Wolf's Head

Publisher's Summary

"Well researched and enjoyably written, Wolf's Head is a fast-paced and original recasting of a familiar legend. McKay's gift as a storyteller pulls the reader into a world of violence, passion, injustice, and revenge and leaves us wanting more!" (Glyn Iliffe, author, The Adventures of Odysseus series)

When a frightened young outlaw joins a gang of violent criminals their names - against a backdrop of death, dishonour, brotherhood, and love - will become legend.

England, AD 1321: After viciously assaulting a corrupt but powerful clergyman Robin Hood flees the only home he has ever known in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Becoming a member of a notorious band of outlaws, Hood and his new companions - including John Little and Will Scaflock - hide out in the great forests of Barnsdale, fighting for their very existence as the law hunts them down like animals.

When they are betrayed, and their harsh lives become even more unbearable, the band of friends seeks bloody vengeance.

Meanwhile, the country is in turmoil, as many of the powerful lords strive to undermine King Edward II's rule until, inevitably, rebellion becomes a reality and the increasingly deadly yeoman outlaw from Wakefield finds his fate bound up with that of a Hospitaller Knight.…

"Wolf's Head" brings the brutality, injustice, and intensity of life in medieval England vividly to life, and marks the beginning of a thrilling new historical fiction series in the style of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow.

©2013 Steven A. McKay (P)2014 Steven A. McKay

Not your Grand-dad's Robin Hood

What made the experience of listening to Wolf's Head the most enjoyable?

This is a fast-paced telling of the Robin Hood story (or the beginning of his story as this is the first book of a series) told in the spirit of a Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow historical adventure.

What did you like best about this story?

The gritty realism and earthy humour seems more in keeping with the subject matter than the tone often taken in historical adventures. These characters sound like the rough and ready people medieval outlaws living in the wild must have been.

What does Nick Ellsworth bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ellsworth's reading matches the tone of the book nicely. He selects appropriate pace for the story and adopts appropriate voice "identities" which emphasize specific characters quite effectively. This is the first book I have heard read by Ellsworth and he is clearly a professional. His voice is easy on the ear; always important when committing to a ten-hour audio experience.

If you could take any character from Wolf's Head out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Well, I might like to take Matilda of Wakefield out for dinner, but Robin might break my nose. (A lot of noses get broken in McKay's writing!)

Any additional comments?

A refreshing retelling of the origins of the Robin Hood legend, convincingly blending the familiar story with a realistic historical setting.

This version is set in Yorkshire during the unstable reign of Edward II, an idea consistent with some of the early ballads and the time and place most likely to have spawned the legend according to many historians.

It is a gritty, well-told, fast-moving story, plausibly told. McKay writes well and holds the reader's interest with steadily building tension and conflict on every page. The author is clearly familiar with the Robin Hood legend, both in its original ballad elements and the tired tropes and clichés from children's books and Hollywood films, and he skillfully plays with the reader's expectations, conforming and reconstituting the story in a satisfying and original way.

When the last page is turned, the reader is left eager for volume two. For a first novel, I would call McKay's debut historical novel a triumphant entry and I will watch with anticipation to see not only the next installments in this intended trilogy, but also his future projects.

Ellsworth is a fine reader and does the novel and its characters credit. Definitely worth a listen.

10 of 12 people found this review helpful

Near miss

The Robin Hood legend is so appealing and its historical roots so fog bound that it is ideal material for writers with an historical bent and the chops to combine its familiar elements into a tale both familiar and refreshingly new. McKay makes a good start of it with a lively, rustic setting in keeping with a specific moment in British history and an appealing young future hero who easily garners our sympathy and support. Unfortunately, by starting with a teenager whose only qualifications as the renowned Hood-to-be are superb skills with a bow and a good and generous heart, the author makes it very difficult for us to believe that Robin becomes the unparalleled swordsman, tactical genius and superb leader of hardened, older men he needs to be within the scant year he is given in this first book in the series. Suspension of disbelief is always necessary in these tales, but we need a few threads strong enough to support our willing credulity. Those are missing here, and as a result, by the end I felt as though I were in a fairy tale world where one does best if there are no questions asked. Too bad, really, because we are given a very interesting mix of semi-familiar characters and the plotting is quite strong.

Given the expert narration by Nick Ellsworth, this could have been a really satisfying retelling. I rather wish the story had begun later in Robin's development so that brief glimpses of back story would have supplied the experience and maturation he needed to be convincing. Too late for that now, sadly, and I will not be going on to the next in the series.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Robin Hood for Grown Ups

I'm on a mythology/historical fiction run at the moment, and seriously, who doesn't love Robin Hood? Remember all those movies over the years giving different portrayals of the lovable rogue? This one is different. Quite different. This one goes mostly for historical accuracy, hence it's dark. But don't let that put you off.

