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The Outlaw Chronicles #8
The Death of Robin Hood
'I charge you, Sir Alan Dale, with administering my death. At the end of the game, I would rather die by your hand than any other'
England rebels
War rages across the land. In the wake of Magna Carta, King John's treachery is revealed and the barons rise against him once more. Fighting with them is the Earl of Locksley - the former outlaw Robin Hood - and his right-hand man Sir Alan Dale.
France invades
When the French enter the fray, with the cruel White Count leading the charge, Robin and Alan must decide where their loyalties lie: with those who would destroy the king and seize his realm or with the beloved land of their birth.
A hero lives for ever
Fate is inexorable and Death waits for us all. Or does it? Can Robin Hood pull off his greatest ever trick and cheat the Grim Reaper one last time just as England needs him most?
The climactic episode of The Outlaw Chronicles is the most explosive yet - but who will survive and who will fall when the final reckoning comes?
England rebels
War rages across the land. In the wake of Magna Carta, King John's treachery is revealed and the barons rise against him once more. Fighting with them is the Earl of Locksley - the former outlaw Robin Hood - and his right-hand man Sir Alan Dale.
France invades
When the French enter the fray, with the cruel White Count leading the charge, Robin and Alan must decide where their loyalties lie: with those who would destroy the king and seize his realm or with the beloved land of their birth.
A hero lives for ever
Fate is inexorable and Death waits for us all. Or does it? Can Robin Hood pull off his greatest ever trick and cheat the Grim Reaper one last time just as England needs him most?
The climactic episode of The Outlaw Chronicles is the most explosive yet - but who will survive and who will fall when the final reckoning comes?
416 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2016
33 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 3, 2018
One of my favourite historical series of all time finishes...... what an ending. This is a superb novel, beautifully written as always, intense with every emotion and packed full of action and drama, as the crisis of King John's reign comes to a head. If you've not read this series, now is the perfect time.
November 19, 2018
If you're a fan of Historical Fiction, then this series is a must read. A fantastic and poignant end to what has been an excellent sequence of books.
November 27, 2018
Actual rating: 4.25
August 4, 2016
If ever there was a spoiler in the title, eh? But come on, we’ve been expecting this book for a while. Angus Donald’s superb Outlaw Chronicles have run to 8 books, which is pretty good for any series to maintain freshness and individuality, but we could see by book 6 that the characters were beginning to age and to look towards the end. And book 7 pretty much told us there was only one more tale to tell. And yet we’ve all hungered for this last outing for a year.
Donald’s series has gone from strength to strength over the greater part of a decade. The first book was one of the most outstanding debuts ever written in the genre and, though the second was, to my mind, the weakest of the series, that was still a gripping book. But I had maintained throughout that my favourite in the series was King’s Man – the third. Until now.
I know from personal experience how hard it can be to finish a series. Managing to engineer a plot that effectively ties up each and every loose end to a satisfactory level is nightmarish work. It is only when one tries that one realises just how much a series has exploded outwards over its course and just how much there is to resolve. And mine was only a four book series. Donald must have been head-scratching and fretting at this plot for a while. And yet however he went about it, he’s pulled off a real coup with this novel.
The war between King John and his barons we encountered in book 7 resurfaces in this last tale, with Alan and Robin joined by old friends and new as they navigate the impossible currents of their masters’ politics. Fighting for justice against King John is one thing, but when those very rebels offer the throne instead to the French, then which was can a loyal Englishman turn? This is the dilemma Robin and his friends end up facing. That’s something of a spoiler, I guess, but an early one, and if I’m to tell you anything about the book at all, it has to include the fundamental point of it.
From a brutal siege at Rochester castle, we follow the adventures of Robin and Alan across Kent and the south, imprisonment and war, betrayal and revenge, all the way to Nottingham and Lincoln. There are four points I think about this work that deserve specific mention.
There is a sense of ‘full circle’ about book 8. In book 1 we met Robin Hood the outlaw, running a vicious godfather-like world and carrying out guerilla war in the forests against the authorities. Over successive books, Robin had changed, achieving legitimacy, title and a role at the heart of the Kingdom. Here, now in book 8, we are treated, at least for a while, to a return to form. There is a sense that despite the characters’ now rather mature age, we are seeing them relive their youth and the excitement of those rebel days. This I loved. This, for me, is what I will take away from the novel.
Angus Donald is rapidly becoming the ‘master of the siege’. It can be extremely difficult to include at least one siege in a book multiple times within a series. I’ve done it myself, and it’s very easy for them to become blase and samey. There are sieges throughout the Outlaw Chronicles, and some of the books pretty much centre on one (The Iron Castle, for example.) And in book 8, there are two sieges to handle. And you know what? They are exciting, unpredictable, fresh and superbly-executed. Every siege Donald handles he manages to produce something new and worthwhile, which is a masterful thing.
The characters are fluid and changing. It is ridiculously easy to maintain a character, and it is equally easy to mess up their progression. To have your characters grow old and mature over a series in a realistic and noticeable way while maintaining the traits that make them who they are is a skillful thing. Alan and Robin, Thomas and Miles, plus their many companions, are painted well and have grown with the reader. Even the absence of Little John does not mar the sense of character at the heart of the book.
