| Title | : | King's Man (The Outlaw Chronicles, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1847444911 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781847444912 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 448 |
| Publication | : | First published July 1, 2011 |
King's Man (The Outlaw Chronicles, #3) Reviews
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The third in the series that never loses momentum
This one sees Alan Dale face off against his nemesis Ralph de Murdac the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Rescue King Richard from his prison in Germany. I liked the way Alan Dale is identified here as Blondel, the troubadour who helped rescue Richard.
Lots of intrigue and suspense as Alan is seen as betraying Robin Hood but its all part of a ruse.
this robin hood is not do gooder in green, and couldn't care less about the poor, he is ruthless and self-serving but cares about his own inner circle and 'family'. The return of the hideously disfigured and now evil and psychotic Nur, is like something out of a horror novel.the strong and beautiful woman of the novel is Alan's love of his life and wife to be, Goody.
Highly recommended , a real historical thriller, captures the sounds, sights and smells of 12the century England.
thrilling and gruesome battle scenes. -
I know there are several more titles in this series, but this one wrapped up pretty neatly.
I believe I'll put off the others for a while.
I feel I need a couple of barn-burner five-star reads right now. -
The farther I go in this series the more I am convinced that Angus Donald's Robin Hood is by far one of the best portrayals of this legendary man I have come across. Couple that with his story telling ability and you have a must read scenario. In this volume, King's Man, Alan Dale finds himself labeled a traitor by seemingly everyone around him from Robin to Prince John to an old lover and even his good friends Marie-Anne and Godifa. Things on the home front at Westbury where Alan is ensconced as Lord of the Manor and from where he is telling this tale as an old man, are also not as well as they could be.
The story has as it's backdrop the attempt by Prince John to replace his held for ransom brother, Richard, as King. While the deal making to set Richard free proceeds ever so slowly, John and the despicable Ralph Murdac consolidate their hold and power over the land and Robin finds himself an outlaw in Sherwood once again. The action is relentless, the intrigues are many and the introduction of some especially nefarious characters make for a very enjoyable read.
Most of you will already know the historical outcome of this royal sibling rivalry between John and Richard but I bet you haven't read as interesting a take on this event as you will by reading King's Man. -
It’s off to Sherwood Forest we go with a merry bunch of outlaws under Robin Hood?
Well…. As ive found out so far, this series portrays the man in a very different light to the legend as seen on screen by the likes of Errol Flynn et al, in fact we follow Alan Dale in the series & not Robin Hood as you would have imagined. So far all for good too as Alan is a far more grounded figure. I also rather more enjoy this version of Robin of Loxley who seems a far better fit for the times as opposed to the film version(s) which are great for the kids!
In the prior book we were in Outremer fighting alongside King Richard (The Lionheart) in the holy wars of the Third crusade which has left Robin’s followers decimated although very much battle hardened & worth many more men in a fight. His band of “not so merry” men have returned to find their lands controlled by other Norman knights living off their wealth, his rival Murdac (Sheriff of Nottingham) prospers & has laid siege to Robin’s castle which is where our story proper begins through Alan Dale’s narration.
The tale covers the period of King Richard’s incarceration in Austria at the hands of Duke Leopold which sees King John make a play for the crown in cahoots with King Philip of France who has designs on English lands in Normandy. The country falls into a form of civil war with many knights like Robin, the Earl of Loxley being deemed outlaw. In order to free King Richard a huge ransom has to be collected which falls to his mother Queen Eleanor to raise as does King John….. in his own way….. pocketing it that is, which is where the legend of Robin Hood arises, that of stealing from King John.
Outside of the main theme we also have an array of sub-plots which all add to the storyline & keep it moving forward, be they The Knights Templar, witchcraft, trade in the East or ex-lovers. All retold through the narration of Alan Dale who is front & centre of all things.
At the end of the book we have the historical notes which help to fill in the knowledge gaps you might have about any timelines & complete the read.
