Scan barcode
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.
sammystarbuck's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyable... as good as the first book in the series. In this book, Alan follows robin to the Holy Land to fight with King Richard in the crusades.
It's every bit as brutal as the first book, and a word of warning: Donald doesn't feel shy about killing off characters.
I'm straight off to read book 3!
Also, "God’s great bleeding arse grapes!" may well be my new favourite exclamation. I know it's puerile, but there were literal tears of laughter here...
It's every bit as brutal as the first book, and a word of warning: Donald doesn't feel shy about killing off characters.
I'm straight off to read book 3!
Also, "God’s great bleeding arse grapes!" may well be my new favourite exclamation. I know it's puerile, but there were literal tears of laughter here...
speesh's review against another edition
4.0
A powerful, provocative and thought-provoking read, this is the second installment in Angus Donald's re-interpretation of the Robin Hood myth.
Even though you are prepared for this not being your usual Robin Hood story, Angus Donald still keeps you gripped and surprises you at nearly every turn. Mainly, I'd say, because like the first in the series, 'Outlaw', whilst of course headlined as a Robin Hood story, it was in reality more about the tale of Alan Dale, than of Robin Hood.
'Holy Warrior' is the same and more so.
Angus Donald's Robin Hood is a dark and fairly mysterious presence, often in the background of the story. When taking the lead, he is an interesting enigma; a pragmatic, powerful figure, an idealist, but also a realist. Happily for me though, he is still the pagan Robin from 'Outlaw'. He hasn't a lot of time or patience for Alan's 'new' Christian preaching, preferring I thought, to steer his own course through his own beliefs and ideals. Here, he seems to be what I hope I interpret correctly; a coalescence of the pagan history, legends and folk heroes of old Britain (older than 'England'), an honourable man, of and for the people.
It's a harsh book in some ways. The first one I thought, was necessarily harsh in its description of Robin Hood and his earthy, matter-of-fact paganism. Some incidents which, for me, were integral in both separating this Robin Hood from the one we think we knew (thanks to tradition, Hollywood and the Nottingham tourist people) and emphasising the fact that the Robin Hood legend has developed out of a strong, much more ancient British pagan tradition - encompassing, amongst other traditions, the Green Man - was not to everyone's taste. And those who found a certain 'sex' scene too much in book one, will certainly find plenty to enjoy being shocked about here. Better stay indoors with your Mills & Boon 'histories' the rest of your life then, because this is how it was. Not always as nice as Errol Flynn would have you believe.
But, as I've said before, this is really the story of - and of course, by - Alan Dale. Alan worships the ground Robin walks on, especially you could say - as Alan is a good God-fearing Christian - when they reach The Holy Land. But, as Robin confuses, insults, disappoints and angers Alan on a regular basis, the hero worship is often also against Alan's better judgement. He cannot leave him, though he sometimes wishes he could.
We learn more about Robin and what he believes in, partly because he is taken away from his comfort zone of England and Sherwood. The story roams through the Mediterranean, from the Norman stronghold of Scicily, to Cyprus and on to The Holy Land with The Third Crusade. Robin and his band of men are at the beck and call of King Richard, in repayment of a debt and clearly against his better judgement. But who is using who? It seems that Robin has his own agenda to follow out in The Holy Land. And it is, shall we say, more about pennies, than pennitence.
There is no way Robin is the title's 'Holy Warrior'. Maybe Richard is and Alan would probably like to think he is.
Whilst the next book in the series is called 'The King's Man', I would say that title actually was more relevant here, as a reference to Alan's relation to Robin. Robin is the 'king' of Alan's world and Alan is, though he might frequently say he wishes it wasn't so, is always going to be his man.
Looking forward to the next one. Ooh! I just downloaded it!
Even though you are prepared for this not being your usual Robin Hood story, Angus Donald still keeps you gripped and surprises you at nearly every turn. Mainly, I'd say, because like the first in the series, 'Outlaw', whilst of course headlined as a Robin Hood story, it was in reality more about the tale of Alan Dale, than of Robin Hood.
'Holy Warrior' is the same and more so.
Angus Donald's Robin Hood is a dark and fairly mysterious presence, often in the background of the story. When taking the lead, he is an interesting enigma; a pragmatic, powerful figure, an idealist, but also a realist. Happily for me though, he is still the pagan Robin from 'Outlaw'. He hasn't a lot of time or patience for Alan's 'new' Christian preaching, preferring I thought, to steer his own course through his own beliefs and ideals. Here, he seems to be what I hope I interpret correctly; a coalescence of the pagan history, legends and folk heroes of old Britain (older than 'England'), an honourable man, of and for the people.
It's a harsh book in some ways. The first one I thought, was necessarily harsh in its description of Robin Hood and his earthy, matter-of-fact paganism. Some incidents which, for me, were integral in both separating this Robin Hood from the one we think we knew (thanks to tradition, Hollywood and the Nottingham tourist people) and emphasising the fact that the Robin Hood legend has developed out of a strong, much more ancient British pagan tradition - encompassing, amongst other traditions, the Green Man - was not to everyone's taste. And those who found a certain 'sex' scene too much in book one, will certainly find plenty to enjoy being shocked about here. Better stay indoors with your Mills & Boon 'histories' the rest of your life then, because this is how it was. Not always as nice as Errol Flynn would have you believe.
But, as I've said before, this is really the story of - and of course, by - Alan Dale. Alan worships the ground Robin walks on, especially you could say - as Alan is a good God-fearing Christian - when they reach The Holy Land. But, as Robin confuses, insults, disappoints and angers Alan on a regular basis, the hero worship is often also against Alan's better judgement. He cannot leave him, though he sometimes wishes he could.
We learn more about Robin and what he believes in, partly because he is taken away from his comfort zone of England and Sherwood. The story roams through the Mediterranean, from the Norman stronghold of Scicily, to Cyprus and on to The Holy Land with The Third Crusade. Robin and his band of men are at the beck and call of King Richard, in repayment of a debt and clearly against his better judgement. But who is using who? It seems that Robin has his own agenda to follow out in The Holy Land. And it is, shall we say, more about pennies, than pennitence.
There is no way Robin is the title's 'Holy Warrior'. Maybe Richard is and Alan would probably like to think he is.
Whilst the next book in the series is called 'The King's Man', I would say that title actually was more relevant here, as a reference to Alan's relation to Robin. Robin is the 'king' of Alan's world and Alan is, though he might frequently say he wishes it wasn't so, is always going to be his man.
Looking forward to the next one. Ooh! I just downloaded it!
chrudos's review against another edition
4.0
Outlaw series finally delivers! It presents quite a refreshing angle on events described in [b:Lionheart|10437680|Lionheart|Sharon Kay Penman|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1322869392s/10437680.jpg|15342248]. It introduces many interesting details from the lives of different classes and ethnicities, throughout England, France, Sicily, and Holy Land. It is a bit funny if I think about it - in the first book I had a feeling that watching movies about Robin Hood presented me with lots of spoilers. In this book, the situation was a bit similar because of my reading of Lionheart. Yet, it did not bother me much in this book. This series definitely shows quite a bit of promise.
bricin's review against another edition
3.0
Solid series. Just sit back and enjoy and don't worry too much about the details.
bilinski68's review against another edition
3.0
Very good. Interesting characters and good historical fiction. Will definitely read the next one in the series.
More...