Finally, the death of Robin (see? I told you the title held a spoiler.) Such a momentous event – in history, let alone at the climax of a series – has to be handled just right. To have Robin die in some glorious golden way would be cheesy to say the least. To have him butchered out of hand in a sad, random manner would leave the reader huffing grumpily. To achieve something that is realistic, tragic, sad, noble and personal is a real bonus. And that is how this book ends. It is all those things, but I think the most important point is that it is personal. Robin’s end is not some great battle scene like the one that took King Richard. It is the result of strands of the tale long in the making, and it is truly a personal thing. Also, it took me by surprise in the end, which is magnificent. Oh, not that he might die – note once more the title – but how it might come about.
In short, The Death of Robin Hood is a tour-de-force and has shot to the very top as the best in the series, which is fantastic for a finale. If you’re not read the books, you’re in for a treat, because there are 8 now waiting for you and you can demolish the whole tale from beginning to end. If you have, then fear not, loyal readers. Donald has done you proud. This book ends the Outlaw Chronicles with a bang AND a whimper. Go buy it… trust me.
Donald’s series has gone from strength to strength over the greater part of a decade. The first book was one of the most outstanding debuts ever written in the genre and, though the second was, to my mind, the weakest of the series, that was still a gripping book. But I had maintained throughout that my favourite in the series was King’s Man – the third. Until now.
I know from personal experience how hard it can be to finish a series. Managing to engineer a plot that effectively ties up each and every loose end to a satisfactory level is nightmarish work. It is only when one tries that one realises just how much a series has exploded outwards over its course and just how much there is to resolve. And mine was only a four book series. Donald must have been head-scratching and fretting at this plot for a while. And yet however he went about it, he’s pulled off a real coup with this novel.
The war between King John and his barons we encountered in book 7 resurfaces in this last tale, with Alan and Robin joined by old friends and new as they navigate the impossible currents of their masters’ politics. Fighting for justice against King John is one thing, but when those very rebels offer the throne instead to the French, then which was can a loyal Englishman turn? This is the dilemma Robin and his friends end up facing. That’s something of a spoiler, I guess, but an early one, and if I’m to tell you anything about the book at all, it has to include the fundamental point of it.
From a brutal siege at Rochester castle, we follow the adventures of Robin and Alan across Kent and the south, imprisonment and war, betrayal and revenge, all the way to Nottingham and Lincoln. There are four points I think about this work that deserve specific mention.
There is a sense of ‘full circle’ about book 8. In book 1 we met Robin Hood the outlaw, running a vicious godfather-like world and carrying out guerilla war in the forests against the authorities. Over successive books, Robin had changed, achieving legitimacy, title and a role at the heart of the Kingdom. Here, now in book 8, we are treated, at least for a while, to a return to form. There is a sense that despite the characters’ now rather mature age, we are seeing them relive their youth and the excitement of those rebel days. This I loved. This, for me, is what I will take away from the novel.
Angus Donald is rapidly becoming the ‘master of the siege’. It can be extremely difficult to include at least one siege in a book multiple times within a series. I’ve done it myself, and it’s very easy for them to become blase and samey. There are sieges throughout the Outlaw Chronicles, and some of the books pretty much centre on one (The Iron Castle, for example.) And in book 8, there are two sieges to handle. And you know what? They are exciting, unpredictable, fresh and superbly-executed. Every siege Donald handles he manages to produce something new and worthwhile, which is a masterful thing.
The characters are fluid and changing. It is ridiculously easy to maintain a character, and it is equally easy to mess up their progression. To have your characters grow old and mature over a series in a realistic and noticeable way while maintaining the traits that make them who they are is a skillful thing. Alan and Robin, Thomas and Miles, plus their many companions, are painted well and have grown with the reader. Even the absence of Little John does not mar the sense of character at the heart of the book.
Finally, the death of Robin (see? I told you the title held a spoiler.) Such a momentous event – in history, let alone at the climax of a series – has to be handled just right. To have Robin die in some glorious golden way would be cheesy to say the least. To have him butchered out of hand in a sad, random manner would leave the reader huffing grumpily. To achieve something that is realistic, tragic, sad, noble and personal is a real bonus. And that is how this book ends. It is all those things, but I think the most important point is that it is personal. Robin’s end is not some great battle scene like the one that took King Richard. It is the result of strands of the tale long in the making, and it is truly a personal thing. Also, it took me by surprise in the end, which is magnificent. Oh, not that he might die – note once more the title – but how it might come about.
In short, The Death of Robin Hood is a tour-de-force and has shot to the very top as the best in the series, which is fantastic for a finale. If you’re not read the books, you’re in for a treat, because there are 8 now waiting for you and you can demolish the whole tale from beginning to end. If you have, then fear not, loyal readers. Donald has done you proud. This book ends the Outlaw Chronicles with a bang AND a whimper. Go buy it… trust me.
May 23, 2023
Jumping into the Outlaw Chronicles with the 8th and final book, bought at the Sherwood Forest gift shop. There's lots to like. Many of his merry men have passed away by this stage, leaving the older Robin and Alan Dale to tell the story of their final battles. A couple of mis-steps (a throwaway mention to child abuse suffered by Robin seems particularly unneeded) but overall an enjoyable tale. Perhaps I will hunt down the previous installments in the future.
August 7, 2016
Angus Donald brings his saga of the career of Robin Hood, as seen by his good friend Sir Alan Dale, to a perfect conclusion. Historical events, from sieges to battles, are folded into the adventure with skill and the action never lets up as we follow the heroes on their last great campaign. Plots and subplots planted in earlier books are neatly tied up and a few expectations are nicely twisted for the element of surprise, bit in ways that are dramatically satisfying. Donald keeps up a brisk pace throughout and delivers once more on his inspired retelling of a legend. Mike Rogers provides excellent narration and shows a great skill at giving his characters realistic and appropriate dramatic voice and accents. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2019
So, about July last year, I finally became fed up with being told how awesome Angus Donald's books were on Robin Hood.
Robin Hood, you know the guy that prances around Sherwood forest in green hoes, surrounded by his merry men, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor? Sounds crap, doesn't it.
Well, that's what I thought, so for months I turned a deaf ear to their praise until finally it all became too much. I relented, and got myself a copy of Outlaw on audible.
Guys, its not crap.
Outlaw is incredible, it tells the story of the rise of the young Robert Odo, once destined to become and a great lord, now living a life of exile, deep within Sherwood forest. Through the eyes of the young street thief Alan Dale we see our Robin Hood not as the gallant hero he is often depicted as, but as a cruel, and merciless leader.
Holy Warrior (book two) is brilliant as it takes the legend of Robin Hood and leaves it in the dust, as Alan And Robin go off to fight for the Lionheart in the ill-fated crusades.
In King's Man (I think my favourite of the lot) Robin finds himself imprisoned by the church and with the Lionheart held captive in Germany, it is Alan who must carry the story himself and journey across Europe to save his sovereign lord.
In Warlord the Lionheart is free and Robin and Alan fight at his side in Normandy. Alan in imprisoned in Paris as he desperately seeks knowledge over the death of his father.
In Grail Knight we journey deep to the south as Robin and co battle it out with a murderous monk for possession of the greatest relic in Christendom.
The we come to Iron Castle, where Robin and Alan must hold the outer bailey of the famed Iron Castle against the full might of King Phillip of France's army. (This one is a cracker, well they all are)
In King's Assassin we battle through Flanders and Alan will even try to kill the king, before we hear the first whispers of the infamous Magna Carter that the disgruntled barons hope to shackle the fickle King John with.
And then, and then we come to this: The Death Of Robin Hood.
I wasn't ready. I knew what would happen of course (clue is in the title, and all that) but I just wasn't ready for it all to end. From the infamous siege of Rochester Castle (a mere stone's throw from where I sit and type this) to the humbling of King John, Robin and Alan are once more at the heart of it all. No longer young men, but still as formidable as ever. From France to Lincoln they will fight on both sides of a brutal civil war, until at Lincoln, the mighty Robin Hood will finally take a wound he will never fully recover from.
Needless to say, I found the entire series to be incredible, one of the finest historical series in any era. The battles are pulsating, the historical detail really adding a vivid backdrop to a fantastic cast of characters. In Alan Dale, Angus has created one of the most likeable and relatable characters I have ever read, I could have happily read another eight books in this series just to enjoy his journey.
Although in many ways I'm glad there are no more. Always better to leave them wanting more, as the old saying goes, and Angus Donald has most certainly done that.
Robin Hood, you know the guy that prances around Sherwood forest in green hoes, surrounded by his merry men, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor? Sounds crap, doesn't it.
Well, that's what I thought, so for months I turned a deaf ear to their praise until finally it all became too much. I relented, and got myself a copy of Outlaw on audible.
Guys, its not crap.
Outlaw is incredible, it tells the story of the rise of the young Robert Odo, once destined to become and a great lord, now living a life of exile, deep within Sherwood forest. Through the eyes of the young street thief Alan Dale we see our Robin Hood not as the gallant hero he is often depicted as, but as a cruel, and merciless leader.
Holy Warrior (book two) is brilliant as it takes the legend of Robin Hood and leaves it in the dust, as Alan And Robin go off to fight for the Lionheart in the ill-fated crusades.
In King's Man (I think my favourite of the lot) Robin finds himself imprisoned by the church and with the Lionheart held captive in Germany, it is Alan who must carry the story himself and journey across Europe to save his sovereign lord.
In Warlord the Lionheart is free and Robin and Alan fight at his side in Normandy. Alan in imprisoned in Paris as he desperately seeks knowledge over the death of his father.
In Grail Knight we journey deep to the south as Robin and co battle it out with a murderous monk for possession of the greatest relic in Christendom.
The we come to Iron Castle, where Robin and Alan must hold the outer bailey of the famed Iron Castle against the full might of King Phillip of France's army. (This one is a cracker, well they all are)
In King's Assassin we battle through Flanders and Alan will even try to kill the king, before we hear the first whispers of the infamous Magna Carter that the disgruntled barons hope to shackle the fickle King John with.
And then, and then we come to this: The Death Of Robin Hood.
I wasn't ready. I knew what would happen of course (clue is in the title, and all that) but I just wasn't ready for it all to end. From the infamous siege of Rochester Castle (a mere stone's throw from where I sit and type this) to the humbling of King John, Robin and Alan are once more at the heart of it all. No longer young men, but still as formidable as ever. From France to Lincoln they will fight on both sides of a brutal civil war, until at Lincoln, the mighty Robin Hood will finally take a wound he will never fully recover from.
Needless to say, I found the entire series to be incredible, one of the finest historical series in any era. The battles are pulsating, the historical detail really adding a vivid backdrop to a fantastic cast of characters. In Alan Dale, Angus has created one of the most likeable and relatable characters I have ever read, I could have happily read another eight books in this series just to enjoy his journey.
Although in many ways I'm glad there are no more. Always better to leave them wanting more, as the old saying goes, and Angus Donald has most certainly done that.
August 9, 2016
I think this is my best Outlaw Chronicle!
August 14, 2016
Bloody brilliant. A fitting finale to the best series I've read about Robin Hood. Alan Dale is recounting the end of his tale, nearing his own death.
Fantastic novel, full of action - I feel like I could siege a castle now if I ever needed to. As for the characters: King John is his typical villain self, Robin Hood is part hero part calculated selfish warrior, Alan Dale is loyal,confused and battle ready till the end.
Fantastic novel, full of action - I feel like I could siege a castle now if I ever needed to. As for the characters: King John is his typical villain self, Robin Hood is part hero part calculated selfish warrior, Alan Dale is loyal,confused and battle ready till the end.
August 20, 2016
Wow, what a fantastic ending to one of my favourite historical fiction series ever. Angus, you have done it again. Thanks for a great tale, woven into Robin Hood.
August 6, 2023
Annoyingly goodreads done me dirty and I wrote a long raving review and goodreads decided not to save it... 🤬
The shortened version!!
* This is by far my fave in the series so far
* The characters are now fully formed and have their own distinct voices
* I love that I don't know if Robin is a good man and that's my single biggest enjoyment in the series
* To write a 10 (plus novella) series and every book feels unique and valid to the over arching story, is an incredible feat
*be sad when it ends
(My other review was better, FU goodreads)
The shortened version!!
* This is by far my fave in the series so far
* The characters are now fully formed and have their own distinct voices
* I love that I don't know if Robin is a good man and that's my single biggest enjoyment in the series
* To write a 10 (plus novella) series and every book feels unique and valid to the over arching story, is an incredible feat
*be sad when it ends
(My other review was better, FU goodreads)
July 20, 2020
As of writing this I finished this book about 5 minutes ago.
Bloody hell it was a journey. I honestly don't really know what to say, I guess if you read this far into the series you somewhat know what to expect.
I'm sad this series has come to an end but it was very well done. Thank you Angus.
See this and other reviews + my own average stories at https://keithwarrenwriter.com
Bloody hell it was a journey. I honestly don't really know what to say, I guess if you read this far into the series you somewhat know what to expect.
I'm sad this series has come to an end but it was very well done. Thank you Angus.
See this and other reviews + my own average stories at https://keithwarrenwriter.com
August 20, 2016
Everybody dies.....at least the main characters you have come to know and love in the preceding 7 books in the series do. The title should tell you the main character obviously dies - think Han Solo in the latest "Star Wars" movie - that's how it all begins, but it's a long, drawn-out, excruciating death. Throughout the series the other main character has been Alan Dale (or as he appears in some writings Alan a'Dale) - he dies too. As a result, there can be no more books in the series - everyone has died!
But what a series! This 8-book series detailing the Robin Hood story presents a different type of Robin Hood than the one frequently portrayed as taking from the rich and giving to the poor. Yeah, he does some of that, but he keeps a lot of it as well.
Like its 7 predecessors "Death" has plenty of action, lots of blood, guts and gore, and even a little romance tossed in for flavor.
With this series British author -and doesn't it seem a lot of the best writers these days are British? - Angus Donald establishes himself as one of the leaders in the field of historical fiction and you have to wonder who he'll take on next. I'm still waiting for someone to do a series on Henry VIII and showing what a low-life he really was and how he all but bankrupted Britain as opposed to the romanticized fictional Henry of movies and novels (and there haven't been that many in recent years).
However, if your historical period is a few hundred years before Henry, back in the days of Henry II, King Richard and his brother John (vying with Henry VIII for "worst king in English history" honors), this series is for you.......everything gets tied up in a nice, neat package at the end and you aren't left hanging.
Now let's see what Angus Donald has for us next. If it's as good as this series, it will be well worth the wait.
But what a series! This 8-book series detailing the Robin Hood story presents a different type of Robin Hood than the one frequently portrayed as taking from the rich and giving to the poor. Yeah, he does some of that, but he keeps a lot of it as well.
Like its 7 predecessors "Death" has plenty of action, lots of blood, guts and gore, and even a little romance tossed in for flavor.
With this series British author -and doesn't it seem a lot of the best writers these days are British? - Angus Donald establishes himself as one of the leaders in the field of historical fiction and you have to wonder who he'll take on next. I'm still waiting for someone to do a series on Henry VIII and showing what a low-life he really was and how he all but bankrupted Britain as opposed to the romanticized fictional Henry of movies and novels (and there haven't been that many in recent years).
However, if your historical period is a few hundred years before Henry, back in the days of Henry II, King Richard and his brother John (vying with Henry VIII for "worst king in English history" honors), this series is for you.......everything gets tied up in a nice, neat package at the end and you aren't left hanging.
Now let's see what Angus Donald has for us next. If it's as good as this series, it will be well worth the wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
This series has grown with every book and this one is most definitely my favourite so far.
The author has completely rounded off the characters by this point and you are made to feel part of the band of characters.
