I Might Become Reliant on Robin!

Many authors and producers have tried their hand at the legend of Robin Hood though why they bother I'm not sure because everyone knows that the definitive version was released by Disney in 1973. While Alan Rickman was of course outstanding as the Sherriff of Nottingham alongside Kevin Cardboard and Cary Elwes struck a stylish pose in his tights Peter Ustinov's Richard was their first and best Lion King.

So one can only guess at what persuaded Angus Donald to be the latest to take up a yew bow and give it a shot under such a giant shadow. Well, despite having to eke out its existence in the shade this is a genuinely exciting addition to the Robin Hood canon. This is a version of Robin that feels both gritty and realistic. You aren't going to get a fairy tale version of the man and his merry men and indeed this has all the violence, torture, gore and even paganism of a Cornwell version.

This could actually be my personal favourite version of the story which is told to us through the eyes of Alan Dale rather than Robin himself. Choosing the young Dale as he comes of age to gradually reveal Robin allows the man to retain a certain mystique for long periods of the book. And it is an exciting story with plenty of action, intrigue and some quite grisly scenes including torture, sacrifice and pitched battles.

This Robin Hood and those around him have a very real feel about them that works hand in glove with the author's chosen time period. They are well narrated in a fairly under-stated way by Graham Padden whose voice I enjoyed but for those who like a more demonstrative voice actor it might be worth listening to the audio sample first.

So, a great start to the series which gloriously stretches out ahead of me for another seven books. For those who don't want to commit to the long haul this tells a full tale in its own right and you could definitely treat it as a stand-alone if you wished to. I suspect I will spend quite a lot of future hours relying on this Robin for my audiobook entertainment.

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15 people found this helpful

great story - slowly read

I found it almost intolerable until I put the playback speed to 1.25.
after doing this, it was up there with everything else I've read from Donald. Truly gripping in parts.

whilst the narrator was good at inviting the emotion associated with any given passage, I found the speed he chose to use extremely difficult.
perhaps this is because I am a speed reader, but thanks to the increased playback function, it made this a truly enjoyable story.

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Really Enjoyable

Thought this was an interesting take on a well worn legend. The narrator did a really good job and was easy to listen to. Will definitely continue with this series.

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Outlaw Audiobook Review

I finished listening to Outlaw yesterday; I read the Book in early 2018 and finished reading the whole Series by early 2021, I've had my Eye on the Outlaw Chronicles Audiobook Series for a while, I loved listening to the Audiobook.
But the only 2 problems I had with it were that the Chapters were not in correct order and the Reader, who did a good job at reading, didn't add enough passion or emotion. But apart from that...I loved the Audiobook and cannot wait to listen too Holy Warrior.

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Worth persisting

I started by thinking Graham Padden was a little mono tonal and was almost inclined to stop listening. However, there turned out to be more intonation than I originally suspected and an enjoyable story. I have even downloaded the next volume!

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3 people found this helpful

An adventure to get your teeth in to.

Any additional comments?

I'd like to say it was a jolly romp through Nottinghamshire but it is not. What we have here is a gritty, realistic and graphic port rail of what life was like in this time period. It's always a bit mean to draw comparisons but this book is very similar in nature and delivery to the Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell. For fans of historical adventure there are few books I have enjoyed more than this one. As long as you don't mind a few rather graphic descriptions of violence, and in one instance a young lad losing his virginity, you will almost certainly love this story. Definitely worth a credit.

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1 person found this helpful

Absolutely fantastic book!

I wanted to try something different & found this book after a visit to Sherwood Forest. Really enjoyed this adventure of a story. Well written and narrated, it held my attention and I'll definitely listen to the next one.

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1 person found this helpful

excellent retelling

Well worth the time. Great story, and great narration. excellent entry point into a series

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Brutally realistic

Great historical story full of authenticity and brutal deaths which pulls no punches. The superb narrator's simple Northern no nonsense delivery really makes you believe he is a medieval thief then outlaw amongst the damp, mud and sh*t of the period. Excellent 😁😁😁

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2 people found this helpful

Really interesting

Although there has been some criticism over the violent nature of Robin Hood character (who is no the "leading" character by the way), I must disagree. As the main character, Alan, describes the persona of Robin Hood is divided. He is as Friar Tuck says it "hot cold person". He has the strong inner circle for which he would do anything. And who is left out is literally left out. I have found the Outlaw series very interesting. But I guess that the same might go for this series. Those that like it, like it really much. But if you are outside the circle (might not like somewhat graphic violence for example) are really left out.

If you enjoyed Game Of Thrones in TV - here is a good place to continue! The final 8th book will be out next year, and I simply can't wait to listen to it.
Also note; the reader changes later in the series, but not for the worst!

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3 people found this helpful