Scan barcode
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
With a subtitle like 'meet the godfather of Sherwood forest', it was almost impossible for me not to read this book.
Alan Dale is both the main character and the narrator. The story starts when Alan is 13 years old, he's taken to thieving to ease his mothers burden as his father had been hanged 4 years previous. All the usual Robin Hood characters are present, Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlet and Guy of Gisborne.
The story is far more brutal than the fairy tale versions I am used to. Robin is presented as a far more ruthless man, as the title suggests, more of a gang leader than the merry outlaw of the movies. I found the change quite interesting and it felt like the author was attempting a more realistic version of events. The many references to the young man's "prick" were mostly unnecessary, especially in the details provided. On the whole it was a nice change from the romanticized version of the Robin Hood story.
Alan Dale is both the main character and the narrator. The story starts when Alan is 13 years old, he's taken to thieving to ease his mothers burden as his father had been hanged 4 years previous. All the usual Robin Hood characters are present, Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlet and Guy of Gisborne.
The story is far more brutal than the fairy tale versions I am used to. Robin is presented as a far more ruthless man, as the title suggests, more of a gang leader than the merry outlaw of the movies. I found the change quite interesting and it felt like the author was attempting a more realistic version of events. The many references to the young man's "prick" were mostly unnecessary, especially in the details provided. On the whole it was a nice change from the romanticized version of the Robin Hood story.
its_tara's review against another edition
3.0
This review was originally posted here on my blog.
I don’t normally read historical novels, but I’m fascinated with the story of Robin Hood, and that’s what drew me to this one. And yes, I will be picking up Scarlet sometime soon!
Okay, so having had an extensive stay on my TBR list, I thought it was high time I made a start on it. I’m going to admit, I was put off by the tag of historical – it’s nor my normal genre, and not something that really interests me. Also, every other Robin Hood retelling I’ve ever read has been from either Robin, Marian/Marie-Ann or one of the merry men I’d actually heard of.
This one isn’t. The main narrator is Alan Dale, a young man who finds himself sworn to Robin’s band after narrowly avoiding a hanging on the offense of stealing. In some ways, it was a nice departure – I had no preconceptions of Alan’s character, and what he should/shouldn’t be, which made the story more fresh.
One of my few criticisms for this book was that I felt I knew Alan and his foes well, but you don’t see much of Robin himself, or any of the merry men. I understand that this book has actually become a part of a series, and this might be something we see more of later, but that was one of the only problems. Despite this, you do get a general feel for Robin’s character, such as his likeableness and his Pagan activities.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think I’d rush to get the next one and read it, and I wouldn’t recommend it to those who don’t already enjoy Historical novels, or already have a fair interest in Robin Hood. A nice read for a change of pace, but a little heavy in places.
I don’t normally read historical novels, but I’m fascinated with the story of Robin Hood, and that’s what drew me to this one. And yes, I will be picking up Scarlet sometime soon!
Okay, so having had an extensive stay on my TBR list, I thought it was high time I made a start on it. I’m going to admit, I was put off by the tag of historical – it’s nor my normal genre, and not something that really interests me. Also, every other Robin Hood retelling I’ve ever read has been from either Robin, Marian/Marie-Ann or one of the merry men I’d actually heard of.
This one isn’t. The main narrator is Alan Dale, a young man who finds himself sworn to Robin’s band after narrowly avoiding a hanging on the offense of stealing. In some ways, it was a nice departure – I had no preconceptions of Alan’s character, and what he should/shouldn’t be, which made the story more fresh.
One of my few criticisms for this book was that I felt I knew Alan and his foes well, but you don’t see much of Robin himself, or any of the merry men. I understand that this book has actually become a part of a series, and this might be something we see more of later, but that was one of the only problems. Despite this, you do get a general feel for Robin’s character, such as his likeableness and his Pagan activities.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think I’d rush to get the next one and read it, and I wouldn’t recommend it to those who don’t already enjoy Historical novels, or already have a fair interest in Robin Hood. A nice read for a change of pace, but a little heavy in places.
mimisugar's review against another edition
So, like a lot of the stuff I read, I came across this book while I was at work. The cover didn't really catch my attention, but the “A Novel of Robin Hood” written under the title did. The moment I read that line, there was the sound of a click and a bulb lit up in my brain. “Have I ever read the story, or any story, about Robin Hood?” The answer was no, no I don't think so. It took a bit of contemplating because I already had a huge pile of books that were waiting to be read, but alas. I bought it anyway. I'm so happy I did too! Lately, I'd been reading slow-paced novels and this was definitely a nice change.
