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The Forest Lord #3.2
The Prisoner
When two lawmen - fabled former outlaws themselves - are sent to a snowy English village to arrest a rapist it seems a straightforward task, but is all as it first appears?
England 1325 AD
As Robin Hood and Little John take the criminal into custody they find the people of Stapleford accommodating enough and the terrified victim's bruises are plainly visible. Inevitably, as they set off on the journey back to Nottingham the lawmen's disgust at the captive's crime colours their opinion of him and Little John has to be restrained from brutally assaulting the man.
The harsh winter conditions slow their progress though, and eventually the prisoner's protestations and desperate violent actions have the lawmen questioning what's really been happening in Stapleford...
Can Robin and John complete the mission they've been given, or will their own innate sense of justice lead them down an unexpected path?
Fans of the bestselling Forest Lord series will love this exciting new stand-alone tale, set just before Blood of the Wolf, that explores the themes of morality and justice in medieval England.
England 1325 AD
As Robin Hood and Little John take the criminal into custody they find the people of Stapleford accommodating enough and the terrified victim's bruises are plainly visible. Inevitably, as they set off on the journey back to Nottingham the lawmen's disgust at the captive's crime colours their opinion of him and Little John has to be restrained from brutally assaulting the man.
The harsh winter conditions slow their progress though, and eventually the prisoner's protestations and desperate violent actions have the lawmen questioning what's really been happening in Stapleford...
Can Robin and John complete the mission they've been given, or will their own innate sense of justice lead them down an unexpected path?
Fans of the bestselling Forest Lord series will love this exciting new stand-alone tale, set just before Blood of the Wolf, that explores the themes of morality and justice in medieval England.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
27 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2016
75 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Steven A. McKay
52 books446 followersI was born in 1977, near Glasgow in Scotland and live in Old Kilpatrick with my wife and two young children. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree I decided to follow my life-long ambition and write a novel. The Forest Lord series now has four novels, and various short spin-off tales.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 29, 2017
A good short story taking place in between book 3 and 4 of the Forest Lord series. Not as action packed as the other stories, but it is always good to have a story where justice is served.
It seems like a simple enough job for Robin and Little John. Transport a prisoner to sheriff for sentencing. However a desperate man with nothing to lose is will go to any lengths to escape. Also there might be more to one side of the story.
It seems like a simple enough job for Robin and Little John. Transport a prisoner to sheriff for sentencing. However a desperate man with nothing to lose is will go to any lengths to escape. Also there might be more to one side of the story.
February 11, 2020
Steven A. McKay’s short story, The Prisoner, has Robin and Little John as lawman for the Sheriff of Nottingham (now-that is a change.) collecting a criminal to return him to the sheriff and justice. Justice prevails, but not as one would think. Enjoyable! 4 stars.
December 22, 2016
The Prisoner is a short story in the absolutely brilliant Forest Lord series by Steven A. McKay which brings fresh life to the tale of Robin Hood.
This short is 27 pages long which isn’t much but you get a good little story for your 99p.
If like me you’ve read the rest of the Forest Lord series you’ll be needing a fix of McKay right about now and this does the job nicely.
What I really enjoyed about this tale is once again how the author manages to give an ending I didn’t see coming. You really never know with McKay what twists and turns he’s going to throw at you.
For me the story ticks all the right boxes for a short tale. If you’re familiar with the series you’ll love being back, and if you’ve not read the series yet this would a be a great insight to McKay’s Robin.. you can’t go wrong for 99p in my opinion.
This isn’t a Christmas tale but it does have an ending which can bring a smile to your face and give you a bit of joy which is exactly what you need at this time of year. Justice will be served.
Everyone is busy with the holiday season so this is the perfect tale for you, it’s not a big commitment and it’s got a strong story which builds on the series and characters we've grown to love
Top notch for a short story
This short is 27 pages long which isn’t much but you get a good little story for your 99p.
If like me you’ve read the rest of the Forest Lord series you’ll be needing a fix of McKay right about now and this does the job nicely.
What I really enjoyed about this tale is once again how the author manages to give an ending I didn’t see coming. You really never know with McKay what twists and turns he’s going to throw at you.
For me the story ticks all the right boxes for a short tale. If you’re familiar with the series you’ll love being back, and if you’ve not read the series yet this would a be a great insight to McKay’s Robin.. you can’t go wrong for 99p in my opinion.
This isn’t a Christmas tale but it does have an ending which can bring a smile to your face and give you a bit of joy which is exactly what you need at this time of year. Justice will be served.
Everyone is busy with the holiday season so this is the perfect tale for you, it’s not a big commitment and it’s got a strong story which builds on the series and characters we've grown to love
Top notch for a short story
December 23, 2016
A great mini adventure perfect for a midwinter's quick read.
