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Olde Robin Hood
"Rich prose, intense action, historical and mythological depth, and captivating innovations." -Kirkus ReviewsExiled for an unjust crime and forced to use whatever means necessary to survive, a figure of hope emerges from Sherwood Forest. But what most people know about Robin Hood (the enemy of Prince John and nobleman loyal to King Richard) was an invention of a playwright nearly three hundred years after Robin Hood died. However, there are older stories about the real Robin Hood.USA Today bestselling author Kate Danley weaves the original 13th century ballads, Robin Hood traditions passed down through ancient pagan rites, and historical evidence together into a noblebright epic. Enter a world of adventure and chivalry as you discover the man behind the myth, as you meet the Olde Robin Hood.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2018
284 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Kate Danley
55 books595 followersKate Danley began her writing career as an indie author in 2010. Since then, her books have been published by 47North, she spent five weeks on the USA Today bestseller list, and she has been honored with various awards, including the Garcia Award for Best Fiction Book of the Year (The Woodcutter), McDougall Previews Award for Best Fantasy Book of the Year (Queen Mab), Best of 2014 by Suspense Magazine (M&K Tracking), and the 2017 Utopia Award for Best Anthology of the Year (Once Upon A Kiss - "Galatea & Pygmalion"). Her play Building Madness won the prestigious Panowski Playwriting Award and her play Bureaucrazy was a semi-finalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. Her works have been produced in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Canada, and the UK. She has over 300+ film, television, and theatre credits to her name, and specializes in sketch, improv, and Shakespeare. She wrote sketch for a weekly show in Hollywood and has performed her original stand-up at various clubs in LA. She learned on-camera puppetry from the man who played Mr. Snuffleupagus and performed the head of a 20-foot dinosaur on an NBC pilot. She lost on Hollywood Squares.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 15, 2021
https://www.bookwormblues.net/2021/06...
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: I love me some good Celtic lore. Now, Robin Hood doesn’t fit under that banner. Not really. But I sort of lump him and King Arthur into that category because, you know, geographical location and all that. The thing is, Robin Hood, like King Arthur, has been done before, right? Done and done. So when a book appears that professes to tell a different version of the story, I’m there with bells on.
Enter: Olde Robin Hood.
Olde Robin Hood tells the origin story of the infamous Robin Hood character. The author professes to use old ballads and minstrel tales for the basis of this Robin Hood, which is intriguing, and gives the reader a different, more grounded look at this person who has become so large in lore. Furthermore, her extensive research is obvious as the story unfolds. The world this Robin lives in, is not the least bit glamorous. It’s dirty and painful, where people, if they are lucky, hack a life out of their surrounds and somehow make it work. There are details thrown in here and there about life, like the exhaustion of working a farm, the dangerous of injury and the like that really made this book sing in the worldbuilding
There isn’t a whole lot of magic here, though there are some there is a bit of interweaving with pagan tradition, and some old ways vs. Christian tension as well. The book, instead of being completely rooted in fantasy, seems to weave it into the book in the most subtle of all ways, so it is present if you know where to look. You get more a hint of the fantasy, rather than an overwhelming dose of it.
As an origin story, this was cleverly done. The book opens with a view of Robin’s typical (to the times and place) life. He works hard, loves his family, seems to be just your average kid in the world. When the sheriff murders his father and burns down their farm, sending Robin into exile, he meets up with John Little, a man trying to escape being pressed into soldiery. There, they develop an honorable code wherein it’s decided they will only steal from thieves and liars, and the like.
Most of the characters in this book are ones you’ll expect to see from the stories you know. John Little (you’ll know him as Little John), Maid Marion, and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Instead, however, of being set during King John’s reign, which most will expect, the author has set this story against Henry III time as king, which was an interesting choice. There are other twists on the tale that show up here or there as well.
Olde Robin Hood tells an interesting coming of age story about a man who is pitted against forces that are beyond his control, and trying to do the best he can despite all odds. This Robin is a bit broodier than most of the Robin Hoods I’ve read before. He spends a lot of time in his own head. He feels profoundly. He is very sad. This isn’t to say there aren’t times when he is happy, but I did feel like this Robin was perhaps a bit darker emotionally than I’ve read in other stories. That’s fine. Actually, I really liked that about the book. The author’s willingness to not only show how these situations would physically impact a kid growing up in the world, but how they would emotionally mark him as well is something I seriously admired.
