Honest review of The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses With Original Illustrations

by Robert Louis Stevenson (Author)

Updated at: 16/01/2025

Robert Louis Stevenson's The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses plunges readers into the heart of England's War of the Roses. This thrilling historical adventure follows young Richard Shelton, a squire thrust into a world of betrayal and intrigue after his father's murder. Seeking justice, Richard joins a band of outlaws led by the mysterious "Black Arrow," engaging in daring escapes and perilous battles. Amidst the chaos, he navigates complex relationships, grappling with love, loyalty, and the shifting sands of honor. With its captivating plot, memorable characters, and Stevenson's masterful storytelling, The Black Arrow delivers a timeless tale of courage, redemption, and the enduring power of family legacy. This edition includes original illustrations, enhancing the immersive experience of this classic adventure.

The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses With Original Illustrations

4 / 920 ratings

Review The Black Arrow

Re-reading "The Black Arrow" after all these years felt like revisiting an old friend. While it certainly doesn't quite reach the heights of Stevenson's other masterpieces like "Treasure Island" or "Jekyll and Hyde," it holds a certain charm all its own. The author's skill at crafting a vivid historical setting is undeniable; the turbulent backdrop of the War of the Roses comes alive, complete with gritty battle scenes and the ever-present sense of intrigue. Stevenson masterfully sketches the period's atmosphere, from the castles and forests to the distinct speech patterns, making the reader feel transported back in time.

However, my enjoyment was a bit of a mixed bag. While the action sequences are undeniably thrilling – the chases, the sword fights, the cloak-and-dagger espionage – the protagonist, Dick Shelton, is somewhat problematic. He's not exactly the most likable character. He stumbles through the narrative, often driven by naivete and a touch of self-centeredness, making it difficult to fully invest in his journey. This isn't necessarily a flaw, as many compelling stories feature flawed protagonists, but in this case, it sometimes hampered my engagement. Unlike the morally ambiguous characters found in, say, A Song of Ice and Fire, Shelton's flaws lacked the strategic depth that makes such characters captivating. His growth towards the end, while present, felt somewhat abrupt and insufficient to fully redeem him in my eyes.

The book's episodic nature, likely a result of its original serialization, is another factor that affected my overall experience. Each chapter felt like a self-contained adventure, leading to a somewhat disjointed narrative that prevented the story from building a consistent sense of suspense. The pacing, though generally brisk, lacked the elegant flow found in Stevenson's more polished works. The older language initially presented a slight hurdle, reminding me of tackling Shakespeare; it took some getting used to, though less so than I initially feared.

Despite these minor drawbacks, "The Black Arrow" still offers a satisfying read for those who appreciate historical adventure stories. The supporting characters are often more compelling than the protagonist himself; figures like Bennet Hatch and even Richard III are vividly portrayed, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. And the action scenes alone are worth the price of admission; Stevenson’s skill at describing them is palpable. This is a classic tale of adventure, betrayal, and a coming-of-age journey, even if the hero isn't always the most admirable figure. It’s a solid, entertaining adventure – a good read, but not a masterpiece on par with Stevenson’s other works. It's definitely a book I’d recommend to fans of historical fiction and adventure novels, but perhaps with a caveat about the slightly uneven protagonist.