When Clare Gisborne and Little John returns to school after the Locksley Riot, there's rebellion in the air and Robin Hood's name graffitied on every wall. Power dynamics are shifting - now, instead of being a feared bully, the daughter of Locksley's most hated criminal finds herself shunned by classmates and pelted with yoghurt and rotting fruit.
Meanwhile at Sherwood Designer Outlets, Robin has plans of his own. He is determined to hack Sheriff Marjorie's office so that the rebels know her every move - and to work with animal rights activists to end a cruel trophy hunt inside the grounds of Sherwood Castle...
Robert Muchamore was born in Islington, London in 1972. He still lives there, and worked as a private investigator up until 2005 and the critically-accepted release of Maximum Security.
The Hunger Games phenomenon is part of the huge YA / Children's book explosion that has grown, thanks to the British Rat pack of YA authors, Anthony Horowitz, Robert Muchamore, Mark A. Cooper and Charlie Higson. We owe much of the hunger games sucess to authors such as Robert.
Robert was inspired to create the CHERUB series by his nephew after he complained about the lack of anything for them to read. CHERUB: The Recruit was Robert's first book and won the Red House Children's Book Award 2005 in the Older Readers Category.
Following the last book in the CHERUB series, it was revealed that a trilogy would be released starting from August 2011 that will focus on a new set of CHERUB agents centred upon Ryan Sharma and also involve an sixteen year old Lauren Adams. The first book will be called People's Republic.
Check out the Hendersons Boys series. Henderson's Boys is a series of young adult spy novels written by English author Robert Muchamore. The series follows Charles Henderson, the creator of the fictitious CHERUB organisation. CHERUB is currently being made into a TV series.
A good book, it was not quite as action packed as the first book, but an enjoyable book. I really like the mix of technology and hacking, the part I was not crazy about in this and the earlier books was that for me this version of Robin Hood is too young. The good thing about this book, for better or worse that is exactly how Robin is treated in this book.
This book gives Little John a lot more time and development in this book. Dispite being the big brother, he us continually in his brothers shadow. It is good he gets a bit more development in this book.
This book is slightly more filler. Repositioning the characters and setting up of the main even of the next book. I look forward to seeing Robin in a lot more action in the next book.
* You need to read the previous book to fully understand the story.
With a £100.000 bounty on his head, Robin Hood is hiding with the Forest people and trying to stay out of trouble. But when the boredom sets in and a seemingly easy robbery goes very wrong, the leaders in the mall decide to use Robin's unique talents for something good. So when the Sheriff in Sherwood Castle decides to organize one of her illegal exotic big game hunts, Robin will be there to expose them from the evil they cause.
For some reason, this entry in the series reminded me a lot about the first Percy Jackson novels. The action in this is also very frequent and there isn't a lot of downtime for any real character progression. It was nice to see little John's perspective, as he is in a different situation which he also has to manage without exposing his true feelings. All in all this is quite entertaining, but this entry was more targeted to kids specifically than the previous entry.
This is the book called Robin Hood book 2. If you have read the first one, there was a riot in Sherwood. After the first book, Guy Gasbourne, the father of the meanest girl in locksley high makes an offer with the community of whoever captures Robin Hood would get 100,000 dollars. Now robin’s name was all around walls graffitied, Clare gisborne wanting revenge on Robin. Now Robin is determined to fight back but her friends and families stop him. Enraged, he goes to hack the school’s website to make sure that everyone knows her next move. He robs people to solve it and an assault using paintball guns and smoke bombs to finish it. Little John, robin’s brother is getting used to his rich job as a servant. Trouble overcomes him. Clare ruining him. The Sherwood castle must be secure but bad things always happened. John king, the ruler of the castle makes Little John feel furious. Telling him to do everything. Will Robin be able to help his brother and succeed in stopping Clare, or will he be captured and get sentenced to death? Read the book to find out.
Following on from the explosive ending of the first book *INSERT SPOILERS HERE* Robin is now on the run and forced to hide inside Sherwood Forest, while his brother, Little John, is adjusting to his newfound lifestyle of riches and servants with *INSERT SPOILER HERE*.
What proceeds is a less serious story with smaller stakes. The action, while still prevalent, is dialled back slightly, and the characters and world are given some much-needed fleshing out. That said, if you finished the first book with a desire to dive a little deeper into the world that Muchamore has built for his reimagined archer, then book 2 will not disappoint. We're shown the world in more depth than before and get to experience more of the fascinating Sherwood Forest and its gang-driven conflicts. A scene inside a desolate, partially abandoned petrol station was a particular standout. We gain a deeper understanding of how the Sheriff of Nottingham works on a day-by-day basis through the eyes of *INSERT SPOILER HERE* and the corruption that is present in all corners of Sherwood Castle. The bulk of the plot revolves around an attempt to prevent the Sheriff and her rich acquaintances from hunting exotic animals inside the castle and exposing these dastardly deeds to the larger world.