The other thing I appreciated about this book was how young Robin actually was. We tend to think of Robin Hood as a grown man who is roughing up the forest and causing trouble, but here we have not only an origin story, but a young man growing into adulthood as well. It made me see the pressures of this character, the strains and situations he had to endure, a bit differently. However, this did make the book one of those weird ones where I can’t really tell if its young adult or new adult. Maybe a bit of both. There’s violence and bloodshed which is distinctly PG-13, but the prose and the style itself felt more YA to me. Honestly, the fact I couldn’t pin it down felt true to the story itself. This particular Robin Hood seems to defy convention in numerous ways.
The book started a bit slow, but once the ball got rolling, the story was gripping, and moved at a fast pace. I felt the ending was a bit too simple, and the book itself felt predictable, but it was an incredibly enjoyable yarn. While I don’t think this was the completely groundbreaking origin story I was looking for, I did really enjoy it for what it was: a damn good book.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: I love me some good Celtic lore. Now, Robin Hood doesn’t fit under that banner. Not really. But I sort of lump him and King Arthur into that category because, you know, geographical location and all that. The thing is, Robin Hood, like King Arthur, has been done before, right? Done and done. So when a book appears that professes to tell a different version of the story, I’m there with bells on.
Enter: Olde Robin Hood.
Olde Robin Hood tells the origin story of the infamous Robin Hood character. The author professes to use old ballads and minstrel tales for the basis of this Robin Hood, which is intriguing, and gives the reader a different, more grounded look at this person who has become so large in lore. Furthermore, her extensive research is obvious as the story unfolds. The world this Robin lives in, is not the least bit glamorous. It’s dirty and painful, where people, if they are lucky, hack a life out of their surrounds and somehow make it work. There are details thrown in here and there about life, like the exhaustion of working a farm, the dangerous of injury and the like that really made this book sing in the worldbuilding
There isn’t a whole lot of magic here, though there are some there is a bit of interweaving with pagan tradition, and some old ways vs. Christian tension as well. The book, instead of being completely rooted in fantasy, seems to weave it into the book in the most subtle of all ways, so it is present if you know where to look. You get more a hint of the fantasy, rather than an overwhelming dose of it.
As an origin story, this was cleverly done. The book opens with a view of Robin’s typical (to the times and place) life. He works hard, loves his family, seems to be just your average kid in the world. When the sheriff murders his father and burns down their farm, sending Robin into exile, he meets up with John Little, a man trying to escape being pressed into soldiery. There, they develop an honorable code wherein it’s decided they will only steal from thieves and liars, and the like.
Most of the characters in this book are ones you’ll expect to see from the stories you know. John Little (you’ll know him as Little John), Maid Marion, and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Instead, however, of being set during King John’s reign, which most will expect, the author has set this story against Henry III time as king, which was an interesting choice. There are other twists on the tale that show up here or there as well.
Olde Robin Hood tells an interesting coming of age story about a man who is pitted against forces that are beyond his control, and trying to do the best he can despite all odds. This Robin is a bit broodier than most of the Robin Hoods I’ve read before. He spends a lot of time in his own head. He feels profoundly. He is very sad. This isn’t to say there aren’t times when he is happy, but I did feel like this Robin was perhaps a bit darker emotionally than I’ve read in other stories. That’s fine. Actually, I really liked that about the book. The author’s willingness to not only show how these situations would physically impact a kid growing up in the world, but how they would emotionally mark him as well is something I seriously admired.
The other thing I appreciated about this book was how young Robin actually was. We tend to think of Robin Hood as a grown man who is roughing up the forest and causing trouble, but here we have not only an origin story, but a young man growing into adulthood as well. It made me see the pressures of this character, the strains and situations he had to endure, a bit differently. However, this did make the book one of those weird ones where I can’t really tell if its young adult or new adult. Maybe a bit of both. There’s violence and bloodshed which is distinctly PG-13, but the prose and the style itself felt more YA to me. Honestly, the fact I couldn’t pin it down felt true to the story itself. This particular Robin Hood seems to defy convention in numerous ways.
The book started a bit slow, but once the ball got rolling, the story was gripping, and moved at a fast pace. I felt the ending was a bit too simple, and the book itself felt predictable, but it was an incredibly enjoyable yarn. While I don’t think this was the completely groundbreaking origin story I was looking for, I did really enjoy it for what it was: a damn good book.
