tezzarudge's review
4.0
Holy Warrior is the second instalment of "The Outlaw Chronicles"
I rated this 4 stars, as with book 1, but on my broken down scoring system this book was bang on 4 and an increase from 3.8 in the previous outing
The best aspect of this book is the MC, Alan is really coming into his own and is no longer a man being led by a "hero" but a man with his own views, morals and emotions. I enjoy the complexity he has with Robin and the way the story makes Alan assess his own beliefs on what is right and wrong.
Enjoying the series
I rated this 4 stars, as with book 1, but on my broken down scoring system this book was bang on 4 and an increase from 3.8 in the previous outing
The best aspect of this book is the MC, Alan is really coming into his own and is no longer a man being led by a "hero" but a man with his own views, morals and emotions. I enjoy the complexity he has with Robin and the way the story makes Alan assess his own beliefs on what is right and wrong.
Enjoying the series
laureel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
loxleyhall's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
‘It is simply a matter of loyalty.’
This is the second novel in a projected five part series called the Outlaw Chronicles: about the legendary Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The story is told from the perspective of Alan Dale, a troubadour and warrior, a member of the band, who is now nearing the end of his life.
In this novel, Robin and his band, (including Alan) are preparing to join King Richard I as part of the Third Crusade which will attempt to retake the Holy Land from Saladin. As the story opens, Alan and Robin travel to York on private business and are present during the infamous Jewish massacre in March 1190. During their travels, which include the sacking of Messina, fighting on Cyprus and then the siege of Acre, Robin becomes the target of an assassination attempt, and Alan tries to track down who is responsible. Robin has other concerns as well: his wife has had a baby, and Alan himself falls in love.
Through the eyes of the young Alan Dale, we see Richard the Lionheart’s participation in the Third Crusade – up to the battle of Arsuf in 1191. It’s an interesting interpretation of the Robin Hood legend, and if Angus Donald’s Robin is not quite the flawless hero I’d imagined throughout childhood, his participation in the Third Crusade makes an interesting read. As Angus Donald writes in his historical note: ‘- but it is the author’s prerogative to place his fictional heroes at the centre of any historical catastrophe and have them emerge more or less unscathed.’
Angus Donald’s Robin Hood is quite ruthless, and not always likeable. Alan Dale makes an interesting observer, with both lives woven around the history of the times. This is an action-filled work of fiction, set in turbulent times. I picked up this novel because of it is about the Third Crusade: I wasn’t initially aware that it is part of a series. I’ll be reading ‘Outlaw’ the first book in the series shortly, and then the third book ‘King’s Man’: I want to read more about Angus Donald’s portrayal of Robin Hood and Alan Dale.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
This is the second novel in a projected five part series called the Outlaw Chronicles: about the legendary Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The story is told from the perspective of Alan Dale, a troubadour and warrior, a member of the band, who is now nearing the end of his life.
In this novel, Robin and his band, (including Alan) are preparing to join King Richard I as part of the Third Crusade which will attempt to retake the Holy Land from Saladin. As the story opens, Alan and Robin travel to York on private business and are present during the infamous Jewish massacre in March 1190. During their travels, which include the sacking of Messina, fighting on Cyprus and then the siege of Acre, Robin becomes the target of an assassination attempt, and Alan tries to track down who is responsible. Robin has other concerns as well: his wife has had a baby, and Alan himself falls in love.
Through the eyes of the young Alan Dale, we see Richard the Lionheart’s participation in the Third Crusade – up to the battle of Arsuf in 1191. It’s an interesting interpretation of the Robin Hood legend, and if Angus Donald’s Robin is not quite the flawless hero I’d imagined throughout childhood, his participation in the Third Crusade makes an interesting read. As Angus Donald writes in his historical note: ‘- but it is the author’s prerogative to place his fictional heroes at the centre of any historical catastrophe and have them emerge more or less unscathed.’
Angus Donald’s Robin Hood is quite ruthless, and not always likeable. Alan Dale makes an interesting observer, with both lives woven around the history of the times. This is an action-filled work of fiction, set in turbulent times. I picked up this novel because of it is about the Third Crusade: I wasn’t initially aware that it is part of a series. I’ll be reading ‘Outlaw’ the first book in the series shortly, and then the third book ‘King’s Man’: I want to read more about Angus Donald’s portrayal of Robin Hood and Alan Dale.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
dinoparker's review against another edition
4.0
Robin Hood meets the crusaders! A tale of religious fervor, outlaws, religious fanaticism, murderers and Knights, and overall great adventure. The narrative style was particularly entertaining. Though not necessarily intellectually challenging, it's a fun novel to read. Fast-paced too.
urlphantomhive's review against another edition
3.0
READ IN DUTCH
The sequel in this Robin Hood-series, which is showing me a side of Robin Hood I didn't know. (I have to admit that around my place, it isn't really well known in the first place, other than just 'Stealing from the rich, giving to the poor'). I had won the first book as a preread an thought it to be interesting enough to get myself to the local library and get my hands on this second book as well.
And, it is in line with the first book. Even though Alan looses some of his faith, most of the book is about rough life and fighting. Which can be enjoyable every once in a while. It's not your psychologically deep novel, but to be honest, did you expect that after reading the title?
The sequel in this Robin Hood-series, which is showing me a side of Robin Hood I didn't know. (I have to admit that around my place, it isn't really well known in the first place, other than just 'Stealing from the rich, giving to the poor'). I had won the first book as a preread an thought it to be interesting enough to get myself to the local library and get my hands on this second book as well.
And, it is in line with the first book. Even though Alan looses some of his faith, most of the book is about rough life and fighting. Which can be enjoyable every once in a while. It's not your psychologically deep novel, but to be honest, did you expect that after reading the title?
historynerd0909's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
neilsef's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
In this book, Robin, his men and the tale's narrator, Alan Dale are headed for the Holy Land as they join King Richard on the Third Crusade.
The tale is split between adventures in England, their journey to the Holy Land, and events when they arrive and head for Jerusalem.
As with the first book, the characters are all richly brought to life, some are lovable, some you will hate, while others will have you conflicted.
Again the action and events are portrayed in a realistic and brutal manner and the narrative pulls no punches.
Possible Mild Spoliers
The description of Nur when she last saw Alan has haunted me since I read it, which together with Sir Richard At Lea's last meeting with Robin are powerful emotional moments which just strike home.
An excellent continuation of the series which leaves you wanting more.
The tale is split between adventures in England, their journey to the Holy Land, and events when they arrive and head for Jerusalem.
As with the first book, the characters are all richly brought to life, some are lovable, some you will hate, while others will have you conflicted.
Again the action and events are portrayed in a realistic and brutal manner and the narrative pulls no punches.
Possible Mild Spoliers
The description of Nur when she last saw Alan has haunted me since I read it, which together with Sir Richard At Lea's last meeting with Robin are powerful emotional moments which just strike home.
An excellent continuation of the series which leaves you wanting more.
garlandpubliclibrary's review against another edition
4.0
The second book in the series and it did not dispappoint. I am a fan of Robin Hood and this series is great. I must say, this series is not for the faint of heart. There is gore and sexual situations. If you are sensitive to such things I would not revommend it. if not, you should read these. The story telling is amazing and it is so exciting and full of adventure! If you are looking for an action packed adventure, you should give this series a try.