The Black Arrow

By: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrated by: Ron Keith

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

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.

Too confusing to enjoy… even when it was enjoyable

If you’re like me, you weren’t really paying attention in school when they covered the War of the Roses. Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson, uses this historical event as the backdrop for his Robin-Hoodesque narrative… which means I was rather confused for a large portion of this story. Part of it is probably pregnancy brain. I am EXTREMELY forgetful these days and found myself zoning out or forgetting large portions. The period-accurate dialogue was also difficult to follow at times, so I found myself rewinding several chapters. I even started the book entirely over after chapter 5 or 6!

Dick Shelton was raised by an evil lord who killed his father and became Dick’s guardian so that he could have control over his assets until he became of age to inherit them. Dick finally learns the truth and goes on an adventure attempting to get revenge for his father and those things he has lost. He meets the lovely Joanna Sibley, initially disguised as a boy by a different name making that whole dynamic a bit confusing. And he goes in with a group of bandits going by the name of the Black Arrow who are also trying to dethrone the evil Lord. The whole thing really did have strong Robin Hood vibes!

I liked the story overall, especially in conceptual retrospect. But it was very difficult to get through.

Spastic adventures

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

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.

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.

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.

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.