Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Robber Knight Saga #1

The Robber Knight

Rate this book
When you are fighting for the freedom of your people, falling in love with your enemy is not a great idea.

Sir Reuben, the dreaded robber knight, has long been Ayla’s deadliest enemy. She swore he would hang for his crimes. Now they are both trapped in her castle as the army of a far greater enemy approaches, and they have only one chance: stand together, or fall.
Welcome to "The Robber Knight"—a tale full of action, adventure, and romance.

Special Edition with secret chapters revealed and insights into Sir Reuben’s mysterious past.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2014

61 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read

About the author

Robert Thier

24 books4,671 followers
Robert Thier is a German historian, lover of old books and award-winning writer, whose novels and stories encompass the historical, satirical, and fantastical. For the way he manages to make the past come alive, as if he himself lived as a medieval knight, his inventive fans have given him the nickname “Sir Rob.” All of his stories are characterized by his very own brand of humor that has gained him a diverse readership ranging from teenagers to retired grandmothers.

For Robert, becoming a writer followed naturally from his interest in history. “In Germany,” he says, “we use the same word for story and history. And I've always loved the one as much as the other. Becoming a storyteller, a writer, is what I've always wanted.”

Besides writing and researching in dusty old archives, on the lookout for a mystery to put into his next story, Robert enjoys classical music and long walks in the country. The helmet you see in the picture he does not wear because he is a cycling enthusiast, but to protect his literary skull in which a bone has been missing from birth. Robert lives in the south of Germany in a small village between the three Emperor Mountains.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,165 (58%)
4 stars
515 (26%)
3 stars
216 (10%)
2 stars
49 (2%)
1 star
34 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Didi.
865 reviews283 followers
July 2, 2014
3 STARS

I haven't read medieval romance before, but I liked this one. It was witty, intelligent and full of things I never knew. The story is about Ayla, a princess forced under siege by a ruthless ruler that demands her hand in marriage as well as her land. Ayla's father, the king, is a sick man and no longer able to counter such attacks, so it's up to his 17 year old daughter to protect her land and her virtue.
While preparing to ready the castle and the peasants living off the land, Ayla encounters a robber knight. For anyone unfamiliar with the term as I was, it's a knight who's honor has been compromised and thus robs the innocent. But the knight who Ayla encounters is no Robin Hood, he's the Red Robber Knight, a man feared by all. His legacy precedes him, tales about him run rampant in all the neighboring lands.

Ayla has no idea who he is, but she remembers his blood red battle armor. In the midst of being robbed and trying to alert her people she witnesses a brutal fight among who she perceives as the descending enemy and a man she finds unconscious with 3 arrows in his back. The decision to take him back to the castle for care soon initiates a series of events that change everything, including her feelings for him, the man she found that goes by Reuben.

With an enemy threatening her freedom and the lives of her people, a sick and bed-ridden father, an injured yet mysterious man that claims to be a merchant but knows far too much in battle warfare and a group of people that no next to nothing about readying for war...Ayla is helpless. Or is she? One thing I liked was how mature Ayla was. She didn't sit and fester about her situation, but did everything within her power to protect her land and people. She was stubborn yet listened to reason, gutsy yet cautious and never once did she take the easy way out.
Now this is supposed to be a romance of sorts, set in this medieval time, in what I'm assuming to be Germany? The author obviously has a lot of knowledge that he uses well. Reuben, Ayla's wounded man, is a puzzle to her. We get glimpses of what he was while knowing exactly who he is. His past still remains a mystery for the duration of the book, and he tells Ayla nothing. But these two are falling for each other. Ayla often cares for Reuben herself and soon he becomes her confidant, the person she seeks in need to vent and give advice. She is quick to question how a 'merchant' knows so much but I think she was so desperate to protect her land that she didn't give it too much thought.

