it, I'll contribute to this thread as well.  |
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Post by Tegid on Jun 28, 2006 19:21:48 GMT -5
We've been served notice that this is not going to be the same Robin Hood story that we've been accustomed to in other books or in the movies. The character isn't named Robin, the setting is Wales instead of Sherwood Forest, and the like. In fact, right now before we've read the book, we might not even be letting it sink in just how different this recasting might be, in spite of what we've plainly been told.
If you will, as you read the book (whenever that may be), please keep this question in mind: If the title of the book were not Hood, and if you had not been told beforehand that this is a retelling of that legend, just exactly at what point in the book would it dawn on you that this is the story of Robin Hood, and what is it that first made you realize this?
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Post by dgan on Jun 29, 2006 2:51:23 GMT -5
Through an incredibly resourceful and reliable source, I was able to get my hands on an ARC. I peeked inside the cover (which is amazing on its own) and got goosebumps, but I will probably not get any serious reading in until this weekend.
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Post by twyrch on Jun 29, 2006 6:19:59 GMT -5
If you will, as you read the book (whenever that may be), please keep this question in mind: If the title of the book were not Hood, and if you had not been told beforehand that this is a retelling of that legend, just exactly at what point in the book would it dawn on you that this is the story of Robin Hood, and what is it that first made you realize this? I'll be sure to keep that question in the back of my mind when I read it. Hopefully, I will get my hands on an ARC, but I don't know... we'll have to see I suppose. Dgan, you lucky guy! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book. |
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Post by dgan on Jun 30, 2006 1:43:38 GMT -5
Your first spoiler - the book comes in four parts, not including the prologue or epilogue. Very interesting names for the four parts, as well. But that is all I'm saying. |
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Post by dgan on Jul 1, 2006 14:40:25 GMT -5
I stand corrected...five parts to the book. I have only read through chapter 3 so far, and - wow! - Lawhead throws you right into the action!
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Post by kg00ds on Jul 2, 2006 21:07:42 GMT -5
We've been served notice that this is not going to be the same Robin Hood story that we've been accustomed to in other books or in the movies. The character isn't named Robin, the setting is Wales instead of Sherwood Forest, and the like. In fact, right now before we've read the book, we might not even be letting it sink in just how different this recasting might be, in spite of what we've plainly been told. If you will, as you read the book (whenever that may be), please keep this question in mind: If the title of the book were not Hood, and if you had not been told beforehand that this is a retelling of that legend, just exactly at what point in the book would it dawn on you that this is the story of Robin Hood, and what is it that first made you realize this? Well, since we did know I think some of the clues were spoiled like the preface. Anyway that being said it had to be ch. *b where Iwan is dubbed lil john and the monk dubbed tuck. Anyway, happy reading brothers and sisters. |
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Post by dgan on Jul 3, 2006 10:55:24 GMT -5
We've been served notice that this is not going to be the same Robin Hood story that we've been accustomed to in other books or in the movies. The character isn't named Robin, the setting is Wales instead of Sherwood Forest, and the like. In fact, right now before we've read the book, we might not even be letting it sink in just how different this recasting might be, in spite of what we've plainly been told. If you will, as you read the book (whenever that may be), please keep this question in mind: If the title of the book were not Hood, and if you had not been told beforehand that this is a retelling of that legend, just exactly at what point in the book would it dawn on you that this is the story of Robin Hood, and what is it that first made you realize this? Well, since we did know I think some of the clues were spoiled like the preface. Anyway that being said it had to be ch. *b where Iwan is dubbed lil john and the monk dubbed tuck. Anyway, happy reading brothers and sisters. I agree. I think it was chapter 7...that is where you would know without a doubt. I think a savvy reader could pick it up in the first couple chapters. The "jumping out the window" scene has Errol Flynn written all over it. I may have been over-hasty in my prediction of how quickly I would get through the book. Summer break has left this parent with little energy after nightfall. But I am working on it. Also, I should say this character is unlike any other Robin Hood you have ever read about. That should come to no surprise to Lawhead fans, but even I was taken aback by the character choice. It is a joy blazing the trail with Lawhead on this new approach to an old legend. |
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Post by Tegid on Jul 3, 2006 17:17:12 GMT -5
If you don't mind, here's a spoiler ... that won't be in the final copy. I love the title of the appendix! (The story really is different -- Robin Hood meets Jonah ;D ) |
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Post by karenee on Jul 5, 2006 9:46:28 GMT -5
*laugh* Ah, yes...a must-read!
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I wouldn't have recognized the storyline until section four. While the plot is slowly driving toward the traditional story, it really doesn't jump off the page till then (barring the names). I'll say with the rest of you that the names are a complete givaway.
In all, a satisfying and unique read. Robin Hood as you always hoped to know him, lively, full of faults, yet still a worthy hero.
