SNIPPET: Rogues & Kings
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
When I was growing up, and got turned on to history and reading, I fell in love with the Arthurian Legend. I was ALL about Camelot, attending the musical if it came to town, and even traveling with my parents once to Somerset, England to search for the "historical" Arthur. How's THAT for being a history nerd?
Since then, I became more involved in work, housekeeping, friends, family, and now writing. I haven't yet picked up a good Arthurian project, but who knows? Plenty of authors out there have turned to Medieval legends to create historical fiction. This week, one of those writers has graced us with a snippet of her work.
I'd like to welcome Charlene Newcomb to Brook's Journal. Her story is one that the world has adored for centuries--that of Robin Hood. For those of you who enjoy a good, hearty swashbuckler, look no further. Here is her blog telling about the book and the snippet follows.
READ ON, everbody!
ALL ABOUT THE BOOK
Deadly secrets. Hidden identities. A true enemy.
Silence is the only shield.
The year is 1216 and civil war rages in England. King John ravages the countryside against rebellious barons and a French invasion. Unbeknownst to him, his newest squire, Richard, is in fact the son of a man the king would hang without a second thought. A man the common folk call Robin Hood.
For years, Robin has lived as a knight in exile. But when his son is ensnared in the treachery of the royal court, Robin is forced out of the shadows, aided by his outlaw friends in the Hood.
There is no question for Richard where his loyalties lie but it’s more than his own life at risk. He has the trust of a dangerous king. Can he serve the Hood better from within John’s inner circle, or will schemes against the crown unravel?
Rob from the rich, give to the poor takes on a whole new meaning.
Rogues & Kings is a sweeping tale of courage and betrayal in a kingdom on the edge of ruin, of a boy coming of age in the midst of war, and of legends being born.
SNIPPET FROM ROGUES & KINGS
By: Charlene Newcomb
A shout rose from a sentry deep in the wood, and a covey of birds burst skyward across the crescent moon. The vielle fell silent and the dancing stopped.
Slinging his quiver over his shoulder, Robin scrambled to his feet. “Rider coming.” He reached for his bow.
The revelers retrieved swords and bows, whisking them from beneath their clothing or from the weapons stashed at the edge of the gathering. Women hurrying for cover at the tree line brandished daggers and cutting knives as the great fire lighting the wedding celebration crackled and tree branches rustled.
Allan studied the ancient oaks and birch, listening, his gray-streaked blonde hair stirring in the breeze.
The violent snap of a twig and the damp, grinding crunch of leaves beneath a horse’s hooves betrayed the interloper’s approach. The sound grew louder, closer, until a familiar bird call pierced the air and Allan signaled for calm.
A collective sigh of relief swept the air as wedding guests peeked out from behind moss-covered tree trunks and prickly holly bushes. Firelight glinted off polished swords as the men slowly lowered their blades.
The rider came slowly, the darkened path to the camp mired in thick brush and uneven tree roots. Curses echoed through the forest. Recognizing the voice, Robin smiled and set down his bow before the last branches were swept aside.
The outlaws waved and clapped as Little John urged his horse into the clearing. As a child, “little” described him well—he’d been smaller than his orphan-friend Allan, who’d given him the name when they’d met on the quay in London. But he’d grown. And quite large, too, standing a head above most men.
Little John sprang from his horse and strode toward Robin. The outlaws’ greetings melted away as he held up his hand, the light from the fire revealing his grim face.
“King John has taken Richard hostage.”
ALL ABOUT CHARLENE
Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, is a retired librarian, a U.S. Navy veteran, mom to 3 amazing humans, and grandma to 3. She writes historical fiction and science fiction.
Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal, and published the original novel Echoes of the Storm.
Char returned to medieval times with Rogue and her latest novel Rogues & Kings, both in her Tales of Robin Hood series.
CONNECT WITH CHARLENE
BUY THE BOOK!!!
*This book is also available on Kindle Unlimited*
Brook, thank you for sharing Rogues & Kings with your readers. I'm a lifelong Camelot nerd, too, but for now - Long Live Robin Hood. 🏹🏹🏹
Thank you very much for welcoming Charlene Newcomb to your fabulous blog today, Brook, and for sharing an intriguing excerpt from Rogues & Kings. Much appreciated.
Take care,
Cathie xo
The Coffee Pot Book Club