Outlaw

November 29, 2010
Donald drives a sword through the heart of the smiling, joking Robin Hood in his stateside debut, recasting the jolly thief of Nottingham Forest as the vicious leader of a very unjolly band of cutthroats who are prone to the slaughter or mutilation of enemies, betrayers, and anyone thought to be disloyal. The story begins in 1189 as Alan Dale, a 13-year-old thief, joins Robin's band of drunken and debauched outlaws and seeks revenge on Sir Ralph Murdac, the high sheriff of Nottingham, for the murders of his parents. While the outlaws are plundering and killing rich travelers and clergymen, a traitor betrays Robin to Murdac, resulting in Alan's capture and torture, which only hardens his resolve to kill the sheriff and several other chain-mail baddies. Add miraculous escapes, the rescue of a fair maiden, romance, witchcraft, much drunkenness, and the introduction of Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlet, and the evil Prince John, and you get a rousing yarn that takes the story you're familiar with and gives it a lively jolt of brutality and gore.

March 1, 2011
Donald puts a new twist on the well-known story of Robin Hood in this decidedly darker version of the legendary prince of thieves. Yes, the man in tights still robs from the rich and gives to the poor, but pity the man who crosses him. No mercy is spared by Robin and his decidedly thug-like band of not-so-merry men as they relentlessly and violently pursue their mission. Narrated by Alan Dale, one of Robin Hoods young apprentices, this gritty tale is populated by a host of familiar characters, including the evil sheriff of Nottingham, Little John, Friar Tuck, and, of course, Marian, here rechristened Marie-Anne. Though Donald sprinkles the plot with some recognizable scenes, this is a far cry from the cozy adventure tale that inspired generations of children. This Robin is willing to wage violent war on anyone, including one of his own, who challenges or betrays him. In true episodic fashion, Donald leaves the door open for the next exciting installment of this boldly refashioned fable.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)