Gritty retelling of the “legend” which is more steeped in the reality of the times then said film legend that most know of. Well worth the read alone for history buffs. A good 4.5 stars rounded to a five. -
Very violent addition to a good series. Alan Dale is sent by Robin Hood to Austria to find Richard the Lionheart who has been captured returning from the Crusades. As well as this Robin"s son is captured, there is a siege of Nottingham castle, a witch with a grudge, Thunderdome, romance and a satisfying act of personal revenge. Great adventure, totally unbelievable, totally great fun.
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Such an enjoyable series, this installment was a great read.
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A series that just gets better and better!
King's Man once again plunges us into the world of the Earl of Loxley (Robin Hood to you and I), and more importantly, the mind of Alan Dale. I am quite frankly astounding at how Angus has revamped each book, making each plot thicker and more engaging. Some series tend to whither and die with repetitive plots and characters that become two dimensional and a shadow of the person they were at the beginning. This series just continues to evolve and stride forward in a new direction.
Alan is back from the crusade, and at the start of the book must help his lord recover his castle which is under siege by Robin's mortal enemy: Ralph Murdach. It is though, what happens next which really drew this reader in. From England to Germany Alan will travel. He will betray his lord to the Church, sing with his imprisoned king, swear an oath of allegiance to the despicable Prince John, betray the oath and once more fight at the side of his beloved lord. Not to mention get betrothed, knighted and earn his fame in battle along the way.
Each chapter is like a short story, they are so well rounded and action packed it is so easy to imagine this as a mini series on TV. The author's research in to the time period is impeccable and he uses these details to bring medieval England to life.
Couldn't recommend this series any more. Can't wait to dive into the next one! -
This was a tough book to read... The disfigured girl and the emotions her story evokes are just painful, but at least, the main character realizes how shallow he is... I need to read something fun next, or I will get totally depressed....
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I enjoy historical fiction so much because I get the best of both worlds: I learn about a period in history that I often know very little about, AND I get to enjoy a good adventurous story. King's Man is no exception. I finished it over the weekend and it was a pure pleasure to read.
The story picks up on the heels of the second book. Robin, Alan and the whole crew are back in England, but Richard, the King, has been taken hostage on his return from the Holy Land. In the ensuing chaos, Prince John conspires with King Philip of France to see to it that Richard never returns. And, of course, John's allies in Nottingham prosecute their private war with Robin. Alan takes a center role in both rescuing the King and defeating Robin's enemies in England. This book also advances Alan's personal life as well. The budding romance with the young Saxon girl moves to the next level - even as a person from Alan's past re-emerges to disrupt things.
It's a fun read if you enjoy historical fiction. -
WARNING REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS! DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK!
"king's Man" has been rated R by the Nerd Association of Lanie for violence, langue, and sexual content. :D
to start off, i'm going to show you all, my 3 or 4 robin hood review followers :D, a few intresting quotes from the book. (i do love mr. donald's writing style. it just fits Alan's uppity musical personality so well!)
"Serving you, my lord, is reward enough, Your fame will last for more than a thousand years. And those you serve you, they to will be remembered: john, tuck, alan, even my poor dead husband Will - they shall not be forgotten. So i say again: the reward of serving you is enough: it is the path to immortality." Angus Donald seems a little pleased with himself here, doesn't he?
"it seems that we must disregard the evidence of this villein. it appears that he may have been tortured and his evidence is therefore not valid." . . . -_- REALLY?!?? this is just plain stupid. OF COURSE HE'S BEEN TORTURED! and if everyone know's you can't use that evidence, why'd you bring it out anyway and make an ass of yourself?
"Revenge is a duty. it is not a pleasure. We take vengeance because we owe it to those who have been wronged. But, in itself, it is not something that can make us whole. We take revenge because we must pay our debts to the dead. - and so people will fear to do us, and those we love, a wrong. But we should not do it as a balm to the soul." XDXDXDXD that's beautiful. and very Robin Hoody!
this is Another glorious addition to one of my most FAVORITE Robin Hood series. I just LOVE the Outlaw Chronicles! the writing, the stories, the characters . . . most of them anyway. :/ i have give the novel five stars, because i did think it was amazing! but even with the highest of ratings, there is still a couple of things i found a little wrong with it.
