Amusing

A light reworking of Robin of Locksley. Aimed at YA audience. Adaptation to modern Britain makes it interesting.

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Another Muchamore classic for kids and adults

Firstly, I need to start with the fact that I'm a massive Cherub fan. I can't wait for my lad to be old enough to read it for the first time.

Secondly, I'm from Nottingham so I need to make a few amendments to the truth of the story.

Less trees
More knifes
Less guns
More gangs
Less children who have cool hobbies like Archery!

Great listen.

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1 person found this helpful

What an amazing series!

This book was fantastic and I fully engaged in the saga. I would highly recommended.

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Hmmm....

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

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1 person found this helpful

American English used at random

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...

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Adaptation of a classic that works today

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.

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3 people found this helpful

The Start of Another Great Series

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.

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Another fantastic read

Another fantastic book by Muchamore. Found this while adding the Cherub series to my library and thought I'd give it a go until my next set of credits come in. Great story and character adaptation, with twists and turns likely to throw you off before turning back to carry you along. Good use of chapter names and short but concise chapter times that allow 4-5 pages listen before bed instead of getting halfway through a chapter to leave it overnight.

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I loved reading it and listening to it as well !!

It was really great and I love the story line robert muchanmore is such a great writer

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Nice modern spin on a traditional tale.

We enjoyed this. Good characters. Well paced. Good audiobook production. Good for older kids.

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