For a moment, all was quiet – save for the quick breathing of the men and the neighing of the wounded horses. And then . . .

I saw a clump of snow fall from an elm branch overhead, sending a curtain of glistening down upon the road. When the snow dust settled, there he was – black from the high-crested crown of his head to booted feet, and covered all over with feathers, great wings outspread with long, curving claws on the ends of each wing. But the thing which gave him the look of the pit was the absolutely smooth, round skull-like face with its wide hollow eyes and unnaturally long sword of a beak . . .

King Raven – it could be none other.

From the book, Scarlet - Book 2 of The King Raven Trilogy
By Stephen R. Lawhead ©2006
WestBow Publishing.  Used with permission.

This is music of deep adventure, inspired by Stephen R. Lawhead's "King Raven Trilogy," which is based on the legend of Robin Hood. Using traditional Celtic instruments, bodhran, whistles, accordions, and flutes, Johnson and Dunning set a fitting mood for the second book in the series. Added textures are provided by cello, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, and viola. I really like the haunting male vocalizing on track one, "Black Arrows," and the mournful yearning of "Down by the Glenside" creates suspense. Track three, "Raven Dance," is energizing and exciting with its compelling bodhran beat.

With only four pieces on this CD, and lasting only 19 minutes, listeners will be left wanting more. Better stock up on King Raven, Vol. 1, the first CD in this series.

– Anne Williams/NAR (Spring 2008)