Review: The Rescue by Steven McKay

Synopsis: Yorkshire, 1325 AD

“Your brother ain’t here lass,” the man spat, stepping towards her. “And this time you are going for a swim.”

There was a snap and a shocking blur of motion as an arrow tore from the thick summer foliage behind the girl and hit the approaching man’s thigh. The missile buried itself in the muscle so hard that it knocked him off his feet and he screamed in agony as the excited dogs began barking and straining at the ropes that tethered them to the cart. In contrast, the great brown bear in the cage looked on in silence.

“My brother is here, lad,” Marjorie hissed, eyes moving from the fallen man to his stunned companions. “And so are his friends.”

“The Rescue” is part of the 100,000+ selling Forest Lord series.

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A short tale that forms part of McKay's "Forest Lord" series - and a familiarity with the series is always recommended when an author throws out something extra.

This tale features Matilda Hood (wife of Robin) and Marjorie (sister of Robin) as they get into a scrape that leads to ..... the rescue.

Enjoyable diversion.

Review: Nottingham by David Hazan

Synopsis: In this twisted medieval noir, the Sheriff of Nottingham hunts a serial killer with a penchant for tax collectors. The Sheriff's investigation makes him the target of England's most nefarious power-brokers. That's to say nothing of the Merry Men, terrorists lurking amongst the trees of Sherwood, led by an enigma known only as "Hood."

I accidentally chose this one not realising it was a graphic novel. That being said - I rather enjoyed this grim, noirish homage to the Robin Hood mythos.

If you like your villains dark and broody, your heroes questionable and a bit off-kilter, a bit of blood and gore (understatement), fantastic artwork by Volk and Romano, then this will be right up your alley. A great start to a promising series.

Local author publishes book on Robin Hood

From the Wiltshire Times:

Dr Sean McGlynn says the legend of the Nottingham outlaw who reportedly robbed the rich to give to the poor has Wiltshire connections.

His new book Robin Hood: A True Legend has already received international media attention.

The university lecturer and professional historian, who lives at Monkton Farleigh, said: “My book investigates real-life contenders for the original Robin Hood and the inspiration behind the legend.

“I have come up with a genuine historical figure as the most plausible candidate, completely overlooked by all previous historians.”

“He is an historically-documented archer called William of Kensham, who fits the medieval timing, context and legend perfectly, and a freedom-fighting, bow-wielding hero who led his band of archers in the forest against oppressors.

read more here @ Wiltshire Times