Robin Hood 1: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows cover art

Robin Hood 1: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows

Robert Muchamore's Robin Hood, Book 1

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Robin Hood 1: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows

By: Robert Muchamore
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
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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 Action & Adventure Adaptations Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths Fiction Funny Adventure Robbery
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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

Hmmm....

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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.

Adaptation of a classic that works today

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English Author, English reader, English location, English folklore modernisation. Beware the occasional out of place American English word thrown in... because of course it is...

American English used at random

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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 ....

Couldn't wait to hear the next chapter!

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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.

The Start of Another Great Series

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