Alan knows his worth and finally starts to step from the shadow of Robin. I love that, after 8 books I'm still not entirely sure if Robin is actually a good man. The relationship with Alan is so complex and it's the single biggest source of enjoyment I get from this series.
Be disappointed to get to the end of this series. Which was the opposite to how I felt with the Saxon Stories by Cornwell, I couldn't wait for that to finish. To write a 10 book series (plus some novellas) and every book to feel unique and valid to the entire story arc, is truly some fantastic planning and writing
The author has completely rounded off the characters by this point and you are made to feel part of the band of characters.
Alan knows his worth and finally starts to step from the shadow of Robin. I love that, after 8 books I'm still not entirely sure if Robin is actually a good man. The relationship with Alan is so complex and it's the single biggest source of enjoyment I get from this series.
Be disappointed to get to the end of this series. Which was the opposite to how I felt with the Saxon Stories by Cornwell, I couldn't wait for that to finish. To write a 10 book series (plus some novellas) and every book to feel unique and valid to the entire story arc, is truly some fantastic planning and writing
September 28, 2016
Angus is an exceptional writer!! I loved this series, and look forward to reading more of his work.
October 3, 2016
I love this series, beyond epic.
January 26, 2024
Eight books. 40 stars. Now, if that doesn’t speak fucking volumes.....
Edit Reread. 10 books. 50 ⭐️. Yea, that good.
Edit Reread. 10 books. 50 ⭐️. Yea, that good.
August 1, 2022
An epic series from beginning to end. I emailed the Author and he responded (or someone did), and I delighted in this as much as I have in reading his books.
March 26, 2019
That Bittersweet Moment . . .
And finally it's that time when you get to the end of a very good, long series of books. Sweet because you have seen all it has to offer and spent your last precious moments with the characters you have come to love and finally got to see how the whole thing ends. Bitter because there will be no more, and you won't get to spend time with the excellent characters that Donald produced for us.
Robin - enigmatic, ruthless, greedy, fiercely loyal to his chosen few but with scant regard for those outside his own inner circle. A very genuine and believable rogue who is beautifully complex and enigmatic.
Sir Alan Dale - wonderfully realised, a great fighter, skilled musician and hot-headed enough to make things interesting until the very end.
King John, suitably awful and sadistic, dutifully cowardly and whiny, being a highlight along with Robin as parts of Mike North's excellent narration.
We've followed most them all and a huge cast of others such as the most gorgeously uncouth mixture of mighty brawn and interesting sensitivities that is Little John, the beautiful Marian and the tragic Nur. There have been battles, sieges, assassins, love stories and tragedies. This series has delivered on every level as Donald has intertwined these gritty versions of iconic characters with real historical events. And thanks to Mike North I feel like I've been sat for hours in front of a roaring hearth listening to these amazing stories brought to life by Sir Alan himself.
The key with any last book is that it delivers a fitting end to the story. It's just as exciting as all the rest, have no doubt about that, but did it do what went before justice with its conclusion? I think it did, possibly with one slight reservation, I felt that Donald had found a perfect ending to one of the major characters but then shied away from it unnecessarily but even then the whole thing concludes like a classic saga so count that as nothing but a quibble.
If you haven't read any of this series yet then as Little John would say By God's great hairy ballsack get yourself to the beginning and don't ruin it by starting here! This is one of my all-time favourite series and this Robin Hood will likely remain my favourite for a long time to come. Well at least until I watch the Disney film again :-)
And finally it's that time when you get to the end of a very good, long series of books. Sweet because you have seen all it has to offer and spent your last precious moments with the characters you have come to love and finally got to see how the whole thing ends. Bitter because there will be no more, and you won't get to spend time with the excellent characters that Donald produced for us.
Robin - enigmatic, ruthless, greedy, fiercely loyal to his chosen few but with scant regard for those outside his own inner circle. A very genuine and believable rogue who is beautifully complex and enigmatic.
Sir Alan Dale - wonderfully realised, a great fighter, skilled musician and hot-headed enough to make things interesting until the very end.
King John, suitably awful and sadistic, dutifully cowardly and whiny, being a highlight along with Robin as parts of Mike North's excellent narration.
We've followed most them all and a huge cast of others such as the most gorgeously uncouth mixture of mighty brawn and interesting sensitivities that is Little John, the beautiful Marian and the tragic Nur. There have been battles, sieges, assassins, love stories and tragedies. This series has delivered on every level as Donald has intertwined these gritty versions of iconic characters with real historical events. And thanks to Mike North I feel like I've been sat for hours in front of a roaring hearth listening to these amazing stories brought to life by Sir Alan himself.
The key with any last book is that it delivers a fitting end to the story. It's just as exciting as all the rest, have no doubt about that, but did it do what went before justice with its conclusion? I think it did, possibly with one slight reservation, I felt that Donald had found a perfect ending to one of the major characters but then shied away from it unnecessarily but even then the whole thing concludes like a classic saga so count that as nothing but a quibble.
If you haven't read any of this series yet then as Little John would say By God's great hairy ballsack get yourself to the beginning and don't ruin it by starting here! This is one of my all-time favourite series and this Robin Hood will likely remain my favourite for a long time to come. Well at least until I watch the Disney film again :-)
January 18, 2018
It was with a heavy heart that I came to the end of the Outlaw Chronicles. However, The Death of Robin Hood was a worthy finale. Angus Donald has saved the best to last.
