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The Forest Lord #4.1
The Abbey of Death
He wanted to find peace in prayer, but some men serve God best with a sword in their hand.
Will Scaflock wants only to live in peace. He had more than his share of adventure when he went by the name Will Scarlet and fought corrupt authority alongside Robin Hood. Now widowed and alone, and estranged from his adult daughter, he has taken holy orders and sought refuge in a remote Benedictine abbey.
But even there, trouble and violence follow him. The abbot, John de Wystow, is a good man but a weak leader, and easily undermined by a faction of dissident monks. When the rebels, led by Brother Robert de Flexburgh, run riot in the local community—stealing, drinking, fornicating—Scaflock’s old instincts return. Reluctantly taking charge of the abbey’s moral defence, he finds himself embroiled in a series of fierce clashes with de Flexburgh’s rowdy gang.
As the abbey’s tranquillity is shattered, its cloisters stained with blood, Scaflock is forced to reconsider the direction of his life. Has he really left Will Scarlet behind him—or has he simply been running from reality?
Will Scaflock wants only to live in peace. He had more than his share of adventure when he went by the name Will Scarlet and fought corrupt authority alongside Robin Hood. Now widowed and alone, and estranged from his adult daughter, he has taken holy orders and sought refuge in a remote Benedictine abbey.
But even there, trouble and violence follow him. The abbot, John de Wystow, is a good man but a weak leader, and easily undermined by a faction of dissident monks. When the rebels, led by Brother Robert de Flexburgh, run riot in the local community—stealing, drinking, fornicating—Scaflock’s old instincts return. Reluctantly taking charge of the abbey’s moral defence, he finds himself embroiled in a series of fierce clashes with de Flexburgh’s rowdy gang.
As the abbey’s tranquillity is shattered, its cloisters stained with blood, Scaflock is forced to reconsider the direction of his life. Has he really left Will Scarlet behind him—or has he simply been running from reality?
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2017
49 people are currently reading
76 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 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 20, 2017
A great short story. Ok I will freely admit to being a little biased as Will Scarlet was my favorite character from the Forest Lord series. This story does him justice.
This is set a decade or more after the Blood of the Wolf. An older Will Scarlet has joined the friars. A monk. This is not surprising as a number of soldiers and people in their mature years find religion. However a number of the other “brothers” are not the best role models, causing the short fused Will to question his choice, and when his friends are in danger to resurrect his legendary past.
As great short action packed story and a fitting farewell to one of the beloved rogues of the great series. As usual Steven captures the era brutality and attitudes of the era perfectly. Also I like the way Will is feeling his age more, this adds a some more realism to the story. Keep reading to the end of the acknowledgements to see where some of the inspiration of the story came from. A must have ending to the Forest Lord.
This is set a decade or more after the Blood of the Wolf. An older Will Scarlet has joined the friars. A monk. This is not surprising as a number of soldiers and people in their mature years find religion. However a number of the other “brothers” are not the best role models, causing the short fused Will to question his choice, and when his friends are in danger to resurrect his legendary past.
As great short action packed story and a fitting farewell to one of the beloved rogues of the great series. As usual Steven captures the era brutality and attitudes of the era perfectly. Also I like the way Will is feeling his age more, this adds a some more realism to the story. Keep reading to the end of the acknowledgements to see where some of the inspiration of the story came from. A must have ending to the Forest Lord.
December 20, 2017
Much as I'm loath to admit it*, this book is bloody superb!
If only for the look at a former man of war trying to lead a quiet life and being dragged back into it all again - but not giving a fuck as long as he does what is right. You'll like Will Scaflock. The importance of the feeling of family has - for me - pervaded all the Forest Lord series so far, and this takes it to its logical, poignant conclusion. Oh, that it could have been longer!
There's a wonderful feeling of maturity to the writing now, but without losing the refreshing youthful energy, vigour and hint of open-eyed innocence. Doesn't that describe 'joy'? I think it does. His improvement as a writer continued through the Forest Lord series (I have yet to read book four, but I can't believe for a moment it doesn't continue the trend) and even picking up pace.
His next one had better be a proper length, 'cause this stunningly good but all too short!
*I'm not.
A book blog: Speesh Reads
A Facebook Page: Speesh Reads
If only for the look at a former man of war trying to lead a quiet life and being dragged back into it all again - but not giving a fuck as long as he does what is right. You'll like Will Scaflock. The importance of the feeling of family has - for me - pervaded all the Forest Lord series so far, and this takes it to its logical, poignant conclusion. Oh, that it could have been longer!
There's a wonderful feeling of maturity to the writing now, but without losing the refreshing youthful energy, vigour and hint of open-eyed innocence. Doesn't that describe 'joy'? I think it does. His improvement as a writer continued through the Forest Lord series (I have yet to read book four, but I can't believe for a moment it doesn't continue the trend) and even picking up pace.
His next one had better be a proper length, 'cause this stunningly good but all too short!
*I'm not.
A book blog: Speesh Reads
A Facebook Page: Speesh Reads
October 3, 2017
I went into this book at an unusual point. The Abbey of Death is based on one of the characters from McKay’s The Forest Lord series, and I haven’t read any of the four books from the series. I’ll admit, I didn’t need to know the backstory for this story to work for me, The Abbey of Death can easily stand alone.
The Abbey of Death felt like an epilogue for one of the characters from the series. There have been many times while reading a series, where I’ve wondered what happened to this character or that character. Where did they go? What did they do? A great author makes their characters a part of my life, I’m always curious. I imagine that any long-term fan of The Forest Lord series would be curious about the whereabouts of Will Scarlet.
As a new reader to Steven A. McKay, I was introduced to his version of Will “Scarlet” Scaflock. This wasn’t the Will Scarlet that I had pictured from my own past; he was hardened and far more dangerous. I like what McKay did with the character. He has intrigued me enough to want to know how he transformed my minstrel rooster, lovable bear with a quarter staff and the badger with a penchant for the sauce.
Steven A. McKay has done everything you could want from a little tale like The Abbey of Death: he has given closure to his long-term fans for an important character and piqued the interest of new readers who can now discover a new series to enjoy. McKay has taken a well-known comfortable story and made it new and fresh.
The Abbey of Death felt like an epilogue for one of the characters from the series. There have been many times while reading a series, where I’ve wondered what happened to this character or that character. Where did they go? What did they do? A great author makes their characters a part of my life, I’m always curious. I imagine that any long-term fan of The Forest Lord series would be curious about the whereabouts of Will Scarlet.
As a new reader to Steven A. McKay, I was introduced to his version of Will “Scarlet” Scaflock. This wasn’t the Will Scarlet that I had pictured from my own past; he was hardened and far more dangerous. I like what McKay did with the character. He has intrigued me enough to want to know how he transformed my minstrel rooster, lovable bear with a quarter staff and the badger with a penchant for the sauce.
Steven A. McKay has done everything you could want from a little tale like The Abbey of Death: he has given closure to his long-term fans for an important character and piqued the interest of new readers who can now discover a new series to enjoy. McKay has taken a well-known comfortable story and made it new and fresh.
May 5, 2021
3.75🌟
I think I am a little in love with old, bad tempered, murderous Will Scaflock😁
I think I am a little in love with old, bad tempered, murderous Will Scaflock😁
November 12, 2017
As Will Scarlet he walked with legends of the great wood Robin Hood and Little John, helping right wrongs and surviving by the skin of his teeth, but now the morose former wolfshead has left that life behind him, been widowed and finding farming pointless toil he turns to religion and finds a kind of peace, Will Scaflock makes a hard working if Ill fitting monk but with the encouragement of the kindly Abbott finds a place. But all is not well at the Abbey with some of younger monks carousing and drinking in the near by village, led by the devious brother Flexburgh.....With a clash coming between the weak willed Abbot and the Monks and with the villages at boiling point something is going to give the question is will Will return to a life of violence to protect his new found home? I have always liked the character Will Scarlet and the growth we have seen throughout the Forest Lord series and this tale rounds off his story very well, from the Monastic Cloisters to the village and the leafy great woods Steven McKay invokes the feel of the time so so well, with a truly great everyman lead character and some wonderful supporting characters, fast paced and visceral action this is a great place to leave the Forest Lord series. well worth a read.
October 5, 2017
Will Scaflock (Scarlet) has decided to retire to a monastery after an infamous life as an outlaw. Like a sort of John Book in a medieval Witness, Will finds himself caught up in corruption and kidnapping and once again, reluctantly, must reach for the sword...
Lately I have had a run of reading YA books, and its been great to read some gore and violence again, there's not too much and it's offset by some laugh out loud moments. I really like Steven A. McKays short stories -- I've read them all (Knight of the Cross, Prisoner, Christmas Devil, Escape, Rescue) he's a great writer and they all work well as compact tales. This is his last one from the Forest Lord series and it is a great end but part of me does hope maybe another would appear in the future. *crosses fingers*
Get this book (and the others while you're on) its a fantastic read your groat will be well spent.
Lately I have had a run of reading YA books, and its been great to read some gore and violence again, there's not too much and it's offset by some laugh out loud moments. I really like Steven A. McKays short stories -- I've read them all (Knight of the Cross, Prisoner, Christmas Devil, Escape, Rescue) he's a great writer and they all work well as compact tales. This is his last one from the Forest Lord series and it is a great end but part of me does hope maybe another would appear in the future. *crosses fingers*
Get this book (and the others while you're on) its a fantastic read your groat will be well spent.
January 13, 2022
Another great story from the Forest Lord series. Will Scarlet is a monk and he is getting a little older now. This story involves some Wolf Head criminals that Will has to find and deal with after they attacked the Abbey he lives at and kidnapped one of the brothers. I loved the story and the characters. This has been mentioned as the last book in this series. I hope Steven revisits these characters again in new stories!
October 13, 2017
Great book
I was glad to see Will Scaflock in his middle age and how he took to the cloistered life. It is good to see that there is still some of the young Will inside the older Will. A wonderful book.
I was glad to see Will Scaflock in his middle age and how he took to the cloistered life. It is good to see that there is still some of the young Will inside the older Will. A wonderful book.
December 2, 2017
This novella, the end of the Forest Lord series, gives one of Robin's best merry men, Will Scaflock (or Scarlet), a proper send-off. We've watched the character grow over the course of the series and he gets a proper resolution in this thrilling adventure story. Well-written, fast-moving and bloody. Recommended for fans of historical fiction.
December 2, 2017
This is the last novella in the Robin Hood's Forest Lord Series by my favourite and one of the best self-published debut author Steven A. McKay.
Brother Will Scaflock (or previously known as the feared wolf's head Will Scarlet) is now widowed alone and estranged from his daughter. He wanted to find a life of peace after Robin Hood's gang has been pardoned and each wolf's head found a new life or rebuilt their old one.
However, violence and trouble seem to follow Will whatever life he chooses.
This novella is very intriguing. It is not focused on Robin Hood or any of his other gang members. In the previous books, Will seemed to have a deeply angry, lethal and a fiery character. However, in this book the author was very interested and extremely curious to explore his complex personality and the other sides to his life away from the gang and violence.
In The Abbey of Death, Will has found himself a new life as a Benedictine monk at The Abbey, which is headed by a weak abbot John de Wystow, who is now facing a rebellion. A group of dissident monks and outlaws shattered the peace of the Abbey and Will was embroiled in the fight. However, the real fight was WIll's internal fight against his old instincts. A monk sworn off violence and killing faced with the slaughter of his Brothers.
A real short but interesting story. The author researched the period and the characters well.
June 5, 2018
After having been available only as an electronic edition for about a year, those of us who like real books had just about given up hope on ever reading this one when, bingo! it becomes available in a format that allows us to actually touch and hold the book. It's about time! Not everyone enjoys reading little dots on an electronic screen - I speak only for myself but after about 15 minutes, I feel a headache coming on. Thank God for real books!
Having said all that and gotten it out of my system - Steven McKay says this is the final installment in his series about Robin Hood and his band of Merrye Men. While it's sad to see them go, one can certainly appreciate his wanting to move on to other characters. And what a finale this novella is! At 106 pages its one of those you can read in one day and not feel like you've rushed through. It's an exciting romp featuring a character who always comes off looking like the heavy in the group, Will Scarlett, who, if you can believe it, has become a monk.
Monk or wolf's head, trouble seems to find Will as it does in this piece and the fun lies in watching him revert to his outlaw ways to save a fellow monk who has been kidnapped, and of course, the conclusion: does he go back to the monastery or does he return to the secular world? To find out, read this book!
Over the course of several years, with his 4-volume Forest Lord series featuring Robin Hood plus several other short stories and a collection of even shorter ones, Steven McKay has kept the legend alive with his highly readable and enjoyable efforts. A talented writer, those of us who became fans of his with the initial series are anxiously looking forward to his next book. If it's as much fun and as readable as the Forest Lord series, we won't be disappointed.
Having said all that and gotten it out of my system - Steven McKay says this is the final installment in his series about Robin Hood and his band of Merrye Men. While it's sad to see them go, one can certainly appreciate his wanting to move on to other characters. And what a finale this novella is! At 106 pages its one of those you can read in one day and not feel like you've rushed through. It's an exciting romp featuring a character who always comes off looking like the heavy in the group, Will Scarlett, who, if you can believe it, has become a monk.
Monk or wolf's head, trouble seems to find Will as it does in this piece and the fun lies in watching him revert to his outlaw ways to save a fellow monk who has been kidnapped, and of course, the conclusion: does he go back to the monastery or does he return to the secular world? To find out, read this book!
Over the course of several years, with his 4-volume Forest Lord series featuring Robin Hood plus several other short stories and a collection of even shorter ones, Steven McKay has kept the legend alive with his highly readable and enjoyable efforts. A talented writer, those of us who became fans of his with the initial series are anxiously looking forward to his next book. If it's as much fun and as readable as the Forest Lord series, we won't be disappointed.
October 18, 2017
I’m a big fan of Mckay and as much as I knew the end was neigh for the Forrest Lord series featuring Robin Hood I couldn’t help but feel a little down.. I loved the every bit of the series and it was just a shame It had come to an end….Luckily for me the author knows what his readers want and gives them another short that sits alongside the series.
This short is set years after the events of the main Forrest Lord series, Will Scarlet has moved on.. he’s older now and as the world moves on around him he struggles to find his place.
Will ends up turning to religion and is now Brother Scaflock.
We all know Will though don’t we? If he doesn’t find trouble..trouble will find him.
There’s a good plot involving some unruly monks and town’s people who are at their wits end but when things turn violent one night and the stakes are raised Will becomes gods tool. You really do feel like he was sent to the abbey for a purpose in life.
Will has his internal battles. He’s convinced he has no place in this world and he can’t seem to shake his old life.. but let’s be honest we don’t want him too!
What I really like about the book is it gave me a little closure..it’s what I needed to really say goodbye to the character. The end of Will’s tale just felt right and I was left with a big smile at the end.
What the author gives us is another cracking short that builds on his larger works. It’s got the edge to it that makes it dark and gritty at times but over everything else it’s just fun and riveting. As a young kid I grew up on stories of Robin Hood and these books keep the little boy inside me giddy with anticipation every time I read them.
I’m really looking forward to what the author comes up with next as he moves away from Robin Hood and his band of outlaws.
This short is set years after the events of the main Forrest Lord series, Will Scarlet has moved on.. he’s older now and as the world moves on around him he struggles to find his place.
Will ends up turning to religion and is now Brother Scaflock.
We all know Will though don’t we? If he doesn’t find trouble..trouble will find him.
There’s a good plot involving some unruly monks and town’s people who are at their wits end but when things turn violent one night and the stakes are raised Will becomes gods tool. You really do feel like he was sent to the abbey for a purpose in life.
Will has his internal battles. He’s convinced he has no place in this world and he can’t seem to shake his old life.. but let’s be honest we don’t want him too!
What I really like about the book is it gave me a little closure..it’s what I needed to really say goodbye to the character. The end of Will’s tale just felt right and I was left with a big smile at the end.
What the author gives us is another cracking short that builds on his larger works. It’s got the edge to it that makes it dark and gritty at times but over everything else it’s just fun and riveting. As a young kid I grew up on stories of Robin Hood and these books keep the little boy inside me giddy with anticipation every time I read them.
I’m really looking forward to what the author comes up with next as he moves away from Robin Hood and his band of outlaws.
November 16, 2017
Will Scarlett, outlaw, wolf's head, violently tempered right hand man to Robin Hood, has been pardoned for his many sins and crimes but cannot find peace within. Donning the robes and tonsured hairstyle, he becomes a monk. In a wonderful bit of story telling, the author has taken an account of a troublesome group of monks who basically disregarded their vows and ran wild, causing strained relations between the townsfolk and the local abbey. Brother Scaflock(Scarlett) finds that old habits die hard even as he begins to find some of the peace he's been seeking. A tension filled tale worthy of being the final episode in the author's very fine Robin Hood series, The Forest Lord. 4.3 stars
July 15, 2018
Will Scarlet has reverted to his original name of Scaflock and has left his adventures with Robin Hood behind, now he enjoys the peaceful life of a monk.
Unfortunately danger finds the Abbey and it’s inhabitants and Will may need to revert to his old skills to protect his Brothers.
I am a massive fan of the brilliant Angus Donald Robin Hood series, so it felt a bit odd picking up something that was similar but a variation on a character. But this was just about Will, the issues and characters at the Abbey and it hung together pretty well. Will is fleshed out properly and this ended with him in a place and situation that also felt right for the character.
Unfortunately danger finds the Abbey and it’s inhabitants and Will may need to revert to his old skills to protect his Brothers.
I am a massive fan of the brilliant Angus Donald Robin Hood series, so it felt a bit odd picking up something that was similar but a variation on a character. But this was just about Will, the issues and characters at the Abbey and it hung together pretty well. Will is fleshed out properly and this ended with him in a place and situation that also felt right for the character.
October 22, 2017
An exciting end to a great series and it a great end for Will Scarflack, it was an end I would hope a hero deserved no matter how he felt about things around him. I felt I could relate to him in this Kindle Book too, and my grandma always said if you can relate to the character of the book you are reading then the author has done his or her job well done Steven.
January 2, 2018
A Fitting Final Installment
The Abbey of Death is a grand, last excursion into the vastly entertaining world of The Forrest Lord series. One can only hope that the author will have a change of heart and feel the urge to grace us with additional adventures at some point in the future!
The Abbey of Death is a grand, last excursion into the vastly entertaining world of The Forrest Lord series. One can only hope that the author will have a change of heart and feel the urge to grace us with additional adventures at some point in the future!
February 13, 2021
Once a Warrior....
Will Scarletd, once a warrior, finds himself again a defender of the weak.Though resigned to becoming s monk, soon learns that qualities of his past life are in need of service again.
A delightful read and sadly the end of the trail with characters we have come to feel as family.
Will Scarletd, once a warrior, finds himself again a defender of the weak.Though resigned to becoming s monk, soon learns that qualities of his past life are in need of service again.
A delightful read and sadly the end of the trail with characters we have come to feel as family.
October 5, 2017
I love the Brother Cadfael books but The Abbey of Death gives one a different (probably a more realistic) view of what life was life in an abbey in the 13th century. I am a big fan of the Forest Lord series and am not disappointed by final chapter. The characters are well developed and the story is never boring. I will miss the Forest Lord but am looking forward to the release of the Druid series from the author.
July 27, 2019
Nice
Nicely done. Always like to know how the characters lives turn out in the end still would like to know what happened to Robin I am his family. Just a short story. The whole series was great.
Nicely done. Always like to know how the characters lives turn out in the end still would like to know what happened to Robin I am his family. Just a short story. The whole series was great.
October 28, 2023
Great character tale!
Wolf’s head to monk! What a surprise to read that change! Excellent book with a great familiar character. A warrior still though, fighting for his brothers! You can’t keep a good man or monk down! Loved this book! Great ending as well!!
Wolf’s head to monk! What a surprise to read that change! Excellent book with a great familiar character. A warrior still though, fighting for his brothers! You can’t keep a good man or monk down! Loved this book! Great ending as well!!
September 29, 2017
Nicely rounded
A pleasure to read a bit more of Will's adventures! A tale well told. And a very fitting ending 😏
A pleasure to read a bit more of Will's adventures! A tale well told. And a very fitting ending 😏
October 20, 2017
Very Enjoyable
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A very different take on the fabled Will Scarlet.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A very different take on the fabled Will Scarlet.
November 16, 2017
Great characters, loved it.
Choosing the star rating was easy, I read this in one sitting, that's unusual for me.
Grand yarn as one expects from Mr McKay.
Choosing the star rating was easy, I read this in one sitting, that's unusual for me.
Grand yarn as one expects from Mr McKay.
February 10, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable. I am going to find more by this author.
April 8, 2018
Good story
Found story compellingly reading, wish it was a longer but hay hoo you can not have every thing you want
Found story compellingly reading, wish it was a longer but hay hoo you can not have every thing you want
April 15, 2018
A cracking good novella
A brilliant end to the Forest Lord series. Looking forward to the new druid series. Keep the books coming Steven.
A brilliant end to the Forest Lord series. Looking forward to the new druid series. Keep the books coming Steven.
May 7, 2018
Quick easy humorous read. 3.5
June 5, 2018
An enjoyable little tale. I haven't read any of the others in the series, but it stands alone well.
I found the modern dialogue a little grating sometimes.
I found the modern dialogue a little grating sometimes.
September 5, 2018
An interesting but short read.
September 23, 2018
Good short story and, as usual, great characters from the author.
Enjoyed and looking forward to The Druid which is due out very soon
Enjoyed and looking forward to The Druid which is due out very soon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews