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Tuck (King Raven #3)

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 · rating details · 2,868 ratings · 237 reviews

The story of Rhi Bran y Hud-Robin Hood-concludes as Abbot Hugo and the Norman invaders attempt to wipe out King Raven and his flock once and for all. Their merciless attack, the first of many to come, heralds a dark and desperate day for the realm of Elfael. Bran and his few stalwarts desperately need encouragement and reinforcement if they are to survive. But Friar Tuck,...more

Paperback, 464 pages

Published February 4th 2010 by Atom (first published January 1st 2009)

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Feb 27, 2009 Vanna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone! =)

Shelves: favorites

I have to say, this is one of the most fantastic, well written books I have ever read! I've liked the rest of the series, but this book did a really great job of concluding it. I was quite fascinated at all the history behind it, and I think Lawhead researched the time period extremely well. As I was getting to the ending,I was so excited to know what happened next that I found myself reading till three o'clock in the morning and still convincing myself that I wasn't too sleepy to read anther ch...more

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Feb 15, 2009 Erika rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’m not sure where to start with this review since I didn’t make time in the past couple of years to review Hood and Scarlet, but the only reason I kept reading this trilogy was because of Robin Hood.

I love Robin Hood and I love this series. I don’t love the writing of these books. Except, there’s something that kept me reading and that was the need to get to the end and find out if this version has a happy ending.

I don’t want to ruin it or anything, but, it does.

Lawhead includes a pronunciation...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Anthony Chavez rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Definitely the best book of the trilogy.

I admit the trilogy was a bit hard to read at times, I am not a complete fan of Lawhead's writing style, like Ken Follett, it can be a bit long winded at times and get to be dry reading, but the story itself, the meat of it, the research and history infused into the classic tale, that's what kept me reading. And Lawhead, like Follett and the Pillars books, does it well, from the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the books to his author notes where so...more Definitely the best book of the trilogy.

I admit the trilogy was a bit hard to read at times, I am not a complete fan of Lawhead's writing style, like Ken Follett, it can be a bit long winded at times and get to be dry reading, but the story itself, the meat of it, the research and history infused into the classic tale, that's what kept me reading. And Lawhead, like Follett and the Pillars books, does it well, from the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the books to his author notes where some of the history behind his bringing this Robin Hood trilogy to be set in the Welsh lands comes out, you can tell the man did his homework and I am thankful for it.

But one of the best things about this trilogy to me is the main character of each story, from Rhi Bran to Scatlocke to Aethelfrith. It wasn't exactly like a story told from their perspective, but it focused on their perspective more then the rest of the Merry Men or Grellon.

My favorite touch of this third book that Lawhead adds is poetry. Tuck is broken up into 5 parts and each section begins with a very interesting catchy poem that, as your reading, continues a story that parallels the trilogy almost. The poem itself seems written in Middle English or is similar to it, and to me I kept wondering, who wrote this poem? Is it an actual early poem/song about Robin Hood or did Lawhead write it? It definitely didn't sound Lawhead'esque. It rhymed and was lyrical and really made the story more entertaining, and once you reach the end you realize it also foreshadowed the epilogue.

When reading or watching anything related to Robin Hood I oftentimes find myself searching for THE memorable characters that crossover from one to the next, the Little John's, Merian, Friar Tuck, etc. In this series after the first two books I was thinking to myself, "shucks, I guess Alan a'Dale isn't going to make an appearance in these stories..." then BAM! Out of nowhere he shows up, I have to admit it took me by surprise and I got a little giddy, he is a remarkable character and Lawhead did a beautiful job of writing him.

All in all Lawhead has added his unique perspective and twist on my favorite legend, that of Robin Hood. After reading the entire trilogy, I'm very glad to have read the historical gems he adds at the end, breaking down how revolutionary and deadly the longbow was at the time (especially when weilded by the Welsh). I can't imagine the story without it. The epilogue was also great, you have the trilogy, the meat of the legend and how it was created, and then the epilogue is how that legend lives on. Through Thomas a’Dale, traveling bard and songster, grandson of Alan a’Dale, the story travels to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest:

“so long as the singer took care to adapt it to his listeners: dropping in names of the local worthies, the places nearby that local folk knew, any particular features of the countryside and its people--it all helped to create a sense of instant recognition for those he entertained, and flattered his patrons.”
Stephen Lawhead, Tuck, p. 432.

