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Robin Hood: The First Arrow
Robin Book One 'Full of action and historical detail. A legend, re-invented and re-invigorated. Highly recommended.' Richard Foreman 1224. The north of England has become lawless. Rapacious and corrupt sheriffs are a force of oppression, rather than justice. Robert Hode, a yeoman farmer, is forced to flee into the forests of Yorkshire. His only crime is to defend his home and family against Sir Gui de Gisburne, a brutal and charismatic Yorkshire knight and the sheriff's chief enforcer. Hunted like an animal, Robert falls into the company of Hobbe of Wetherby, the most wanted man in Yorkshire – and the most dangerous. When the sheriff orders Gisburne to kill the outlaws, Robert flees south into Barnsdale. There, he gathers a band of loyal followers around him and makes a new home in the greenwood. The fightback has begun. Robert must become a force for justice and hope. England needs a champion. Robin Hood will be born - and unleash his first arrow. The first book in an enjoyable and engaging series. Recommended for fans of Angus Donald, Bernard Cornwell and Michael Jecks. David Pilling is the author of fictional and non-fictional works, including Leader of Battles , Longsword , The White Hawk , Rebellion Against Henry The Disinherited Montfortians 1265-74 , and many more. ‘A swift medieval adventure that will transport the reader to fastnesses of the great royal forests as if the king's men are giving chase.’ J.A. Ironside 'Pilling has created a wonderful reimagining of Robin Hood's legend.' Jemahl Evans
- GenresHistorical Fiction
144 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2020
100 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 1, 2026
What a great novella regarding one of England's most famous heroes. I loved the fact that this time we have a more realistic view on both the man and the time in which he lived.
The writing style is very engaging and David does well in describing the scene and creating a real atmosphere. It was not difficult to imagine what was going on as the author managed to paint a vivid picture of the surroundings at all times, whether we were on the road, in the forest or in a lord's manor.
He doesn't hold back either or tries to romanticize it. Life was hard, difficult and dirty.
Robert Hode was an interesting man to follow in this novel, he feels more real considering the context of the times he lived in. He was not perfect. He made mistakes. He was rightfully so an outlaw. But at times his noble character came to the front and that makes you root for him.
I also really enjoyed reading Eustace's point of view, gave just that extra edge to the veracity and historical correct feeling of the story.
So, whilst I am almost nothing but positive, I will not rate it 5*'s because there are a few plot points that I think didn't sit well with me.
First, X got shot in the eye with an arrow, got operated on and lost the eye but survived. Fair enough. But after one day already be up and about and being fit enough to go hunting in winter for an outlaw? I think that probably needed a bit more time in between those situations.
Second, Y is considered a life long hunter but when he needs to escape his hideout he forgets his bow and quiver. I think that was more for the benefit of the plot than that it was very believable.
Last but not least, Z mentions he has never fought with or handled a sword at all, but then near the end of the story he fights of half a dozen of watchmen with a sword. I think it should have been given some attention that he was training and spending time with the sword. Now it really came out of the blue.
However, these are clearly just minor detractions and mostly nitpicking from my side. Overall I really enjoyed this novella and I will immediately continue with the next one.
The writing style is very engaging and David does well in describing the scene and creating a real atmosphere. It was not difficult to imagine what was going on as the author managed to paint a vivid picture of the surroundings at all times, whether we were on the road, in the forest or in a lord's manor.
He doesn't hold back either or tries to romanticize it. Life was hard, difficult and dirty.
Robert Hode was an interesting man to follow in this novel, he feels more real considering the context of the times he lived in. He was not perfect. He made mistakes. He was rightfully so an outlaw. But at times his noble character came to the front and that makes you root for him.
I also really enjoyed reading Eustace's point of view, gave just that extra edge to the veracity and historical correct feeling of the story.
So, whilst I am almost nothing but positive, I will not rate it 5*'s because there are a few plot points that I think didn't sit well with me.
First, X got shot in the eye with an arrow, got operated on and lost the eye but survived. Fair enough. But after one day already be up and about and being fit enough to go hunting in winter for an outlaw? I think that probably needed a bit more time in between those situations.
Second, Y is considered a life long hunter but when he needs to escape his hideout he forgets his bow and quiver. I think that was more for the benefit of the plot than that it was very believable.
Last but not least, Z mentions he has never fought with or handled a sword at all, but then near the end of the story he fights of half a dozen of watchmen with a sword. I think it should have been given some attention that he was training and spending time with the sword. Now it really came out of the blue.
However, these are clearly just minor detractions and mostly nitpicking from my side. Overall I really enjoyed this novella and I will immediately continue with the next one.
January 14, 2025
The plot of this book is all over the place
April 8, 2021
An excellent tale.
Puting flesh and a dose of reality on a legend.
I lived not far from Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood references were everywhere
This story is *not* your typical Hollywood influenced heroic tale, it is earthy, dirty, violent. But is all the better for it.
Puting flesh and a dose of reality on a legend.
I lived not far from Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood references were everywhere
This story is *not* your typical Hollywood influenced heroic tale, it is earthy, dirty, violent. But is all the better for it.