Reuben was a difficult character for me. He's strong and intelligent, yes, but I couldn't connect with him, necessarily. The bond that develops between him and Ayla was sweet but where did the feelings and sudden change of heart come from? At first these two were bickering and fighting. Things eased a bit but the romance that developed was sudden and out of place. One minute things are tense, the next, feelings are mentioned. And not just feelings, intense ones. The build up I'm used to wasn't there. This wasn't insta-love, but something close to it that had no viable origin.

There was also almost zero physical contact. Some innocent touching and a chaste kiss, but nothing else. This was not something I'm used to and had it happened over a period of time, say like a friends to lovers scenario, it would make sense. I understand the time period limits physicality but I've read tons of historicals that still exude sexual tension in lack of sexual activity. I guess it didn't feel real for me.
The ending was a major cliffhanger that left things COMPLETELY unresolved. With the book ending like that I felt it dragged a little. All that and we're where we were at the beginning of the book? That's frustrating.

Anyways, this was still an intelligent take on medieval romance but needed some more 'romance', more connection with the reader and more believability. It's possibly better classified as historical fiction with romantic elements. I'm interested in knowing what happens next and how everything plays out. The sequel, The Robber Knight's Love will hopefully answer all my questions and possibly give me more of what I want.

**complementary copy made available by the author for review **
Profile Image for  Danielle The Book Huntress .
2,756 reviews6,650 followers
July 25, 2014

Synopsis

Lady Ayla is threatened with either marriage to the powerful, conquering lord Margrave von Falkenstein or for her lands to be confiscated and her people killed in war. With her father ailing from a long-term degenerative condition, she has assumed command of his lands in his stead. She refuses the Margrave's offer of marriage, knowing that it will mean war, because she realizes giving into him is the wrong decision to make for herself and her people. On a trip through a nearby forest to notify her vassals of her need for men to protect Luntberg Castle and its villagers, she is robbed by the fearsome, dreaded, red-armor-wearing Robber Knight, who dares to take her money, property and her beloved horse, although he spares her life and doesn't harm a hair on her head. Lady Ayla vows to see him caught and hanged.

When Ayla and her steward find a sole-surviving, wounded man in a field of bloody, mutilated bodies, they bring him back to the castle. His name is Reuben, and he claims to be a merchant, but he is really the same Red Knight. If he reveals his identity, he will be hanged as a thief. And he is too weak to flee for his life from his wounds and a subsequent fever and infection. As he is nursed back to health by the beautiful Lady Ayla, his cynicism and overpowering self-interest gives way to love. Can Ayla keep her people safe from a deadly siege, and avoid falling for a man below her station who she believes is not telling her the whole truth about his identity?

Review

The Robber Knight is an entertaining trip back in time to the medieval era. The narrative voice is lively, with subtle humor and vivid characterizations. Reuben is the perfect rogue character, a man who hasn't decided if he wants to take the trouble to be a better man again, until Lady Ayla shows him he is capable of it. Ayla is sweet and determined, a woman of her times. Beneath her ladylike exterior, she has the heart of a lion and a backbone of steel. The secondary characters, such as the old vassal but still capable knight and fighter, Sir Isenbard, are well-developed.

Mr. Thier clearly has a background in medieval history, and a talent for writing a story that is enlightening about the period, but in a very entertaining, readable fashion. The depiction of medieval castle warfare is lifelike and realistic without being overly graphic. The reader learns the ins and outs of protecting a castle against invaders alongside Lady Ayla, and her people, most of whom have lived in a time of peace and whose war skills are limited to non-existent. I cheered along with them as they survived numerous assaults due to the advice of the injured Reuben.

Readers who enjoy romance stories will appreciate the slow build of attraction and feelings between Ayla and Reuben. The author makes the most of their every moment together to show romantic tension and growing love between the characters.

The Robber Knight is a story that will appeal to readers who have interest in the medieval period. It's an edifying read, flows and keeps the reader's interest with engaging characters and a well-paced narrative. This reader recommends it, despite the fact that the cliffhanger ending pricks at one of the biggest pet peeves of mine.