Beautifully done, we see one adaptation among many that a minstrel plays, playing to the crowd, adjusting the story so the nobles would like it, but this is the one we recognize the most and can therefore finally connect to Lawhead’s Rhi Bran y Hud, Bran ap Brychan, Robin Hood.

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Oct 12, 2010 Tori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-genj-book-club, sci-fi

Written for book club:
More desperate then ever to free his land from invaders, the Phantom Raven of the forest sets out once again to try his might against his adversaries. But with some surprising twists, and unanticipated hardships, can the group see it through to the end? The third and final installment of Stephen Lawhead's King Raven Trilogy, Tuck reunites readers one last time with Bran and his Grellon and their fight for freedom.
After King William turns traitor and refuses to give back Bra...more Written for book club:
More desperate then ever to free his land from invaders, the Phantom Raven of the forest sets out once again to try his might against his adversaries. But with some surprising twists, and unanticipated hardships, can the group see it through to the end? The third and final installment of Stephen Lawhead's King Raven Trilogy, Tuck reunites readers one last time with Bran and his Grellon and their fight for freedom.
After King William turns traitor and refuses to give back Bran's throne, Bran realizes it must now come to war. But finding help for this new mission could be harder than he thought.
He first looks to his mothers family, helping them with their own kingship trials and troubles, and making some new friends on the way. But will they return the good favor, and lend some warriors to his aid?
Friar Tuck looks for a different and more peaceful way to end the fight. But it doesn't appear that their enemies are ready to give up just yet, as their plans are thwarted once again by the not so peaceful stewards of Effel. Can the Grellon stop a bloody war before it's too late?
While everyone else is off making and carrying out plans, Meríon tries to pursued Bran to go to her father for help. Knowing her father has never liked her, and thinking this wont change after kidnapping his daughter, Bran refuses. But Meríon stubbornly sneaks away to try her luck with it. But when she finds her brother on the throne instead, married to Bran's enemy Neufmarche's daughter, she finds a little more trouble than she bargained for.
The book has it's ups and downs, it's moments when I thought the author was brilliant and moments when I thought he shouldn't have done what he did. The plot is good, the characters deep and interesting, and twists that I thought good and not so good.
As always, the characters are what I look at in books. You can have a good plot, a good setting, and a good writing style, but if your characters lack, you're book becomes flat and uninteresting. Much like a good movie needs good actors more than anything else, so a book needs good characters. Lawhead's characters bring the book to life. I felt I got a deeper look into Bran and Tuck, and the new characters that were introduced were all interesting and diverse. But in this book, I felt that he did some things with his characters that I deeply regretted
For starters, he let some of the older characters fall by the wayside. Will and Odo, two of my favorites, were pushed nearly out of the book. After falling in love with them in Scarlet, the reader gets so little of them in Tuck that it was really a disappointment. To my surprise Meríon and her adventures didn't get much coverage in the book. Then there was the issue of Baron Neufmarche, who in this book I thought completely unbelievable.
Other than the characters, there was the sprinkling of language throughout the book. Just enough to make me cringe every time I saw it. A completely unnecissary addition to a book.
Now, don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and could see myself picking up the whole series again. There were a lot of great things in it as well.
For one, the themes. Justice, but mixed with peace when possible. Standing for what is right even when you're hope is getting lower and you stand alone. Forgiving your enemies even when they have caused you pain and loss. All of these are covered in the book, and are great lessons to be learned no matter what situation you are in. More than that, they are very Christian attitudes that are not only good, but necessary for us to understand and use in our lives.
Another great thing about the book besides good characters and themes is how it is written. It has a nice, steady pace and movement. Not an on the edge of your seat, I'm-going-to-die-if-I-can't-read-this-next-chapter-right-now type of book, but one that you regret putting down and easily pick back up again. And one that might very well be worth picking up again.
A quick, final overview of the trilogy as a whole: Great. Not amazing, not spectacular, but definitely better than just good, if you know what I mean. The King Raven Trilogy is worth picking up.
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Jan 29, 2013 Alex Telander rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

