Outlaw

By: Angus Donald

Narrated by: Graham Padden

Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

When he's caught stealing, young Alan Dale is forced to leave his family and go to live with a notorious band of outlaws in Sherwood Forest. Their leader is the infamous Robin Hood. A tough, bloodthirsty warrior, Robin is more feared than any man in the county. And he becomes a mentor for Alan; with his fellow outlaws, Robin teaches Alan how to fight - and how to win.

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

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

©2009 Angus Donald (P)2009 Library Magna Books Ltd

As Fine a "Fictional Saga" as Lonesome Dove!

I have "binge-listened" to the entire 8-book Outlaw Chronicles series over two weeks. ... OUTSTANDING! As engrossing a historical fiction saga as McMurtry's Lonesome Dove. As high a compliment as I can bestow.

That there was never "a Robin Hood" is of no more consequence than there was never a Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler" or a Corleone Family. Early 13th Century Europe was a violent time and Angus Duncan's masterpiece reflects that reality.

DEFINITELY read this series in chronological order as each book builds on previous events. I shall miss Sir Alan and The Earl of Locksley... "WESTBURY !!!"

very good original story, keeps you riveted

Would you listen to Outlaw again? Why?

I like the style of writing and the reader is good as well

What other book might you compare Outlaw to and why?

I compare this book to Conn Iggulden, Ben kane, and Bernard Cornwell type of books

Which scene was your favorite?

not sure which is my favorite

Who was the most memorable character of Outlaw and why?

Robin in my opinion

A good story, but only as a stand-alone

I wasn't sure I would like this, but I chose it on the strength of other reviews and it proved to be an engaging story. It was easy to root for the young protagonist, and the narrative pace was brisk.

I was pleased that there was a series to follow Outlaw, and if I had written this review prior to listening to the second installment in the series, I would have more enthusiasm about this great start. However, the second book, Warrior, was so disappointing that it colors my appreciation of the first book.

I enjoyed the story and the characters of Outlaw enough that I was willing to put up with the gory depictions of sadism that peppered the narrative. But the second book, Warrior, was all gore and no plot. I wish now that I had only listened to the first one and left it at that.

Not bad Robin Hood Fiction

I really don't like the title 'The Godfather of Sherwood Forest' because it implies a Mario Puzo type story which I think it is different then the overall truth of how all people existed back in the time this story takes place... Knights were not 100% chivalry & honor, it's feudal obviously so it works on this system. I love the military nuances & the beginning of longer blood battles & I would be interested to see how parts of this end, but I don't know if I'll get every book of the series. I'll probably get the last book & see how the end resolves.

The overall story doesn't hold up well as other authors but perhaps Donald has not written his best. If you like Robin Hood stories it could be worth it, but it depends on what else you've read. It obviously can't compare to Cornwell & Martin but its almost on Ludlow level, but its only one book I've read about this author.

Not the best type of books I've read in this genre...

Not your parent's Robin Hood

I grew up watching the Errol Flynn 1938 movie The Adventures of Robin Hood and watching the 1950s TV Robin Hood series. In those any violence is mostly hinted at, although some arrows are shot and there is a sword fight or two. This is a very different Robin Hood, and it is very violent.

All of the old gang is here - Robin, Maid Marion, Little John, Alan a’ Dale, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, Much, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Guy Gisborne and others, but the book is full of violence with torture, grisly executions, the cutting out of someone’s tongue, pagan rituals and more, much of it described in lurid detail and, in my view, unnecessary. I will grant that the late 12th century was a violent time, and people’s lives were worth little, but I don’t really think it was necessary to describe in vivid detail the torture that took place, or the details of the midnight execution.

So why have I given it 4 stars? Because the writing is wonderful, the story is gripping and the narration is superb. Had the book been less well written, or less well narrated I probably would have stopped reading somewhere in the middle, but in the end I could not because I wanted to know what happened to the people involved and the answer to a mystery that was central to the plot. If I, who dislikes excessive and lurid violence in a novel, could not put it down I thought it deserved at least 4 stars, but I will not get the next audio book in the series.

A darker but realistic twist on a classic story

Donald's story is an authentic view of the time-period and the characters that could have been the genesis of the Robyn Hood legend. He captures the larger historical background of 12th century England and vividly constructs events in Sherwood Forest that make this book a gripping and thoroughly enjoyable listen. Worth the credit...and the next book in this series is now on my wish list!

Scratched an itch.

I did enjoy this book very much, it hit on almost everything I like in a book. That being said, it was very predictable and it ended up feeling like an odd Bernard Cornwell book. Which I'll take one rung down from Cornwell any day of the week, the author is obviously a huge fan of his. Very good, but too familiar to be great, it scratched my historical fiction itch.

Side note, I do plan on getting the rest of the books, so take that for what it's worth.

Just finished the series

I came back after finishing the series and I have this to say:
I have few words, but I will try.
There are thousands of books out there, hundreds of series. But I’m so grateful I listened to this series. It truly is one of the best I’ve ever had the fortune of reading. If you ever consider one series from the next, I tell you this one should take high priority. Historically accurate legends are something I enjoy but I can be very picky about. This delivered tenfold. But better, are the heartstrings this series played with. This is one of those series you will start and won’t slog through, but jump at the chance to continue. And now that it is over, I feel like I have just put down a friend to be buried. Sure I can revisit anytime I want, but never will it be for the first time.

Fantastic book

Every one of the the books in this series is great. I’ve listen to the all at least half a dozen times

Love this unique reimagining of Robin Hood!

Believable story of Robin Hood. Fast paced immersion into the time period of just before King Richard. Just enough detail of the time for your imagination but not too much to take away from the action. Well balanced. I loved it!

I Might Become Reliant on Robin!

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

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

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

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

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

I didn't actually finish this.

Would you try another book written by Angus Donald or narrated by Graham Padden?

Probably not

Would you be willing to try another book from Angus Donald? Why or why not?

No, he's too violent for my taste.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Maybe a bit more expression. He was OK.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

My main reason for not finishing this book was nothing to do with the writing. I actually think the Author is a gifted story-teller, which is why I tried twice to read this. Telling the story from the point of view of one of the outlaws was a really nice touch too. No, my complaint was his interpretation of the Robin Hood character. While I think I understand what he was trying to do, put his own twist on the story and portray Robin as he probably would have been had he existed, to me, he missed the point. The whole reason Robin Hood is so loved is because he's not your typicle outlaw. He doesn't murder wantanly. He's not an inately cruel man and he cares for the suffering of others. He wouldn't have endured nearly so long if he was like Angus Donald's portrayal. I bought the whole series as I love everything to do with Robin Hood, but I'm sorry I did.

Really interesting

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

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

Worth persisting

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

Brilliant book and love all the gory details.

loved it. i had read the paperback but want to list to the entire series. so i thought it would be best to start from the start.

What a drag!

I could only stand the first 2-3hours before I gave up,
The author spent so much time describing in detail what multiple charaters look like all in the 1st few chapters it's impossible to remember who looks like what or even the charaters names. And as far as i could tell very little actually happened to move the story along.
2-3 hours and only 2 things happened and 1 of those was meeting all the charaters. I mean the rest of this book could be a gem but am so disapointed in the start am not even going to try anymore.

Brutally realistic

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

good story but boring to listen too.

struggled to keep listening but was so deep in I did finish.
found the narrator slightly dull toned needed more expression.
was good to hear a different side to robin.

Absolutely fantastic book!

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

The start of a great adventure Alan Dale

Having enjoyed reading all the books , I am now enjoying listening to them. Wonderful.......