I'd just finished reading Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil" by Steven A McKay as a Xmas treat only to see there was a new novella released.
Concentrating on just Robin and John sent on a wintery Last Detail-esque mission to bring a captured rapist back to Nottingham.
I like Steven's writing style and in particular, his tone: grown up and gritty but not unpleasant and with a black vein of humour.
Read it. Love it. Read it again 5/5 stars
I'd just finished reading Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil" by Steven A McKay as a Xmas treat only to see there was a new novella released.
Concentrating on just Robin and John sent on a wintery Last Detail-esque mission to bring a captured rapist back to Nottingham.
I like Steven's writing style and in particular, his tone: grown up and gritty but not unpleasant and with a black vein of humour.
Read it. Love it. Read it again 5/5 stars
April 16, 2023
A short story set between Books 3 and 4 of The Forest Lord series that sees Robin Hood and Little John picking up a prisoner who has committed heinous crimes to be sent to Nottingham to be sentenced by de Faucumberg, whom Robin and John are now working for, however all may not be as it seems. This was an enjoyable tale and whilst it could be argued as “less action packed” than other stories it was a highly enjoyable read for a fan of the series.
March 9, 2021
Succinct but highly enjoyable
Steven A. McKay's stories are immersive, mostly historically accurate, believable and entertaining. His Robin Hood books are well worth reading, and they gallop along just as quickly as this short tale. My favourite, by far, are his warrior Druid books, don't miss out on reading those, you will not be disappointed.
Steven A. McKay's stories are immersive, mostly historically accurate, believable and entertaining. His Robin Hood books are well worth reading, and they gallop along just as quickly as this short tale. My favourite, by far, are his warrior Druid books, don't miss out on reading those, you will not be disappointed.
December 7, 2018
Habiendo leído la saga principal y algunas entregas cortas, es agradable volver a leer a Robin. El desenlace se me hizo bastante predecible, las pistas eran demasiado claras, pero no por eso me dejó un sabor amargo. El autor sabe contar y eso es lo que importa.
May 8, 2019
Excellent Story
The most important thing I can day is that it was way too short and left a visceral craving for more! Wonderful story about Robin Hood and Little John after their outlaw days!
The most important thing I can day is that it was way too short and left a visceral craving for more! Wonderful story about Robin Hood and Little John after their outlaw days!
December 28, 2020
Excellent Read
I gave 5 stars because it was a simple enough tale, that was easy to follow.
Could have been part of a series of adventures featuring Robin Hood and Little John.
Now that I have read this book will look for more books by Steven A. McKay.
I gave 5 stars because it was a simple enough tale, that was easy to follow.
Could have been part of a series of adventures featuring Robin Hood and Little John.
Now that I have read this book will look for more books by Steven A. McKay.
November 11, 2017
A decent story.
Not bad for such a s short read. Would be better if had a little more background and a little more description.
Not bad for such a s short read. Would be better if had a little more background and a little more description.
March 19, 2018
Justice is served
I love a good short story, especially where justice is served. I still love Robin and his merry men/man. Keep them coming.
I love a good short story, especially where justice is served. I still love Robin and his merry men/man. Keep them coming.
April 20, 2019
Great short!
If you liked his full length series with Robin and John Little then you will enjoy this story as well.👍
If you liked his full length series with Robin and John Little then you will enjoy this story as well.👍
July 28, 2019
Too short
Nice but to short. Like to know how these characters lives were before an after being outlaws. Just a little more adventure.
Nice but to short. Like to know how these characters lives were before an after being outlaws. Just a little more adventure.
August 3, 2019
Enjoyable series!
I really enjoyed this book! This book has great action and historical information! Great writer and the view point and time line of the period as awesome!
I really enjoyed this book! This book has great action and historical information! Great writer and the view point and time line of the period as awesome!
October 19, 2021
This is a short story that has all the info you need to really enjoy it.
November 9, 2025
A cozy medieval crime story perfect for a wintery day!
February 6, 2017
This is a great short novella which Steven A. McKay has written as an interim mini-adventure for his loyal fans waiting for the next installment of the Forest Lord series.
In this novella set in the winter of 1325 AD, the former outlaws Little John and Robin have been already pardoned and are now employed by the Sheriff as lawmen.
They have been sent to a village to arrest a rapist which should have been a straightforward task, but turned out to be an adventure with a great twist in the end.
I have enjoyed this and finished the short book in one sitting during a train journey.
It warmed my appetite for the upcoming book in the Forest Lord series which I cannot recommend enough.
Although you can read this book standalone, it can best enjoyed if you have read the first 3 books in the Forest Lord series and before the final 4th book.
5 stars! Keep them coming Steven :)
In this novella set in the winter of 1325 AD, the former outlaws Little John and Robin have been already pardoned and are now employed by the Sheriff as lawmen.
They have been sent to a village to arrest a rapist which should have been a straightforward task, but turned out to be an adventure with a great twist in the end.
I have enjoyed this and finished the short book in one sitting during a train journey.
It warmed my appetite for the upcoming book in the Forest Lord series which I cannot recommend enough.
Although you can read this book standalone, it can best enjoyed if you have read the first 3 books in the Forest Lord series and before the final 4th book.
5 stars! Keep them coming Steven :)
March 12, 2017
I was in need of a quick historical read, and this is what I got with The Prisoner: A Forest Lord Novelette. With a fast plot, engaging characters and an unexpected twist, this little story is just the right length for a coffee break.
Despite being short in length, this book is big on action, with engaging protagonists and a suitably horrible antagonist. Now that I have had a little taste of this author's works, I cannot wait to read more!
Despite being short in length, this book is big on action, with engaging protagonists and a suitably horrible antagonist. Now that I have had a little taste of this author's works, I cannot wait to read more!
January 1, 2017
Wonderful short story about Robin and Little John for the author of the great Forest Lord series.
February 18, 2017
I received this novelette for free for an honest opinion. This did not influence my review.
I read all previous books and novellas of McKay and was looking forward to this one as well. The gist is that Robin and Little John should arrest a rapist and bring him to justice. Unfortunately, not everything is like it seems. I think the novelette has a nice, solid story which fits in nicely with the author's other writings. It helped me to relax after work, but was a little predictable. Still, I love the style and even on 24 pages, McKay manages to draw the reader into his world.
I read all previous books and novellas of McKay and was looking forward to this one as well. The gist is that Robin and Little John should arrest a rapist and bring him to justice. Unfortunately, not everything is like it seems. I think the novelette has a nice, solid story which fits in nicely with the author's other writings. It helped me to relax after work, but was a little predictable. Still, I love the style and even on 24 pages, McKay manages to draw the reader into his world.
February 7, 2017
Really good, solid short story involving Robin and Little John. Well worth a read.
January 12, 2017
I just had the privilege to read this short story and it was in my view the best of the Forest Lord Novelettes, I loved that Justice was served to the right person and not the wrong one. I to my amusement I started to like the Sheriff of Nottingham himself, the Hemlock Stone was also to mentioned which until recently never knew existed and I would have thought it was made up by Steven had I not seen it on an episode of Treasure Hunt.
December 25, 2025
Who Speaks The Truth?
A short story full of adventure and lies. But who speaks the truth and who lies? That’s what Robin and Little John will learn. Have fun with this quick read,
A short story full of adventure and lies. But who speaks the truth and who lies? That’s what Robin and Little John will learn. Have fun with this quick read,
January 5, 2017
This is a lovely little tale from Steven A McKay
Review: https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
Review: https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
February 7, 2017
A good short story that was fairly predictable.
March 29, 2017
Another Fun Read From The Author Of The Forest Lord Series
Alas Mr. McKay has completed his very satisfying Forest Lord Series but has gifted his readers a brief but enjoyable journey back into the world of early 14th century England and his (our) hero Robin Hood.
The author does again what he does so well in creating a rich and vibrant atmosphere of historical realism and timeless wonder. Whether it be in short story or novel format, McKay leaves the reader wanting more and The Prisoner is no exception. If you have not yet read his Forest Lord series and his novellas interdispersed within the series timeline such as Friar Tuck And The Christmas Devil, you are denying yourself quite a treat! Highly recommended!
Alas Mr. McKay has completed his very satisfying Forest Lord Series but has gifted his readers a brief but enjoyable journey back into the world of early 14th century England and his (our) hero Robin Hood.
The author does again what he does so well in creating a rich and vibrant atmosphere of historical realism and timeless wonder. Whether it be in short story or novel format, McKay leaves the reader wanting more and The Prisoner is no exception. If you have not yet read his Forest Lord series and his novellas interdispersed within the series timeline such as Friar Tuck And The Christmas Devil, you are denying yourself quite a treat! Highly recommended!
April 6, 2017
Enjoyable
Short but enjoyable and glad to be able to have another Robin Hood tale with Big John. More please as I have read the Wolf series.
Short but enjoyable and glad to be able to have another Robin Hood tale with Big John. More please as I have read the Wolf series.
May 3, 2017
Quick read, enjoyable treat. Full of tasty details, the author offers a pleasant tale with familiar characters and spiced with an interesting plot. Enjoyed this tidbit.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews