Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows

Robin Hood #1

by Robert Muchamore

A town. A forest. A hero.

You can't go far without a quick brain and some rule-bending in a place like Locksley. After its vast car plants shut down, the prosperous town has become a wasteland of empty homes, toxic land and families on the brink. And it doesn't help that the authorities are in the clutches of profit-obsessed Sheriff of Nottingham, in cahoots with underworld boss Guy Gisborne.

When his dad is framed for a robbery, Robin and his brother Little John are hounded out of Locksley and must learn to survive in the Sherwood forest, stretching three hundred kilometres and sheltering the free spirits and outlaws. But Robin is determined to do more than survive. Small, fast and deadly with a bow, he hatches a plan to join forces with Marion Maid, harness his inimitable tech skills and strike a blow against Gisborne and the Sheriff.

Genres: Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adventure, Action, Retellings, Dystopia

248 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2020

About the author

Robert Muchamore was born in Islington, London in 1972. He still lives there, and worked as a private investigator up until 2005 and the critically-accepted release of Maximum Security.

The Hunger Games phenomenon is part of the huge YA / Children's book explosion that has grown, thanks to the British Rat pack of YA authors, Anthony Horowitz, Robert Muchamore, Mark A. Cooper and Charlie Higson. We owe much of the hunger games sucess to authors such as Robert.

Robert was inspired to create the CHERUB series by his nephew after he complained about the lack of anything for them to read. CHERUB: The Recruit was Robert's first book and won the Red House Children's Book Award 2005 in the Older Readers Category.

Following the last book in the CHERUB series, it was revealed that a trilogy would be released starting from August 2011 that will focus on a new set of CHERUB agents centred upon Ryan Sharma and also involve an sixteen year old Lauren Adams. The first book will be called People's Republic.

Check out the Hendersons Boys series. Henderson's Boys is a series of young adult spy novels written by English author Robert Muchamore. The series follows Charles Henderson, the creator of the fictitious CHERUB organisation.
CHERUB is currently being made into a TV series.

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

The origin story

I am a lifelong Robin Hood fan. Way back to the Robin of Sherwood tv series. Since then, I have watched or read every incarnation of him (in the Zenescope case her), there is.

I really like the modernisation of the character. I really like the use of technology and the back story behind his skills. If I have one problem with the book it is, I think the character is too young. If he was fifteen sixteen, it would be fine, but twelve going on thirteen? I am assuming this was done as this meant to be for younger readers.

I think the book is also structured that way, as well as no chapter is more than a couple of pages. To be honest, I don't mind that as it allows me to sometimes quickly read a chapter in between what I am doing. The book is a page turner as soon as I finished a chapter. I wanted to read the next one.

I tell enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the next book. Though i do not remember a flaming arrow in this book. I just wish the character was made a couple of years older.

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars.

Well that was a bit of fun in tights!

It started quite strongly but sort of petered off quite a bit for an action adventure middle school novel. I also think the main character read more like an early teen than a 12 year old. Still an enjoyable and clever reimagining.

[Courtney Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot fun. As someone who’s not to familiar with the Robin Hood legend, this is a great way to introduce the tale to a younger generation.

[Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for NetGalley and the publishers for providing with ARC in exchange for honest review!
Book was intresting enough, but one thing really surprised me was the number of pages. It is really fast pacing book and it finishes abruptly. Overall 4.★★★★

[Muffinsandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addictif et intéressant même si ce premier tome m'a semblé assez introductif. Mais j'adore tout ce qui touche à l'histoire de Robin des Bois et je pense vraiment que la série a du potentiel, donc ça reste une très chouette lecture et je lirais la suite avec plaisir !

[Odette Brethouwer]

Zeker een tof boek, gewoon niet mijn ding.

Ik vind het heel tof dat er zo'n actievol boek op de markt is voor deze doelgroep. Van grote toegevoegde waarde. Het is net een actiefilm, nee misschien wel meer de vibe van een actiegame zelfs, op papier.

Ik heb een groot stuk gelezen. Persoonlijk voor mij ligt het verteltempo wel erg hoog om mij aan te spreken. Maar dat dit zo hoog ligt vind ik voor het boek wel goed.

De kinderen van nu zijn een hogere vertelsnelheid in verhalen gewend en willen dat ook. Alles digitaal gaat supersnel, en een boek dat daarop inspeelt heeft een grotere kans om de strijd met de tablet te winnen.

Ook is het niet helemaal mijn verhaal. Ik zou zelf graag meer lezen over hoe de wereld dystopisch is geworden, of iets meer verhaal ipv zo veel actie.

Maar dat zijn persoonlijke voorkeuren. Ik ben ook geen tienerjongen, ik ben de doelgroep van dit boek niet. Als ik het beoordeel hoe geschikt ik dit boek voor de doelgroep vind, dan is het echt 5*.

Ik geef deze review geen steraantal mee, want dat vind ik mijn mening niet representeren en ik heb liever dat je dan dit hele verhaal leest om wat meer over dit boek en mijn oordeel erover op te steken ;)

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh wow, and not in a good way. I really didn’t enjoy this. I think it will perhaps still be popular with teenage boys - especially if they enjoyed the Cherub series, but for me it was underwritten and didn’t really go anywhere.

For a book with heists in the subtitle, you get only one, right at the end, to set up a Robin Hood type personna. It just wasn’t enough for me. I love the Robin Hood legend, and I really wanted to love this. And while I liked some of the characters, the recognisable ones didn’t really age down that well.

Little John in particular looked to be okay until half way when his entire characterisation was wiped and restarted. Marion maid is okay; but didn’t really have the ring I wanted from Marion. Her family is excellent, but sadly this goes back to the ages - we have to have the outlaws and forest people be adults, and that will forever mess with the story. Robin himself read a little two dimensional, but I liked that his heart was in the right place. He’s trying to save his town and his family.

Plus Muchamore is a British author and this is being produced by a British publisher, so WHY is so much of the book Americanised? From little things like strip malls, to bigger things in how they talked and behaved, this is a book written for an American audience. I understand that, for a US release this works, but a good edit for a UK audience really wouldn’t have gone amiss. It was jarring and I feel will massively impact how well the book does here.

I did like some of the setting, the whole thing around Gisbourne, and the hacking. But that’s about it. The whole book is a prequel to one where Robin is more set up as Robin Hood character, and as a result not enough happens. This is all backstory, and reads like it.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested to read this, it has been a long long time since I read Cherub, so beloved for the young teenage boys I worked with for so long, I wanted to see if this one fitted the same mold. And it does. With updates for a more inclusive and diverse audience, this book has plenty of action, right from the first page. It takes the Robin Hood legend, spins it around on its head, and does a great job of telling the story in a contemporary. Plenty of blatantly foolish slapstick shooting of arrows and bashing people where it hurts. A great fun read.

[Evelyn Evertsen-Romp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wát een actie en spanning en humor en wow. WOW. Muchamore gunt zijn lezers geen enkele adempauze en gaat er vanuit dat ze geen watjes zijn, heerlijk! Ik kan er erg blij van worden als schrijvers hun doelgroep serieus nemen. Bovendien is dit een heel toffe hervertelling van Robin Hood zonder dat het voorspelbaar is. Ik zou niets goed geraden hebben als je me van tevoren had gevraagd te voorspellen hoe het verhaal zou gaan lopen.

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Muchamore does it again with a thrilling read, packed with action, where kids outsmart adults with a winning combination of skill, cheekiness and luck.
In this first in the series, we have a modern setting for the Robin Hood legend. In this setting, Robin is a twelve year old boy who finds himself on the wrong side of the law because he refuses to let local bully boy Gisburne try and set up Robin’s father. He escapes into the forest where he is befriended by a local biker gang and the leader’s daughter Marion.
Though on the wanted list, Robin prepares to fight for justice for his father and do whatever he can to get revenge in Gisburne for his corrupt practices.
There’s no denying this is highly fantastic in approach, but it was good fun and I’m sure it’ll entertain many readers.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication in exchange for my review.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a quick and easy brain clearer following a heavy true story (The Lost Girls). This was a little forced at times and a little clever at others in the fitting of characters and storyline from the original text into a modern young reader version. I quite liked it but wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to any other than an avid teen reader.

[davaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review will contain minor spoilers

2.5 stars


The target audience for this book is for children or young teens. For these people, I think that this book would be a great story as it has action, adventure and friendship, and it has what everyone is looking for: A Robin Hood retelling!

However, for an older reader, it may miss its mark (mind the pun). The characters feel very flat and two dimensional, although their beliefs and ideals are in the right place.

Half of the characters are aged down, and I don't think that Robin Hood and the characters from the tales should be aged down because they're living as outlaws in the forest. The other half of the characters from the original gang of outlaws are adults so we don't really get the gang that makes robin hood Robin Hood.

It's also a story that basically just covers his origin story of how he came to be an outlaw in the forest and we get very little hacking, heists or flaming arrows until the end and it reads like a prequel to what the next book will be.

For me: I rated this 2.5 stars. Even if I can suspend my disbelief, some parts seemed unrealistic and unbelievable. Little John had a complete character overhaul halfway through the book. At first, it seems like he would die for Robin, even if he hides this. And then that completely changes and his character just... doesn't work. On another note, Little John is 16, but the adults treat him like they treat Robin, who is 12. And while 16-year-olds are often treated like they're younger than they actually are, a 16 years old being treated the exact same as a 12-year-old? No.

There were some parts the did make me laugh, and I think Robin shooting Guy Gisbourne in the... (and I quote) 'place where no man ever wants to get shot,' was hilarious, especially the way it was written.

(also, the siblings do call each other 'bro' and 'sis.' Please... no. Don't do this).

So yeah, not really a book I liked, but great for other, younger readers.

[Lois (thecarrotstories) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featuring Robin Hood as a twelve year old and giving a modern twist to it was a very refreshing read indeed.

Being the first book in an upcoming series, the book was more of an introduction of how Robin Hood came to be the top most wanted person in his county. I personally thought it was a great first book though it was a pretty short book. We were given a comprehensive introduction, setting up events and situation to make the whole Robin Hood adventure an exciting one in the future.

Though I was not very used to the way the narrative was written, I quickly picked it up and could immerse into the story pretty easily. The narrative was written from a third person’s POV so that the reader to see it from every angle like in a movie.

The part I enjoyed most about this book was the whole aspect of taking down rich, corrupt people in high places from a poor, low life, refugee place in the forest. Of course, there was archery included in the story but to spice it up, I was pleased that the author gave Robin Hood some pretty sick hacking skills too.

Tbh, if I didn’t know better, I could actually imagine this as a tv series. It would possible make as a really cool one.

Thank you #pansing @definitelybooks for sending me copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be available 2nd April 2020.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: violence, blood, incarceration of a parent, death, gun violence, police brutality, police corruption, organised crime

Robert Muchamore's books are HUGELY popular with young teens and I can see why. And, being a good 25-28 years older than his target audience, his stuff doesn't really work for me. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the concept of a dystopian slightly futuristic England as a setting for a retelling of Robin Hood. But the idea of a 12 year old kid going from school one day to using his bow and arrow to INTENTIONALLY shoot an adult in the dick the next was...a tad farfetched for me.

There were definitely a few moments where I rolled my eyes at the way the retelling was handled (Marian Maid and Freya Tuck in particular), but on the whole it was very readable and extremely fast paced, so I can understand why these books are popular with The Youth.

[Kadi P]

Well this was unexpected! It's been a while since I've seen Robert Muchamore's name let alone read any of his books so I'm interested to see what this one's like. Cover looks awesome!! I can imagine Muchamore has packed this with some epic action if his time writing CHERUB is any indication of what's to come...