In Stephen R. Lawhead’s conclusion to the King Raven trilogy, readers get to enjoy it from the viewpoint of the jolly and redoubtable Friar Tuck, who has been around since the first book, Hood, and on through the second, Scarlet. But little has been seen in the abilities of this clergyman, until now, who is bravest and shines brightest at his most important moment.

It seems the Normans simply won’t give up, and King Raven, also known as Rhi Bran Hood to the people of Wales, must muster not only h...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: keepers

The conclusion to Lawhead's King Raven trilogy is every bit as stunning and fantastic as one expects from a gifted teller of tales, even if those tales are newer versions of an old fable. I have read most of Lawhead's work at one time or another, and I must say that this series is by far his finest work.
Tuck is still the fat, drunken friar we have come to know in legends and tales, but his purpose in aiding the refugeees of the greenwood is as solid as concrete in this book. Fearless before man...more

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Jun 21, 2010 Lydia Presley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, fiction, historic-fiction

This was the best book of the trilogy, hands down. Friar Tuck has always been one of my favorite characters in the Robin Hood stories - but he was almost replaced by a new character introduced in Tuck - that of Alan a'Dale. Lawhead did a beautiful job of writing this character and I found myself searching for as much of him as I possibly could throughout the story.

Everything must come to an end, and a satisfying end this was. I loved Tuck's role in the resolution (even though it did seem a bit f...more

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Mar 18, 2010 Fred Warren rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

It took me awhile to warm up to Tuck. I think part of it was coming into the story on the third book of a trilogy, having to get oriented as the tale of Rhi Bran and his band of outlaws was building to a climax.

The Robin Hood legend is familiar and comfortable for most of us, I think, but Lawhead throws it akilter by setting it in an historical Wales with a Robin who’s more than just a dashing redistributor of wealth. He’s a dispossessed prince, a man who should be king, and he’s carrying a load...more It took me awhile to warm up to Tuck. I think part of it was coming into the story on the third book of a trilogy, having to get oriented as the tale of Rhi Bran and his band of outlaws was building to a climax.

The Robin Hood legend is familiar and comfortable for most of us, I think, but Lawhead throws it akilter by setting it in an historical Wales with a Robin who’s more than just a dashing redistributor of wealth. He’s a dispossessed prince, a man who should be king, and he’s carrying a load of emotional baggage, not the least of which is the death of his parents at the hands of Norman raiders.

Great, I thought. A brooding, orphaned aristocrat who runs around in the dark fighting evildoers, wearing a scary costume. Bruce Wayne in the year 1000. I wasn’t liking him much at the beginning.

Fortunately, I kept reading, mostly because of Friar Tuck. He’s an unlikely hero–short, round, bowlegged, and not particularly handsome. We experience most of the story from his point of view. Far from the jolly, insubstantial pseudo-priest of the cinema, Tuck is a man of deep faith and simple convictions. He’s equally at home offering blessings to poor families and breaking the heads of enemies foolish enough to underestimate him. He is at turns brilliantly insightful and childishly naive. He wants nothing more than to live at peace, tending a little flock of country parishioners, but his conviction of the rightness of Bran’s cause leads him perpetually into danger, a situation he accepts with weary patience and good nature. It helped my understanding and appreciation of Bran when I began to see him through Tuck’s eyes.

Tuck has faith that God will bring Bran and his followers safely through their war against impossible odds and grant them victory. His faith is ultimately vindicated–victory is secured not primarily through force of arms, or shrewd alliances, but through a change of heart. The peacemakers don’t have an easy time of it in this story, but in the end, they are clearly proven right, and blessed. It’s a powerful message.

This is a character-driven story. Lawhead doesn’t spin a lot of purple prose in blow-by-blow analysis of battles or breathtaking travelogues of the Welsh countryside, though there are some nice action scenes and enough imagery to provide a decent mental anchor for medieval Wales. We watch Rhi Bran’s transformation from a bandit leader to a worthy king, with the help of wise advisors and loyal friends. Lawhead also shines a welcome spotlight on some of the supporting players who don’t get a lot of press, like Will Scarlett and Alan a Dale, as well as a few we’ve not met before. I was particularly intrigued by Angharad, the shaman/wisewoman who is Bran’s principal advisor and mentor. It’s unclear whether she is a converted Druid or someone who has discovered the one true God via His witness revealed in nature, but she illustrates the fact that despite its embrace of Christianity, Britain was at this time only recently emerged from paganism, and the memories and influence of the old ways were still strong. Even Tuck defers to her authority at times.

Tuck is a good read, with strong spiritual and moral themes. I enjoyed it, and probably would have enjoyed it more had I read the other two volumes of the trilogy first. I’ll probably go back for them at some point, but Tuck actually left me more eager to check out Patrick, Lawhead’s novel about the Irish saint.(less)

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Aug 12, 2009 Hank Quense rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I started reading this, I didn't know it was the third book in a trilogy, but I soon realized it is a stand alone book that makes occasional references to events in the previous two books. A knowledge of the first two isn't necessary to enjoy the third one.

Basically, this is a re-telling of the Robin Hood legends with a twist. Instead of Sherwood Forest the setting is the Marches on the border of England and Wales. The story takes place in the reign of King William Rufus, the son of Willia...more

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Jul 21, 2009 MKat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: folklore-fairy-tales-mythology, fiction

The ending might have been a LITTLE sentimental, but, honestly, I'm happier for it. A happy ending, especially when the characters genuinely deserve it, is always fulfilling. And that's exactly how the wonderful King Raven Trilogy comes to its end.

Stephen R. Lawhead has done a brilliant job of blending history, legend, and his own fictional world to bring this Robin Hood story to life in a way that seems completely believable and tangible. His story explains where the majority of the Robin Hood...more

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Jul 09, 2009 Amydeanne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

How many out there enjoy watching Robin Hood when you were younger (or even now?). It brings back good memories for myself, whether it was the cartoon version or the actual movie. Not to mention I keep seeing Men In Tights in my head lol.. sorry..

And while I’ve grown up and put Robin and his merry men in the back of my memories, something has drawn it out again!

Tuck by Stephen Lawhead is all about those merry men! And let me say, I loved it.

First, I really enjoy Lawhead’s writing style. He had m...more How many out there enjoy watching Robin Hood when you were younger (or even now?). It brings back good memories for myself, whether it was the cartoon version or the actual movie. Not to mention I keep seeing Men In Tights in my head lol.. sorry..

And while I’ve grown up and put Robin and his merry men in the back of my memories, something has drawn it out again!

Tuck by Stephen Lawhead is all about those merry men! And let me say, I loved it.

First, I really enjoy Lawhead’s writing style. He had me from page one. He invited me into the novel and kept me hooked. I love the language he gave to his characters. And I really love that he gave the “sound key” for the Celtic language at the beginning of the book. It is so sumptuous and I love the poetry of it! It made me feel like I was sneaking a peek into their lives and had somehow received this special invitation to read it.
So what is Tuck about? Well, Tuck is the third book in the King Raven Trilogy. And if you haven’t guessed, Tuck, is the famous Friar Tuck from Robin Hood. It takes the tale of Robin Hood to the Welsh countryside and gives it a Celtic, medieval presence. Rhi Bran y Hud (Robin) and his “merry men” go through the country they make friends and foes and fight for their lives, and Robin tries to reclaim the throne that is rightfully his.

I found it really interesting to read the story from Tuck’s view. It is a refreshing change! And what’s more the image of Tuck being nothing more than a rotund little man with nothing but ale on his mind is changed here! I found Tuck engaging and an interesting fellow to get to know.