Reviewed for The Hope Chest Reviews: http://www.thcreviews.com/cgi-bin/vts...
Profile Image for Samah M..
51 reviews
January 26, 2016
I read this book on Wattpad and damn it was better than anything I read there. Usually I steer away from the medieval books but thank Satan's hairy ass that i clicked on this story! It was very entertaining to see characters cursing in olden ways. Now I have a very interesting vocab thanks to Sir Reuben.

Lady Ayla is getting ready for war while her father lays on his death bed. While warning villagers she meets a Robber Knight wearing wearing red armor. She later finds a "merchant" in the middle of the forest with three arrows stuck to his back. Not knowing who it is she let's him stay at her castle. And with that seals the fate of two main characters who are like Romeo and Juliet in the sense of forbidden love, except you know, with a war raging on and some very stubborn main characters. If you haven't read this book, read it now. Like, right now. Shoo what are you still doing here?
A loving fan,
Lady Samah
_______________________________________
*EDIT 1/25/2016*
Previous Stars: 5 Now: 3 1/2
Hello, I'm back, I reread this book and reanalyzed it. Now not to say that it's worse, it's just that I'm older now with more writing and reading experience. I still stand by that this is one of the best books on Wattpad (not only because of content but punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc).

However, some of the development was lacking. For instance the romantic relationship between Reuben and Ayla was kind of sudden because they were arguing at the beginning and then suddenly they became quite close and intimate (?). We see a trace of friendship which immediately turned to like like. It's not insta-love but almost close.

Another thing was the ending, it felt too rushed and with no real ending, it was (like an another reader described it) 'unresolved'.

But the background information was correct and really impressive, Thier did his research, and more.
Profile Image for Szinna.
412 reviews12 followers
Read
October 27, 2017
Az eleje szórakoztató volt, bár engem rettentően zavartak a "Hello father." jelegű, az 1240-es évektől nagyon messze álló kifejezések. Aztán ahogy a történet haladt egyre kevésbé élveztem a hős és a hősnő párbeszédeit.
246 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2017

This book started off very well, both funny and interesting with its premise. The humor really engaged me but as the book continues, the comedy was starting to get bland to the point that I wanted the story to progress. However, I soon realized that the author will continue to invalid the hero for more comedy banter (which by 50% of the book the banter became boring instead of funny).

I got to 75% of the story and just gave up. The comedy couldn't keep up with the lack of story progression. Perhaps I started this book with a different mindset but I'd expected at least some foward into the story but there was none at all.

It's not a bad book if all you're looking for is a comedy sitcom. However, if you're looking for story and development, then go elsewhere because there won't be anything susbtantial in that department.

Profile Image for Kristen Stencil.
2 reviews9 followers
June 13, 2014
I usually don't pick up these kinds of books but once I started to read it, I couldn't put it down. It has romance, suspense, humor, and all the components that make it such an AWESOME book! You will have a love these characters throughout the whole book, but at times you will want to jump in the book to slap them over the head! But, all in all was an AMAZING book and will recommend to all my friends!!! :)
Profile Image for r0mAiSs4.
168 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2024
I'm in love I'm in love 😩
What can I say more???
It's robert Thier of COURSE it would be a masterpiece!
Robb? So cocky, love IT!
Ayla? The way she's fighting for her people, the way she's getting stronger, the way I'm loving HER!!
Profile Image for Luisa B.
166 reviews
November 16, 2025
Look away. This is a very trashy comfort series of mine.
Profile Image for R.J. Rodda.
Author 4 books74 followers
December 29, 2018
Tremendously amusing medieval tale of a worthy young woman determined to defend her castle from a vicious foe. Lots of funny banter here and a truly noble heroine (and a less than gallant hero).

