Robin Hood books

I want to start this post by showing you a picture of the first man I ever loved....


image via google image search

That's right.  A cartoon fox.  I was madly in love with a cartoon fox.  But I was 3, so that makes it slightly better.
I show you this picture, not because I'm a weirdo who loves cartoons, but because its a picture of Robin Hood.  I didn't love him for his looks (but come on, he's a fox...HA), I loved his sense of adventure and justice.  Plus he got to hang out in the forest and shoot arrows.

I love the legend and all its many forms and levels (but not all the movies...I mean let's face it, Kevin Costner's "British" accent just didn't do it for me.  I'd rather watch a cartoon fox.)

I recently read two Robin Hood books that I wanted to share with you.  The first being Hood by Stephen Lawhead, and the second, Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen. 

  

(clicking the cover image will take you to the appropriate amazon link---cover image via amazon)

Hood is the story of a reluctant Robin Hood, set in medieval Wales.  It draws on Welsh folk tales and legends to tale the familiar tale. 

I'm often wary of picking up a book by an author I know nothing about, nor have I heard anything about the book, but I'm glad I did.  Yes, it was a little slow at times, but all in all, it was an enjoyable read.

Scarlet is the tale of Will Scarlet, Robin Hood's right hand man...erm...woman in disguise.  The Sheriff of Nottingham is evil and desperate and hires a notorious thief-snatcher, Guy of Gisbourne, to catch Robin Hood and his band of merry people.  Our Scarlet is a damaged soul, and as the story moves on we learn why she hides herself (both in disguise and her heart from the others), and her history with Gisbourne. 

Scarlet's voice as narrator is so good.  I could almost imagine myself in the book with them.  There wasn't any part of this book that I didn't like.  I started reading it while proctoring a state standardized test, and I was honestly upset when the kids were finished and I had to stop reading!   

Scarlet was one of my favorite reads this year.  I think its number 2 on my list.  I would recommend it to just about anyone.  It is one of those rare books where I would say to people, "Just do yourself a favor and read it.  You'll like it."

Do you know of any other Robin Hood books out there?  'Cause I want to read them!