King Robin

by R.A. Moss

"He robbed the rich and gave to the poor... until he became king."

Shown here is an Advance Reading Copy of the novel coming February 15, 2021 from Beck and Branch Publishers. Advance copies limited to industry professionals. Contact the author on Goodreads for requests.

Genres: Historical Fiction

ebook

Published February 8, 2021

About the author

I earned my keep as a writer long before penning KING ROBIN and TOBACCO REPUBLIC. Under my birth name, I've authored four novels in other genres that earned accolades from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. In my new presence on Goodreads, I look forward to exchanging book reviews with readers and other authors.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

KING ROBIN by R.A. Moss is a new fictional retelling of the legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. This retelling of the legend gives the reader an overview of his entire life with an alternative version of his life in later years as he becomes the King of England.

Robert Webber grew up and lives with his mother and grandfather is a cottage outside of Nottingham. He has been the recipient of a good education and the family has lived a comfortable life, due to a secret, that is not so secret, but is never discussed. Anna Webber has raised her son to believe in honor and fairness to all no matter their station in life.

When he becomes of age, he accompanies the local baron to London to petition the King. He is awed by the city and Prince Richard, but he will also learn of the treachery and back-stabbing in the royal court. As he follows the prince he learns of the imperfections of humans, no matter the rank.

When Richard goes on Crusade, Robert is situated in a position by Richard to be the moral conscious to offset his younger brother, John’s cruel intentions. This begins the legend and gathering of the Merry Men and his alias as Robin Hood.

I enjoyed this retelling of the legend. The author’s writing pulled me into the life of Robert Webber with all the action, intrigue and the realistic character arc from idealistic youth to becoming the ruler he fought against. He did a good job of bringing the Merry Men together and made them more realistic and human, also. I liked the portrayal of Marion as a female with as much influence, power and courage as any of Robin’s men, but I had a big problem with the inserted explicit scenes of oral sex. I felt they were unnecessary, too frequent and for that time in history not probable. This story is an excellent read as a morality tale of the corruption that power brings and should focus on that, not gratuitous sex scenes disguised as romance.

This is an enjoyable action adventure retelling of a legend with a morality tale woven into the story.

[Donna Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great version of Robin Hood, full of interested and well-developed characters, new words, and a story line that captured my attention beginning to end.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

RA Moss – King Robin - Reviewed 12/29/20 – Read 12/16-18/20

Updated Robin Hood version to fight evil and corruption!

Anna Weber had a secret concerning her son Robert. Robert knew all about his mother and father. He knew that his father was Sir Ralph and that he had been born out of wedlock. He also knew that Sir Ralph had watched over his family, making sure that Robert received a good education, wore respectable clothing, food on the table, and comfortable home. Now he has requested that Robert accompany him to London.

As he prepares to leave his mother stops him and repeats her words to him, “You’re going to meet new people in London, Robert. Most of them will be above your station. They’ll have wealth and own land. They’ll wear finer clothes and be better schooled. But so long as you keep your honor and your word, they will never be better people. Deeds make a man, not a title. I want you to promise you’ll remember that.” Robert told her that that was the same thing that she had always told him, but he promised anyway. Her next words were the ones that Robert lived by: “No matter how high you have the good fortune to rise, never forget you come from humble folk. You must always respect the poor and treat them fairly”. Thinking about what she had told him, he prepared to leave, as Sir Ralph’s steward was waiting to lead him to London.

And the story begins…

What did I like? I don’t think there is a person alive that has not heard the story of Robin Hood and his Merry men. This was a version that certainly opened my eyes to the concept of Robin Hood. If this were true, instead of a fictional story, it would be indeed something! Men in this period could be so corrupt. It did not matter what station in life they were in, it could happen and truly did. This story will give you a look at another version of the tale with a very unusual ending.

What will you like? Action, battles, corruption, romance, intrigue, mystery, family life, wealth, and reasons for living! All of this wrapped up in a wonderful read about a lowly man that becomes KING! What he must battle to get there, how he falls in love, and how it all ends. It will grip you from the beginning and astound you at the ending. You will cry, laugh, and scream with outrage. I don’t think the author left out any of our emotions when he penned this exceptional book. A very enjoyable, exciting, and emotional read for all!

