The Wolf and the Raven

The Forest Lord, Volume 2

By: Steven A. McKay

Narrated by: Nick Ellsworth

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In the aftermath of a violent rebellion Robin Hood and his men must fight for survival with an enemy deadlier than any they've faced before...

1322. England is in disarray and Sir Guy of Gisbourne, the king's own bounty hunter, stalks the greenwood, bringing bloody justice to the outlaws and rebels who hide there. When things begin to go horribly wrong self-pity, grief and despair threaten to overwhelm the young wolf's head who will need the support of his friends and family now more than ever. But Robin's friends have troubles of their own and, this time, not all of them will escape with their lives....

Violence, betrayal, brutality, and death come to vivid life in The Wolf and the Raven, the brilliant sequel to Wolf's Head.

©2014 Steven A. McKay (P)2014 Steven A. McKay

Great Robin Hood Series

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wolf and the Raven to be better than the print version?

I really like whisper-sync....I can switch between audio and reading with ease. I think this is a personal preference. For me, I loved it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously Robin was great. I think the character development was great.

What about Nick Ellsworth’s performance did you like?

I think he did a great narration job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Most deffinetly

Any additional comments?

I loved this series. It is no romantic version of Robin Hood, it is bloody and brutal and yet maintains reality. There is great character development and plenty of action scenes. If you like medieval action this is the book for you. If you like historical fiction with action....look no further. Incidentally, I also purchased the Audible edition as well. The narrator did a great job, I listened on my daily commute.

What I really liked was that each book in the series is a complete and independent story. There are hints of more to follow in the sequels, but Steven wraps each book up nicely so that you feel you have finished a great story.

New favorite!

I love this book series! Just dark enough for me with out being over done, I love that it's geared towards adults! Also he writes fast! Which is also a pleaser because I can't wait for the next book tho come out!

Another great volume in the series

Any additional comments?

I'm so glad I stumbled across this series. The story is so rich I feel like I'm right there experiencing it along with the characters.

Robin Hood Strikes Again!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this audiobook to anyone interested in historical adventure.

What did you like best about this story?

Without getting into spoilers, the relationship between Sir Richard and his captor is somewhat a unique touch and the unfolding of Robin Hood's departure from Nottingham Castle is clever, well-detailed.

Which character – as performed by Nick Ellsworth – was your favorite?

Nick Ellsworth's voice for Tuck is note-perfect, but he also catches Will Scarlet and Little John very skillfully. Hard to pick just one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I didn't have the time... spread it out over a few days.

Any additional comments?

Nick Ellsworth does justice to Steven McKay's story with a crisp, professional narration. I read the paperback earlier, but I enjoyed the audio experience equally. Highly recommended.

Written so well it makes you mad...

Would you listen to The Wolf and the Raven again? Why?

The author has written this book and series so well that it makes you hate the antagonist and love the protagonist. The way it was written allows you to dive into the story and makes you want to be a part of it as if you are there. When they are running through the trees and are winded, I feel as though I am winded as well. That is great writing and great reading. I love being able to dive into a book like this. The story is fantastic. It has twists and turns and show's what the writer knows and envisions for every character. He truly knows that story, the layout of England where this takes place, the practices that were in place back then and what they did during those times.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Friar Tuck in this one is my favorite. He always uses his head and gives great advice. He is a noble man and is always trying to make others around him better.

Which scene was your favorite?

When they duel at the end and Robin hears the great news from Friar Tuck and that changes everything that he is fighting for.

Who was the most memorable character of The Wolf and the Raven and why?

Friar Tuck. He seems to do everything and be everywhere. He was a huge part during this book and made it very enjoyable to listen to.

Any additional comments?

Couldn't put this down. Listened to it in one sitting.

I'll probably read them all...but...

After reading the first book, I was extremely excited when the second one hit the shelves. The audiobook was excellent and the narrator superb...but I found myself screaming "Aaaarrrggg!!!" in my mind throughout this second story.

It must be true what the author says in the end that the characters dictated the storyline for the most part. As what you would expect to happen usually does. Also, characters that another author would have built the reader up to love, would always be saved in the end. Not here. Beloved characters die miserable deaths and the "baddies" seem to win ALL the way through the story.

But, like all good stories, I couldn't put it down. reading in the evening turned into audiobook listening during work hours! :-) I'll keep reading the series though, hoping that this was merely Steven's version of "The Empire Strikes Back" and that the Jedi's really do win in the end.
I can hope.