Robin and the King [Paperback]

Parke Godwin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1994

With Sherwood, Parke Godwin reshaped the familiar story of Robin Hood to create his own unique version of the centuries-old legend. Taking the popular characters of Robin and Maid Marian, Little John and Will Scatloch, Godwin spun a tale of the adventures in Sherwood Forest vastly different from other renditions of the myth. This latest volume from Parke Godwin reveals a fascinating new aspect of the Robin Hood legend - the story of his later life and exploits as defender of the English people. Robin and the King continues the magic of this fabled epic in a drama richer, more powerful, and grander in scope than Sherwood, weaving two historical men into Robin's life: the friendship of the king's son Rossel and the dangerous enmity of Ranulf of Bayeux. The tale returns again to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest, now set later in the reign of William of Normandy, who had conquered the Anglo-Saxon peoples years earlier when Robin was a mere youth. A now older Robin has remained fiercely committed to freeing his fellow countrymen from absolute rule by any king, be he English or Norman. But this long-standing rivalry between Robin and the crown is soon overshadowed by a more dangerous enemy - a foe from the outside who threatens William's entire kingdom, including the way of life of Robin's own England, a life that was largely preserved under Norman rule. This foreign threat sets in motion an explosive set of adventures as Robin engages in fierce sea battles, secret undercover operations behind enemy lines, and bloody saber skirmishes with fresh troops from the French Army. And throughout it all, whether supporting him by his side or defending their home from the royal brutes back in England,his wife, Marian, emerges as a powerful ally, united with Robin in their last heroic efforts to save their people. Robin and the King triumphs as a masterpiece of both history and legend. Employing popular myth as well as historical detail, Parke Godwin has expertly placed the stor

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sherwood Forest no longer rings with the daring exploits of Edward "Robin Hood" Denby; now middle-aged, Robin lives contentedly with his beloved Marian and their two children. He's even become friends with the Sheriff of Nottingham, who has married his cousin. In this sequel to Sherwood , Robin gets into trouble again when he argues in court against a plan to convert part of Sherwood into a royal hunting preserve for William I, who rules England from Normandy. Banished for his insolence, Robin becomes a body servant to the king and his second son, the brave, licentious Rossel. He changes the course of English history by convincing William to alter the line of succession, a development that Godwin's spellbinding storytelling makes totally believable. Not just a first-rate adventure, this is also a fascinating account of everyday life in the 11th century, whose customs, beliefs, superstitions and fears are vividly evoked. Witchcraft, intrigue and betrayal lead to a shocking denouement. Deft characterizations, superb battle scenes and more than a little wit make this a worthy addition to Robin Hood lore.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Eight years after his pardon from the king for his deeds in Sherwood Forest, Edward Denby--otherwise known as Robin Hood--once again finds himself on the wrong side of the law as his conscience drives him to oppose royal tyranny. Godwin relocates his hero to an earlier age, during the reign of William the Conqueror, but the heart of the legend remains unsullied. The author of Beloved Exile ( LJ 4/15/84) once again proves that he is adept at re-creating enduring legends in this stand-alone sequel to Sherwood ( LJ 7/91). Most libraries will want this title.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (July 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380709961
• ISBN-13: 978-0380709960
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,661,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For everyone who likes good historical fiction, October 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Robin and the King (Paperback)

In his duology, consisting of 'Sherwood' and 'Robin and the King', Parke Godwin gives us a whole new Robin Hood. A man who, in this second book, initiates the charter which would result in Magna Carta some 150 years later. Unlike other Robin Hood novels, these are set in the period just after William the Conqueror's invasion of England. This Edward of Denby, nicknamed Robin Hood, could very well have been the predecessor of the other(s?) by this (nick)name. Self-proclaimed "conscience" to William the Conqueror, Robin finds himself banned to Normandy and fighting in the war between William and his opponent, the French king. A good, solid historical novel. Fascinating and true to life. Looking for fantasy? Look elsewhere. Looking for good historical fiction? This is it! Not just for Robin Hood fans.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great sequel, January 14, 2001

By 

lannam (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Robin and the King (Paperback)

Robin and the King tells of life after Sherwood. It's great. Taking place during the early days of Normans, Robin is a political prisoner assigned to Prince William, or Rossel as he is called throughout the book. Robin helps win the war, but life doesn't go the way he would want. A Great Read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, February 6, 2010

By 

Elaine Phillips (Oswego, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Robin and the King: A Novel (Hardcover)

This was a Christmas gift for my husband who is a true Robin Hood fan. He loves the book......