Note - I read the Wattpad version.
Profile Image for Samanta  .
194 reviews51 followers
May 3, 2014


I read this book through Wattpad community (http://www.wattpad.com/home) through which Mr. Thier brought his story to the wider audience before publishing the book. It got me hooked from the very beginning. Mr. Thier, as an avid lover of all things Medieval, shows his extensive knowledge and love of the said era. The story is full of various terms from Medival times and are thoroughly explained by the author. It is also a love story featuring hilarious banter between two people so obviously in love but so obviously in denial and all the misunderstandings and doubts that go hand in hand with love. Well, they do say thet the path to true love never runs smoothly. :)
If a mixture of history, adventure and romance is just your cup of tea, give this story a chance. It is highly entertaining and I for one can't wait to see how the story will develop.
Profile Image for Kay J.
379 reviews36 followers
October 28, 2015
I was really pleased with this book, it was entertaining, funny, good action in certain chapters, man the cliff hanger is awesome, can't wait to read the next book. Everything fell in to place with this first novel, I hope the momentum continues.
Profile Image for Nancy.
779 reviews59 followers
November 8, 2016
This was a very good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Aiysha.
187 reviews26 followers
November 21, 2021
I picked this up the other day, not really expecting anything game changing as the plot looked really interesting but the cover is just so off putting. However, the saying ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’ definitely rings true in this scenario as it was surprisingly brilliant.

The main character Ayla is one of all my time favourite leads and the banter between the two main characters (Ayla and Sir Rueben) is hilarious and they are so well written. The storyline and the whole plot is very well done and I learnt so much about military warfare in regards to sieges so it was really interesting.

One negative about this book though is the footnotes, I could have lived without having them at the bottom of each page as it was really annoying and it got in the way of being able to read the book as it always interrupted your immersive experience (it’s the only reason I’m deducting half a point). Other than that an excellent read and I’m exited to read the other books in the series - on kindle though I think only the first two books are released as physical copies.

(Unfortunately I didn’t know at the time but you can read this for free on Wattpad, so if you are wanting to read this, know you can read the trilogy for free on there)
Profile Image for Saffron Mavros.
558 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2021
Every author has a peculiar way of writing, that is characteristic of him and you, as a reader, either love it or abhor it.

From the premise of the story, to the genre, to writing style and everything in between, this series is a stark contrast to the Storm and Silence series. Yet, it is equally riveting, captivating, and one that can keep you hooked till you have turned the last page. But oh wait! Even that's not enough. Because like all good authors conclude a story, Rob Thier never does. He leaves the book on a cliffhanger, leaving you salivating for the next one, and then the next, till you have gone through them all!

The best writer on Wattpad, undoubtedly and one of the best I have ever read!
Profile Image for Tosiomania.
137 reviews
March 4, 2026
4,2⭐️

Some things didn't sit right with me:
-one logical,
-one not so much,
-and I-don't-knowww one.
The logical. I felt in this book like some things repeated but like too much. Same thing not even writ in a diffrent way. Eleanor my horse, oh I adore this horse! And it was like this. At least 9 times.
In a short book like this it's too much. And it's not the only example because I know there was another but forgor.

Not logical, fully because of preferences.
It was too shorttt.
I mean the falling in love.
And always in the same setting.
Like I know you were kinda unable to walk- those 3 arrows, fever bla bla bla but I don't knowww...

And the I-don't-knowww...
I love your writing with explanation why below but that means that the characters- I don't know... I see too many similarities with Storm and Silence so I'll see how it goes because with the very much diffrent setting it might not be a problem but it just slightly, only slightly doesn't sit right with me.