October 1, 2018
Kate Danley's newest story delves into the oldest tales of Robin Hood and strings them together in a fast-paced and convincing novel. When the Sheriff of Nottingham murders Robin's father and burns down their farm, Robin is forced into exile in Sherwood Forest. There he joins forces with John Little, a large fellow trying to escape being pressed into service in the Sheriff's soldiery. They develop an honorable code, where they will only steal from liars (men who claim to have no money on them) and where they will feast their victims in the forest and send them on their way instead of killing them. As the Sheriff's rage at Robin mounts, our hero manages to save a goodly knight named Sir Richard of Lea, perform a similar office for the knight's lovely niece Marian, and endear himself to the poor folk all around the town of Nottingham. But when the Sheriff captures Little John and Maid Marian, Robin must use his wits to save both before it is too late.
Having grown up on the tales of Howard Pyle, this story seemed very familiar to me. One of Kate Danley's innovations is to have Robin blame his trials on the Christian God of the greedy abbots and go back to believing in "the old gods" of the forest. But since "A Gest of Robyn Hode," one of the earliest ballads, mentions Robin's devotion to the Virgin Mary, I'm curious what source Danley has for this or whether it is mere speculation. Chaucer and others during the time period of the "Gest" had a robust criticism of the "fat cat" churchmen of their time but did not renounce faith in the Christian God because of this. Another interesting item is that Danley also places Robin's reign in Sherwood during the reign of Henry III (the son of the nefarious King John that Robin is usually associated with). The king himself does not appear in the story, although Guy of Gisborne has a major (and sinister) role in the tale.
All in all, this book was a good weekend read although not the most memorable of the Robin Hood canon and not one I would likely return to.
Having grown up on the tales of Howard Pyle, this story seemed very familiar to me. One of Kate Danley's innovations is to have Robin blame his trials on the Christian God of the greedy abbots and go back to believing in "the old gods" of the forest. But since "A Gest of Robyn Hode," one of the earliest ballads, mentions Robin's devotion to the Virgin Mary, I'm curious what source Danley has for this or whether it is mere speculation. Chaucer and others during the time period of the "Gest" had a robust criticism of the "fat cat" churchmen of their time but did not renounce faith in the Christian God because of this. Another interesting item is that Danley also places Robin's reign in Sherwood during the reign of Henry III (the son of the nefarious King John that Robin is usually associated with). The king himself does not appear in the story, although Guy of Gisborne has a major (and sinister) role in the tale.
All in all, this book was a good weekend read although not the most memorable of the Robin Hood canon and not one I would likely return to.
November 28, 2019
Do we really need another Robin Hood adaptation?
Maybe not, but this one is pretty good anyway.
Danley sets her Robin in historical terms as opposed to the popular tales and songs. She draws on the ballads and, to a degree, on Pyle. So this is not a Hollywood or BBC version.
It is easily PG-13, though.
The plot is pretty straight forward, but it is a solid adaption and how Danely blends the ballads in is pretty good. She also creates a good Marian.
There isn't much magic, but there are some wonderful beautiful touches with native English birds.
Maybe not, but this one is pretty good anyway.
Danley sets her Robin in historical terms as opposed to the popular tales and songs. She draws on the ballads and, to a degree, on Pyle. So this is not a Hollywood or BBC version.
It is easily PG-13, though.
The plot is pretty straight forward, but it is a solid adaption and how Danely blends the ballads in is pretty good. She also creates a good Marian.
There isn't much magic, but there are some wonderful beautiful touches with native English birds.
September 3, 2020
Review of Olde Robin Hood
This book bills itself as a unique retelling of Robin Hood, based more on ancient minstrel lays than traditional writings. I have read every version of Robin Hood that has come my way, and I was eager to find a variant. However, I do not find a new Robin here. I certainly find a uniquely emo Robin, but I do not credit any bards for that. If you read this book, keep a sponge on hand to sop up all Robin’s tears (and those of his men).
Every Robin Hood account differs in accounting for how Robin attains his outlaw or “wolf’s head” status. Most, like this, relate the killing of a deer. In this version, however, the deer slaying does not make sense. Why would a sick old man and his son need an entire deer to celebrate the start of May? Furthermore, if every healthy body is out at the village festivities, why would the Sheriff prefer to privately harass one man? We have already seen that this Sheriff likes spectacles.
Such illogic appears too often in the book.
