Outlaw by Angus Donald

[Brian G Turner]

Another book on my radar - a rather more gritty re-telling of the Robin Hood legend, by what I gather from the different book titles, and their synopses:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003LPULZU/?tag=brite-21

When he's caught stealing, young Alan Dale is forced to leave his family and go to live with a notorious band of outlaws in Sherwood Forest.

Their leader is the infamous Robin Hood. A tough, bloodthirsty warrior, Robin is more feared than any man in the county. And he becomes a mentor for Alan; with his fellow outlaws, Robin teaches Alan how to fight - and how to win.

But Robin is a ruthless man - and although he is Alan's protector, if Alan displeases him, he could also just as easily become his murderer....

From bloody battles to riotous feast days to marauding packs of wolves, Outlaw is a gripping, action-packed historical thriller that delves deep into the fascinating legend of Robin Hood.

Anyone picked up this series at all?

 

[Brian G Turner]

Started this and am enjoying it so far - thankfully!

First person, with a good attention to historical detail to build up the realism. A little slow after the first chapter, but there's been enough interest to far to keep me going.

Btw, I do like the tagline to this book: "Meet the Godfather of Sherwood Forest".

 

[Bugg]

Looking forward to hearing what you think of it, Brian - it's been on my wishlist for a while but I haven't taken the plunge yet

 

[Andersson]

I'm pretty sure I read this book a few years ago but it doesn't seem to have made much of an impression on me. I'm not saying it was bad, from what I remember it was a pretty good story, but I never really got invested in it which I guess comes down to personal preference.

Furthermore, when it comes to Robin Hood there will always be one version that stands above all others and that is "Prince of Thieves". Yes, I realize that it's a movie but it's awesome and Alan Rickman is absolutely perfect as the Sheriff.

 

[Bugg]

Furthermore, when it comes to Robin Hood there will always be one version that stands above all others and that is "Prince of Thieves". Yes, I realize that it's a movie but it's awesome and Alan Rickman is absolutely perfect as the Sheriff.

Nah, the Errol Flynn version is vastly superior and has the bonus of no Bryan Adams

 

[Andersson]

Nah, the Errol Flynn version is vastly superior and has the bonus of no Bryan Adams

Now you're just being silly, "Everything I do, I do it for you" was nominated for an Oscar and won a Grammy. It's a classic.

As far as Errol Flynn is concerned I'll agree he's pretty good and would probably rank him second behind Costner. Third place would go to Patrick Bergin and the animated fox from the Disney version would be fourth. Russell Crowe is bringing up the rear with a very distant fifth place.

 

[Bugg]

Now you're just being silly, "Everything I do, I do it for you" was nominated for an Oscar and won a Grammy. It's a classic.

As far as Errol Flynn is concerned I'll agree he's pretty good and would probably rank him second behind Costner.

Thanks for the laughs!

 

[Brian G Turner]

Looking forward to hearing what you think of it, Brian - it's been on my wishlist for a while but I haven't taken the plunge yet

It's not a bad novel at all. Good pace, well-researched, and decent characters. Alan perhaps spends a little too much time as an observer, rather than a driver of the story. However, it's one of the better historical fiction books I've picked up in recent years. I'd certainly consider picking up the sequels.

 

[Bugg]

Thanks, Brian