Time for a little levity! My favorite author, by far, is Stephen R. Lawhead. I have been following him for many years and have purchased as many of his books as I can lay hands on. For the past ten years or so, he has focused his writing on historical fiction. I can’t get enough of this genre. I love history and I love a good story, so what could be better? I was in the bookstore picking up some more “weighty” material last week and by chance saw this newest addition to Lawhead’s publishing shelf.

Tuck is the third in the King Raven Trilogy and is a retelling (or perhaps a first telling) of the Robin Hood story. For those who think that nothing more of substance could be added to the legend of the “wee band of merry men” think again. Lawhead sets the story in mid/late Medieval Wales and masterfully weaves the practical and political struggles of the Welsh of the day into what he presents as the original story from which the later Robin Hood tales arise.

The whole trilogy is well-written (although I have noticed that editorial errors are becoming more and more common in contemporary literature and each of the three books suffers from at least one or two minor editorial oversights). The gospel of Jesus is masterfully made part of the realities of the story in all three books. None of the books are “religious” and are written for the common market and not just the religious booksellers. All three books serve as testimony to the opportunity followers of Christ have to make great art.

I highly recommend the whole trilogy to any who enjoy a fast-paced, historically-based, God-honoring piece of literature.

“I think Bloody William wants to talk,” replied Llewelyn.

“I say we give an arrow in the eye and let that do our talking for us,” declared Gruffydd. He nudged Llewelyn beside him. “Your aim is true, Cousin; let fly and we’ll see that rascal off right smart.”

“No!” said Tuck, pressing forward. “Begging your pardon, my lords, I do believe he wants to beg terms of peace.”…

When King William and his knights rode into the fortress yard at midday, Bran and his people were ready to receive them. Bran, with Merian on one hand and Tuck on the other, was flanked by Iwan and Siarles on the right , and Will Scarlet and Alan a’Dale on the left. Behind him were other members of the Grellon—

Lawhead, Stephen R. Tuck. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers © 2009. ISBN 9781595540874. Quotations from pp. 415, 419