First of all, I have to say that I have been bewildered from a few (very few/minority) of reviews saying that the language is "inferior". The only way I can get my head around the very very few poor reviews that this book has received is that some people were heavily prejudiced by the fact that this book was self published, and some people have not been able to see past this fact. Other criticisms such as it is not written in old English are ridiculous and need no explanation. I am also confused sa to why some people cannot accept why Steven decided to set it in the 14th Century. He has just conformed to the earlier stories/ballads of Robin Hood and in doing so has put his own mark on the legend. Self published or not, theres a reason this book was number one in the war charts, its tremendously well written. As a frustrated writer myself, I cannot believe that this is Steven's first attempt at a novel, as the story belies his inexperience. The language is excellent, but most importantly its fluid and consistent and sits nicely parallel with the non stop action. His character development is spot on, and there were a couple of twists and turns i genuinely never saw common. Again I'm baffled at the very small minority who had the cheek to say the language was inferior, as I believe the language along with the fluid way it is juxtaposed alongside the action is what sets Steven apart. I also got the feeling some people were reviewing the book in relation to the novel being a Jane Austenesque English classic, and have used an unrealistic marker to judge steven. Steven in my view has set out to write an entertaining adventure novel with a twist, and that's exactly what the novel is. Steven is a fantastic storyteller. There is only one part of the book I was not sure off, and that was Robin's love making scene with his girl. Personally I never understood its inclusion and it seemed a little bit ill fitting, but I would be interested to know why Steven included this, as I am always happy to concede if I have failed to grasp the importance/significance of a scene/chapter etc. However this is a very small criticism and it is given within the context of the book still being outstanding (particularly for a first attempt). Steven has a real talent for storytelling, as well as building a picture for his readership, and I can only imagine how good he'll be 5 or 6 novels down the line. 5 stars without a doubt Most of us have heard the story of Robin Hood, his nobly born lady fair (the maid Marian), the evil sheriff of Nottingham, and his equal in notoriety, Guy of Gisborne. Wolf's Head has very few similarities to that story, and the author takes you on a sometimes rather bleak and dismal trek through the woods and villages of Barnsdale with our hero and his friends. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing bleak and dismal about the writing, but you get sucked into a believable miserable mid-winter forest, scratching a living from what little you can find, or steal. Robin is a young lad, not the grown, outcast noble we usually think of, and he has to fight hard to earn his place as leader of the outlaws. A compelling story, packed with action and political intrigue, a little love, and plenty of humour. I will definitely be reading this again!
What do You think about Wolf's Head (2013)?
An enjoyable story about Robin Hood, I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
—ayewaddymindin
OK retelling of the Hood legend, but it still felt a mite unsatisfying.
—lilly1203