We start with a young Robin (17 or so), not the heroic Knight Templar, but essentially a country bumpkin who takes umbrage with an abbot who tries to take his ladyfriend, Matilda, to work in his brothels. Robin escapes from the abbot's guards, but now has a price on his head, so he escapes to Barnsdale Forest (Yorkshire). He can no longer go home, so he seeks out the local outlaw bunch, with all the big names - Will Scarlet, Little John and so forth - who are led by the mysterious Adam Bell. They take him in and train him to be one of their gang. And the legend begins...

This is a interesting take on Robin. The mystical side, with Hearne the Hunter and so forth, is pushed rudely aside early on in favour of political intrigue and heists. This is a harsh world they live in. Food is scarce and the common people are starving, while the nobles live like fat cats in their castles. Robin and his men do steal from the rich and give to the poor, but it's not an act of charity, more a move to keep the people on their side. 

There is action aplenty, but not the silly sword fights we've become accustomed to. Blood is spilled, people die agonising deaths and even a scratch can be fatal. The cast are likeable, but there is no failure on the author's part to point out that they are killers, some more bloodthirsty than others. They are, in fact, little better than the actual bad guys.

I mentioned political intrigue. There is more than just anti-church (it is corrupt) sentiment here. This is post-Norman invasion Britain, where the Saxons resent the current status quo, while the Normans are at war with the pesky Scots. Caught in the middle, Sir Richard (aha!) is trying to organise a rebellion against the current King Edward (II).  

The author does take a couple of liberties with historical facts, but defends it well, in my opinion. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was rock solid, doing a great job with a lot of characters and handling the tone well.

Before I sign off - be warned! This is not your Disney Robin Hood. This is a bunch of boozy, sweary thugs and the story is bloody and bleak. In saying that, I loved the old Michael Praed/Jason Connery Robin Hood TV show back in the 80s, so this could be second favourite retelling yet. Roll on book two - 4.5/5 stars.  

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent start to a series, impeccable narration

Enjoyed every aspect of this audiobook. Story was engrossing an fun. Narrator was the perfect choice. On to the next book!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Perfection!

There are many adaptations of the Robin Hood story and you would think it has all been said and done ad nauseam. Well, think again! You need to add this audiobook interpretation to your library. Wolf’s Head is well written, researched, and the attention to detail employed by Steven A McKay as he brings his vision of this oft-told story to life is amazing.

The audiobook is narrated by Nick Ellsworth, his voice is perfect for this type of story. His style of reading is reminiscent of a storyteller and I imagine everyone gathered around a campfire enthralled by his reading. I have definitely added him to my list of favorite narrators!

The audio version of this book clocks in at 10 ½ hours and it’s not nearly long enough. Luckily Wolf’s Heads is the first book in a continuing saga and there’s plenty more where this came from!

This audiobook was gifted to me exchange for an unbiased review!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good Robin Hood story, looking forward to book 2

What made the experience of listening to Wolf's Head the most enjoyable?

Surprisingly good story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wolf's Head?

hmm.... its been a few books in between listening to this book and writing this review... don't recall!

Have you listened to any of Nick Ellsworth’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Don't think I have listened to Nick Ellsworth before. I won't hesitate to listen to his narration again, as long as it is for the right book!

If you could take any character from Wolf's Head out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Sorry, can't answer that

Any additional comments?

I hesitated to pick this book, as I thought I knew the Robin Hood story, and it would be a bit boring to listen to. But I was pleasantly surprised. This story is entertaining, different, fast paced, rough and overall a good historical adventure. Keeps you hanging on. If you enjoy this book, I recommend the Outlaw series by Angus Donald.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I JUST WANT TO KILL NOBLES

This is not a bad book and it is also not a great book. It was interesting enough that I listened to the whole thing. It is a little rougher then any other Robin Hood story I have ever read. Robin Hood ends up doing a lot of killing. While this is probably more real then the cartoon Robin Hood, the scenes were not that well done. For Example a woman bites off a man's penis, while it is hard and there is no blood. I did not see that coming and thought it added some realism to the time and place, but was disappointed that it was cleaned up to the point of not being real. There are other problems, too many things just happen to fall in place. Robin Hood is a lot like Jack Lord was on the old Hawaii Five-0. If he says What If?, you can take it to the bank that is the way it is going to happen. I also had problems with a character who is all broke up, over his dead family from three years ago, but does not realize, his then five year old daughter is still alive. Hood happens to discover her when he goes to this guy's hometown. He just has a hunch he will find something that will make the guy want to live, and lo and behold he finds his now 8 year old daughter.

