Tuck (The King Raven Trilogy) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: bird spirit, war band, Abbot Hugo, Count Rexindo, Earl Hugh (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"Pray God our aim is true and each arrow finds its mark."

King Raven has brought hope to the oppressed people of Wales--and fear to their Norman overlords. Along the way Friar Tuck has been the stalwart supporter of King Raven--bringing him much-needed guidance, wit, and faithful companionship.

Deceived by the self-serving King William and hunted by the treacherous Abbot Hugo and Sheriff de Glanville, Rhi Bran is forced to take matters into his own hands as King Raven. Aided by Tuck and his small but determined band of forest-dwelling outlaws, he ignites a rebellion that spreads through the Welsh valleys, forcing the wily monarch to marshal his army and march against little Elfael.

Filled with unforgettable characters, breathtaking suspense, and rousing battle scenes, Stephen R. Lawhead's masterful retelling of the Robin Hood legend reaches its stunning conclusion in Tuck. Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Lawhead's trilogy conjures up an ancient past while holding a mirror to contemporary realities. Prepare for an epic tale that dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood.

About the Author

Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His novels include Hood, Scarlet, Patrick, the Song of Albion trilogy, the Dragon King trilogy, and the Pendragon Cycle series. Lawhead makes his home in Oxford, England, with his wife. Visit stephenlawhead.com.

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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Product Details Hardcover: 464 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 17, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1595540873 ISBN-13: 978-1595540874 Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,876 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #1 in  Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Sagas #3 in  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Lawhead, Stephen #5 in  Books > History > Europe > Wales

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
bird spirit, war band

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Abbot Hugo, Count Rexindo, Earl Hugh, King Raven, King William, Cél Craidd, Rhi Bran, Lady Agnes, Caer Cestre, Captain Aloin, King Gruffydd, Marshal Guy, King's Road, Will Scarlet, Sheriff de Glanville, Red William, Caer Rhodl, Bishop Balthus, Saint Martin, Bishop Asaph, Wolf Hugh, Father Dominic, Vale of Elfael, Caer Cadarn, Friar Tuck

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	90% buy the item featured on this page: Tuck (The King Raven Trilogy) 4.5 out of 5 stars (35) $17.81
	5% buy Hood (The King Raven Trilogy, Book 1) 4.4 out of 5 stars (92) $7.99
	3% buy Scarlet (The King Raven, Book 2) 4.5 out of 5 stars (51) $10.87
	1% buy Merlin (The Pendragon Cycle , Book 2) 4.6 out of 5 stars (41) $7.99