I could overlook some of the incredible scenes if I cared, but the more Robin laments the injustice of society—and his own life—the less he evokes my sympathy. I should care more. His concerns echo my own. But this Robin is for me a hollow mouthpiece rather than a rounded character. He bores me. Little John bores me. The book bores me.
I should be gripped and held by this book. As I said above, I have followed Robin Hood most of my life. I yearn for social and economic justice. I honestly cannot explain how or why the formula fails here. Nevertheless, I cannot recommend Olde Robin Hood. If the book contains a new Robin, I haven’t seen him. If it adds something new to the Robin Hood lore, I don’t see that either. I am disappointed.
This book bills itself as a unique retelling of Robin Hood, based more on ancient minstrel lays than traditional writings. I have read every version of Robin Hood that has come my way, and I was eager to find a variant. However, I do not find a new Robin here. I certainly find a uniquely emo Robin, but I do not credit any bards for that. If you read this book, keep a sponge on hand to sop up all Robin’s tears (and those of his men).
Every Robin Hood account differs in accounting for how Robin attains his outlaw or “wolf’s head” status. Most, like this, relate the killing of a deer. In this version, however, the deer slaying does not make sense. Why would a sick old man and his son need an entire deer to celebrate the start of May? Furthermore, if every healthy body is out at the village festivities, why would the Sheriff prefer to privately harass one man? We have already seen that this Sheriff likes spectacles.
Such illogic appears too often in the book.
I could overlook some of the incredible scenes if I cared, but the more Robin laments the injustice of society—and his own life—the less he evokes my sympathy. I should care more. His concerns echo my own. But this Robin is for me a hollow mouthpiece rather than a rounded character. He bores me. Little John bores me. The book bores me.
I should be gripped and held by this book. As I said above, I have followed Robin Hood most of my life. I yearn for social and economic justice. I honestly cannot explain how or why the formula fails here. Nevertheless, I cannot recommend Olde Robin Hood. If the book contains a new Robin, I haven’t seen him. If it adds something new to the Robin Hood lore, I don’t see that either. I am disappointed.
February 6, 2024
Robin Hood is a favorite of mine, but getting a satisfying retelling is difficult. While the story kept moving at a good pace, I felt like it was overdone and obvious. Even just the beginning scene that described the sheriff felt like a villain from a Thai drama, which is always very overdone. Also, the narration of Robin's constant inner emotions were skimworthy.
January 21, 2019
Dnf at 53%. I tried. I tried very hard to finish this book but I just couldn’t. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. The past 10-15% I found myself skimming so much, I just didn’t think it was worth my time anymore.
March 9, 2019
The author goes back to the early ballads for the "real" tale of Robin Hood. Times are tough at Robin Hood's family farm, but Robin looks to change the family's fortunes by winning the archery contest in Nottingham's May Games. But the Hood family's hopes are destroyed when the sheriff's men show up. Suddenly alone and cast out as an outlaw, young Robin is desperate and bent on revenge. But the old spirits of Sherwood Forest show him another way.
A terrific tale full of adventure, justice, danger and hope. There are some truly beautiful moments here and Robin's journey from peasant to outlaw to hero and finally to legend is inspiring.
A terrific tale full of adventure, justice, danger and hope. There are some truly beautiful moments here and Robin's journey from peasant to outlaw to hero and finally to legend is inspiring.
December 3, 2023
Based on the medieval ballads, this is a fantastic tale of Robin Hood. While quite simply written, it is an exciting and heartwarming story of a true and enduring legend.
August 29, 2019
I have to admit I'm not sure if I read a Young Adult novel or a book for mature readers: the style is of the former but some of the violence is of the latter. The tone of the writing didn't quite match up with the story for me. Having said that, the author has done some good research and fleshed out her Robin Hood story with geographic and period details that do her credit. The synthesis of Robin Hood ballads with familiar "movie scenes" works quite nicely. Some good themes are introduced; one, Robin Hood's apparent loss of faith, is never quite given a clear resolution. Nevertheless, this was a pleasant pastime.
December 4, 2019
This book was billed as "not your familiar Robin Hood" and was based on the old stories and ballads and historical roots of the character. But for me, it WAS the familiar Robin Hood, with most of the familiar characters (even Sir Guy of Gisborne, who I was sure was probably added but apparently not). The setting was under King Henry III rather than King Richard/Lord John. There were varients of the adventures, but Maid Marion has to be rescued and merry men broken out of jail. It's a good average read with no surprises aside from overuse of 20th-century catchphrases.
July 2, 2022
Although this claims to be a retelling of the Robin Hood story based on older minstrel tales, it seems more of a story told through the lens of a soap opera. The characters spend more time in tears, of sorrow and introspection, than living the lives of adventure as seen in other such books. The angst runs deep and wide as the story progresses.
The next time I feel the need to enjoy stories about Robin Hood, Little John, Marian, and the Sheriff of Nottingham this is not the book for which I will be reaching.
The next time I feel the need to enjoy stories about Robin Hood, Little John, Marian, and the Sheriff of Nottingham this is not the book for which I will be reaching.
March 30, 2019
A great book
This is as an engaging and entertaining read. I highly recommend this and any of Kate’s books. Well researched and well told!
This is as an engaging and entertaining read. I highly recommend this and any of Kate’s books. Well researched and well told!
May 25, 2020
Olde Robin Hood by Kate Danley is an origin story for the famous Robin Hood. From his start as a simple farmer who is skilled with a bow and arrow. After a run-in with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin hides in the “haunted” Sherwood Forest where he is guided by the birds and animals. He finds Little John, another man on the run from the Sheriff, and together they form a plot to seek revenge on the Sheriff and his men while helping others who cannot fight against him. Soon his cousin, Will Scarlocke, aka Will Scarlett, joins them in their plan and word begins to spread about the heroics of Robin Hood who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Robin finds himself enemy number one with the Sheriff and his right-hand man, Sir Guy of Gisborne. With the help of Sir Richard and his niece, the Maid Marian, Robin sets out to rid Nottingham of the evil Sheriff once and for all.
I love books based on the Robin Hood legend. I was intrigued when I found Kate Danley’s version. Based on the original medieval ballads, Ms. Danley weaves an adventure story worthy of Robin Hood. I also enjoyed that she incorporated the pagan tradition of the Green Man legend into her story. While I enjoyed reading Olde Robin Hood, my only compliant is that the final battle with the Sheriff was over far too quickly. With such a buildup, I expected more of a confrontation between the two men. Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about Robin Hood and his fight about the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Olde Robin Hood
is available in paperback and eBook
I love books based on the Robin Hood legend. I was intrigued when I found Kate Danley’s version. Based on the original medieval ballads, Ms. Danley weaves an adventure story worthy of Robin Hood. I also enjoyed that she incorporated the pagan tradition of the Green Man legend into her story. While I enjoyed reading Olde Robin Hood, my only compliant is that the final battle with the Sheriff was over far too quickly. With such a buildup, I expected more of a confrontation between the two men. Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about Robin Hood and his fight about the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Olde Robin Hood
is available in paperback and eBook
July 5, 2021
This and more reviews at superstardrifter.com!~
This is (obviously) a retelling of the tale of Robin Hood, though some of the details are different than in the tale as it is typically told. In this version, what stood out the most to me is that Robin is not a nobleman, but the peasant son of an ailing farmer. After the Sheriff of Nottingham kills his father and exiles him, Robin swears that he will get vengeance, and hides in Sherwood forest, where he meets John Little and they begin robbing the rich nobles who travel the forest park between Nottingham and York.
I had a tough time really getting into the story on the first 20% or so because it does start out pretty slow, but I am very happy that I continued with it because I enjoyed myself in the end. I ended up reading from 30% to the end in one sitting.
Robin is an easy character to cheer for, and the Sheriff of Nottingham is so easy to hate that it made it an easy read. It reads really quite fast and it’s paced well (after 30% at least). The book was really well written and well edited. All told I thought it was a really entertaining retelling.
If you enjoy the tale of Robin hood, you’d probably enjoy this version of the tale. 7/10 stars!~
This is (obviously) a retelling of the tale of Robin Hood, though some of the details are different than in the tale as it is typically told. In this version, what stood out the most to me is that Robin is not a nobleman, but the peasant son of an ailing farmer. After the Sheriff of Nottingham kills his father and exiles him, Robin swears that he will get vengeance, and hides in Sherwood forest, where he meets John Little and they begin robbing the rich nobles who travel the forest park between Nottingham and York.
I had a tough time really getting into the story on the first 20% or so because it does start out pretty slow, but I am very happy that I continued with it because I enjoyed myself in the end. I ended up reading from 30% to the end in one sitting.
Robin is an easy character to cheer for, and the Sheriff of Nottingham is so easy to hate that it made it an easy read. It reads really quite fast and it’s paced well (after 30% at least). The book was really well written and well edited. All told I thought it was a really entertaining retelling.
If you enjoy the tale of Robin hood, you’d probably enjoy this version of the tale. 7/10 stars!~
November 16, 2018
Olds Robin Hood
What a wonderful addition to the many stories out there about the famous "Robin Hood"!
Kate Danley brought her own version of the Sherwood Forest legend to life in an enjoyable rendition of Robin Hood as a young man and how terribly wrong life went at the hands of the sheriff of Nottingham. The story stayed true to most of the recorded trials and tribulations that Robin, his family as well as friends and country men and women suffered at the hands of the sheriff and the clergy.
The story ran smoothly and touched on the major parts of Robin's earliest days as the defender of the poor. Kate's own version of the sheriff 's jail was a nasty cruel place for sure.
Some of the characters were new to me, but most were the very same I had read about when I was young. Robin, Maid Marian, Will Scarlocke, John Little, the Sheriff of Nottingham were just a few of the many wonderful and nasty characters you meet in the story.
I highly recommend this book and of course all of Kate Danley's books. I especially love her Maggie MacKay series!
Kathy Barber Doyle - 11/15/2018
What a wonderful addition to the many stories out there about the famous "Robin Hood"!
Kate Danley brought her own version of the Sherwood Forest legend to life in an enjoyable rendition of Robin Hood as a young man and how terribly wrong life went at the hands of the sheriff of Nottingham. The story stayed true to most of the recorded trials and tribulations that Robin, his family as well as friends and country men and women suffered at the hands of the sheriff and the clergy.
The story ran smoothly and touched on the major parts of Robin's earliest days as the defender of the poor. Kate's own version of the sheriff 's jail was a nasty cruel place for sure.
Some of the characters were new to me, but most were the very same I had read about when I was young. Robin, Maid Marian, Will Scarlocke, John Little, the Sheriff of Nottingham were just a few of the many wonderful and nasty characters you meet in the story.
I highly recommend this book and of course all of Kate Danley's books. I especially love her Maggie MacKay series!
Kathy Barber Doyle - 11/15/2018
May 15, 2019
Olde Robin Hood by Kate Danley
Had recently watched a show on Netflix and it was nothing like I rememered so glad this book is setting the record straight.
Starts out with Robin helping his dad on the farm and he's ailing in poor health but Robin goes to the May games (he won the archery and gold arrow and coins, met Maid Marian) and when he returns his dad is almost dead, he was caught with a deer from king's forest.
Robin escapes after holding his dying father with help from an owl and then a raven the next day where he meets up with Little John and he hears his tale of the sheriff and mistreatment of others he's seen for himself.
They head out together to turn things around, many plans-it's only May but they plan for winter cold months.
Interesting how they feed the ones they will take money from, you never hear about that side of things.
Like how everything is referenced from others works and the author took liberty to change a few things around.
Great read!
Had recently watched a show on Netflix and it was nothing like I rememered so glad this book is setting the record straight.
Starts out with Robin helping his dad on the farm and he's ailing in poor health but Robin goes to the May games (he won the archery and gold arrow and coins, met Maid Marian) and when he returns his dad is almost dead, he was caught with a deer from king's forest.
Robin escapes after holding his dying father with help from an owl and then a raven the next day where he meets up with Little John and he hears his tale of the sheriff and mistreatment of others he's seen for himself.
They head out together to turn things around, many plans-it's only May but they plan for winter cold months.
Interesting how they feed the ones they will take money from, you never hear about that side of things.
Like how everything is referenced from others works and the author took liberty to change a few things around.
Great read!
January 7, 2023
There is a lot of hype about this 'fresh telling' of the Robin Hood story based on original texts rather than the received narrative. There are also a lot of 4- and 5-star ratings on Goodreads. So, I picked it up with pretty high expectations.
They were not met. Yes, there are some minor changes to the story I'm familiar with: the king is Henry III, not John; Robin is the son of a poor family, not the scion of Locksley, etc. Otherwise, though, this book varies little from what I've read and seen over the decades.
That might have all been fine if the actual telling of the story were engaging and gripping. Unfortunately, this was the opposite; flat, linear, simplistic, and all telling instead of showing. I actually went back to check if this were considered a Young Adult book. It isn't.
I'm glad so many people appear to have loved this book, but I am unfortunately not one of them. I did manage to finish without too much problem though, so I'll allow it 2 stars.
They were not met. Yes, there are some minor changes to the story I'm familiar with: the king is Henry III, not John; Robin is the son of a poor family, not the scion of Locksley, etc. Otherwise, though, this book varies little from what I've read and seen over the decades.
That might have all been fine if the actual telling of the story were engaging and gripping. Unfortunately, this was the opposite; flat, linear, simplistic, and all telling instead of showing. I actually went back to check if this were considered a Young Adult book. It isn't.
I'm glad so many people appear to have loved this book, but I am unfortunately not one of them. I did manage to finish without too much problem though, so I'll allow it 2 stars.
May 27, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book...the best I've read this year!
Yeah, I know, another Robin Hood book. This one is definitely worth your time as the author did some honest research into the legend and used what she gleaned from ballads and songs from the time to base her story. Many of the characters we all know are still there, but you may find that their personalities are more life-like and believable than the norm. Additionally, this is a stand alone novel and we don't have to fork over more money to learn the rest of the story...very refreshing!
The writing is nice and tight, and the story flows very well. Every character has a fleshed out personality and you have to be rather cold-hearted if you don't sympathize and even tear up over some of what the protagonist must bear.
Well done!
Yeah, I know, another Robin Hood book. This one is definitely worth your time as the author did some honest research into the legend and used what she gleaned from ballads and songs from the time to base her story. Many of the characters we all know are still there, but you may find that their personalities are more life-like and believable than the norm. Additionally, this is a stand alone novel and we don't have to fork over more money to learn the rest of the story...very refreshing!
The writing is nice and tight, and the story flows very well. Every character has a fleshed out personality and you have to be rather cold-hearted if you don't sympathize and even tear up over some of what the protagonist must bear.
Well done!
July 29, 2019
I was really excited about this book. I loved Kate Danley's The Woodcutter and I love stories and movies about Robin Hood, so I thought this would be a great read. Unfortunately, I had a lot of trouble getting into it. It wasn't exactly bad but it was mostly uninteresting.
Most of the well-known characters are there with most of the traditional events that we've come to associate with Robin Hood. It felt like there was no action, despite Robin's gang robbing the rich and helping the poor. There was too much of Robin brooding. It took me several months to finish this book because I kept setting it aside to read other things.
It finally got interesting around 70% through. The ending was really good. There was plotting and a bit of intrigue, along with an exciting duel and rescue. I really enjoyed the last part.
I would recommend this book to Robin Hood newcomers.
Most of the well-known characters are there with most of the traditional events that we've come to associate with Robin Hood. It felt like there was no action, despite Robin's gang robbing the rich and helping the poor. There was too much of Robin brooding. It took me several months to finish this book because I kept setting it aside to read other things.
It finally got interesting around 70% through. The ending was really good. There was plotting and a bit of intrigue, along with an exciting duel and rescue. I really enjoyed the last part.
I would recommend this book to Robin Hood newcomers.
January 12, 2023
Kleptocratic oppression
Advice from feathered friends
Help thy neighbor
In this seeming golden age of grifters and con men, I felt the need to revisit one of my favorite mythical characters, Robin Hood. I've read some of the more well-known modern adaptations recently and didn't enjoy them as much. They seem to miss the important touchstones of the character in an effort to make the story more grounded and gritty. "Olde Robin Hood" is probably the best Robin Hood story that I've read in a long time. Just enough of the classic myth combined with Kate's historical research and it hit as perfectly as a bow shot for the Golden Arrow. If you need a story of overcoming oppression by giving hope to the common people, definitely pick up this book.
Advice from feathered friends
Help thy neighbor
In this seeming golden age of grifters and con men, I felt the need to revisit one of my favorite mythical characters, Robin Hood. I've read some of the more well-known modern adaptations recently and didn't enjoy them as much. They seem to miss the important touchstones of the character in an effort to make the story more grounded and gritty. "Olde Robin Hood" is probably the best Robin Hood story that I've read in a long time. Just enough of the classic myth combined with Kate's historical research and it hit as perfectly as a bow shot for the Golden Arrow. If you need a story of overcoming oppression by giving hope to the common people, definitely pick up this book.
January 13, 2019
A bit in the fence about the rating. I very much enjoyed the story, but the telling of it reminded me get much of the old Howard Pyle tellings of the legends, and while that's kinda awesome, it also leaves a bit to be desired in that the style is not modern and sleek. So I'd probably give it a 4.5
I loved the characters and the predicaments they found themselves in. I liked the resolution. It is a very fine rendition of the olde tales.
Recommend to anyone who wants or likes an old-fashioned feel of what the legend is about.
My rating is PG, for a small amount of violence near the end.
I loved the characters and the predicaments they found themselves in. I liked the resolution. It is a very fine rendition of the olde tales.
Recommend to anyone who wants or likes an old-fashioned feel of what the legend is about.
My rating is PG, for a small amount of violence near the end.
November 14, 2018
Very respectable addition to Robin stories!
I love the care and research that has gone into creating this story, woven together by the author's skill. I also enjoyed the way she incorporated old Gods and church politics. This Robin Hood portrays Marian as brave and feisty, a character female readers can enjoy and relate to, without making her historically unrealistic. This is an excellent tale for YA readers and fans of Robin Hood of any age.
I love the care and research that has gone into creating this story, woven together by the author's skill. I also enjoyed the way she incorporated old Gods and church politics. This Robin Hood portrays Marian as brave and feisty, a character female readers can enjoy and relate to, without making her historically unrealistic. This is an excellent tale for YA readers and fans of Robin Hood of any age.
August 2, 2020
Loved this account of the Robin Hood legend. Kate Danley has taken the earlier ballads and legends along with the actual historical record of a person named "Robin Hood or Robert Hode" and woven them together into a believable story. The characters are all there (except for Friar Tuck) and make sense in Danley's story. I do enjoy authors who make me say at the end of their book "This could have happened this way". Thank you Kate for a story well told.
November 14, 2022
As an avid consumer of all things Robin Hood, I approached this book with hope and interest.
Ms Danley kept her narrative similar enough to the traditional Robin Hood tales that it was like re-reading a favoured novel and, like whenever one rereads a book, there were nuances to enjoy.
I really liked the use of the mystical, without using it as a blunt instrument, to allow Robin the guidance and assistance required.
All in all, a very enjoyable experience.
Ms Danley kept her narrative similar enough to the traditional Robin Hood tales that it was like re-reading a favoured novel and, like whenever one rereads a book, there were nuances to enjoy.
I really liked the use of the mystical, without using it as a blunt instrument, to allow Robin the guidance and assistance required.
All in all, a very enjoyable experience.
October 13, 2018
A fan of Olde Robin Hood
I love all Robin Hood stories, I have since the fox stole my heart and I've watched and read everything I could get my hands on. Kate Danley does NOT disappoint!! She has woven a tale worthy of inclusion with the great stories of all time. Congratulations and that you for sharing! Ooodalaalee!!
I love all Robin Hood stories, I have since the fox stole my heart and I've watched and read everything I could get my hands on. Kate Danley does NOT disappoint!! She has woven a tale worthy of inclusion with the great stories of all time. Congratulations and that you for sharing! Ooodalaalee!!
May 12, 2019
It's been a while since I read a tale of Robin Hood. Olde Robin Hood reminded why I love the old legend so much. I settled comfortably into the characters and their forested world to enjoy their resistance against the greedy and cruel Sheriff and his henchmen. I always enjoy reading about the downtrodden having it over on the oppressors and this book fit that just right.
March 21, 2021
A very modern (an emo Robin!), unsophisticated, fanciful retelling of the legend. I'm Nottingham-born and Robin was one of my heroes growing up, but he was certainly not like this one. I found the storytelling rather twee at times, and with the implausibility of much of the rest of it, it didn't really do much for me.
September 20, 2025
The description implies that this is a new version of the legend, but it seemed very familiar to me with one exception . It is set during the reign of Henry III, instead of Richard I or King John, but that doesn't really change the story.
October 16, 2018
Great Story
I liked the fact that it incorporates different character aspects. Such as Robin was not a wealthy or titled individual, Robin’s grief that the choices he made caused events too unfold the way they did, and the addition of the Pagan element.
I liked the fact that it incorporates different character aspects. Such as Robin was not a wealthy or titled individual, Robin’s grief that the choices he made caused events too unfold the way they did, and the addition of the Pagan element.
November 29, 2018
Robin Hood is always a favorite of mine
Always the triumph of good over evil will gesb my attention and make me forget gor awhile the senseless violence that we are seeing in this world.
Always the triumph of good over evil will gesb my attention and make me forget gor awhile the senseless violence that we are seeing in this world.
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