So it's no secret that i ADORE this Robin Hood. he's just such a wonderful, kick ass, well rounded, interesting character. he's what you might call a high functioning sociopath. :D he actually reminds me a lot of Sherlock Holmes from BBC's show. (you know the one set in modern England with martian freeman as dr. watson?) Sherlock doesn't give a fuck about anything but his next case, his next great obsession. and when it comes to people . . . .well, there's only about 3, 4, maybe 5 at the most, that he truly cares about. AND that's pretty similar to "The Outlaw's Chronicles'" Robin Hood. Robin loves his family and friends and the few other people he's decided get the distinct honor of his protection and attention. everyone else is a chess piece in his little games of war and politics and nobility. don't fuck with the godfather of Sherwood, nobles. or his people. 'cause he will find you. and he will end you. slowly, painfully, and in the most inventively show offy way possible. Robin is a highly self-interested guy. he wants want he wants, and woe to anyone who gets in his way. Robin's Fucked in the head, and with good reason. (Remember that story from "Outlaw" about the priest and the crucifix?) (jim jones might be a good comparison as well since Robin is quiet obviously, violently nuts, but he still manages to gather followers who damn near worship him.)
I mean, just think about! we've all sat here and read Robin to some pretty gory stuff. he murdered that priest. he cut off that bandit's arms and legs and left the kid to care for him. he slaughtered Richard of Lea (may he rest in peace.) he chose to let Ruth die and save her Father to further his own wealth. he allowed the idiot who betrayed him to become a human sacrifice. a bit surprising he's still got friends isn't it? and i'm sure i could add ton's more if i went back and reread the first two books.
and Alan was a witness to most of these crimes! he knows that his master is dangerous. and very, VERY close to insane. he's scene it! So why, oh why Alan Dale, are you still shocked by Robin being a bit too kill happy? it was one, random guy! he was refusing to join Robin and insulting his sweet little baby boy's honor! what Robin did here was smart and efficient. even you admitted that. so the time for shock is over. if you whine ONE MORE TIME about Robin's cruelty after all you've scene (all you yourself have done by the end of "King's Man"), i swear to god, i'll find a way to get inside your books and punch you myself!
this just further proves my point that while Alan is a decent enough character, he's still a way-to-full-of-himself blockhead. he's a wonderful story tell and i love his adventures. but sometimes, he can be and idiot. i'm just saying, that by this point in his life, he simply shouldn't be appalled anymore. oh well, at least he's not a mary sue/marty stew, am i right? (and don't get me started on the boat incident. but, at least he learned from that.)
then there's Ralph! he's the big bad guy right? the sheriff? he's a crook, a lair, a murderer, a rapist. he's mean to Alan. i'm not supposed to like him, and i don't of course. but not because of his actions. mainly i don't like him cause i still know next to nothing about him. i don't know WHY he's evil. :'C greed and power just aren't enough of a motivate for him. plus that little thing at the end, right before he was hung, you know, where he was telling Alan "i know the truth about your father's murder" and all that nonsense . . . .that, i felt, was a cliche cop out. almost every fantasy book i've read has something of this nature and by now, i've grown sick of it. it was not needed. and for the record, i like the scent of lavenders.
And Nur. she returns in the last part of this book. and i was kinda glad she did. C: her story line just kinda walked off a cliff and left me wondering. but this poor, poor girl. she had such a rough life. and the scene with Goody beating the shit out of her . . . .i think that was supposed too be funny, but i thought it was just plain cruel. this girl was kept for years as a slave. most likely a sexual one. then along comes Alan who rescues her. and she thanks him in probably the only way she knows how - with her body. and as a poor, young, lust blind teen, allan makes crazy insane impossible promise to her about love and forever. -_- idiot! then her beauty is taken away, the one thing that Alan wanted her for. but she, being a very young person herself, clearly thought it was deeper than that. so when alan screamed, it damn near broke her heart. and brain. think about it! the girl's had shit luck with men. than the one guy the promises to lover her always is repulsed by her. she fucking followed him home! ALL THE WAY TO ENGLAND! she can't find him and everyone starts calling her a witch! so that clearly fed her madness. and alan rejects her again! is it any wonder she went so batty by the end of all this? i just felt so, so sorry for her! then goody beats her up. i get that Nur was ruining her special day and what not, but i really feel that this could've been handled differently. :'c this is why teens shouldn't be allowed to fornicate. again, oh well. at least i know what happened to her.
BUT I KNEW IT! I KNEW HE'D END UP WITH GOODY! love her!
also, once again i must say that i dislike the framing of the story. it takes away alot of suspense, because i can never truly be worried for Alan's well being. it good. it's well written. it doesn't take away from the flow of the rest of the story. but i still don't like it.
my favorite part i think, was Robin's return to sherwood. :D loved the adventures in the holy war. but i really missed the whole being an outlaw part of a robin hood tale. :D
Now, for my biggest issue with the whole story: Alan's betrayal! (but don't worry, it's still not enough to drag my rating down!) i was so shocked and pissed when i read that part. i was all "no! alan how could you? he did so much for you!" then i had to spend like 100 pages very nearly HATING alan for his FUCKING STUPIDITY! . . . . .
then i learn that it was all a ruse. . . . . -_- . . . . . WHAT?!?!?!? i spent all that time guess what would happen and hoping for some big awesome fight scene and he and Robin PLANNED the whole thing?!?!?!? not cool! it's pretty much a bitch slap to the reader's face!
i was hoping maybe that last act of awful violence had be to much for poor allan. that he wanted out and this was the only way he knew how. :'C and then later after he realized his horrible mistake of betraying robin for safety and prince john, he'd want back. like there could've big some big battle or something where alan was all like "please take me back, my lord! i'm sorry i'm such and idiot!" and robin and all the outlaws could've been "no! you're our enemy now and we want nothing more to do with you!" with a lot of bruises to pound the message home, cause you can't kill the main character three books into the series. :D then, in the end, i was thinking that maybe there'd be another big battle. and robin could get caught and is about to hang! :( but alan manages to save the day! (cause you can't deny that the guy's bad ass.) and robin lets him back with seemingly open arms. . . . but is always just the tiniest bit weary of him from then on. :D . . . . .
NOPE! it was all a plan. he was a fucking spy! i guess i should've seen it coming. because he didn't seem to terribly beaten up over the whole thing. i KNEW that the betrayal thing couldn't have lasted forever, because we've still got 4 more books alredy published and two more planned. i guess i was just hoping for something a little bit more . . .you know, creative from one of my favorite authors.
All in all, a few grievences but not enough for me to not love the story! it's awesome and i can't wait till i get "Warlord" :D like if you like my review and comment if you think my idea about the betrayal is good. Or if you have anything else to say! i love having people to discuss my obsession with. :D -
This is book three of Angus Donald's re-boot of the Robin Hood legend. The year is now 1192, and the good news is, that after taking part in the battles of the Crusades in the Holy Land, Alan Dale and Robin Hood have returned to Merrie Olde England. The bad news is, that their King, Richard the Lionheart, whilst also making his way back home, has been captured by his enemies in Europe and is being held for ransom in a castle in Austria. And back in what is turning out to be a not quite as Merrie England as the one they departed from, Alan and Robin discover that Richard's brother, Prince John, has been busy making plans, capturing land and castles and generally making a nuisance of himself planning to be King in Richard's absence. An absence he is intent on prolonging by any and all means possible; assasination, bribery, treason...and that's just for starters.
And the good news for me is, I have to admit; it feels good to have Robin and Alan back where they belong, in England and rampaging through the forests of Sherwood. See, even Alan knows it is good for Robin as well:
"Sherwood was, as it had been for many years, the home of his heart, his spiritual sanctuary, his woodland fortress. He would be quite safe there."
So, isn't he back where his legend belongs, physically and spiritually?
In fact the whole of 'King's Man' feels more of a certain and convincing story for being back in ye goode olde greene and pleasant land (be interesting to see how 'Warlord', the fourth installment, develops the story, as I understand that one to take Robin and Alan over to France). It is a thoroughly convincing tale of 12th Century life, love and death. An emotional rollercoaster ride encompassing desperate battles, last-minute escapes - from of course, seemingly impossible situations - bursting with thrills, surprises, nerve-shredding close combat, huge surprises and fist-pumping "that'll learn ya!" satisfying comeuppances. Phew!
And Robin Hood.
It is worth remembering that while Robin Hood grabs the headlines in reviews and the story does revolve around him, this is actually the tale of Alan Dale. Robin has been, as perhaps befits someone more legend than man, something of a supernatural figure moving in and out the background during much of the story so far. However, in 'King's Man', I feel he steps much more onto the centre stage of the story. There is for me, much more of a feeling of Robin steering events, not events steering him. He is still a harsh, non-PC Robin, but also a more rounded, even likeable character. Even with those silver eyes.
Alan Dale narrates the story, but to be honest, it hasn't always been easy to keep liking him. He can be a rather annoying and cautious worrier, always blaming himself for when heavens conspire and things don't go to plan. For instance, when Robin's brother refuses to do his part in relieving a siege of Robin's castle, Alan wonders if he is actually responsible, for not asking more politely.
But then Alan is more a man of his time than Robin is. Alan's inner doubts and tribulations surely mirror the prevailing zeitgeist. Where religious fervour played up self-doubt, tolerated no contradictions and baseless suspicion chased its own tail. As happens here, fiction was turned to 'fact' because no one dare deny it and so proved itself true in the minds of those looking for that proof. It is a similar environment to that of the time in which Giles Kristian's 'The Bleeding Land' is set, just some 400 years earlier. With ordinary people struggling to come out from under the suffocating blanket of religious fervor and blind doctrine. And their lords and self appointed masters seeking by all means possible to keep them in check with threats of eternal damnation, excommunication - and worse! The ordinary person up to his or her knees in mud in the fields, spoke (what became) English. The ruling classes - Richard himself of course - spoke French. The Church rituals were deliberately all in Latin, so the ordinary person had no idea what was going on, and churchmen could be the only means of getting closer to God's will and the only outlet for His displeasure. Sweet.
Luckily for us, Robin has no time for all that petty-minded religious nonsense and goes his own way. And it is that what has surely endeared him to people through the ages.
"He had that wonderous ability, did Robin, of commanding love in the people around him, no matter what he did." As Alan notes.
But then again, Robin can be as manipulative as the church in using Christianity and other people's beliefs, against them, and for his own purposes:
"I was privately amused that my master, a man who I knew did not have the slightest allegiance to the Pope in Rome, or any high Christian churchman for that matter, should use this law as a justification, I assumed, for executing these men."
Then, when the Templars send him notice that they expect him to appear before a Kangeroo court to answer trumped-up charges concerning his lack of faith, wouldn't we all, in such a position, have loved to have told the messenger to go away and bid him;
"That he ask the huskier novices to refrain from buggering him for a few moments to allow him time to shove this inquisition up his fundament."
Go Robin! Go Robin! Go Robin!
But then, the title, 'King's Man'...hmm...interesting. Which King, which man? Having previously sworn allegiance to King Richard, there's no doubt Alan is King Richard's man. So is Robin. And Robin is actually working to a secret agenda agreed with Richard in the Holy Land. Then there's Prince John, a man who would be King in Richard's absence. Alan also manages to pledge allegiance to John at one point in the story, becoming the would-be King's man. However, in my mind, there is no doubt who the real King of this story is, was and always will always be: Robin Hood. And Alan is his man. Like it or not.
And Alan professes not to like it on many an occasion. Giving rise to the point in the book where I realised I had really warmed to the inner turmoil in the character of Alan Dale. When Alan professes disgust at becoming the man he cannot help loving.
"What was I turning into? Would I become like my master, the most cold-hearted, ruthless killer I had ever encountered? I shivered, though the day was quite warm."
As i said earlier (if you're still with me), Alan is of course recounting his story of his life in the company of the legend Robin Hood, many years after the events took place. The concept of the novels, of a character writing his memories down long after the events occurred, is not a new one. But here, especially at the end of this novel, is one of the most poignant passages I have read anywhere in a long time. After doubts over the intentions of his family have risen, an older, wiser, wistful Alan emerges and (I hope Angus won't mind me quoting him at length) describes the feelings he has about how it is to be looking back over his life and the time he spent with Robin. I'm going to have to admit to have been truly moved when Alan says:
"I remember my glorious past so clearly, and my head is there for most of the day while I write. And where better to spend my last few years on this earth than with my younger, stronger self - with that young man so full of light and love and hope? The indignities of age come to all men who live long enough - but not all men can say that they had the friendship of kings and outlaws and heroes in their prime; that they walked proud and tall, without fear - before the weight and care of years bowed their backs. But I can. I can say, I can swear before God, that I have played my part on the world's stage. And played it to the fullest...And I was a warrior, once, a knight of England."
Simple, dignified, wonderful piece. It reminded me of the heart-breaking scene at the end of 'Shakespeare In Love', where Shakespeare promises Viola; "You will never age for me, nor fade, nor die", because they must go their separate ways and know they will never meet again. She will be forever as he sees her now, forever in his memories.
Jus as Alan sees his Robin, forever young, forever in his Sherwood sanctuary and forever safe in the glow of Alan's memories: "A savage warrior, a lawless thief, a Church-condemned heretic and, may Almighty God forgive me, for many years, my good and true friend."
So, what's not to like?
(This is really a 4.5 book. A 4 for the most, with an extra half for that last section alone. I don't want to give 5 stars, as I want him to try and beat this next time out. Won't be easy, but my philosophy has always been; if you think you can't do better - give up and move on. And I hope Angus stays with Robin Hood for many years to come. 'Cause I'll be staying as well). -
Another excellent installment in the series. This time, King Richard is held prisoner by Leopold of Austria, and I love how Donald tied the story of the Minstrel Blondel to Alan Dale. It certainly fits with the story, and adds a little extra for those familiar with some of the tales and legends concerning that time.
I will definitely be continuing with this series. -
The Robin Hood legend has been contained in the realms of historical fiction for almost 200 years. Associated with the reign of King Richard I since John Major's chronicle, and the plays of Anthony Munday, Angus Donald's 'King's Man' - the third novel in his Outlaw Chronicle series - is firmly situated in the post-medieval tradition which first brought England's most celebrated outlaw and the Lionheart together. Like so much of Robin Hood fiction which has become associated with the Plantagenets and Angevin England, in Donald's re-telling historical figures such as King Richard, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Prince John, and even William Marshal (who also made an appearance in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood) appear alongside Robin and his 'outlaw' band. Set in 1192, the novel is set against the imprisonment and eventual return of Richard the Lionheart, and his battle against his brother Prince John.
Having read all three of Donald's books now its quite obvious that violence is a recurring theme throughout the series, and the narration of the novel by Alan-a-Dale often reinforces the horrors of violence. I have to say that character's the aversion to violence was less obvious in 'King's Man', but it was certainly evident in in Donald's previous novel 'Holy Warrior' which tried so hard to appear that it was not sanctioning the Crusades. Violence was often where the ideology of medieval texts were located - although that is not to say that it was not interrogated - and so the denunciation of violence in this series appears too much of a modern day re-construction of the medieval period for my liking. Nevertheless, the use character narration to foreground violence makes interesting comparison to Adam Thorpe's recent adatation 'Hodd', and it also shows, I think, a return to earlier traditions as some of the Robin Hood ballads are really quite violent. Hollywood and modern manifestations of the Robin Hood legend often romanticise the role of the outlaw, so in some ways it is interesting to see violence emphasised so much in the novel.
Donald re-works some of the material from the Robin Hood tradition throughout the novel. The opening of 'King's Man' with it's decapitation rituals and horse-demons is reminiscent of the early ballad 'Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne', and while the siege of Nottingham Castle is an historical event, it also is also seems to look back to the siege of Torquilstone in Sir Walter Scott's 'Ivanhoe'. Other legendary elements are also added, especially regarding the slippage between Richard's legend and Robin's: Alan-a-Dale is also named Blondel by his King, and so he becomes the troubadour who supposedly sung songs in order to find out where Richard was imprisoned. Blondel, however, is entirely fictious, and has been used against Richard as evidence of his homsosexuality (Jennifer Robeson's 'Lady of the Forest' makes this quite clear), which does make me wonder if there will be any development in their relationship in Donald's forthcoming novels.