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Customer Reviews

35 Reviews 5 star:  (22) 4 star:  (11) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.5 out of 5 stars (35 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 9 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars An Epic Hero Tale!, February 19, 2009 By  Kimfurd "Kimfurd" (Alabama) - See all my reviews "It is an end worth fighting for," mused Bran. "It may be for others to complete what we've begun, but there must be a beginning." (p. 334) Rhi Bran ap Brychan only wants restored what has been taken from him - his kingship on the throne of Elfael. Red William has led the Ffreinic in a seemingly endless battle against a mysterious group of outlaws under the leadership of King Raven. When he finally decides he will not tolerate another moment of rebellion - because he cannot afford the debt he must pay for the souls he has killed, a battle of epic proportions begins to form in the vale of Elfael. Throughout the story, there is a short, stout friar named Tuck who faithfully fulfills the requests made of him by his fearless leader Rhi Bran. He is asked several times to go face to face with the enemy and ask that peace be considered, only to have his life threatened and his leader defamed. Yet Tuck remains faithful to pray for Bran and those who fight by his side, and the Lord is faithful to answer Tuck's prayers in some very unexpected ways! Although Tuck is the final book of Stephen Lawhead's King Raven trilogy, it is a book that can be enjoyed on its own as well. I am almost embarrassed to admit that it's my first introduction to Lawhead's work, but you can be certain I am now a fan! Tuck absolutely transports the reader to another time and place, and from the opening sentence to the final page this epic story plays out in rich imagery, heroic daring and breathless chases! I couldn't help but laugh at Alan A Dale and his hilarious interpretations during Bran's masquerade as Count Rexindo, and I wept at the loss suffered by Bran and Scarlet during one of the final battles. Truly, the King Raven trilogy is an epic tale, and I highly recommend it! 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: 3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat of a letdown, February 28, 2009 By  Matt E - See all my reviews While this book was a quick read, the ending left something to be desired. The first two books were VERY enjoyable and I felt like they were leading up to something big in the finale, but nothing big really ever happened. The ending was a "cheesefest." It seemed like Mr. Lawhead was just ready to get this series over with and move on to something else. All in all, a decent read just not a very good ending to the series. If you are one of those people (like me) who needs closure, the third book will pass in a blink of an eye but may not satisfy. 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Friar Tuck becomes three dimensional at last, March 1, 2009 By  Catherine Hassan (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    In the King Raven trilogy, Stephen Lawhead creates his own version of Robin Hood, this time placing him in the 12th century under the rule of William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror. This Robin is actually the rightful heir to a fiefdom in The March, a band of Wales that is on the border with England. Tuck is the third volume, this time following Friar Tuck's role and adventures in the whole story. Written in third person omniscient, the narrative will sometimes wander to Robin or other characters, giving the reader a panorama view of all the players and their activities and conversations. While Robin is still the leader and main hero, this time Friar Tuck's role is brought much more to the forefront. His contribution to the final denouement is crucial; more than that I dare not say lest I give away the finale. Friar Tuck is much more well developed as a character in this novel than in most stories; he is usually presented as the somewhat jolly gourmand who is fond of ale and food, but he seems a bit questionable in his true piety and devotion to God. Happily, Lawhead's Tuck has a deeper relationship with his Lord and does seem to want to follow God. He is in contrast to the rich, powerful and power-hungry Abbots and Bishops that scheme to take land and money from the true Britons and Welsh people. Tuck is a servant, a simple priest as he says, but he knows his scripture. Tuck has great depth to his character. Time and again, Robin puts his trust in Father Aethelfrith (Tuck's real name) to perform tasks could affect life or death for the whole group of followers in Robin's camp. There are the familiar tales of broken promises and subterfuge on the part of the sheriff, the greedy Abbot, and the king, as well as many daring exploits