Ultimately this leads to a surprisingly fun conclusion that, although lacking the stakes of the first book, is a joy to read nonetheless. Just like the first title, this is absolutely perfect for teenage boys that crave action, reluctant readers, or someone that wants a fast-paced thrill ride. What this title may lack in heart-stopping action (when compared to the original) it more than makes up for with its world-building and character development.
The only thing holding it back is that it feels a bit like filler at times. Main villain Gisbourne is nowhere to be seen in this story and it does little to advance the main plot between Robin and his dad. It’s just as well then, that the plot and characters will be fun enough to keep you invested and craving the third book, which from the premise alone seems like it’s heading a more intense, darker direction.
My review for the first Robin Hood book was glowing, and not only has lightning struck twice, but I find it hard to believe it will stop striking in the future instalments. I would encourage you to first read that review before going into this one to avoid too many spoilers.
Three months ago, 12-year-old Robin Hood’s father was framed for a crime and arrested for daring to criticize mob boss Guy Gisborne and the corrupt sheriff, Marjorie Kojavecic. Robin and his older brother John were separated, and while John eventually found himself in the actually embracing hands of Marjorie, who it turns out is his real mother, Robin found himself at this abandoned (well, sort of abandoned) shopping mall where a man named Will Scarlock has set it up as a community, of those living off the grid and rebelling against the establishment.
Robin was able to steal over 100,000 pounds in the middle of a police riot, and prevented two corrupt cops from arresting, and possibly injuring or killing some of the protestors. He’s now a legend, loved by most and hated by some. Sheriff Marjorie has this yearly event that allows her special guests and donors to go all Hunger Games and track down and shoot innocent animals in this forestrial dome. Robin believes he could maybe figure out how to get into Marjorie and Gisborne’s main information servers. And that’s all I’ll reveal for now in this second part of Robin’s journey.
In the last book, I had a slight problem with too many short chapters. The format is still here, but I guess maybe because things are more established now in this second book, or the different points of view are more intertwined and fascinating, I didn’t mind it as much.
And honestly, I can’t really think of any criticisms. I was happy in the last book that a lot was left hanging for future instalments, and this one does the same thing while satisfying us with what is able to get done. After all, that’s what life is like, right? Robin’s broken family still has a lot of bad stuff happening, but a little bit of progress is made. Someone we met in the first book goes missing. Robin pulls things off, with a few traps he doesn’t see coming. The rebel community feels even more established. And the book does all of these hijinks while always having the feeling of either too much glamour when we’re in John’s shoes, or muckiness when we’re in Robin’s. Plus, as kid’s books should be, it’s not overwhelmingly long. There’s just enough here for a satisfying entry, and not so much that we don’t want to continue on with the numerous other books. There’s plenty more to happen.
If you’re looking for a book series for your kid or even for you, that is easy to read, pulls you in immediately, and has characters being realistic badasses, I can’t think of a suggestion better than Muchamore’s Robin Hood books.
(I have since read all 9 current Robin Hood books.)
- You can read my other reviews at williammcginn.com -
Robin Hood is in hiding. He has a 100,000 pound bounty on him by gangster Guy Gisborne, after he came off 2nd Robin Hood - Piracy, Paintballs & Zebras Book Review Coverbest to Robin and his legendary archery skills. Robin is hiding with the people of Sherwood Forest and he needs to keep his head down – but he’s not one to sit still.
Sheriff Marjorie Kovacevic is planning her annual trophy hunt of exotic animals at her home of Sherwood Castle. Celebrity guests are all lined up for the event, and Robin is keen to help the Animal Freedom Militia (friends of his new Sherwood forest family) put a stop to it, also showing the world what the Sheriff is up to.
The result is an action filled attack, full of body-cams, paintball guns, flying paint, and red smoke bombs.
John Hood (now living with his mother the Sheriff) has a lot going on his life too. After a fight at school, he’s been sent to another, and is struggling to fit in. He soon makes an unlikely friend. As all this is taking place, Guy Gisborne is plotting Robin Hood’s downfall and painful punishment.
The 2nd in this series, Robin’s archery skills are again put to the test, as is his courage and loyalty to his new friends of Sherwood Forest. Humour, action, technology and the over-arching menace of mobster Guy Gisborne, make this another great read.
AAAHHH finalmente li a continuação desta trilogia e estou muito satisfeita com isso. A trilogia é uma história inspirada em Robin Hood que é uma história que nunca tive muito interesse até agora. Eu adorei o primeiro livro! O final deixa-nos suspensos a implorar pelo segundo volume para saber o que vai acontecer às personagens no meio de tanta confusão. No segundo livro continuamos a grande aventura da vida do Robin, muitas surpresas, perseguição, flechas, fugas, ataques e momentos tão engraçados e inesperados que não conseguimos largar o livro. Apesar de ter adorado sinto que não chegou ao nível do primeiro e o final parece algo definitivo e não de introdução a um terceiro livro. Mal posso esperar pela publicação do terceiro livro para saber como termina esta aventura divertida e perigosa.
