Helpful Score: 1
Holy Warrior is the second book in Angus Donald's saga of Robin Hood. Robin's gone respectable? Well that is debatable. But this time he is on the right side of the newly crowned King, Richard I. The first third of the book encompasses preparation for the crusade that, Robin was forced to swear to undertake. As well as the shameful event perpetrated against the Jews of York. For those who know nothing about this period it will give you an idea what things were like for those not of the Christian faith in England and Europe in the late 12th century. It is not surprising that our narrator Alan Dale and Robin are caught up in the atrocities.
The second part of the book we find Robin and his army on their way to meet up with King Richard and King Phillip of France, in Sicily. A failed assassination attempt in England isn't a onetime event on the journey south Robin's life is in danger, our narrator Alan is asked to find out who is behind it. It is Alan's story that I love, his growth as a warrior, musician and man again take center stage. I also am glad that Mr. Donald didn't bring up Richards sexuality, but he does bring up that Richard was a serious A-type personality. Had RIchard I been alive today he would be racing cars or B.A.S.E. jumping. His courage bordered on a reckless madness and complete disregard for his safety. But his men love him for it and would and did follow him into hell.
Part three The Holy Land. Alan's in love and he has made enemies. But still who is trying to kill Robin, but at this point does Alan really care? The Battle scenes are brilliant, and bloody. Mr. Donald captures the adrenaline soaked battle madness the high and then the inevitable low that follows.
The things I find I admire most in Mr. Donald's work is the honesty, his ability to convey real human emotions, serving up fully fleshed out characters. The humor is there so is the angst. When reading this you feel if you are sitting in the hall at Westbury listening to Alan as an old man reminiscing. If you are on the fence about these books don't be take the plunge you won't be disappointed.
The second part of the book we find Robin and his army on their way to meet up with King Richard and King Phillip of France, in Sicily. A failed assassination attempt in England isn't a onetime event on the journey south Robin's life is in danger, our narrator Alan is asked to find out who is behind it. It is Alan's story that I love, his growth as a warrior, musician and man again take center stage. I also am glad that Mr. Donald didn't bring up Richards sexuality, but he does bring up that Richard was a serious A-type personality. Had RIchard I been alive today he would be racing cars or B.A.S.E. jumping. His courage bordered on a reckless madness and complete disregard for his safety. But his men love him for it and would and did follow him into hell.
Part three The Holy Land. Alan's in love and he has made enemies. But still who is trying to kill Robin, but at this point does Alan really care? The Battle scenes are brilliant, and bloody. Mr. Donald captures the adrenaline soaked battle madness the high and then the inevitable low that follows.
The things I find I admire most in Mr. Donald's work is the honesty, his ability to convey real human emotions, serving up fully fleshed out characters. The humor is there so is the angst. When reading this you feel if you are sitting in the hall at Westbury listening to Alan as an old man reminiscing. If you are on the fence about these books don't be take the plunge you won't be disappointed.
