Nottingham

A Novel

By: Nathan Makaryk

Narrated by: Marisa Calin, Raphael Corkhill

Both a gripping historical epic and fascinating deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, Nathan Makaryk’s Nottingham mixes history and myth into a complex study of power—one that twists and turns far beyond the traditional tale of Sherwood Forest’s iconic thief.

No king. No rules.

England, 1191. King Richard is half a world away, fighting for God and his own ambition. Back home, his country languishes, bankrupt and on the verge of anarchy. People with power are running unchecked. People without are growing angry. And in Nottingham, one of the largest shires in England, the sheriff seems intent on doing nothing about it.

As the leaves turn gold in the Sherwood Forest, the lives of six people—Arable, a servant girl with a secret, Robin and William, soldiers running from their pasts, Marion, a noblewoman working for change, Guy of Gisbourne, Nottingham’s beleaguered guard captain, and Elena Gamwell, a brash, ambitious thief—become intertwined.

And a strange story begins to spread . . .

A bit convoluted but worth the time

Well, what to say about this long Robin Hood novel? First off, it could be a lot shorter and less convoluted. Having said that, it is also highly derivative of the last four or five filmed versions of Robin Hood. Maybe that's not fair, as any story told as often as Robin Hood's is bound to owe a debt to previous versions.

So those are the aspects I think needed improvement. However, I also liked a number of components. First off, the characterization of Prince John was very amusing. The villains are not cardboard cut-outs at all; even Sir Guy of Gisbourne is a multi-dimensional creation. The relationship between Robin and the Sheriff is delightful, though it is occasionally clear as mud how they wound up on opposite sides. I liked that it was a complete story and need not be the launch of a series: it said what it wanted to say.

Overall, I recommend the audiobook (which I listened to) as it is well read by two narrators (male and female).

Complexity tucked away nicely

The story wasn't easily predictable which is always nice. I didn't even realize it was basically a Robin hood story. most retelling or inspired by books are so predictable and awful that I give up a quarter of the way through. Great book. The voices of characters fell off towards the end by the male narrative though. Mostly at the very end.

Fantastic historical adventure from a debut author

Nottingham is a beautiful blend of what I love about Bernard Cornwell, Terry Pratchett, and George R. R. Martin. This is far from the simple black and white, good guys vs bad guys Robin Hood stories. The characters are far deeper, while still largely agreeing with what we know of the Robin Hood canon. However, the story and many of the characters are quite original, so even the Robin Hood fans won't be bored with this book.

I'm not especially fond of Robin Hood in general, but neither do I dislike it. I've consumed a lot of mainstream Robin Hood media, extending as far back as (spoilers for a 200 year old book?) Ivanhoe.

The two narrators are absolutely perfect and the voice acting really adds to the story. For example, the constant reminder of Richard's Frechness is an excellent point that is made clearly through the audiobook version.

I still wouldn't call myself a Robin Hood fan, but I am definitely a new Nathan Makaryk fan. Get this book and get ready for more from this debut author.

Delightfully Different

Writing is stellar and witty brought to vivid life by both narrators. A Must Buy

Loved it

Well read/acted. Great writing and new tale on an old tale. Highly recommend this book.