with Robin and his Grellon winning against impossible odds in skirmish after skirmish. One difference in this story, though, is that the forest dwellers recognize that the successes come from the intervention of God. They feel certain that their cause is just, so therefore God is on their side. Above all, Lawhead presents a convincing case for his version of Robin Hood's story, why it might be the true story and how the other versions may have evolved over time. His use of a ballad of Rhi Bran y Hud and his Grellon cradles the narrative in the form that our earliest known versions came from, the ballads of early minstrels. With an abundance of Celtic, French, and Welsh language thrown around, coupled with detailed cultural ambience that appears to be authentic of the time and the Welsh and Norman peoples, the tale of King Raven (it has to do with a translation like Rhi Bran, which led to Robin donning a terrifying big Raven costume to frighten enemies) sounds plausible. Those who love legends like Robin Hood and King Arthur will devour Tuck as well as the other two books in the series, Hood and Scarlet. I am sure it would be better if the books could be read in order, but I personally haven't read the first two, and I found it easy enough to follow without the background. Perhaps for someone who actually knows nothing of Robin Hood, it could be confusing to start at the last book. Tuck will appeal to those who thrive on digging into the truth behind any fictional history. I found myself looking up a lot of the words at first, mostly Welsh words. It's something I enjoy. Little touches like a pronunciation guide and a map added to my personal enjoyment in reading. Many extra touches enhanced a story that was already outstanding. It won't appeal to everyone: for one thing, it is over 400 pages long. The style is almost scholarly at times, very much in keeping with the older tales that we have already in our libraries. It only seems appropriate. Tuck is neither a simple read nor a quick one, but it is well worth the time for those who will undertake a new telling of Rhi ban and his Merry Grellon of the forest band.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars loved it, loved it, loved it! well written and stunningly beautiful work. Lawhead has done what he does best again. he did it with the Arthurian legend and now he has done it again with his King Raven trilogy... Read more Published 19 days ago 5.0 out of 5 stars Hear the forest around you The full trilogy could have been one, big book, and they should be read that way. Tuck is the most emotional of the three and the major characters are all well drawn. Read more Published 1 month ago by Cirnelle 5.0 out of 5 stars Great, thrilling finish to the series Lawhead has made me a real fan and I will be moving on to other series he has written. This book was a great and thrilling finish to the series which has been one of my favorites... Read more Published 2 months ago by Todd Serpico 5.0 out of 5 stars Lawhead books Enjoy this author's books. Book arrived in great condition. This is a different take on legend of Robin Hood. Very enjoyable. Published 2 months ago by Bookworm 5.0 out of 5 stars A Fitting Finale! Fidelity, cunning, penance, and peace. With these themes Tuck, the third book of Lawhead's King Raven Trilogy, provides a fitting finale for the other two. Read more Published 2 months ago by Rosanne Lortz 5.0 out of 5 stars Sweeping Epic I have read the trilogy of The King Raven series. I was swept away in the time and place. The believability of Robin Hood over the standard story Nottingham story was one that... Read more Published 4 months ago by Ronald Edwards 5.0 out of 5 stars Frier Tuck comes to life Robin Hood . . . that wonderful tale replayed over and over in film, television, and printed page is wonderfully re-presented in Stephen Lawhead's excellent trilogy. Read more Published 4 months ago by Martin Melvin 5.0 out of 5 stars Tuck The book was in better condition than described, and the service was excellent. Would definitely buy from this vender again. Published 5 months ago by Eleanor Flint 4.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars for the Trilogy, 4 for Tuck I just finished Tuck and I'm a bit sad about leaving the characters and world that Lawhead has created. Read more Published 5 months ago by J. Ramm 4.0 out of 5 stars great ending to the trilogy 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... Read more Published 6 months ago by Rachel Starr Thomson Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595540873
• ISBN-13: 978-1595540874
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,876 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Sagas
  #3 in	Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Lawhead, Stephen
  #5 in	Books > History > Europe > Wales