January 2, 2023
I've finally run across this one on my journey to read every Robin Hood book! It's a short, easy read, but the writing is quite pleasant. It's as it's intended to be, an origin story deepset in the real-world facts and legends that we have here in the present day.
It does a good deal of describing the feeling of being around people who are more criminal than you, and the sheer grittiness of living out in the wild, which people often forget when they romanticize it. Poor Robert, who is sort of forced to get involved with the criminal and the lawless, quickly discovers that he has what it takes to earn his freedom.
It's always going to be hard for me because in my mind I have this perfect mental image of 'Robin Hood,' of which members are in the gang, of which events should be in every book. So when it diverts even a little, it's more of a challenge to accept it. (For instance, this 'Mathilda' instead of 'Marian.') I'm not a fan of even having their names changed to what was probably more likely, because it just doesn't sound as good on the ears. (Robert as opposed to Robin)
Tuck is as awesome as always, I love him. And of course, Gui is there, with an obsession for slaying Robert, who is a bit unlikable at times. He taunts people who are being nice, gets angry with people who are trying to help, and randomly thinks about mutiny. Why is he never content? I like that his basic core is there, to try and help the commonfolk, and those who can't help themselves against those with more power.
I just prefer my Robin Hood to be more thing of fun and legend, and care less about trying to be factual. BUT, I really do want to read the sequel, because I want to know what happens next!
It does a good deal of describing the feeling of being around people who are more criminal than you, and the sheer grittiness of living out in the wild, which people often forget when they romanticize it. Poor Robert, who is sort of forced to get involved with the criminal and the lawless, quickly discovers that he has what it takes to earn his freedom.
It's always going to be hard for me because in my mind I have this perfect mental image of 'Robin Hood,' of which members are in the gang, of which events should be in every book. So when it diverts even a little, it's more of a challenge to accept it. (For instance, this 'Mathilda' instead of 'Marian.') I'm not a fan of even having their names changed to what was probably more likely, because it just doesn't sound as good on the ears. (Robert as opposed to Robin)
Tuck is as awesome as always, I love him. And of course, Gui is there, with an obsession for slaying Robert, who is a bit unlikable at times. He taunts people who are being nice, gets angry with people who are trying to help, and randomly thinks about mutiny. Why is he never content? I like that his basic core is there, to try and help the commonfolk, and those who can't help themselves against those with more power.
I just prefer my Robin Hood to be more thing of fun and legend, and care less about trying to be factual. BUT, I really do want to read the sequel, because I want to know what happens next!
December 30, 2021
3.5 Stars
liked that the author worked in scenes made famous in the ballads, and threw in some historical easter eggs. Swapping out the ballads' Sir Richard at the Lea and making the impoverished knight Robin helps Fulke Fitzwarren was clever as his exploits were thought to be one of the inspirations for the Robin Hood legends.
This is the second time I've read through the book, and while the action scenes are pretty decent reading, I find the story doesn't stick with me much at all. I didn't remember many of the incidents and probably won't this time either. A nice little pass-time, but not much depth. I suppose rather like the ballads were in their time.
liked that the author worked in scenes made famous in the ballads, and threw in some historical easter eggs. Swapping out the ballads' Sir Richard at the Lea and making the impoverished knight Robin helps Fulke Fitzwarren was clever as his exploits were thought to be one of the inspirations for the Robin Hood legends.
This is the second time I've read through the book, and while the action scenes are pretty decent reading, I find the story doesn't stick with me much at all. I didn't remember many of the incidents and probably won't this time either. A nice little pass-time, but not much depth. I suppose rather like the ballads were in their time.
January 18, 2024
Gave up
Made it about 25%. When our hero ran away from his pursuit from the monk's cave and "forgot his bow" because he was in fear and such a hurry...? An archer and hunter his entire life and.... He forgets his bow...? A pity but that did it for me.
Made it about 25%. When our hero ran away from his pursuit from the monk's cave and "forgot his bow" because he was in fear and such a hurry...? An archer and hunter his entire life and.... He forgets his bow...? A pity but that did it for me.
May 15, 2021
Good back story
Good story about the back story of Robin Hood. Writing is simple and that can be a good thing , I think. But I don't think the characters come to life for me.
Good story about the back story of Robin Hood. Writing is simple and that can be a good thing , I think. But I don't think the characters come to life for me.
June 16, 2022
great read
It’s nice to read a plausible story about a believable hero. I’ll definitely be looking for the sequel. Great book.
It’s nice to read a plausible story about a believable hero. I’ll definitely be looking for the sequel. Great book.
December 27, 2022
A quick short read.
February 11, 2023
The adventures begin...
Fast paced, historically genuine with all the familiar characters you'd expect. Looking forward to Robin Hood II.
Amazingly quick read.
Fast paced, historically genuine with all the familiar characters you'd expect. Looking forward to Robin Hood II.
Amazingly quick read.
December 28, 2023
Definitely an Enjoyable Read!
A bit slow getting started but worth hanging in there for the entire tale. Not quite as exciting or colorful as the tv series but ok.
A bit slow getting started but worth hanging in there for the entire tale. Not quite as exciting or colorful as the tv series but ok.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews