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Outlaws #0.5
Hood
“We are probably going to die today,” said John.
“I’m aware,” Robin replied. “But then again, we’re constantly going to die.”
“So what you’re saying is,” Alis hissed behind them, “that you’re used to being about to die.”
“More or less,” Will Scarlet replied, rare laughter in his voice. “The excitement is gone.”
Meet Robin Hood's band of outlaws.
Robin Hood, the robber prince.
Benedict Tucker, the warrior monk.
Will Scarlet, the beautiful, damaged poet.
Lady Alis, the queen of the forest.
John Lyttle, the friend, the giant, the lieutenant.
And Marian, the princess they failed to protect.
They all used to be royalty: princes, lords, ladies. Now they are outlaws, hiding in the green forest, fighting for their lives. At least half the time. The rest of the time they are dying.
Before he was Robin Hood, he was a prince.
But how did he become the legend? All stories must start somewhere.
This story starts with Christmas, a lost love, a hungry town and a robbery.
Robin Loxley is a tortured young man mourning the loss of his title, his lands and his first love.
But tonight, with the help of his close friends, he will get a new name that will live in history, a cat that could care less that Robin happens to be the most brilliant archer in medieval England, and a chance to prove himself by rescuing a lady from a fire.
But this is no ordinary lady...
And that is no ordinary fire...
We are at the beginning. The legend is just starting.
“I’m aware,” Robin replied. “But then again, we’re constantly going to die.”
“So what you’re saying is,” Alis hissed behind them, “that you’re used to being about to die.”
“More or less,” Will Scarlet replied, rare laughter in his voice. “The excitement is gone.”
Meet Robin Hood's band of outlaws.
Robin Hood, the robber prince.
Benedict Tucker, the warrior monk.
Will Scarlet, the beautiful, damaged poet.
Lady Alis, the queen of the forest.
John Lyttle, the friend, the giant, the lieutenant.
And Marian, the princess they failed to protect.
They all used to be royalty: princes, lords, ladies. Now they are outlaws, hiding in the green forest, fighting for their lives. At least half the time. The rest of the time they are dying.
Before he was Robin Hood, he was a prince.
But how did he become the legend? All stories must start somewhere.
This story starts with Christmas, a lost love, a hungry town and a robbery.
Robin Loxley is a tortured young man mourning the loss of his title, his lands and his first love.
But tonight, with the help of his close friends, he will get a new name that will live in history, a cat that could care less that Robin happens to be the most brilliant archer in medieval England, and a chance to prove himself by rescuing a lady from a fire.
But this is no ordinary lady...
And that is no ordinary fire...
We are at the beginning. The legend is just starting.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2020
338 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Frank
38 books553 followers Welcome to the world of M.C. FRANK's books, where characters aren't going to have an easy time of it: They will find themselves in icy-cold dystopian worlds where kissing is forbidden (among other things), or in green forests ruled by evil Sheriffs. If they're in Jane Austen's England, they have to be running away from a traumatic childhood, or if they are in our contemporary world, they're scared they'll die before they have finished high school. That sort of thing.
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 26, 2020
**I’m most grateful for the pleasure and opportunity given to me by M.C. Frank by letting me read an advanced copy of HOOD**
I am grateful to meet the merry men and Robin of Loxley in this new light. Though he is often placed as the King of Thieves, we see here another aspect of his life. We see Robin as a he truly is and not as he is depicted in the lore as some god-like hero; it was riveting. Nothing better than harmonizing and identifying yourself with a character, and who’d be better to feel that with than with Robin Hood!
In this Novella, we receive answers for questions we never thought about but certainly needed answered. We see his human side, his thoughts, his preoccupations, we see a Robin we could identify with. This retelling of classical lore makes us wonder if we knew the right story all along, and it most certainly makes us want to devour every piece of work made by this author!
I have to say goodbye now, for I MUST GET A COPY OF THE NEXT BOOK!
Enjoy this as much as I did.
Lol,
for lots of love.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe to my blog:
https://thebookswhisperer.wordpress.c...
I am grateful to meet the merry men and Robin of Loxley in this new light. Though he is often placed as the King of Thieves, we see here another aspect of his life. We see Robin as a he truly is and not as he is depicted in the lore as some god-like hero; it was riveting. Nothing better than harmonizing and identifying yourself with a character, and who’d be better to feel that with than with Robin Hood!