[Jeroen Dejaegere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Muchamore is niet meteen een auteursnaam die in ons taalgebied bij de huidige generatie van jeugdige lezers nog echt bekend in de oren klinkt. Meer dan tien jaar geleden wist hij echter wel te scoren bij een select clubje nederlandstalige lezers met zijn internationaal erg populaire reeks “Cherub”. Bij ons is er helaas nooit echt sprake geweest van een grote doorbraak, ook al was iedereen die de boekenreeks in handen kreeg unaniem lovend. Met een klein beetje geluk kun je her en der nog een verzamelbox met enkele delen uit de serie terugvinden. Maar om kennis te maken met deze schrijver, hoef je gelukkig niet meer in de donkerste hoekjes van de boekhandel op zoek. Uitgeverij Billy Bones nam Muchamore onder hun vleugels voor de vertaling van zijn nieuwste reeks “Robin Hood” die nu lekker in de etalage ligt te pronken.

Uitgeverij Billy Bones is in zijn relatief jonge leven als imprint van Meis en Maas uitgegroeid tot een quasi-keurmerk van leesboeken voor de jeugd. Denk daarbij maar aan sterkhouders als Tom Fletcher, Katherine Applegate of recenter nog, nieuwkomer Michael Reefs die de lovende recensies van de vele fans en lezers wisten op te stapelen. Stuk voor stuk zijn deze leesboeken niet alleen inhoudelijk ijzersterk te noemen, ook hun vormgeving weet telkens weer de potentiële lezer te overtuigen. Het eerste deel “Kraken, Kapen en Vlammende Pijlen” uit de Robin Hood-serie zet deze succesreeks dan ook verder, met een hardcover die meteen tot de verbeelding spreekt.

Het boek is er eentje die niet zomaar aan één soort genre-fans kan toegewezen worden. Het bevat een vleugje dystopie, heel wat avontuur en zit boordevol met heerlijke actie-sequenties. Niet alleen heeft de cover een filmische uitstraling (en dan al helemaal eentje van een ware blockbuster), het geheel leest ook als een echte actiefilm. We worden een handvol hoofdstukken ondergedompeld in de wereld van Robin Hood en krijgen als het ware een introductie, maar voor je het weet wordt de spanning opgevoerd en loopt het verhaal als een trein. De hoofdpersonages mogen dan wel jonge tieners zijn, ze worden als uiterst zelfstandige en volwaardige karakters neergepend die voldoende geloofwaardig de plot weten te dragen.

Het verhaal van iets meer dan 260 pagina’s, is opgebouwd uit bijna 60 kleine hoofdstukken die elk voorzien zijn van een beschrijvende titel. De schrijfstijl is niettegenstaande zijn erg laagdrempelige aanpak toch voldoende beklijvend om een breed publiek aan te spreken. Qua taalgebruik wordt een leeftijd van 11+ voorgesteld, al kan die wat variëren naargelang de leeskunde van de lezer in kwestie, maar ook een young adult-publiek of zelfs ouder, zal ongetwijfeld een fantastische leesbeurt beleven met dit boek. De opdeling van het verhaal in de vele korte hoofdstukken, zorgt er overigens voor dat het niet alleen bruikbaar is bij de voormelde leeftijdsgroep als zelf-te-lezen-boek, maar ook dat het uitstekend kan fungeren als voorleesboek voor een wat jonger publiek.

Deze reeks draagt dan wel de titel “Robin Hood”, het zou het geheel onrecht aandoen om die als louter hertelling van de klassieker te benoemen. Het is echter zoveel meer. De auteur nam de meest iconische elementen van het gekende verhaal en maakte die zich volledig eigen in een ultramodern jasje. Klassieke elementen gaan hand in hand met hoogtechnologische gadgets, gekende personages krijgen een diepgang die net iets verder gaat dan hun stereotypering van het verleden en enige maatschappijkritiek is (zij het op kindermaat) nooit veraf.

Na geruime tijd windstilte in ons taalgebied is Muchamore terug en hoe. Wederom een topper aan het succesverhaal van Billy Bones toe te voegen.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adaptation of a classic that works in the modern world.

I've read a lot of reimaginings and adaptation lately of classic authors and works, and was keen to see an admired YA writer take on the legend of Robin Hood in the contemporary world.

It works very well in the context actually. The world of the lawless, with little in the way of law and justice does lend itself to a corrupt and failing society where discrimination and money seem to get a hold on people's hearts.

Muchamore takes the well-known characters, places, names and plot of Robin Hood and transposes them into 21st century England. To a town decimated by a failing economy - Locksley. Where a bit of a nerdy, unnoticed 12 year old, Robin, hacks into the school computer to change his friend's grade (Alan Adale of course). Where his big brother Little John tries to protect him from Claire Gisborne, daughter of a local businessman/gangster and gets the family in trouble.

It's a short step from here to Robin needing to go on the run to become the titular 'outlaw' and needing to visit the forest we are all waiting to see appear. But what about the young man's famed archery skills? And the female name almost as famous as his own?

You can trust that Muchamore doesn't leave any of these out, and even puts in a few references to other literary names from around the same era, though young readers may not notice these.

There are some soap opera-like 'gotcha' twists, some pantomime villainy, chases and adrenaline-fuelled scenes (suitable for a 12-year-old of course), and even some 'rob from the rich' subplotting that rounds out the tale and sets up the characters for a whole series.

The Audible version was read ably by a familiar voice, who ably became female characters without the listener noticing. His voice was young-sounding for Robin but managed a cast of various ages, genders and career paths (librarian to sheriff to crime boss). At only 5 hours it was a quick listen and went fast in short chapters.

The story doesn't end with the final chapter, and I did feel I wanted to find out what happens to Robin and his family. Muchamore does well with action and someone not aware of the legends would have enjoyed this all the same for its unusual characters, action and energy.

For ages 9-14.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A minha estreia com o autor e posso dizer que gostei muito. Não leio muitos middle grades, mas até gosto dos que tenho lido.

Sou fã da história do Robin Hood e vê-la como que adaptada aos dias atuais é algo de muito refrescante. A história tem uma certa leveza, sem perder o impacto e a dureza da história base do Robin Hood.

Aqui vemos um Robin Hood de 12 anos que é um génio com os computadores (um autêntico hacker) e um mestre com o arco e flecha, mete-se em problemas na escola com o seu amigo Alan, ao mesmo tempo que tem uma relação próxima do seu pai e do seu irmão mais velho (Little John, que de little não tem nada). Contudo a vida em Locksley não é fácil... A cidade está pobre e o crime governa tudo e todos - Guy Gisborne (o chefe da máfia local - chamemos-lhe assim) tem a cidade na palma da mão e vai destruir a vida de todos os que o contrariem... Infelizmente, o pai do Robin vai fazer-lhe frente e acaba por sofrer as consequências.

Muita coisa acontece e a ação passa a desenrolar-se na Floresta de Sherwood, onde conhecemos muitas personagens interessantes, como é o caso da Marion, do Will, entre outros...
Gostei muito do livro e fiquei curiosa para saber se vai existir um segundo volume ou não.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit sceptical about this book, to be honest. Much as I admire Muchamore as an author, how many times can the Robin Hood legend be retold and retold successfully? Well, one more it seems! Set in the near future, we meet the usual characters but Muchamore has done an excellent job in making the cast a modern and diverse, reflective of the 21st century and done is seamlessly. It is also a subversive plot about how we treat refugees, anyone who is difference or goes against the accepted norms, who is poor it’s about the abuse of power by those in it and those with money. It’s a damming reflection on the UK today and I’m so glad! Young people need to know what’s happening in the UK and start to question and have their eyes open.

[Anthony Chang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about the real Robin Hood that everyone thought was a myth. The boy is the best hacker in the world ( Robin’s opinion ), and is one of the best arrow shooters. He hacked his school report card as his dad told him that he will get the best arrow set kit if he gets B or over in his marks. But something goes wrong. Robin’s dad gets accused of being a criminal. He gets sent to court and not long after, jail. Now Robin and his brother Lil John has to hide all across his community, Sterwood Forest. People hate them and now Robin can’t go to school. He runs 3 kilometres across just to hide from people. But will they succeed and get his father out or will they both get caught. Read the book to find out

[Ruthikaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Hood, Son Ardagh Hood, A skilled archer, a tech genius, and a famous outlaw. One might call him a hero while another might call him a criminal.
This book kept me on my toes, I couldn't sleep, eat or do anything for the matter as I was reading this book. As a fan of Robert Muchamore's Cherub series, my expectation was quite high, and I am happy to say that my expectation was more than satisfied. And now somehow Robin Hood has a special space in my heart.
Definitely one of the best young adult fiction books, in my opinion.

Looking forward to starting the next book.

[Rebecca Veight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 12 year old, modern era Robin Hood who's a hacker, loves archery, and has one real friend in school. It is so interesting to see how the know characters and places are being portrayed here. For example: Locksley is a town in financial crisis, Little John is his big brother and the Sheriff is a woman.

Straightforward descriptions, but with details of unexpected little thing, that make them truly different and more interesting. The narrative has a kind of in you face attitude and I like it. Also the back and worth between POVs might be a little whiplashy in parts, but show you everyone's story and make it more exciting. Plus there are a few jaw drops along the way.

Sometimes the action is confusing. It is as though the author had it in his head, but in his enthusiasm it didn't come out as clearly on the page.

A statement on today's consumerism and financial inequality, this is the basis of Robin's inevitable need to fight for justice. Showing us how cruel and greedy we can be, but also the magnitude of compassion and the strength of family. People will always come together in times of need.

This is an origin story and fun one at that. Muchamore obviously has a great sense of humor. Short an sweet, but I still think I needed more, either the story to have gone faster or the book to have been longer. Well I guess I will have to wait for the sequel.

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The extent of my knowledge of Robin Hood was gazing adoringly at Michael Praed many decades ago! Sigh. 😁

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So, while it was a bit funny to have all of the names given to 12 yo or their parents, I was able to ride it out and adapt fairly quickly. 'Freya Tuck' did make me snort giggle, however!

Good gender and cultural diversity, although I am perplexed by the character name 'Rhongowenua'. Did Muchamore place the H wrong? Rongowhenua is the Moriori tradition of respect for the land ... 🤔

Anyhoo, solid 4 for the book. It would suit beginning Y9s; perhaps those who like action but haven't read for a while.

[Rianna]

DNF at 8%.

I don't know if it was the translation or my mood or the intended age range, but this wasn't clicking for me AT ALL.
There was a little bit of excitement, but not a lot.
So yeah, not for me. Back to the library this one goes ;)

[Ela B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't quite sure what age group it was written for to be honest, in that regard it was a bit all over the place. I also didn't understand where it was taking place. Sherwood Forest is England but it all seemed more like describing an American town with Locksley. That said it was an enjoyable enough quick read and interesting modern setting for the famous Robin Hood story.

[Desna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good pace, lots happening, mystery, action, computer hacking. What's not to like!

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad YA modern Robin Hood, though am not sure about the mall inside the forest - having been there I am not sure you could really 'hide' one there. Anyway, some good laughs, some interest for both boys and girls, and an easy read, suitable for young and older teens.

[Rachel Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the relation to Robin Hood original characters, but set in modern times. Xx

[Bibleandbookz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant take on a Modern Retelling of Robin Hood. I loved the characters and the world that Robert Created. I couldnt put it down from start to finish and I have already ordered the second one. Definitely recommend

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern retelling of the Robin Hood story. It was fairly light and an easy read.