I like Lawhead’s choice of location, and it definitely brings new twists to the story that I wouldn’t have expected. The fact that Rhi Bran y Hud (Robinhood) it placed in the Welsh country instead of the traditional Sherwood forest, brings up new and intriguing imagery! I’ve read a few comments about Lawhead being extremely familiar with the Welsh, and while this is my first read of one of Mr. Lawhead’s books, I appreciate writers who write what they know; I mean why wouldn’t you? When I was a child I would change Robin Hood to fit into my backyard, and now I would fit him on the farm… so why wouldn’t I fit him into the country side I knew?

I think anyone who loves a good adventure will enjoy this book. I loved the transformation of Robin from theif to king, and even more so the kernels of truth planted in this book.

Now, hubby has stolen this book and wants to finish reading it, so I’ll conclude by saying I think we’ll be getting the other two books to see the whole story! Yummmmy!!
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May 20, 2009 Jill Williamson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review by Jill Williamson

In Tuck, Stephen Lawhead’s third and final instalment of his King Raven Trilogy, William the Red has reneged on his promise to restore Elfael to Bran Brychan, the rightful king. Bran and his flock flee back to the forest as Abbot Hugo’s men give chase. The rebels make it back safe, but Bran knows that something more must be done. The Normans are men without honor and will not listen to reason. And Bran’s band of rebels is not enough to overtake his Norman foes. Without s...more Review by Jill Williamson

In Tuck, Stephen Lawhead’s third and final instalment of his King Raven Trilogy, William the Red has reneged on his promise to restore Elfael to Bran Brychan, the rightful king. Bran and his flock flee back to the forest as Abbot Hugo’s men give chase. The rebels make it back safe, but Bran knows that something more must be done. The Normans are men without honor and will not listen to reason. And Bran’s band of rebels is not enough to overtake his Norman foes. Without some assistance, Bran will never manage to take back his throne. So Bran goes north to his kin to plead for assistance. There he finds Norman invaders have taken over this place as well. Bran weaves a plan to spring the rightful Welsh king from prison.

This third volume in the King Raven Trilogy follows Friar Tuck, for the most part. My favorite scenes in this story were when Bran was masquerading as the Spaniard nobleman in an attempt to free the Welsh king from prison. I also enjoyed Tuck’s dialogue very much. Here is an example of the bowlegged little friar’s words.

“God love you, man,” sighed Tuck. “Changing horses in the middle of the stream—is this a good idea, I ask myself?”
“From what you say, Friar,” replied Bran, “Wolf Hugh is no respecter of the church. Good Father Dominic may not receive the welcome he so rightly deserves.”
“Who would fare better?” wondered Tuck.
“Count Rexindo!” announced Bran, taking the name of a Spanish nobleman mentioned by the ship’s master.
Tuck moaned. “All very well for you, my lord. You can change like water as mood and whim and fits of fancy take you. God knows you enjoy it.”
“I confess I do,” agreed Bran, his twisted smile widening even more.
“I, on the other hand, am a very big fish out of water. For all, I am a poor, humble mendicant whom God has seen fit to bless with a stooped back, a face that frightens young ’uns, and knees that have never had fellowship one with the other. I am not used to such high-flown japes, and it makes me that uneasy—strutting about in someone else’s robes, making airs like a blue-feathered popinjay.”
“No one would think you a popinjay,” countered Bran. “You worry too much, Tuck.”
“And you not enough, Rhi Bran.”
“All will be well. You’ll see.”

Tuck leaves me wishing I could read a more of these characters. All were introduced back in the first book, but it wasn’t until this book that I really felt connected to them all. Tuck is a fun story that would stand fine on its own, but is also a satisfying end to this trilogy.

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Sep 23, 2009 Rachel Thomson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-based-fantasy

What we know now as legend, old and familiar as the dusty books we read as children, began in the dark distance of the past as something else—as some truth we’ve changed until we remember things that never were and forget those that really happened.

For every legend we love, another story lies buried somewhere, tantalizing and forever out of reach.