I like the historical aspect of the story and I felt I was in old England. He did a good job of showing how oppressed the people where and why. While McKay is not a Michael J. Sullivan or Joe Abercrombie, he can write.

Once again, I disagree with others on the narrator. This guy has a lilt at the end of each sentence which makes it sound like he is reading a nursery rhyme. He also has a sort of deadpan delivery during action scenes, which is a great let down to the action. He is not bad enough to ruin the book, I just believe a better narrator could have made this more exciting.

16 of 24 people found this review helpful

Mostly a Bull's-Eye

Wolf’s Head is an engaging story that combines some familiar characters with several new ones in a fresh take on the forest legend. Since Robin Hood’s real historical origins are shaky at best, it’s hard to question the accuracy of the plot. There is a wicked sheriff and more than a few evil noblemen, along with a host of villagers, relatives, and tradesmen who are only too willing to collaborate with the colorful outlaws. The action is often more brutal than the childhood versions we remember.

Steven A. McKay’s writing is colorful and descriptive, but often falls victim to ponderous adverbs that hamstring its flow. The plot moves briskly most of the time. Sometimes the prescient insights of Robin and others approaches the level of magic, but there is no magician in this story. Nick Ellsworth gives a warm and enjoyable reading with a light touch throughout. Wolf’s Head is the first in a series, so some threads are inevitably left hanging at the end.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

STUNNING

What made the experience of listening to Wolf's Head the most enjoyable?

Took me a couple of chapters to get into my first audio book but when l did....WOW, a wonderful book read very well, the narrator did a excellent job of bringing it to life.

What did you like best about this story?

Perfect flow to the story, life-like characters, brilliant fight scenes.

Which scene was your favorite?

The village fair with the arrogant friar.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Best one yet!

I have read, read about, referenced to in other author's books, etc. This is by far the best, grit-est, believable version. I highly recommend this author's book. I will be listening/reading more from him, soon. Now for the obligatory: "I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Outstanding!

Would you consider the audio edition of Wolf's Head to be better than the print version?

I like both versions, the written being much more portable (and I can fall asleep reading), and spoken (audio) version being more versatile - I can do other things whilst listening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wolf's Head?

The ambush on the sheriff and abbot, where the outlaws get help from an unexpected source.

Which character – as performed by Nick Ellsworth – was your favourite?

Will Scarlet.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh on several occasions, wistful at times.

Any additional comments?

Most of us have heard the story of Robin Hood, his nobly born lady fair (the maid Marian), the evil sheriff of Nottingham, and his equal in notoriety, Guy of Gisborne. Wolf's Head has very few similarities to that story, and the author takes you on a sometimes rather bleak and dismal trek through the woods and villages of Barnsdale with our hero and his friends. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing bleak and dismal about the writing, but you get sucked into a believable miserable mid-winter forest, scratching a living from what little you can find, or steal. Robin is a young lad, not the grown, outcast noble we usually think of, and he has to fight hard to earn his place as leader of the outlaws. A compelling story, packed with action and political intrigue, a little love, and plenty of humour. I will definitely be reading this again!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

A Brilliant Reworking of a Popular Story

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, because the story is both compelling and believable. It was also an innovative retelling of the much loved Robin Hood tale.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters had depth. The storyline was exhilarating, and carried the listener along. The language was contemporary, and that was refreshing.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

It took me a little while to get used to the performance. At first I thought that the reader needed to put more feeling into it. As the story went on, however, he seemed to get into his stride, and I enjoyed his performance more. I think the performer read the female characters quite well, and that must be difficult for a male performer.

Was Wolf's Head worth the listening time?

Definitely worth the listening time, and I would definitely listen to it many times, as I do with all my favourite audio books.

Any additional comments?

I have the Kindle version of Steven A. McKay's book, and have read it quite a few times now because I enjoy it very much. It was interesting to listen to it, having already got used to my own characterisations of the main characters.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Robin Hood Rebooted

Would you listen to Wolf's Head again? Why?

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Wolf's Head and will listen again to enjoy the drama and tension of the outlaws' adventures and to revisit the over arching political intricacies that are so well presented. Once started, I listened at every opportunity until I had finished because the story gripped so tightly.

What did you like best about this story?

The action comes thick and fast, the plot twisting and turning to keep the listener interested all of the way through. The characters are well rounded, their motivations and decisions thoroughly believable.