I loved the way the book goes, pulled me in and didn't let me go. A massive round of applause to Robert Muchamore. The twist of Little John being the son of Sheriff Marjorie was totally unexpected, and I loved it. Seeing from Little John POV on how the enemy's daughter(Clare Gisborne) has become a trusted friend was another twist I loved. I was laughing like a lunatic when Little John realized the girl who caused him to move to another school(Clare Gisborne), away from his friends, has followed him to the new school his mum enrolled him in. I simply loved the many ironies in this book.
This series has me addicted as I have read 2 books in one day.
looking forward to start the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have to say, this book was very well laid out. Chapters rotated between Robin Hood's adventurous life in the outlet mall and Little John's life his precariously put under the pressure of having the Sheriff as a mother. This book is mainly focussed on Little John moving to a new school and making friends with an old school bully and Robin Hood carrying on with dangerous missions and escapes. Although Little John's life is not nearly as dangerous or high staked as Robin's, it is very far-fetched to say that it would not be interesting as he nearly gets drunk, finds out his brother is in danger, and nearly gets pinned ninja stars coming from Clare Gisborne. Overall, this was a very nice book(other than a little bit of swearing)
Very clever in creating a modern Robin Hood world.
Little John is Robin's older brother. Friar Tuck=Freya Tuck and is the cousin of Marion. Maid Marion=Marion Maid and she lives in a big community in an abandoned mall in Sherwood Forrest. King Richard III= Richard King III. King John= John King. Alan-A-Dale= Alan Adale and is Robin's best friend from school. Will Suteley=Will Scarlock who is in charge of all of the goings on in the mall (he arranges all of the rotas etc.).
It did have a bit of blasphemy. The author did try and keep it relatively clean in regards to the language used (for the majority).
A dazzling sequel to Book 1: 'Hacking, Heists and Flaming Arrows'. Robert Muchamore has put 12 year old, modern-era Robin Hood, and his family and friends, into a cut-throat world - a world only a step or two away from our own. Billionaires make the rules, and the little people are pushed to the edge of a world that is breaking down. Through all the angst and mayhem, there is enormous action, fun and devotion to the cause. It is incredible that Muchamore can present such a realistic and intricate portrayal of people and places - this series is an absolute page-turner.
After the first book I was very disappointed with this one. The first one was action-packed and enjoyable whereas this book was slightly boring and had a lot of telling about the story. Be prepared for a slight let down. During some parts of the book I would skip through it out of boredom (a couple of pages of paragraphs).
Als je zin hebt in lekker veel actie en spannende achtervolgingen, dan zit je met dit boek goed! Heel fijn hoe het verhaal van Robin Hood verweven zit in dit boek: van de naam van de hoofdpersoon tot vriendin Marian en boze sheriff. Heerlijk!
I loved this book because I liked how Robin is so great at archery and hacking. I also liked it when Robin was in sherwood Castle both times. What I didn’t like was How sheriff Marjorie keeps on trying to change John’s name from John Hood to John Kovacevic.
Un deuxième opus aussi rythmé, drôle et moderne que le premier. Le personnage de Robin est toujours aussi attachant. Les personnages secondaires ont une place plus importante dans cette suite, et cela nourrit la narration.
Piracy paintballs and zebras by Robert muchamore. Robin just wants to do his thing and be free to do it but also understands that he needs to keep low and not be seen but cannot help it. Also he just wants his family back but when he seems to get a step ahead he is thrown back 2 steps
My inner child really likes this series. The audiobooks are excellently narrated by Joe Jameson, and make for a light, fun and easy listen - eminently binge-able. My adult self also appreciates the series as an innovative modern re-imagining of the Robin Hood mythos.
The character development was good. Little John made more sense and was more like himself in the first half of the last book. The plot however was a bit weak and inconsistent which made it spotty
Génial. J'adore. Je ne saurais dire si je préfère lui ou le premier mais je crois que je ne pourrais jamais m'arrêter de lire ces livres tant que je ne saurais pas arrivé à la fin de la série.
The first book in the series was great so I was expecting a lot from the sequel. Back in the Designer Outlets Mall, Robin is feeling bored like he is a prisoner because Guy Gisborne - the local gangsta - has put £100,000 to his name if anyone finds him. But, together with Marion's family and the leader of the Mall, Robin hears wind of an organised hunting party at Sherwood Castle, where it is likely to be host to celebrities, and lots of exotic animals that don't belong. However, they don't like the sound of it and decide to intercept and cancel the party. There's jam-packed action, adventure and of course hacking in the book. I really like it as it flowed nicely from the first book. Of course, the characters are still engaging and it was really nice to learn more about John Hood - Robin's brother. The plot was exciting and was different to the first book which made it an enjoyable and interesting read. In total, it was a great sequel that was really enjoyable to read.