“It will seem strange to many readers,” writes Stephen R. Lawhead, "and perhaps even perverse, to take Robin Hood out of Sherwood Forest and relocate h...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Sue Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

A good final installment in the trilogy of the story of how Robin Hood - well - became Robin Hood!. How time and that old childhood game of passing the story down a line of children will make the story be completely different at the end of the telling. But this look at the start of the legend is an honest one and it makes for good fun, even though the story really isn't that 'slap happy' or 'stooge-like' (visions of the Walt Disney version with the oh-so-clever foxes comes to mind here...!!).

Thi...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Jake rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alternate-history, historical-fiction, history-medieval, history-european, series, swashbuckling

The final book in Stephen Lawhead’s King Raven trilogy, Tuck picks up almost immediately where Scarlet left off. It’s hard to be more specific than that without giving away spoilers, but suffice to say, Rhi Bran and his Grellon are on the run. Again. And the monk known as Friar Tuck is with them.

Unlike Scarlet, which shifted between a first-person narrative by the titular character and a third person narrative focused on other events, Tuck is written entirely in the third person. In fact, while...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Diana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history

Im dritten Band hatte Bran ap Brychan sich alle Mühe gegeben, um genug Geld für König Rufus aufzubringen, damit dieser ihm sein Land wieder zurückgibt. Genommen hatte Rufus das Geld, nur Bran bekam sein Land nicht zurück, einzig sein ärgerster Widersacher wurde wieder nach Frankreich zurückgeschickt.

In diesem dritten Band versucht Bran nun also einen Pakt mit Abt Hugo zu schließen, um wieder an sein Land zu kommen. Unnötig zu sagen, dass auch dies nicht gelingt und Bran und seine Gefolgsleute mi...more

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Apr 25, 2010 Jen A. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When Stephen Lawhead looked into the history of Robin Hood, he discovered that Robin Hood could not have hid his band of merry men in the Sherwood Forest, for it was too cultivated at the time that Robin Hood was supposed to have been in business. So, Lawhead looked into where Robin Hood COULD have operated from during that time, and re-imagined the entire story based out of Wales (with a Celtic background).

The trilogy starts with "Hood," continues with "Scarlett," and completes with "Tuck." Th...more

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May 25, 2009 Terri L rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not being a big fan of the Robin Hood legend, I read this book with trepidation, ready for a tedious number of woodland battles, rescues from castle dungeons and "clever" banter among the "merry men." In general, I was not "disappointed." The characters were generally stereotypically shallow. Tuck, for a man of God, was juat a bit too ready to bash in skulls and a bit too glib as men were being shuffled out of their moral coil to meet their masters for my tastes.

However, the last chapter of the...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Dmitry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As often happens with books and movies that you expect to follow a certain story-line or a well-known character, you will be disappointed unless you leave the preconceived ideas at the door (or at the book-cover, in this case). To really enjoy the book, forget everything you know about Robin Hood and start fresh. The author gives a great explanation at the end of the book, describing his research and reasoning for putting together the plot the way he did, if you are so curious. Despite a pretty...more

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Oct 22, 2010 Werner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of action-oriented historical fiction

Shelves: historical-fiction

With this volume, Lawhead brings his King Raven trilogy to a rousing conclusion! The general comments I made on the first two books apply here, too; but the emotional impact of this book nudged it into five-star territory. This is outstanding fiction of its type --a worthy capstone to a thoroughly excellent series. Lawhead has done himself proud here.

In all three books of the series, Bran ap Brychan --Rhi Bran y Hud-- is the central figure, the linchpin of the story. But as we saw much of Scarle...more With this volume, Lawhead brings his King Raven trilogy to a rousing conclusion! The general comments I made on the first two books apply here, too; but the emotional impact of this book nudged it into five-star territory. This is outstanding fiction of its type --a worthy capstone to a thoroughly excellent series. Lawhead has done himself proud here.

