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The Black Arrow  By  cover art

The Black Arrow

By: Robert Louis Stevenson
Narrated by: Ron Keith
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Editorial reviews

This is possibly the least well known of Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure novels. Set in fifteenth-century England during the War of the Roses, it follows 17-year-old Richard Shelton as he seeks to avenge his father's murder and rescue his ladylove. These days, sixth-graders might have difficulty comprehending Stevenson's period prose without assistance. Narrator Ron Keith is more than up to the task. As a homicidal priest, an assortment of barbarous pirates, and Richard's own devious legal guardian, Keith makes every moment sizzle. His excellent accents, stylish characterizations, and vocal panache keep the listener spellbound. As young Richard discovers betrayal, friendship, and love, Keith's performance offers an entertaining way for a new audience to understand and enjoy this gem.

Publisher's summary

The 15th-century Wars of the Roses serve as backdrop for this swashbuckling historical novel from the author of Kidnapped and Treasure Island.

In a time of shifting loyalties and trecherous alliances, young Dick Shelton is betrayed by his brutal guardian. Intent on rescuing the woman he loves, Dick joins forces with a mysterious fellowship intent on dispensing their own brand of justice.Through one trap after another, each choice Dick makes begins to have dire consequences—not only for himself, but for the fate of England!

Public Domain (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about The Black Arrow

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Excellent writing, excellent narration, good story

This is a worthwhile story, but not so "hot" as Treasure Island. I think the Narrator saved it from making me kind of mad that I bought the book. In the end I recommend this book third in line, "thusly": after Treasure Island, then Kidnapped.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Spastic adventures

This story is wild and full of all the things boys love. The narration is extremely well done.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A full and enchanting adventure

I love this book, it keeps one on the edge wanting to know how it falls out and the underlying virtue of mercy shines softly in the main character.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story marred by the narrator.

This is a great story that goes along well with any of the Robert Louis Stevenson adventure books. A great book for any kid who is up to reading chapter books.

A story set during the War of the Roses in England in the 1600s. Filled with knights, damsels in distress, evil lords, and longbow archers in the woods.

The hard part with this audio book version is the Narrator. Not fully sure if he is from the UK or is trying to work an accent. However, there is an accent by this narrator and it only made it harder to hear as he shifted to some different voices for the different characters, as he was saying certain words or phrases.

Still isn't that bad of a book, just be prepared to rewind a few times to hear an page or two.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A classic never goes out of style.

An excellent take on The Wars of the Roses, and a classic if ever there was one. The narrator, who I'd never heard of before, is excellent at accents and voices.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

I thought it was better

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

lWould have to change some things, for example,: Dick Shelton is looks more like a lady in distress. It is a poor character, little interesting. The Black Arrow Group - who are they? The author didn't explain why the group existe... only existe. And who was Dick's father? Why was he murder?

What could Robert Louis Stevenson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Probably develop better the characters. Better structure the story in a way that makes it more attractive

Would you be willing to try another one of Ron Keith’s performances?

I don't know.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Black Arrow?

I wouldn't cut, I would rewrite the third part of the book.

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