The distinct feeling I remember when I came to read the final page of this last book in the series was one of emotion and a sense of reflection. I felt regret coming to the end. A genuine sense of loss and emptiness at coming to the end of the road with Sir Alan and Robin. That rarely happens to me.
I think part of the emotion I felt was down to such superbly crafted characters throughout the series. From The Earl of Locksley and Sir Alan Dale to Little John, Hugh, Miles, Richard the Lionheart, Hanno, Thomas and even the villains King John, Ralph Murdac and all Nottingham sheriffs. I'm sure there are many I have forgotten. Every new character in the series added more to the storyline, so much so that it was a real gut wrench to come to the end.
In terms of The Death of Robin Hood book itself, it is indeed a fitting finale. Fitting in terms of its writing style, fast pace and storyline. Perhaps not fitting for The Earl of Locksley, although that depends on how you wanted things to end.
This was a book that held me throughout, willed me to constantly turn the pages even though I knew the end would bring me no comfort. I knew the end would be bloody and bold. Angus Donald did not disappoint, and I think the way he ends with an emotional salute to Robin, Sir Alan and all those that played a part was fantastic. The style certainly struck a chord with me. I thoroughly enjoyed The Death of Robin Hood and it's five stars from me.
The series itself sits at the same level as Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories for me. I also think the Outlaw Chronicles would make a fantastic TV series in the right hands.
There is no doubt I will miss this series, but I will be starting afresh on Angus Donald's new books. I hope it fills the void.
Thank you Angus for a great series. Well done.
The distinct feeling I remember when I came to read the final page of this last book in the series was one of emotion and a sense of reflection. I felt regret coming to the end. A genuine sense of loss and emptiness at coming to the end of the road with Sir Alan and Robin. That rarely happens to me.
I think part of the emotion I felt was down to such superbly crafted characters throughout the series. From The Earl of Locksley and Sir Alan Dale to Little John, Hugh, Miles, Richard the Lionheart, Hanno, Thomas and even the villains King John, Ralph Murdac and all Nottingham sheriffs. I'm sure there are many I have forgotten. Every new character in the series added more to the storyline, so much so that it was a real gut wrench to come to the end.
In terms of The Death of Robin Hood book itself, it is indeed a fitting finale. Fitting in terms of its writing style, fast pace and storyline. Perhaps not fitting for The Earl of Locksley, although that depends on how you wanted things to end.
This was a book that held me throughout, willed me to constantly turn the pages even though I knew the end would bring me no comfort. I knew the end would be bloody and bold. Angus Donald did not disappoint, and I think the way he ends with an emotional salute to Robin, Sir Alan and all those that played a part was fantastic. The style certainly struck a chord with me. I thoroughly enjoyed The Death of Robin Hood and it's five stars from me.
The series itself sits at the same level as Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories for me. I also think the Outlaw Chronicles would make a fantastic TV series in the right hands.
There is no doubt I will miss this series, but I will be starting afresh on Angus Donald's new books. I hope it fills the void.
Thank you Angus for a great series. Well done.
June 23, 2017
Wow!
That is the best way I can sum up not only this book but the entire Outlaw Chronicles series by Angus Donald. What a brilliant ending to a wonderful series. Mr. Donald is an amazing storyteller and is very adept at weaving his characters into the actual historical events in a way that always felt authentic to me. The few liberties that he did take for the sake of the story pretty much always seemed justifiable as well. I especially enjoyed the portion of this book dealing with Cass, Alan, and Robin's guerrilla style struggles against the invading French in the Weald, as well as the events at Rochester. Indeed, describing the brutal, bloody warfare of the period is one of Mr. Donald's greatest strengths and I found the action sequences to be top notch. The elements of humor throughout had me laughing and smiling on numerous occasions as well and can help to lighten the rather dark, grim turns that the story does take at times.
All that said, I can't possibly recommend the series highly enough, especially to those who enjoy good, action packed historical fiction. Even if you aren't typically into historical fiction, give it a try. It might just change your opinion and get you hooked. Lastly, I just want to offer a huge thank you to Angus Donald for all his efforts in writing this series. It really was a thrilling ride, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. Thank you so much!
That is the best way I can sum up not only this book but the entire Outlaw Chronicles series by Angus Donald. What a brilliant ending to a wonderful series. Mr. Donald is an amazing storyteller and is very adept at weaving his characters into the actual historical events in a way that always felt authentic to me. The few liberties that he did take for the sake of the story pretty much always seemed justifiable as well. I especially enjoyed the portion of this book dealing with Cass, Alan, and Robin's guerrilla style struggles against the invading French in the Weald, as well as the events at Rochester. Indeed, describing the brutal, bloody warfare of the period is one of Mr. Donald's greatest strengths and I found the action sequences to be top notch. The elements of humor throughout had me laughing and smiling on numerous occasions as well and can help to lighten the rather dark, grim turns that the story does take at times.
All that said, I can't possibly recommend the series highly enough, especially to those who enjoy good, action packed historical fiction. Even if you aren't typically into historical fiction, give it a try. It might just change your opinion and get you hooked. Lastly, I just want to offer a huge thank you to Angus Donald for all his efforts in writing this series. It really was a thrilling ride, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. Thank you so much!
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October 17, 2019I have never written a book review before but after coming to the end of this incredible story, How could I not?