In all three books of the series, Bran ap Brychan --Rhi Bran y Hud-- is the central figure, the linchpin of the story. But as we saw much of Scarlett through Will Scarlet's eyes and he plays a key role in the plot, so here, our good-heartened and rotund title character often gives us our viewpoint, and plays a crucial role in the denouement. The author breathes new life into the familiar figures of all these characters of the legends, and more (including Maid Merian); he's also done his historical homework, to bring us a number of real historical personages made flesh under his pen. King William Rufus (who actually did lead his army into Wales) is an obvious example; but Baron Bernard Neufmarche (who really did rule in Hereford, and expand his territory into Wales), William's justicar and adviser Cardinal Ranulf Flambard, and the northern Welsh king Gruffyd also step from the pages of dry history into vivid fictional life in these books. The interspersed "folk" ballads about "Rhyban Hud" in the text and the epilogue are Lawhead's own compositions, but they clearly reflect a good knowledge of the actual ballad tradition and how it was created and transmitted. And though I went into the reading of the trilogy convinced that no one could ever really know when Robin Hood lived (if indeed he did), I came away convinced that Lawhead's Welsh theory is actually the right one.

All the satisfactions of the best action-oriented historical fiction are here: an exciting, fast-moving story with genuine danger and suspense, told in accessible prose; strong characters that you connect to emotionally, clean romance, moral and spiritual sensibility and a clear sense of social justice, basic historical accuracy and well-integrated period detail, and a vivid sense of time and place. It does not exaggerate to call this trilogy a work in the tradition of Ivanhoe; if Sir Walter Scott were still alive, the publisher could probably have gotten him to pen some praise to quote on the book jacket!(less)

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Feb 26, 2009 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wonderful. The story is told, in part, from the perspective of Friar Tuck. However, it is still a third-person narrative rather than a first-person like Scarlet. Tuck's role in this third novel is much more significant. And the idea that a humble priest can have such an impact on the lives of everyone around him, including the King of England is important.

Tuck picks up right where Scarlet leaves off, with Bran and his followers leaving the King, after the King has gone back on his promise of jus...more Wonderful. The story is told, in part, from the perspective of Friar Tuck. However, it is still a third-person narrative rather than a first-person like Scarlet. Tuck's role in this third novel is much more significant. And the idea that a humble priest can have such an impact on the lives of everyone around him, including the King of England is important.

Tuck picks up right where Scarlet leaves off, with Bran and his followers leaving the King, after the King has gone back on his promise of justice and returning Elfael to Bran. Bran vows revenge and he is darker here than he has been in the previous books. He's angry and not quite as compassionate as he has been before. He kills a bit easier, as he exacts his revenge on the Normans, Sheriff de Glanville and Abbot Hugo, who was given control of Elfael by King William.

The killings here are just as numerous and brutal as they are in the previous books. But, when the Normans stumble into Cel Craidd, tragedy strikes in a heart-breaking way.

Through it all, Friar Tuck stands by Bran's side. Faithful to the end, he does what is asked of him, all the while praying and guiding Bran's Grellon. That it is Tuck who manages to convince the King to do the right thing isn't a surprise, once you've come to know this wise little priest.

In this book, we also meet Alan a'Dale, a minstrel who joins Bran and his followers. The chapters begin with Alan's songs, which tell the tale of Rhi Bran y Hud. Alan is a delightful addition to the Grellon and a faithful supporter of Bran.

Lawhead, as he has done in the previous books, provides an epilogue which details more of the history and shows how minstrels moved from place to place, influencing the people they met. Their songs started in one place and as they moved around the country, were adapted and changed according to the area and the people. Thus, while one song started in Wales, about a man named Bran, a sheriff called de Glanville and King William, it could eventually be sung in England about Robin, a sheriff in Nottingham and King John.

A terrific end to a fascinating trilogy. Easy to read, enthralling and captivating. (less)

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Jun 03, 2010 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This was a satisfying conclusion to this series, and I enjoyed reading it. However - though I enjoyed this book - I did notice some definite shortcomings of this book in particular and the series as a whole. Lawhead is a great storyteller - he knows how to tell a good yarn - and extremely well-researched, which made this series fascinating. That said, as a writer/wordsmith, he is definitely lacking. Throughout the series I felt that character development was clunky and not well done (in particul...more

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Nov 10, 2009 Cv Rick rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the conclusion of Lawhead's exciting Robin Hood trilogy, Friar Tuck observes and participates in the intrigues of the outlaw's life - from court betrayal by King William to the politics and dirty doings of the power-mad abbot. Tuck is another new, unique voice and the author pulls it off nicely, giving great care to the priest's earnest desire to see to the band's spiritual well-being. What I loved about it is that despite being at odds with his higher-ranking church brethren, Tuck knows he i...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Flora Bateman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is the third and final installment in Lawhead's retelling of the Robin Hood story. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first two. I love the way Lawhead puts this in a historical context and brings it to life in a way that it could have happened.

Tuck pics up right where Scarlet left off. Rhi Bran Y Hud and his followers are still on the run and trying to regain their realm. In the process there are skirmishes as well as undercover dealings that are filled with thrills and humor. There a...more

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Apr 22, 2009 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved the third book! Such a great trilogy and such a treat to have sequels be as good as the first.

I love the story of Robin Hood (especially the Disney version)and was so pleased that the author could continue an engaging story through 3 books. And each one was so different! (Kinda fun to have the French thrown in too even though mine is rusty!) Another reason I love book club - I would have never picked Hood on my own. Thanks Telarry for getting me started on this adventure.

I found that even...more

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Jun 22, 2009 cecilia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: purple-covers

I thought the beginning was a little slow and confusing for me, but that could be attributed to the fact that I had not read its 2 predecessors. The Welsh names used for the outlaws threw me off, as did the different names for villians and locations (no mention of Sherwood or Sheriff of Nottingham). The story did not pick up momentum for me until Bran, Tuck, and company set out to free a captive king - and when it started to get more exciting, I definitely became more engrossed in the story and...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fantasy, historical-fiction, british-influence

Tuck is the final volume in a trilogy that situates the Robin Hood legend in Wales around 1100 A.D. I listened to the audio version.

There are, of course, the usual clever deceptions, tricks, and plots on the part of Bran and his band of thieves. They continue to resist overzealous Norman rule and the rather wicked Abbot who now presides over Bran's ancestral throne. But things are getting more and more desperate throughout the book, and life in the forest as wanted men and women is starting to...more

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Jun 02, 2010 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historicfiction, series, favoritereread

I've now got the whole of the "King Raven Trilogy" under my belt, and it did not disappoint. I have to confess that I was worried about a retelling of Robin Hood in a new time and place. But the way Lawhead wove Rhi Bran's story was fantastically done, and I feel more comfortable with Rhi Bran y Hud after three books than I feel with Robin Hood over previous 20 years. :)
I enjoyed "Hood," and, though I typically feel like second books in a series are the weak-link, I liked "Scarlet" even better...more

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Mar 03, 2009 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

I enjoyed this series. It had a lighter touch than many of Lawhead's books, and the character of Friar Tuck is one of the better articulated characters. The ending is satisfying, but in the context of medieval Welsh history and the ongoing confrontations with the Norman/English kings a little too fairy tale, but enjoyable all the same. Two things Lawhead doesn't do particularly well are female characters and realistic romantic relationships. The main female characters are 2-dimensional stereotyp...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Kara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read some goodreads.com comments and many said that they didn't see Friar Tuck in this book at all-I beg to differ on that. The first book was spiritual, the second was folkfore mixed with prayer and corrupt priests this third is a lot of praying which is Friar Tuck's influence. Tuck (the book) has a lot of action. The best part is the way the group trick a king out of his prisoner, trick an army into believing they are fighting another army when they only have 10 men and the way they get peac...more

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About Stephen R. Lawhead

Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.

Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...

Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned...more

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Quotes from Tuck

“Do not think it impossible just because it has never happened.
- Friar Tuck” — 29 people liked it

“Pray God our aim is true and each arrow finds it's mark.” — 4 people liked it

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Tuck (King Raven #3)

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