Thursday, 12 March 2026

Read an excerpt from Rogues & Kings: Tales of Robin Hood by Charlene Newcomb




Rogues & Kings

Tales of Robin Hood
By Charlene Newcomb


Publication Date: February 4th, 2026
Publisher: independently published
Pages: 394
Genre: Historical Fiction

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.

Excerpt

Allan gave Robin a crooked smile. “Would serve John right if we stole the treasury from right under his nose.”

Robin butted him with a clenched fist.

“Which of course you said don’t even think,” Allan added, rubbing his arm.

“Too dangerous,” Little John agreed as he cracked the first of five eggs into water boiling in the pot over the fire.

A gleam lit Allan’s eyes. “They’ll be putting more coin in the coffers on the morrow.” He tapped the coin pouch hanging from his belt. There was not a clink to be heard. “All those vassals paying their due at the feast.”

Little John smiled mischievously. “Guess he’ll get no coin from you.”

Allan lifted his flagon to that truth.

“Let me make sure you’re nowhere near my son,” Robin teased. He finished his bread in one bite.

“I hate to tell you, but Richard doesn’t need me at hand to nudge him on. Hood’s in his blood,” Allan said.

Robin grabbed the flagon from him and took a long slow draw of the watered wine. How would he ever tell Marian both his sons were Hood?

“Marian…” Henry lowered his head as if he’d heard Robin’s thoughts. He scrubbed his hands over his eyes, and then turned to Robin. “She’s in Lincoln.”

Robin choked, spewing his drink and dampening his friends. “What?” He could feel blood rushing from his face.

“Marian’s come to attend Little John’s daughter,” Henry said. “I told her about Richard. She knows our ruse, and helped me convince Lady Nichola to ask the king about retaining Richard’s service.” He chuckled. “She isn’t ready to draw and quarter you yet.”

Robin threw up his hands. “I won’t deny she has every reason to do that.” He shared a laugh with his friends but then furrowed his brow. “If there is a god he’s testing me. Richard and Marian beneath the king’s eye. I’d rather face a dozen Saracens than have them there.”


Buy Link:
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.


Charlene Newcomb


Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, is a retired librarian, a U.S. Navy veteran, mom to three amazing humans, and grandma to three. 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.

Author Links:
Website • Substack • Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest


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Read an excerpt from Rogues & Kings: Tales of Robin Hood by Charlene Newcomb

Rogues & Kings Tales of Robin Hood By Charlene Newcomb Publication Date: February 4th, 2026 Publisher: independently published Pages: 39...