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Epic Hero Tale!, February 19, 2009

By	Kimfurd "Kimfurd" (Alabama) - See all my reviews

"It is an end worth fighting for," mused Bran. "It may be for others to complete what we've begun, but there must be a beginning." (p. 334)

Rhi Bran ap Brychan only wants restored what has been taken from him - his kingship on the throne of Elfael. Red William has led the Ffreinic in a seemingly endless battle against a mysterious group of outlaws under the leadership of King Raven. When he finally decides he will not tolerate another moment of rebellion - because he cannot afford the debt he must pay for the souls he has killed, a battle of epic proportions begins to form in the vale of Elfael.

Throughout the story, there is a short, stout friar named Tuck who faithfully fulfills the requests made of him by his fearless leader Rhi Bran. He is asked several times to go face to face with the enemy and ask that peace be considered, only to have his life threatened and his leader defamed. Yet Tuck remains faithful to pray for Bran and those who fight by his side, and the Lord is faithful to answer Tuck's prayers in some very unexpected ways!

Although Tuck is the final book of Stephen Lawhead's King Raven trilogy, it is a book that can be enjoyed on its own as well. I am almost embarrassed to admit that it's my first introduction to Lawhead's work, but you can be certain I am now a fan! Tuck absolutely transports the reader to another time and place, and from the opening sentence to the final page this epic story plays out in rich imagery, heroic daring and breathless chases! I couldn't help but laugh at Alan A Dale and his hilarious interpretations during Bran's masquerade as Count Rexindo, and I wept at the loss suffered by Bran and Scarlet during one of the final battles. Truly, the King Raven trilogy is an epic tale, and I highly recommend it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat of a letdown, February 28, 2009

By	Matt E - See all my reviews

While this book was a quick read, the ending left something to be desired. The first two books were VERY enjoyable and I felt like they were leading up to something big in the finale, but nothing big really ever happened. The ending was a "cheesefest." It seemed like Mr. Lawhead was just ready to get this series over with and move on to something else. All in all, a decent read just not a very good ending to the series. If you are one of those people (like me) who needs closure, the third book will pass in a blink of an eye but may not satisfy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Friar Tuck becomes three dimensional at last, March 1, 2009

By	Catherine Hassan (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In the King Raven trilogy, Stephen Lawhead creates his own version of Robin Hood, this time placing him in the 12th century under the rule of William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror. This Robin is actually the rightful heir to a fiefdom in The March, a band of Wales that is on the border with England. Tuck is the third volume, this time following Friar Tuck's role and adventures in the whole story. Written in third person omniscient, the narrative will sometimes wander to Robin or other characters, giving the reader a panorama view of all the players and their activities and conversations. While Robin is still the leader and main hero, this time Friar Tuck's role is brought much more to the forefront. His contribution to the final denouement is crucial; more than that I dare not say lest I give away the finale. Friar Tuck is much more well developed as a character in this novel than in most stories; he is usually presented as the somewhat jolly gourmand who is fond of ale and food, but he seems a bit questionable in his true piety and devotion to God. Happily, Lawhead's Tuck has a deeper relationship with his Lord and does seem to want to follow God. He is in contrast to the rich, powerful and power-hungry Abbots and Bishops that scheme to take land and money from the true Britons and Welsh people. Tuck is a servant, a simple priest as he says, but he knows his scripture. Tuck has great depth to his character. Time and again, Robin puts his trust in Father Aethelfrith (Tuck's real name) to perform tasks could affect life or death for the whole group of followers in Robin's camp.

There are the familiar tales of broken promises and subterfuge on the part of the sheriff, the greedy Abbot, and the king, as well as many daring exploits with Robin and his Grellon winning against impossible odds in skirmish after skirmish. One difference in this story, though, is that the forest dwellers recognize that the successes come from the intervention of God. They feel certain that their cause is just, so therefore God is on their side.

Above all, Lawhead presents a convincing case for his version of Robin Hood's story, why it might be the true story and how the other versions may have evolved over time. His use of a ballad of Rhi Bran y Hud and his Grellon cradles the narrative in the form that our earliest known versions came from, the ballads of early minstrels. With an abundance of Celtic, French, and Welsh language thrown around, coupled with detailed cultural ambience that appears to be authentic of the time and the Welsh and Norman peoples, the tale of King Raven (it has to do with a translation like Rhi Bran, which led to Robin donning a terrifying big Raven costume to frighten enemies) sounds plausible.

Those who love legends like Robin Hood and King Arthur will devour Tuck as well as the other two books in the series, Hood and Scarlet. I am sure it would be better if the books could be read in order, but I personally haven't read the first two, and I found it easy enough to follow without the background. Perhaps for someone who actually knows nothing of Robin Hood, it could be confusing to start at the last book. Tuck will appeal to those who thrive on digging into the truth behind any fictional history. I found myself looking up a lot of the words at first, mostly Welsh words. It's something I enjoy. Little touches like a pronunciation guide and a map added to my personal enjoyment in reading. Many extra touches enhanced a story that was already outstanding. It won't appeal to everyone: for one thing, it is over 400 pages long. The style is almost scholarly at times, very much in keeping with the older tales that we have already in our libraries. It only seems appropriate. Tuck is neither a simple read nor a quick one, but it is well worth the time for those who will undertake a new telling of Rhi ban and his Merry Grellon of the forest band.