Robin Hood: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows

Robin Hood, Book 1

By: Robert Muchamore

Narrated by: Joe Jameson

Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 300 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.

©2020 Robert Muchamore (P)2020 Bonnier Books UK

Adaptation of a classic that works today

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.

Excellent narration

A little chaotic in plot and pacing, but fun and as always incredibly well read.

Not as Good as Cherub, annoying Performance

Not a bad story but the performance was annoying. Seemed to be pitched at 8yr olds - managed to make every character sound bizarrely infantile.

The Start of Another Great Series

Taking well-known names and bringing them into the modern day, producing a compelling storyline, that makes hungry for adventure. Robert Muchamore has done it again. Brilliant Author.

Really good book very addictive to listen to

Brilliant plot and story, realistic without being dull I would really recommend this book!!! Yeah

Amusing

A light reworking of Robin of Locksley. Aimed at YA audience. Adaptation to modern Britain makes it interesting.

Another Muchamore classic for kids and adults

Firstly, I need to start with the fact that I'm a massive Cherub fan. I can't wait for my lad to be old enough to read it for the first time.

Secondly, I'm from Nottingham so I need to make a few amendments to the truth of the story.

Less trees
More knifes
Less guns
More gangs
Less children who have cool hobbies like Archery!

Great listen.

Couldn't wait to hear the next chapter!

This is a really good modern twist to an old novel. There were parts at the beginning that didn't ad up but then you get to understand that this is set in a totally made up world. As they use old English locations and references but American currency and settings.... bizarre as it sounds you kind of make sense of it as the story progresses. Do want to kind of listen to the next book but unsure that might ruin my illusion of the thrilling story ....

Hmmm....

It's an interesting story the narrator is excellent, however it's very American in the words used set in a very English narrative and story ie Robin Hood and Nottingham but I enjoyed it

What an amazing series!

This book was fantastic and I fully engaged in the saga. I would highly recommended.