As I lay here with tears still stinging my eyes from the final chapters of this book, I can do nothing but feel grateful for blindly stumbling across Kings Man, over a year ago, I read it and found it was a magnificent story, about my favorite childhood hero no less.
Once I’d finished I searched the author and found it belonged to a whole series of these tales!
I purchased them all a little while back and read them from beginning to end, One after the other over the course of a few weeks, Kings Man was my favorite, In some ways it still is? Things were simpler then.
Never the less.
This book cut me to my core!
At the end I was sobbing uncontrollably with tears streaming down my face and feeling so many emotions at once. Mainly sadness that it was over, but also happiness to have heard it.
I felt I was there riding alongside Alan back to Westbury, crying my f##kikg eyes out. Magnificent!
As I lay here with tears still stinging my eyes from the final chapters of this book, I can do nothing but feel grateful for blindly stumbling across Kings Man, over a year ago, I read it and found it was a magnificent story, about my favorite childhood hero no less.
Once I’d finished I searched the author and found it belonged to a whole series of these tales!
I purchased them all a little while back and read them from beginning to end, One after the other over the course of a few weeks, Kings Man was my favorite, In some ways it still is? Things were simpler then.
Never the less.
This book cut me to my core!
At the end I was sobbing uncontrollably with tears streaming down my face and feeling so many emotions at once. Mainly sadness that it was over, but also happiness to have heard it.
I felt I was there riding alongside Alan back to Westbury, crying my f##kikg eyes out. Magnificent!
August 24, 2025
A fabulous end to one of the best series I have ever read! Since June I have been living in the world! This was my longest daily reading streak of the year!
The Alan Dale and Robin Hood brought to life in these pages will forever live in my soul! I will definitely be at a loss for what to read next. I did not want this to end.
Lil bit gangster, Lil bit outlaw and just a damn fine human being was this series Robin Hood! I found I could not help but shed a tear as I reached the final page. My nights abed will be sadly to quiet.
This book shows its mark as well researched an inspiring historical fiction because it inspired me to not only read more about RH but also the Templars, crusades and King Richard. It did not set out to be accurate 100% but these books are well researched and Angus battle descriptions are some of the best.I have ever read!!
This we'll be a series I will reread which i never do!
Long may your legends live on Robin and Alan for this series made me love you, whoever you were all the more 💜💜💜💜💜🏹🏹🏹
The Alan Dale and Robin Hood brought to life in these pages will forever live in my soul! I will definitely be at a loss for what to read next. I did not want this to end.
Lil bit gangster, Lil bit outlaw and just a damn fine human being was this series Robin Hood! I found I could not help but shed a tear as I reached the final page. My nights abed will be sadly to quiet.
This book shows its mark as well researched an inspiring historical fiction because it inspired me to not only read more about RH but also the Templars, crusades and King Richard. It did not set out to be accurate 100% but these books are well researched and Angus battle descriptions are some of the best.I have ever read!!
This we'll be a series I will reread which i never do!
Long may your legends live on Robin and Alan for this series made me love you, whoever you were all the more 💜💜💜💜💜🏹🏹🏹
November 26, 2023
The last of the books in the Alan Dale/Robin Hood series "written in 1246 AD". When the story takes place in 1216 to 1217, Alan is 40 and Robin 50 and follows "actual history" as much as possible.
It deals with the 1216 invasion of England and let down by the treacherous Lord Fitzwalter, Robin and Alan are reduced to guerilla attacks on Prince Louis (Philip's son) of France, helped by Willikin of the Weald, as he conquers half of England, helped by English Lords and Barons who have gone over to his side. King John dies in 1216 (through bad water or poison) and a young boy, takes over as King Henry III.
The crucial battle takes place at Lincoln and when beaten, it leads to Louis renouncing his claim to the English throne. Robin is nearly killed by treachery and later actually killed by treachery.
Alan's stories are told to King Henry III, visiting the now very old monk in his monastery and he deems it is better they remain untold. Alan himself dies next day.
It deals with the 1216 invasion of England and let down by the treacherous Lord Fitzwalter, Robin and Alan are reduced to guerilla attacks on Prince Louis (Philip's son) of France, helped by Willikin of the Weald, as he conquers half of England, helped by English Lords and Barons who have gone over to his side. King John dies in 1216 (through bad water or poison) and a young boy, takes over as King Henry III.
The crucial battle takes place at Lincoln and when beaten, it leads to Louis renouncing his claim to the English throne. Robin is nearly killed by treachery and later actually killed by treachery.
Alan's stories are told to King Henry III, visiting the now very old monk in his monastery and he deems it is better they remain untold. Alan himself dies next day.
June 7, 2017
The final installment of the Outlaw Series by Angus Donald. I have said before that I really loved this entire series. I went through eight books with the same excitement as the first. The stories accurately followed the history of England and Normandy in the 1200s. In the final chapter, the ruthless and inept King John breaks his pact and violates the Magna Carta. The ensuing civil war results in strained ties when Prince Filip of France joins the fray, seeking to take advantage. Robin and Alan have to choose between the liberty of the Magna Carta or the tyranny of King John. In typical fashion, Robin joins the King only to undermine him later. This series gets to the heart of loyalty, friendship, honor, and courage. Each book is a moving tale on its own, but the series should be read in sequence for the best experience! Well done!
March 13, 2023
Disappointing.