Which character – as performed by Nick Ellsworth – was your favourite?

Little John's portrayal as a gruff, gentle giant is performed excellently. His colourful language and huge personality were brought to life well by Nick Ellsworth.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Destroy A Life, Save A Kingdom

Any additional comments?

I will certainly be looking out for the sequel to Wolf's Head. The historical note provided by the author is also a helpful addition.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A great listen

Where does Wolf's Head rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audio books I have purchased, very well written and read I am eagerly awaiting the second book

What did you like best about this story?

It reworked the familiar legend very well, although a lot of the descriptions and passages took me way back to Richard Greene's Robin Hood ( the happy go lucky Robin not the murderous one)

Which character – as performed by Nick Ellsworth – was your favourite?

All the main characters were excellent

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I almost did, (had to go to the shops)

Any additional comments?

You couldn't listen to it with your mother or children

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

cant ask for more

Would you consider the audio edition of Wolf's Head to be better than the print version?

I believe the two formats are seperate enterties, and not really comparable. The novel is fantastic and i struggle to find fault with it, but the audio brings a new dimension obviously bringing the talents of more than one person. In this case all those talents work in perfect harmony.

What other book might you compare Wolf's Head to, and why?

I believe the writer really has a voice of his own and i wouldnt really compare him to anyone that i usually read.

What about Nick Ellsworth’s performance did you like?

Excellent

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

oh you would like to keep going till the end but real life rarely allows that sort of time allotted to pure enjoyment.

Any additional comments?

Excellent full stop

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A Triumph

What made the experience of listening to Wolf's Head the most enjoyable?

I have read the book and loved it so buying the Audio version was a no brainer and I was not disappointed. Being able to listen to the story while out and about is brilliant. The readers voice was not harsh or intrusive. I could tell which characters were speaking easily which added to the enjoyment.

Who was your favorite character and why?

That's easy Robin Hood. I liked his character straight away. I enjoyed the fact that he is only 17 when we first meet him, so we get to see his character development as he learns to live in the forest.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I enjoyed Robin rescuing Matilda From Adam and the aftermath with Will. Won't say to much as I don't want to spoil it for others.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are parts in this story that truly made me laugh, there is also a lot of suspense and sadness too. But above all I found it exciting.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good story but doesn't always have time to sit down and read one. I read what one of the reviewers wrote about this audiobook and I'm convinced he has the wrong book. To say it's like a kids book is just silly. What with some of the language, and the well described battles that take place, if you let your children read or listen to books like this then your opinion is of no importance. To end my review I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and no doubt I will listen to it many times more. Simply, it deserves 5 stars and I look forward to listening to the rest of the trilogy.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not what I expected

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely read this. Robin comes to life as a real person living in mediaevil England.

What other book might you compare Wolf's Head to, and why?

You feel you are there, just as Ken Follett does in Pillars of the Earth

What does Nick Ellsworth bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His voice creates an excitement in the action scenes.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, because I wanted it to last longer. It was easy to break up into smaller stories. Great.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bear with it,it gets better!

What made the experience of listening to Wolf's Head the most enjoyable?

Local history

What did you like best about this story?

Steady plot development

Any additional comments?

Bear with it. It took a couple of chapters to get used to both the authors style of writing and the narrators style of story telling!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A Rollicking Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I reckon this story would appeal to anyone who likes fast-paced adventure and enjoys learning a bit of history along the way. Nick Ellsworth has a gentle, easy narration style that is soothing and engaging.

What other book might you compare Wolf's Head to, and why?

The descriptive and 'feel' of Robin's world and the greenwood were rich and evocative. This, for me, was very reminiscent of Fred Nath's excellent Galdir series.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

There's a bit where one character gets his comeuppance [no spoilers], and the manner in which this is done is pretty satisfying. Also, although there are other dark scenes throughout the book, it's also laced with humour. Very nicely balanced.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Something is stirring in the Greenwood...

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A cracking rework of an old tail. Not for kids.

Would you listen to Wolf's Head again? Why?

Yes I would listen to it again. Already have to refresh my memory for the second book of the series. I have now read both books by the author and looking forward to the third.

What other book might you compare Wolf's Head to, and why?

This is the first audio book I have had. The story is in the classic historic fiction style.

Have you listened to any of Nick Ellsworth’s other performances? How does this one compare?

None

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have had a couple of laughs even though reading the novel the story was familiar.

Any additional comments?

Nick done a great job narrating the book, and even though a reader I would consider an audio book by the author and narrator.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful