The Scarlet Forest

A Tale of Robin Hood (2nd Edition)

By: A.E. Chandler

Narrated by: Joel Benedict

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

You are invited underneath the great greenwood tree to hear how a young man became a hero, and a hero became a legend.

When Robin takes a shortcut through Sherwood Forest, the path he chooses leads not to Nottingham’s archery contest, but to a life on the run from the law. Unable now to become a knight and joined by his childhood friends, Robin Hood leads the most infamous outlaw band ever to evade the king and his sheriff.

Blending true history with new stories, popular inaccuracies, and some almost forgotten medieval legends, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood brings a new life to the greenwood, which here feels as fresh as it does traditional. With an academic background in medieval English studies, A. E. Chandler captivates with this unique and nuanced reinterpretation of Robin Hood’s struggles and adventures.

The forest is waiting. This expanded second edition contains bonus material, including a translation of one of only five surviving medieval Robin Hood "ballads", two medieval recipes, and a historical note.

©2017, 2020 A. E. Chandler (P)2021 A. E. Chandler

Captivating and True to the Period

The Scarlet Forest takes us back to medieval times and into the lives of Robin Hood and Marian. This version of the Robin Hood legend is true to the dialect and very well researched, bringing history and legend together in a wonderful way. This collection includes oft-told stories and new ones as well. We are sometimes treated to “a tale within a tale,” as Marian (Anne) or one of the other characters tell stories of their own.

The characters come alive from the first page, as we are introduced to Robin and watch him assemble his band of merry men. It is set in the 13th century and is entwined with the history of that time. I loved the way the concept of “merry men” is explained by the men themselves, that it is much more enjoyable to roam free in the forest than to labor endlessly for meager wages.

The adventures are full of suspense and often a moral lesson, for Robin doesn’t just give money to the poor, he seeks justice as well in some of the tales. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Joel Benedict, does a great job despite difficult dialect. Tales like this were originally conveyed orally, so I thought the audiobook was the perfect vehicle for this story. I was spellbound throughout. This is a captivating adventure in Sherwood Forest and beyond with Robin Hood and those who loved him. Want to go on an epic journey in medieval times and also learn some history along the way? Pick up The Scarlet Forest.

I received a free copy of the audiobook. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

grateful read

The Scarlet forest: a tale of Robin Hood by A.E. Chandler is a retelling of Robin Hood as a major character, who is staying in the woods and robs the rich and gives to the less fortunate. Robin is a clear leader and with his company are outlaws. There is a price on Robin's life and he should be hanged. However, the vagabond pals do robberies not even thinking to stop.
I started this book by reading a written copy in PDF, it is not the most convenient way to read, I've read one-third of the book. Then I switched to the Audible audio version beautifully narrated by Joel Benedict. It was nice listening while on walks with my dog.