Robin Hood's Dawn
By: Olivia Longueville
&
J.C. Plummer
Book Blurb:
A KINGDOM UNDER ASSAULT, A CONSPIRACY BORN OF ANARCHY,
AND A HERO STANDING AGAINST TYRANNY
A story birthed from both history and folklore— step into a unique retelling of the Robin
Hood legend.
Set in 12 th century England and France, a time of anarchy, intrigue, and turmoil, Robin
Hood’s Dawn [Angevin World Publishing, January 16, 2018] by authors Olivia Longueville and
J.C. Plummer offers readers a carefully crafted story blending real history with key elements of
the Robin Hood legend. In an intriguing story that highlights Robin’s family background and
dynamics like never before, readers will be undeniably enchanted as they follow Robin Fitzooth, a man falsely convicted of a shocking crime who finds refuge in Sherwood Forest and becomes Robin Hood. Leading a band of men against the injustices of a malevolent sheriff and his henchmen, Robin begins to unravel a web of treachery threatening the English royal family.
As shadowy forces gather to destroy the future of a nation, Robin faces deceit, betrayal,
and the ravages of war as he defends his king, his country, his people, and the woman he lovesfrom a conspiracy so diabolical, so unexpected, that the course of history hangs in the balance.
From the mists of an ancient woodland, to lavish royal courts teeming with intrigue, and the
exotic shores of the Holy Land — Robin Hood leads the fight in a battle between good and evil, justice and tyranny, the future and the past.
Developed in a fast-paced storyline with elements of political intrigue, questionable
morality, adventure, romance, suspense, and mystery, Robin Hood’s Dawn is part one of an
enthralling three-part retelling of the legend of Robin Hood.
A timely and provocative read broadening the storyline of this well-known legend, Robin
Hood’s Dawn reveals:
· Historical detail in the events, characters, and locations throughout the storyline
· The intrinsic value of all people, regardless of wealth and status
· The inherently raw characteristics of Robin Hood—an indomitable, clever, and honorable
man who is also overconfident and reckless
· The transformation of Lady Marian into a powerful female character who faces danger
with an intrepid spirit
· The moral imperative of defending the powerless against tyrannical government officials
· And so much more!
Available for Purchase:
About the Authors:
Authors Olivia Longueville and J.C. Plummer met online and bonded over a passion for
storytelling, history, and fiction. They began the journey of writing The Robin Hood Trilogy
despite having never met each other in person.
Olivia Longueville has degrees in finance and general management from London Business
School. Currently, she is working in investment banking and is also helping her father run
the family business. Longueville loves historical fiction, considering herself an amateur
historian, and she is passionate about historical research, genealogy, and art. She has
undertaken in-depth research into the history of the Valois dynasty, the French
Renaissance, the Tudors, and the Plantagenets. As an established published writer of
Between Two Kings, she is interested in creating strong and diverse characters, and giving
voice to stories that are unique, compelling, inspiring, and amusing.
J.C. Plummer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Washburn University with a Bachelor
of Arts in History and Anthropology. She then earned a Master of Science degree in
Computer Information Science from Dartmouth College. Growing up on a small farm in
Kansas, Plummer developed a lifelong fascination with history and a curiosity about other
cultures and people. Coauthoring The Robin Hood Trilogy has merged her passions for
history, culture, and technology into one unique, exciting project. As an author and
historian, Plummer’s goal is to provide thoughtful and entertaining storytelling that honors
the past, is mindful of the present, and is optimistic for the future.
Excerpt:
Chapter 3: The Earl of Huntingdon
22 August 1188, Sherwood Forest
Marian was laughing so hard that she was gasping for breath. She admonished, “You
cannot put a hole in that cloud with an arrow.”
“Why do you have so little faith in my abilities?” queried Robin with mock offense.
“You are not even giving me a chance. Very well. Pick a leaf, any leaf, and I will pierce the
center in one try.”
Marian wiped a stray tear that had leaked from her eye during her unrestrained mirth.
“How do you expect me to choose one leaf? The tree is thick with them. It does not matter
which leaf I select; you will always claim that you pierced the correct one.”
She beheld him as he stood there, bow in hand, his pale blue eyes sparkling with
mischief, his boyishly handsome face sporting an impish smile, and his wheat-colored hair
slightly ruffled owing to their spirited ride from the Locksley stables to their favorite meadow.
Marian liked to imagine that it was an enchanted corner of the forest – a refuge dominated by a
massive oak, one of the largest trees in this part of the greenwood.
“Well?” he demanded. “What shall I aim for next? I need a challenge, and you will not
allow me to poke holes in the clouds, for fear that it will cause them to rain–”
“That is not what I said!”
Robin persisted, “And you refuse to choose a leaf, although there appears to be an
abundance of leaves from which you could make a selection. I have already slain a brace of
coneys and a pheasant. Elvina and the cook will be quite pleased with me.”
Marian huffed in mock exasperation. “Elvina and the cook are always pleased with you.”
A sly twinkle brightened her eyes. “What about the pheasant you missed?”
“Missed!” he thundered. “No, no, I did not miss that pheasant. I never miss. Someone
deliberately distracted me.”
“It was accidental,” she insisted with a grin.
Robin argued, “Sneaking up behind me and shouting, ‘Do not miss,’ just as I released the
arrow was not accidental.”
Their laughter faded as he took her hands into his. Marian gazed deeply into his eyes,
attempting to learn every shift in the emotions that he guarded so well.
She believed that he revealed more of himself to her than anyone else, but he was still
often a puzzle. At times, he was quiet and contemplative, obviously focusing his mind on some
problem or issue, yet denying that he was thinking about anything important. On some
occasions, she had seen him tense with anger, only to disguise his feelings by making a jest or
laughing, even though he was clearly not amused. Marian knew that when he was truly battling
his emotions, he would disappear into the embrace of Sherwood Forest, for Robin was a man
who found comfort in the untamed beauty of nature.
Once, in a surprisingly candid conversation, Robin had described to her what the forest
meant to him. He spoke of how the forest made him feel alive, and how each of his senses
experienced the greenwood: the fragrances of pine and wild blossoms, the sounds of a rushing
river at his feet and the rustling of leaves overhead, the taste of freshly gathered berries, the feel
of a gentle rain against his face, and the vistas that could only be viewed from tree limbs high
above the forest floor. Robin had told her that the forest was both vast, as it stretched to the
horizon, and intimate, as the sheltering trees sometimes seemed to be crowding around him.
Marian had frequently pondered his words, and she longed to hear him speak openly
about himself again. Unfortunately, whenever she asked him about his feelings or his thoughts,
he deflected her questions with either a joke or a change of topic.
My Review:
Rating:
***I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
First, I must begin by saying that I am not usually drawn to the Historical Fiction section at the bookstore. I have always gravitated more towards the Young Adult, Romance or Mystery novels. Yet, this novel seemed to have a little bit of everything I enjoy, minus the Young Adult aspect. Also, I have never really followed the fictional, yet legendary tales of Robin Hood. I have only ever watched the Disney version of Robin Hood. :)
And yet, I found myself absolutely enthralled with this book. From the very first page you find yourself transported through time where malevolent kings fight for rein over England and knights are determined to seek revenge on an innocent Lord in Nottingham. The suspense from the very beginning drags you in and grips you tight, I would find myself eager to get home only to find out what the next chapter beholds for Robin Hood and his band of merry men.
This book transports you back to the very beginning of Robin Hood's story. We get a sneak peek in the prologue of some our most beloved character's lineage. We learn of Robin Hood's lineage only to discover later in the novel just how much the events in the prologue spur raging wars and secret deception among nobleman.
The authors writing is absolutely remarkable, they describe the world around you with such detail that it feels as though you are truly there among the merry men of Sherwood Forest or trapped within Nottingham Castle awaiting rescue. Even the characters are so well developed that you find yourself cheering for Marian to defeat her captors and once again unite with Robin Hood or the hate you feel for the Sheriff of Nottingham when he out-smarts Robin Hood once again. You even find yourself feeling sorry for Gisborne at times when he is trapped in his own thoughts questioning the decisions he has made.
The authors do a remarkable job combining fiction and history together. Bringing the two worlds together to create such an amazing tale of corruption and heroism. Spurring Lady Marian to be a more independent women ready and willing to walk onto the battlefield to save her beloved Robin. And yet, keeping with the mannerisms and style of 12th century England.
I truly enjoyed branching out of my comfort zone and trying something new. This book was a pleasant surprise. I will be honest I was a bit hesitant at first, only because this isn't usually my cup of tea. However, the synopsis sounded so intriguing with it's promise of suspense and romance, plus Robin Hood was always one of my favorite Disney movies. I have to say that I am glad I gave this book a try and would gladly recommend this book to anyone looking to escape the norm.
I look forward to continuing this journey with Robin Hood, Marian and the men of Sherwood forest in the next book. I am sure it is going to be just has exciting and will written as this one.
Published by: K
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