On the whole, 'King's Man' is an easy enough read. I wouldn't say it's gripping, but it has an interesting take on the legend in some places. I've felt that the novels in the series sometimes seems to slip between historical fiction and thriller which is interesting given that Robin Hood texts often border different genres, but I'm not quite convinced about their integration here. The thriller aspect seems more like an opportunity to sell novels and turn pages rather than add anything particularly new to the legend. I do also wonder how many times that Robin will be made an outlaw throughout this series. He's currently been an outlaw twice across three books, but been either awarded or restored to the Earl of Locksley to balance that out; Donald's manifestation of Robin doesn't seem quite secure. However, given the current interest in outlaw studies and fiction in general, it is nice to see a larger sequence of novels being dedicated to Robin Hood. Kudos to him for that, and I'll be reading the next when it comes out later this year. -
The third volume in Angus Donald’s excellent “Outlaw Chronicles” series. The series tells the tale of Robin Hood but from the perspective of Alan-a-Dale, with Robin Hood an important but often absent character. Robin Hood is portrayed as a bit like the Godfather of Sherwood, not to be crossed but very loyal to those who are part of his inner circle. Donald’s Robin is ruthless, cunning and dangerous. Alan Dale is passionate but makes human mistakes and has emotions he sometimes wears on his sleeve. The book makes him a very real character and it is he who narrates the story from his perspective.
Set about 1192, Richard the Lionhheart has been captured on his way back from the Crusades and while his supporters try to raise the ransom, his brother John seeks to consolidate his position of power. Robin and Alan become heavily involved in the process of raising funds, and Robin has been forced to resort to his old outlaw lifestyle.
For fans of historical action and adventure this is an ideal series, told with both charm and wit and featuring strong characterisation, pace and plenty of action. This is not the book to start with, although those who are fans already will be delighted with it – new readers will be rewarded by starting with the first book “Outlaw”.
A really enjoyable episode in the series and I am delighted to see it looks like Mr Donald is planning some more adventures for us... -
What an amazing author Angus Donald is! I found his first book 'Outlaw' in a little indie bookshop and was compelled to subsequently buy the sequels and each one excels the last. There are very few authors I could mention that have had me literally laughing out loud on one page with wit and humour only to have me in tears of shock and awe moments later.
The legendary Robin Hood has been written about so many times, but this author refreshingly puts a new twist to Robin's character, giving him in my mind a much more authentic personality for the age of Britain's early medieval outlaws. Written from the vp of the young Alan Dale, cleverly integrated with the elderly Alan's reminisces and current life in diary form, we soon discover that Robin is a charismatic and ruthless leader of men who both respect and fear him. Angus Donald brings the complex character of Robin to life, but it is Alan Dale whose personality blazes off the page, particularly in 'King's Man'.
The skill with which he describes 12th century England in the context of peasant, noble and royal life and culture shows an in depth passionate research. The bloody battle scenes leave nothing to the imagination - so much so that the picture is painted as vividly as if you are there in the thick of it.
Highly recommended, Angus Donald is now one of my favourite all time authors and I'd be first off the block in a race to get the next of the sequels 'Warlord' released in July 2012! -
Seguimos en el punto medio con esta serie de inspiración histórica, que aborda el personaje de Robin Hood desde una perspectiva que pretende ser más realidad y menos leyenda. Pero ojo a las palabras clave, inspiración y pretensión, porque, como el propio Donald reconoce, él es novelista, no historiador, y aunque la ambientación está muy conseguida, se toma muchas licencias con la Historia y en ocasiones se pasa con la fabulación.
No obstante, es precisamente alguna de esas libertades la que lo redime de los excesos narrativos, porque a veces la historia gira en demasía hacia el folletín; y lo que en un Dumas tiene su gracia, aquí la tiene menos, de tantos giros y revueltas como nos vamos encontrando.
Con cada entrega de esta serie me repito, pero es que es más de lo mismo, para lo bueno (novela histórica amena, pero no tan histórica) y lo malo (exceso de fabulación y un cierto efectismo). -
'Nobody called Roger has ever been less than a full-blooded whoremongering lecher...'
My favourite quote, I enjoyed this book a lot. A good historical fiction novel based on Robin Hood folklore with a nice mixture of action, politics, midnight stealth, assassinations and romance.
It's book 3 in a series but I haven't read any of the others in the series yet, nonetheless it was written in a manner that I could still dive in and enjoy it. -
Good fun, although I didn't feel particularly convinced by it all. The author needs to learn how to write more convincingly in the first person (does too much explaining of things that a 12th century writer wouldn't feel he needed to explain), and his recreation of 12th century England wasn't hugely convincing, either. Still, plenty of fun adventure and gritty fight-scenes, so I still liked it.
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Actual rating: 4.00
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Pura aventura con toques históricos, pero sobretodo aventura.
Tercera y última parte de las aventuras de Robin Hood o de su fiel servidor Alan.
Disfruto como un niño y tengo especial debilidad por Robin Hood desde que vi la película de dibujos animados, por cierto, es la primera película que recuerdo haber visto en un cine, y en esta serie de libros he vuelto a la infancia, a Nottinghan, con su malvado Sheriff, a los arqueros, a los asaltos de recaudadores de impuestos, pero con unos personajes más adultos, con vicios, bebedores que van a casa de mala fama y egoístas, como hombres de guerra, pero en el fondo queda la caballerosidad y camaradería.
Al final del libro, el autor nos explica la historia real o lo que se cree de ella y las licencias históricas que se ha tomado y comprobamos los personajes que existieron de verdad.
No veo muchos fallos en la historia, salvo los propios de seguir la narración y los personajes son creíbles, humanos, no superhéroes.
Un pero, ha quedado un aspecto sin resolver, el tema del padre del protagonista no queda claro, no sé si para preparar futuras aventuras.
En resumen, quien quiera aventuras y acompañar a los arqueros de verde, aquí va a gozar y como en mi caso, volver a ser un niño, sin más preocupantes, que a veces viene muy bien. -
I enjoyed this third book in Angus Donald's 'Outlaw' series, telling the story of Robin Hood from the perspective of the troubadour Alan A Dale. Back from the crusades, we see Alan part of the team sent to rescue Richard the Lionheart from captivity in Germany, we see him playing his music and fighting with the Sheriff of Nottingham's henchmen.
There is quite a bit of gruesome description of savage fights, which I am coping with (just about). What I like about this series is how well researched they are historically (with an historical note at the back, explaining where liberties have been taken for the sake of the story). I also like how Robin is portrayed, warts and all. He has his darker side as well as the fol hero reputation of stealing from the rich to help the poor. He has flaws, as does Alan himself and that makes for a good story. -
This series just keeps on improving with each new book as it continues to relate the story of Robin Hood but is told from the perspective of Alan Dale, who is much more the object of the story this time.
King Richard, the Lionheart, has been captured on his way home from the Holy Land, but no one is sure exactly where he is being held, so Alan Dale undertakes the task of finding him so that a ransom for his release can be negotiated.
Alan also becomes embroiled with Prince John and Sir Ralf Murdac as they scheme to keep the taxes raised for the random and thus stop Richard from being released.
This is a well-paced story with excellent characters, gripping events and thrilling action. -
Outlaw #3 was pretty good. In fact, I was fooled for a good portion of the book...fooled and mad and disappointed. So, if a book can fill me with a variety of emotions, it's bound to be pretty good. Angus Donald has a real talent for introducing seemingly innocuous tidbits that become hugely important later on. I really enjoy this series and the remaking of Robin Hood and his merry men. This story still focuses on Allen Dale - he is the narrator - and his continuing development from a street urchin cutpurse to one of King Richard's go-to guys. Fun series.
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The outlaw chronicle series just keeps getting better. The character that is Alan Dale develops throughout the books and his bravery and courage really shows in this book. A great read, the best book in the series so far.
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The best in the series so far.
Alan's character is fully fleshed out now and it's easy to be connected to him and his decisions
I think the action chapters are also better written in this installment
I also appreciate a villain with substance and we get that in this book as well -
Great third outing in the Angus Donald's Outlaw Chronicles series
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ready it on the first week of my holiday. excellent instalment for Alan Dale.
