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Wolf's Head cover art

Wolf's Head

By: Steven A. McKay
Narrated by: Nick Ellsworth
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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

What listeners say about Wolf's Head

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  • Overall
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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!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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