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Post by dgan on Jul 9, 2006 7:05:22 GMT -5
Man, it takes a good while before Merian gets significant print. SRL is so good developing female characters, I think her relative absence leaves the first half just a bit lacking. Of course, it appears to be setting up for a climactic ending, so I'm not complaining. I have never seen SRL so 'loose' with his use of third person. It is such a free roaming narration that I think the character development suffers a bit, being that it is not as complete as you would normally expect from SRL. On the flip side, though, it allows him to spend a good deal of the book introducing and developing all these different characters without it getting bogged down. It is always moving, therefore you must stay attentive. So I see why he chose this approach. There are parts that really reach out and get you, but there also others that don't seem to have the gusto that seem to have been intended. Specifically, the introduction of the haunting (which I'm reading right now) - the characters are in awe about it, but because we are in on what's going on, it kind of takes the fun and mystery out of it. Still, I can't wait to see how it develops. But after I get some sleep... |
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Post by fleshwalker on Jul 11, 2006 17:02:55 GMT -5
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting with and chatting with Stephen at last weeks Cornerstone music festival in Bushnell IL. I also managed to have my ARC of HOOD signed, so I am pretty much stoked right now. Started reading last night. Will post a review once it's done.
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Post by dgan on Jul 11, 2006 21:19:29 GMT -5
Autograph?! must...suppress...jealousy... Do you happen to have pictures you could post?  (Oh, and welcome to the forum!!!!) |
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Post by dgan on Jul 13, 2006 4:17:36 GMT -5
Wow.
If you've been peaking at this thread to get a glimpse, but hoping that the spoilers wouldn't truly spoil it for you, do NOT read further. I have (finally) finished, and will now elaborate, including many specific spoilers.
As I said before, the narration stands out as the most dramatic departure from the norm to those familiar with SRL works. You are a pinball bouncing from character to character, often within the same chapter. And not just a handful of characters - I counted 15!
- Bran, Brychan, Iwan, Neufmarche, Merian, Falkes de Braose, Angharad, Bishop Asaph, unnamed knight, Guiscard, Aethelfrith (Friar Tuck), Cadwgan, Abbot Rainault, and Guy
Probably the most troubling part of the book to grasp is that you find yourself unable to become overly sympathetic to any of the characters. Bran demands respect simply because we know the Robin Hood legend, but in this book he does not reach that stature yet. That is not to say the characters aren't intriguing - Friar Tuck is a breath of fresh air to an otherwise melancholy atmosphere.
Speaking of melancholy, that is a great way to describe book 1 of this trilogy. You continually find yourself contemplating that there can be no happy ending. Bran is constantly choosing the lesser of two evils, and himself a character that does not greatly endear himself to the reader. This is not a book that will leave you filled with optimism, but rather considering that the whole world is void of justice and without hope. However, it does leave you wanting more.
It does not end as a cliff-hanger, thankfully. I would consider it more as chapter one of a very long, often painful story. So although reading this is a complete work, describing the beginning of the legend, it also leaves you wanting to know how the story continues. A good book on its own, but an even better part of a greater whole.
The setting in 11th century Wales is quite befuddling to those familiar with the Robin Hood legend. After reading SRL's explanation of his reasoning, you understand that he is taking the legend as a whole, yet placing it back when it likely would have happened. Thus combining fiction with a true sense of historic realism as only SRL can. For example, Merian did not appear in the Robin Hood legend until the 16th century, yet SRL included her in his 11th century setting. In short, he has effectively created an entirely new story based on a recognizable legend.
I do find the story somewhat predictable. Perhaps there is often a twist in the way an event occurs, yet in the end it occurs one way or another as you had expected. Also, as I said in an earlier post, some of the mystique is compromised by knowing the human element behind it.
There is, however, a definite spiritual/otherworldly veil on the entire book which adds something most other Robin Hood tales lack. I would have liked to see it developed a bit more, but perhaps that is coming in the following books.
Summarizing, I doubt many will find this to be SRLs greatest work, at least book 1 on its own. It is simply less inspiring than book ones such as Paradise War and Taliesin. It is just not as emotionally engaging. However, those are almost impossible to live up to, so I don't want to give the impression that HOOD is inferior.
Rather, it is wonderfully written, fast-paced, well-developed, and thoroughly enjoyable. Just be prepared for something different than what you are used to from SRL.
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Post by karenee on Jul 14, 2006 13:34:19 GMT -5
Well, dgan, your post has inspired me to comment further. Now that you have truly "spoiled" the story, it won't matter if I do too. *grin*
READERS BEWARE!
Aethelfrith, with his cheerful and mischievous perspective, was my favorite character, closely followed by Angharad. She, in particular, brought with her the sense of a greater story to follow. As you said, dgan, the book is complete in itself, but will also make a terrific starter for the books to follow. I, too, hope for a deeper look beyond the "otherworldly veil" in books two and three.
While I noticed the head-jumping in the books, it didn't bother me. Bran isn't really a sympathetic character, and has much growing to do. SRL portrays his youth very well, and it fits the story perfectly. I think it would have lost too much had it been limited to Bran's impressions, and he would have had to mature much faster to carry the book on his own...thus forcing a completely different story than SRL wrote. None of the other characters are important enough or involved enough (yet) to carry it alone, either. Frankly, I think SRL's choice is perfect for this book.
I agree that SRL has blessed us once again with the history-based "true story" sense that we love so much. While some may miss the Hollywoodified happy-go-lucky feel of the Robin Hood legend, I think SRL's version is far richer for its darkness.
As always, SRL inspires with his ability to transport me into the story, where I forget I'm simply reading and live the experiences of the characters.
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Twyrch /|\