• File Size: 3784 KB
• Print Length: 527 pages
• Publication Date: 4/11/2020
• Publisher: Beck and Branch Publishers
• ASIN: B0871M18PH
• Genre: Saga Fiction, Family Saga Fiction, Action & Adventure Fiction

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Robin is an interesting retelling of the story of Robin Hood. I have to say that I really, really enjoyed it. The pace was quick, and the story telling was ingenious. All of the traditional characters are in the story: Maid Marion, Friar Tuck, and the Sheriff of Nottingham to name a few. The time period was the late 1100s. So many historical facts used to logically retell this terrific story. No spoilers ... so I will leave it at that. Enjoy!!!

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This is a different story of Robin Hood where if certain events were changed, how the history of England would be also changed . I do not want to give anything away so I will end this review with everyone should read this book.

[Blubonnet1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

10/21/2021

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nones of September 1164. Nottingham, England. Medieval Era. R. A. Moss’ King Robin actually begins in 1215, and Robert Webber aka Robin Hood is King of England. Then, a flashback to 1164 in Nottingham, when Robert is 10 years old. Robert is going to his lessons at Lenton Abbey with Friar Tuck. Robert hated the bullies that he would meet on his way to the abbey. These bullies would tease Robert taunting him about a bear”sniffing around the fair young maid. Nine months later a cub was made.” Robert asked his mother, and she said, “ Words of fools…”That was the end of that! As the story continues, the reader meets John Little, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Sir Ralph, Baron of Nottingham, Robert’s patron, then Lady Marian, eventually Will Scarlett, but all is different. This book, I understand, is found in the ‘Alternate History’ section. While in London with Sir Ralph, Robert meets Prince Richard who is about to challenge his father (Henry II) as his father is “a despot.” Robert’s skill as a soldier and leader of solders is noticed by Prince Richard as well as Robert’s sense of honor. This part worked for me, but the rest ….. Film rights to this book have already been bought, but give me Errol Flynn and the ‘old legend’. 3 stars.

[Griffin Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take on the Robin Hood legend that I enjoyed. Beautiful prose, hard to put down.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read. A very neat retelling of the well-known and loved story. I loved the blend of history and fiction. It was a fun read, a quick read, kept you engaged. Simply awesome.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was concerned that this was a "guy read" lol. But wow - what a great concept and story. Definitely recommend giving this reimagined fate of Robin Hood as "the one in charge" a shot. Action, but also great depth.

[John Thorndike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This richly-detailed novel bends history, but only slightly. King Robin is a lively and nuanced portrait of 12th century English life, and of the moral struggles of a man determined to help the poor, even as he’s corrupted by his drive to become, and then remain, the monarch.

The landscapes, the battles, the houses and apparel of medieval England are wonderfully described. But what truly makes the book sing is R.A. Moss’s fluid prose, as he lays out the subtle drives of his characters: Robin, Maid Marian, Little John, Friar Tuck, Robin’s mother, Will Scarlett and the rest. With their passions, powers and insecurities, they belong to any age, and their conflicts never seem contrived. They seem inevitable.

There’s a great balance, as well, between violent conflict—the many battles and skirmishes and personal assaults—and the emotional clashes that come to define a commoner on the path to kingship. Robin’s bonds with Marian, and with his own mother, are followed with a fine, delicate touch. It’s a rousing book.

[Studebhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin: Re-Imagined
The author, R.A. Moss, imagines an alternate story of the Robin Legend. This is an entirely re-imagined rewired story of the classic.
Our favorite characters are confronted with different experiences and responsibilities. There is an element of mature romance in which the Maid Marianne is presented as a more mature character.
As the characters age, subtle changes start informing the storyline. Our once carefree archer Robin is burdened by the dilemma of making difficult decisions and wielding power.
In this story, R.A. Moss takes a legend and reworks a classic story into a romantic, sophisticated tale of adventure and romance.
King Robin is a fun read for the summer.

[Xavier Abad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent book felt the ending was rushed

[Alia Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved watching this alternate history unfold!