Outlaw by Angus Donald

Title: Outlaw
Author: Angus Donald
Genre: Historical Fiction/Robin Hood story
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Available: $10.19 at Amazon 
Rating: 4.5 stars
Rater: Lauri 


Plot summary: Alan Dale, a child, is caught stealing and sent away from his family – and to the camp of the legendary Robin Hood. Lessons ensue, some bloody, some heartbreaking, but all mold young Alan into an increasingly fierce and loyal warrior. 


The good: Donald writes with that flair that only the most skilled of writers can muster. Each character is a study, and lives and breathes beneath your fingers. The action is well-painted, and the story well-told.


What needs work: The sexism in this book left me gagging more than once. I realize that this is supposed to be 12th Century England, but really? 


I bought this book because I love medieval battles, both small- and large-scale, and have heard good things about Donald’s writing. He did not disappoint. If your urges pull you to relive historical Europe, this is a book you need to read.