In this Novella, we receive answers for questions we never thought about but certainly needed answered. We see his human side, his thoughts, his preoccupations, we see a Robin we could identify with. This retelling of classical lore makes us wonder if we knew the right story all along, and it most certainly makes us want to devour every piece of work made by this author!
I have to say goodbye now, for I MUST GET A COPY OF THE NEXT BOOK!
Enjoy this as much as I did.
Lol,
for lots of love.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe to my blog:
https://thebookswhisperer.wordpress.c...
December 6, 2020
Novella-length
This was basically just Robin and his men doing what they always do: robbing from the king’s carriages and from the castle and giving it back to the people and the usual hanging out with the men in the forest camp. Where this story shone was the flashbacks with Robin and the girl who helped him. You could feel the emotion as he was giving up with being broken and starving in the dungeon, and the light of her helping him. And the loss of her not being with him now. I was bored with the camaraderie around the campfire, and the usual same old robbing and fighting. The men functioned mainly as a group rather than differentiating from each other and didn’t really expand on their pasts other than a couple of mentions here and there, including Alis who was definitely not in the original tales. I was perplexed as to why he suddenly had a woman in their midst (though I guess she’s sort of a spin on the Alan a Dale tale, that rather than Alan, we have the girl he was trying to rescue from a bad marriage), but yet she didn’t do anything to stand out from the other men. The only reason I could think of her being there was to make the story sound a bit more PC and less male-dominated. The blurb lies a bit. Robin is not a prince. He’s the son of an earl, and technically a baron. I also never got the idea that Will was a poet. The only thing this really introduced was inventing their nicknames. Overall, it didn’t really sell me on the series, but it did pique my interest on Robin and Marian’s relationship. And I never really understood the random cat that popped up a couple of times, presumably for comedy relief.
This was basically just Robin and his men doing what they always do: robbing from the king’s carriages and from the castle and giving it back to the people and the usual hanging out with the men in the forest camp. Where this story shone was the flashbacks with Robin and the girl who helped him. You could feel the emotion as he was giving up with being broken and starving in the dungeon, and the light of her helping him. And the loss of her not being with him now. I was bored with the camaraderie around the campfire, and the usual same old robbing and fighting. The men functioned mainly as a group rather than differentiating from each other and didn’t really expand on their pasts other than a couple of mentions here and there, including Alis who was definitely not in the original tales. I was perplexed as to why he suddenly had a woman in their midst (though I guess she’s sort of a spin on the Alan a Dale tale, that rather than Alan, we have the girl he was trying to rescue from a bad marriage), but yet she didn’t do anything to stand out from the other men. The only reason I could think of her being there was to make the story sound a bit more PC and less male-dominated. The blurb lies a bit. Robin is not a prince. He’s the son of an earl, and technically a baron. I also never got the idea that Will was a poet. The only thing this really introduced was inventing their nicknames. Overall, it didn’t really sell me on the series, but it did pique my interest on Robin and Marian’s relationship. And I never really understood the random cat that popped up a couple of times, presumably for comedy relief.
February 3, 2020
Sometimes novellas can be hit or miss.. They either add just enough to the already existing story without feeling like they should have been another full length book, or they are just another extra few pages to read that feel like they could have been left out. Hood is one of those novellas that adds an extra layer to the tale and feels like it holds its own place in the series.
I absolutely adored this novella! It gave me further insight to our favorite outlaws without adding extra weight to the tale. It kept true to the feeling of Everything I Do (book 1) but also weaved its own magic. It was a glorious morsel that I am glad I wasn't missing. M.C. Frank truly puts her heart and soul in to everything she writes, and her novellas hold true to this fact.
I absolutely adored this novella! It gave me further insight to our favorite outlaws without adding extra weight to the tale. It kept true to the feeling of Everything I Do (book 1) but also weaved its own magic. It was a glorious morsel that I am glad I wasn't missing. M.C. Frank truly puts her heart and soul in to everything she writes, and her novellas hold true to this fact.
January 6, 2025
An origin story of how Robin Hood got his name. There wasn’t much depth to this story in general.
November 11, 2020
This is a prequel story to Frank’s Robin Hood series.
“Hood” tells the story of how Robin Hood got his nickname and is set in the early days of our heroes’ outlaw life. This outlaw band has Robin, Little John, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, and a young woman called Alis. We get a few clues about how Alis and Robin met. Everyone in the group seems to be born nobility but are now outlaws. Robin himself is the son of the late Earl of Loxley. Even though he’s still insecure about this ability to lead, the others willingly follow him.
This Robin has a dark past and is torment by it. He was jailed and tortured by the sheriff. A young woman whom Robin calls Rosa helped him in the dungeons, but she was killed because of it. Her death haunts Robin more than the torture and he has flash backs to it. The others also seemed to have dark pasts.
The story starts in Sherwood on Christmas Eve. Robin and his band haven’t eaten in two days. They ambush Sir Guy of Gisborne who is collecting taxes – and food from the mouths of peasant children.
This was a fast-paced and enjoyable read, if quite dark. I really enjoyed the close-knit family feel of the band.
“Hood” tells the story of how Robin Hood got his nickname and is set in the early days of our heroes’ outlaw life. This outlaw band has Robin, Little John, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, and a young woman called Alis. We get a few clues about how Alis and Robin met. Everyone in the group seems to be born nobility but are now outlaws. Robin himself is the son of the late Earl of Loxley. Even though he’s still insecure about this ability to lead, the others willingly follow him.
This Robin has a dark past and is torment by it. He was jailed and tortured by the sheriff. A young woman whom Robin calls Rosa helped him in the dungeons, but she was killed because of it. Her death haunts Robin more than the torture and he has flash backs to it. The others also seemed to have dark pasts.
The story starts in Sherwood on Christmas Eve. Robin and his band haven’t eaten in two days. They ambush Sir Guy of Gisborne who is collecting taxes – and food from the mouths of peasant children.
This was a fast-paced and enjoyable read, if quite dark. I really enjoyed the close-knit family feel of the band.
March 24, 2020
I’d like to start out by thanking the author, M.C. Frank, for providing me an advanced copy of this exhilarating novel.
When we think of Robin Hood, our mind goes directly to the same classic telling of the hero who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. But in reality, who is Robin Hood? How did his name come about? Who are his merry men? Well, in this retelling novella we get a different outlook on who Robin truly is. We see a brave young man, his band of friends, times of sadness, bouts of depression, and believe it or not, we see the mental grievances present in our hero. I was not expecting this to be such an exciting ride, but I enjoyed every second of it. I went into it expecting the aforementioned classic tale, yet he experiences loss, grief, anger, some resentment, friendship and finally, acceptance. If this was just a novella I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Such a great read!
When we think of Robin Hood, our mind goes directly to the same classic telling of the hero who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. But in reality, who is Robin Hood? How did his name come about? Who are his merry men? Well, in this retelling novella we get a different outlook on who Robin truly is. We see a brave young man, his band of friends, times of sadness, bouts of depression, and believe it or not, we see the mental grievances present in our hero. I was not expecting this to be such an exciting ride, but I enjoyed every second of it. I went into it expecting the aforementioned classic tale, yet he experiences loss, grief, anger, some resentment, friendship and finally, acceptance. If this was just a novella I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Such a great read!
June 22, 2024
A tug-at-heartstrings Robin Hood prequel right out of the Costner movie
Except Robin is 20yo here. Got a nice medieval vibe going and I loved how the author effortlessly introed Robin and all his merry men in a dialogue about death and dying in the first few pages of this short 2hour read. Amazing backstory in line with what we’ve come to know and love. Loved the novel hint at how Robin of Loxley met lady Marian and your heatstrings will be engaged at the drama of why Robin’s heart is to pieces a few years later. Loved the genesis story of the name Robin Hood. Can’t wait to read the main story, going to go read that now.
Recommended for lovers of short stories introing indie author’s main work, of short, clean NA Robin Hood prequels, Robin Hood genesis and backstories and of medieval fantasy in general.
Except Robin is 20yo here. Got a nice medieval vibe going and I loved how the author effortlessly introed Robin and all his merry men in a dialogue about death and dying in the first few pages of this short 2hour read. Amazing backstory in line with what we’ve come to know and love. Loved the novel hint at how Robin of Loxley met lady Marian and your heatstrings will be engaged at the drama of why Robin’s heart is to pieces a few years later. Loved the genesis story of the name Robin Hood. Can’t wait to read the main story, going to go read that now.
Recommended for lovers of short stories introing indie author’s main work, of short, clean NA Robin Hood prequels, Robin Hood genesis and backstories and of medieval fantasy in general.
March 5, 2020
This is a great novella to a retelling of a story I’m sure you have heard many different versions of over the years. Meet Robin Hood and his band of merry men in this thrilling adventure as you follow the author in their interpretation which is gripping and emotional! I have yet to read the other books but I can’t wait!
January 7, 2020
Have you ever wondered where the alias Robin Hood came from? M.C. Frank has the answer for you, in her ‘Hood’ novella, which belongs to The Outlaws series. The first installment - ‘Everything I Do’, breathed new life into the character of the famous thief and his merry companion, and in ‘Hood’ we get the chance to get to know them a little better.
This novella takes place a few months before the events in EID, but I think it’s better to read it after, when you’re already familiar with Frank’s versions of those beloved characters. For me it provided a better, deeper experience.
In ‘Hood’ we get to spend one day with Robin and his friends - no ordinary day, but a Christmas Eve. They go on a quest to do what they’re famous for - to help the poor, but the day turns out to be far more eventful than they expected, reminding Robin of painful events from his past.
Once again I was enchanted by Frank’s beautiful writing, perfectly adjusted to the time period she’s set her story in. But what I loved the most were the interactions between the Robin’s companion - they’re so close they seem to read each other’s minds, and together they work as one body, each part of which has its own role. Their situation is far from perfect, but still they like to laugh and tease each other, like a true family.
Another part I loved was Robin’s memories about a girl he loved. They're painful, but so beautiful and pure! Whenever M.C. Frank writes a romantic scene, I swoon and my eyes get teary from all the feels! As a believer, I also noticed a few gems in this story that warmed my heart.
'Hood' is a fast-paced, adventure-packed novella about friendship, fighting injustice, lost love, and about a legend being born. Robin Hood truly is a prince of thieves - he managed to steal my heart twice!
This novella takes place a few months before the events in EID, but I think it’s better to read it after, when you’re already familiar with Frank’s versions of those beloved characters. For me it provided a better, deeper experience.
In ‘Hood’ we get to spend one day with Robin and his friends - no ordinary day, but a Christmas Eve. They go on a quest to do what they’re famous for - to help the poor, but the day turns out to be far more eventful than they expected, reminding Robin of painful events from his past.
Once again I was enchanted by Frank’s beautiful writing, perfectly adjusted to the time period she’s set her story in. But what I loved the most were the interactions between the Robin’s companion - they’re so close they seem to read each other’s minds, and together they work as one body, each part of which has its own role. Their situation is far from perfect, but still they like to laugh and tease each other, like a true family.
Another part I loved was Robin’s memories about a girl he loved. They're painful, but so beautiful and pure! Whenever M.C. Frank writes a romantic scene, I swoon and my eyes get teary from all the feels! As a believer, I also noticed a few gems in this story that warmed my heart.
'Hood' is a fast-paced, adventure-packed novella about friendship, fighting injustice, lost love, and about a legend being born. Robin Hood truly is a prince of thieves - he managed to steal my heart twice!
November 26, 2024
2.5 rounded up because I don’t think this was necessary
June 25, 2024
Fun, short story! Only like 80 pages, but it felt like a good introduction to the actual trilogy where the Robin Hood story is reimagined. Excited to dive into the first book after having been introduced to the characters in this prequel🙌
November 10, 2025
It is a good way to get me interested in the series. So it did what it set out to do, which I find is important.
I am a big fan of the story of Robin Hood I read as teen and I have been looking for retelling for a while. The movies never quite hit it right for me. And I couldn't find new books back then, I didn't look that actively tbh. Not sure if I found it with this Outlaws Series yet either. But i think it is certainly worthy to be checked out further.
The age of Robin was unclear to me so when the flashback came I was put off by "the girl" and how young she was described and how old Robin sounded in the narration. But he is in the same age as her, I guess? Which I wish was made more clear. Especially because I thought he was thinking of his daughter before the flashback and reveal came. That was a bit of a shock there until I pulled together what was happening. But it threw me for a loop and the age was only kind of cleared up after the flashback and I am still not sure how old Robin was during the flashback and it turns my brain into knots.
I am not sure yet what to think of the characters as a whole. They all seem a bit all over the place and not very settled in who they are. I only managed to keep them all together because I know the originial Robin Hood and so they are all familiar to me. I wish more where more memorable like Tuck and Alis in this. John and Will especially are the ones I switch up constantly, which is not good.
The plot is a nice short story that explains how he got to the name Robin Hood. I find it funny. And it plays nicely into Winter and Christmas. It also sets up several of the other characters. And you get a glimpse at the start of the Book 1 with the end.
All in all, it was a nice read and I will see about the first book in the series.
I am a big fan of the story of Robin Hood I read as teen and I have been looking for retelling for a while. The movies never quite hit it right for me. And I couldn't find new books back then, I didn't look that actively tbh. Not sure if I found it with this Outlaws Series yet either. But i think it is certainly worthy to be checked out further.
The age of Robin was unclear to me so when the flashback came I was put off by "the girl" and how young she was described and how old Robin sounded in the narration. But he is in the same age as her, I guess? Which I wish was made more clear. Especially because I thought he was thinking of his daughter before the flashback and reveal came. That was a bit of a shock there until I pulled together what was happening. But it threw me for a loop and the age was only kind of cleared up after the flashback and I am still not sure how old Robin was during the flashback and it turns my brain into knots.
I am not sure yet what to think of the characters as a whole. They all seem a bit all over the place and not very settled in who they are. I only managed to keep them all together because I know the originial Robin Hood and so they are all familiar to me. I wish more where more memorable like Tuck and Alis in this. John and Will especially are the ones I switch up constantly, which is not good.
The plot is a nice short story that explains how he got to the name Robin Hood. I find it funny. And it plays nicely into Winter and Christmas. It also sets up several of the other characters. And you get a glimpse at the start of the Book 1 with the end.
All in all, it was a nice read and I will see about the first book in the series.
October 2, 2021
⚫ Firstly, I would like to thank the author with providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for review. This does not affect my opinions
⚫ Since this was a relatively short novella, there isn't much for me to say other than I really enjoyed it😍
⚫ I got a little bit of an SOC vibe from this
⚫ I loved the little bit of banter between the characters 😂
⚫Perfect for fans of: Origin stories, ACOTAR, Six of Crows, group of boys who keep almost dying, enemies to lovers, assassin in love with victim, girl disguised as boy (and sick of aforementioned boys), underdogs to heroes, girl power and girl assassins, slowburn/angsty romance, cats, Christmas, fairytale retellings, torutred protagonist, Robin Hood (before the “Hood”)
TW: ptsd (very light), nightmares, hunger/starvation, fire, friends punching you playfully
⚫ Since this was a relatively short novella, there isn't much for me to say other than I really enjoyed it😍
⚫ I got a little bit of an SOC vibe from this
⚫ I loved the little bit of banter between the characters 😂
⚫Perfect for fans of: Origin stories, ACOTAR, Six of Crows, group of boys who keep almost dying, enemies to lovers, assassin in love with victim, girl disguised as boy (and sick of aforementioned boys), underdogs to heroes, girl power and girl assassins, slowburn/angsty romance, cats, Christmas, fairytale retellings, torutred protagonist, Robin Hood (before the “Hood”)
TW: ptsd (very light), nightmares, hunger/starvation, fire, friends punching you playfully
January 7, 2020
Taking place on Christmas (perfect timing!), not too long before the events of Everything I Do, we get the inside scoop on how the little band of Outlaws made a name for themselves. And speaking of names - why is he called 'Robin Hood', by the way? This is wonderful insight for those who have already started the Outlaws series, but also makes a great invistation into the series for those who are only just now discovering it. And clocking in at 90 pages, this isn't a short novella!
Unlike in Everything I Do, the perspective of Hood belongs solely to Robin himself. I felt a tonal shift compared to the novel: much more introspective, like when the author wrote her No Ordinary Star series. Absolutely beautiful. We follow Robin as he tries to find his new place in the world, after escaping the prison with his friends: trying to do what's right, save the people of Nottingham from a terrible villain, keep them from starving on christmas day... while at the same time, trying to save himself. The trauma of his time in the prisons, starving to death, and the loss of his love. As a result, the author weaves high tension moments with quiet scenes that pack an emotional punch.
It's definitely a loving introduction to the band of merry men, whether you have read the first book or not. It feels essential to the series like it could have been in an extended version of Everything I Do. There's no more loving squad than Alis, Little, Tuck, John, and Robin. If you love Good vs Evil type stories, classics brought back with depth, and of course, a great dose of adventure, then you need this book!
Unlike in Everything I Do, the perspective of Hood belongs solely to Robin himself. I felt a tonal shift compared to the novel: much more introspective, like when the author wrote her No Ordinary Star series. Absolutely beautiful. We follow Robin as he tries to find his new place in the world, after escaping the prison with his friends: trying to do what's right, save the people of Nottingham from a terrible villain, keep them from starving on christmas day... while at the same time, trying to save himself. The trauma of his time in the prisons, starving to death, and the loss of his love. As a result, the author weaves high tension moments with quiet scenes that pack an emotional punch.
It's definitely a loving introduction to the band of merry men, whether you have read the first book or not. It feels essential to the series like it could have been in an extended version of Everything I Do. There's no more loving squad than Alis, Little, Tuck, John, and Robin. If you love Good vs Evil type stories, classics brought back with depth, and of course, a great dose of adventure, then you need this book!
January 4, 2020
“I don’t plan on bringing anyone else in our midst. Or trusting anyone beyond you four idiots. You are my family.”
Xx
Hood: An Outlaws novella
M.C.Frank takes a different approach to her latest Novella, Hood as Alis, Robin, Little, Tuck and John, is like watching a bounty of true outlaws make a name for themselves. I say this is a different approach by Frank as I could feel the victorian feel throughout her novel which really set my mind into the perfect era for this novella. Frank carefully leaves the reader wanting more but gives them everything they could ask for in return. Hood is the perfect outlaw to try and help the poor all while trying to save himself in the process.
xx
M.C. Frank writes a thrilling adventure as you feel empowered to take on some guards and maybe even harass a sheriff or two after reading this gripping novella. I sure did! I loved witnessing Robin tell his story as you find out more about his background and how he became an outlaw. I felt as though if you are to get into the series, you should read this novella before you dive into Everything I Do as it will give you more insight and knowledge to the events,Robin and his team throughout the rest of the series.
xx
I would recommend this novella to those who love an adventure fit for kings or outlaws for this story! M.C.Frank definitely hit the nail right on the head for this one and I can’t wait to read more from this prolific author!
April 12, 2020
This retelling of the beginning of the legend of Robin Hood moves quickly and is engaging. My rating 4.25.
Robin is now an outlaw with a small group of followers: John, the big warrior, Tuck, the excommunicated monk, Will, the brother of his heart, and Alis, the lady who learned to fight to survive. The group has rallied around Robin even though he is still trying to figure out how to lead and what to do. His friends have aliases to protect their true identities when in the villages. Now they are toying with giving Robin his own alias.
Each of the characters apparently has a sad history that has landed them together. This novella focuses on Robin’s history through flash-backs to some of the heart-breaking traumas in his past. This occurs while the group faces a bleak Christmas Eve. They are aware that the Sheriff’s men have raided the surrounding villages taking a toll in not only taxes but holiday feasts. Are Robin and his friends willing to risk their lives to retake the bounty and return it to the people?
I enjoy retellings and found this to be a quick, engaging read. I enjoyed the extra development of the characters as well as the action scenes. While staying consistent with the legend that we know, the author provides intrigue and humor in arriving at the famous name. I recommend this to readers who enjoy retellings.
Source: Author pdf March 2020.
Robin is now an outlaw with a small group of followers: John, the big warrior, Tuck, the excommunicated monk, Will, the brother of his heart, and Alis, the lady who learned to fight to survive. The group has rallied around Robin even though he is still trying to figure out how to lead and what to do. His friends have aliases to protect their true identities when in the villages. Now they are toying with giving Robin his own alias.
Each of the characters apparently has a sad history that has landed them together. This novella focuses on Robin’s history through flash-backs to some of the heart-breaking traumas in his past. This occurs while the group faces a bleak Christmas Eve. They are aware that the Sheriff’s men have raided the surrounding villages taking a toll in not only taxes but holiday feasts. Are Robin and his friends willing to risk their lives to retake the bounty and return it to the people?
I enjoy retellings and found this to be a quick, engaging read. I enjoyed the extra development of the characters as well as the action scenes. While staying consistent with the legend that we know, the author provides intrigue and humor in arriving at the famous name. I recommend this to readers who enjoy retellings.
Source: Author pdf March 2020.
February 18, 2020
I was very excited to have received the opportunity to read Hood: An Outlaws Novella by M.C. Frank because I absolutely loved Everything I Do. Btw, aren’t the titles great?
Although Hood is around 71 pages, it’s packed full of adventure, memories, and "the feels." M.C. Frank also presents a deeper understanding of the characters introduced in Everything I Do. The story is very immersive--I felt as if I was a part of the Outlaws on their latest adventure.
What I loved most about Hood (and something that M.C. Frank brings to all of her stories) was the sense of realism. Although these are characters within a story, I feel like they can be real people. It is amazing how easily I can connect with each of them in a different way.
I have preordered Every Wrong Right, the next installment in the Outlaws series! I cannot wait until April.
Although Hood is around 71 pages, it’s packed full of adventure, memories, and "the feels." M.C. Frank also presents a deeper understanding of the characters introduced in Everything I Do. The story is very immersive--I felt as if I was a part of the Outlaws on their latest adventure.
What I loved most about Hood (and something that M.C. Frank brings to all of her stories) was the sense of realism. Although these are characters within a story, I feel like they can be real people. It is amazing how easily I can connect with each of them in a different way.
I have preordered Every Wrong Right, the next installment in the Outlaws series! I cannot wait until April.
May 8, 2020
With an exciting twist to the traditional Robin Hood fairy-tale, M.C. Frank starts off the story with some melodramatic humor, "So what you’re saying is,” Alis hissed behind them, “that you’re used to being about to die.” “More or less,” Will Scarlet replied, rare laughter in his voice. “The excitement is gone.” before the tone is changed to one of resolve and heroism as the ragtag team of outlaws goes to rob the rich and feed the poor.
This story takes the tale of Robin Hood and provides depth and meaning for the history of the small group of Robin Hood's Merry Men. With Robin who fights the good fight in ways beyond money, a group of friends whose bonds go deeper than blood, and a community whose hearts are battered by the corrupt royals who lord over them this story takes all of the elements of the original and provides meaning in a novella- quite an impressive feat.
This story takes the tale of Robin Hood and provides depth and meaning for the history of the small group of Robin Hood's Merry Men. With Robin who fights the good fight in ways beyond money, a group of friends whose bonds go deeper than blood, and a community whose hearts are battered by the corrupt royals who lord over them this story takes all of the elements of the original and provides meaning in a novella- quite an impressive feat.
February 2, 2026
I don't do book reviews
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
February 1, 2020
I received a copy from the author which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much to M.C. Frank for providing this copy.
It has been a while since I read a retelling of Robin Hood, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Hood is just a novella, so it does not go into great detail but gives some important background on the main characters. This is definitely a fast-paced read that you can devour in one sitting! The adventure was there from the start, so I was hooked from the beginning. I also like that even though the story was short, I came away with a good sense of the characters and their personalities. Hood is definitely a good start-up to the series, and it left you wanting more. 4.5 stars out of 5!
It has been a while since I read a retelling of Robin Hood, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Hood is just a novella, so it does not go into great detail but gives some important background on the main characters. This is definitely a fast-paced read that you can devour in one sitting! The adventure was there from the start, so I was hooked from the beginning. I also like that even though the story was short, I came away with a good sense of the characters and their personalities. Hood is definitely a good start-up to the series, and it left you wanting more. 4.5 stars out of 5!
January 22, 2020
Hood is an Outlaw novella written by M.C. Frank, as a homage to the English folklore’s legendary heroic outlaw, Robin Hood. Robin Hood is Robin Loxley, a young orphan mourning the loss of his father, title and land. Robin leads a gang of fellow orphans, whose loyalty to one another is overwhelming as they embark on several dangerous adventures. Robin and his “merry men” soon learn about the King collecting taxes and food from the poor on Christmas Day. Disguised by the King’s greed, Robin and his gang are determined to return the money and food to the poor; however, this adventure will forever change Robin.
October 27, 2023
I tried to like this Robin Hood retelling, I really did. But the action scenes just didn't feel credible and there was no direction to the plot. Some nice emotional depth and the occasional good banter kept me going, but Frank finally lost me when she introduced the obligatory dark-skinned character picked up in a crusade:
Argh! The term "Moors" refers to the Islamic people of medieval Spain, not a heather-covered hillside! (shakes head and throws away book)
The guard [had] known as 'the pirate Galib' when he was fighting in the Holy Lands. Gilbert was his Saxon name. He had been born on the moors of Spain
Argh! The term "Moors" refers to the Islamic people of medieval Spain, not a heather-covered hillside! (shakes head and throws away book)
February 8, 2025
I can’t say I liked this. Maybe I should have read the series first? To me this seems almost unnecessary and it’s awfully traumatic and sad given the length of the book. We’ve got starving “merry men,” starving villagers, and a Robin with PTSD. In some ways it’s interesting in the idea that Robin has a dark past that I’d like to know more of, but in other ways…. It just falls flat for me.
I’m not super impressed with the “naming” origins for Robin Hood. Leaves much to be desired. I love me a good back story and his memories give me a glimpse at that, but the back story to his name…. Ehhhh. Sub par. It doesn’t really make me want to jump into the series. I’ll contemplate that.
I’m not super impressed with the “naming” origins for Robin Hood. Leaves much to be desired. I love me a good back story and his memories give me a glimpse at that, but the back story to his name…. Ehhhh. Sub par. It doesn’t really make me want to jump into the series. I’ll contemplate that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2019
This novella was an enjoyable addition to the Outlaws series. This story takes a look at the origin of Robin Hood’s name which was interesting to read about. It also gives you some additional insights to Robin’s background and his state of mind before the first book in the series begins. I enjoyed Everything I Do so it for me any additional information about the characters was great.
The only drawback for this is that it makes me want to read more of this series and I don’t want to wait to continue reading more about the Outlaws adventures.
The only drawback for this is that it makes me want to read more of this series and I don’t want to wait to continue reading more about the Outlaws adventures.
January 19, 2020
Hood is a fast paced novella that introduces the reader to Robin Hood and his band of merry men. It’s a quick an easy read, but very entertaining! We are dropped right into the action as Robin and his team prepare to take back money the sheriff of Nottingham has taxed the peasants to pay for his Christmas feast. Hood gives us insight into the backstories of the characters, especially Robin. It’s the prequel to the Outlaw series, and definitely makes me want to read Everything I Do (the first in the series).
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 5, 2020
How did Robin Hood get his name? The tale gives us an insight into the authors interpretation of what makes a name. Robin is at the beginning of his career not sure of what he wants to do or even sometimes how do it. He wants to save the poor but is not always able. He robs the tax collector on Christmas Eve then gives back the money to those it was taken from. His deeds are celebrated and Robin remembers events that came before and how his life has changed. A very reflective storyline well written and highly enjoyable. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2020
I adore Frank's earlier works and I loved the first book in this series, so I had to pick this one up on pre-order and devoured it in one sitting. The memories that Robin has are so vividly painted in the words. The characters that you know and love are all there in their glory. Frank is an exceptional writer, and has a way of painting scenes and stories with a flourish of words. I very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended.
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January 19, 2020I truly enjoyed Everything I Do and was super excited to read Hood,as it gives more details into the characters' background. It gives more about Robin himself, what her suffered,how his band of thieves came to be and bit of his namesake. It has all the emotional feels of a novel in a shorter story version. I can't wait to see where the author takes this series! I feel in love with Robin Hood as a teenager and eminencely enjoying this retelling!
May 1, 2020
The beginning of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. This is the story of how Robin Hood and His Merry Men got their start, their pseudonyms, and the tragedy leading up to them becoming outlaws. They have created their own little family and are doing whatever they can to fight the injustices of the sheriff and giving back to the people. But Robin also has to save the King. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2020
5/5 Stars
This was a fantastic short story about everyone's favorite outlaw, Robin Hood.
I thought the origin story of his name was rather inspired. It was a cute little game between two of his men. But I also loved how we got to see grief and heartbreak as well as the lighthearted side.
I cannot wait to read more of the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in order to give an honest review
This was a fantastic short story about everyone's favorite outlaw, Robin Hood.
I thought the origin story of his name was rather inspired. It was a cute little game between two of his men. But I also loved how we got to see grief and heartbreak as well as the lighthearted side.
I cannot wait to read more of the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in order to give an honest review
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