And one of the most imprtants things: I'm never going to come to terms with the choice of the cover.
Just no.
It hurts my eyes.
Respectfully sorry, Sir Rob.

~~~

Ah, but when I said something bad I should add something good. Not from charity I'm giving those stars.

Love the humour. I just love you, Sir Rob for it. Luvvv it. Main reason I love Storm and Silence so much.
And the other?
I loveee historical settings sooo much. And on top of that with more explanations at the end.
Profile Image for Wissame.
87 reviews11 followers
September 27, 2017
This book is quite entertaining . The events are supposed to take place in the middle ages ,but you never feel bored or like you're having a history class. It tells the storry of Lady Ayla a young girl of only seventeen .who after her dad's fallen sick, was leading the fight against a ferocious enemy to save her land and people. But suddenly she meets Ruben .Well, all what I can say :their first encounter wasn't so romantic .....
Profile Image for Al Anoud.
133 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2018
So basically I’ve read this book first in Wattpad when it came out, eagerly waiting for each chapter and anxiously praying Alya will make it and leaving comments every now and then commanding the author to update as soon as possible. I’m really happy and proud for Rob Thier for getting his book published, and I am absolutely ecstatic for how it turned out! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and discover Alya and Rueben’s fate!
Profile Image for Ka'Lynn Paz.
729 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2022
Another amazing book by Sir Rob. This series is the second I have read from his collection and although it's just the beginning I will say I'm very pleased with how it all went. Not that, that's shocking after completely falling in love with his Storm and Silence series.

I will say the progression of events in this book so far felt a bit faster paced then what I was expecting but it was still wonderful to read. I look forward to reading more about Reuben and Ayla.
Profile Image for Lavi.
55 reviews
July 9, 2020
I've read the trilogy 5 times in the last 3 years. I could never get bored of it...it's simply perfectly nd elegantly written. The storyline, the characters, the author's style...everything abt it makes it hard to resist wishing to forget it for the sake of rereading it again as if for the first time.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Goodleigh.
Author 1 book1 follower
August 19, 2021
Read the books first on Wattpad and fell in love with the authors writing style. Witty and satirical, I love how Robert Thier always strides lightly through his books mixing enthralling adventure with belly busting humour and historical accuracy with caricature. I learned so much from this series in terms of history and seige strategies all while being thoroughly entertained.
Profile Image for M.I.
77 reviews
September 25, 2025
I loved it, because when i was younger i read this book on Wattpad, and i decided to try it again. Guess what?! I still love it. Desperate maiden, a handsome albeit a little crazy coocoo knight and a setting of a siege?! Say less, i still eat it up. Robert Thier should start writing again, I will read it with no doubt.
4 reviews
June 5, 2020
This book was one of my first historical fantasies as a young reader on Wattpad. I am so thankful that I found it. The way Robert writes and all the time he puts into detail completely changed my mindset about books, writers and reading.
I love his books even more than chocolate.
Profile Image for Aulia  Indar Khatami.
54 reviews
June 24, 2020
Sir rob.... Always has interesting stories to tell. I have zero knowledge about medieval age before so i don't know anything about it but sir rob surely has done his research because he has everything to tell. As always, the plot is slow but that's one of the things i love from his books.
Profile Image for Piroska.
399 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2020
I enjoyed the story, the background of the knight seemed mysterious enough, it was fun and light - up until it was war and gore. Ayla is not the brightest bulb but there were enough sidekicks to make it a fun read.
Profile Image for Afsara.
66 reviews
January 7, 2022
An interesting historical novel that balances the points of view of both the female and male protagonists. Has humour, battles, lots of relevant terminology and best of all a realistic timeline for the romance that unfolds.
7 reviews
February 25, 2025
Pure vibes and nostalgia. Takes me back to my Wattpad days when I really thought it was the pinnacle of writing. Holds up pretty well tbh if you overlook some aspects. The war scenes are pretty well written but the romantic angle is rushed and needs to be fleshed out wayyyyy better
Profile Image for Joy Nelson.
Author 1 book1 follower
May 25, 2017
This book is funny and dramatic at the same time. Reuben is lovably cantankerous, Ayla is adorably (albeit sometimes unbelievably) innocent, and the result is a thrilling adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews

Join the discussion