Monday, May 25, 2020

Olde Robin Hood: an enjoyable take on the Robin Hood legend


Olde Robin Hood by Kate Danley is an origin story for the famous Robin Hood. From his start as a simple farmer who is skilled with a bow and arrow. After a run-in with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin hides in the “haunted” Sherwood Forest where he is guided by the birds and animals. He finds Little John, another man on the run from the Sheriff, and together they form a plot to seek revenge on the Sheriff and his men while helping others who cannot fight against him. Soon his cousin, Will Scarlocke, aka Will Scarlett, joins them in their plan and word begins to spread about the heroics of Robin Hood who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Robin finds himself enemy number one with the Sheriff and his right-hand man, Sir Guy of Gisborne. With the help of Sir Richard and his niece, the Maid Marian, Robin sets out to rid Nottingham of the evil Sheriff once and for all.


I love books based on the Robin Hood legend. I was intrigued when I found Kate Danley’s version. Based on the original medieval ballads, Ms. Danley weaves an adventure story worthy of Robin Hood. I also enjoyed that she incorporated the pagan tradition of the Green Man legend into her story. While I enjoyed reading Olde Robin Hood, my only compliant is that the final battle with the Sheriff was over far too quickly. With such a buildup, I expected more of a confrontation between the two men. Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about Robin Hood and his fight about the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Olde Robin Hood
is available in paperback and eBook

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