Robin Hood: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows

One of the best teen reads I have read in while. Robin Hood: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows is an absolute work of genius that, speaking as a 33 year old, I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. I can already think of so many of my students who are going to be queuing up to read this book and I cannot wait to share it with them.

Librarians, teachers, parents; I strongly urge you to purchase this book, especially if you have a reluctant reader or a boy who is disengaged from reading. Robin Hood will guarantee they will be completely absorbed in this thrilling novel. I cannot wait for a director to get hold of this book and turn it into a television series or film. This book screams to make into a film or series.

So much happens in this 272 page book that I don't even know where to start with the overview of the plot. Robin Hood is a complete re-write of the much loved original tale of the brave archer who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Set in the modern world, Robin Hood is a 12 year old boy with a particular talent for archery. His family are relatively poor but get by. The town in which they live is run down, impoverished and run by a corrupt 'business man', Gisborne.

One day Robin's father is set up and Gisborne's corrupt police come and arrest him for a crime he didn't commit. Gisborne attempts to take Robin and his older brother into foster homes and a life of guaranteed misery, causing Robin to fight back, accidently shooting Gisborne in a place no man wants to be shot.

Robin and his brother go on the run, ending up in Sherwood Forest, renowned for its bandits and people on the run. Many events take place that lead Robin to a 12 year old girl - Marion Maid. Marion takes Robin in to her family - the forest dwellers - and helps him get revenge on Gisborne and his cronies, involving fast paced car chases, hacking into ATMs, archery on the back of a motorbike, guns and explosions.

The author, Robert Muchamore, has really hit the nail on the head when it comes to writing a story that young people will become completely engrossed by. One element I particularly loved with the use of the names; Robin Hood really does steal from the rich (Gisborne) and gives it to the poor (the forest bandits who are actually really decent people driven out by Gisborne); Marion Maid - you can see the love story potentially developing in a sequel novel; Little John, Robin's big and bulky brother, is ironically named Little John; and finally, Friar Tuck is known in this tale as Freya Tuck, one of the guards of the bandits forest dwelling.

I could sit and write so much more about this novel that is how much I truly love it. You will not be able to put it down. Huge recommend from me, please buy this book!

272 pages / Reviewed by Joanna Hewish, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 11+

I really like this book because it shows what Robin and little John have to go through after a family dies and how they have to survive in Sherwood forest

Suggested Reading Age 11+

Robin Hood: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows is the first book in this brand-new action-packed adventure series by the master storyteller Robert Muchamore. Fans of his books will not be disappointed with the first instalment in this new series.

Set in the modern-day our hero, 12-year-old Robin, is just like any other ordinary school kid. He lives with his father and his older brother John. He is an expert archer and a skillful computer hacker. However, with factory closures and high unemployment, times are tough in the town of Locksley, especially living under the corrupt police department headed by the wicked Guy Gisborne.

As the story begins, Robin's world is turned upside down when his father is arrested for a crime that he did not commit. In the ensuing chaos, Robin shoots Gisborne. Fearing the threat of being arrested and taken into care, Robin and John flee. Armed with very little supplies, a lap-top and his bow, Robin and his brother escape to the vast and extremely dangerous Sherwood Forest. Here, they will have to endure the many perils of the bandit-filled forest. They must rely on their strength, wit and skills to survive whilst trying to evade capture from Gisborne and his men.. and so begins Robin's first adventure.

Whilst Muchamore uses the familiarity of character names and settings associated with the legend of Robin Hood, this book feels very fresh and modern. His portrayal of the female characters in the novel, whether they are on the side of good or evil, prove to be just as fearless, dangerous and strong as their male counterparts. With this in mind, this book will definitely appeal to many types of reader, both male and female.

Robin Hood really is an action-packed page-turner filled with thrills, plot twists, lovable heroes and despicable villains. I am sure some readers will absolutely devour this book in one sitting. For reluctant readers the short, punchy chapters and exciting story-line will leave them wanting to read on to see what happens next. This book really will appeal to a wide variety of young people and not just Robert Muchamore fans. The only problem I think readers will have with this book is waiting for the next exciting instalment!

272 pages / Reviewed by Julie Broadbent, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+