Since I haven't actually read Robin Hood stories before, I'm much more familiar with the family/disney movie version of events. This telling of Robin Hood displays both, the good and bad, although definitely heavier on the criminal side than the kid's movie fun. I mean, I don't want to spoil this for you, but (I can't help it) in the first chapter, they chop a guy's tongue off. If that's not stronger on the outlaw side of things then I don't know what is haha.
I don't want to go into too much detail on everything because it's still fresh on my mind and if I'm let loose on the writing, I may as well spoil the whole book. What I will say though, is I had a hard time putting the book down. The former insomniac in me tried to tempt me into staying up all night to finish it. Unfortunately, I knew that getting an hour of sleep (having to be up at 4am the following morning) probably wouldn't be a good idea if I needed to function properly the next day.
I'm only pointing out this fact because it's been a while since a book has caught my attention this way. The last few books I read didn't have me feeling conflicted by the lack of time I had to read. What else do I like about this book? Well, the awesome-ness of it isn't over, because guess what, IT'S A SERIES. Yes that's right. The 4th book is coming out this year so I got to hustle and read the other books.
Outlaw got 4 out of 5 cupcakes (maybe some extra icing and sprinkles on top too) and I recommend it for people who like Robin Hood, or just an action, fast-paced story. It has a nice flow, good writing and it's not the kind of read that needs patience to get through (you only really need patience if you like it so much and you don't have enough time to actually read it). :)
I may or may not come back and expand this review once I've gone through the book a second time.
(yes. I enjoyed it that much, I'm going for seconds)
Since I haven't actually read Robin Hood stories before, I'm much more familiar with the family/disney movie version of events. This telling of Robin Hood displays both, the good and bad, although definitely heavier on the criminal side than the kid's movie fun. I mean, I don't want to spoil this for you, but (I can't help it) in the first chapter, they chop a guy's tongue off. If that's not stronger on the outlaw side of things then I don't know what is haha.
I don't want to go into too much detail on everything because it's still fresh on my mind and if I'm let loose on the writing, I may as well spoil the whole book. What I will say though, is I had a hard time putting the book down. The former insomniac in me tried to tempt me into staying up all night to finish it. Unfortunately, I knew that getting an hour of sleep (having to be up at 4am the following morning) probably wouldn't be a good idea if I needed to function properly the next day.
I'm only pointing out this fact because it's been a while since a book has caught my attention this way. The last few books I read didn't have me feeling conflicted by the lack of time I had to read. What else do I like about this book? Well, the awesome-ness of it isn't over, because guess what, IT'S A SERIES. Yes that's right. The 4th book is coming out this year so I got to hustle and read the other books.
Outlaw got 4 out of 5 cupcakes (maybe some extra icing and sprinkles on top too) and I recommend it for people who like Robin Hood, or just an action, fast-paced story. It has a nice flow, good writing and it's not the kind of read that needs patience to get through (you only really need patience if you like it so much and you don't have enough time to actually read it). :)
I may or may not come back and expand this review once I've gone through the book a second time.
(yes. I enjoyed it that much, I'm going for seconds)
tezzarudge's review against another edition
4.0
Super solid opening to the series.
3.5 stars on my weighted scale, rounded to 4
Really enjoyed this different take on Robin Hood. Robin is not the MC but the leader of the outlaws in which our MC, Alan joins.
The story is a weaving of Alan's tale. From a young thief , and his development into a man of the sword and a faithful servant of Robin.
The story moved at a lovely pace, with no sections dwelling to long or being to short. The writing itself was pleasant if not spectacular.
I didnt get as much from the characters as I like, which is what pulled the score down. I liked the mystery of Robin but wanted to see more depth on the other characters like Tuck and John. The enemy were also just the token bad guys and perhaps the single pov of the story limited the ability to show more detail.
The plot rounded out really nicely in this part of the story . And I will pick up book 2, right away
3.5 stars on my weighted scale, rounded to 4
Really enjoyed this different take on Robin Hood. Robin is not the MC but the leader of the outlaws in which our MC, Alan joins.
The story is a weaving of Alan's tale. From a young thief , and his development into a man of the sword and a faithful servant of Robin.
The story moved at a lovely pace, with no sections dwelling to long or being to short. The writing itself was pleasant if not spectacular.
I didnt get as much from the characters as I like, which is what pulled the score down. I liked the mystery of Robin but wanted to see more depth on the other characters like Tuck and John. The enemy were also just the token bad guys and perhaps the single pov of the story limited the ability to show more detail.
The plot rounded out really nicely in this part of the story . And I will pick up book 2, right away
tacanderson's review against another edition
4.0
Such a fresh and refreshing take on the Robin Hood legend. For me this is a great example of historical fiction that's just plain good fiction.
princesszinza's review against another edition
2.0
Here's the thing - I'll admit it, I'm not a stranger to the world of fandom, or what they called it in my day, groupie-ism. Before I saw At the Drive-In on MuchMusic and declared my love for Emo and dudes with afros, even before I bought Darkness on the Edge of Town and developed an interest in unshaven dudes from New Jersey and a curiosity for ambiguous hand gestures, I loved Robin Hood. I am a Robin Hood groupie.
I was introduced to Robin Hood by Walt Disney in Elementary School and he was a real fox! I graduated from the animated Robin Hood to a flesh and blood actor playing him in the PBS 12 episode, "Once upon a Classic" (this dude was a bit too sexy to be starring in a kid's show). I even enjoyed Richard Gautier as a silly Robin Hood in "When Things were Rotten" on TV (honestly, he really wasn't too bad looking either, for a clown). My favorite Robin Hood is probably the one that the BBC had on a couple years back. Their idea of Robin Hood matches mine: a fast talking, rakish, humorous, bow and arrow aficionado (uber-sexy too)!
This is my first recent literary foray into Robin Hood. My main problem with Outlaw is that Angus Donald's vision of Robin Hood doesn't match mine. I was intrigued with the idea of a realistic Robin Hood who was not always so good (us girls do love the bad boy). I was excited to start reading this book. Robin Hood, in the Outlaw, is a devil worshiping, sadistic, mini-tyrant who rules over Nottingham and over a motley militia, who must pledge their absolute allegiance to him.
I didn't find this portrayal of Robin Hood to be very much fun. The story is told through the eyes of a young boy who learns music and fighting under Robin's tutelage. There is a strong focus on bodily functions of both the sexy and unsexy (read: gross) kinds. I'm not a complete prude but I usually enjoy mentions of these sort of things when they're done in a humorous vein. Alas, not much is played for laughs in this book. A seriously mean Robin Hood who doesn't even shoot arrows, is not my idea of sexy at all!!
I was introduced to Robin Hood by Walt Disney in Elementary School and he was a real fox! I graduated from the animated Robin Hood to a flesh and blood actor playing him in the PBS 12 episode, "Once upon a Classic" (this dude was a bit too sexy to be starring in a kid's show). I even enjoyed Richard Gautier as a silly Robin Hood in "When Things were Rotten" on TV (honestly, he really wasn't too bad looking either, for a clown). My favorite Robin Hood is probably the one that the BBC had on a couple years back. Their idea of Robin Hood matches mine: a fast talking, rakish, humorous, bow and arrow aficionado (uber-sexy too)!
This is my first recent literary foray into Robin Hood. My main problem with Outlaw is that Angus Donald's vision of Robin Hood doesn't match mine. I was intrigued with the idea of a realistic Robin Hood who was not always so good (us girls do love the bad boy). I was excited to start reading this book. Robin Hood, in the Outlaw, is a devil worshiping, sadistic, mini-tyrant who rules over Nottingham and over a motley militia, who must pledge their absolute allegiance to him.
I didn't find this portrayal of Robin Hood to be very much fun. The story is told through the eyes of a young boy who learns music and fighting under Robin's tutelage. There is a strong focus on bodily functions of both the sexy and unsexy (read: gross) kinds. I'm not a complete prude but I usually enjoy mentions of these sort of things when they're done in a humorous vein. Alas, not much is played for laughs in this book. A seriously mean Robin Hood who doesn't even shoot arrows, is not my idea of sexy at all!!
laureel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
loxleyhall's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25