I think Angus Donald is a brilliant writer. He writes excellent immersive historical fiction, he breathes life into his characters and history comes grittily alive through the auspices of his literary alchemy.
But my usual transcendental historical reading experience was cut short in this final instalment of his Robin Hood Outlaw series of novels. It is is not his best writing, in fact it is the worst that I’ve read of his work so far.
I can deal with almost anything that most authors can throw at me…gritty, gore, revisionist historical perspective, etc. But when an author descends into a pandering kind of solipsistic sentimental mediocrity, worthy of a juvenile Steven Spielberg, as Donald does in the final pages of this book, it tends to ruin an otherwise good story for me and that’s really a crying shame.
I think Angus Donald is a brilliant writer. He writes excellent immersive historical fiction, he breathes life into his characters and history comes grittily alive through the auspices of his literary alchemy.
But my usual transcendental historical reading experience was cut short in this final instalment of his Robin Hood Outlaw series of novels. It is is not his best writing, in fact it is the worst that I’ve read of his work so far.
I can deal with almost anything that most authors can throw at me…gritty, gore, revisionist historical perspective, etc. But when an author descends into a pandering kind of solipsistic sentimental mediocrity, worthy of a juvenile Steven Spielberg, as Donald does in the final pages of this book, it tends to ruin an otherwise good story for me and that’s really a crying shame.
August 20, 2017
I am so sad that I have come to the end of The Outlaw Chronicles. It is one of the best historical series that I have come across. It is beautifully written and the pacing through out is remarkable. Angus Donald has done a remarkable job in bringing the legend of Robin Hood to life.
There is of course a huge spoiler in the title of this book. The novel does indeed chronicle the final days of Robin Hood and his very reduced band of "merry" men. Those who have followed the series, such as myself knew this day was coming. I just wish I had been more prepared.
As with all the books in this series the tale is told through Sir Alan a Dale who became one of Robins men when he was a boy. Alan is old now, his strength is failing and but his memories of his Lord, the Earl of Locksley still burn brightly. The elderly Alan now resident in a Monastery is now dictating his tales to the Abbot who is as enthralled with Alan's tales of loyalty, tragedy, battles, blood, intrigue and overtly friendship, as we all are.
During the course of this book the loyalties of all involved are challenged. Robin is calculated and as cunning as ever, causing those who are close to him to question his motives. Alan though, as ever, remains by his Lord's side.
I was dreading the ending. I did not want to say goodbye just yet to these wonderful characters. The ending inevitably caused me to become misty eyed. It was wonderfully heartbreaking.
Hero's Fall Legends Live Forever
Angus Donald has made a fictional tale feel very real.
A legendary tale that will indeed life forever.
There is of course a huge spoiler in the title of this book. The novel does indeed chronicle the final days of Robin Hood and his very reduced band of "merry" men. Those who have followed the series, such as myself knew this day was coming. I just wish I had been more prepared.
As with all the books in this series the tale is told through Sir Alan a Dale who became one of Robins men when he was a boy. Alan is old now, his strength is failing and but his memories of his Lord, the Earl of Locksley still burn brightly. The elderly Alan now resident in a Monastery is now dictating his tales to the Abbot who is as enthralled with Alan's tales of loyalty, tragedy, battles, blood, intrigue and overtly friendship, as we all are.
During the course of this book the loyalties of all involved are challenged. Robin is calculated and as cunning as ever, causing those who are close to him to question his motives. Alan though, as ever, remains by his Lord's side.
I was dreading the ending. I did not want to say goodbye just yet to these wonderful characters. The ending inevitably caused me to become misty eyed. It was wonderfully heartbreaking.
Hero's Fall Legends Live Forever
Angus Donald has made a fictional tale feel very real.
A legendary tale that will indeed life forever.
April 22, 2020
A must read
In not a fan of robin hood stories and only read the first book because I had nothing else to read😬
But once I started I was hooked and over a few days read the whole series! I couldn't put them down ,buying one after another!! I loved the characters and the different slant on the common robin hood stories!
These chronicles are a must to read by this fantastic author, I'm in lockdown at the moment and they have given me many enjoyable hours.
The only downside like many other good stories is
That it had to end😁👍
In not a fan of robin hood stories and only read the first book because I had nothing else to read😬
But once I started I was hooked and over a few days read the whole series! I couldn't put them down ,buying one after another!! I loved the characters and the different slant on the common robin hood stories!
These chronicles are a must to read by this fantastic author, I'm in lockdown at the moment and they have given me many enjoyable hours.
The only downside like many other good stories is
That it had to end😁👍
April 9, 2019
A brilliant series.
What a cracking end to what has been a superb historical series, the outlaw chronicles has got to be one of those must reads if you enjoy historical fiction. I have had this buried in my ever large TBR pile since its publication date and have only now read it, and what a ending to a series, no spoilers but if you have not read the series i urge you to do so, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
What a cracking end to what has been a superb historical series, the outlaw chronicles has got to be one of those must reads if you enjoy historical fiction. I have had this buried in my ever large TBR pile since its publication date and have only now read it, and what a ending to a series, no spoilers but if you have not read the series i urge you to do so, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2018
Told from the account of one Robin Hood's most trusted allies Sir Alan Dale. This joyous read details the final adventure of one of England's finest legends. In a time when King john is battling the English Rebels and watchful eyes from the French are plotting for an opportunity to take advantage.
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