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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
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What listeners say about Wolf's Head

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Once you start, you cannot stop.

If you could sum up Wolf's Head in three words, what would they be?

Plausible, gripping, unputdownable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wolf's Head?

Some sad moments, and some very happy ones, I don't want to spoil it for anyone contemplating this book. i actually had a laugh out loud and a little sob.

Have you listened to any of Nick Ellsworth’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I have heard Nick Ellsworth, but he is certainly one of the narrators that will swing my decision to buy. He reads with perfect balance. No hammy overacting, or dreadful foreign accent impersonations, but gets the story told with conviction.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish I could have listened in one sitting, I was kept awake until the early hours for three nights, listening to,"just one more chapter."

Any additional comments?

This is a first for me into this era. I was totally impressed with the authors ability to put me at the scene, so to speak, it says a lot for the research put into it.I really felt for the characters, and the injustices that put them into their situation. There are characters I would like to play bigger parts, maybe in the next book? As far as I am concerned this book has the perfect balance of intrigue and action, and my enjoyment was completed with the superb narration. Left me wanting more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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
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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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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
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Vivid, immersive and completely enthralling

A brilliantly written tale full of flawed, believable characters packed with exciting, action-packed sequences and set in a richly drawn depiction of medieval England.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    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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    5 out of 5 stars
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A more traditional 'Robin' Tale.

I love Robin Hood. Always have done.

This will be the third set of novels that I've ventured to read / listen to.

Having devoured Angus Donald's Outlaw Chronicles between circa 2013 - 2016 I thought I'd give the genre another go.

I shan't go into too much detail as I hate spoilers, but this is a superb novel starting with Robin as an escapee from the cruel law & finding himself in Barnsdale Forest as a Wolfs head.

The tale is very well written & moves away from the "Earl of Locksley" angle used by Mr Donald.

I struggled a bit with the narrator early on but became used to him after a few chapters. I thoroughly enjoyed Steven A Mckay's first effort & look forward to listening to the rest of the series.

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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

great narration

great story, very well told by the narrator who brought the characters to life with a variety of accents and voices.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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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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3 people found this helpful