Customer Reviews

The Archer King

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I have just read the Archer King by Reyna Thera Lorele from Blue Arrow Books. It is a retelling of the Robin Hood legend as seen from a Wiccan perception. I found Ms Lorele's writing style crisp and clean. she does know how to keep a story moving. I thought the characterization well drown as well. Just as many others have she takes her cue from Sir Walter Scott and places the story in the 12th century (1191 - 1194) mixing in King John, Richard the Lion Heart, Alienor of Aquitaine and other historic personages and events into the story, she also includes some of the latest ideas about them. There are a few anachronisms, though they are few and fairly minor for the most part (spuds are mentioned as being part of a meal.) And such modern thoughts as "If you harm none, do as you will. That is the whole of the law." as `Wiccan' knowledge of the time. Speaking of which, I would say that the most radical departure from common retellings are the Pagan elements. Robert of Loxley takes on the name Robin after being pulled from a river and brought back from a fever by a Druid (Druids in 1192?). In gratitude he agrees to stay with the Druid for a year and a day. During that time, he takes up the druid way himself. Also during the course of the story he ether takes part in or performs a number of rituals, such as putting his murdered father's spirit to rest. The one that leads to his reacquaintance with Marian is particularly spectacular (and vaguely kinky). All the Characters from the legend show up, Friar Tuck, Guy of Gisborne, Will `Scarlok', and the Sheriff (given a name, Reginald, as well) and the rest. as well as a number of characters who are particular to this version. Without giving anything away, I would recommend this novel to anyone who has a liking for the legend of Robin Hood and would like to read a `modern' up-dating of it (Detail is given to the naughty bits that we all know are a part of life.) I would especially recommend this to those with an interest in Paganism, mysticism and those who would just like to read a less "mundane" telling of the story of Robin Hood and his Marry Band. Also of note is that Ms Lorele makes use of some of the Ballads of Robin through out the novel. I think this novel would also appeal to fans of the television series Robin of Sherwood.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Lorele's book. This is one of those books that is hard to put down and when I finished I was left wanting more. For anyone looking to make another Robin Hood film this book would certainly translate well to the big screen. The descriptions of the banquets were delicious and a fun addition! I highly recommend this book.

Generally, I don't like historical novels. My taste runs more to fast-paced murder mysteries. I like books I can read through quickly, and not have to linger over every word. Although I enjoyed seeing Kevin Costner as Robin Hood, I have never been that interested in the Robin Hood tale. So "The Archer King" was definitely not a book I expected to like. I read it only because two close friends raved about it so enthusiastically. To my great surprise, I LOVED this book! The writer is an exquisite story teller. The twists and turns of the plot kept me turning the pages. The main characters are drawn with complexity and depth. Lorele's writing style is so beautiful, I wanted to read every word. Although there was every reason for me not to like this book, "The Archer King" was one of the best and most enjoyable novels I've read in a very long time.

Wow! The Archer King is a very refreshing and enjoyable read. I came online to review the book and was a bit astonished at two of the complaints about the Pagan perspective.Having been initiated in 1979, eventually ordained and having studied deep Paganism for over twenty years, I found Reyna Lorele's research both authentic and and beautifully wound into the story. If there were to be any "positive criticism" it would be that it is a fairly "light"; albeit a very full, read. The reader is moved to think and picture the scenes, not trip over words and keep a dictionary nearby.It is the perfect book for just curling up and lending oneself to the world of fantasy; into a familiar story finally retold from a too long ignored perspective. It is one I have no doubt I shall pick up again in a few years, probably after Hollywood does and yet another version, just to remind myself of what might have have been...

Heartfelt thanks to authoress, Reyna Lorele. Although I Am not an authority on 12th century history, I was transported to a place of mystical proportions. A place where I felt empowered. A place where I wanted to remain just a little bit longer than pg. 454. Ms. Lorele has a way of weaving Wiccan philosiphy into a classic tale. A truly new way (but strictly not new age) bent on traditional themes. The kind of story that makes the reader review for themselves just what real riches are. A page turner for the human spirit.

This book is inventive, fun, sexy, spiritual, informative and best of all well written. Reyna Lorelle has taken on an ambitious concept and pulled it off beautifully. The story moves along quickly, cleanly and with strong, feminine grace.

I loved this book! It tells the story of Robin Hood which alot of people are familiar with from a Pagan perspective. Maid Maerin is a Christian, on her way to becoming a nun and does not come into the story until about half-way through. This book talks about their love and struggle to come together in spite of beliefs and how Robin has to come to terms with the fact that everything he knows is destryed while he is fu=ighting in the Crusades. He becomes embittered with the Christian religion after seeing the deah and destruction wrought by a war in the name of God. One of the best fiction stories I've read in a while!!!

Although the authour has an engaging writing style, and this makes her book easy to read, it is more New-Age fantasy than serious retelling. If you are a serious Robin Hood scholar it may prove disappointing (except as one more example of a modern retelling). For instance, the book abounds with references to Wicca, which is a 20th century religion and not a 12th century one. Furthermore, the earliest confimed Tarot deck originated in the 15th century as a deck of playing cards painted for the Visconti family of Milan; it was not a divination tool that a 12th century peasant girl would have had. In all, the book seemed to be full of Wiccan stereotyping and to play up to the (disproven) theory of Wicca as an unbroken tradition (at the end of the book when Maerin joins a nunnery Lorele writes that Maerin passed her Wiccan learning on to the nuns in her charge, and that "this was one way that knowledge of the Wiccan Craft survived.") Yet for those who like alot of fantasy in their stories this may work for you. However, I recommend the "Robin of Sherwood" series (Goldcrest TV, early 80s) for a good Pagan portrayal of Robin Hood devoid of Wiccan stereotyping.

Touted as "Robin Hood from the pagan perspective", I find this book to be nothing to crow about. The "pagan perspective" is limited to dancing skyclad in one or two scenes, dreams about the horned god, and Robin using magic, not skill, to win any situation. The plot line is basically the same tales told by Howard Pyle and others plus a thought or two from "Prince of Thieves", with not much new material added. The characters are flat, with little to bind them together or give them energy. Maerin's religious introspective is stultifying after a while, and there is no spark between her and Robin. If you want paganism in this tale, stick to watching the series "Robin Hood" with Michael Praed as Robin. If you want better characterization in the written tale, check out Jennifer Roberson's "Lady of the Forest". Her storytelling is choppy, but her spin on the tale is interesting and her characters are better defined.